《Basketball System: Hate Makes Me Unstoppable》


 Chapter 1: I Will Defeat Curry.

    Chapter 1: I Will Defeat Curry."Han, tomorrow you''ll be facing Stephen Curry. What do you have to say about that?"


    At the press conference for Barry University''s season opener, an NCAA reporter directed a question to Hansen.


    Though Hansen had yet to play in a single game for the team, he was the only player from Barry University who had been a four-star high-school recruit.


    Hansen shifted in his seat, propped his elbow on the table, and said:


    "I will defeat him."


    As soon as he said this, everyone in the room immediately turned to look at him.


    How could Hansen dare to say such a thing?


    Leaving aside that Barry University was just a Division II team, they had finished last season with a dismal 2-16 record.


    On the other hand, Davidson College, led by Curry, had reached the Elite Eight in the NCAA''s "March Madness" tournament the previous season.


    Even the reporter who had asked the question was stunned. He had just expected some compliments for Curry from Hansen.


    "Are you saying you''ll defeat the league''s top shooter?" the reporter asked, recovering from his surprise.


    "Yes. I will score more points than him. I will prove..." Hansen leaned forward, trying to get as close to the microphone as possible,


    "...that I am the NCAA''s best shooter."


    The audience buzzed with excitement.


    Right now, they only saw Hansen as a clown.


    Curry had averaged 25.9 points per game last season, shooting 10.3 three-pointers per game and making 4.5, with a 43.9% accuracy rate. Both his volume and accuracy were the best among NCAA shooters.


    Meanwhile, Hansen hadn''t even appeared in a single NCAA game in the past two years.


    The difference between the two was not just vast, it was incomparable.


    Even Barry University''s new head coach, Reggie Theus, turned his head in surprise.


    Hansen, was he always this rash?


    The man in question however, ignored everything as he entered his system space. He frowned as he looked at the meagre "+13" on the system''s display.


    He had gone so far as to make a cocky statement, yet the reporters had only given him this little bit of backlash?


    Was it because there weren''t enough people present?


    He stroked his chin in thought.


    In truth, he wasn''t originally from this world.


    In his previous life, his family had a bit of money. Since he was passionate about basketball, his family sent him to the U.S. for high school, where he displayed quite a bit of talent, especially in basketball IQ. He learned everything quickly.


    However, by his senior year, he began facing the same problem Michael Jordan''s brother had faced: he stopped growing taller!


    By the time he graduated from college, he was still only 1.75 meters (about 5''9"). Left with no choice, he became a basketball trainer.


    But during that time, the global economy was in decline, and every industry was becoming more competitive. To survive, he worked hard, even staying up late to make videos and run social media.


    In the end, he accidentally became one of the many victims of sudden death in the 21st century.


    When he woke up again, he had crossed into this parallel world. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The reason he knew it was a parallel world was because of the person he had crossed into.


    This person was also named "Hansen," a four-star prospect from the class of 2006.


    He had no memory of such a person. If someone like that had existed, the Chinese sports media would have hyped him to the moon by now.


    This "Hansen" had a tragic backstory.


    He stood 1.98 meters (about 6''6") tall, had a wingspan of 2.10 meters (6''10"), and a running vertical jump of 93 cm (36.6 inches). These were elite attributes for an Asian player, comparable to many Black athletes.


    So, why was he considered tragic?


    Because of his haters.


    Before he entered the NCAA, the Chinese media and fans had praised him relentlessly. As the first four-star recruit in the history of Dongda, he was expected to be the next NBA player from China after Yao Ming.


    With all these expectations on him, "Hansen" chose to join Gonzaga, a powerhouse in NCAA Division I.


    And then everything changed.


    Gonzaga was full of five-star recruits, and even the four-star players had to wait a few years to get playing time. Hansen couldn''t get on the court at all.


    The Chinese media and fans exploded.


    First, they questioned the coach''s decisions, then they highlighted the poor performances of his teammates, and finally, they resorted to mocking and insulting Hansen personally.


    "Does he even know his own skill level? Why choose such a strong team? Would it kill him to pick an ordinary school?"


    "Stop fooling yourself. He can''t even compare to those American players. And he wants to get into the NBA?"


    "Why isn''t he playing? It''s because he''s bad. He probably slacks off in practice. Maybe American girls drained his energy."


    ...


    For a four-star recruit, not playing in a powerhouse school was normal. With one or two years of hard work, he could improve and get playing time as a veteran.


    But the immense pressure from the media and fans led Hansen to transfer to Barry University to get playing time.


    However, the criticism didn''t stop. It only got worse.


    "By choosing a Division II team, he''s already given up on the NBA."


    "Instead of working hard to earn playing time, he ran to a lower division. He''s a coward!"


    "What''s the point of putting up stats in Division II? Even if you dominate, can you make the NBA?"


    ...


    NCAA rules prevented players from competing for one year after transferring, a period known as "sitting out."


    "Hansen" endured nearly a year of hate during this time.


    In the end, overwhelmed by the abuse, he went on a sea voyage to clear his mind, only to die in a helicopter crash.


    After swallowing a mouthful of salty seawater, the current Hansen woke up in this parallel world.


    Living another life, and having grown over 20 cm taller, was an incredible joy for him, who was passionate about basketball.


    However, the system that appeared next left him speechless.


    It was called the [Hater System].


    As a young man of the 21st century, Hansen had read many novels.


    There were systems for spending money, talent templates, and court-side sign-ins, all of which had positive outcomes.


    But a hater system? WTF?


    After exploring it briefly, he learned that this system absorbed energy generated when others badmouthed him, creating [Hater Points] that could be exchanged for talents.


    In simple terms, the more people trashed him, the stronger he became.


    Once he understood this, his silence turned into excitement.


    What a system!


    The previous "Hansen" had been constantly hated. Now, he could get stronger just by sitting back and letting it happen.


    But he soon realized something was wrong. The Hater Points were increasing, but barely.


    It took him a while to understand: "Hansen" wasn''t getting hated anymore.


    Not because his haters had changed their minds, but because "Hansen" was no longer worth hating.


    Everyone''s attention had shifted to the Olympics and two new NBA draftees, Yi Jianlian and Sun Yue.


    The harsh truth: You need to have some ability to even be hated.


    Fortunately, the system came with a starter pack.


    It contained three options:


    - "Mediocre Physical Talent"


    - "Eagle Eye"


    - "One Lottery Chance (activated at 10,000 Hater Points, with selectable prize pools)."


    After realizing he couldn''t pick all three, Hansen chose the lottery and "Eagle Eye".


    Eagle Eye: Enhances catch-and-shoot and pull-up three-point shooting abilities.


    "Hansen," I''ll continue the life you couldn''t finish!


    After some emotional reflection, Hansen threw himself into three months of intense training.


    The system had only raised his talent ceiling. To improve his actual abilities, he had to train. Train hard.


    And as a basketball trainer in his past life, he knew exactly how to do that.


    From sunrise to sunset, from spring warmth to autumn chill, rain or snow, he never stopped.


    He poured all the passion and regret from his past life into every corner of the court.


    Finally, just before the season began, he felt himself reaching a bottleneck.


    By then, his shooting skills had greatly improved.


    One clear measure was his performance in a three-point shooting contest, where he could consistently make about 20 out of 25 shots in one minute.


    His progress was encouraging, but Hansen knew it wasn''t enough.


    A Division II player couldn''t make it to the NBA just by shooting threes.


    He needed to become even stronger.


    And he needed more Hater Points.


    At a school like Barry University, there wouldn''t be many press conferences in a year, so he had to seize every opportunity.


    ¡ªEnd of Chapter¡ª


    Footnotes:


    1. Espn is a well-known sports website that ranks high school players based on scouting reports and performances: usually players ranked 1-25 are five-star, 25-100 are four-star, and 100-200 are three-star.


    2. "March Madness" refers to the NCAA Division I tournament held every March, where the single-elimination format is known for its craziness.

 Chapter 2: Fanning the Flames.

    Chapter 2: Fanning the Flames.After leaving the system, Han Sen notices that the press conference has ended. He exits with his coach, Theus.


    "A smart strategy," he remarks once they''re outside.


    Han Sen is confused.


    "Your approach will definitely attract some attention," Theus elaborates, though Han Sen realizes the coach has misunderstood his intentions. However, he doesn''t correct him, since it''s a common tactic nowadays to draw attention with bold statements, unlike in the past when top talent scouts focused on lower leagues as well.


    "But you''ll also face more pressure for taunting Davidson''s star player," he warns.


    Han Sen thanks the coach, confident that his summer of hard work has prepared him for this moment. He''s determined to leave a good impression on his new coach. Theus, pleased with his response, pats him on the shoulder.


    Barry University is an NCAA division two college but large in scale, being the second-largest in the Miami area. Han Sen shares a two-person dorm with Chris Rondo, a 1.75-meter black guard from the basketball team, common in the second-tier league where most players are not tall. Han Sen, in fact, is the tallest at the university. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Reflecting on his transfer, he finds it ironic. In his previous life, he would have done anything to stay Gonzaga University rather than transferring to a second-tier league. Gonzaga had exposure, and with any playing time, making it to the NBA was feasible.


    However, the former Han Sen was introverted and couldn''t handle the pressure, fearing failure in the top league. Barry University also offered him a rare scholarship, which further influenced his decision to transfer.


    Back in the dorm, he logs into his first Facebook account using his new 3rd Gen iPhone, which he bought with the scholarship money.


    While others believe he''s using a publicity stunt to attract NBA scouts, Han knows that scouts rarely focus on second-tier players. Even though reporters from the press conference might ignore him, Han plans to stir up controversy online by himself.


    He checks Stephen Curry''s Facebook page, where he''s now famous for leading Davidson College to the Elite Eight last season. He heads to his post about the upcoming season.


    Han comments on that post, claiming that Han Sen from Barry University boasted about defeating Curry and being the best shooter in the NCAA. Afterward, he logs into several other accounts to like his own comment, creating buzz. Slowly, the likes and replies begin to increase.


    Soon, other users join in, questioning who he is and where this university is located. Han, using another account, replies that Barry is Davidson''s opening game opponent from a division two league and that Han Sen is a four-star prospect. As more users engage, the conversation escalates, with some mocking Han''s bold claim.


    Han continues switching between accounts, building momentum and creating a mix of praise and hate. All the while, he monitors his system''s [Hater Points], which increase as he generates more negative attention.


    Suddenly, his roommate Chris Rondo arrives, interrupting Han''s flurry of online activity. He quickly stops and tells Chris to close the door.

 Chapter 3: I Shoot Better Than Your Boy!

    Chapter 3: I Shoot Better Than Your Boy!Rondo closed the door and asked curiously, "Are you watching porn?"


    Hansen quickly shook his head. "Who watches that stuff in broad daylight?" sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He waved Rondo over.


    "The media didn''t cover our game, so I checked Facebook, and this is what I found."


    Rondo leaned in, curious, and when he saw the offensive comments, his breathing quickened.


    "These people are going too far!"


    "Tell me about it," Hansen sighed.


    "I know you''re doing all this to boost the team''s morale. Don''t worry, tomorrow, I''ll give it my all to create opportunities for you. We''ll show them what we''re made of!"


    "Thanks, man. Why don''t you join me? I''ll take you out clubbing tonight." Hansen expressed his gratitude.


    Previously, "Hansen" hadn''t really socialized much with his teammates. Now, he aimed to strengthen those relationships, something that wasn''t difficult for someone like him, who had lived in the U.S. in his past life.


    ---


    On the night of the season opener, the 6,000-seat Northridge Arena was nearly packed.


    As Barry University''s players entered, they were visibly excited to see such a large crowd for the first time at their home court.


    However, their excitement soon turned to mixed feelings.


    Aside from Barry students, a large number of outside fans had shown up, many holding Curry-themed posters.


    It was clear that most of the crowd had come to see Curry.


    Hansen even spotted quite a few Chinese fans.


    Miami is home to Florida''s largest Chinese community, and they, too, were here to support Curry, albeit in a unique way.


    He noticed one of their posters, which read, "Hansen, you''re a b*tch," in both Chinese and English.


    This instantly reminded Hansen of that news story from his past life about the Auntie Lu who, despite knowing Chinese, would still curse in broken English at fellow countrymen.


    He gave them a polite middle finger.


    The group enthusiastically returned the gesture in English.


    See? His Hater Points were going up already.


    After a brief warm-up, the starting lineup was announced, and both teams were introduced.


    Davidson College: Stephen Curry, Max Gosselin, Bryant Barr, Andrew Lovedale, and Steve Rossiter.


    Barry University: Chris Rondo, Han Sen, Will Atkinson, Dan Schiam, and Aaron O''Neal.


    Although there was a significant gap in height and physique between the two teams, Barry University at least had Rondo and O''Neal, giving them a "name advantage."


    The game kicked off quickly, with Rossiter easily winning the tip-off for Davidson.


    Curry dribbled up the court, and the crowd erupted in cheers.


    Barry University was getting the same treatment as the LA Clippers.


    But Curry didn''t go for the shot. Instead, he organized the play.


    Davidson''s off-ball screens created a quick opportunity. Although Barr missed his shot, Rossiter grabbed the offensive rebound and scored on a second-chance putback.


    The gap in strength between the two teams was apparent from the very first play.


    "You''re finished. I''ll lock you down tonight," Gosselin taunted Han as they matched up.


    Theus had called it. Davidson''s players weren''t going to stand idly by while Curry was insulted.


    Han moved without the ball, but Gosselin stuck to him tightly, allowing no space.


    The two were similar in size, making it hard for him to break free.


    However, O''Neal moved up for a high pick, and Han used the screen to slip out to the three-point line. Rondo then threw the ball to him. His pass wan on-point.


    The late-night clubbing from the night before had worked- his teammates were solidly behind him.


    Han caught the pass, bent his knees, jumped, and snapped his wrist.


    The ball spun perfectly through the air, tracing a flawless arc...


    Swish!


    The shot was smooth as silk, and the crowd was momentarily stunned.


    Especially Barry''s own students. While "Han Sen" hadn''t played any official games for the school yet, he had played pickup and practice games.


    "Han Sen" had always had some three-point range, but never as clean as this.


    It wasn''t their imagination. Hansen had spent all summer refining his shot, adjusting his form to make it more "textbook".


    Curry continued orchestrating the offense, and Lovedale scored an easy floater in the paint.


    Barry''s size disadvantage made it tough to challenge Davidson defensively.


    Han kept moving off-ball, and O''Neal came up for another screen. This time, Gosselin anticipated it and disrupted the play, leaving Han with no room to shoot after the pass.


    "You won''t make another basket tonight!" Gosselin barked like a goblin.


    Han signaled for an isolation, then started dribbling.


    He made a hard right-side drive, then quickly stepped back, retreating to the three-point line.


    Gosselin was a step behind.


    Swish!


    Han Sen''s three-pointer pierced the net again!


    Theus couldn''t help but pump his fist in excitement.


    "All my hard work over the summer has led to this moment," he thought to himself.


    He hadn''t lied to Theus.


    "You know, your defense isn''t even as tight as the girl I hooked up with last night," Han taunted Gosselin with a look of pity.


    Trash talk?


    He had heard far worse than anything Gosselin could come up with.


    The crowd began to cheer for Barry University.


    They didn''t know why, but they could clearly feel that Han Sen was different tonight.


    Curry finally attempted a shot. Working with Gosselin, he launched a three-pointer from a meter beyond the college arc- NBA range. Clearly, he was already preparing for the next level.


    But, unfortunately, his shot didn''t fall.


    O''Neal finally lived up to his namesake, boxing out Rossiter and securing the defensive rebound.


    Barry University pushed the ball on the fast break, and Hansen sprinted ahead to the three-point line. He took a pass, dribbled upcourt, and, seeing Gosselin chasing him, abruptly stopped and pulled up for a three-pointer.


    The ball, following the momentum, flew toward the backboard.


    Bang!


    It hit the board.


    Missed?


    Nah.


    The ball bounced off the backboard and straight into the hoop!


    4-9!


    Davidson called an immediate timeout!


    Despite the clear talent gap, Barry University had taken an early lead, thanks to Han Sen!


    The crowd roared in approval, this time not for Davidson!


    As Han Sen left the court, he raised both hands, encouraging the crowd to cheer even louder.


    Was he getting carried away?


    After all, with the bold comments he made before the game, the worse he played tonight, the more people would trash him.


    But he wasn''t.


    Han Sen understood the psychology of haters perfectly.


    If he played poorly tonight, he would only generate a small amount of Hater Points.


    Once the haters had trashed him, they''d move on and forget about him.


    As always, it takes skill to get hated. Who would waste their breath on a scrub?


    That''s why tonight, he not only couldn''t afford to play badly- he had to play his very best.


    Only by doing so would he make the haters feel like they''d been slapped in the face, and in response, they would go even crazier with their hate.

 Chapter 4: BOAT Behaviour.

    Chapter 4: BOAT Behaviour.Han Sen''s consecutive three-pointers at the start of the game nearly sent the audience into a frenzy, and the morale of Barry University was completely boosted.


    At the end of the first half, they were only trailing Davidson College by 2 points, 26 to 28.


    Han Sen alone made four three-pointers and scored a game-high 14 points.


    However, once the game entered the second half, the situation on the court changed.


    Davidson quickly widened the gap.


    The root of this change came from Curry.


    In the first half, he focused on organizing, trying to transition into playing as a point guard, but he seemed to be dancing with shackles on.


    However, in the second half, he switched directly into offensive mode.


    Barry University had no one who could guard him.


    To limit him, Theus had to mobilize the team''s defensive resources to double-team Curry.


    As a result, Barry University, already at a disadvantage in one-on-one matchups, saw their defense completely collapse.


    Curry, on the other hand, used his offensive threat to create numerous opportunities for his teammates under the double-team.


    The score quickly widened, and with 5 minutes left in the second half, they had extended their lead to more than 15 points.


    Davidson College began to substitute out their starters at this point.


    But Barry University did not give up, with Han Sen leading the team until the last second, ultimately losing 51 to 58.


    In the post-game stats, Curry had 22 points and 10 assists, Han Sen scored a game-high 28 points, and Rondo had 10 points and 6 assists.


    After the game, he attended the post-game press conference with Theus.


    "Stephen Curry destroyed our defense. He''s fully capable of playing in the NBA," Theus said candidly to the reporters.


    The reporters eagerly took notes- this was exactly what they wanted to hear before the game.


    Hearing this from him made it even more credible, after all, Theus wasn''t just anyone. He was a former NBA All-Star player and had been the head coach of the NBA''s Sacramento Kings before coming to Barry University.


    Then, the reporters quickly turned their attention to Han Sen.


    Theus had already been humbled by Curry, so what about Han Sen?


    "Han, your team ultimately lost the game. What do you have to say about that?" one reporter asked directly, while the others all looked at him.


    Seeing the eager eyes in the audience, Han Sen moved the microphone closer to himself:


    "It''s regrettable that the team lost by a close margin..."


    The reporters almost couldn''t hold back their laughter. A close loss? How could he say that!


    Han Sen cleared his throat and continued:


    "But my stats prove what I said before the game- I outscored Curry. I''m the better shooter."


    The room instantly erupted.


    Shameless.gif!


    Yet Han Sen remained calm.


    Look at you, acting like you''ve never seen greatness before. If this era had plus-minus stats, I''d show you some real numbers!


    At that moment, Han Sen noticed a sudden spike in his system''s Hater Points.


    Huh?


    So, besides the number of people, it also depends on how much they hate you?


    But I talked big before the game and didn''t see much of a rise, meaning there''s a threshold for the level of hate?


    "But 10 of your points came during garbage time!" a bold reporter challenged.


    The reporters stopped their murmuring and all stared at Han Sen again.


    It was an undeniable fact, and they were curious to see how Han Sen would respond.


    "I need to correct something," he suddenly sat up straight, his expression becoming extremely serious.


    "There''s no such thing as garbage time in basketball. Until the final buzzer sounds, anything can happen."


    "If teams give up just because they''re trailing, how would you explain all the comebacks in basketball? Why would the NBA use ''Where Amazing Happens'' as a slogan?"


    WTF!


    The reporters were stunned.


    Not only them, even Theus was shocked by his straight-faced delivery of such a statement!


    Still, you couldn''t say Han Sen was technically wrong.


    For whatever reason, Barry University did manage to narrow the gap in the final moments.


    If they had a little more time, they...


    Well, of course, they would NOT have been able to make a full comeback!


    Though the reporters couldn''t refute Han Sen''s high-minded reasoning, their annoyance with him reached new heights.


    The stereotype of Asians being humble and polite was thoroughly shattered by his audacity.


    Han Sen just smiled.


    His judgment was validated- his Hater Points were climbing at full speed now.


    After the press conference ended, he headed to the gym for extra practice.


    Losing tonight was expected; the gap in strength between the two teams was clear.


    But it was also true that Davidson College didn''t play well tonight. Besides Curry''s sub-par performance, several of their key senior players from last season had graduated, and their overall strength had declined compared to the previous season.


    Their ability to pull ahead in the second half was due to not only Curry''s offensive adjustments but also their defensive strategy.


    They went all-out to double-team Han Sen in the second half.


    It was a sign of respect from the opponent but also exposed his weakness in passing.


    Sometimes his mind saw the opportunity, but his hands couldn''t keep up.


    Fortunately, passing is a basic skill that can be trained.


    Planting his feet, ball in hand, he practiced against the wall, incorporating dribbling movements. It was the most common yet effective way to train.


    Dribbling left, passing to the wall.


    Crossover, passing to the wall.


    Behind-the-back dribble, passing to the wall.


    Crossover, behind-the-back dribble, passing to the wall.


    ...


    "Coach?"


    When Han Sen finished a set and was taking a break, he noticed Theus had quietly entered the gym.


    He smiled and gestured for Han to sit down for a chat.


    "You''ve changed a lot," he said, turning to look at Han Sen.


    Though he was new, Theus had done his homework, including consulting with the former coach.


    Han Sen, the team''s only four-star recruit, naturally became a focal point of his attention.


    But his overflowing confidence on and off the court didn''t match the reserved "Han Sen" described by the former coach.


    "Coach, if I don''t change, I won''t have any chance of making it to the NBA," he said quickly.


    Theus was momentarily stunned but then nodded with a smile.


    However, he soon turned serious, looking at him intently:


    "Do you really believe you can make it?"


    This was a soul-searching question.


    The last player to make it to the NBA from a non-Division I league was Devean George, and that was back in 1999.


    Since the expansion of Division I, no player from Division II or III had made it to the NBA.


    Moreover, Han Sen was a junior.


    A junior player from a Division II school- it seemed almost impossible for him to reach the NBA.


    "Of course, I''m convinced I can do it!" His tone was firm.


    "If not this year, then next year! If not next year, then I''ll keep pushing as a free agent!"


    These words came from the heart because they were also his dream in his previous life.


    In his past life, his height was a limitation. In this life, he had the height and the physical gifts, so there was no reason to give up.


    It had nothing to do with having a system¡ªthe system only made him more certain of his goal.


    "Alright, I will fully support you!" Perhaps infected by Han Sen''s confidence, Theus also felt a surge of determination, giving him a firm pat on the shoulder.


    "Keep training; I won''t hold you up any longer," Theus said as he stood up.


    "Thank you, Coach!" Han Sen hadn''t expected him to come specifically to encourage him and was genuinely grateful.


    Theus smiled and nodded before leaving the gym.


    But as he walked out, he paused and turned back, peeking through the door at Han Sen, who had resumed training.


    Last season, Theus had been the head coach of the NBA''s Sacramento Kings, but after just one season, he was unceremoniously fired.


    Afterward, he faced repeated rejections during NBA interviews, and he couldn''t even secure a head coaching position with an NCAA Division I team. Ultimately, he was forced to come to a Division II league.


    Such a steep decline in his coaching career was even more devastating than Han Sen''s experience- almost like a death sentence for his career.


    But if- and that''s a big if- he could make it to the NBA, perhaps their teacher-student story could help him resurrect his career.


    ---


    Let me explain the meaning of "BOAT": It was a nickname given to LeBron James by Pat Riley during his time with the Miami Heat, meaning "Best of All Time," similar to "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time).


    However, it became a deragotary term as fans later joked, saying that boats dock at different ports, linking it to LeBron frequently changing teams.


    Because of this, LeBron didn''t like the nickname and preferred to call himself the "GOAT." In the book, "BOAT" is used to differentiate, as "GOAT" undoubtedly refers to Michael Jordan.


    Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 5: A Different Approach.

    Chapter 5: A Different Approach.After finishing his training and returning to the dorm, Han Sen found the door locked from the inside.


    He knocked on the door.


    There was a rustling sound inside.


    After a moment, the door opened, and Rondo, his face flushed, greeted him.


    "Were you watching porn?"


    Once inside and with the door closed, Han Sen sniffed the air suspiciously.


    Thankfully, there was no odd smell like that of sandalwood.


    "No!" He quickly waved his hand in denial.


    Han Sen then noticed a camera sitting on Rondo''s bed.


    "You''re into filming?" He asked, curious.


    Rondo grinned and handed the camera without hesitation.


    Han Sen took a look, and then his eyes widened.


    The camera was playing a rather inappropriate scene.


    This guy was definitely watching something, despite his denial.


    However, after watching for a moment, Han Sen realized something was off- it looked like a video they had recorded themselves!


    And the setting seemed familiar.


    "Isn''t this from the nightclub last night?" Han Sen finally put two and two together.


    Secretly filming? That''s messed up dude!


    "Don''t worry, they consented," Rondo quickly explained.


    Of course, these guys were always up to something.


    "Your filming skills aren''t bad," Han Sen remarked after watching, handing the camera back.


    "Just make sure it doesn''t leak."


    It''s fine as a personal hobby, as long as it doesn''t end up in a scandal.


    "Han, do you really think you can make it to the NBA?" He asked suddenly as he put the camera away.


    Han Sen looked at him, surprised. Why was everyone asking the same question today?


    It seemed his performance today had sparked a lot of speculation.


    "Don''t worry, when I make it, I''ll buy you a better camera first thing," he promised.


    "I''ll hold you to that!" Rondo grinned from ear to ear, clearly passionate about his filming hobby.


    After showering, Han found that Rondo had already left the dorm, off to some unknown adventure again.


    It wasn''t unusual. The management in Division II wasn''t as strict as Division I, and besides, just like in his previous life, Rondo was destined not to make it as a professional player.


    After drying his hair and lying down on his bed, Han Sen checked his system and noticed that the growth of his Hater Points had slowed down again.


    At this point, his points had reached over 700, but it was still far from enough.


    He would have to keep doing it himself.


    This time, he logged into his main account.


    His main account only had around sixty followers, including a bunch of his own alternate accounts. The actual number of real followers was "pathetically few."


    There wasn''t much he could do- at this time, very few basketball fans in the country even had computers, let alone used Facebook.


    Otherwise, with how much he attracted haters, he''d easily have hundreds or thousands of them by now.


    After logging in, he posted a status update:


    "28 points > 22 points. The facts prove that I''m a better shooter."


    After posting the update, he switched to his alternate accounts and started stirring things up on Curry''s Facebook page as usual.


    This time, he divided his alternate accounts into two groups: one to hate on himself and another to support him.


    In no time, a new wave of criticism had already started brewing, even more intense than the previous night.


    Seizing the opportunity, he used one of his accounts to tag his main account in a comment that read, "Han Sen isn''t even fit to lace Curry''s shoes."


    After about ten minutes, he brought his main account into the fray:


    "If I swapped teams with him, he might not perform as well as I have."


    Once he posted the comment, the replies came flooding in, and his follower count skyrocketed.


    More importantly, the growth rate of his hater points in the system finally sped up again.


    No joke, Han Sen was a master of controversial sound bites- this was child''s play for him.


    After all, this was the true purpose of creating so many alternate accounts: to funnel traffic. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    By drawing haters to his main account, he could farm them for the long term.


    And as the saying goes, "One hater is worth ten fans." With enough haters, his account would soon become much livelier.


    ...


    The NCAA Division I league is made up of 32 smaller leagues, and their competitions consist of regular season games, league playoffs, and the famous March Madness.


    The tournament has 68 spots, 32 of which are claimed by league champions from the playoffs. The remaining 36 spots are awarded to wildcard teams.


    Wildcard teams are selected by the league committee, based on their performance during the regular season.


    This selection process can lead to some unfairness, as teams from weaker leagues find it difficult to impress the committee with their league games alone.


    To address this issue, the NCAA allows teams to participate in invitational pre-season warm-up games before the official regular season begins.


    The game between Barry University and Davidson College was one such event.


    However, Division II teams only get invitations when Division I teams need a warm-up early in the season.


    For the rest of the time, they''re limited to playing against other Division II teams.


    After the game against Davidson College, Barry University played three more Division II games, finishing with a 2-1 record.


    With only four games into the season, they had already matched last year''s win total.


    The team''s biggest change was Han Sen''s arrival.


    In four games, Han Sen averaged 19.5 points, with a 52% field goal percentage and a 39% three-point shooting rate.


    He had become the team''s top scorer and even recorded a stellar 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists in a game against California State University.


    As impressive as his performance was, it hadn''t helped him as much as he hoped.


    That was the most frustrating part for him right now.


    Playing against Division I teams attracted attention because of the level of competition, which allowed him to build his reputation, both good and bad.


    But in other games, no one really cared how well or poorly he played.


    It was like writing a novel- the worst part wasn''t getting negative feedback, but not getting any feedback at all.


    Since he couldn''t earn hater points through games, Han Sen had to take a different approach.


    One day after school, seeing Rondo tinkering with his camera, he walked straight up to him.


    "Chris, grab your camera. We''re going to do something big."


    "Something big? Right now?" Rondo looked puzzled.


    "We''re going to play ball," he said, his expression meaningful.


    "You mean that kind of ball?" Rondo''s confusion disappeared instantly, and he leapt up excitedly.


    However, when Rondo saw the five ball racks Han Sen had set up in the gym, each holding five basketballs, his face was filled with disappointment.


    He had thought Han Sen was inspired by his video and was inviting him to shoot a double-dribble documentary.


    But what Han Sen said next made him realize that they were indeed about to do something big.


    "I need you to film me making all 25 shots in under a minute."

 Chapter 6: The Best Sharpshooter.

    Chapter 6: The Best Sharpshooter.Has anyone ever made all 25 shots in the history of the NBA Three-Point Contest?


    The answer is no.


    The most memorable for Han Sen was 2015, when Stephen Curry won the championship. Curry was on fire, hitting 13 consecutive shots and scoring 27 points to claim the title.


    But even in that game, Curry missed four or five shots.


    Still, the Three-Point Contest is an official event, and the mental pressure on players is immense.


    Take Curry, for example. Later, at his high school training camp, he attempted the Three-Point Contest in front of the students and made 23 out of 25 shots.


    So, it''s possible to achieve it during private practice.


    However, Han Sen had tried until the camera''s battery died, and his best attempt was 23 shots.


    Even without the pressure from an audience, under zero-error conditions, just one moment of distraction can ruin everything.


    Also, rapid shooting within a minute consumes far more energy than expected. The further you go, the harder it gets.


    As he sat resting courtside, his whole body was drenched in sweat.


    "Han, 23 shots is already incredible," Rondo said, sitting down beside him.


    "No, it has to be 25."


    "So, why are you recording this video?" Rondo, intrigued by Han Sen''s determination, asked.


    "It''s part of my plan to become an NBA player," Han Sen gave the most fitting response.


    "You mean, if one day you actually become an NBA player, you''ll write about this in your autobiography?"


    Han Sen was surprised by Rondo''s interpretation. He hadn''t thought of it that way.


    But after thinking for a moment, he nodded.


    "Alright then! Tomorrow, I''ll bring two large power banks. I don''t believe we can''t do it!" Rondo suddenly became excited.


    If his name were to appear in an NBA player''s autobiography, that would be something worth bragging about.


    Han Sen reached out and fist-bumped Rondo, sealing the agreement between the two.


    Of course, Han Sen knew that this would take some time.


    A week later, during his sixth attempt at recording, Han Sen was in the zone and finally achieved his goal.


    The moment the last three-pointer swished through the net, he couldn''t help but punch the air in excitement.


    Rondo dropped the camera and started shouting, "Han! Post the video on social media and let those guys see just how strong you are!"


    Han Sen laughed and nodded, heading to a computer where they could edit the video.


    With the title "The Skill of the NCAA''s Top Shooter", they posted the video, and soon after, he began receiving plenty of hate points.


    "It''s hilarious. Making 25 shots with no defense? What''s that supposed to prove?"


    "Steph just didn''t record it, but if he wanted to, he could do it easily."


    "As expected, only a clown would do something like this. Definitely confirms it''s him."


    ...


    Seeing these comments, he nodded in satisfaction.


    He had been building up his "anti-fanbase" for a while now, and it was paying off.


    "These guys!" Rondo gritted his teeth as he read the comments. If they tried it themselves, they''d know how incredible it was.


    "It''s fine. They don''t matter."


    Han Sen said as he moved on to his real plan.


    His personal account''s hate fanbase wasn''t enough to warrant much effort.


    He forwarded the post privately to various well-known media personalities like Charles Barkley and Reggie Miller.


    Since it was likely that they wouldn''t even notice, he made sure to use eye-catching phrases like "You''ll regret it for a whole year if you don''t watch this."


    He didn''t need all of them to watch it- just one would be enough for his plan to succeed.


    "What if none of them see it?" Rondo asked, worried.


    "Don''t worry, they''ll see it," Han Sen replied. His plan was to send the message to them daily.


    And if that didn''t work, he had a backup plan: to bombard one person with messages from multiple accounts.


    That method had its downsides, so he would only use it as a last resort.


    "If they actually see it, you''ll definitely blow up for a while!" Seeing hiss confidence, Rondo was already getting excited.


    Han Sen smiled and nodded. Though, in truth, his goal wasn''t to become famous.


    This time, Han Sen didn''t have to wait long.


    The very next day, he received a reply. And the person who responded was an old acquaintance- the man who once kissed an ass on live TV.


    "Thanks for your submission."


    But Barkley''s response made Han Sen wonder if it was an automated reply.


    Then again, Facebook probably doesn''t have that function, right?


    "Will I see it on the show soon?" Han Sen asked again to confirm.


    "I haven''t watched it yet, but I''m sure it''ll be on soon," came another quick reply.


    Han Sen was a bit taken aback but soon realized that Barkley was likely sending generic replies to everyone.


    Barkley''s polite tone was a far cry from the sharp-tongued persona seen on TV.


    Despite Barkley''s response, Han Sen didn''t treat this as his only opportunity. He continued sending private messages to others.


    A week later, Barry University was steadily improving, securing three consecutive wins, bringing their record to 7-4.


    Though Han Sen hadn''t received any new responses, just as he thought his plan had failed, Barkley sent him another message.


    His video had aired on the show.


    Barkley, as a mainstay on TNT, had several programs. This one was called NBA Entertainment, a show that, as the name suggests, focused on quirky and interesting NBA stories.


    At the start of the episode, Barkley talked about the Isaiah Thomas suicide incident.1


    News had reported that Thomas attempted suicide, and after leaving the emergency room, he told reporters, "The police got it wrong; it was my daughter who took the pills." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Barkley immediately unleashed his sharp tongue: "I know New York''s new coach is definitely better than the last one. At least he won''t try to kill himself."


    This had Kenny Smith laughing out loud.


    Well, Han Sen thought their sense of humor was different from his.


    Then there were similar stories, and Han Sen felt like Barkley was trying to sugarcoat a piece of chocolate, but it still looked like a lump of crap.


    Still, it was understandable. The show aired weekly, and there weren''t always interesting things happening in the NBA.


    Finally, near the end of the show, Barkley mentioned Han Sen.


    "Kenny, something interesting- I recently received a submission from someone in the NCAA. I''m not sure if it''s from him or a friend, but it''s pretty fun."


    "NCAA? About Blake Griffin, James Harden, or Steph Curry?"


    The new NCAA season had started, and media figures were beginning to take notice of these popular rookies.


    "No, none of them. You''ll understand when you see it."


    After a brief exchange, the show played the video of Han Sen making all 25 shots.


    Within a minute, all 25 shots went in, including Rondo''s excited shouts at the end.


    "What do you think?" Barkley asked Kenny Smith.


    "He''s a pretty good shooter. You know, even though we can tell this video took several tries, it''s not something just anyone can do, especially considering he''s an NCAA player," Smith, being a former professional athlete, gave a professional assessment.


    "What if I add this?" Barkley said as Han Sen''s profile page appeared on screen. His username and ID were blurred, but the title of the post was still visible: ''The Skill of the NCAA''s Top Shooter.''


    "Who is he?" Smith was now intrigued.


    "I won''t tell you who he is, but I will tell you he''s a player from the NCAA''s Division II. So how do you feel about that?"


    "That''s a bit arrogant. One thing he needs to understand is that training and games are two different things. The winner of the Three-Point Contest isn''t necessarily the best shooter, and besides, this wasn''t even a real Three-Point Contest."


    As soon as the profile screenshot appeared, Han Sen relaxed.


    He had been worried that the profile wouldn''t show up, and without it, how could anyone mock him?


    It''s like the BOAT fans not posting pictures of Jordan, Jabbar, or Kobe bowing down to LeBron- how could they gain so many haters without that?


    The only downside was that Barkley, either due to show requirements or on purpose, didn''t reveal Han Sen''s name.


    He quickly checked his system, and seeing that his hate points were still increasing, he breathed a sigh of relief.


    It seemed that even without a name, as long as people knew it was him, the hate points would roll in.


    Barkley had done him a huge favor!


    "I actually think this guy has some talent and a lot of guts."


    Just as Han Sen was reflecting on this, he heard Barkley defending him.


    Wait, what? This sharp-tongued guy? Where''s that mocking tone you used for Yao Ming? This feels weird!


    "Why do you think that?" Smith was also surprised.


    Barkley rubbed his chin and said seriously, "If you don''t think you''re the best, how can you ever become the best?"


    ---


    1: Isaiah Thomas became the Knicks'' GM in 2003. After Larry Brown''s poor coaching record, he coached the Knicks from 2006-2008, then resigned due to alleged harassment issues in 2009.

 Chapter 7: Intentions Fail, But Opportunities Arise.

    Chapter 7: Intentions Fail, But Opportunities Arise.Up until the end of the show, the scene Han Sen had been hoping for never appeared.


    Barkley never dissed him like he had once dissed Yao Ming.


    Seeing this, he smiled helplessly.


    It wasn''t that Barkley had changed; it was that he didn''t understand him well enough.


    Because of the famous ass-kissing incident, Han Sen had developed a stereotyped impression of him, thinking the guy just loved roasting people.


    That''s why he found Barkley''s polite tone in private messages so strange.


    But looking back with that bias gone, it was just a normal exchange.


    And since Barkley chose to feature his content on the show, how could he intentionally mock him?


    After all, Han Sen was a nobody. If Barkley didn''t think he was worth it, he wouldn''t have aired it at all.


    Although the result wasn''t what he had hoped for, it wasn''t a total loss. At least his hater points had been steadily increasing during this time.


    And after all, there are many roads to success. If one doesn''t work, just switch to another.


    It''s worth noting that the success of BOAT was never achieved overnight. It was through one classic quote or action after another that he finally gained recognition from fans.


    If media personalities didn''t work, then what about NBA players?


    He was already brewing a new plan.


    As expected, the unexpected happened.


    The next morning, when Han Sen woke up, still groggy, he habitually checked his system for hater points.


    And with just one glance, he was instantly wide awake.


    They were rising at a rate he had never seen before!


    Did the system glitch or what?


    He sat up in bed, propped a pillow behind him, and logged into his social media account.


    At first glance, he thought he had logged into the wrong account because his follower count had multiplied several times.


    But then he remembered that none of his small accounts had any followers.


    Looking closely, he saw that his post "The Skill of the NCAA''s Top Shooter" had accumulated a ton of new comments, with some of them already trending. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "How many years did it take to shoot this?"


    "Look at how drenched he is- he''s really just pretending to be something he''s not."


    "If becoming the best is just about saying ''I''m the best,'' then I declare myself the GOAT."


    "How much did this guy pay TNT? A Division II player made it onto their show?"


    "Doesn''t Barkley like kissing butts? This guy''s an Asian with a nice, soft one!"


    ...


    Han Sen frowned as he read through them, but by the time he finished, he couldn''t help bursting into laughter.


    On yesterday''s TNT show, his username and ID had indeed been hidden, but the link to his account was not.


    Anyone determined enough could easily trace it back to him!


    And the comments were different from those from the haters he had farmed before. Their motives were different.


    The previous haters came from Curry''s fanbase, so their hate was rooted in a loyalty to Curry.


    But these new ones? They hated him purely because TNT aired his clip and found him annoying.


    It was entirely normal. Even though Barkley had defended him, the tone of his post was like self-proclaiming himself as the greatest of all time- it was bound to attract hate.


    Many were convinced by Barkley, but just as many were not.


    And not to mention, since Barkley often went against the mainstream for the sake of ratings, he had his own fair share of haters.


    This was exactly what people call: "You try to plant flowers but they don''t bloom; yet, a new opportunity blossoms unexpectedly!"


    "Han, what happened?" Rondo was woken up by his laughter.


    Seeing Rondo rubbing his eyes, he smiled and said, "I''ve made it."


    "Really? Did anyone praise my filming skills?" Rondo quickly slid over from his own bed to Han Sen''s.


    "See for yourself." He handed him the phone.


    Rondo took the phone, full of anticipation, but soon his face turned into a frown.


    "What do you mean ''made it''? These are all hate comments!"


    "Hate still means attention," Han Sen didn''t care.


    "I don''t know whether to say you have a good attitude or you just don''t care at all."


    Rondo was speechless. The comments were so harsh, even involving personal attacks. He would''ve lost it already.


    "Chris, you have to understand that I''m just a nobody right now."


    "I still don''t get it." He handed the phone back, feeling more irritated the longer he read the comments.


    "Let me put it this way." Han Sen crossed his legs and sat up straight.


    "Suppose someone isn''t talented enough to make it into the NBA, but they have a superstar father who brings them attention from the league, even though it also brings them lots of doubt. Do you think having a superstar dad is a good thing or a bad thing?"


    "Of course, it''s a good thing!"


    Rondo paused after answering, then quickly nodded as he realized what Han Sen meant.


    Even if it''s negative attention, as long as it brings NBA scouts'' attention and gets him into the league, it''s a good thing.


    "But won''t these comments come back to haunt you once you''re in the NBA? Even if you delete them, people will have screenshots. The internet remembers everything."


    "Why would I delete them?" He asked with a grin.


    "Why wouldn''t you?" Rondo was genuinely puzzled now.


    "Why should I?" He stared back.


    "When I finally make it into the NBA, people will look at these comments and say, ''Look, Han dared to call himself the best shooter even when he was in NCAA Division II back then. He''s so confident and unique- that''s why he was destined for success!''"


    "...."


    Rondo widened his eyes, wanting to argue but finding no good counterpoint.


    "Chris, you need to understand that people are hypocritical. They only make judgments based on the current situation."


    He shook his head. The Han Sen of the past rarely spoke, but now he was saying things that he didn''t quite understand.


    Seeing this, Han Sen waved it off. He realized it was foolish to discuss double standards with an American.


    After class, he headed to the training gym early.


    In good spirits, his training enthusiasm was through the roof.


    Not long after he started, Theus arrived at the gym as well.


    Han Sen paused his training and went to greet him.


    A player''s success is closely tied to their coach, as the coach decides playing time and the player''s role in the team.


    This is especially true in the NCAA, where there is no front office- coaches essentially act as management and directly shape the players'' futures.


    After Theus had encouraged him last time, he had made Han Sen the focal point of the team''s tactics, and for that, he was very grateful.


    "Coach, you''re here early," Han Sen greeted him with a handshake.


    Theus smiled and got straight to the point. "I''ve got good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?"


    Such a classic question. Han Sen didn''t hesitate: "Good news."


    "On December 7th, we''re playing against a Division I team."


    "Really?"


    Han Sen was instantly thrilled. His hater points were rising fast, but not fast enough.


    A game against a Division I NCAA team was the perfect opportunity.


    "The school they were originally supposed to play against had a flu outbreak, so we''re their replacement."


    "Coach, you''re amazing!" He gave Theus a thumbs up.


    Like mentioned before, Division II teams rarely get the chance to play against Division I teams after the season opener.


    So even though Theus made it sound casual, it was clearly the result of his hard work.


    After all, there are so many Division II schools- why did they pick theirs?


    "Aren''t you going to ask what the bad news is?" Theus asked with a smile.


    "Is our opponent North Carolina?"


    "No." Theus chuckled, impressed by Han Sen''s composure. He then delivered the bad news,


    "It''s Michigan State University."

 Chapter 8: Rivals Are Also Enemies.

    Chapter 8: Rivals Are Also Enemies.Hansen let out a bitter smile.


    To ensure wildcard teams are selected more fairly and objectively, the NCAA releases a ranking called the AP (Associated Press) polls every season.


    The poll''s origins go back to the 1930s. The news media began running their own polls of sports writers to determine, by popular opinion, the best college teams in the country.


    This poll ranks teams based on their strength and is updated weekly. The first issue combines the teams'' performance from last season and their current roster, while subsequent rankings reflect how the teams performed over the week.


    The North Carolina team that Hansen mentioned has been at the top of the poll since the start of the season. After more than half a month, they still hold the number one spot.


    In fact, North Carolina dominated the rankings all of last season, only to unexpectedly lose to Kansas in the Final Four.


    This season, North Carolina''s key players all stayed, and it''s the senior year of their star player, Tyler Hansbrough. It''s their last chance to chase the championship.


    This was why Hansen brought up North Carolina. In terms of both strength and morale, they are comparable to the 1998 Chicago Bulls.


    In Hansen''s memory, North Carolina ended up winning the championship that year, creating a great story.


    If he were up against them, some pre-game trash talk would definitely attract plenty of haters.


    "Why do you seem almost disappointed?" Theus noticed Hansen''s mood.


    "No, it''s just that this is pretty bad news."


    Although Michigan State isn''t as strong as North Carolina, they''ve been ranked in the top six since the season started and recently broke into the top five.


    Barry University has no chance against North Carolina, and they also have no chance against Michigan State.


    "Just focus on performing well, don''t put too much pressure on yourself." Theus patted his shoulder in comfort.


    Hansen nodded with a relaxed expression.


    Pressure? There''s no pressure at all. How could there be pressure in a game you have no chance of winning?


    The key was how to gain more hater points.


    Actually, Michigan State''s lack of a top-tier perimeter defender could be an opportunity for him to shine.


    "Oh, by the way, I invited a friend to come watch the game. He''s an ESPN reporter." Theus initially didn''t want to tell Hansen, worrying he''d feel too much pressure, but seeing how relaxed Hansen was, he realized his concern was unnecessary.


    "Coach, I love you!" He was now so now excited, that he gave Theus a big hug.


    He''d just gained a lot of hater points from Barkley''s show, and now Theus was bringing him another media figure. How could he not be excited?


    "Even though he''s not a scout, if you perform well, I believe the NBA will take notice," Theus said, pushing him away.


    Hansen nodded vigorously.


    From both the hater points and exposure perspectives, this was a game he absolutely had to play well in.


    After the team''s practice ended, Hansen planned to stay at the gym and continue working on his passing, something he''d been doing since the season opener.


    Being recognized as the team''s core player was a good thing, but it also meant he was getting double-teamed more often during games.


    However, what surprised him today was that he wasn''t the only one staying behind.


    Rondo, O''Neal, and the others were all planning to stay and practice more.


    "What are you guys doing?" Hansen was a little unaccustomed to this.


    "We can''t afford to lose too badly, can we?" Rondo said with a smile.


    Hansen was somewhat moved by this.


    Could extra practice close the talent gap between Barry University and Michigan State University?


    The answer was clearly no.


    Talent is an insurmountable chasm, not to mention the gap in tactics and skills.


    Rondo and the others probably knew this too.


    But what was different now was their attitude.


    Compared to the start of the season, they had developed something called a [desire to win].


    It definitely didn''t happen overnight, but was slowly cultivated over the course of several games.


    This was obviously a good thing.


    Because if they were to lose by a large margin, no matter how good his stats looked, it wouldn''t mean much in the eyes of the ESPN reporter.


    But if they could play a competitive game, it would leave a different impression altogether.


    After finishing his extra practice and taking a shower back at the dorm, Hansen took out his phone to browse Facebook.


    The heat in his comment section had already died down.


    Such is the information age- things change quickly, and no one stays interested in discussing the same topic for long.


    He carefully scrolled through the new comments, looking for anything he could use to reignite some attention.


    Soon, he found something quite special.


    "We''re about to catch some rats!"


    In a comment section full of haters, this comment wasn''t that remarkable. What made it special was the person who posted it- they had done so using their main account.


    Draymond Green.


    When Hansen saw that name, his brow furrowed slightly.


    Of course, he knew who Draymond Green was- the small ball era''s answer at center, the cornerstone of the Warriors'' Death Lineup, a maestro at passing the ball and defensive play...


    But even more famously, he was known as the "Nutcracker," the creator of the "Green Formula," and the first to cling to Curry''s coattails.


    That, of course, was the NBA version of Draymond Green.


    In the NCAA, Green was just a four-star recruit from the 2008 class, ranked 95th.


    His ranking was lower than "Hansen''s" had been, but his luck- or you could say his choice of school- had been better than "Hansen''s". He had playing time at Michigan State.


    However, as a rookie, even if he could get on the court, his minutes were limited, and he was someone you wouldn''t pay much attention to.


    When Hansen entered Green''s personal page, he saw that Green didn''t have many followers, though the number was steadily growing.


    Besides that comment, Hansen also saw other posts from Green.


    "I played against Davidson College. Stephen Curry is the best shooter in the NCAA. This guy isn''t even worth his little finger."


    Wow, Hansen thought. I didn''t expect Green to be praising Curry even back in his NCAA days!


    Hansen continued to read.


    "The assumption he made is nonsense. Davidson College would never take someone like him."


    "Don''t worry, we''re about to face him, and I''ll teach this trash-talking guy a lesson on behalf of Stephen."


    Seeing all this, he furrowed his brow even more.


    These comments were clearly biased, and Curry''s fans would definitely be drawn to them.


    Hansen had previously known nothing about Draymond Green in his NCAA days.


    Now it seemed he had met his match.


    ...


    Time flew by, and before he knew it, it was December 6th.


    After a long and exhausting journey, the players of Barry University arrived in East Lansing, Michigan.


    They would face Michigan State University the next night, at the Breslin Student Events Center.


    But as soon as they arrived, they encountered a problem.


    Due to repairs from a water leak, the main court wouldn''t be available until the next day. Michigan State''s team needed to use the practice gym, leaving no training space for Barry University. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If they wanted to practice, they''d have to find a gym elsewhere on their own.


    This drew complaints from the players, and Hansen frowned as well.


    It wasn''t about the practice space for him; the real issue was that without a practice court, the pre-game press conference was also canceled.


    That cost him an important opportunity to earn hater points.


    However, it wasn''t all bad news.


    On the way back to the hotel, Theus shared some information.


    Two days ago, Michigan State had hosted North Carolina in an invitational game, losing 63-98.


    Their morale was at rock bottom.


    ...


    The evening of December 7th, at the Breslin Student Events Center.


    The arena, which could seat more than six thousand, was only about half full.


    It wasn''t that the big loss to North Carolina mattered; the real issue was that fans couldn''t get excited about a game against a Division II team.


    It wasn''t just the fans who felt this way- some of Michigan State''s players did too.


    The team''s star player, Kalin Lucas, only warmed up briefly before sitting on the sidelines to rest.


    Soon after, starting center Goran Suton also sat down.


    Standing at 2.11 meters and weighing 115 kilograms, Suton''s size made him a towering presence in the NCAA.


    "Kalin, why did the coach schedule a game against a Division II team?" Suton complained after sitting down.


    Lucas glanced at the Barry University players warming up on the other side and shook his head helplessly. "Probably because we couldn''t find any other teams on short notice."


    "Still, it shouldn''t have been a Division II team. We might as well have an intra-squad scrimmage," Suton said, exasperated.


    "Just think of it as a warm-up," Lucas said, turning his attention back to the North Carolina game.


    Losing to North Carolina wasn''t a big deal, but the psychological shadow of such a large margin of defeat wasn''t easy to shake off.

 Chapter 9: Opportunity

    Chapter 9: OpportunityIn the middle section of the stands, ESPN reporter Jamal Khalil kept his eyes on Han Sen.


    This was just an NCAA invitational game, and one of the teams was even from a second-tier league. If it weren''t for Theus, he wouldn''t have come at all.


    After watching for a while, he looked away.


    Han Sen''s physical condition looked decent, and his three-point shooting during warm-up seemed fairly smooth.


    But that was it.


    And besides, he was Asian.


    If he were a player like Yao Ming or Yi Jianlian, someone playing in the paint, maybe Jamal would be interested. But wing players like Han Sen were a dime a dozen in America.


    The warm-up quickly ended, and the game''s opening ceremony began. Both teams'' starting lineups were announced.


    Barry University: Chris Rondo, Han Sen, Will Atkinson, Dan Schiam, Aaron O''Neal.


    Michigan State University: Kalin Lucas, Travis Walton, Delvon Roe, Raymar Morgan, Goran Suton.


    After Han Sen got on the court, he noticed that the player he was matched up with, Walton, was at least half a head shorter than him- around 1.88 meters at most.


    It seemed Han Sen and Theus''s instincts from yesterday were correct: Michigan State wasn''t taking them seriously at all.


    At the tip-off, Suton easily tapped the ball back to his half, and the game officially began.


    Suton immediately moved to the baseline, demanding the ball. Once he got it, he forcefully posted up O''Neal and scored.


    "You''re an insult to the name O''Neal," Suton taunted after the basket.


    O''Neal''s face turned red, but he was helpless.


    Michigan State came out aggressively, especially with Suton dominating the paint.


    They were clearly treating Barry University as a punching bag.


    However, despite Michigan State''s strong start, Barry University wasn''t falling behind on the scoreboard because they responded well on offense.


    Walton''s height disadvantage made him ineffective at defending Han Sen''s shots.


    What was even more baffling was that, even though it was clear to everyone- even casual fans- that Walton couldn''t guard Han Sen, Michigan State didn''t make any substitutions or send a double team.


    This clearly wasn''t an issue of coaching ability. Michigan State''s head coach, Tom Izzo, was a legendary figure in the NCAA. He led the team to a national championship in 2000 and had the most wins in the school''s history.


    The only explanation was that he simply didn''t care.


    The opening balance didn''t affect the final outcome. The gap in strength between the two teams meant that Michigan State could widen the score gap whenever they wanted by putting in just a little effort.


    For now, it seemed that letting his players blow off some steam was helping them shake off the sting of their previous blowout loss.


    At halftime, to everyone''s surprise, the game was tied 31-31.


    Han had scored 14 points in the first half, while Suton led with 16 points for Michigan State.


    During halftime, Barry University''s players were buzzing with excitement.


    They knew Michigan State''s true strength was far beyond this, but to be tied at the half with a team ranked in the top five of the NCAA was something to be proud of.


    "You''ll be double-teamed in the second half. Watch your passing speed," Theus reminded Han Sen as they headed out for the second half.


    Han Sen nodded and glanced at Theus, noticing a look of yearning in his eyes.


    The second half began.


    NCAA games are split into two halves, with each half lasting 20 minutes. Barry University had possession to start the second half.


    As soon as Han reached the frontcourt, he saw that his defender had switched from Walton to Durrell Summers.


    Summers was 1.96 meters tall, with both the size and mobility to match Han Sen.


    Instead of attacking with the ball like in the first half, Han made eye contact with O''Neal and signaled him, moving from the baseline to the top of the arc.


    O''Neal moved to set a solid screen on Summers.


    Rondo saw the opportunity and passed the ball to Han Sen.


    It was a classic pindown screen play.


    Han caught the ball and quickly rose for a shot.


    Swish!


    The ball went through the hoop.


    "Your speed is even slower than O''Neal''s," Han Sen calmly remarked to Suton, who was late on the defensive rotation.


    After speaking, he high-fived O''Neal right in front of Suton, whose face turned red in anger.


    Though Han Sen was performing well, Suton didn''t back down. Instead of demanding the ball in the post again, he ran a pick-and-roll with Lucas.


    Lucas, though only 1.85 meters tall, was incredibly fast. He zipped through the defense off the screen and scored with a quick layup.


    It was clear that Michigan State had adjusted both their offense and defense in the second half.


    A clear signal: they were ready to finish this game.


    When Han Sen received the ball again, Michigan State immediately double-teamed him.


    Fortunately, he was prepared and passed the ball back to Rondo before the double-team could close in.


    Rondo attacked the basket and scored a layup, taking advantage of Suton being out of position.


    Theus, on the sidelines, stood up and shouted instructions to the retreating players.


    Barry University switched their defense from man-to-man to a 2-3 zone.


    Zone defense is often a tool for weaker teams to neutralize stronger opponents, as it creates situations where two defenders can cover one player, thus mitigating the disadvantage of individual matchups.


    A 2-3 zone, in particular, is designed to protect the paint.


    However, Michigan State, being an elite team, knew how to break a zone defense.


    After some quick ball movement, Suton came up to set a screen at the three-point line, giving Lucas a clean look from 45 degrees on the right.


    It was a beautiful play to break the zone, except... Lucas missed the shot.


    Lucas had a 39% three-point shooting percentage for the season, which was excellent for a point guard known for his drives.


    But the key issue was that Michigan State''s first-half offense focused on the paint, and Lucas hadn''t had any opportunities to shoot from the perimeter. Without rhythm, hitting a three-pointer was difficult.


    Most players need regular shot attempts to find and maintain their rhythm.


    Theus pumped his fist on the sideline.


    He had waited until the second half to implement this strategy, precisely to prevent Michigan State''s perimeter players from finding their rhythm.


    With Michigan State unable to hit from outside and Theus''s zone defense holding firm, an unexpected development occurred on the court.


    Breaking a zone defense relies on three-point shooting. The more Michigan State missed, the more Barry University stuck to their zone defense, causing Michigan State to fall into a scoring drought.


    Meanwhile, Rondo kept exploiting the space created by Han Sen, scoring several consecutive baskets.


    As the game progressed, Barry University started pulling ahead!


    About seven minutes into the second half, Barry University led Michigan State 41-34!


    Izzo had no choice but to call a timeout.


    As the Barry University players came off the court, Theus stood at the scorer''s table, giving each of his players a strong high-five.


    Han Sen could increasingly feel Theus''s passion and desire, and he felt a deep respect for him.


    Sure, the current situation was largely due to Michigan State''s complacency, but Theus''s clever adjustments were brilliant.


    In this era, there was no J.J. Redick, and only the truly capable could become NBA head coaches.


    During the timeout, Han sat on the bench, listening to Theus''s tactical instructions.


    But soon, he and the others couldn''t help but turn their heads toward the other bench.


    Izzo''s booming voice echoed through the arena.


    You could clearly feel his fury.


    After the timeout, Michigan State executed a beautiful play, with Suton slamming down a dunk to end their scoring drought.


    Three-point shooting is the most effective way to break a zone defense, but there are other methods, such as exploiting mismatches in specific areas.


    Michigan State came back from the timeout with a targeted 1-3-1 formation designed to counter Barry University''s 2-3 zone.


    After moving the ball around the perimeter, they got it to Moore at the free-throw line- the weak spot in the zone.


    Moore had the ability to shoot from there, forcing Barry''s big men to step up and guard him, leaving Suton open under the basket.


    Aside from tactical adjustments, Michigan State''s players were executing with far greater intensity.


    Izzo, standing on the sideline, waved his arms and shouted instructions to his players.


    It was clear that they could live with a blowout loss to North Carolina- whether by 35 points or one point didn''t really matter.


    But losing to a Division II team they''d taken for granted? That was something they couldn''t accept.


    Michigan State''s defensive intensity ramped up, and Barry University''s offense faltered.


    This continued for several possessions, and after Izzo''s outburst, Michigan State finally showed their true top-five caliber.


    By the 15th minute of the second half, Michigan State had gone on a 15-3 run and taken a 49-44 lead.


    During this stretch, Barry University had only managed to score a single three-pointer by Han Sen, and they''d been in a four-minute scoring drought.


    Theus had no choice but to call another timeout.


    With only five minutes left, these five minutes were effectively a death sentence. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When even the zone defense couldn''t stop Michigan State from scoring, their chances of winning had evaporated.

 Chapter 10: Who the Hell Doesn’t Want to Win!

    Chapter 10: Who the Hell Doesn¡¯t Want to Win!After the timeout, the players from Barry University were filled with frustration.


    Going from leading to trailing, while feeling powerless, was a bitter pill to swallow.


    Theus held the tactics board in silence for a long time.


    The overall strength gap between the two teams made him feel like a "skilled cook with no ingredients to work with"¡ª all his strategies had proven futile.


    Moreover, during Michigan State''s comeback, he had hesitated to put in the starters, whose stamina was nearing its limit.


    In a 40-minute game, they had been evenly matched for 35 minutes. From outsider''s perspective, Barry University had done well enough tonight.


    But with just 5 minutes left, could he really give up now? How could he possibly accept that!


    He glanced at Han Sen.


    Han saw the undying desire in Theus'' eyes and nodded.


    No words were exchanged, but they understood each other perfectly.


    When the game resumed, Michigan State''s defense remained intense. Half of the shot clock had passed, and Barry University still hadn''t found a good offensive opportunity.


    At that moment, Han signaled for the ball and made a new tactical gesture.


    O''Neal quickly moved up for a high pick-and-roll, and after the screen, he immediately rolled to the basket.


    Before this, O''Neal''s screens had been static, but this sudden change caught Summers off guard, leaving Sutton to face Han.


    With the mismatch, Han swiftly attacked, stepping back for a three-pointer on the right side.


    Sutton had the advantage of size and strength, dominating both ends of the paint, but his weakness was his slow foot speed.


    When O''Neal set static screens earlier, Sutton struggled to switch on defense. This time, even though he rushed out, it was still too late.


    Han''s shot soared through the air. Although his stamina was fading, muscle memory remained.


    Swish!


    The ball sank through the net!


    Hansen had hit his fifth three-pointer of the night!


    47 to 49.


    The gap was down to one possession!


    The Barry University bench erupted, and Theus on the sideline was trembling with excitement.


    If tactics couldn''t score, then give the damn ball to the best player on the team.


    This was the last resort of every NBA coach.


    "I shouldn''t even mention O''Neal, because your legs are slower than my grandmother''s," Han said to Sutton after the three-pointer.


    Sutton immediately tried to grab him, furious after being targeted again and again.


    Fortunately, Lucas was nearby and pulled him back: "He''s just trying to rile you up!"


    "He''s right though, because I can tell¡ª you''re a coward," Han added with a shrug toward Sutton.


    Had Lucas not held him back, Sutton would have charged at him for a fight.


    The referee blew a warning whistle toward Han.


    He patted his chest with a grin, signaling he understood, but couldn''t resist throwing another glance at Sutton.


    The veins on Sutton''s forehead bulged.


    As play continued, Barry University abandoned their zone defense.


    This wasn''t Theus'' strategic decision; his players simply didn''t have the stamina left to maintain it.


    Seeing this, Sutton quickly posted up and demanded the ball.


    Once he had it, Han immediately double-teamed him.


    Summers was wide open on the perimeter, signaling for the ball.


    But Sutton didn''t pass!


    Han Sen''s trash talk had infuriated the big man. He forced a shot inside against the double-team, determined to prove he wasn''t the coward Han had called him.


    But under the pressure of two defenders, his shot clanged off the backboard, and O''Neal grabbed the rebound.


    Sutton had the strength advantage, but he wasn''t the real O''Neal.


    Barry University''s bench was on their feet now, sensing their chance.


    Not just the bench¡ª the players on the court had regained their morale too. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Rondo barreled into the paint, drawing a foul from Sutton.


    At that moment, the whistle blew again, and Green subbed in for Sutton.


    It was a swift decision, and the camera immediately cut to Michigan State''s bench, zooming in on Izzo.


    Once he shed his look of underestimation, his coaching ability was no less than Theus''.


    Green tugged his jersey into his shorts with determination and gave Han a provocative glance.


    Green had played earlier in the first half, but Han had been on the bench at the time. Now, in the second half, with both teams'' starters playing extended minutes, this was their first direct matchup.


    Hansen wasn''t surprised by Green''s look.


    What is a rival?


    It''s someone you clash with, maybe even an enemy.


    In Barry University''s next offensive possession, Han again sought out a mismatch, this time targeting Moore.


    Moore left O''Neal open to help, and Hansen bounced a pass to O''Neal.


    O''Neal went up for the layup, but Green, coming out of nowhere, swatted it away.


    Despite being an undersized big man, Green had a monstrous 7''1" wingspan.


    After the block, Green flexed his arms and roared, drawing cheers from the crowd.


    Barry University came up empty on that possession, and Moore secured the rebound.


    In Michigan State''s next offense, after several passes, Lucas received a pass from Moore and lofted a floater.


    O''Neal flew out to contest, forcing Lucas to miss.


    But there was Green again, snatching the offensive rebound and immediately passing back to Lucas, setting a pick in the process.


    Lucas turned and scored the floater.


    47 to 51.


    With a minute and a half left, Michigan State had stretched the lead back to two possessions.


    Green, even more excited than Lucas after the basket, shouted at the Barry University players: "You dogs, you can''t win. You''re not winning tonight!"


    Han frowned.


    It''s hard to change someone''s nature. Green had always been loathsome, even back in his NCAA days.


    But you couldn''t deny the impact his passion had on his team''s morale.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The crowd erupted in a unified chant.


    The deafening roar surged like adrenaline through Michigan State''s players.


    Their defense was tighter than ever, making it even harder for Barry University to find a shot.


    With the shot clock winding down, Han and O''Neal ran a pindown screen.


    Under pressure, Rondo''s pass came in a bit slow, and Han didn''t have a great look at a shot.


    Still, Hansen went through the motions of a three-point attempt.


    Moore lunged to block it.


    Han''s greatest threat was his three-point shooting.


    But Moore didn''t expect Hansen to fake, then drive past him with a quick move.


    He was known for his threes, but that wasn''t all he could do!


    Neither Moore nor the other Michigan State players anticipated Han''s decision to drive.


    By the time they realized, he had already reached the paint.


    With Sutton out of the game, Michigan State''s defense in the paint was wide open.


    He leaped into the air with all his strength.


    The cheers of the crowd suddenly turned into gasps.


    But then, a long arm flew in to contest Han''s shot.


    It was Green again!


    Though a freshman, his rebounding, defense, and court vision were already standing out, even if his offense was still raw.


    Bang!


    Smack!


    Han slammed the ball into the hoop with both hands, while Green''s hand hit his arm.


    Green''s defense had been solid, but Han wasn''t O''Neal- he was much quicker off the ground.


    The referee blew the whistle- an and one [1]!


    As Han landed, he glared at Green: "We''re winning this game tonight. Not even God can stop it, I''m telling you!"


    Did he want to win?


    When Theus first told him their opponent was Michigan State, Han hadn''t even thought about winning, given the enormous gap in skill between the teams.


    It was like the Tokyo University team facing off against the U.S. Dream Team- no one would think the former had a chance.


    But Michigan State''s overconfidence, Theus'' savvy coaching, and the relentless effort of the players had allowed Barry University to break through the barriers of the league. For 35 of the 40 minutes, they had gone toe-to-toe with Michigan State.


    Now, if you asked Han Sen if he wanted to win?


    Yes, he wanted to win.


    Who the hell doesn''t want to win!


    ---


    [1] and one: A term used to refer to a situation in which a player makes a shot despite being fouled, in which case they get the points from the shot and one free throw. Making the free throw results in a three-point play (or a four-point play, if the shot made during the foul was a three-pointer).

 Chapter 11: Who Allowed You to Show Off Like That?

    Chapter 11: Who Allowed You to Show Off Like That?Han got a bonus free throw.


    He took the ball and took a deep breath.


    That last dunk had already drained his energy. He had to tighten his muscles once again.


    This free throw was crucial.


    The Michigan State University fans in the stadium were doing everything they could to distract him.


    "I bet you won''t make this shot," Green stood on one side of the free-throw line, trying to throw Hansen off with words.


    "$500,000?" Han Sen paused his free throw, looked at Green with a smile.


    Green''s eyes widened, and he was left speechless.


    Does Han have half a million dollars?


    Clearly, he doesn''t, but neither does Green.


    Unless you''re Bronny, how would a college student have that kind of money?


    It was more of a psychological battle between the two.


    And Han clearly had the upper hand.


    Swish!


    He nailed the critical free throw.


    50 to 51.


    With just a minute left in the game, Barry University had once again closed the gap to 1 point!


    At this point, Khalil''s gaze locked onto Han Sen once more.


    But this time, the feeling was completely different from before the game.


    Han''s talent wasn''t exactly outstanding, but his game temperament was incredibly captivating.


    An interesting thought: if Jordan always passed the ball in clutch moments, would he still be considered the "God of Basketball"?


    Having the guts to attack in critical moments, even in an unexpected way that isn''t your strong suit, is a rare quality in a player.


    Michigan State University''s possession. Lucas held the ball on the perimeter, running down the clock.


    In the NCAA, a possession lasts 35 seconds. If they used up the full minute, each team would only have one offensive opportunity left.


    With about 10 seconds left on the shot clock, Lucas used Moore''s screen to drive into the paint. His contested shot drew a defensive foul from O''Neal.


    The crowd erupted in cheers.


    With 30 seconds left in the game, Michigan State University was still leading and had two free throws coming up. The outcome of the game seemed almost certain.


    Lucas stepped up to the free-throw line.


    "God wore #23, not #17," Green kept talking to Han from the opposite side of the line.


    Clang!


    Lucas missed the first free throw.


    Izzo hadn''t dared to sub him out in the second half, and now he was exhausted.


    "If God knew you were also wearing #23, he would''ve changed his jersey number," Han teased with a playful grin.


    Green''s face turned red with frustration. He wore #23 because of LeBron, not Jordan!


    Lucas made his second free throw, and Barry University called a timeout.


    50 to 52, a 2-point game. Lucas'' 1-for-2 free throws had given Barry University one last chance.


    Coming out of the timeout, Han started moving in a figure-eight pattern on the court.


    But he couldn''t get the ball!


    Theus'' play was the same as before¡ª give the ball to Han, with multiple screens set for him. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Izzo''s defensive adjustment was just as decisive. They were fully committed to denying him the ball, even if it meant giving someone else a chance.


    With time running out, Rondo had no choice but to drive to the basket himself.


    He was fast, but Moore was still in the paint. Rondo threw up a floater over Moore''s defense.


    There was some contact in the air, but the referee didn''t blow the whistle.


    Clang!


    The ball bounced off the front rim.


    Barry University had missed their last opportunity.


    Or had they?


    O''Neal grabbed the offensive rebound!


    The absence of Sutton was showing again. Michigan State University''s interior defense had dropped a level.


    There were less than 5 seconds left in the game.


    O''Neal didn''t immediately put the ball back up. Instead, he waited for Michigan State''s defenders to collapse, then kicked it out to Han on the perimeter.


    It wasn''t just a matter of trust¡ª O''Neal knew that even if he scored two points and sent the game to overtime, Barry University, with their exhausted lineup, wouldn''t stand a chance of winning.


    Giving the ball to him was Theus'' plan during the timeout, and it was their only hope of victory.


    The ball flew straight toward Han, but Green''s defensive instincts were sharp. He immediately followed the ball and rushed towards him.


    By the time the ball reached Han Sen, Green was already in front of him.


    Han quickly went into his shooting motion.


    Green didn''t jump. He knew Han still had time to pump-fake.


    Green''s defensive IQ was on full display, but what he didn''t expect was that Hansen would actually jump and shoot!


    When Han saw Green rushing at him, he initially thought about faking, but he changed his mind after seeing Green''s reaction.


    In the battle between offense and defense, defense is always reactive.


    Green was forced to jump, but it was too late. Even though he had a longer wingspan, the earlier and one had shown that he couldn''t stop Han Sen''s shot in these situations.


    Straight arms, a flick of the wrist.


    The ball spun past Green''s fingertips and flew toward the basket.


    Han''s eyes were filled with confidence.


    Just like he had told Theus, he had worked all summer for this moment.


    The crowd held their breath.


    Time seemed to slow down¡ª was that the sound of a heartbeat?


    Swish!


    A crisp sound.


    The ball peaked and started its descent, finally sinking through the net like a cannonball.


    The crowd was stunned.


    The Barry University bench erupted in celebration.


    The Michigan State University players were in complete disbelief.


    53 to 52!


    Hansen had made the game-winning shot!


    Well, he still left Michigan State University 0.2 seconds on the clock.


    That 0.2 seconds was the ultimate insult, as 0.2 seconds was officially considered not enough time to get a shot off in basketball.


    Izzo didn''t call a timeout, because it didn''t matter anymore.


    The referees still forced the teams to play out the last 0.2 seconds.


    For Michigan State University''s players, this was like a public execution.


    Moore inbounded the ball, but before it even reached Lucas, Han stole it.


    Barry University had won the game!


    With the ball in his hands, Han ran around the court like a wild horse.


    His teammates chased after him in a frenzy.


    Even the players from the bench had stormed the court.


    Only Theus remained standing on the sidelines, his fists clenched, his eyes gleaming with intensity.


    All their desires had become reality in that moment.


    A Division II team, had defeated the fifth-ranked team in Division I.


    They had done it!


    Hansen ran all the way to the scorer''s table.


    Then, in a move no one saw coming, he jumped onto the table.


    Once up there, he held the ball in one hand and raised his other fist high into the air.


    Everyone in the stadium was dumbfounded.


    At this point, Wade hadn''t yet made his infamous leap onto the Heat''s scorer''s table.


    More importantly, this was an away game!


    Who allowed you to show off like that?!


    Khalil quickly grabbed his camera, capturing the perfect shot.


    It was the perfect news material.

 Chapter 12: Famous or Infamous?

    Chapter 12: Famous or Infamous?Han Sen jumped off the scorer''s table, feeling completely satisfied. Just in that moment, the system''s [Hater Points] skyrocketed.


    Since he hadn''t had a chance to attract negative attention before the game, he decided to create a big opportunity during the match!


    After jumping off the table, Han Sen celebrated wildly with his teammates. Theus squeezed in front of him, still visibly excited but trying to keep his emotions in check. He signaled Han to look behind him.


    He turned his head, following Theus'' gaze, and noticed several half-empty water bottles thrown on the floor behind him.


    Being cocky doesn''t necessarily bring divine punishment, but it definitely invites a beating.


    ...


    Back in the locker room, Han Sen endured a "shower" from his teammates with those very water bottles.


    He had scored 28 points that night, including 9 points in the final moments, single-handedly sealing the victory. He was the team''s MVP.


    When the celebration ended, Theus appeared in the locker room with someone beside him.


    "Han, this is Jamal Khalil, a reporter from ESPN," Theus said as he approached Han.


    The other players instinctively made room, their expressions filled with envy and excitement. If Han Sen made it to the NBA, they might benefit from his success in some way.


    Han wiped his hands on his pants and stood up to shake hands with Khalil.


    "He''d like to do a short interview with you," he added, giving Han Sen a knowing look.


    Han nodded, understanding that Theus was creating an opportunity for him.


    "Shall we begin?" Khalil asked, pulling out his notebook.


    "Can I ask a question first?" Han interjected before the interview started.


    "Of course."


    "Will this interview make the news?"


    Jamal was momentarily taken aback but then nodded.


    "That''s all I wanted to know," he said, signaling they could begin.


    "Before the game, did you think you had a chance of winning?" Khalil asked the first question.


    "Of course. I believe we can beat any team, even if it''s North Carolina," Han answered casually, with a confident look in his eyes.


    Khalil was once again stunned. He glanced over at Theus, who gave a helpless smile. He had the same reaction during the season opener press conference when Han had said something similarly shocking.


    He always had a way of saying things that left people astonished.


    "What were you thinking when you jumped onto the scorer''s table at the end?" Khalil continued.


    "That was a mark."


    "A mark?" he paused, confused.


    "We won a game that no one thought we could. It deserves to be remembered, so it needed a mark."


    Khalil was surprised yet again. His responses were always so unique.


    But he nodded in agreement. The game had been exciting and newsworthy, and his report would surely attract attention.


    However, in this fast-paced information era, it wouldn''t be long before the game was forgotten.


    But now, with the image of Han Sen jumping on the scorer''s table, the situation would be different.


    It was such a unique moment that people would still talk about it long after.


    Indeed, it was the perfect mark.


    Caril drew two circles around the word "mark," then smiled at Han Sen. "One last question: what do you think is your biggest advantage in pursuing the NBA?"


    "My ability to learn."


    "Your ability to learn?" Khalil raised an eyebrow, surprised again.


    "Yes. Before entering the NCAA, I wasn''t known for my three-point shooting. But now I''m the top shooter in the league. My natural talent might not be the best, but my learning ability will allow me to achieve anything in the future."


    He smiled, jotting down the answer, then closed his notebook and shook Han Sen''s hand.


    "Han, why was the interview so short?" Rondo teased after Khalil and Theus left.


    He had only been asked three questions.


    "He''s a good reporter," Han Sen replied, looking toward the door.


    "Didn''t seem that way to me. He looked stunned by everything you said," Rondo commented dismissively.


    Han Sen just smiled and stood up. "I heard the chicken wings in East Lansing are great. Tonight, I''m treating everyone to a late-night snack."


    The locker room erupted in cheers at the news of his treat.


    ...


    The news of Barry University defeating Michigan State made the headlines the next day.


    An ESPN article titled "Claiming He Can Beat North Carolina: How Unknown Barry University Defeated Michigan State" featured a front-page image of Han Sen standing atop the scorer''s table, drawing a lot of attention.


    The core of the article wasn''t the game itself but focused on Han Sen.


    "I believe we can beat any team, even North Carolina," the article opened with Han Sen''s bold statement from the interview, recounting how he took control of the game, made the clutch shot, and celebrated by jumping on the scorer''s table. Combined with the post-game interview, the article concluded:


    "Han Sen could be the next NCAA Division II player to make it to the NBA in the past decade."


    The article was short, just like the interview, but it packed a punch.


    Just as Han Sen had said, Khalil was a top-tier journalist.


    Soon after, someone dug up the TNT program where Han Sen had claimed to be the NCAA''s top shooter during an episode of NBA Entertainment.


    It wasn''t hard to connect the dots, considering the show had only aired recently. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And just like that, Han Sen "accidentally" became famous.


    The stereotype of Asians being humble and reserved was prevalent¡ª for instance, Yi Jianlian fit the mold perfectly, and even Yao Ming was often associated with this trait.


    But Han Sen? He bragged on social media about being the NCAA''s best shooter, jumped on the scorer''s table after winning, and boldly claimed he could beat North Carolina. He was arrogant and flashy.


    That''s right, it was the contrast.


    This contrast was even more important than Han Sen''s actual achievements. In the information age, contrast was a key element of viral content.


    Then there was the buzz.


    A Division II team beating a top-five Division I team? This was the epitome of basketball ''hype''.


    Plus, Khalil''s assertion that Han Sen could be the next Division II player to make it to the NBA in a decade.


    And let''s not forget that Theus was the former head coach of the NBA''s Sacramento Kings.


    All these factors combined meant that not only Han Sen but Barry University as a whole was receiving massive attention.


    This outcome was exactly what Han Sen wanted.


    Getting a lot of attention was crucial for a Division II player like him.


    And then there was the [Hater Points].


    For every person who liked him, there would be just as many who hated him.


    It wasn''t just the Michigan State fans that he had angered by jumping on their scorer''s table. The North Carolina fans surely couldn''t tolerate his bold statement about beating their team.


    Especially after the media blew it up, it was like using a giant megaphone to broadcast his words.


    So now, his social media was buzzing with activity. His follower count was skyrocketing, and the haters were multiplying exponentially.


    He needed 10,000 Anti-fan Points to unlock the lottery, and after this wave, he was already up to 8,000!

 Chapter 13: Reverse BOAT

    Chapter 13: Reverse BOAT"Did you say the University of North Carolina wants to play an invitational match with us in a week?"


    Han Sen was in high spirits when Theus approached him after practice to discuss something.


    Theus nodded, but there was a troubled look on his face.


    This type of invitation was a double-edged sword. If they didn''t accept, it would look like they were scared; but if they did accept, they were likely to get crushed.


    "This is a bit unexpected," Han Sen admitted, as he hadn''t anticipated this development.


    Was it just because of what he had said?


    It didn''t seem likely.


    North Carolina was Michael Jordan''s alma mater and one of the most well-known schools in the NCAA. With such a prominent reputation, they were often the target of trash talk. If they had to respond to every jab, they''d be overwhelmed.


    "It''s probably about their reputation. After all, we''re just a second-division team."


    Khalil''s news had blown things out of proportion.


    "It doesn''t add up," Han Sen shook his head. North Carolina didn''t just have a big reputation; their current strength was through the roof. Even if they beat them, it wouldn''t prove anything.


    But then a thought occurred to him. "Coach, do you think we have a chance against North Carolina?"


    "None," Theus shook his head without hesitation.


    The only reason they had beaten Michigan State University was that they had underestimated them. If that hadn''t happened, they wouldn''t have stood a chance.


    And North Carolina? Michigan State was ranked fifth, while North Carolina was ranked first.


    Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington, Danny Green¡ª all of them were practically on the cusp of the NBA.


    Not to mention, with Michigan State''s loss fresh in mind, North Carolina wouldn''t make the same mistake of underestimating them.


    So, by any measure, Barry University stood no chance.


    "Exactly. They''re not going to lose. I even think that unless it''s ''March Madness,'' they don''t care much about other games," Han Sen confirmed his earlier thoughts.


    "So, whether they play other teams or us, it doesn''t make a difference. But playing us has more buzz."


    After all, exhibition matches were meant to be seen by the ''league committee''.


    "Then I''ll reject them."


    Beating Michigan State had given Han Sen a brief moment of fame, but facing North Carolina could very well crush his reputation.


    But Han Sen shook his head. "Coach, this is the first¡ª and possibly the only¡ª chance our school will ever get to face North Carolina. We can''t miss this opportunity."


    ...


    The news of an upcoming match between Barry University and the University of North Carolina generated massive media attention.


    It wasn''t just the NCAA hyping it up; mainstream sports media outlets like TNT were reporting on it too.


    This external attention finally gave Han Sen another chance to attend a press conference.


    This time, the number of reporters far exceeded the season opener.


    And right from the start, they focused all their questions on him.


    "You previously said that you believe you could beat the University of North Carolina. Do you still stand by that?" The first reporter asked arrogantly.


    "Of course," Han replied calmly.


    "But I can''t see any reason why you would win," the reporter pressed, giving no leeway.


    "Before we faced Michigan State, I bet you felt the same way," Han shot back.


    "What do you think your advantage is?" The reporter wasn''t giving up.


    "How about we make a bet? $500,000 says we can win this match." Han didn''t answer the question directly; instead, he stared the reporter down.


    The room was in an uproar.


    Even Theus, who had gotten used to his way of speaking, was wide-eyed in shock.


    Challenging a reporter to a bet in a press conference¡ª Han Sen had just set another precedent.


    "Well? Do you dare?" Han Sen pushed further when the reporter just stood there, stunned.


    The reporter awkwardly smiled and finally sat back down.


    Who would be dumb enough to take that bet? His annual salary didn''t even come close to $500,000.


    The room buzzed with murmurs. No one could figure out where Han Sen''s confidence was coming from.


    But this also made them even more curious about the upcoming game.


    If Barry University really did beat North Carolina, it wouldn''t just be "passion"¡ª it would be a true miracle.


    Han''s bold statement had thrown fuel on the fire for the upcoming game.


    Some were hoping for another upset victory by Barry University, but most were just waiting for Barry to make fools of themselves.


    With all the attention, the game was scheduled to be held at the Miami Heat''s home arena, the American Airlines Arena.


    The game drew nearly 15,000 fans to the venue.


    From the very start, the players from North Carolina were laser-focused, their individual skills and teamwork on full display.


    Barry University fought hard, but the gap in skill between the two teams was too wide, and the score kept growing.


    By halftime, Barry was already trailing by nearly 20 points.


    In the second half, North Carolina showed no mercy, ultimately crushing Barry University 95-41. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After the game, Han Sen and his teammates walked dejectedly into the tunnel with their heads hung low.


    "Don''t go to the post-game press conference," Theus called out to Han Sen as they entered the locker room.


    "I have to," Han Sen shook his head.


    "They''re not going to go easy on you," he warned, reminding Han of all the things he had said before the game.


    "Coach, I''m not someone who runs away," he looked at him, his expression calm.


    Theus stared at Han for a while before patting him on the shoulder and nodding.


    When Han appeared at the press conference, the atmosphere immediately heated up.


    As soon as he sat down, the reporters pounced.


    "You were so confident before the game, but you lost by 54 points. What do you have to say for yourself?"


    The reporter who asked the question couldn''t wait to mock him.


    All eyes were on him, eagerly awaiting his response.


    The reporters'' pre-game expressions of confusion were now replaced with smug satisfaction. Even the journalist who Han had tried to bet with looked regretful¡ª he could''ve easily won $500,000.


    Han Sen calmly adjusted the microphone in front of him and spoke:


    "Michael Jordan entered the NBA in 1984, but it wasn''t until 1991 that he won his first championship. Before that, he was repeatedly beaten by the Pistons. But he never gave up and kept improving himself until he finally defeated them."


    "That doesn''t seem to have much to do with my question," the reporter interjected.


    Han Sen smiled and continued:


    "What I mean is that no one is a winner forever. In fact, most of the time, we are losers. Learning how to deal with failure is just as important as winning."


    Han Sen''s answer was profound. Learning to face failure and rise above it was a core lesson in sports¡ª a lesson many people never fully grasped.


    But the reporters were unsatisfied.


    It wasn''t that his answer was wrong; they just wanted to see a frustrated, defeated Han, or perhaps an angry, ranting one¡ª anything but the composed, unshaken version in front of them.


    The tough questions kept coming, but Han Sen remained steady.


    It wasn''t that he was unaffected; it was that, in a game he knew they couldn''t win, his goal had never been victory¡ª it had been about increasing his [hater points].


    Earlier, he still needed 2,000 more points to activate the lottery, which was no small number.


    Under normal circumstances, since the invitational games would end in late December, he might not have reached that number even by the end of the season.


    Even if the Michigan State game had been exciting and the news coverage high, the hype would eventually die down.


    But Theus'' news changed everything.


    He wasn''t shocked that North Carolina wanted to play them¡ªhe had never been against the idea.


    In fact, he had felt the same excitement before the Michigan State game.


    And the result exceeded his expectations.


    Because during this game, his [hater points] skyrocketed, breaking 10,000 before the game even ended!

 Chapter 14: Star Catcher

    Chapter 14: Star Catcher"I''m certain you''ll make it to the NBA this year." S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After the interview, leaving the press conference, Theus couldn''t stop praising Han Sen.


    Talent is crucial in basketball, but mentality is just as important.


    "I think so too." Han Sen calculated that with his new talent exchange, he could finish training before the draft trials.


    Theus was already used to his confidence, laughing heartily as he patted his shoulder.


    He, too, should prepare for meeting with NBA teams this summer.


    Back at the hotel, Rondo was nowhere to be found, off with teammates somewhere.


    Han Sen took a shower and then entered the system''s exchange space.


    The [Hater Points] system offers four levels of talent for exchange:


    - Level 4 requires 1K-5K points,


    - Level 3: 10K-50K,


    - Level 2: 100K-500K,


    - Level 1: over 1 million.


    This meant he had two options: either exchange for a level 3 talent or use the points to activate the lottery chance from the beginner''s gift pack.


    The lottery has two pools: the offensive talent pool and the defensive talent pool.


    The draw is completely random, and he could land any talent from level 4 to level 1.


    Han Sen had already made up his mind because as long as he didn''t draw a level 4 talent, his 10,000 Hater Points wouldn''t go to waste.


    It was very "beginner pack"-esque¡ª while not super useful, still somewhat valuable.


    He chose the defensive talent pool.


    Basketball has evolved with the rules. In the ''90s, the three-point shot wasn''t valued, but now spacing is more important than ever.


    This was why he initially chose [Hawkeye].


    But [Hawkeye] was a beginner''s gift and wouldn''t make him a shooter on par with Curry.


    In other words, he couldn''t become the core of a team just based on his three-point shooting.


    Without being a core player, he would have to walk the role-player path.


    There are many types of role players: facilitators, defensive specialists, bench scorers, blue-collar players, and shooters.


    3&D players, who are both shooters and defenders, are highly valued in the NBA because they cover two roles in one.


    In other words, becoming a 3&D player greatly increased his chances of being drafted.


    Moreover, if a 3&D player is strong enough, they have a good chance of being part of the starting lineup and earning significant playing time.


    A 3&D player ensures a high floor while also having a large development space.


    Players like Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler, Paul George, Klay Thompson, and Tracy McGrady all started as 3&D players.


    After confirming his choice of the talent pool, Han Sen clicked to draw.


    No hand-washing or face-washing rituals here¡ª fortune doesn''t favor the hesitant. He liked clean and decisive approaches.


    As soon as he clicked, the system displayed a classic roulette wheel, spinning rapidly.


    Han''s eyes were fixed on the pointer.


    As the wheel''s speed decreased and the result locked in, he jumped out of bed, shouting.


    Although he didn''t land the best talent tier, he got...


    [Star Catcher], a level 2 talent!


    This talent was valued at 300,000 [Hater Points] in the system!


    A thirtyfold return of joy!!


    Suppressing his excitement, Han Sen read the talent''s details carefully, his face turning red with excitement.


    [Star Catcher]: Increases lateral speed, stealing, blocking, and body contact abilities.


    Slow lateral movement and weak body contact are common weaknesses of Asian players.


    This [Star Catcher] filled all those gaps in one go, plus added talents for stealing and blocking.


    Invincible!


    After redeeming the talent, Rondo still hadn''t returned. In fact, he didn''t come back until early the next morning, looking a bit unsteady.


    "Did you run into a vampire?" Han looked at the pale-faced Rondo, his eyes full of shock.


    Rondo, grinning mischievously, walked to his bed, grabbed a camera, and proudly handed it to him.


    One glance, and Han Sen was instantly awake.


    Another homemade censored video.


    Rondo was truly impressive.


    "Hmm? Is that the Miami Heat cheerleaders?"


    Han Sen noticed the red heart t-shirt propped up by two peaks, with the word "Heat" on it.


    "Who else could keep me busy all night?" He said as he flopped onto his bed.


    "How did you even meet them?" Han Sen set the camera down on the nightstand, very curious.


    Though they were also in Miami, getting close to the cheerleaders wasn''t easy.


    Rondo sat up suddenly, looking smug: "I''m a locker room guest service attendant for the Heat."


    "A guest service attendant?" Han Sen was confused.


    "It''s just a fancy title for ball boy, but you can''t call it that in front of girls¡ª it''s too lame."


    "You''re a ball boy for the Heat?" Han Sen finally understood why Rondo often disappeared at night.


    "Yeah, NBA players can''t interact with cheerleaders, but they didn''t say anything about ball boys."


    Han Sen''s eyes widened. Rondo''s logic was mind-blowing, but also seemed to make sense.


    "Want me to introduce you? It''s not just cheerleaders, there are also plenty of pretty female fans. Ball boys can pretend to ask for their contact info on behalf of the players."


    "...You''re a genius."


    "Yeah, but compared to girls, it seems like you love basketball more." With that, Rondo lay back down and was soon snoring.


    It was clear he''d really been drained last night.


    ...


    Like [Hawkeye], [Star Catcher] required training to enhance its power.


    But unlike [Hawkeye], he now had a clear goal and had already started training in this area.


    This was why Han Sen believed he could complete his training before the draft trials.


    However, as time went on, he realized things weren''t exactly as he thought.


    He had put in plenty of training time, but the results were half of what he expected.


    Only later did he realize that defense and offense are not the same.


    For offense, whether it''s shooting threes, mid-range shots, driving, or dunking, you can train on your own.


    But for defense, it''s not just about footwork or technique¡ªit''s about experience.


    Defense improves only through real competition, especially against strong opponents.


    But now, he was in a second-division league, and the invitational tournament was over. He couldn''t find those kinds of opponents.


    So while the system increased his talent ceiling, to reach that ceiling, he needed more time.


    In other words, he wouldn''t be able to reach that ceiling before the draft trials.


    That wasn''t what he wanted, as it would drastically reduce his chances of getting drafted.


    He couldn''t help but criticize the former Han''s choice¡ª if he had joined a weak first-tier league team, this problem wouldn''t exist.


    But after venting, he still had to find a solution.


    Strong opponents weren''t something you could easily come by.


    That''s when he suddenly thought of an idea.


    Rushing back to the dorm, Han Sen grabbed Rondo and asked about the ballboy job.


    "Do ballboys get a chance to interact with NBA players?" He got straight to the point.


    "Of course! Ballboys serve the players, prepare their gear before games, run errands, hand them towels and drinks during the game, and clean up the locker room afterward."


    Rondo said all this with disdain. If it weren''t for the proximity to girls, he wouldn''t want the job either.


    Especially after games¡ª the locker room stench was overwhelming and could make you puke.


    "During player warm-ups, do you help pick up balls?" Han Sen asked.


    "Yeah, but there are trainers and assistant coaches, so most of the time it doesn''t come down to ballboys. Only when players warm up early do we help out."


    Han Sen nodded and then asked, "Didn''t you say you could introduce me to be a ballboy?"


    "What changed your mind?" Rondo grinned mischievously.

 Chapter 15: The Best Sparring Partner.

    Chapter 15: The Best Sparring Partner.Contrary to popular belief, just like the imperial guards in ancient times didn''t necessarily need to be the best fighters, a ball boy''s top requirement isn''t being great at basketball¡ª it''s being obedient.


    Thanks to Rondo''s referral, Han Sen presented himself as polite and well-mannered during the interview, easily landing a role as a "temporary ball boy" for the Miami Heat.


    This role was more of a supplementary position without a fixed salary, but it came with the perk of watching games courtside for free.


    Most ball boys hired by teams are between 12 and 18 years old, but the upper age limit for temporary ball boys is more flexible, usually extending up to 22. The goal behind this is to engage local college students and build a connection between the NBA and the university crowd.


    Teams typically have a fixed number of full-time ball boys. For example, the Heat have 10 permanent ball boys, with 8 actively working during games (4 for each team), while the remaining 2 are on standby.


    There''s no set limit on the number of temporary ball boys, who mainly step in when extra help is needed, particularly after games.


    Although Han Sen''s role as a temporary ball boy wasn''t exactly what Rondo had described, it seemed more suited to his needs. After all, his primary goal was to interact with NBA players.


    But after starting the job, he realized things weren''t going as he had hoped. The NBA players, even the role players, kept their distance from the ball boys.


    In hindsight, this was understandable. Most NBA players are millionaires, some even billionaires, and wealth tends to create a natural barrier between them and ordinary people.


    It wasn''t until he had been on the job for over a week that he finally found his opportunity.


    Wade, who had a habit of staying late for extra practice after games, presented that chance. It was probably one of the reasons why Wade had maintained his peak form throughout the season.


    Since ball boys are usually busy after the games, any player staying late for additional practice required help from the temporary ball boys. Most ball boys, who weren''t paid for the extra work, were reluctant to stay, which gave Han Sen his opening.


    He seized this opportunity, and after a few interactions, Wade started to recognize him.


    "What''s your name?" Wade asked during a break in one of his practices, after accepting the water Han handed him.


    "Han Sen," he replied.


    "Handsome?" Wade chuckled, rubbing his chin as he looked at Hansen with interest. "Do you play ball?"


    "I play for Barry University."


    "What year?"


    "Junior year."


    "Come, let''s see what you got," Wade said, standing up.


    Wade himself had entered the NBA draft after his junior year in college.


    Hansen immediately took to the court, excited about the chance he''d been hoping for. Wade tossed him the ball, signaling for him to show his skills.


    Without hesitation, Hansen launched a three-pointer, and the ball sank smoothly through the hoop.


    Wade nodded with a smile, impressed by Hansen''s confidence.


    Then, Wade turned on the pressure.


    In that moment, Hansen felt an intense defensive force unlike anything he had experienced before. Even dribbling became a challenge, and he couldn''t even get a shot off.


    "You need to work on your ball handling," Wade said with a smile after shutting down Hansen''s attempt.


    Hansen could only smile back, slightly defeated.


    Wade might only stand 6''4" (1.93 meters), but his 6''11" (2.10 meters) wingspan and incredible defensive prowess¡ª he was one of the best shot-blocking guards in NBA history and had been named to the All-Defensive Team¡ª made him a formidable defender.


    And this season, Wade was still at his peak, excelling on both ends of the court. Expecting Han to score on him was a tall order.


    "I''m actually better on defense," Hansen admitted.


    "Really?" Wade perked up, clearly intrigued. "That''s perfect¡ª I''m good at offense."


    This wasn''t the time for Hansen to appreciate Wade''s humor. He focused all his energy on the game.


    Honestly, his original target had been Michael Beasley. Known for his offense and still in his rookie season, Beasley was strong but not overwhelmingly so¡ª he seemed like the ideal practice partner for Han.


    Unfortunately, Beasley always disappeared right after games, leaving Han no chance to approach him.


    Wade, on the other hand, was on a whole different level.


    But this was his only opportunity.


    Seeing how serious Han was, Wade dropped the playful attitude and started giving him the respect he deserved.


    With a quick move, Wade suddenly blew past him in the blink of an eye.


    So fast!


    The nickname "Flash" was certainly earned.


    But Han didn''t lose his defensive position entirely¡ª thanks to his increased lateral speed, he was able to recover quickly with a sliding step backward. His improved movement had significantly boosted his defensive abilities.


    He wasn''t fooled by Wade''s fakes, but soon, the physical contact caused him to lose his balance.


    Wade''s ability to penetrate wasn''t just about his quick first step; his strength throughout the entire drive, including his footwork, physicality, and finishing, was top-tier.


    After he lost his defensive stance, Wade took a long stride past him and finished with a smooth reverse layup off the glass.


    "You weren''t lying," Wade said, acknowledging Hansen''s defense after scoring.


    "I was only using 80% of my strength," Han joked with a grin.


    Wade paused, clearly surprised by the remark.


    "Want to go again?" S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Let''s do it," Han said, getting back into position.


    ...


    "This time I used 90% of my strength."


    "I''m serious now."


    "I just got careless earlier, but next time I''ll lock you down for sure!"


    What started as a lighthearted scrimmage quickly turned into a half-hour-long battle, with Han enduring wave after wave of Wade''s offensive dominance.


    Wade was eventually taken aback.


    He was shocked by Han''s persistence.


    Most people would have given up after being beaten for so long, but he only seemed to get more excited the longer the session went on.


    "We''ll stop here for today," Wade finally said, calling it off. If he didn''t, it seemed like it would never end.


    "How about next time?" Han asked, still eager for more.


    Wade didn''t respond. He simply waved his hand and quickly left the court.


    Watching Wade walk off, Han felt satisfied.


    Even though he hadn''t been able to stop Wade, he could clearly feel his understanding of defense improving.


    That''s the benefit of going up against top players¡ª your progress multiplies.


    Han had gotten off to a good start, but soon after, he noticed that Wade had started picking other temporary ball boys as practice partners. As expected, life is full of disappointments.


    Just when he was wondering how to get another opportunity, one day after a game, Wade motioned for him to come over again.


    Without any warm-up or conversation, Wade grabbed the ball, and they began another intense one-on-one session.


    In the first round, Wade used a powerful combination of crossovers and physical contact to break through Hansen''s defense, then soared high for a two-handed, rim-shaking dunk.


    After dunking, Wade swung from the rim for a moment before landing.


    It was obvious that this move had some emotional release behind it.


    Han said nothing. He simply handed Wade the ball and refocused on defense.


    The intensity of their scrimmage that night far surpassed the previous one.


    Although he had improved, the gap between him and Wade was still enormous.


    He was once again thoroughly dominated.


    After about 30 minutes, Wade sat down to rest and motioned for Han to join him.


    "Anything you want to say?" Wade asked, staring out at the court.


    The Heat had just suffered a big loss at home to the Mavericks, and the media had broken a story about Beasley and Chalmers being caught using drugs. He was in a terrible mood.


    Wade felt a bit bad about using Han as an outlet for his frustrations.


    If Han decided not to continue being a temporary ball boy after this, Wade would understand.


    "Let''s rest a bit. I can keep going," Han said, panting.


    Wade turned, surprised at his response.


    He looked back at the court, set his water bottle down, and stood up after a moment.


    "I''m ready."


    ...


    After these two sessions, Han became Wade''s regular post-game sparring partner.


    While his defense wasn''t at an elite NBA level, it was good enough to serve as solid practice for Wade.


    Of course, Wade would never guess that, in reality, he was the one acting as Han''s training partner.

 Chapter 16: Making the List.

    Chapter 16: Making the List.Time flew by, and it was already late February.


    Over the past two months, Han worked on improving his one-on-one defense by training with Wade while also focusing more on team defense during games.


    With both approaches combined, his defensive skills improved rapidly.


    The first person to notice the change was Wade.


    During a post-game practice one day, Wade''s drive to the basket was disrupted by him.


    "You''re not on your game today, huh?" Han said, looking at Wade.


    Then Wade responded with a more aggressive drive, blowing past Hansen for a dunk.


    "Your defense still sucks."


    Trash talk had become a regular part of their practice, helping to strengthen their bond.


    Han managed to stop Wade several times during the session, which lasted over forty minutes¡ªlonger than usual.


    After they finished, both sat on the sidelines to rest.


    "Have you signed with an agent yet?" Wade asked, grabbing a water bottle.


    The second-division league doesn''t participate in March Madness, and his junior season was about to end.


    "Not yet," he shook his head.


    Wade set his water bottle down, grabbed his bag, and pulled out a business card, handing it to him.


    Han Sen glanced at the name on the card: Henry Thomas.


    "If you need someone, you can give him a call."


    The next person to notice his progress was Theus.


    Thanks to Han''s improved defense, Barry University''s team strength had leveled up.


    This should have been a surprising development, but in the end, it wasn''t so shocking. Reflecting on it, it seemed connected to an interview with Khalil.


    Hansen had told him that his greatest talent was his ability to learn.


    By the end of February, Barry University defeated Northwest Missouri State to win the second-division league championship.


    In the finals, Han Sen contributed 26 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block, earning him the title of MOP (Most Outstanding Player). S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While these stats were impressive in the second-tier league, they wouldn''t help him much. NBA scouts don''t care about who wins second-division championships, so they wouldn''t be paying attention to who performed well in the finals.


    After the game, Han''s junior season ended, making him one of the first players to prepare for the 2009 NBA Draft.


    He signed with an agent, aiming for Jeff Schwartz, a top NBA agent known for his talent in packaging and promotion.


    Schwartz was responsible for the careers of some notorious draft busts, like Anthony Bennett, the most disappointing first overall pick in history, and James Wiseman, the equally infamous second pick.


    Although Hansen had no draft buzz yet, Schwartz''s promotional skills would have been helpful.


    Unfortunately, Schwartz wasn''t interested in him.


    Hansen had to settle for signing with Henry Thomas instead.


    The deal with Thomas went smoothly, thanks to Wade, who had genuinely put in a good word for him.


    Hansen didn''t know much about Thomas at first, but later found out that Thomas represented both Wade and Bosh, so he had quite the reputation.


    Although Thomas didn''t have Schwartz''s talent for hype, his connections weren''t lacking.


    With no invitation to the NBA Combine, Hansen had to rely on arranging individual workouts, which made connections very important.


    NBA tryouts generally don''t start until after the Draft Lottery in mid-April.


    In the month leading up to it, Hansen used the time for intensive training to improve his skills.


    "Han, aren''t you going to place a bet?" One day after practice, Rondo approached him, holding his phone.


    Han glanced at it and saw the odds for March Madness.


    March Madness, similar to the NFL''s Super Bowl, is the most-watched basketball event in the U.S.


    Every year, many people¡ª including NBA players¡ª place bets on the tournament''s winner.


    Because it''s a single-elimination tournament, the uncertainty factor is huge, so the odds are usually high if you bet early.


    For example, at the moment, the lowest odds were for the University of North Carolina, at 2-to-9.


    Seeing North Carolina''s name sparked an idea in Hansen''s mind.


    He didn''t remember the NCAA champions from other years, but this year, he distinctly recalled the University of North Carolina winning, thanks to Tyler Hansbrough''s long-awaited championship victory.


    "If you''re going to bet, go with North Carolina. They''re unbeatable this year," he advised.


    "You''re being a bit too optimistic. Last year, they were unbeatable too, but they still lost," Rondo wasn''t convinced.


    "There''s everything in this world, except regret pills."


    "Are you that sure?" Han''s confidence made Rondo doubt himself, knowing that he wouldn''t say something like that lightly.


    Han nodded firmly. Rondo had done Han a big favor by getting him the Heat''s ball boy job, so this was a small way to repay him.


    "Alright, I''ll trust you this time! When I win, I''ll treat you to a big meal," Rondo said, already starting to place his bet.


    At the same time, Han Sen took out his phone to ask his parents back home for some money.


    He couldn''t train alone; he needed to hire a trainer, which required money, as would the upcoming tryouts.


    For popular prospects, agents would cover their transportation and lodging for tryouts, considering it an early investment.


    But Hansen didn''t have that luxury, and it wasn''t a small expense.


    He planned to make some money through March Madness betting, which would solve most of his problems.


    Of course, Hansen asked for a bit more.


    If he could make money from March Madness, he could also bet on the NBA Finals. That way, even if he wasn''t drafted, he would still have resources to pursue other options.


    In the end, he asked for $50,000.


    If a family could afford to send their child to the U.S. to play NCAA basketball, their financial situation couldn''t be too bad. Knowing Hansen was aiming for the NBA, his parents were generous.


    He bet $40,000 on North Carolina, saving the rest for his training.


    His training focused on reinforcing his fundamentals, mainly ball handling and passing.


    In the NBA, even 3-and-D players need some level of ball-handling ability.


    The kind of weak ball-handling skills that even college players like Zhai Xiaochuan struggle with don''t exist in the NBA.


    Besides, being a 3-and-D player was just a starting point for him. Improving his ball-handling was essential for his development.


    As for passing, that was something he had already been working on during previous training.


    Of course, during his training, Han didn''t give up his part-time job as a ball boy.


    His defense hadn''t reached its peak yet, and his training sessions with Wade couldn''t be neglected.


    While Han Sen was training, Theus came to him with some news.


    He had compiled his season highlights into a video and sent it to some team executives he knew.


    When Hansen heard the news, he didn''t know how to express his emotions.


    Calling Theus his mentor wouldn''t be an overstatement.


    "I''m helping you, but I''m also helping myself," Theus said candidly this time.


    Another month flew by, and March Madness came to a close amid fans'' anticipation.


    The University of North Carolina led Michigan State by 21 points at halftime in the championship game, setting an NCAA Finals record, and eventually won 89-72, securing the NCAA title.


    Tyler Hansbrough shed tears on the court, creating a legendary moment in NCAA history.


    With North Carolina''s championship win, March Madness officially ended.


    As expected, Hansen earned over $90,000 after taxes.


    That was an anticipated reward.


    What came as a surprise, though, was that he had made it onto the latest NBA draft prospect ranking!


    He was projected to be selected 60th overall by the Miami Heat (via a trade from the Cavaliers).


    NBA draft reports typically rate the listed players, and Han Sen received a score of 84 out of 120.


    His size, athleticism, and agility were each rated 7, while his shooting and mental attributes earned 8.


    Strengths Analysis: A well-sized shooting guard with decent athleticism, strong physical attributes, quick and consistent three-point shooting, capable of hitting threes off the dribble, and mentally tough, showing steady performance in tough situations; he''s a clutch player.


    Weaknesses Analysis: His ball-handling ability is average, and while he has defensive potential, it''s not fully realized. He also lacks experience in high-level competition.


    Summary: He has the potential to become an NBA-level shooter but needs to improve his defense and gain more experience. There''s a chance he''ll be drafted by a team in need of bench depth.


    Draft Comparison by Michael Redd.

 Chapter 17: Physical Test Report.

    Chapter 17: Physical Test Report.Han Sen was a bit surprised when he saw his name on the list.


    Don''t think that being ranked 60th is low¡ª just being on the list means he''s ranked among the top 60 prospects out of all the rookies who signed up for this year''s draft.


    Considering that he came from a second-division league and hasn''t even started his workouts yet, it''s already quite unbelievable.


    However, there were clues that led to this result.


    The most direct link was probably March Madness, which had just ended.


    With the finals of March Madness, the game between Barry University and Michigan State University resurfaced.


    Although Michigan State lost badly to North Carolina, the fact that they made it to the finals already proved their strength.


    And since Barry University, a second-division league team, had once been defeated by them, it was hard not to attract attention.


    In that game, Han Sen''s performance was nothing short of dazzling.


    When you also consider the bigger market background:


    Yao Ming had already opened up the East Asian market, and during the 2007 draft, both Yi Jianlian and Sun Yue were selected, neither of them in low positions.


    At this point, East Asian players were still highly regarded in the draft market.


    Besides, this year was considered a relatively weak draft class, and with the continuous help from Thomas and Theus, it all seemed to make sense.


    It was at this moment that Thomas came to Miami to find Han Sen.


    "Ten workout invitations?"


    When Han Sen learned of the news Thomas brought, he was shocked.


    "You don''t need to attend all the workouts," Thomas reminded him.


    Han Sen was still in shock, not focusing on whether or not he should go to all of them, but rather on the fact that he now had the luxury of choice!


    He knew Thomas had good connections, but he didn''t expect them to be this strong.


    "Championship-contending teams aren''t the best for rookie development. Your current skill set won''t fully shine on a weak team either. It''s best to choose teams that are playoff-level or on the fringe of making the playoffs," Thomas advised.


    Han Sen accepted the advice; it was very professional.


    In the end, he chose six teams to work out for: the Bobcats, Heat, Suns, Thunder, Grizzlies, and Magic.


    After selecting the teams, the next step was to arrange the workout schedule.


    Thomas gave Han Sen a list of the workout drills in advance so he could mentally prepare.


    "If you have any questions, feel free to call me. I''m available 24/7," Thomas reminded him before leaving.


    This agent was truly top-notch.


    In April, the NBA regular season ended, and the league held the 2009 Draft Lottery.


    The Clippers, Grizzlies, and Thunder won the top three picks.


    At this point, Han Sen began his workout journey.


    His first stop was Charlotte.


    The Bobcats had the 12th and 40th picks in this year''s draft, and Han Sen was aiming for the 40th pick.


    The Charlotte workout was spread over two days. On the first day, Han Sen met the other three players participating in the workout.


    They were Seth Curry, Danny Green, and Derrick Brown.


    The workout on the first day consisted of physical and psychological tests, and Han Sen received his first complete physical test report.


    - Barefoot height: 198.265 cm


    - Weight: 93 kg


    - Wingspan: 209.855 cm


    - Standing reach: 268.78 cm


    - Vertical leap (standing): 83 cm


    - Vertical leap (with a running start): 95 cm


    - 3/4 court sprint: 3.21 seconds


    - Lane agility drill: 10.62 seconds


    - Hand length: 22.9 cm


    - Hand width: 25.4 cm


    As a former four-star prospect, Han Sen''s physical test data was quite impressive.


    In particular, his lane agility drill time was outstanding¡ª he was the only one under 11 seconds, which was considered excellent.


    The psychological test involved answering questions designed to assess whether a player would feel anxious or crumble under pressure.


    For someone like Han Sen, who had gone through nine years of compulsory education, this part was a breeze.


    On the second day, a few more players joined the workout.


    He saw Stephen Curry and Gerald Henderson.


    He also noticed Dell Curry on the sidelines.


    When Han Sen saw Dell Curry, he understood that the focus of this workout was Stephen Curry.


    Dell Curry''s prime years were spent with the Charlotte Hornets, and after his career, he continued living in Charlotte, where his sons grew up.


    This was evident from Dell Curry''s position, standing right beside Bobcats GM Bernie Bickerstaff and head coach Larry Brown.


    The second day''s workout focused on ball skills.


    It ranged from non-contact shooting and layups to full-court one-on-ones, two-on-twos, and three-on-threes.


    During the shooting drills, the standout performer was Stephen Curry, who made 25 out of 25 from beyond the arc, truly a shooting machine.


    Han Sen''s performance was slightly less impressive but still good, making 23 out of 25.


    This performance caught Bickerstaff''s attention, and he turned to discuss with Brown.


    However, Brown didn''t seem too interested.


    After the non-contact drills ended, it was time for the one-on-ones. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The one-on-ones followed standard American rules, starting from the three-point line with a maximum of three dribbles. Each round of offense was limited to 10 seconds. The scorer retained possession, and if the shot missed or a rule was violated, possession switched. The first player to score 11 points would win.


    The games took place on half of the court, using a round-robin format.


    This tested not only one-on-one skills but also stamina.


    The first matchup was Curry against Henderson.


    Henderson, from Duke University, stood 6''4" barefoot, with a 6''10" wingspan, and was an athletic wing player with a strong mid-range game, and his shooting form was reminiscent of Michael Jordan.


    Bickerstaff had a player evaluation sheet in hand, where Henderson''s offensive mark was A- and his defense was A. He was a well-rounded player.


    Being considered for the Bobcats'' 12th pick, Henderson was clearly no slouch.


    Curry took the first offensive possession.


    And then... that was it.


    Henderson couldn''t stop Curry at all!


    Curry started by nailing threes over Henderson''s defense, forcing Henderson to press up on him.


    Curry then exploited Henderson''s overly aggressive defense, using quick, nimble drives to get to the basket.


    By the end, Henderson had no idea how to position himself defensively.


    The final score was 11-6, with Henderson quickly defeated.


    Curry, who relied heavily on threes in his first two NCAA seasons, had made significant improvements to his ball-handling and finishing skills after switching to point guard.


    After Henderson, Brown, Green, and Seth Curry were all defeated by Stephen Curry.


    Seth Curry, in particular, was handed an 11-0 blowout by his brother, in what could only be described as a family beatdown.


    Even after going through three players, Stephen Curry still appeared to have plenty of energy left.


    This shocked the Bobcats'' management.


    They knew Curry was good but didn''t expect him to be this dominant.


    "I don''t think we can get him," Bickerstaff said, turning to Dell Curry with a bitter smile.


    Playing for his hometown team was Curry''s preference, which was why Dell Curry was present at the workout. Both sides had mutual interest.


    However, with Curry''s performance, he was unlikely to drop to the 12th pick.


    Han Sen was now up.


    In Bickerstaff''s evaluation sheet, Han Sen was rated B in both offense and defense.


    Players like him were likely to get swept by Curry.


    At that moment, a figure appearing at the gym''s entrance interrupted the workout.


    Bickerstaff and the others turned to greet the person.


    The rookie prospects also looked over with excitement and admiration.


    Han Sen felt a surge of emotion, as it was his first time seeing that man in real life.


    Although Jordan was 46 and had gained some weight, his aura was still incredibly strong.


    He was now a minority owner of the Bobcats, and since the majority owner didn''t manage day-to-day operations, Jordan was the team''s de facto leader.


    Jordan nodded at everyone, walked over, and began chatting with Bickerstaff.


    Curry''s eyes sparkled with desire.


    Who wouldn''t want to showcase their skills in front of the God of Basketball?


    Especially when the next matchup was against Han Sen.


    Although Curry hadn''t engaged in trash talk like Green, he had definitely noticed the drama on his social media account.


    Han Sen had a big mouth, boasting about being the best shooter in the NCAA, and there''s no way Curry wasn''t thinking about that.


    There couldn''t be a better opportunity than this.

 Chapter 18: A Grade Schooler’s Nightmare.

    Chapter 18: A Grade Schooler''s Nightmare.The chat on the sidelines continued, as did the one-on-one match on the court.


    Curry was on the attack first again.


    The assistant coach passed the ball to Curry, and Han stepped forward to defend.


    Seeing this, Curry quickly changed direction to break through inside.


    His first step was fast and wide.


    After drawing Han to one side of the breakthrough, he sharply pulled the ball back towards the three-point line.


    Out of the six players in the trial, Han was the only one who had previously faced Curry.


    He had a clear sense of his own defensive ability.


    But just as Curry was about to shoot, a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes.


    Han Sen hadn''t been shaken off like Curry expected!


    This caught Curry off guard, but he remained calm, quickly making a pump fake.


    Yet, Han didn''t bite!


    This fake forced Curry into a dead ball situation.


    With his one-motion shooting style, Curry lacked the strength for a forced shot and had to attempt a step-back turnaround jumper.


    But just as Curry released the shot, Hansen had already predicted his angle and extended his hand...


    Smack!


    Han Sen swatted the ball out of bounds!


    The block was crisp. Jordan and Bickerstaff''s conversation abruptly stopped, and everyone on the sidelines turned their eyes to the court.


    What just happened?


    "He blocked Steph," Larry Brown calmly said.


    From the moment Han Sen kept up with Curry''s first step, Brown''s attention had been fully drawn.


    As a defense expert, he wasn''t particularly interested in offense, but defense? That was his forte.


    Han''s reaction speed and lateral movement were fast enough, showing the potential of an excellent defender.


    And Hansen''s subsequent response surprised him even more.


    Curry''s fake was convincing and carried a real shooting threat, the kind where if you don''t apply pressure, he''ll shoot right away.


    But not only did he ignore the fake, he also extended his arm, using his size advantage to block Curry''s shooting angle.


    From this, Brown could already tell that Han didn''t just have the potential of a good defender¡ªhe was already an excellent one.


    Blocking Curry after forcing him into a dead ball was merely the icing on the cake.


    Although Brown''s tone was calm, his words shocked the others, especially Bickerstaff and those who had witnessed Curry''s performance.


    Instinctively, they turned their gaze to Hansen, this somewhat unfamiliar player from a second-division league.


    "Maybe, it was just luck?" Bickerstaff cautiously suggested.


    Curry was the focus of today''s trial, and with Dell Curry standing right next to him, they had to give him some face.


    Brown just smiled without responding.


    On the court, the possession switched.


    Han received the ball, adopted a triple-threat position, and also chose to break through from the right.


    Curry''s defense pressed high as well, knowing that Hansen''s main offensive weapon was the three-pointer.


    However, Curry''s judgment was off once again.


    Hansen didn''t pull back for a step-back shot but instead used his body to forcefully bump Curry aside, striding into the paint for a powerful two-handed dunk.


    Rookie Curry''s defense was clearly weak, especially his physical resistance. At 84 kilograms, he was at a disadvantage even against players in his own position.


    This was also why Henderson, despite only missing one shot, scored six times in their one-on-one matchup.


    5-0.


    It wasn''t until Han missed his sixth shot that the possession switched. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At this point, everyone on the sidelines turned their eyes back to the court.


    In Bickerstaff''s report, Curry was rated A+ in offense and B- in defense, so his weak defense wasn''t surprising.


    But how was Han, rated B in defense, shutting down Curry, who had an A+ in offense? That was the question on everyone''s mind.


    Curry got the ball again, but this time, he didn''t rush to attack. He adopted a triple-threat position, swinging the ball from side to side, then glanced at the basket before accelerating left with a crossover.


    The ball swinging was meant to tempt Han into reaching for a steal, and the glance at the hoop was to fake a shot¡ª Curry''s offensive details were fully on display.


    But Han Sen wasn''t fooled.


    Larry Brown stroked his chin, observing Han with growing interest.


    Han, now a college junior at not yet 21, wasn''t even considered an older rookie, but his defensive instincts were exceptional.


    Moreover, the scouting report on Han didn''t highlight his defense as a particular strength.


    On the court, Curry had used up all three of his dribbles in his drive and opted for a quick stop floater.


    The quick stop was clean, but it still didn''t fully shake off Han.


    Under Han''s defensive pressure, Curry was forced to release early, and the ball hit the side of the rim and missed.


    At this point, Bickerstaff and the others could clearly see.


    It wasn''t that Curry had suddenly lost his offensive abilities¡ª the only explanation was that Han''s defensive rating had been severely underestimated.


    This wasn''t impossible, as he came from a second-division league, and scouts hadn''t thoroughly evaluated him.


    Compared with Henderson and Danny Green, Han''s defensive abilities were even more evident.


    Bickerstaff crossed out Hansen''s B defensive rating in his notes and replaced it with an A.


    After a brief hesitation, he added a "+" to the A.


    11-3.


    Hansen ultimately easily defeated Curry, ending his four-game win streak.


    After that, Han began his own winning streak.


    He beat Henderson 11-9, Green 11-3, Brown 11-5, and Seth Curry 11-0.


    Then, it was 11-9 against Curry and 11-8 against Henderson.


    Hansen''s streak was different from Curry''s. He relied more on defense to suppress his opponents, gaining enough offensive possessions to grind out victories.


    Especially in his two one-on-one matches with Henderson, each had more than 30 possessions.


    By the end, his stamina was clearly depleted.


    But it was still impressive because Hansen had completed a six-game win streak!


    He was just a player from a second-division league.


    Jordan turned to Bickerstaff and said something.


    Bickerstaff looked at Jordan in surprise, but after seeing Jordan nod, he didn''t say anything further.


    Hansen sat down to rest and wasn''t called back onto the court after that.


    It seemed the evaluation phase for him had ended.


    After the one-on-ones, there were two-on-twos and three-on-threes.


    In these phases, Curry stood out the most, shining in team play.


    Hansen''s performance wasn''t as good as Curry or Henderson, but he clearly outperformed the other three players.


    The Bobcats didn''t schedule a full-court scrimmage, so after the three-on-threes, Han Sen''s first trial was officially over.


    Not long after the trial ended, Bickerstaff approached him for a chat.


    From casual conversation about training to career plans and even Charlotte as a city, Han could sense that the Bobcats were interested in him.


    This meant he had a chance to be picked by the Bobcats with their 40th draft pick.


    The difference between being picked 60th and 40th was enormous.


    The former meant a slim chance of being signed, while the latter meant a high probability.


    "There''s one more thing," Bickerstaff suddenly said, his gaze shifting to the other half of the court.


    Following his line of sight, Han Sen noticed that Jordan hadn''t left yet.


    Not only had Jordan not left, but at some point, he had changed into workout gear and was shooting on the other half of the court.


    Han watched for a while, finding it unbelievable.


    Jordan hadn''t missed a single shot, and his movements were smooth and fluid.


    Apart from jumping lower, he looked just like he did in the highlights.


    "Oh, right, what were you saying?" Han snapped out of it after watching for a while, remembering he was still talking to Bickerstaff.


    "Michael said he wants to play a little one-on-one with you."


    "Who?" Han Sen thought he''d misheard.


    At that moment, Jordan noticed they were done talking and stopped his shooting, waving them over.


    Han realized then that Jordan really wanted to play him one-on-one.


    "You don''t need to be too surprised. Michael occasionally plays with the team," Bickerstaff explained as he motioned for him to head over.


    Hearing this, Han remembered a rumor.


    It was said that the Bobcats were doing so poorly that the 50-year-old Jordan had once beaten up the Bobcats'' guards in a scrimmage out of frustration.


    Han Sen walked over, and Jordan didn''t say anything, just gesturing for him to step onto the court for a one-on-one.


    Most of the other people in the gym had been preparing to leave, but upon seeing this, they all came back to watch.


    This surprised Hansen¡ª Jordan wasn''t clearing the court. Was he really not worried about losing and embarrassing himself?


    "I have a question," he asked, not immediately stepping onto the court.


    "Go ahead," Jordan replied.


    "Am I about to play the owner of the Bobcats, Mr. Jordan, or retired basketball player Michael Jordan?"


    Bickerstaff was momentarily stunned. He realized he should''ve given Han a heads-up earlier.


    Jordan looked at him carefully, surprised by the question.


    A few seconds later, he laughed.


    "Don''t worry, I won''t hold back."


    Upon hearing this, he nodded and stepped onto the court.


    Han got the ball first, and Jordan went up to defend.


    Jordan''s movements were more fluid than expected. Although his knees couldn''t keep up with him for long durations, they didn''t affect his explosiveness in one-on-one situations.


    The Bobcats scouts, players, and even Curry looked on with great interest.


    It wasn''t every day you got to watch someone go one-on-one against Jordan!


    But for Han Sen, it was a completely different feeling.


    Despite Jordan''s status as the greatest basketball player of all time, there was still an immense pressure playing against him, especially when Jordan showed a rare intensity and desire to win, like he always did on the court.

 Chapter 19: The Celebrity Effect of Haters.

    Chapter 19: The Celebrity Effect of Haters.The one-on-one between the two wasn''t the standard American-style duel with dribbling or time restrictions.


    Han Sen passed the ball to Jordan, and the game officially began.


    As soon as Jordan received the ball, he raised his hand for a shooting motion.


    Han didn''t fall for the fake.


    Then, the moment Jordan dribbled, he burst forward, dribbling with his right hand and accelerating.


    His first step was fast, and his center of gravity was incredibly low.


    Not just the first step ¡ª the second step was also quick.


    Luckily, Han''s lateral speed was fast enough to keep him parallel to Jordan.


    Then, Jordan didn''t dribble a third time. He grabbed the ball with one hand and soared toward the basket.


    Han timed his jump to block.


    Since Jordan was now a player, he felt no need to hold back out of respect.


    However, to his surprise, Jordan seemed to predict his move. He pulled the ball down early, switching to his left hand for a reverse layup.


    He tried to adjust in mid-air, but Jordan hung in the air, waiting for Han''s hand to come down before releasing the ball.


    The basketball, as if guided, dropped steadily into the hoop.


    "Oh!"


    After scoring, Jordan let out a strange noise.


    The onlookers were left speechless.


    This was a 46 years old man?!


    "Ohhh~"


    Jordan, dragging out the sound, turned to Hansen and said:


    "Are you showing respect to your elders?"


    Laughter erupted from the sidelines. Trash-talking was as natural to Jordan as drinking water.


    Han''s face darkened. Now he understood why Jordan hadn''t cleared the court ¡ª it was due to his absolute confidence in his own abilities.


    And that rumor was most likely true.


    Jordan at 50 or 46 couldn''t play in the NBA because his body and stamina wouldn''t support it. But when it came to one-on-one ¡ª something he had played his entire life ¡ª he would never lose.


    Han Sen resumed the game, now fully focused.


    If he lost to 46-year-old Jordan, it would be another major highlight in Jordan''s legendary career.


    Jordan received the ball, this time without any fakes, choosing to drive straight down the left side.


    Most players had a preferred hand or a habitual attack mode, but Jordan was equally adept on either side.


    Han Sen quickly kept up, positioning himself in front of Jordan, not giving him any room to start his move.


    Jordan accelerated.


    His ultra-low center of gravity allowed for rapid speed changes.


    Han Sen found his own center of gravity involuntarily shifting backward due to Jordan''s burst of speed.


    Just then, Jordan slammed the ball forward and came to an abrupt stop, pulling up for a jump shot.


    In that moment, Han Sen truly felt Jordan''s terrifying skill.


    His rhythm changed so quickly.


    It wasn''t like Wade''s sheer speed, but the defensive pressure was just as intense.


    If this were the old Han, before practicing with Wade, he wouldn''t have had any way to deal with this.


    But now, his defensive skills had drastically improved, especially with his heightened focus. His reaction was quick.


    He leapt forward with all his strength, almost jumping at the same time as Jordan, extending his long arms to apply pressure in the air.


    Jordan leaned back in mid-air.


    If this had been 20 years ago, his vertical leap would have been enough to support a deep fadeaway to avoid such interference.


    But 46-year-old Jordan, while still incredibly skilled, no longer had the same leaping ability.


    Jordan was forced to raise his shot angle to avoid the block.


    The ball barely cleared Han''s fingertips but hit the front of the rim and bounced out.


    "You''re old," Hansen said, looking at Jordan after landing.


    Trash talk should be reciprocated, after all.


    Bickerstaff, on the sidelines, gave a light cough.


    Han didn''t look at him, instead picking up the ball and heading straight for the three-point line.


    Losing to a 46-year-old Jordan in front of so many people could hurt his draft prospects.


    And besides, there''s no way Jordan would take offense to a little trash talk after asking if Han Sen was playing as an athlete.


    The Basketball God wasn''t that petty.


    Hmm?


    As Hansen reached the three-point line, he suddenly noticed a change in his system''s hater points: +15.


    He was shocked.


    During the season opener, he had been arrogant in front of the press, and his hater points only increased by 13.


    But now, with just one line of trash talk, he had gained 15 points.


    And it was a one-time increase, meaning it came from one person.


    That person wasn''t likely a spectator... It had to be Jordan.


    Han no longer cared if Jordan was petty because what had just happened overturned his understanding of the hater system.


    He had thought that gaining hater points depended on the number and intensity of haters, but now it seemed it also had to do with who the haters were.


    Do haters have a celebrity effect too?


    Han Sen wasn''t sure since the hater system didn''t offer any way to communicate.


    The only way to verify this was to keep experimenting on Jordan.


    Jordan inbounded the ball. Hansen received it and immediately drove right at full speed.


    Jordan''s size and quickness had earned him 9 All-Defensive First Team selections in his 14-season career, and as a perimeter player, he had even won DPOY ¡ª the defensive player of the year award.


    Although older now, his defensive instincts were ingrained deeply. Han Sen''s only advantage was Jordan''s deteriorated physical condition.


    As Jordan moved to keep up, Han made a sharp between-the-legs move, then stepped back for a three-pointer.


    In an instant, he and Jordan were more than a meter apart.


    Jordan lunged forward, but it was too late.


    You couldn''t see it as clearly when Jordan was on offense, but now that he was on defense, it was obvious ¡ª like Hansen said: he was old.


    No one can resist time, not even the once-immortal God of basketball.


    Swish!


    Han Sen''s shot cut through the net.


    The spectators gasped, and Curry even stood up from his seat, hands on his head in an exaggerated display of shock.


    That guy was still a clown at heart.


    Han Sen, without reacting to his shot, extended his hand toward Curry: "Sit down, it''s just a routine play."


    At the same time, Han Sen saw his hater points increase by another 15.


    It seemed his assumption was correct.


    Suddenly, he realized ¡ª could Jordan really be this petty? Would he lose his draft spot over this?


    But there wasn''t much time to think about that now. After all, trash-talking and gaining 15 hater points was too good an opportunity to pass up.


    Han Sen maintained possession. This time, Jordan pressed in, not giving him any room to dribble easily.


    Under the tight defense, Hansen''s weakness in handling the ball was exposed, and he missed a forced shot.


    With the ball back in Jordan''s hands, he switched up his offense again, moving from face-up play to a post-up game.


    Jordan''s drives were strong, but his post-ups were even stronger. It was like how fans knew his turnaround fadeaway better than his low-to-the-ground drives.


    His post-up pressure, his feel for his defender''s center of gravity, his timing for the spin, and the distance he created after spinning were all top-notch.


    Though he couldn''t jump as high anymore, his turnaround fadeaway was still unstoppable.


    Han Sen guessed Jordan''s spin direction correctly, but he still couldn''t stop the shot.


    The basketball went in cleanly.


    "You''re just going to watch me shoot all day, and there''s nothing you can do about it."


    After scoring, Jordan continued to trash-talk.


    It wasn''t until now that the spectators noticed Jordan''s expression had become serious.


    Of course, Han Sen was just as serious.


    As the one-on-one deepened, the trash talk and physical contact between them escalated.


    Neither wanted to lose this match.


    The score alternated back and forth, reaching a tie at 8-8 before a clear turning point appeared.


    Jordan''s stamina was running out.


    Han Sen''s stamina wasn''t exceptional either, but at 20 years old, he was certainly stronger than the 46-year-old Jordan, who hadn''t been in regular training.


    Han Sen scored two more points in a row, bringing the score to 10-8.


    He now had a chance to finish the game.


    This time, he decided to go for a post-up, directly leaning in.


    Sure enough, before he could even start trash-talking, his hater points increased by another 15.


    Han Sen''s post-up skills weren''t polished, but Jordan was clearly struggling on defense now. The saying "the old are afraid of the young" held true ¡ª Jordan simply didn''t have the energy to keep up.


    After a few exchanges of force, Han Sen felt Jordan''s hand clamp down on his.


    He tried to push off, but Jordan''s arms were strong, forcing him to use more force.


    Eventually, he managed to shake Jordan''s hand off, but he used too much strength, causing his hand to smack into Jordan''s chest. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Crack.


    At that moment, he heard a crisp sound.


    Jordan''s exhausted face suddenly contorted in pain.

 Chapter 20: Draft Promise.

    Chapter 20: Draft Promise.Jordan''s face showed pain, but he didn''t make a sound. Instead, he seized the moment when Han Sen got distracted and slapped the basketball away. However, after swatting the ball, he couldn''t stay on his feet and squatted down.


    Han Sen was startled.


    Although he wanted to gain some [hater points] and win the game, he didn''t mean to injure Jordan.


    He hurried over to check on him.


    Bickerstaff also quickly came to their side.


    After some communication, Jordan stood back up.


    What surprised him was that Jordan indicated the game should continue.


    Now Han Sen was unsure about the situation. Jordan wasn''t the type to fake an injury when he was about to lose.


    However, since Jordan insisted, he had no choice but to continue.


    Han Sen passed the ball. After a quick feint, Jordan jumped and took the shot.


    He didn''t expect Jordan to be so decisive, and since his attention wasn''t fully on the game, he didn''t provide much interference.


    Jordan''s shot was sharp and clean.


    But after making the shot, Jordan''s face contorted in pain once more.


    This time, he signaled for the one-on-one match to be interrupted and asked for Bickerstaff to come over.


    In the end, Jordan left the gym with the help of others.


    Han Sen stood there, watching Jordan disappear, stunned for a while before snapping out of it.


    Most people had already left the gym, and he was about to leave as well.


    At that moment, Bickerstaff returned.


    "It was an accident," he explained as he saw Bickerstaff approaching.


    "I know," Bickerstaff smiled and patted Han Sen on the shoulder.


    "Before Michael got in the car, he asked me to tell you not to worry about it. Injuries are unavoidable in basketball games, and he wants you to focus on your future workouts."


    Hearing this, Han Sen felt a little disoriented. For a moment, he couldn''t figure out what kind of person Jordan truly was.


    ...


    After finishing his tryout in Charlotte, he returned to Miami to prepare for his tryout with the Heat.


    However, before the Heat''s tryouts even began, American entertainment media outlet TMZ broke the news that Jordan had fractured two ribs during a tryout with the Bobcats due to a collision with Han Sen.


    Yes, they even named him.


    In fact, after the tryout, Bickerstaff had specifically asked those present not to spread the news.


    But TMZ offered too much money.


    Moreover, with so many people there that day, it would be difficult to track down the leaker even if someone did spill the beans.


    The direct result was that when Han Sen showed up for the Heat''s tryout, reporters from several major sports media outlets swarmed in.


    Seeing this, he couldn''t help but laugh.


    With his current low profile, media attention was a good thing for his draft prospects, but he hadn''t expected it to come in this way.


    After all, the news of Jordan being injured by Artest back in the day was also well-known.


    So, was the god of basketball''s weak spot actually his ribs?


    The reporters surrounded Han Sen, a scene usually reserved for NBA stars.


    The questions poured in, mostly asking about the details of Jordan''s injury.


    Han Sen knew there were too many witnesses that day, so lying wasn''t an option. He had to answer truthfully, with a bit of artistic flair.


    "He grabbed me, and I tried to use my right hand to push his arm away, but my elbow accidentally hit his chest."


    He first described the event briefly and then added,


    "I was upset about accidentally injuring him, but Michael, after breaking his ribs, came back and made a crucial shot before leaving."


    After Hansen finished, the reporters looked at each other, their expressions indicating they weren''t surprised.


    That was exactly what they expected Jordan to do.


    Was Jordan''s shot crucial?


    Obviously not. Whether Jordan was injured or not, Han Sen would have won the one-on-one game.


    But that wasn''t important.


    After all, being a decent person is about timing.


    If he bragged about beating 46-year-old Jordan, it would only make him look petty.


    Plus, he had gained over 200 [hate points] from that one-on-one game with Jordan.


    So, giving Jordan face was also a way to create opportunities for himself to gain more haters in the future.


    After the interview, he turned his attention to the Heat tryouts.


    This time, most of the players trying out with him were projected second-round picks.


    This was because the Heat didn''t have a first-round pick this year, only two second-round picks at 43 and 60.


    Han Sen saw many familiar faces, including Danny Green, who had also attended the Bobcats tryout with him.


    He also spotted Chase Budinger.


    Budinger was a dual-sport talent, named the national volleyball player of the year in high school, and shared the McDonald''s All-American Game MVP with Kevin Durant that same year.


    He eventually chose basketball because it was more lucrative. He was Yao Ming''s teammate during his time with the Rockets, and after earning enough in the NBA, he switched back to volleyball, even representing the U.S. in beach volleyball at the Olympics.


    Green, Budinger, and himself... it seemed the Heat were looking for backup guards for Dwyane Wade.


    Because Han Sen had been swarmed by reporters before the tryout, he became the center of attention during the workout.


    The players matched up against him were clearly more excited.


    Not only was the intensity of their defense higher, but their actions were also more aggressive.


    This wasn''t for Jordan''s sake; second-round prospects have uncertain draft outcomes, and since Han Sen now had more attention, beating him would naturally bring them some of that spotlight.


    However, their heightened excitement didn''t fluster him. In fact, it only made his skills stand out more.


    To put it bluntly, he wasn''t hyped up by media or connections. He didn''t have a famous basketball father but instead had real ability.


    His lower draft prospects were only due to coming from a second-division league, but his performance at the Bobcats tryout had already proven his skills.


    He wasn''t any worse than the other late-second-round prospects.


    The Heat were currently in the playoffs against the Hawks, so the coaching staff wasn''t at the tryout.


    However, there was someone present with even more authority than the entire coaching staff: Heat president and general manager, Pat Riley.


    Han''s performance made it hard for Riley not to take notice.


    After the tryout, he was invited to Riley''s private office by his assistant, Andy Elisburg.


    Once Andy left, only Riley, who was lounging in his chair, were left in the room with him.


    Hansen hadn''t experienced this kind of situation before, especially with Riley in front of him, making him a bit nervous.


    "DW mentioned you to me. He said your defense isn''t bad."


    Riley''s opening line immediately put Hansen at ease.


    Wade and he had used each other as practice partners, often trash-talking during training.


    He hadn''t expected Wade not only to introduce him to his agent but also to speak highly of him to Riley. Wade was turning out to be quite the good guy. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, as Han was feeling sentimental, Riley''s next words shocked him.


    "Since DW vouches for you and you performed well today, we''re going to select you with the 43rd pick."


    Was this... a draft promise?


    And a guaranteed 43rd pick?!


    Typically, it takes more than one round of tryouts to finalize decisions.


    For example, after his stellar performance at the Bobcats tryout, the feedback was that there would be a second tryout.


    But Riley just made the decision like that?


    "Do you like the city of Miami?" Riley seemed not to notice Hansen''s reaction, crossing his hands in front of him as he smiled.


    "I do." There was no reason to hide it.


    Hansen had lived in Miami for almost a year. While it wasn''t as bustling as New York or Los Angeles, it was still one of the top cities in the U.S.


    Plus, Miami had pleasant weather, and as a coastal city with world-famous beaches, it was indeed a great place to live.


    You could see this from the many wealthy people who chose to settle there.


    "Are you looking forward to joining the Heat?" Perhaps noticing Hansen''s expression, Riley added with a smile,


    "You can be honest. Whatever you say won''t change the commitment we''ve already made."


    Hansen wasn''t sure what Riley''s intentions were. Despite Riley''s friendly demeanor, his reputation as a "master strategist" preceded him.


    "Before my tryouts started, my agent secured tryouts with over ten teams for me. I chose a few, and the Heat was one of my target teams." He carefully responded.


    Riley raised his interlocked fingers, lightly tapping his upper lip.


    After glancing at a file on his desk, he looked up again.


    "Can I take that as you wanting to join the Heat?"


    "Yes."


    Riley lowered his hands, pushed his chair to his desk, and looked at Han seriously.


    "We''re interested in you, and you want to join us, so I hope you can cancel your remaining tryouts to ensure you''ll join us."


    At this, Han Sen finally felt like things were falling into place.


    The draft promise came with conditions.

 Chapter 21: Best Defensive Player of the 2009 Class.

    Chapter 21: Best Defensive Player of the 2009 Class.In order to ensure being selected by a specific team, participating only in that team''s tryouts is not uncommon at the draft.


    For instance, Curry rejected most teams this year and only participated in tryouts for the Kings, Knicks, and Bobcats.


    This situation is more common for first-round prospects, while it''s relatively rare for second-rounders.


    However, it''s not unheard of.


    Take Austin Reaves, who turned down tryout invitations from all other teams to join the Lakers.


    Han Sen''s draft stock is currently projected to be at the end of the second round, and being picked 43rd is a considerable temptation for him.


    Moreover, Riley''s question struck a chord; he likes the city of Miami, and joining the Heat would be a great choice.


    "Mr. Riley, I want to join the Heat, but I also want to complete the remaining tryouts because I want to know if I have a chance to go in the first round."


    The biggest difference between the first and second rounds of the NBA draft is that first-round players are guaranteed a four-year contract, while second-round picks usually get non-guaranteed contracts, and even when guaranteed, it''s often just the first year.


    Previously, he didn''t have such thoughts because his goal back then was simply to get picked.


    But now, after going through two rounds of tryouts, he realized he is just as good as the prospects expected to go in the second round, so naturally, he wants to aim higher.


    As for why he chose to be honest, it''s because he was talking to Riley, a shrewd individual. A thousand excuses can''t compare to a sincere approach.


    Riley looked at Hansen for a while before finally smiling:


    "Our commitment to you in the draft remains unchanged. If you receive a better draft commitment, I hope you can let me know."


    "No problem, Mr. Riley."


    Hansen accepted Riley''s new terms.


    Leaving the office, Hansen felt very pleased.


    It''s common in the NBA for draft commitments to ultimately not be honored; after all, verbal agreements lack actual binding power.


    However, the fact that Riley added new conditions after his statement indicates that the Heat is genuinely interested in him.


    In other words, as long as nothing major goes wrong, he has effectively secured the 43rd pick.


    This was even smoother than he expected, and he had no reason not to feel happy.


    After completing tryouts with two Eastern teams, Hansen hurried to the West, where he would participate in tryouts for the Suns, Thunder, and Grizzlies in turn.


    Hansen''s tryout with the Suns went very smoothly.


    Head Coach Alvin Gentry expressed great interest in Hansen, and before the tryout even finished, he pulled him aside for a long chat.


    Soon after, the latest draft predictions were released by NBADraft, showing Han Sen had climbed from the end of the second round to the middle, with the Suns projected to pick him at 48.


    During NBA team tryouts, the management not only keeps tryout information under wraps from the media but also asks staff to maintain confidentiality to prevent their true intentions from being discovered by other teams.


    However, at the tryout venue, aside from management and staff, there are also rookies participating in the tryouts, so this confidentiality doesn''t always work.


    Take the Suns'' tryout as an example; it was clear to everyone that Gentry and Han Sen were having a great time chatting.


    Yet, Hansen felt that the draft prediction was still not enough.


    Moreover, during this busy period of tryouts, he hadn''t had time to manage his social media, causing his negative follower count to rise slowly. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    So, before heading to Oklahoma for the tryout, Hansen posted a personal status on Facebook.


    "I am the Best Defensive Player of the 2009 Class."


    Hansen had already attracted a large number of negative followers due to his previous antics.


    As soon as he posted this status, especially with the incident of him breaking Jordan''s rib still making waves, his negative follower count skyrocketed.


    "You may not be the best defender, but you''re definitely the dirtiest¡ª after all, you can take down a 46-year-old."


    "NCAA''s top shooter, Best Defensive Player of 2009, why don''t you say you should be the first pick?"


    "Others play based on skill, but you rely solely on self-proclamation; you''re blazing a new trail!"


    ...


    Han Sen had long since built immunity to these comments and even liked the one about "blazing a new trail."


    In fact, aside from harvesting negative follower counts, he was also boosting his own market value.


    Now, the teams he was trying out for kept the contents of the tryouts confidential, but the incident with Jordan got attention because news can sell, so the truth can''t be hidden. However, no one knows about his defense against Curry so far.


    So he needed to let other teams he hadn''t tried out with know that the current draft reports were inaccurate; he could play defense.


    As for the truthfulness of the information, if teams are interested, they would naturally find ways to dig for information from the teams he had already tried out with.


    Moreover, the upcoming tryout with the Thunder was a great opportunity.


    The Thunder has been a draft powerhouse in recent years; they selected Durant and Jeff Green in 2007, and in 2008, they picked Westbrook and Ibaka. This year, they hold the 3rd, 25th, and 54th picks.


    He didn''t know who they would choose with the 25th and 54th picks, but he clearly remembered who the 2009 draft''s third overall pick was.


    Unless something unexpected happened, he would be participating in the tryout with James Harden.


    If he could defend against Harden in the tryouts, the Thunder might very well consider him for the 25th pick.


    ...


    On this day, Han Sen went to Oklahoma accompanied by Thomas.


    Thomas took this tryout seriously since it was the team he strongly recommended Hansen to.


    Although the Thunder had been near the bottom of the Western Conference in recent years, they had accumulated enough potential, and it was only a matter of time before they achieved results.


    Moreover, and more importantly, the Thunder desperately needed a 3-and-D wing player.


    Last season, they traded for "Swiss Army Knife" Thabo Sefolosha from the Bulls to serve as the starting shooting guard.


    While Sefolosha did bring perimeter defense to the Thunder, his three-point shooting was abysmal, with a shooting percentage below 25%. Combined with Westbrook''s struggles from beyond the arc, the Thunder''s offensive spacing was dreadful.


    Upon arriving at the tryout venue, Han Sen did not see Harden, which was unexpected.


    However, he did see Kevin Durant!


    The Thunder didn''t make the playoffs last season, so Durant should have been enjoying his vacation long ago; how could he be at the tryout venue?


    This confusion was quickly resolved afterward.


    Thunder General Manager Presti announced that Durant would be the one-on-one opponent for the rookies during the tryouts!


    When this news was announced, the rookies were all dumbfounded.


    Even though Durant had just completed his second year, he was already an elite scorer in the league, averaging 25.3 points last season on 47.6% shooting and 42.1% from three, making him the Thunder''s core.


    Han Sen also felt the pressure.


    Winning against Curry in one-on-one could prove something, but it wasn''t much, as Curry was not particularly known for his isolation game.


    However, at that time, he hadn''t used his full defensive power, so he was confident in defending against Harden, who had stronger isolation skills.


    But Durant? Durant was a whole level above Harden, a complete dimensional shift for the rookies.


    Yet he also sensed an opportunity.


    It wouldn''t make sense to bring in Durant just for a second-round pick; this was most likely preparation for the 25th pick.


    Thomas'' intel was accurate; the Thunder indeed needed a 3-and-D player.


    If he could perform well in this segment, wouldn''t he be the best candidate?


    The one-on-one tryout soon began, and he was scheduled to go last.


    There was no helping it; even though his draft stock was rising, most of the participants in this tryout had first-round prospects.


    Then, Hansen watched as Durant transformed into a teacher, taking each rookie to school one by one.


    His isolation ability was just too overpowered.


    Standing 2.11 meters (about 6 feet 11 inches) in shoes, he could easily play as a power forward, but Durant played as a shooting guard and was a shooting specialist.


    Hansen had seen Durant on video before, even at his peak, but the difference between video and reality was staggering.


    Durant''s shot not only had a high release point, but it was also incredibly quick.


    He truly understood the saying, "A change of direction is respect for you; what can you do about a pull-up?"


    It was spot on.


    Finally, it was his turn.


    As he stepped onto the court, the previously somewhat bored Durant suddenly perked up.


    He squinted at Hansen: "You''re the Best Defensive Player of the 2009 Class?"


    Hansen paused for a moment, then suddenly remembered something.


    Durant was also a big user of the internet!

 Chapter 22: The Battle for Supremacy.

    Chapter 22: The Battle for Supremacy.So Durant is here because of that social media post he made?


    It sounds unbelievable, but it fits perfectly with what''s happening with Durant.


    "After today that is," Hansen replied, looking at Durant.


    Durant''s expression darkened as he turned and walked toward the three-point line.


    Seeing this, Hansen felt a surge of joy inside.


    If it had been Wade, he would likely have replied, "You really know how to dream."


    And if it had been Jordan, there would have been a dismissive smile, followed by an increase in his hater score by +15.


    But Durant''s reaction was: a genuine displeasure.


    Although Durant''s strength differed from what he expected, his personality was exactly the same.


    As Durant received the pass, Han Sen glued himself to him.


    Durant''s pull-up shooting ability is terrifying; he at least needs to be forced into a drive.


    Moreover, Han Sen''s defense was quite strategic; he leaned his body to the right to block Durant''s left side driving route.


    However, this meant that he was essentially giving Durant the right side.


    Seeing this, Durant quickly made a move to the right.


    With his height, long legs, and large strides, he made a powerful drive.


    But Han Sen showcased his defensive skills, using lateral movement to cut off Durant''s path to the basket.


    Durant made it to the high post on the right side, and if he continued like this, he would end up at the baseline.


    Shots from the baseline generally have a lower success rate, so he opted for a quick stop-and-pop.


    Hansen made a valiant effort to interfere, but he still couldn''t prevent Durant''s shot.


    On the sidelines, the rookies looked on with expressions of strong resonance.


    It was that feeling; once Durant decided to shoot, everything they did was in vain.


    Clang!


    But unexpectedly, Durant''s shot clanked off the rim!


    Was Han Sen really this lucky?


    Or had Durant just worn himself out from too much one-on-one play?


    "Looks like your driving skills aren''t so great after all~" Hansen turned back to Durant, smiling.


    Durant''s expression darkened further; he was actually mocked by a rookie!


    This scene widened the eyes of Presti on the sidelines; he had never seen a rookie like this before.


    The ball changed possession, and it was Han Sen''s turn to attack.


    Durant stuck close, actively challenging him, clearly a bit provoked.


    "Come on, let me teach you a thing or two!"


    After saying that, Han Sen made a quick drive and pushed past Durant.


    But just as he was about to finish, Durant came from behind and successfully disrupted his layup.


    Durant''s most unusual aspect, or perhaps the most incongruous, was that he had the height of a power forward but the speed of a small forward.


    And besides his 2.11-meter height, he also possessed an astonishing 2.28-meter wingspan.


    When he''s willing to put in effort on the defensive end, he becomes a top-tier defender.


    "Your driving skills are terrible!" After successfully defending, Durant shot back.


    Han Sen shrugged with a smile.


    Durant puffed out his cheeks in frustration.


    He quickly made his way to the three-point line, determined to show Han what he was made of!


    Durant received the ball, and Han Sen continued his previous defensive approach.


    Durant tried to change direction to the left, but Han Sen''s sliding defense was effective, and his physicality was decent, forcing Durant to go right instead.


    This time, he took a quick stop-and-pop shot from a closer distance.


    But to everyone''s astonishment, Durant''s shot went awry again!


    The rookies were dumbfounded, and even Presti fell into deep thought.


    One possession could be luck, but two in a row... was Durant actually being defended by a rookie?


    In fact, not just them; Durant himself found it hard to believe.


    Only Han Sen revealed a barely noticeable smile.


    The second-year Durant was clearly not at his peak; he definitely had weaknesses.


    As the last to step onto the court, Han had plenty of opportunities to observe.


    As a former trainer, he observed more subtly and accurately than the average person.


    At that moment, Durant had a very unfavorable habit, one he might not even realize: he always liked to shoot from the right side of his face.


    The biggest impact of this habit was that right-side stop-and-pop shots became challenging.


    On the court, this meant when Durant drove left, he liked to stop for a jumper, but when driving right, he preferred to attack the rim directly.


    So by cutting off Durant''s left driving lane and his right path to the basket, Han Sen''s chances of successfully defending increased significantly.


    That was also why he started trash-talking Durant right away, hoping to provoke him.


    Wade or Jordan wouldn''t fall for such tricks, but Durant''s real personality was easily led into a trap, and he wouldn''t get out easily.


    With the ball changed possession again, Han Sen received the ball and quickly made a driving move, but this time he swiftly stepped back to the three-point line to shoot.


    Durant misjudged the situation, failing to keep up with his pace, and Han Sen''s three-pointer went up smoothly.


    After scoring, Han Sen raised his right hand, making a three-point celebration gesture towards the sidelines.


    The rookies on the sidelines couldn''t help but cheer loudly.


    Although they were competitors, Han Sen''s performance now represented a breath of fresh air for them.


    After putting his hand down, he turned his gaze back to Durant.


    Did Durant possibly know his technical characteristics beforehand?


    Clearly not.


    Jordan at least had seen him play against others, but Durant had never seen him at all.


    This was also the true reason behind his initial trash talk and his choice to attack in a way he wasn''t particularly good at.


    Durant''s defensive skills were strong, but his high center of gravity made him susceptible to misjudgments when lulled into complacency, which hampered his ability to recover quickly.


    Of course, this tactic could only be used once; the second time, Durant was prepared, and after his shot was interfered with, it still missed the rim.


    The ball changed hands again, and this time Durant chose to back down against Han Sen.


    If face-up was difficult, could he not play back-to-the-basket?


    With his physique, playing shooting guard was a natural mismatch.


    At this moment, Han Sen''s defensive approach was completely opposite to before; his entire body leaned to the right, forcing Durant to turn left.


    Yet Durant just didn''t turn left.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t want to; rather, at this stage, his left turn technique was still quite immature.


    In the end, he forcibly turned and shot to the right, which Han Sen interfered with, causing the shot to miss again.


    No matter face-up or back-to-the-basket, Hansen had him figured out!


    Presti turned to communicate with the Thunder''s head coach, Scott Brooks, beside him.


    The strength report they had in hand was the same as what the Bobcats had, rating Han Sen''s defensive capability as a B.


    But from what was displayed, it might be more than A+, possibly even reaching S-!


    The game continued, and Hansen scored two more shots in succession.


    After being defended so many times, Durant''s mentality clearly started to fluctuate.


    At this point, some spectators on the sidelines couldn''t help but whistle.


    If Durant were to lose to a rookie who hadn''t even entered the league yet, that would truly be big news.


    Durant shot a fierce glare toward the sidelines, and the world instantly fell silent.


    After that, he closely defended Han Sen''s attack and adjusted his offensive approach again.


    He directly backed down hard, driving into the paint.


    Durant''s size was large, and as a second-year player, he had developed his physicality; as long as he got into the three-second area, Hansen''s interference would be limited.


    However, after failing to defend, Hansen was not discouraged; instead, he became genuinely excited.


    Because he truly saw an opportunity.


    Although his previous defense was very targeted, he was facing Durant, known for his one-on-one scoring ability.


    Even second-year Durant was still too strong for him. He hadn''t yet trained the "Star Catcher" technique to its limits.


    But besides technical weaknesses, there was another more lethal flaw at this stage for Durant: his stamina.


    Backing down and driving into the paint was the most physically demanding. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Especially since Durant had already gone against so many other rookies; even though it was easy, stamina consumption was unavoidable.


    Realizing this, he quickly adjusted his defensive strategy, starting to fully confront Durant and wear him down.


    Not only on defense but also on offense, he actively sought out physical contact with Durant.


    The basketball court instantly turned into a football field, with bodies occasionally tumbling over, and the intensity of the confrontation had the spectators on the sidelines holding their breath.


    After a few more possessions, Durant''s speed began to slow down.


    Suddenly, he realized what Han Sen was doing.


    He tried to adjust his offensive approach again, using his height advantage to shoot directly.


    The result was that his consecutive attempts ended with bricks!


    Every player has their shooting rhythm, and after Han Sen''s targeted defense and intense confrontation, Durant lost his touch.


    This meant that he knew Han Sen had dug a pit, but he had to jump in.


    11 to 10.


    After this intense round of scoring, Han Sen was leading.


    He couldn''t help but smile as he kept Durant under pressure.


    Durant stared at Hansen in disbelief; who was this rookie?


    As the ball changed possession, Han Sen immediately made a driving move.


    Just as he was about to finish, he unexpectedly made a quick step-back shot.


    Durant was caught off guard and instinctively jumped to interfere, but Hansen''s three-point shot went smoothly!


    The audience cheered as he scored again, now up 14 to 10.


    In response, Durant clenched his fists in anger; he felt he had lost his reputation!


    Now, it was Han Sen''s turn to perform the trash talk.


    He taunted, "Is it that hard? Come on, you can do better than this!"


    Durant glared at him, feeling slightly overwhelmed.


    But he quickly regained his composure and attempted to attack again.


    This time, he opted for a straight-up jump shot, hoping to regain his confidence.


    Yet he still missed!


    Durant''s expression turned from anger to despair.


    The rookie was clearly more focused on winning than he was, and he didn''t let up.


    "Isn''t this the league''s future star? Let''s go, KD!"


    Durant couldn''t take it anymore.


    He directly attacked again, forcing his way to the basket.


    This time, he would not back down!


    "Ah!" He roared loudly, and his sharp turnaround drove past Han Sen.


    But Han Sen had already anticipated his move.


    The moment Durant turned, he leaned forward and intercepted Durant''s shot perfectly!


    Thud!


    The ball bounced off the rim!


    At this moment, all the spectators fell silent.


    Hansen''s performance had gone above and beyond expectations, showing that he was indeed capable of putting Durant in a position of danger.


    Durant''s fists clenched tightly.


    "C''mon, KD, if you lose to me, how about we put you in a rookie movie?"


    "Rookie movie? You think you''re qualified?"


    Durant''s response sparked laughter from the sidelines.


    But there was also a heavy silence; they were all looking forward to what Durant would do next.


    He was under immense pressure, and this time he had to show what he was made of!


    Durant took a deep breath; he knew he had to make a decisive play.


    At that moment, he seemed to return to his own world, channeling the thoughts of the basketball court into his mind.


    Durant focused solely on Han Sen.


    The one-on-one game would continue.


    Hansen''s breath was getting heavier.


    He had exerted tremendous energy in defense, which meant he needed to quickly end this game.


    Then it happened; a spark ignited in both players!


    Durant immediately made a quick dribble, faking to the right before abruptly changing direction to the left!


    As Hansen anticipated his move and leaned towards the right, Durant executed a sudden stop-and-pop jumper!


    "Bang!"


    Durant finally hit the shot!


    As the ball went through the hoop, the audience erupted with cheers.


    They knew it wasn''t just a simple basket; it was Durant''s comeback!


    Presti cheered from the sidelines, "Go, KD!"


    But this was just the beginning.


    After scoring, Durant''s confidence surged.


    He immediately followed up with a series of attacks on Han Sen.


    "Just like a rookie! Is that all you''ve got?"


    "Not at all; let''s see who''s the rookie here!"


    Han Sen gritted his teeth, trying to defend but gradually feeling the pressure.


    Durant was relentless, hitting shots from various angles, each one sharper than the last.


    Han Sen was being worn down!


    With the score now tied at 14, the tide was turning.


    Presti knew he had to keep an eye on Han Sen''s stamina; he was clearly being pushed to his limits.


    But he also wondered, who would eventually win?


    Han Sen continued to fight back, holding on desperately, but each time he seemed to be just a moment too late.


    And then, with just seconds left on the clock, Durant hit another jumper.


    Bang! The crowd erupted again!


    Now, he was leading 16 to 14!


    Durant looked smug as he said, "Is that all you''ve got?"


    But Han Sen was undeterred; he had learned through their exchanges.


    Just as he was about to attack again, he noticed that Durant was starting to tire, even more than he expected.


    Hansen quickly regained his composure and approached the three-point line.


    At this moment, he wouldn''t settle for just a layup or a two-pointer!


    Han Sen knew he had one last shot left!


    He made a quick fake, sending Durant off balance.


    Then, he pulled up for a three-pointer!


    Bang! The ball swished through the net!


    "17 to 16!" Han shot back.


    Durant''s expression darkened.


    But it wasn''t over yet.


    He furiously dribbled the ball again, rushing to attack Han with one last burst of energy.


    With seconds left, he prepared to shoot again.


    Han Sen saw this and quickly moved to interfere, but he found it harder than expected.


    Durant''s back-to-the-basket was fast, and he feigned a jump before finally spinning around and shooting!


    Bang!


    Han Sen was stunned, unable to react in time.


    "17 to 17!"


    In that split second, the score was even again!


    It felt like the tension in the air was palpable, and everyone on the sidelines was holding their breath.


    Durant couldn''t afford to lose!


    But Han Sen was still focused.


    With the pressure mounting, the two players stood opposite each other, both breathing heavily, but neither ready to back down.


    The next shot would determine it all!


    "Come on, let''s do this!" Han Sen roared, his adrenaline pumping.


    Durant grinned.


    This would be his moment to reclaim his spot.


    The game resumed with an electric energy, each player determined to seize victory.


    It was time for the ultimate showdown.

 Chapter 23: Shortcut.

    Chapter 23: Shortcut.The tryout with the Thunder was Han Sen''s most impressive yet, and he successfully secured a second-round tryout opportunity.


    "I spoke with someone from the Thunder. They''ll be setting you up against James Harden, and unless something unexpected happens, they''re planning to draft you with the 25th pick."


    On the flight to Memphis, Thomas gave Han Sen the good news.


    Han Sen looked at his agent, shocked. ''Your connections are just too good!''


    But he couldn''t hide his excitement. His draft projection had shot up like a rocket, from the late second round to mid-second round, and now possibly to the late first round.


    This kind of rise wasn''t common, even in past drafts. He owed a big thanks to Durant for helping him shine!


    Of the six teams Han Sen had worked out with, the Grizzlies were one of his preferred destinations.


    However, Thomas believed the Grizzlies'' starting perimeter players were set, meaning there wasn''t much room for Han Sen to develop there.


    And while he wasn''t wrong, Han Sen had become familiar with this Grizzlies roster: Mike Conley, O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, and Marc Gasol.


    It looked strong, but their perimeter defense was weak. It wasn''t until they signed Tony Allen that the Grizzlies truly began to rise.


    But Tony Allen was still in Boston at that point, meaning Han Sen had a real opportunity to fill that gap.


    Once he arrived in Memphis, Han Sen noticed that not many top prospects had come for tryouts. The Grizzlies had the 2nd, 27th, and 36th picks in the draft, but big-name players like James Harden and Tyreke Evans had declined the Grizzlies'' invitations to try out. Memphis wasn''t exactly the most popular place.


    During the workout, Han Sen noticed that the Grizzlies'' GM, Chris Wallace, seemed to be watching him closely, which puzzled him. He was certain he had never met Wallace before.


    In the one-on-one portion, the Grizzlies had their starting shooting guard, O.J. Mayo, go up against the tryouts.


    This left Han Sen even more confused. ''Did you coordinate this with the Thunder?''


    Mayo wasn''t as dominant as Durant, but his one-on-one skills were top-notch, and his stamina was excellent. After all, he was the 2008 third overall pick, a rookie who averaged 18.5 points per game, and had once been the top high school player in the country, even over Derrick Rose.


    Although Han Sen didn''t exactly dominate him, he showed off his strengths and stood out among the other prospects.


    After the workout, Wallace invited Han Sen to his office privately. It was a familiar scene, reminiscent of Miami.


    But Wallace''s next words shocked Han Sen even more.


    "We''re going to trade up and draft you before the Thunder."


    It wasn''t the draft promise itself that surprised Han Sen, but how Wallace knew the Thunder wanted to pick him.


    Did Wallace have someone inside the Thunder? Or did he buy the information?


    Either way, it showed Wallace wasn''t a simple GM.


    But that wasn''t the most important part. What mattered was Wallace''s attitude toward him.


    This was a promise for a first-round pick!


    Thomas had said that the Thunder would likely draft him unless something unexpected happened, but nothing was guaranteed. However, the Grizzlies were making a solid commitment.


    "We''re really looking forward to the energy you''ll bring to our perimeter defense," Wallace said, extending his hand.


    "I''m excited to join the Grizzlies," Han Sen quickly stood up, shaking his hand with both hands.


    ''Who said Memphis wasn''t a good place? This is where dreams begin!''


    ...


    Orlando was Han Sen''s last stop for tryouts.


    This one was a bit unique.


    Technically, the Magic didn''t fall into Thomas''s category of "playoff or playoff-bound teams." With Dwight Howard in his prime, the Magic were championship contenders.


    But precisely because of Howard''s presence, Han Sen''s skills could be maximized in their "four-out, one-in" system.


    The Magic didn''t have a first-round pick that year, and they were still in the playoffs against the Cavaliers. The tryout was simple, and Han Sen completed it without a hitch.


    After the tryout, Han Sen finished his first round of workouts and just had to wait for the second-round tryouts with the Bobcats and Thunder.


    With about a week of downtime, he stayed in Orlando to train and make a little side money.


    Earlier, he''d made a small profit betting on the NCAA tournament, giving him some startup capital. He used most of it to bet on the Lakers to win the championship, leaving him with a bit left.


    Now, another opportunity was right in front of him.


    The Eastern Conference Finals between the Cavaliers and the Magic.


    The Cavaliers had been title contenders for the past few years. They made the Finals in 2007, lost to the eventual champions, the Celtics, in seven games in 2008, and had the best record in the league this year with 66 wins.


    With the Celtics eliminated by the Magic in the semifinals, it seemed like the Cavaliers were destined to return to the Finals and face Kobe in the long-awaited 23 vs 24 showdown.


    So naturally, Han Sen bet on the Magic.


    With the high odds on the Magic, it was an easy decision for him, especially since he knew the Magic would make the Finals, not the Cavaliers.


    Having placed his bet, he went to the game in person.


    The Cavaliers had lost a game earlier, giving up their home-court advantage, so this was a must-win for them.


    But soon after the game started, they fell behind.


    ''Dwight Howard is a beast!'' Han Sen thought.


    Even though Han Sen had seen Howard play at his peak, the live experience was much more intense.


    Howard was dominating, getting whatever he wanted on the court. The Cavaliers couldn''t stop him with single coverage, so they had to collapse on him, which left the Magic''s shooters wide open on the perimeter.


    The Cavaliers started fouling Howard to send him to the free-throw line, but he was hitting his free throws tonight.


    What was even more devastating was Howard''s defensive dominance, limiting LeBron James.


    At the end of the first quarter, the Magic led 24-17.


    But in the second half, everything changed. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Not because the Cavaliers surged or the Magic faltered, but because Howard picked up three fouls, adding to the one from the first quarter, giving him four by halftime!


    "This is rigged!" Rondo, who was sitting next to Han Sen, couldn''t help but complain even though he had bet on the Cavaliers to win.


    For him to say something like that, it showed how bad the refereeing was, especially with the Magic playing at home.


    Howard was fouled out in the third quarter, finishing with 24 points and 9 rebounds in 28 minutes. LeBron scored 41 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and dished out 9 assists, going 18-for-24 from the free-throw line.


    But in the end, the Cavaliers still lost 88-99.


    Even with the calls going against the Magic, they were just too good for the Cavaliers.


    ...


    A week later, Han Sen wrapped up his second-round tryouts with the Bobcats and Thunder, officially concluding his tryout journey.


    The Heat at 43, the Bobcats at 40, the Grizzlies at 27, and the Thunder at 25 ¡ª these were the four draft commitments he had received.


    The tryouts had been a success.


    Of course, none of these promises were public or guaranteed, but at least it was clear that he would be drafted for sure.


    By early June, with the draft less than two weeks away, Han Sen had some free time.


    In addition to continuing his training, he started to study the "hater value" concept.


    The spike in [hater points] he got from Jordan was a fluke, but social media was still his main source.


    However, he noticed that the last time his [hater points] increased, it wasn''t by much.


    He eventually realized that there might be a limit to how much [hater points] an individual can generate.


    That made sense. If it wasn''t capped, it could be farmed indefinitely.


    This meant he had to keep attracting new ''haters'' to continue growing his points and prepare for the next talent upgrade.


    So, he posted a new status on his profile, inspired by the Cavaliers-Magic series.


    "Dwight Howard averaged 5.3 fouls per game in the series, fouling out in 3 of 6 games, yet the Magic still eliminated the Cavaliers 4-2."


    Sure enough, his social media was bombarded by LeBron James'' fans.


    "How else can Howard stop LeBron but by fouling him? Can''t defend, so blame the refs?"


    "LeBron averaged 38.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8 assists in the series. What more do you want him to do?"


    "If Howard fouled out that many times and the Magic still won, doesn''t that mean his teammates are way better than LeBron''s?"


    "Cavs lost, but LeBron didn''t lose!"


    ...


    LeBron''s reputation during his first stint with the Cavaliers was still decent. Apart from the frequent traveling violations and some favorable calls, he was the league''s dragon-slayer.


    So, with Han Sen backing his argument with stats, he couldn''t escape the wrath of LeBron fans.


    Han Sen thought he could go even harder.


    He followed up with another post:


    "LeBron averaged 38.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8 assists in the series, but Dwight Howard eliminated him from the playoffs."


    With just that, the floodgates opened!


    This time, Han Sen didn''t bother responding.


    Instead, he focused on another piece of news that had caught his eye.


    Allen Iverson was seriously considering a return to the NBA.

 Chapter 24: The 2009 NBA Draft.

    Chapter 24: The 2009 NBA Draft.On June 14, the Lakers defeated the Magic on the road, winning the series 4-1 and claiming the NBA championship for the first time in seven years.


    This was also Kobe Bryant''s first championship as the team''s leader since Shaquille O''Neal''s departure, and he earned his first Finals'' MVP trophy.


    On June 25, Han Sen, along with other rookies, arrived at Madison Square Garden to attend the 2009 NBA Draft. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It''s worth mentioning that not all rookies come to the event.


    This isn''t related to their draft projections but rather due to the draft rules.


    Contrary to what many people imagine, the number of players who enter the NBA Draft by officially declaring is not very large.


    For example, this year, including international players, only 103 players registered for the draft. Before the withdrawal deadline, 55 players withdrew, leaving only 48 players remaining.


    Will the NBA not have enough players to draft?


    The answer, of course, is no.


    This is because, according to the rules, NBA rookies have an age threshold of 22. Players under 22 must register for the draft, but once they turn 22, they are automatically entered into the draft.


    These 48 players refer to those who officially declared, but there are many more who automatically qualify after turning 22. This is also why this year is considered a "down year" for the draft.


    The draft is about selecting potential.


    Han Sen knew that Wang Zhelin was drafted while he was asleep, and this was due to the same rule.


    In theory, not just Wang Zhelin, but any ordinary person over the age of 22 has a chance of being selected.


    Most of these players who automatically qualify for the draft, apart from those who participated in workouts, do not attend the draft event in person.


    The draft''s main stage was set up inside the arena, featuring a large electronic screen in the background, three smaller screens, and a podium in the center.


    Below the main stage was an enclosed area with several round tables. Each table was topped with snacks and fruit, resembling a banquet setup, commonly known as the "Green Room."


    The Green Room members are invited by the NBA, specifically players projected to be lottery picks, who can bring their families and friends to attend.


    Han Sen, of course, didn''t receive such treatment. Like the other uninvited rookies, he sat in the audience section.


    However, he wasn''t alone. Although Thomas was in the Green Room accompanying someone else, Han Sen''s parents were here with him.


    The family engaged in casual conversation, and time passed quickly.


    When the rookie highlight reels finished playing, the arena erupted in loud boos.


    Through the boos, NBA Commissioner David Stern walked out from backstage, smiling as he began his opening remarks, officially kicking off the 2009 NBA Draft.


    There were 60 picks in total, divided into two rounds. Stern would announce the first round, and his assistant, Mark Tatum, would handle the second. Teams had five minutes to make each selection.


    This is what fans see. What fans don''t see is the intense, behind-the-scenes action happening in the offices arranged for team managers on the second floor of the arena.


    Every draft comes with trades, and many exciting stories unfold at this stage.


    For example, the famous Lakers trade of Vlade Divac for Kobe Bryant has always been a fan favorite.


    It''s worth noting that all NBA trades go through a submission process with the league office.


    This is why some trades appear delayed. For instance, a team might draft a player, but they''ve already traded him to another team. The pick is made based on the trade partner''s request.


    Kobe, for example, was drafted by the Hornets, but it was the Lakers who wanted him.


    Of course, these trades are often leaked by well-known journalists, so the public can sometimes know about them in advance.


    The Clippers selected Blake Griffin with the first overall pick;


    The Grizzlies took Hasheem Thabeet with the second pick;


    The Thunder selected James Harden with the third pick;


    ...


    As the draft began, Han Sen focused all his attention on the stage.


    He noticed that most events in this parallel world were the same as the "history" he knew.


    The Timberwolves, with both the fifth and sixth picks, failed to select Stephen Curry, which made Han Sen a little anxious.


    He felt that if he were the general manager, he could have made a name for himself too.


    Curry was eventually taken with the seventh pick by the Warriors, which drew a huge gasp from the crowd.


    It was known that Curry didn''t work out with the Warriors, and his draft projection had always been with the Knicks.


    But that''s the nature of the draft¡ª full of surprises.


    To deal with these surprises, every team needs a backup plan. Sometimes even the backup plan fails, leading to unexpected selections.


    At this moment, Thomas arrived at Han Sen''s side.


    "Nervous?" Thomas asked as he sat down.


    Han Sen nodded.


    Even though he was likely to be drafted, it was impossible not to feel nervous.


    His draft position was still uncertain, and no one knew when he would be called up.


    "Don''t worry, the first round looks promising," Thomas smiled reassuringly.


    Han Sen nodded again, turning to look at the main stage, his hands subconsciously rubbing together.


    Making it to the NBA is every basketball enthusiast''s dream, and it was his dream in his previous life as well.


    No matter the draft position, tonight would be the realization of that dream.


    "I just heard some interesting news."


    "About me?" Han Sen turned his head, knowing that Thomas hadn''t rushed over from the Green Room just to reassure him.


    "Yes, and about the Bobcats," Thomas nodded.


    "Larry Brown wants to select you in the first round. He successfully convinced Bickerstaff, but..." Thomas paused, "the plan was vetoed by Jordan."


    "That sounds like fake news," Han Sen shook his head.


    As optimistic as he was, he knew it wasn''t likely for his draft stock to jump from late first round to the lottery.


    "Bickerstaff suggested trading down for the Trail Blazers'' 22nd pick," Thomas continued. Han Sen didn''t interrupt this time, as this scenario sounded plausible.


    The Trail Blazers were led by Brandon Roy''s young squad at the time, full of quality young players. Even Jerryd Bayless, their 11th overall pick from last year, wasn''t getting 20 minutes per game.


    Given this situation and the fact that it was a "down year" for the draft, the Blazers were likely to either select an international prospect to develop or trade the pick.


    And being selected with the 22nd pick was plausible for him. It was close to the highest promise he had received, which was the Thunder''s 25th pick.


    "But Michael vetoed it again because he wanted Gerald Henderson."


    After hearing Thomas'' explanation, Han Sen''s expression turned a little strange.


    During his workout with the Bobcats, Han Sen had gotten to know Jordan a bit.


    Jordan had increased his [hater points] but after unintentionally getting injured, Jordan had specifically instructed Bickerstaff to comfort him. This showed that while Jordan might be petty in small matters, he was reasonable in important ones.


    So the idea that "Jordan wouldn''t draft him because he broke two of his ribs" wasn''t true.


    It just meant that Jordan''s draft vision remained consistent.


    "Well, that''s still good news," Han Sen said.


    "Yes, your draft stock is rising," Thomas nodded, which was the real reason he came to find Han Sen.


    Even though the teams kept their workout details confidential, there are no real secrets in this world.


    After chatting with Han Sen, Thomas returned to the Green Room.


    As Thomas had mentioned earlier, the Bobcats selected Gerald Henderson with the 12th pick.


    Shortly after, the Pacers selected Tyler Hansbrough with the 13th pick.


    Hansbrough got up to hug his family, friends, and agent¡ª Thomas.


    Thomas hadn''t signed any other high-profile rookies this year, but getting Hansbrough into the lottery after four years in college was a testament to his networking skills.


    The lottery came to an end.


    A few unlucky players were still left in the Green Room, unsure if any of them would sit there until the second round like DeAndre Jordan did last year.


    Han Sen began to feel fatigued.


    Staying tense for so long was mentally draining.


    In previous years, he would have turned off the draft broadcast by now.


    After all, the real draw was the lottery picks.


    He stretched his joints, then saw Thomas rushing back toward him.


    "There''s news, the 18th pick..."


    Thomas was slightly out of breath from rushing over.

 Chapter 25: When Did I Raise A Flag?

    Chapter 25: When Did I Raise A Flag?Madison Square Garden, Suns Draft Room.


    The Suns have the 14th pick, and they have five minutes to make their decision.


    General Manager Steve Kerr frowned, not because of the choice ahead but due to the phone call he had just ended.


    The Suns'' top target this year was Stephen Curry.


    They had been trying hard to trade with the Timberwolves but failed. Just as Kerr was preparing to settle for the Warriors, the Warriors swooped in and selected Curry.


    This was unexpected, especially since Curry''s agent had warned the Warriors not to pick him.


    Kerr suspected that the Warriors were trying to raise Curry''s value to trade him later.


    Before the Knicks could make their move, Kerr quickly contacted Warriors GM Larry Riley. After several rounds of negotiations, Kerr even put their All-Star Amare Stoudemire on the table, but in the end, the Warriors refused.


    Kerr was puzzled¡ª didn''t they already have Monta Ellis?


    "Steve, pick Han. He''ll bring real defensive quality to our backcourt, and he also has the three-point shooting we need," Coach Alvin Gentry urged once again.


    Gentry had already suggested this to Kerr before the draft.


    "Alvin, I told you, I''m not crazy. I''m not using a lottery pick to choose a player from a lower division!" Kerr snapped. At this moment, all he wanted was to make one last effort to negotiate with the Warriors using the 14th pick and a future first-rounder.


    "We could trade down," Gentry persisted, clearly fond of Han.


    "I''ve tried. There''s no good opportunity," Kerr said, signaling Gentry to hold off while he dialed Riley''s number once more.


    He wasn''t just brushing Gentry off¡ª he had truly explored this.


    From picks 20 to 25, only the Trail Blazers'' 22nd pick was available, but it had already been traded.


    As for picks 25 to 30, according to Kerr''s intelligence, Han wouldn''t fall that low, so a trade was meaningless.


    ...


    "You''re saying the Grizzlies have traded for the Timberwolves'' 18th pick and plan to draft me?"


    Han was shocked after hearing from Thomas.


    Although the Grizzlies had promised to pick him before the Thunder, jumping from late first-round to within the top 20 was completely unexpected.


    Based on Thomas''s earlier words, Han had thought the Grizzlies would trade for the Trail Blazers'' 22nd pick.


    Wallace truly had a deep affection for him!


    "It''s a long story," Thomas explained. Initially, the Grizzlies targeted the Blazers'' 22nd pick, but when they learned the Thunder were negotiating for the Timberwolves'' 18th, they jumped into the fray.


    However, they weren''t the only ones interested¡ªthe Nuggets also wanted that pick.


    The Thunder and Grizzlies were aiming for Han, while the Nuggets had their eyes on Ty Lawson.


    The Timberwolves, who held four picks (5, 6, 18, and 28), were thrilled. Even in a rebuild, having this many picks seemed excessive, so they put the 18th pick on the market, not expecting it to be so coveted.


    Offers started pouring in, generally consisting of a future unprotected first-round pick and a promising young player.


    For the 18th pick in a weaker draft, this was clearly price gouging.


    The Nuggets were the first to withdraw.


    Finally, the Thunder offered their 2010 first-rounder and D.J. White, while the Grizzlies offered their 2010 first-rounder and Darrell Arthur.


    The Grizzlies won out, and the Thunder backed off.


    D.J. White?


    Han searched his memory and realized he had no information on this guy.


    If he had to choose between the Thunder and the Grizzlies, he would have preferred the Thunder.


    After all, Memphis was... well, it wasn''t an appealing place. Plus, he wasn''t worried about the Thunder stifling his growth¡ª Harden was a perfect example of a player who used Oklahoma City as a springboard.


    But he couldn''t believe the Thunder gave up because of someone he hadn''t even heard of.


    If they had thrown in Ibaka, at least their decision would''ve made sense.


    Han couldn''t help but pull out his phone to search for D.J. White, finally finding some information.


    The Thunder''s 29th pick in 2008? And another power forward?


    This surprised Han because the Thunder had already picked power forward Serge Ibaka with the 24th pick in 2008.


    White had missed five months of his rookie season due to a jaw injury and played only eight games, averaging 8.9 points and 4.6 rebounds.


    Well, looks like it''s Memphis, then.


    Han chuckled helplessly.


    At least the Grizzlies were willing to go all out for him, and he would have more opportunities there.


    And the 18th pick wasn''t bad¡ªit was close to lottery territory.


    At that moment, David Stern took the stage again to announce the 16th pick, which belonged to the Chicago Bulls. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "With the 16th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls select... Hanson, a 6''7" shooting guard from Barry University."


    Huh?


    Han was still lost in thought when the sudden announcement snapped him back to reality.


    What was going on?!


    Not only Han, but even Thomas was stunned. With all his connections, he hadn''t heard a thing about the Bulls picking Han!


    It wasn''t until Han''s parents asked if it was him who had been drafted that he finally stood up.


    At that moment, a staff member approached with a prepared Bulls cap.


    Han took the cap, hugged his parents and Thomas, and followed the staff towards the main stage.


    The spotlight focused on Han as the crowd buzzed with confusion.


    Especially the Bulls fans in attendance¡ª they looked bewildered.


    Han''s highest projected draft position had been 36th with the Grizzlies, so why had the Bulls taken him at 16th?


    Had they picked the wrong player?


    Han snapped out of his daze and began wondering¡ª did the Bulls pick him, or had another team made a trade and had the Bulls select him on their behalf?


    After everything Thomas had told him, the latter scenario seemed more likely.


    The Bulls already had too many guards¡ª Derrick Rose, Kirk Hinrich, John Salmons, and possibly Ben Gordon if he re-signed. If they added him too...


    This wasn''t mahjong. They didn''t need to form a whole set.


    But if it was a trade, it would be just as unpredictable as when the Hornets selected Kobe Bryant for the Lakers.


    Han reached the main stage, and Stern smiled warmly, extending his hand.


    "Congratulations, you''re the sixth player from the Far East to make it to the NBA."


    As a commissioner dedicated to globalization, Stern had invested more in overseas markets than any of his predecessors.


    And with the Far East being the largest of these markets, it held special importance.


    Seeing another player from that region drafted, especially this high, Stern''s smile was sincere.


    Han could feel Stern''s genuine congratulations and decided to put all his doubts aside as they posed for pictures.


    During the photo session, Han opened his jacket, revealing the Far Eastern flag stitched inside.


    Before coming to the draft, Thomas had suggested Han do something memorable to leave an impression. This had been Han''s first idea.


    Since the NBA announced draftees by their college, not their country, this was the best way to represent where he was from.


    After stepping down from the stage, Han had a routine interview with the media, where they asked the standard questions about his feelings and expectations.


    "What changes do you expect to bring to the Bulls?"


    "Everyone knows about Michael Jordan and the Bulls dynasty, but I know today''s Bulls are different¡ª young and full of energy, just like me. I''m excited to join them," Han replied, keeping it brief, as he didn''t want to say too much without knowing all the details.


    After the interview, he was about to head to a media session for the Far East when he saw Thomas rushing toward him.


    Judging by Thomas''s expression, Han knew his suspicion might be correct.


    "It''s not the Bulls," Thomas confirmed, immediately validating Han''s guess.


    "The Thunder?" Han thought it might be some elaborate scheme where the Thunder had leaked false information to mislead the Grizzlies, only to trade up and snag him.


    Thomas shook his head.


    "No? Then it''s the Heat?" Han figured if there was anyone else, it had to be Pat Riley''s "mastermind" moves.


    "Riley did try to trade up, but the Heat didn''t have the right assets. He only made an agreement with the Blazers for the 22nd pick," Thomas explained, shaking his head again.


    Was there another major player?


    Han was stumped.


    It couldn''t be the Magic, could it?


    Like how the smartest people often don''t appear that way- was the least expected team making the smartest move?


    "It''s the Cavaliers," Thomas finally revealed.


    "What?!" Han burst out in Chinese, completely shocked.

 Chapter 26: Misaligned Match.*

    Chapter 26: Misaligned Match.*"Why did the Cavaliers pick him?"


    "He''s a LeBron hater... well, not exactly, but people think so because of the things he posted on social media."


    Although he was familiar with the BOAT quotes and gained a lot of haters because of them, he never imagined playing alongside him (LeBron).


    He didn''t want to end up like Dennis Schr?der, catching the ball with seconds left, making a shot, and still getting blamed.


    "I didn''t think they''d pick you either," Thomas, while not understanding everything, could guess from his shocked expression.


    "Can I request a trade?" Han Sen was still trying to hold it together.


    "Your draft position was much higher than expected," Thomas shook his head.


    His meaning was clear. A player projected to go early in the second round, even with a draft promise, would be lucky to go late in the first round. Yet, Hansen was picked mid-first round, almost at the lottery. Other teams wouldn''t be interested in trading for him now.


    God, what kind of random matchmaking is this?


    Han Sen''s current expression was like being transported to the world of Marvel, only to find himself in the camp of Thanos.


    "I remember when you were training with Orlando, the Cavaliers happened to be familiarizing themselves with the gym," Thomas found the only connection between Hansen and the Cavaliers.


    "Just because they glanced at me in the crowd?" If he had known, Han Sen wouldn''t have gone to that workout with the Magic.


    "Actually, the Cavaliers have always needed a full-sized 3-and-D guard," Thomas said after thinking for a moment.


    That seemed to hit the mark.


    The Cavaliers'' current backcourt consisted of Mo Williams and Delonte West¡ªone at 6''1", the other at 6''4", both in shoes. This combination was easily targeted in the playoffs.


    "I''m just a rookie," Hansen didn''t see it that way.


    Even though the free-agent market didn''t have Ray Allen this year, there were plenty of experienced 3-and-D players available. Why would it fall to a rookie to save the Cavaliers'' backcourt?


    "No matter what, stay positive. Even if this wasn''t part of our plan, think about it in a good light. You were picked 16th, after all. You have a chance to showcase yourself on a bigger stage," Thomas patiently reminded him.


    After nodding, Hansen walked over to the Far East media section.


    Thomas had a point. Everything has two sides. If you look on the bright side, LeBron is leaving the Cavaliers next season, so Hansen would have plenty of opportunities later.


    Zhang Weiping and Yang Yi were already waiting for him.


    After sitting down, Hansen greeted the camera.


    At this moment, many fans in China were probably watching the live broadcast.


    "First, congratulations! Sixteenth pick in the first round¡ª impressive! Only slightly lower than Yao and Yi. How do you feel right now?" Zhang Weiping, smiling broadly, couldn''t wait to ask.


    "It''s a bit disappointing. I thought I was going to the Suns," Hansen had already adjusted his mood.


    This response left Zhang Weiping stunned.


    But Yang Yi, sitting next to him, burst out laughing. As a younger media personality, he had heard about Hansen''s antics on social media.


    "Haha, it''s a shame! Just two picks away from being in the lottery. I heard the Suns were interested in you too," Zhang quickly regained his composure and joked.


    "Speaking of, if you hadn''t gone to Gonzaga but instead chose a weaker school- you wouldn''t have wasted those two years. You''d definitely have been a lottery pick," Yang Yi added with a smile.


    "Yeah, I regret it," Hansen paused for a moment before continuing, "I regret caring too much about the opinions of Chinese fans and the media back then. If I hadn''t left Gonzaga, let them criticize me all they want, it wouldn''t have hurt me, right?"


    Now it wasn''t just Zhang Weiping who was stunned, even Yang Yi was caught off guard.


    Hansen truly is... one of a kind.


    "We just received news that the Bulls traded you to the Cavaliers. They''re a championship contender, and you''ll be teammates with ''The King'' LeBron James! You must be thrilled, right?" Zhang Weiping tried to change the topic.


    Thrilled? Thrilled my ass!


    "When I was in Orlando for workouts, I watched the Cavaliers play the Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals," Hansen said calmly.


    "No way, what a coincidence," Zhang''s curiosity was piqued.


    "In that game, the Cavaliers shot 5-for-26 from beyond the arc, under 20% from three. On defense, they allowed four of the Magic''s perimeter players to score in double digits," Hansen paused again, "I can only say, they really need me!"


    Zhang Weiping almost froze on the spot, and Yang Yi couldn''t help but wipe his forehead.


    Could you tone it down? This is live TV!


    But after wiping his sweat, Yang Yi finally sensed something.


    Adjusting his glasses, Yang Yi asked, "You once claimed to be the best defensive player in the 2009 class, but you didn''t show that on the court. Do you have any thoughts on that?"


    Hansen gave Yang Yi a thumbs-up in his heart. This level of insight¡ª prime Yang Yi definitely had skills.


    He had many ways to answer this question, the most direct being to bring up Kevin Durant.


    Before the draft, he couldn''t mention Durant because there was a chance of being picked by the Thunder, and he needed to consider future teammate relations. But now, he didn''t have to worry about that.


    Still, Hansen chose a different, more controversial approach.


    "I didn''t show it because I played in a mid-major conference. I didn''t get the chance to go up against guys like James Harden and Tyreke Evans. If I had, I could''ve locked them down."


    Yang Yi looked shocked, as if he couldn''t believe what he was hearing.


    Zhang Weiping could only smile¡ªthis was easily one of his most memorable interviews in over a decade.


    After the interview ended, Hansen finally had some personal time.


    His phone was flooded with missed calls and texts, all congratulating him.


    Among them were many old classmates he hadn''t heard from in years, including a girl who rejected him in high school.


    Making it to the NBA now wasn''t just a dream; it was real.


    Hansen called Theus first, thanking him for all his help over the past year.


    "No need to thank me. We''ll talk when the new season starts," he replied, then shared good news: He was joining the Grizzlies'' coaching staff as a player development assistant.


    They had both achieved something together.


    After talking with him, Han Sen called Dwyane Wade.


    Even though he didn''t end up with the Heat, Wade had helped him a lot.


    "You should thank yourself the most. Nobody improves automatically," Wade said¡ª wise words, as long as he wasn''t sitting on the dunk contest judging panel.


    Wade also invited him to train together over the summer, and Han Sen gladly accepted.


    He hadn''t even hit the ceiling of his [Star Catcher] ability yet. Wade was truly looking out for him.


    Just as Han Sen finished the call, Thomas approached him with a strange look, handing him a phone.


    He took it, confused.


    The person on the other end welcomed him to the Cavaliers with a sense of ownership, offering many pleasantries.


    After hanging up, Hansen looked at Thomas''s phone, his eyebrows furrowing.


    The mystery of why the Cavaliers picked him had just been solved.


    The person on the phone was LeBron James.


    ---


    2009 NBA Draft First Round (Novel Version)


    1. Blake Griffin (Clippers)


    2. Hasheem Thabeet (Grizzlies)


    3. James Harden (Thunder)


    4. Tyreke Evans (Kings)


    5. Ricky Rubio (Wizards ¡ú Timberwolves)


    6. Jonny Flynn (Timberwolves)


    7. Stephen Curry (Warriors)


    8. Jordan Hill (Knicks)


    9. DeMar DeRozan (Raptors)


    10. Brandon Jennings (Bucks)


    11. Terrence Williams (Nets)


    12. Gerald Henderson (Bobcats)


    13. Tyler Hansbrough (Pacers) S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    14. Earl Clark (Suns)


    15. Austin Daye (Pistons)


    16. Hansen (Bulls ¡ú Cavaliers)


    17. Jrue Holiday (76ers)


    18. James Johnson (Timberwolves ¡ú Grizzlies)


    19. Jeff Teague (Hawks)


    20. Eric Maynor (Jazz)


    21. Darren Collison (Hornets)


    22. Ty Lawson (Trail Blazers ¡ú Nuggets)


    23. Omri Casspi (Kings)


    24. Byron Mullens (Mavericks ¡ú Thunder)


    25. Rodrigue Beaubois (Thunder ¡ú Mavericks)


    26. Taj Gibson (Bulls)


    27. DeMarre Carroll (Grizzlies ¡ú Rockets)


    28. Wayne Ellington (Timberwolves)


    29. Tony Douglas (Lakers ¡ú Knicks)


    30. Dante Cunningham (Cavaliers)

 Chapter 27: A Surprising First Arrival.

    Chapter 27: A Surprising First Arrival.Wait, how could James know about him?


    "You might not be aware, but LeBron and Steph are both from Akron. They were even born in the same hospital. Steph is a fan of LeBron, and LeBron has gone to NCAA games to watch Steph play. They are closer than you''d think," Thomas, who seemed to know quite a lot, explained.


    Han Sen smiled helplessly. He had forgotten all about the 2016 Finals and the whole "Akron sons are destined to win" thing.


    Even though Han Sen didn''t know exactly how James and Curry communicated, it was likely that LeBron knew about him because of Curry.


    And considering that he could defend, shoot threes, and had a "clutch" attribute, if he were in James'' shoes, he would pick himself too.


    As for the draft pick, James was the "King" of Cleveland, and his opinion was as good as an imperial decree to the Cavaliers'' management.


    Especially with James having a player option next summer.


    Perhaps the Cavs'' GM simply asked who they should select with the 30th pick, but once LeBron gave his input, the Cavs would do everything to make it happen.


    "This is a good thing for you too. Opportunities are scarce on championship-contending teams, but if LeBron has his eye on you, you''ll get more chances," Thomas tried to reassure him.


    Yeah, right!


    Han Sen almost turned into Neji Hyuga, rolling his eyes instantly.


    For most people, if the team''s star paid them this much attention, they would be sold on the spot.


    But Han Sen had no interest in being some kind of bodyguard.


    As someone who had thoroughly read the "BOAT" quotes, he knew exactly what kind of person LeBron was.


    Befriending someone like that meant you wouldn''t even realize when you''d been betrayed.


    "Cleveland''s market might be small, but they''re a hot team right now, with plenty of attention," Thomas, unaware of Han Sen''s resistance, kept trying to ease his concerns.


    Han forced a slight smile. Thomas had done all he could as his agent.


    However, what Thomas said did give him an idea.


    The reason he made those comments on social media earlier was to target LeBron fans.


    If he went to the Cavs, wouldn''t that bring in plenty of haters too?


    ...


    After the draft, Han Sen returned to Miami.


    After LeBron, Cavs GM Danny Ferry contacted Thomas to inform him of the upcoming schedule.


    In a week, the Cavs would hold a press conference for Han Sen and Cunningham to welcome them to the team. Around July 10th, they''d head to the Las Vegas Summer League, and training camp would start in late September.


    This meant Han Sen needed to head to Cleveland soon to find a place to live.


    He packed up his things in Miami, and said goodbye to his teammates.


    He bought a small gift for each teammate.


    The past year at Barry University had been memorable, especially his time on the school team.


    Most of the players knew they wouldn''t make the NBA and recognized Han Sen as the only one with a shot. Instead of causing friction, the team had banded together around him.


    While a second-division championship might not mean much to NBA scouts, it was a sweet memory for everyone on the team, including Hansen.


    However, much to Hansen''s amusement, his teammates weren''t as interested in the gifts as they were in getting his autograph.


    Rondo, in particular, came prepared with not just jerseys and shoes, but even two pens for signing.


    "You can''t sell autographs," Hansen was baffled by Rondo''s antics.


    "You can''t now, but you will later!" Rondo pulled out a cap from his bag as well.


    This guy had quite an eye for investment.


    Later that evening, Hansen took the team out for a night of fun.


    Most of his teammates were busy "working out" million-dollar deals with girls, leaving just Hansen and Rondo in the private room.


    Hansen pulled out a big item from his bag- a Canon EOS 7D camera, which he had promised to give Rondo earlier. It had cost him over a thousand dollars.


    Rondo was so touched that he cried, knowing his artistic journey would now reach new heights.


    "You''re not seriously planning to become a photographer, are you?" Han Sen couldn''t help but ask, seeing Rondo''s reaction.


    "Of course not, it''s just a hobby," Rondo carefully put the camera away.


    "What are your plans then?" He was curious, as Rondo''s situation reminded him of his past self.


    The dream of basketball without an NBA destiny.


    "Lawyer," Rondo said, suddenly sitting up straight.


    Han Sen immediately thought of Thomas, his agent, who used to be a lawyer.


    That profession could last a lifetime and lead to other paths. In the U.S., it was a solid choice.


    But, since Rondo was a guy, he couldn''t go down the "edgy female lawyer" path.


    "Did I look the part just now?" Rondo laughed and relaxed again.


    "Here''s to your success," Han raised his glass.


    The day after the party, he flew to Cleveland.


    When he arrived at the Cleveland airport, his emotions were mixed.


    In his past life, fans had compared Cleveland to Tieling, a small town in China.


    Now that he was here, he realized they were right.


    Unlike Miami''s skyline of skyscrapers, Cleveland''s high-rises were few, giving the city an abandoned, post-industrial vibe.


    No wonder it was considered a sports desert. Sports and economics were closely tied.


    On the bright side, the greenery was nice, and as a port city, the air was fresh.


    On his way to the stadium, he noticed another benefit of the city¡ª no traffic.


    It really did seem like a great place to retire.


    Hansen found a reasonably priced apartment near the arena.


    Despite being Ohio''s second-largest city, Cleveland had less than 400,000 residents, living up to its nickname, "The Village".


    After settling in and retrieving his shipped luggage, he headed to the arena.


    There were some things he needed to finalize before the press conference.


    The Quicken Loans Arena was one of Cleveland''s landmarks, but it looked a bit rundown, especially with fewer visitors during the offseason.


    A large billboard featured James holding the ball, flanked by Ilgauskas and Mo Williams.


    Not long after the draft, the Cavs had traded for "The Big Shaq" O''Neal, so the billboard hadn''t been updated yet.


    Once inside, Han Sen found Cunningham waiting in the office.


    They had met during the draft and quickly struck up a conversation.


    Shortly after, Ferry arrived.


    The first thing they needed to settle was jersey numbers for the new season.


    Choosing a number was simple: as long as it hadn''t been retired, you could pick it.


    But realistically, you also had to consider the numbers worn by current players, unless you could convince them to give it up.


    For example, LeBron''s 23 was untouchable.


    Unfortunately, Hansen''s NCAA number, 17, was taken by Anderson Varejao.


    Varejao wasn''t on the billboard, but he''d been with the Cavs for five years, so Han Sen had to choose another number. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once they picked their numbers, Ferry gave them a tour of the arena''s second-floor facilities, including the practice court, gym, and medical room.


    They didn''t go to the locker room since their lockers hadn''t been assigned yet.


    Two days later, they collected their jerseys from Ferry''s office and headed to the press conference.


    To his surprise, a lot of reporters showed up.


    At Ferry''s request, they stood in front of the cameras holding their jerseys for photos.


    As soon as they sat down, a reporter immediately asked Hansen a question.


    The reason? His choice of number.


    "Why did you choose number 77?"


    Although the NBA doesn''t have a rule about number ranges, it''s uncommon to see players choosing such high numbers.


    Hansen''s choice wasn''t entirely unpredictable, though. He had worn 17 in the NCAA, and 77 was simply 17 with an extra stroke.


    Hansen leaned forward, bringing the mic closer, and spoke calmly:


    "God has 100 points worth of basketball ability. He gave 23 to Michael Jordan, and I''m taking the remaining 77."

 Chapter 28: Every Encounter Is Important.

    Chapter 28: Every Encounter Is Important."Boom!"


    It was like a thunderclap out of nowhere.


    Everyone present was stunned.


    What kind of person could make such a shocking statement?


    No, what kind of arrogant rookie would dare to say something so brazen!


    Even back when "The Big Fundamental" Tim Duncan, who had teams across the league tanking to get him, spoke, the most he said was, "Let''s get ready to win big."


    Forget about the reporters; even Ferry almost collapsed onto the table.


    Because LeBron had specifically named him, Ferry hadn''t had the time to really get to know Han Sen yet.


    Now, it looked like they had drafted some kind of godly character.


    And with just this one question, many reporters who were ready to grill Han Sen swallowed their questions.


    To acquire the 16th pick, the Cavaliers had traded last year''s 19th pick, J.J. Hickson, along with this year''s 46th pick.


    Hickson was originally a key development project for the Cavaliers'' frontcourt, and many local Cleveland reporters were unhappy with the trade.


    But now, who dared ask about that?


    If they asked, and Han Sen responded with, "The Cavs should''ve traded the first overall pick for me," they wouldn''t even know how to write their articles.


    The press conference proceeded smoothly. Other than his jaw-dropping response to the first question, Han Sen''s later statements were all normal.


    The reporters collectively breathed a sigh of relief.


    But after the conference ended, something still felt off to them. Normally, in these situations, it''s the rookies who feel the pressure. This time, the dynamic was completely flipped.


    Later that same day, he received a long-distance call from back home.


    It was someone from the basketball association, who had gotten his contact info from his parents.


    They wanted him to skip the summer league and instead join the national team''s training camp to prepare for the upcoming Asian Championship in Tianjin in early August.


    And they reassured him that they would handle things with the Cavaliers'' management.


    Han Sen, of course, loved his country, and he wanted the chance to represent the national team in international competitions, especially at a tournament so close to home. It''s something any East Asian player would dream of.


    So even though the request came unexpectedly, he didn''t outright reject it.


    He simply asked one question: would the national team be participating in this year''s Las Vegas Summer League, like they had in 2007?


    If they were, he would be willing to skip representing the Cavaliers.


    After all, as long as he appeared in the Summer League, whether for the Cavs or the national team, the Cavaliers would be able to see him, and that would secure his spot in the upcoming season, or at least in the pre-season.


    Unfortunately, the answer was no.


    Han Sen ultimately had to refuse. Even though he knew that following in Wang Zhizhi''s footsteps would cast a shadow over his national team career, he couldn''t gamble his professional career for the Asian Championship.


    Additionally, he was annoyed by the basketball association''s approach.


    If they wanted him for the Asian Championship, why hadn''t they approached him earlier?


    Why make such a last-minute request¡ª only after he''d been drafted by the NBA?


    No one likes being treated like a backup plan.


    After handling the national team issue, the day after the press conference, Han Sen and Cunningham boarded a plane to Las Vegas.


    NBA Summer League teams are put together on short notice, so practices are usually held at the competition venues.


    Accompanying them to Las Vegas was the coaching staff for the summer league team. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And the head coach caught Han Sen off guard¡ª it was none other than Michael Malone!


    He had ties with LeBron James on the Cavaliers?


    As expected, every encounter in life is a reunion after a long time apart.


    Han Sen wasted no time, seating himself next to Malone on the plane.


    Sitting on a plane is boring, and since Malone was still in his thirties at the time, Han Sen used his social skills to strike up a great conversation with him.


    During their chat, he learned a few things about Malone.


    Malone had been working for the Cavaliers since 2005, meaning he had been with LeBron for four seasons.


    Moreover, Malone''s father, Brendan Malone, had also been a head coach for the Cavaliers, coaching LeBron during the 2004-05 season.


    This wasn''t just a casual connection¡ª it ran deep.


    So, did the "father-son connection" between Malone and LeBron fall apart later, or had their relationship always been rocky?


    For Han Sen, this was something worth investigating.


    Five hours later, they finally arrived at their hotel in Las Vegas.


    It was already past 10 PM, and with practice scheduled for early the next morning, he wasn''t in the mood to explore the vibrant nightlife of Sin City.


    He quickly showered and prepared to go to bed.


    Before sleeping, he checked the system, and what he saw instantly erased his sleepiness.


    In the time it took to fly, his [hater points] had shot up by more than 3,000!


    Was sitting on a plane the best way to attract hate from the heavens?


    He checked his social media, and sure enough, it was blowing up.


    And the mix of comments was wild.


    The biggest wave came from his statement about the number 77 jersey.


    It could all be summed up with one phrase: "I''m a key maker; do you have a key for me?"


    One comment, in particular, made him laugh out loud.


    "Why is 23 Michael Jordan and not LeBron James?"


    It was clear that after his previous fact-busting posts, a lot of LeBron fans had started following his account.


    Then there were people digging up his earlier remarks about LeBron.


    The Cavaliers had drafted a LeBron hater¡ª just hearing that was exciting enough.


    There were even many comments in Chinese.


    That likely had something to do with the interview he gave during the draft.


    At that time, he had specifically targeted the haters back home to boost his [hater points], and of course, he was now reaping what he''d sown.


    Because of the time lag from information traveling across the ocean, everything was coming together now.


    And the best part was, despite the language barrier, people from different places were still able to communicate with each other.


    His social media account was as lively as a New Year''s celebration.


    Han Sen was more than happy to see this "festivity."


    It was like raising a pot of venomous creatures; the ones in his pot had started to merge.


    But this whole spectacle meant that his every move in the Summer League would be under intense scrutiny.


    The next day, he met his summer league teammates at the training facility.


    Most of them were undrafted players, along with a few fringe free agents looking for work in the league.


    These players didn''t have much name recognition; the only exception was Coby Karl. Not because he was particularly strong, but because he was the son of Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl.


    Yep, a classic case of nepotism.


    In terms of talent, the Cavaliers'' Summer League team was definitely one of the weakest among the 22 participating teams.


    The upside was that this would give more opportunities to rookies, especially Han Sen and Cunningham.

 Chapter 29: Professional Alignment.

    Chapter 29: Professional Alignment.  The Cavaliers'' first opponent in the Summer League was the Lakers. The Lakers were one of the few teams in the tournament that had an even weaker lineup than the Cavaliers.


    As the defending champions, the Lakers had a stable roster and no room to develop new rookies, having traded their first-round pick to the Knicks this year.


    The only somewhat notable player on the Lakers'' Summer League roster was Adam Morrison, the third overall pick in the 2006 draft. Morrison was the first player Michael Jordan picked after becoming a part-owner of the Bobcats, and his playstyle was modeled after Larry Bird.


    In his rookie year, Morrison averaged 11.8 points on 37.6% shooting. In his second season, his numbers dropped to 4.5 points on 36% shooting. After being traded to the Lakers last season, his stats plummeted further, averaging just 1.3 points per game.


    Having played three seasons in the NBA and still participating in the Summer League, Morrison''s long hair was likely more memorable than his basketball skills.


    Despite the matchup between two weak teams, the 3,000-seat arena was packed to capacity. A large number of media reporters were also in attendance. Anyone unfamiliar with the situation might have thought they''d mistaken the Lakers for the Clippers, whose number-one draft pick, Blake Griffin, was a highlight reel of powerful dunks and was extremely popular.


    During warm-ups, the camera stayed focused on Han Sen, drawing waves of boos from the crowd. Han Sen''s "popularity" in this Summer League rivaled that of a number-one draft pick.


    Michael Malone, standing on the sidelines, could only shake his head. He had heard about Han Sen''s bold words at the press conference. But now, seeing him laughing and chatting with his teammates on the court, completely unaffected, Malone found him even more puzzling, especially after their conversation on the plane.


    The Summer League doesn''t have any opening ceremonies. After the warm-up, the starters immediately took the court.


    The Cavaliers started with possession. Cunningham, catching the ball at the high post, made a quick move, stopped on a dime, and swished a jump shot. The power forward from Villanova was technically sound. If not for his barefoot height being just about 2 meters, he wouldn''t have fallen to the 30th pick in the first round.


    After five minutes of play, the Cavaliers led 12¨C8, with Cunningham scoring 8 points, although he had already committed two fouls. Luckily, the Summer League allows for 10 fouls before fouling out.


    As for Hansen, he had only registered one assist and no other stats. It wasn''t that he was purposely trying to generate [hater points], but rather that he was still adjusting to the intensity of the game.


    NBA scouts may sometimes misjudge a player, but their reports are generally professional. One critique of Han Sen during his NCAA career was his "lack of high-level competition." The intensity of this Summer League game, outside of the tactics, exceeded even that of the NCAA Division I league.


    Expecting Hansen to dominate right out of the gate as he did at Barry University was unrealistic.


    "Am I seeing things? Is number 77 even on the court?"


    "If he retires now, he could replace Charles Barkley on TNT."


    "You''re right. At least he''s got the looks of a ''pretty boy''."


    Even the Summer League had commentators, and the two in the booth had already begun making jokes.


    Sensing an opportunity, Morrison knew why the arena was packed tonight, and he could see that Han Sen was struggling to adjust to the game''s intensity. If he could capitalize on this, he might regain some of the spotlight.


    When the ball was passed to Morrison, he didn''t take an immediate shot. Instead, he called for a pick-and-roll, maneuvering Han Sen right in front of him. As Han Sen appeared before him, the crowd erupted in mocking whistles.


    Everyone in the building wanted to see Han Sen embarrass himself, and Morrison was giving them just that.


    When Han saw Morrison, he felt a twinge of sentiment. He was very familiar with him, not because of memories from his past life, but because they had both played for Gonzaga University.


    Although they hadn''t crossed paths¡ª ''Hansen'' joined Gonzaga in 2006, the same year Morrison entered the NBA¡ª Morrison was a legendary figure at Gonzaga, having averaged 28.1 points per game in his junior year, leading the NCAA in scoring.


    What made Morrison''s feat even more remarkable was that he had achieved it as a diabetic. This wasn''t meant as an insult but as a sign of respect. In competitive sports, diabetes is a serious condition, but Morrison had still reached incredible heights.


    Hansen respected Morrison, but not enough to sacrifice himself for Morrison''s redemption. On the contrary, seeing Morrison''s choice of play, he felt this was the perfect moment.


    Morrison initiated his attack, full of deceptive moves. Although modeled after Bird, his style was more akin to Paul Pierce.


    However, none of his fakes worked. Hansen was quick on his feet, with fast reactions, and he didn''t gamble for steals. Realizing he couldn''t trick Han Sen, Morrison opted for a post-up and fadeaway, his signature move.


    Jumping into the air, the crowd gasped as Morrison took the shot. With his retro hairstyle, for a split second, Morrison did look a little like Larry Bird.


    Smack!


    But the next moment, Han Sen swatted Morrison''s shot out of bounds. The gasps turned into stunned silence. Morrison''s athleticism was severely lacking, and his vertical couldn''t support the steep angle required for the fadeaway.


    "You picked the wrong guy," he said to Morrison, offering a bit of advice. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Morrison heard it as trash talk. When the ball was inbounded, he once again drove at Han Sen, this time more decisively. After a fake at the free-throw line, he stepped forward toward the basket.


    Smack!


    Once again, Han Sen swatted his shot out of bounds. The crowd was shocked¡ª Morrison was blocked twice in one possession!


    Though Morrison wasn''t considered a successful NBA player, he had still played three years in the league!


    "I told you, you picked the wrong guy," Han Sen reminded him.


    Morrison''s game resembled Pierce''s, but he lacked Pierce''s strength and upper body power. Against an athletic defender like Han Sen, his fakes were useless.


    The Lakers'' possession ended in failure, and on the next play, Han Sen used a screen from Cunningham to hit a three-pointer, scoring his first points of the Summer League.


    The intensity of the game, Han Sen realized, was a blend of skill, strategy, and how the referees called it. After five minutes of play, Han had adjusted to the officiating, which allowed him to avoid the foul trouble Cunningham was facing and play effectively on defense.


    Han Sen also noted that the Summer League wasn''t very tactical, so simple plays could easily create scoring opportunities, giving him a solid foundation for his offense.


    As the crowd''s murmurs grew louder, his presence on the court intensified. His defense was particularly suffocating, applying pressure not just to his matchup but through constant help defense as well.


    The Lakers, already a weak team, fell into a long scoring drought. Watching this, Malone couldn''t have been happier.


    Ever since Mike Brown became the Cavaliers'' head coach, the team had turned into a defense-first squad. That defense had taken them to the 2007 NBA Finals. Last season, they had the league''s lowest points allowed, at 91.6 per game.


    For a player to get opportunities on the Cavaliers, they had to be strong on defense. Han Sen, an unproven rookie, was showing he could do just that from the perimeter.


    At this point, Malone didn''t mind if Han Sen was a bit of a loudmouth because the Cavaliers desperately needed players like him!

 Chapter 30: Can’t Stop Me.

    Chapter 30: Can¡¯t Stop Me.Han Sen played 27 minutes and posted stats of 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 blocks, 2 assists, 1 turnover, and 3 fouls, shooting 5 of 12 from the field, 3 of 7 from three-point range, and 1 of 2 from the free-throw line. This was his full stat line from his first game in the Summer League.


    As a comparison, in the same day''s game between the Warriors and Rockets, Stephen Curry made his debut and scored 16 points with 3 assists, shooting 3 of 8 from beyond the arc.


    LeBron James recorded 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists in his Summer League debut years ago.


    Han Sen''s stats weren''t spectacular, but they were respectable considering his draft position.


    Of course, after his performance, he gained another wave of [hater points].


    When fans expect someone to play well and they perform poorly, they get criticized. But when fans hope someone plays badly, and they do well, they get criticized even harder.


    This was a principle Han Sen had learned well during his NCAA days.


    Especially when, on the second day of Summer League, Blake Griffin made his debut and exploded for 27 points and 12 rebounds.


    "Griffin is a beast, he makes the rest of the 2009 draft class look dull, including that number 77."


    "There''s no suspense for Rookie of the Year. If you can''t even be the best in your draft class, you''d better shut your big mouth."


    ...


    On the third day of Summer League, the Cavaliers faced their second opponent, the Memphis Grizzlies.


    The Grizzlies were also fielding a rookie-heavy team, with players like Hasheem Thabeet, James Johnson, and Sam Young all on the roster.


    In addition, they had second-year player Hamed Haddadi, making their squad stronger than the Lakers.


    Han Sen noticed both Danny Ferry and Chris Wallace at the game.


    It''s rare to see two general managers at a Summer League game at the same time.


    The game began, and the Grizzlies played in a style similar to their main team, centered around their big men.


    Haddadi, Thabeet, and James Johnson relentlessly attacked the Cavaliers'' interior.


    As a result, the Cavaliers'' defensive pressure was focused on the paint, and Han Sen didn''t have to guard the perimeter as much as in the previous game.


    This allowed him to conserve energy for offense.


    He quickly found an opening.


    The Grizzlies'' two centers, Thabeet and Haddadi, were both 7-foot giants. While they dominated the paint, they had a major weakness: slow mobility.


    Han Sen executed a pick-and-roll, and if they didn''t switch, he''d shoot; if they did, they became easy targets for him.


    Han Sen started the game with a hot hand, hitting two outside shots in a row, and his confidence only grew from there.


    By the end of the game, he had gone 7 of 12 from three-point range, scoring 28 points, just one more than Griffin''s 27 from the day before.


    This completely rattled the haters. It wasn''t just a slap in their face¡ª it was like stabbing them in the lungs!


    "Lucky shots," "Grizzlies gave him open looks," "he just got lucky"¡ª all sorts of bizarre excuses started circulating.


    But Han Sen didn''t have time to care about that. After the game, both Ferry and Wallace pulled him aside for extended conversations.


    It turns out, both of these GMs had shown up just for him.


    "Not drafting you is the biggest regret of my career," Wallace said with a sigh.


    Han Sen awkwardly smiled; after all, Ferry was standing right there.


    "Do you know? When we traded for the 18th pick, I thought you were ours," Wallace continued, even grabbing Han Sen''s shoulder as he spoke.


    Han Sen realized what was happening: Wallace was basically trying to "steal" him right in front of Ferry.


    "Chris, it''s fate," Ferry said, completely unfazed.


    "Fate my ass! It''s all because of your interference!" Wallace retorted angrily.


    Ferry just laughed heartily.


    It seemed the two GMs were on good terms.


    Summer League games were played every other day, and after a day of rest, the Cavaliers faced the Sacramento Kings.


    The Kings were easily the strongest team in Summer League.


    Spencer Hawes, the 10th overall pick in 2007, was the Kings'' starting center last season;


    Jason Thompson, the 12th overall pick in 2008, was the starting power forward;


    Donte Greene, the 28th pick in 2008, had dropped 40 points in last year''s Summer League;


    And they were joined by this year''s 4th overall pick, Tyreke Evans, and 23rd pick, Omri Casspi.


    While other teams were developing their rookies, the Kings brought almost half their main team to Summer League.


    It was clear: they couldn''t win a title in the regular season, so they came to Summer League to dominate.


    The talent gap made it hard for the Cavaliers to stand a chance.


    For the first time in Summer League, Han Sen found himself struggling.


    The person making him feel this way was Tyreke Evans.


    Evans, like Han Sen, was 6''6", but he weighed 220 pounds, a full 15 pounds heavier.


    Yet this extra weight didn''t slow him down at all. His ball-handling was slick, his strength on point, and he had elite court vision, passing out of double teams with ease.


    He also had great wingspan and lateral speed, making him a formidable defender.


    Han Sen ended up with his worst performance in Summer League, playing just 20 minutes and posting 7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, and 5 fouls.


    On the same day, the Warriors faced the Hornets.


    But the star of that game wasn''t Stephen Curry.


    It was second-year player Anthony Morrow, who exploded for 47 points, setting a new Summer League scoring record.


    Morrow had been an undrafted rookie last year, so his performance had no direct connection to Han Sen. But unfortunately, he broke the record on the same day.


    "Some people score 47 points, while others only get 7. Same court, both 6''6", yet the difference between people is staggering." S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Morrow is just your average NBA player, but his performance here shows some players need a reality check."


    ...


    Han Sen was under unprecedented scrutiny, as if a magnifying glass had been placed over him.


    The Cavaliers'' fourth game was against the Suns.


    The Suns were led by last year''s rookies Goran Dragic and Robin Lopez, along with this year''s 14th overall pick Earl Clark, and 48th pick Taylor Griffin, Blake''s older brother.


    Despite his struggles in the previous game, Han Sen''s performance only drew more attention.


    They wanted to see just how much more "embarrassed" Han Sen could get under pressure.


    But unfortunately for them, his performance once again "disappointed" his critics.


    He played with intense energy and posted yet another 20+ game, finishing with 21 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks.


    His performance completely overshadowed Earl Clark''s 10 points and 4 rebounds, leaving Suns GM Steve Kerr in silence.


    Was Han Sen feeling the pressure?


    Not at all. Watching his hater points rise continuously, like a never-ending stream, how could he feel pressure?


    He was exhilarated.


    Looking back, he was glad he didn''t skip Summer League to prepare for the Asian Championships.


    This Summer League had given him a huge influx of hater points.


    At this rate, unlocking a new talent was just around the corner!

 Chapter 31: Stepping Up.

    Chapter 31: Stepping Up.In the Summer League, each team plays four regular games, and based on wins and point differentials, the top eight teams advance to the playoffs while the rest are eliminated. The Cavaliers ended with a 2-2 record and secured the eighth seed due to their low point differential.


    Their next match, two days later, was against the first-seed team, their old rivals, the Grizzlies.


    The packed schedule took a toll on the players physically, so Coach Malone gave the team a day off.


    Han Sen and Cunningham decided to visit a nearby bar.


    Although Cunningham was a bit undersized for a big man, his shooting range and his pick-and-roll plays with Han Sen were very effective.


    Having played four years of college ball before entering the drafte, he had a mature personality, and the two got along well.


    "Coach Malone is so strict," Cunningham complained.


    Despite his excellent Summer League performance, averaging 18 points per game, he struggled with fouls, averaging 5.5 per game. But the Summer League allows 10 fouls for a reason: to help rookies adjust to the intensity of NBA play.


    Not everyone could adapt as smoothly as Han Sen.


    Every time Cunningham fouled, Malone would shout at him from the sidelines.


    "He''s really big on defense," Han Sen observed. Like Coach Brown, Malone had a defensive coaching mindset.


    Cunningham shook his head with a wry smile.


    At that moment, a woman approached Han Sen with a smile. She was a Black woman with a voluptuous figure.


    Han Sen noticed her and thought that James Harden would probably be very interested, but she wasn''t his type.


    The woman tried to strike up a conversation a few times, but Han Sen ignored her, which eventually led her to leave in frustration.


    "We need to go," Cunningham suddenly stood up after a while.


    Han Sen, confused, followed Cunningham''s gaze and noticed the woman returning with a group of Black men heading their way.


    It seemed like they were in trouble.


    Even though they were taller and stronger, the group approaching them outnumbered them.


    When they tried to leave, the group blocked their path.


    And just as they crossed paths, something unfortunate happened.


    "Robert, that''s the guy! Number 77! The LeBron hater!"


    Oh crap!


    Han Sen suddenly felt uneasy.


    With so many LeBron fans around, it wasn''t unusual to run into a few in person.


    His unease was quickly confirmed when one of the men drew a knife from his waistband.


    This wasn''t just a normal fan¡ªthis was a LeBron fanatic!


    The people around them scattered, screaming.


    In that instant, Han Sen thought of many things, most notably Paul Pierce. Pierce famously survived being stabbed 11 times in a nightclub and made a legendary comeback in the NBA.


    It was a story of toughness, but no one would willingly want to be the subject of such a story. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This wasn''t a movie, and Han Sen knew he might not be as lucky as Pierce.


    Quickly, he grabbed a chair.


    But just then, Cunningham stepped in front of him.


    His stance was strange¡ªhe stared intently at the group, while his right hand made a motion like he was lifting his jacket and reaching behind his back.


    Seeing this, the men paused and took a step back.


    "Who wants a bullet in their head tonight?" Cunningham said, full of threat.


    "Robert, that guy doesn''t even have a gun!" one of the men yelled.


    Robert shot a glare at the man.


    This was America¡ª how could you be so sure?


    Cunningham stepped forward, keeping the same motion, and the group backed off another step.


    "Let''s go," Cunningham said without turning back.


    Han Sen followed him out of the bar, and once they were safely outside and the men hadn''t followed, he let out a deep breath.


    "You''re smart," Han Sen said.


    If it wasn''t for Cunningham, he wasn''t sure how they would have gotten out of that situation.


    "We''re used to this sort of thing," Cunningham said, referring to Black Americans growing up in rough neighborhoods.


    It was a harsh reality. Many NBA players'' biographies revealed that a significant portion of them grew up in dangerous, chaotic environments.


    "Do you really have a gun?" he couldn''t help but ask.


    Cunningham smiled and told him to feel his lower back.


    When Han Sen touched it, he felt something cold and solid¡ªit was a gun.


    "This is America," Cunningham said.


    After they returned from the bar, he was still shaken.


    Though he had lived in the U.S. before, most of his life had been spent on college campuses.


    Now, stepping into society, personal safety became a real concern.


    Especially since he was actively cultivating an anti-fan base, increasing the chance of real-life confrontations.


    Giving up his strategy of gaining [hater points] was out of the question, but carrying a gun like Cunningham wasn''t realistic either. He didn''t grow up in those conditions, and the risk of accidental discharge was too high.


    For now, the best course of action was to avoid crowded places or, if necessary, hire bodyguards.


    Two days later, the Cavaliers faced off against the Grizzlies in the elimination round.


    The Cavaliers fought harder than they had in their previous match, but the talent gap was too big, and the Grizzlies steadily pulled ahead.


    As the score widened, the Cavaliers'' defense began to crumble.


    In truth, this Cavaliers team was weak. The only reason they had won any games was because Han Sen and Cunningham had held the defense together, one on the perimeter and one inside.


    But that system wasn''t effective against the Grizzlies.


    "Are you just going to let him score like that? Why didn''t you foul him? Are you daydreaming out there?!" Malone shouted at Cunningham during a timeout after he allowed Haddadi to score.


    Cunningham hung his head, saying nothing.


    Han Sen, listening on the side, frowned.


    This had become a regular occurrence since the Summer League began. Previously, he thought Malone was just pushing them hard on defense, trying to help them improve. But after the incident at the bar, he felt like Cunningham was being unfairly treated.


    Cunningham, standing at only 2 meters tall, was up against the 2.18-meter-tall Haddadi. Before, he was scolded for fouling, and now for not fouling¡ª Malone was being unreasonable.


    "Coach, Dante is doing his best," Han Sen spoke up. Compared to what Cunningham did for him at the bar, speaking up here was nothing.


    The other players were shocked.


    Han Sen was the Cavaliers'' best Summer League player, playing smart and rarely getting yelled at by Malone. In fact, Malone clearly liked and valued him for his defensive abilities.


    But now, he was openly challenging him.


    "He can''t stop him in that position, and he''s managing his fouls..." Han Sen continued.


    "Shut up!" Malone was furious. A coach''s authority could not be questioned.


    But Han Sen didn''t shut up. He stared directly at Malone and said, "If he was LeBron James, would you be acting like this?"


    Malone froze.


    The players were stunned.


    Even Cunningham looked at him in disbelief.


    Han Sen¡ª was he always this bold?

 Chapter 32: Strength in Unity.

    Chapter 32: Strength in Unity.However, Malone''s response shocked everyone again.


    "Even if it''s LeBron, the same applies."


    "Then I''ll shut up," Han Sen replied bluntly.


    Malone''s outburst passed, and he lost interest in yelling at Cunningham again. The game resumed.


    "Thank you," Cunningham said, pulling him aside before heading back onto the court.


    "Shouldn''t I return the favor?" Han Sen asked.


    They exchanged glances and both smiled. Sometimes, relationships between men are that simple.


    The Cavaliers ultimately lost to the Grizzlies and were eliminated from the tournament.


    Han Sen''s Summer League journey came to an end.


    Over five games, he averaged 29 minutes per game, contributing 17 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 3.4 steals, 2 blocks, 2 turnovers, and 2.6 fouls per game. His shooting percentages were 44.2% from the field, 40.5% from three-point range, and 80.5% from the free-throw line.


    The night after the Summer League ended, the players officially began their offseason. Han Sen and Cunningham planned to stay one more day in Las Vegas before returning to Cleveland with the coaching staff. Neither had signed an official contract with the Cavaliers yet.


    Han Sen didn''t go out like before. Instead, he knocked on Malone''s door.


    Malone opened it, looking puzzled.


    "Coach, I''m here to apologize," Han Sen said with a smile, holding a fruit basket.


    Malone wasn''t sure what he was up to but let him in.


    "Alright, what are you really here for?" Malone asked directly once he was seated.


    "I truly came to apologize. I was too rash. Even if I had concerns, I shouldn''t have challenged your authority like that," he said, placing the fruit basket on the table.


    Malone looked at Han Sen without saying a word. He found himself increasingly unable to read him. He was acting incredibly mature now, just like how he had behaved on the plane. But if he were truly that mature, he wouldn''t have spoken the way he did at the press conference or confronted him during the game.


    "Are you a LeBron hater?"


    Malone''s sudden question almost made him lose his composure.


    "Uh, no, I''m not," Han Sen shook his head.


    No LeBron hater would ever admit to it, and what he posted on social media wasn''t really hate, just stating the facts.


    "Then why did you bring up LeBron?"


    Malone saw right through him.


    "Coach, I was just a bit worried," he admitted.


    "Worried?" Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You know, I didn''t try out for the Cavaliers. Part of that was because they''re a championship-contending team, but another part is because of LeBron..."


    Han paused while paying close attention to Malone''s expression.


    "Go on," Malone said, as he turned to make some coffee.


    "They all say LeBron is the ''king'' of Cleveland. No one can oppose his will, from management to the coaching staff, to the players. Everyone is his follower, his ''friend.'' Even if LeBron makes a mistake, no one speaks up."


    "So what exactly are you worried about?" Malone stopped what he was doing and turned to face him. He was good at cutting to the chase.


    "I''m worried that when I get there, I''ll also be forced to become one of them. But that''s not what I want. I worked hard to make it to the NBA, not to become someone''s friend or follower. I want to defeat my opponents and prove my own value."


    As Han spoke, he stood up unconsciously.


    "What you want to do and what you''re worried about don''t seem directly related," Malone gestured for him to sit down.


    "That''s why I brought up LeBron," Han said, but he didn''t sit.


    Malone fell into thought.


    Han was trying to figure out if Malone was one of those followers too.


    "I can''t decide what others think. I can only tell you what I believe," Malone said as he handed a cup of coffee to him and sat down with his own.


    "I''ve never tried to be LeBron''s friend, nor would I blindly praise him. I''m a coach, and if he doesn''t do his job, I''ll treat him just like any other player."


    After finishing his coffee, Han Sen smiled as he left Malone''s room.


    From the moment he found out he was drafted by the Cavaliers partly because of LeBron, he knew he was faced with a choice: either stand with LeBron or stand against him.


    There was no middle ground. Refusing LeBron''s goodwill was the same as opposing him.


    Han made his choice quickly, but he needed to prepare for the consequences, or he might lose his opportunities with the Cavaliers.


    What he absolutely had to do was improve his skills, becoming an indispensable part of the team.


    Beyond that, he needed to unite every ally he could.


    This was a principle emphasized by great leaders¡ª one of the most important strategies for struggle.


    An individual''s strength is small, but a united group can make even the enemy fearful.


    When Han Sen saw Malone on the plane, he had questions.


    Now, after tonight, he had his answer.


    Malone wasn''t rebelling against anyone or on bad terms with LeBron. He was simply a man of principles.


    The fact that he dared to say "LeBron would be treated the same" in front of so many rookies showed he wasn''t one to say one thing and do another.


    In other words, Malone was someone he could unite with.


    After returning to Cleveland, Han Sen and Cunningham both signed their contracts.


    The contract for a first-round pick is fixed and linked to the salary cap.


    His deal was 4 years, $7.94 million, fully guaranteed, but with team options for the third and fourth years.


    In the first year, his pre-tax salary was $1.59 million, leaving him with around $800,000 after taxes.


    Including the money he made from betting earlier, he was now a millionaire.


    Han Sen filmed the signing and posted it on social media with the caption:


    "The beginning of the legend of No. 77."


    As soon as he posted, he was met with ridicule from trolls.


    "Stop fooling others, and don''t start fooling yourself too!"


    "Make sure not to delete this. Come back in a couple of years and see how ridiculous this is!"


    "Is this why you refused to join the national basketball team? All you care about is money; you have no patriotism at all!"


    ...


    News had already broken in China about Han Sen refusing to join the national team camp, with highly suggestive headlines.


    "Han Refuses National Team Call-Up, Impacting Team''s Training."


    As a result, it wasn''t just the haters¡ª some uninformed fans also started to pile on.


    Han Sen had been in a great mood after Summer League, even thinking about heading back in time to catch the national team opportunity.


    But after the media storm, he lost all interest.


    In China''s current environment, there was no way the media would report like that without the basketball association''s implicit approval.


    This felt eerily similar to how they treated Wang Zhizhi years ago.


    Instead of returning to China, he headed to Miami as planned. He had previously arranged to train with Dwyane Wade during the summer.


    To achieve his goal of becoming indispensable to the Cavaliers, he needed to level up his [Star Catcher] skills before the season began.

 Chapter 33: Miami Training Camp.

    Chapter 33: Miami Training Camp.Wade''s training spot was at an indoor gym in Palm Beach, Miami.


    Through the large windows, you could see palm trees swaying in the wind and the beautiful Miami beach ¡ª a very comfortable environment.


    Inside the gym, besides Wade, there were also Bosh, Haslem, Chalmers, and James Jones. Apart from Bosh, the rest were all Miami Heat players. As for Bosh, his agent was also Thomas, and being from the 2003 draft class, he naturally had a close relationship with Wade.


    There were also a few trainers on-site.


    When Han Sen arrived, Wade was chatting with a middle-aged man wearing glasses. Seeing him, Wade paused the conversation and called out, "Look who''s here!"


    As Han Sen walked over, Wade reached out and gave him a hug.


    "I heard about number 77. You''re amazing bro," Wade whispered in Han Sen''s ear during the hug.


    No negative fan points were generated by the system; Wade genuinely thought he was awesome.


    For basketball players, communication naturally happens on the court.


    After a brief introduction, a few of them started warming up with some shooting and then jumped into a 3-on-3 half-court game.


    The players at this gym were stronger than those in the summer league, but he had improved through the summer league and could handle the intensity.


    After several rounds of alternating teammates, the group gathered on the sidelines to rest and chat.


    "Your defense hasn''t improved much," Wade was blunt as ever.


    Previously, Han would''ve taken Wade''s words as him being sharp-tongued, but after the summer league, especially the two games against the Kings, his mindset had changed.


    Confrontation is the foundation of technique, like the base of a pyramid. Though his defensive technique had improved, his physical confrontation skills hadn''t kept up. This was especially noticeable when facing someone as physically dominant as Wade, who made it clear that Han''s defense needed work.


    That might be the reason he hadn''t yet reached the [Star Catcher] skill threshold.


    "I''m planning to bulk up and work on my physicality this summer."


    Wade''s eyes widened in surprise. Han Sen had found the right direction.


    "Do you have a plan?"


    "I''m aiming for 100 kilograms," which was the same weight as Evans.


    Wade himself was also currently at 100 kilograms.


    "Young man, I''d advise against that," someone nearby chimed in.


    He turned to see it was the middle-aged man Wade had been talking to earlier.


    It was strange ¡ª this man seemed familiar, but he was sure they had never met before.


    "Oh, I forgot to introduce him. This is Tim Grover, a friend of mine," Wade explained.


    Tim Grover?!


    Han Sen was shocked.


    Tim Grover was Michael Jordan''s personal trainer and could be considered the pioneer of private trainers.


    As a fellow trainer, he was well aware of his name, but what surprised him even more was how young Grover looked. In the past, when he occasionally saw him in the news, Grover had been an older man with gray hair.


    "Why do you say that?" he asked.


    Despite his shock, he didn''t automatically assume Grover was right just because of his reputation.


    Sure, Grover was the pioneer of private trainers, but that was only because he was the first to take the leap. The profession of trainers had evolved since then and had become much more refined in Han Sen''s time.


    For instance, the old belief that "shooters shouldn''t build muscle because it affects shooting accuracy" had been debunked in his era.


    The prime example was Steph Curry, whose upper body strength increased significantly in the latter half of his career without any detriment to his shooting.


    The key is in muscle memory. Getting stronger just means adjusting to the new muscle memory.


    "It''s because your body wouldn''t be able to handle such a large weight gain in a short time," Grover said, which caught Han Sen off guard. But he still didn''t fully agree with him.


    Someone like Ben Simmons, who gained 15 kilograms in one offseason, might struggle physically, but he was only aiming for a 7-kilogram gain.


    "So, what weight do you think is appropriate for me?" Han asked. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I don''t know," Grover replied.


    "You don''t know?" he was confused. Why offer advice if you don''t know?


    "Every player has an optimal weight- it''s something the player needs to discover for themselves."


    He was left speechless. Grover was starting to feel like one of those old-school tricksters ¡ª the kind that spout vague principles but leave the real answers for you to figure out.


    Especially considering Grover''s age, the more Han Sen looked at him, the more suspicious he became.


    "You could try increasing by 5 pounds at a time. If after two or three months your body doesn''t show any negative reactions, you can add another 5 pounds," Grover continued, perhaps sensing the skepticism.


    That''s too slow, he thought. At Grover''s pace, it would take 6 to 9 months to reach 100 kilograms, and by then, the season would have already started.


    If he tried bulking during the season, he wouldn''t have enough time to adjust to the new muscle, and his shooting would indeed suffer.


    "I''ll give that a try," He said with a smile.


    Although he didn''t agree with Grover''s advice, out of respect for Wade''s friend, he decided to go along for now.


    For the next two months, from mid-July to mid-September, Han Sen trained with Wade in Miami.


    During that time, he successfully bulked from 93 kilograms to 98 kilograms.


    He didn''t abandon his goal but instead broke it down into stages, as gaining weight also required time to adapt to the new muscle memory.


    His plan was to hit 100 kilograms before the season started without affecting his shooting accuracy.


    The biggest impact of gaining weight was that his defense against Wade had clearly improved. While his mobility had slightly decreased, it was still within an acceptable range.


    By the time the training camp was almost over, he finally felt he was reaching the [Star Catcher] skill threshold.


    This was a huge milestone for him.


    During the summer, the Cavaliers hadn''t stopped strengthening their backcourt lineup.


    They signed Anthony Parker, a 34-year-old experienced shooting guard known for his defense and for shooting over 43% from three in two of his three seasons with the Raptors.


    They also signed Jamario Moon, nicknamed "The Moon Man." Moon had been a starter ever since joining the league, and last season, he averaged 7.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 25 minutes while shooting 35.5% from three.


    Including Delonte West and Daniel Gibson, who were already on the team, the competition for Han Sen in his rookie season was intense.


    But now that he had reached the [Star Catcher] threshold, he had a good chance of standing out from the rest.


    Before the training camp ended, Wade pulled Han Sen aside for a private session.


    It became clear from the roster at Wade''s camp that he had an agenda.


    After losing in a Game 7 to the Hawks in the first round last season, the Heat players were all eager to prove themselves.


    Especially Wade, who had a career-best season and couldn''t accept the outcome.


    That might have been the real reason Wade invited Han Sen to the camp and brought in Grover as well.


    He wanted to push his own limits to lead the Heat further.


    Han Sen, having bulked up and raised his defensive level enough to challenge Wade, was helping him push those limits.


    And in return, Wade wanted to give Han Sen something back.

 Chapter 34: The Beginning of Arrangements.

    Chapter 34: The Beginning of Arrangements."You''re not afraid I''ll learn from you and surpass you?" Han Sen was surprised when he learned that Wade was about to teach him his signature move, the Eurostep.


    "Don''t be overconfident." To Han Sen''s surprise, Wade immediately poured cold water on his enthusiasm.


    Once the training started, Han realized Wade was being realistic.


    Skills, though built on certain core elements, ultimately depend on the person using them.


    Take the fadeaway shot for example: Kobe was the closest to mastering it like Jordan, but even his version wasn''t as threatening as Jordan''s.


    Similarly, Olajuwon''s Dream Shake was something he taught openly, but no one else could dominate the league with it.


    Wade''s Eurostep is essentially a variation of the traditional move. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The key difference is that Wade adds a deceptive little change of direction before the Eurostep, making it difficult for defenders to predict whether he will continue in a straight line or use the Eurostep.


    What''s hard about it is that the deceptive move must feel threatening enough to mislead the defender, and after that, the player must still have the explosiveness to transition into the Eurostep.


    This requires a lot of skill in both driving to the basket and athletic explosiveness.


    He learned the move, but for now, there was still a big gap between his version and Wade''s.


    "You''re better than I thought," Wade unexpectedly complimented him.


    "Is that sarcasm?"


    "Not at all. Your explosiveness is still lacking, but your ball-handling has improved."


    That was probably due to Han Sen''s previous focus on ball handling and passing skills.


    After finishing Wade''s personal training session, Han packed up and returned to Cleveland.


    On the flight back, he checked the [Hater system], which he hadn''t looked at in a while due to his intense training schedule.


    He got quite a shock.


    In the two months since he last checked, his hater score had increased by over 50,000!


    Unlike before, most of this came from domestic fans, due to the national basketball team.


    In the final of the FIBA Asia Championship, China lost badly to Persia, marking the first time they had lost in the tournament since 1975!


    The real reason for the loss was simple: Yao Ming couldn''t play, and without him, they couldn''t contain Haddadi.


    But domestic fans didn''t see it that way. To them, the ''Great'' Chinese national team was a world-class team, and even without Yao Ming, they should still dominate Asia.


    Han Sen''s absence became the perfect scapegoat.


    If he hadn''t refused to play for the national team, would they have lost?


    He never imagined he would be considered so essential.


    To be honest, Han Sen didn''t think he would have made a difference if he had played; after all, he couldn''t have matched up against Haddadi.


    But fans didn''t care about that. They had already started to criticize him, so why not continue?


    Especially since Han Sen had already been blacklisted by many of them.


    Still, despite this unfair blame, Han was actually happy about the situation.


    After all, it meant an extra 50,000 [hater points]!


    Han Sen and Cunningham were required to report to the team a day early to organize their lockers.


    When Cunningham saw Han Sen at the arena, he was shocked.


    Han Sen had bulked up significantly since the last time they met.


    As a trainer, Han Sen didn''t just gain weight ¡ª he gained muscle.


    This time, it wasn''t Ferry who led them on the tour but a staff member from the general manager''s office named David Griffin.


    Under Griffin''s guidance, Han Sen entered the Cavaliers'' locker room for the first time.


    Having lived in Miami and been inside the Heat''s locker room, he couldn''t help but compare the two.


    This one felt a bit old.


    With its yellow retro lockers, white tile walls, and stainless steel clothes rails, he felt like he was in a bathhouse.


    Upon entering, they immediately saw LeBron James'' nameplate.


    LeBron''s locker was right next to the entrance.


    This intrigued Han Sen. Normally, the spot by the door would be the least convenient, with people constantly coming and going, and it would offer the least privacy.


    "The four corners of a locker room are usually reserved for special arrangements. Two of those spots are quieter, while these two are better for media interviews," Griffin explained thoughtfully to Han Sen and Cunningham.


    Han looked at the spots he mentioned, noticing that Mo Williams and Zydrunas Ilgauskas occupied the quieter corners, while the more public spots near the door were taken by Shaquille O''Neal and LeBron James.


    It seemed that in an NBA locker room, the corners were the prime locations.


    Then, he noticed that the lockers next to LeBron and Shaq were empty.


    "These will be your lockers. This one was previously used by J.J. Hickson, and the other was Darnell Jackson''s," Griffin said.


    Jackson was a second-round pick last year, a big man who had also played with Han Sen in Summer League.


    Griffin''s meaning was clear: rookies were generally placed near the team''s stars, so they could assist them.


    Griffin then pulled out nameplates for Han Sen and Cunningham, placing them in the slots above their respective lockers.


    Cunningham''s locker was next to O''Neal''s, while Han''s was beside LeBron''s.


    "Dante, let''s switch places," Han said, reaching for his nameplate.


    "Wait a second," Griffin stopped him and gestured with his eyes, hinting at something. "Rookies usually compete for this spot."


    "Is there a rule that says I have to stay here?" He frowned.


    "Not really," Griffin said, glancing at his paperwork. It only mentioned assigning the two of them to these positions.


    But it was common knowledge within the Cavaliers that LeBron had specifically requested Han be placed next to him.


    "Then it''s fine," Han said, already removing his nameplate.


    Griffin hesitated but didn''t say anything more.


    After explaining a few more locker room rules, Griffin left.


    "Thanks, Dante," Han Sen said after they switched nameplates.


    "Thanks? That guy just said people would kill for that spot," Cunningham said, pointing to LeBron''s locker.


    Given what Cunningham had heard from those bar-hopping friends of his, as well as Han Sen''s mentioning of LeBron when standing up for him, he knew he didn''t like LeBron.


    "Let''s go train."


    Han Sen sat down, already changing into his workout gear.


    "Now?" Cunningham looked surprised.


    Han nodded, already getting ready.


    He hadn''t expected that, upon arriving in Cleveland, he would immediately be categorized as LeBron''s lackey, with even his locker assigned accordingly.


    It seemed like hardly anyone in the Cavaliers organization wasn''t LeBron''s "friend".


    Given the circumstances, more arrangements were surely on the way.


    He needed to get stronger, and quickly¡ª only the strong have a say.

 Chapter 35: The King.

    Chapter 35: The King.The Cavaliers'' season training camp officially began the next day.


    Training was scheduled to start at 9 a.m., but Han Sen arrived at the arena an hour early and headed to the gym.


    He wanted to get in a session of strength training¡ª about 45 minutes¡ª before the team workout.


    When Han Sen returned to the practice court after finishing his session, he noticed that the rest of the Cavaliers were already there.


    His attention was immediately drawn to Shaquille O''Neal.


    He was even bigger than Han Sen had imagined, and up close, he seemed like a giant.


    With such a monstrous presence in the paint, it''s no surprise how dominant he had been in his prime.


    However, the "Big Diesel" wasn''t exactly washed up yet. Last season with the Suns, he averaged 17.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, made the All-NBA Third Team, and became only the second player after Michael Jordan to score 45+ points at age 37.


    So, sure, you could say he was old, but to claim he had lost all his dominance would be ridiculous.


    A more accurate statement would be that while his offensive dominance in the post was still there, his defensive abilities had declined to the point where someone else needed to cover for him.


    After taking a good look at O''Neal, Han Sen noticed Cunningham approaching him.


    "You went to the gym?" Cunningham asked, surprised to see him drenched in sweat after they had trained hard the day before.


    Han nodded.


    At that moment, Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown entered the arena, accompanied by two assistant coaches, one of whom was Michael Malone.


    Brown appeared very serious, which matched his reputation as a defensive-minded coach.


    Since it was the first day of training camp, Brown didn''t introduce any complex tactics. The team just went through some simple warm-up drills and shooting exercises.


    The day was more about allowing the old and new Cavaliers players to familiarize themselves with one another.


    Compared to previous seasons, the Cavs had undergone quite a few changes over the summer.


    After a day of practice, Han had a basic understanding of his teammates:


    LeBron James came across as standoffish, as if he was on a higher plane than everyone else;


    Ilgauskas seemed like a warm-hearted guy who was very welcoming and proactive with the new players;


    Varej?o buzzed around James like a busy little bee;


    Delonte West had an intimidating, "don''t mess with me" look on his face and seemed extremely antisocial;


    Anthony Parker was always smiling and appeared to be a genuine good guy.


    However, the teammate who left the strongest impression on Han Sen¡ª and also made him feel the most at ease¡ª was O''Neal.


    He didn''t act like a superstar at all. He got along with everyone and often said things that were really funny.


    His presence made the atmosphere at the Cavs'' training camp light and pleasant.


    As the day''s training wrapped up, Brown announced the start time for the next day''s practice: 9 a.m., same as today. However, the next day would be an open practice, with lots of reporters present.


    Strictly speaking, the next day would be the official start of training camp.


    But just as Brown finished speaking, LeBron suddenly interrupted:


    "No, tomorrow we start at 12."


    The statement caught everyone off guard, even O''Neal''s eyes widened in surprise.


    Han was also confused, unsure what LeBron was up to, since this was clearly an open challenge to Brown''s authority.


    What was even more shocking was Brown''s reaction.


    "Alright then, we''ll start at 12," Brown replied, without even asking why. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Was this guy still the head coach?


    It seemed like LeBron was the real coach!


    But when Han turned to see O''Neal''s utterly stunned expression, he began to understand what was going on.


    This was LeBron''s way of establishing dominance.


    O''Neal was, after all, a famous superstar with four championship rings.


    Though he was older now and approached practice with a laid-back attitude, he could still flash his four fingers and remind everyone of his success.


    It was like a wolf pack receiving an old alpha¡ª of course, the current alpha had to assert his dominance.


    And since the old wolf was already getting along so well with the rest of the pack, LeBron felt the need to assert his authority.


    It was the kind of move only LeBron could pull off¡ª completely undermining the coach''s authority in front of the whole team.


    All of Brown''s efforts to build a strict image collapsed instantly in the eyes of the Cavaliers players, especially the newcomers.


    But even as Han Sen silently criticized the situation, he also saw an opportunity.


    After catching O''Neal''s reaction, Han noticed a slight trace of dissatisfaction in his expression.


    Shaq wasn''t a fool; he was smart enough to see through what was happening.


    Moreover, he had previously teamed up with both Kobe and Wade, achieving success in both partnerships.


    Compared to those guys, LeBron didn''t quite measure up.


    This was a forced show of dominance, and naturally, Shaq wasn''t pleased.


    That was Han Sen''s opening¡ªanyone not aligned with LeBron was someone he could ally with.


    ...


    After practice, everyone headed back to the locker room.


    Despite the earlier drama, everyone was still in a good mood, and the locker room was filled with laughter.


    But that was soon interrupted by LeBron''s cold voice:


    "What''s going on?"


    Everyone turned to see LeBron holding his shoes with a frown on his face.


    Beside him, Cunningham was scratching his head awkwardly.


    He had grabbed LeBron''s shoes by mistake.


    Every NBA team has a shoe manager, but for some reason, LeBron preferred to have rookies fetch his shoes for him.


    "You, switch places with him," LeBron said, looking at Han Sen.


    "Hey, kid, James wants you to switch spots!" Varej?o quickly got up, walking over to Han Sen and ordering him around.


    Han frowned.


    He hadn''t expected that after Shaq''s humiliation, it would be his turn so soon.


    Everyone else in the locker room was watching, enjoying the drama.


    A rookie in this situation had no right to refuse.


    But Han Sen shook his head.


    His reaction caused everyone''s eyes to widen in shock.


    "This is the team''s arrangement; I''m supposed to be here."


    "Team arrangement?!" Varej?o stifled a laugh. "Don''t you know that in here, whatever he says goes?"


    "Cough!"


    LeBron''s cough interrupted Varej?o mid-sentence.


    After giving Varej?o a condescending look, LeBron glanced at Jackson, who was sitting to Han Sen''s right. "I meant him," LeBron said.


    Perhaps to avoid leaving too strong of a tyrannical impression, especially on the new additions¡ª mainly Shaq¡ª LeBron decided to change his mind.


    After all, one show of dominance was enough; doing more would backfire.


    Varej?o, a little embarrassed, pointed at Han before directing Cunningham and Jackson to switch places.


    "Sorry about that," Han Sen apologized to Cunningham as they were leaving the arena. He felt responsible for Cunningham being scolded since it was his idea to swap spots the day before.


    "I grabbed the wrong shoes; it''s not your fault. And it all worked out in the end anyway," Cunningham replied, proving himself to be a solid teammate.


    "Either way, you took the heat today. Let me treat you to dinner," Han said with a smile.


    "Sounds good! I heard there''s a pizza place nearby that''s really good," Cunningham grinned, showing his love for food.


    "But seriously, be careful of that guy," Cunningham warned as they left.


    "That guy couldn''t take me," Han replied, sensing that Varej?o was all bark and no bite.


    "I''m not talking about him¡ª I mean him," Cunningham said, glancing around to make sure no one was nearby before lowering his voice.


    "He can change the team''s practice time at will. He''s the ''King'' around here. You rejected him in front of everyone; you really think he''ll just let that go?"


    ---

 Chapter 36: Leading by Example.*

    Chapter 36: Leading by Example.*At 12 PM the next day, the players were preparing to head to the arena for practice.


    As usual, Han Sen arrived at the gym an hour early for his training. However, unlike the day before, after a short while, two others entered the gym as well.


    At first glance, he noticed that one of them was LeBron James. The person beside him appeared to be his trainer.


    If he remembered correctly, the name of James'' trainer was Mike Mancias. Ilgauskas had enthusiastically introduced him the day before.


    James exchanged a few words with Mancias upon seeing Han, then continued his training without engaging further.


    After finishing his session, Han left the gym first. However, as he stepped out, he noticed a +5 increase in his [hater points] in the system.


    Typically, the hater score increases by +1 per regular person, so this contributor could only be... LeBron James?


    This was the first time since his duel with Jordan that he had experienced the "hater" effect from a celebrity.


    But why was James against him? Was it because he didn''t greet him? Or maybe because he didn''t take the chance to apologize for what happened the previous day?


    He wasn''t sure, but he realized Cunningham''s words from the day before weren''t without merit.


    When he returned to the training facility, just as Coach Brown had mentioned the day before, there were quite a few journalists present.


    Cunningham waved at Han Sen, and he walked over.


    Just then, James and Mancias also entered the gym.


    "Why does LeBron keep looking over here?" Cunningham asked in a hushed tone.


    "Who cares?"


    Cunningham gave Han Sen a thumbs-up in silent approval.


    "Is Shaq not here today?" Han noticed that O''Neal was absent from the court.


    "He said his knee was sore," Cunningham replied, having heard it earlier in the locker room.


    Could it be a coincidence? Or was this O''Neal''s silent protest?


    Once everyone had arrived, Malone gathered the players for warm-up drills, including running laps and stretches.


    However, Han Sen noticed something peculiar¡ª LeBron was already being interviewed by the media on the sidelines, skipping the warm-up entirely.


    "I arrived here around 10 AM. I understand the pressure the team is under this season. We have no room for error. I need to lead by example."


    Han Sen couldn''t help but laugh as he overheard part of James'' interview while running laps.


    When he saw LeBron in the gym at 11 AM, he wasn''t even sweating. So, did he arrive at the arena at 10 just to have breakfast?


    Of course, that wasn''t the most amusing part. After all, Han Sen hadn''t been following James closely, and for all he knew, James might have arrived early to review game footage.


    What he found truly laughable was that LeBron, as the team''s leader, wasn''t even participating in the warm-up drills with the rest of the team, despite preaching about "leading by example" in his interview.


    As soon as the warm-ups ended, so did James'' interview¡ª timing that was nothing short of perfect.


    After warm-ups, they moved on to some non-contact drills, primarily focused on perimeter shooting.


    Last season, the Cavaliers lost to the Orlando Magic for two reasons: they had no one who could contain Dwight Howard in the paint, and their perimeter shooting was poor.


    The trade for O''Neal addressed the issue of defending the paint, so naturally, perimeter shooting became the focus of their training.


    Besides the regular drills, Coach Brown introduced a special kind of scrimmage.


    The players were paired up and took turns shooting from designated perimeter spots while being contested by an inside player.


    It was a highly effective drill because it closely simulated real-game situations.


    However, it also put the players'' ability to shoot under pressure to the test.


    For instance, when Williams and Gibson¡ª two of the Cavaliers'' best perimeter shooters last season¡ª completed their 25 attempts from five spots, they only made 15 shots each.


    Next up were LeBron and Cunningham.


    Han Sen couldn''t help but chuckle before the competition even began.


    He felt like if he stayed with the Cavaliers much longer, he''d start to resemble the scheming ''Sherlock Holmes''.


    Cunningham could shoot, but his range wasn''t yet extended to the NBA three-point line.


    With so many people watching, Brown must have been terrified that LeBron would lose; why else would he pair him against Cunningham?


    As expected, the contest was a disaster from the start.


    Cunningham only made one out of his five attempts from the corner.


    LeBron wasn''t much better, sinking just two out of five.


    By the end of the five spots, Cunningham had made 4 out of 25 shots, while LeBron finished with 10 out of 25, winning by a wide margin.


    Han Sen was particularly puzzled. He knew that LeBron would eventually develop a reliable three-point shot later in his career. While it wasn''t exceptional, it was good enough that defenders wouldn''t dare leave him open.


    But why was he struggling so much at this point? He hadn''t bulked up to play power forward yet, so it should have been easier to develop his shot. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Was it possible that he simply wasn''t practicing enough?


    Hansen and Parker were the last pair to take the court.


    Before stepping onto the court, Malone gave Han Sen a pat on the shoulder.


    He understood immediately¡ª this was his chance.


    The Cavaliers were looking to bolster their perimeter shooting, and with these three-point shooting drills, it was clear they were evaluating candidates for the starting shooting guard spot.


    Parker, with his size, skillset, and experience, was the leading candidate. But Han wasn''t entirely out of the race.


    And to prove his potential, this head-to-head contest was the most straightforward way to do it.


    Varejao, who stood 6''11", was assigned to contest their shots.


    Parker''s shooting form was flawless, and he sank 4 out of 5 shots at the first spot, drawing cheers from the rest of the team.


    When it was his turn, he noticed LeBron watching him closely from the sidelines.


    But Han didn''t have time to dwell on that. His focus was entirely on the game.


    He caught the pass and rose for his shot.


    However, just as he jumped, Varejao''s contest was notably more aggressive than it had been for Parker. He lunged forward, directly into Han Sen''s space.


    His first shot missed under the pressure.


    Was Varejao targeting him?


    He locked eyes with Varejao, and the mischievous glint in the latter''s eyes was unmistakable.


    "Anderson, do your job," Malone reminded, breaking up Varejao''s antics.


    Exposed, Varejao''s expression soured, but he had no choice but to comply.


    Han sank the next four shots in a row, his focus unshaken.


    As the drill continued, Han Sen and Parker put on a show.


    In high-pressure situations like this, shooting ability, size, and mental fortitude played a significant role.


    Players who were shorter or lacked the mental toughness often struggled to maintain consistency when heavily contested.


    Yet both Parker and Han Sen excelled.


    Parker''s excellence was to be expected¡ªhe was a seasoned veteran. Han''s performance, however, left everyone in awe.


    After the first four spots, both had made 15 out of 20 shots.


    Even Coach Brown couldn''t help but turn to Malone for a word.


    At the final spot, Parker remained steady, hitting 4 out of 5 again. He was especially accurate from the corners.


    Hansen, too, remained red-hot. His first three shots hit nothing but net.


    With his added muscle mass and new muscle memory, his stamina was better than ever. Even by the fifth spot, his shots still appeared effortless.


    Swish!


    The fourth shot went through the net without touching the rim.


    Cunningham couldn''t hold back his cheers for Han Sen.


    In just two months, he had improved so much that he seemed like a completely different player from the one Cunningham had seen in the Summer League.


    But just as Han was about to take his final shot, Varejao lunged forward again.


    Despite Malone''s earlier warning, he couldn''t resist trying to disrupt Han''s rhythm.


    This time, he was ready. He didn''t flinch, calmly shooting over Varejao''s contest.


    He treated it as if it were a game-winning shot in a real game.


    The ball soared over Varejao''s fingertips and spun toward the basket.


    The trajectory was perfect.


    Swish!


    With a crisp sound, the ball dropped cleanly through the net, just like his game-winner against Michigan State.


    This time, it wasn''t just Cunningham cheering¡ª many of the Cavaliers players applauded his performance.


    Han Sen was the only player to hit all five shots from the final spot, and his total of 20 made shots was unmatched by anyone else.


    He was strong¡ª undeniably so!


    ---

 Chapter 37: Directly Taking on the Star Player.

    Chapter 37: Directly Taking on the Star Player.After the shooting practice, the team moved on to running tactical drills, with a focus on defensive tactics.


    Han Sen stood out in this session as well, with his exceptional lateral movement allowing him to stay in position defensively.


    Once the tactical drills were completed, it was time for the final part of daily practice: full-court scrimmage.


    The Cavaliers players were split into two teams, black and white:


    White Team: Delonte West, Daniel Gibson, Anthony Parker, LeBron James, Anderson Varejao (Jawad Williams, Coby Karl)


    Black Team: Mo Williams, Han Sen, Jamario Moon, Leon Powe, Zydrunas Ilgauskas (Cunningham, Darnell Jackson)


    The scrimmage would last for one 12-minute quarter, with assistant coach Lloyd Pierce acting as the referee.


    Ilgauskas tipped the ball back to the black team, officially starting the game.


    On the first offensive possession, Han Sen saw Varejao pulled out to the free-throw line by Ilgauskas and quickly cut in from the baseline.


    It was a good opportunity, but Mo Williams had no intention of passing, opting instead to drive straight to the basket. After being contested by Varejao, Williams pulled up for a floater but was chased down and blocked by LeBron James.


    Han Sen looked at Williams, somewhat speechless.


    Before joining the Cavaliers, Williams played for the Milwaukee Bucks, where he was affectionately nicknamed "Mo No Pass" by Chinese fans due to his reluctance to share the ball.


    Well, there are no wrong nicknames, only fitting ones.


    It seemed that if Han Sen wanted to stand out, he''d need to focus on the defensive end.


    On the white team''s next possession, LeBron stood with his hands on his hips, not participating. The ball was in Daniel Gibson''s hands.


    Gibson signaled for isolation.


    Drafted by the Cavaliers in the second round in 2006, Gibson, like Varejao, had been one of LeBron''s trusted sidekicks and had been a solid rotation player, even starting at times. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, with the Cavaliers'' backcourt competition heating up this season, Gibson needed to prove himself.


    What better opportunity than this: going head-to-head against Han Sen, his direct competitor, and an easy target.


    Gibson dribbled, shifting from side to side before making a quick right-handed drive.


    Whack!


    In the next instant, everyone witnessed Gibson pulling off a "hen laying an egg" as Han Sen timed it perfectly and stripped the ball from him.


    After the steal, Han Sen lifted his head and saw Mo Williams and Jamario Moon already sprinting beyond the three-point line.


    Seriously, do all Cavaliers players sprint this hard on fast breaks?!


    Han Sen quickly tossed the ball to Williams, who, despite dodging a block attempt by LeBron, managed to score with a fast-break layup.


    While Williams might only have eyes for the basket, he definitely knows how to finish when given the chance.


    Unfazed, Gibson called for the ball from West again, ready to go one-on-one.


    But he soon realized that this matchup was a nightmare for him.


    Although he accelerated past Han Sen, the latter recovered and stripped the ball from behind once again!


    Han Sen was a little surprised by how easily he took the ball. Wasn''t Gibson supposed to be one of LeBron''s trusted guards?


    With the white team getting back on defense quickly, the black team couldn''t push a fast break this time. Han Sen followed up in the frontcourt, running an off-ball play using Ilgauskas''s screen.


    Then, he saw the basketball flying toward him.


    Surprisingly, it was Mo Williams passing to him!


    A gesture of reciprocation?


    Turns out basketball isn''t all about aggression.


    Han Sen caught the ball and released his shot before Varejao could close out on him, knocking it down cleanly.


    The earlier shooting drills had warmed up his touch.


    Three points, two steals, and one assist¡ªHan Sen''s impressive debut at training camp seemed almost too good to be true.


    On the sidelines, Malone was beaming in front of Coach Brown, as if watching his child make a name for himself.


    Finally, LeBron took possession of the ball. After a pick-and-roll with Varejao, he bulldozed his way into the paint, muscling through Powe to slam the ball into the basket.


    Powe was knocked over by the force of the dunk.


    Pierce''s whistle blew¡ª an and-one.


    Wow!


    Although Han Sen wasn''t a LeBron fan, he had to admit that his physical abilities were truly explosive.


    However, Han Sen noticed something strange. After the dunk, LeBron didn''t immediately go to the free-throw line but instead spoke briefly with Varejao.


    Although Han Sen couldn''t hear what was said from a distance, he did catch Varejao turning to smile slyly in his direction.


    That smile felt annoyingly creepy!


    LeBron missed the free throw, and Ilgauskas secured the rebound.


    In the next possession, Han Sen didn''t touch the ball. Williams ran a pick-and-roll with Ilgauskas and drained a shot.


    The black team was off to a strong start, leading 7-2.


    LeBron continued to handle the ball for the white team, but this time, Varejao stayed on the weak side and set an off-ball screen for Gibson.


    Varejao, with his wide frame, set an excellent screen. However, Han Sen had already mastered the [Star Chaser] skill, improving his ability to fight through screens.


    As he was about to chase Gibson, Varejao suddenly moved and used his elbow to block Han Sen''s body.


    Gibson took advantage of the situation, catching LeBron''s pass and hitting the shot.


    Han Sen looked over at Pierce, wondering if that wasn''t an illegal screen.


    But Pierce didn''t blow the whistle.


    Varejao smiled slyly again in Han Sen''s direction.


    On the next possession, Han Sen tried to get open off-ball again, but this time Williams didn''t pass, opting instead to take it to the rim himself and miss the shot.


    Give him the ball once, and he''ll return the favor once¡ª beyond that, don''t expect much.


    On the white team''s next play, Varejao used the same illegal screen tactic.


    This time, Han Sen tried to force his way through.


    Varejao wasn''t known for his physicality, and since Han Sen was the aggressor, it wasn''t easy for Varejao to hold him off.


    However, as Han Sen squeezed past, Varejao dramatically flopped to the floor like a leaf blown by the autumn wind.


    Pierce''s whistle blew, calling Han Sen for a defensive foul for pushing.


    "You''re not calling his illegal screens?" Han Sen angrily protested, finding the referee''s double standards too blatant.


    "They wouldn''t call that in an official game either," Pierce retorted with surprising confidence.


    "Damn!" Han Sen cursed in Chinese.


    So, the league''s favoritism toward the Cavaliers extends even to their in-house training!


    "You should learn what respect means," Varejao taunted as he got up, puffing out his chest.


    "Don''t you know ''grass'' is just a plant?" Han Sen sarcastically retorted, shoving Varejao aside. He didn''t think Varejao would understand that "grass" was a curse word, just like how his Rockets teammates once thought "damn it" meant "tomato."


    Unexpectedly, Varejao flopped to the ground like a woman fainting in front of a rich man.


    Wow, this guy really is an Oscar-level actor, flopping even during an intra-team scrimmage!


    Pierce blew his whistle again, calling Han Sen for another foul.


    And there was Varejao, still with that sly grin on his face.


    At that moment, Han Sen suddenly calmed down.


    He turned his gaze to LeBron at the far end of the court.


    Since the three-point contest began, Varejao had been messing with him.


    At first, Han Sen thought Varejao was just acting like a mad dog biting everyone, but now that he thought back, it was right after Varejao spoke with LeBron that he started targeting him.


    So, Cunningham was right yesterday¡ª LeBron wasn''t going to let yesterday''s incident slide easily.


    Even when Han Sen left the gym earlier, the [hater points] supported that theory.


    LeBron didn''t even need to get involved personally; he could just send someone like Varejao to do his dirty work.


    Even if Han Sen beat up or even humiliated Varejao, it wouldn''t affect LeBron at all.


    After all, isn''t that what lackeys are for?


    To do the dirty work so the boss doesn''t get his hands dirty.


    If Han Sen actually started a fight, everything he had achieved in training today would go up in smoke.


    There really was no solution to this!


    The ball was still with the white team, and this time, they inbounded the ball to LeBron. Varejao set a solid screen for him again.


    LeBron powered his way into the paint once more.


    After seeing what happened to Powe earlier, Moon, who was on the weak side, didn''t dare to step in to help defend.


    LeBron flew through the air in the paint, lifting the ball over his head, ready to perform one of his signature tomahawk dunks.


    But just as he was about to throw it down, a figure rushed in from the free-throw line, launching himself into the air and swatting the ball from LeBron''s hand!


    The ball bounced off the backboard, then hit LeBron''s head before flying out of bounds.


    LeBron stared in shock, wondering what had just happened.


    The whole gym fell silent.


    LeBron''s dunks were like fire to defenders¡ª who would dare to challenge him at the rim?


    But Han Sen did!


    And he blocked LeBron James!

 Chapter 38: The Leader of the Cavaliers.

    Chapter 38: The Leader of the Cavaliers.Before long, Malone came into the locker room.


    "Are you okay?" Malone pointed to his chest as he walked in.


    "It hurt a little before, but after you asked, it suddenly doesn''t hurt anymore," Han Sen said with a smile, patting his chest.


    Malone smiled warmly.


    "Mike wants you in his office." He referred to head coach Brown.


    Han Sen nodded and got up.


    "Just admit your mistake when you get there. Mike is actually a pretty approachable guy," Malone advised Han Sen again as they walked.


    He nodded seriously.


    After the summer league ended, Han Sen thought about how to get along with Malone.


    But now it seemed unnecessary. From today''s events, it was clear that Malone already treated him like a disciple.


    So, regardless of what he thought, at least in front of Malone, there was no need to anger him.


    When he entered the coach''s office, Han Sen saw Brown sitting there, his face dark as if he wanted to kill someone.


    Brown motioned for Malone to leave and close the door behind him.


    "Do you know where you went wrong?" Brown asked.


    Han Sen shook his head.


    This reaction made Brown spring up from his seat like a rocket.


    "Anderson Varej?o pushed me first. I don''t think I was wrong to push back," Han Sen responded confidently.


    Brown slammed the table in anger. That wasn''t the point!


    The point was LeBron!


    You blocked LeBron James in front of everyone¡ª how''s he supposed to save face?!


    Although the staff acted quickly and confiscated the reporters'' cameras, they couldn''t confiscate their mouths!


    Of course, Brown couldn''t say this outright¡ª it would be too much of a bootlicking move.


    "Do you know what''s most important to a team?" Brown asked after catching his breath.


    Han Sen didn''t answer, because it was clear the question wasn''t meant for him.


    "It''s unity!" Brown answered his own question, as expected.


    "Basketball is a team sport, and the team needs a leader. LeBron is that leader. Everyone else must rally around him for the team to perform at its best and move forward."


    They''ve been united for how many seasons now, and the best they''ve done is get swept in the Finals?


    "Coach, you''re right," Han Sen nodded in agreement.


    Brown was stunned. He hadn''t expected Han Sen to answer like that.


    Does this guy know how to have a conversation?


    "Ahem!" Brown awkwardly cleared his throat. "So, do you know where you went wrong now?"


    Han Sen still shook his head.


    "You!" Brown pointed at Han Sen, veins bulging.


    "Do you realize today''s practice was open to the media?"


    "Yes."


    "Then why were you still so aggressive on defense? If this gets reported, it''ll harm the team''s unity!"


    "Will it?" Han Sen asked, puzzled. "We gave it our all in practice and played intense defense. Wouldn''t the media report that we''re gearing up for a comeback?"


    The desk suffered another furious slam from Brown.


    He was speechless! Even a pig should understand what he meant by now.


    It was obvious Han Sen had no intention of playing along.


    "Get out!" Brown pointed at the door, shouting.


    "Yes, coach."


    Han Sen stood up and left the office.


    As he opened the door, Malone was still standing outside. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing him, Malone sighed helplessly and motioned for him to leave while he himself entered Brown''s office alone.


    Watching this, Han Sen felt a bit conflicted inside.


    When he returned to the locker room, the Cavaliers players had all come back, except for LeBron, who was nowhere to be seen.


    At that moment, the looks from his teammates were noticeably divided.


    The original Cavaliers players looked at him with hostility.


    The new arrivals, however, looked at him with a hint of admiration.


    It was clear that the strange atmosphere in the Cavaliers'' training camp wasn''t something only Han Sen had noticed.


    But most people chose to remain silent in the face of this, as they were newcomers and didn''t have much influence.


    Moreover, as Han Sen had previously mentioned, everyone knew how important LeBron was to the Cavaliers.


    Enduring and keeping quiet was better than being kicked out.


    After changing, Cunningham and Han Sen left together.


    Later that night, the two returned to the gym for extra practice.


    "I know you want to get stronger quickly, but don''t overdo it and hurt yourself," Cunningham advised Han Sen after their first training session.


    "Don''t worry, I know what I''m doing."


    Han Sen really did know.


    There was a common saying back home that overtraining had ruined many players.


    But in reality, NBA players trained just as hard, if not harder.


    The key was scientific training and maintaining the right intensity in each session.


    Training didn''t need to be long, but the intensity had to be high to be effective.


    "Dante, you''d better work on your three-point shot. You don''t want to be a practice dummy every day, do you?" Han Sen reminded Cunningham.


    Han Sen wasn''t just teasing. If Cunningham didn''t develop a three-point shot, today''s experience would become a regular occurrence for him on the Cavaliers.


    Besides, for a smaller inside player like Cunningham, the only way to survive was to become a stretch big man.


    A 3-and-D power forward was always in demand.


    "I know. In Cleveland, there''s only one person who doesn''t need to work on his three-point shot," Cunningham''s comment made Han Sen laugh. This guy was getting bolder.


    At that moment, the gym door opened.


    A tall figure bent down to enter¡ª it was Ilgauskas.


    Cunningham instinctively covered his mouth, but Han Sen pulled his hand down.


    Ilgauskas wasn''t some kind of eavesdropper.


    He walked over with a smile and said to Han Sen, "Can we talk?"


    Han Sen nodded.


    "I''ll go practice over there," Cunningham said, taking the ball to the other side of the gym.


    "Is there something you need?" Han Sen didn''t ask how Ilgauskas knew he was here; the man had been with the Cavaliers for over a decade, after all.


    "I know you and LeBron have some misunderstandings."


    "There''s no misunderstanding. I''ve never even spoken to him," Han Sen didn''t know what Ilgauskas''s intentions were.


    "LeBron is actually a very hardworking guy. It may seem like he was successful from the start, but he wouldn''t be where he is without effort."


    Han Sen shrugged. He didn''t want to hear more praise about LeBron.


    But what Ilgauskas said next surprised him.


    "However, because he''s always been successful, sometimes he can be self-centered and expect everything to revolve around him."


    So this was his way of explaining why LeBron had a problem with him?


    It made sense. But now Han Sen was even more confused about Ilgauskas''s purpose for coming.


    "I hope you don''t hold any animosity toward him. After all, he''s the one who brought you here."


    Hearing this, Han Sen immediately frowned. It seemed like everyone in the Cavaliers organization forgot that he was forced to join the team.


    Seeing Han Sen''s expression, Ilgauskas quickly shifted gears.


    "More importantly, if this tension continues, it''ll create a bad atmosphere for the team. And when a team has internal conflicts, its strength diminishes."


    Now Han Sen understood¡ª he was here to mediate.


    "As I said, I''ve never even spoken to him. How can I have animosity toward him? They''re the ones causing me problems."


    "I''ve seen your social media."


    "Is posting facts considered animosity now?" Han Sen didn''t get it. Why did LeBron''s camp always think stating facts was an attack?


    "You''ll be in a difficult position with the Cavaliers if this continues," Ilgauskas warned.


    "I don''t care. Worst case, they''ll trade me," Han Sen wasn''t open to threats.


    "The real issue isn''t being traded. It''s being benched," Ilgauskas said, staring at Han Sen.


    Han Sen''s brow furrowed.


    This was a real threat.


    And knowing how Brown treated LeBron, this was entirely possible.


    Sure, LeBron was leaving next season, and Han Sen would get his chance then, but wasting an entire season would be a huge loss for him.


    "Of course, if it comes to that, it''d be a big loss for the Cavaliers too," Ilgauskas added.


    "You seem to have a lot of faith in me."


    "I''ve been in the NBA for over ten years and have seen all kinds of players. I can tell who has talent and who can help a team," Ilgauskas replied, sounding sincere.


    Of course, what he didn''t say was that if Han Sen were traded or benched just for blocking LeBron in practice, especially after being handpicked by LeBron himself, it would destroy the image he had built in Cleveland over the years.


    The reporters'' cameras may have been confiscated, but their words could still spread.


    "If they stop causing me trouble, I won''t look for it either," Han Sen said, making it clear he just wanted to focus on improving and avoid wasting energy on internal conflicts.


    Besides, he didn''t want Malone to be stuck in the middle because of him.


    "I''ll take care of LeBron. And Varej?o too," Ilgauskas promised.


    With that, they reached an agreement, and Han Sen called Cunningham over to continue their practice.


    As Ilgauskas left, Han Sen found himself watching his retreating figure.


    Compared to LeBron, it seemed that Big Z was the real leader of the Cavaliers.

 Chapter 39: The Curse of Cleveland.

    Chapter 39: The Curse of Cleveland.A month passed in the blink of an eye.


    The Cavaliers'' season training camp had essentially ended.


    During this month, Han Sen had a relatively peaceful time.


    LeBron James and Varej?o didn''t bother him anymore, allowing him to fully focus on his training.


    He successfully increased his weight to 100 kg and had completely adapted to his new muscle memory.


    Moreover, after gaining muscle, his explosiveness had improved, and with the high-intensity training, his Euro step had shown some progress in a short time.


    Although limited by his talent, there was still a significant gap between him and Dwyane Wade, but compared to his NCAA days, his threat to break through had greatly improved.


    At least during the team''s internal training, defenders couldn''t completely ignore the threat of his drive.


    Of course, to go further, besides maintaining high-intensity training, he would still have to rely on the [hater system] to find a way to exchange for more talent.


    Aside from that, he also did an excellent job of integrating into the team.


    This was partly thanks to his excellent learning ability, or in other words, his basketball IQ.


    Another factor was the Cavaliers'' tactical system.


    The Cavaliers'' primary focus was defense, or to be more precise, a defense-counterattack strategy.


    This was exactly the same as the Summer League, matching perfectly with his style.


    As a result of all this, Han Sen smoothly made it into the Cavaliers'' rotation lineup as a rookie.


    Whether he could go further depended on his performance in the upcoming pre-season games.


    ...


    Before the start of the new season, the NBA officially released the team power rankings.


    The defending champion Lakers were ranked first.


    The Lakers easily won the Finals last season, and during the off-season, they not only kept their core lineup but upgraded their small forward from Trevor Ariza to Ron Artest, making the team even stronger.


    The Cavaliers were ranked second on the list.


    Among the Eastern Conference powerhouses, the Pistons had already disbanded their core five, and the Hawks were more of a regular-season team. The only real threats to the Cavaliers were the Magic and Celtics. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With Shaquille O''Neal brought in to counter Dwight Howard, along with shooters like Parker and Han Sen, the Cavaliers had an advantage over the Magic.


    As for the Celtics, even though they had added Rasheed Wallace, their core players, except for Paul Pierce, were past their prime and couldn''t stop the Cavaliers.


    The official assessment was that the Cavaliers were invincible in the East this season, with their only real opponent being the Lakers.


    The Cavaliers'' first pre-season opponent was the Charlotte Bobcats.


    The Bobcats had finished 10th in the East last season and didn''t make the playoffs, so they seemed like a good match for the Cavaliers, who still needed to build chemistry.


    However, upon arriving in Charlotte, Coach Brown announced that LeBron James wouldn''t be playing in this game, nor would veteran Zydrunas Ilgauskas.


    Wasting such an opportunity to build chemistry was perplexing, and Han Sen didn''t quite understand it.


    But for him, it was good news.


    After a month of training, his biggest on-court realization was James'' extreme control over the ball.


    When James was on the floor, there was a 90% chance the ball would be in his hands.


    With James not playing, the rest of the Cavaliers would have more opportunities.


    On the night of the game, about 10,000 fans filled the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte.


    The Bobcats had joined the league in 2004 and had yet to make the playoffs. Their popularity in Charlotte was lukewarm, and with it being a pre-season game and LeBron James not playing, having such a turnout was unexpected.


    Han Sen contributed to this attendance.


    During pre-game warm-ups, the arena''s cameras focused on him, and the moment he appeared on the screen, a wave of boos filled the air.


    There was no helping it ¡ª the sight of him wearing the number 77 was simply too eye-catching.


    Especially with the Bobcats now associated with Michael Jordan, there was no way he would be warmly welcomed here.


    Listening to the boos, Han Sen felt as if it was music to his ears.


    Every boo represented more points for his hater system!


    And the louder the boos got, the more pleased he looked, which only made the crowd boo him harder.


    But one person was an exception ¡ª Bobcats head coach Larry Brown.


    Brown was notorious for not liking rookies, a reputation that came largely from his handling of Darko Mili?i?.


    However, in reality, Brown had used rookies before, including Tayshaun Prince and Mehmet Okur, both of whom became starters in their second year under his coaching.


    On a championship-contending team, the environment wasn''t conducive to developing rookies. You couldn''t focus on winning while also giving rookies playing time ¡ª a point the Warriors would later exemplify in reverse.


    Brown looked at Han Sen now with the same impression he had during his initial tryout in Charlotte: a sharp and promising player.


    In truth, Brown wasn''t against using rookies; he just didn''t like using players who couldn''t defend.


    There was no opening ceremony for this pre-season game. After the warm-ups, the starting players gradually took the floor.


    Cavaliers: Mo Williams, Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon, Anderson Varej?o, Shaquille O''Neal.


    Bobcats: Raymond Felton, Gerald Henderson, Gerald Wallace, Boris Diaw, Tyson Chandler.


    Henderson started, but Han Sen didn''t. According to fan standards, "Bread" Brown was even less fond of using rookies than the older Brown.


    As the game began, the Bobcats unexpectedly took the upper hand.


    Coach Brown was also a defense-first coach, and this Bobcats team wasn''t necessarily weaker than the Cavaliers in terms of defense.


    Chandler was strong in the low post, and Wallace and Diaw, both swingman, were quick with help defense. Whenever O''Neal received the ball, he would immediately be double-teamed.


    But it wasn''t just defense that created this situation ¡ª offense played a role too.


    The Cavaliers'' offense was too cramped!


    The main problem was Varej?o.


    Varej?o''s appearance easily reminded people of another big man in the league, Joakim Noah.


    Similar height, both strong defenders and playmakers, even sporting the same long hair. The only difference was that Varej?o couldn''t shoot.


    When Ilgauskas was the starting center, this wasn''t an issue because Ilgauskas had a reliable mid-range jumper.


    With Ilgauskas pulling defenders to the free-throw line and Varej?o setting screens, James could easily drive to the basket.


    But now, paired with O''Neal, Varej?o just looked foolish because both Diaw and Wallace were ignoring him to double-team O''Neal.


    Han Sen couldn''t understand it. Why didn''t Varej?o develop any shooting ability, just like he didn''t understand why LeBron hadn''t improved his three-point shot.


    Was Cleveland cursed?


    It had to be!


    Of course, the spacing issue wasn''t all on Varej?o. Moon''s outside shooting was no better than James''.


    After half a quarter, the Bobcats led the Cavaliers 18¨C10.


    The gap wasn''t huge, but the Bobcats fans were abnormally excited.


    Yes, pre-season wins didn''t really matter, and James wasn''t playing, but the Cavaliers were officially ranked second in the league, while the Bobcats were ranked 20th.


    For the 20th-ranked team to beat the 2nd-ranked team ¡ª even in pre-season ¡ª was quite the thrill!


    At this point, Wallace stole a pass intended for O''Neal, leading to a fast break. Henderson took Wallace''s pass and threw down a dunk, igniting the arena.


    And then, instead of showing Henderson''s dunk on the big screen, the camera zoomed in on LeBron James sitting on the sidelines, biting his nails.


    Now that''s cinematic language!


    It was as if the screen was mocking the Cavaliers for leaving James out. This was no longer a question of whether they could win ¡ª it was about whether they''d get crushed.


    Coach Brown''s expression soured, and just then, assistant coach Malone whispered something in his ear.


    Brown nodded and turned to call for Han Sen.


    Han Sen took off his warm-up jersey and tossed it to Cunningham before walking briskly to the scorer''s table.


    Williams forced a foul while driving to the basket, and as the play stopped, a whistle sounded from the sideline.


    Han tucked his jersey into his shorts and pointed at Moon on the court.


    Moon jogged over, gave him a high-five, and left the court.


    Number 77 appeared on the arena''s big screen again, and another wave of boos rang out.


    Han responded by waving his arms, encouraging the boos to get even louder.


    Then, amidst the deafening boos, he glanced up at the scoreboard.


    20 to 10.


    During his draft night interview, Zhang Weiping had asked him how he felt about joining the Cavaliers.


    Now his answer from back then felt more fitting than ever:


    "You guys really need me!"

 Chapter 40: Connection.

    Chapter 40: Connection.As Han Sen waved and stepped onto the court, James stopped biting his fingernails, frowning slightly.


    After the incident of switching spots in the locker room, James realized that Han Sen was not someone easily tamed. Since his debut, no one had ever dared to defy him like that.


    Later, when Han Sen blocked his shot during practice, it only confirmed this further.


    James was not someone who could tolerate disrespect. Just like when Ricky Davis once acted like a big shot and expected James to play second fiddle, James made him leave the team. Afterwards, the media crafted one of the biggest lies: "I thought he was here to assist me."


    In fact, Davis never said that while he was with the Cavaliers. It was after he was traded to the Celtics when he said: "I thought LeBron James was a complement, someone who could help me score more. I thought we could connect well. Contrary to what people think, I really love this kid. Now playing with Paul Pierce, I''ll have even more open shots."


    What Davis meant wasn''t important. What was important was how his words were taken out of context, hiding the fact that James had pushed Davis out.


    So, after Han Sen publicly blocked him, James was already planning to have Coach Brown teach Han Sen a lesson.


    But then Ilgauskas came to persuade him, explaining the pros and cons and analyzing what a top-tier 3-and-D player like Han Sen could mean for him. Ilgauskas promised Han Sen wouldn''t cause any more trouble, so James dropped the idea.


    However, Han Sen''s bold demeanor on the court now reminded James of that statement Han Sen made when he first arrived in Cleveland about jersey number 77. It made him uncomfortable.


    James believed the spotlight in Cleveland should only shine on him, and he couldn''t tolerate anyone taking even a fraction of it.


    But Shaquille O''Neal''s reaction was quite the opposite.


    Seeing Han Sen''s high-spirited manner, Shaq laughed, pointing at him, and even offered Han Sen a high-five as he approached. This was direct approval.


    Shaq, at this stage of his career, had grown to appreciate tough young players, the exact opposite of James, who liked rookies to fall in line and follow his lead.


    Williams made both free throws, bringing the score to 20-12.


    The Bobcats advanced into their half-court offense.


    Han Sen was matched up against Henderson, a rematch of their previous workout duel in Charlotte.


    This Bobcats team ranked highly in the league for defense, but their offense was limited.


    Their leader, Gerald Wallace, was a defensive powerhouse but weak on offense, making them heavily reliant on tactical plays for scoring.


    However, basketball tactics tend to fall apart against strong defensive teams. In the end, it comes down to individual talent.


    This was why Coach Brown started Henderson. Henderson''s ability to create in isolation and his mid-range shooting were crucial supplements to the Bobcats'' offense.


    From this perspective, inviting Curry and Henderson for workouts, and selecting Henderson after Curry was taken, wasn''t a bad idea.


    In fact, Henderson was the Bobcats'' most active offensive player tonight, repeatedly exploiting O''Neal''s inability to defend the perimeter, hitting mid-range shots for a team-high 7 points.


    This possession, the Bobcats'' play was once again stifled by the Cavaliers'' defense. Henderson signaled for a screen from Diaw to initiate off-ball movement.


    Diaw, now bigger and stronger but still retaining small forward-level mobility, set a high-quality screen.


    Earlier, Parker couldn''t get past him.


    But this time, Diaw''s screen failed.


    It wasn''t that Diaw set a poor screen ¡ª Han Sen simply fought through it.


    The clear advantage Han Sen had over Parker was his age.


    As a younger player, his reflexes and foot speed were much quicker.


    Henderson received the pass but didn''t get a good look to shoot.


    On the Cavaliers'' bench, Coach Brown nodded, stroking his chin as he watched. Like the opposing Coach Brown, he wasn''t great with offense, but he was a defensive specialist.


    He knew pairing Varejao and O''Neal in the starting lineup would compress the team''s offensive space, but O''Neal''s defense was too poor now. They needed a defensive player alongside him to balance it out. It was a trade-off.


    However, what Han Sen was doing on the court gave him a new idea.


    You don''t always need another big man to protect the paint. A strong perimeter defender could do the job as well.


    Shaq was grinning on the court ¡ª finally, he wasn''t getting punished for not closing out on shooters.


    The Bobcats were running out of time on the shot clock, and Henderson decided to go one-on-one after signaling for isolation.


    He knew Han Sen had quick lateral movement, so he opted for a post-up move.


    But he quickly realized something was wrong.


    Back when they worked out together, his most effective move against Han Sen was a post-up followed by a turnaround jumper. But now... he couldn''t even back him down!


    Han Sen''s physical strength was on a completely different level from before.


    As Henderson forcefully spun, Han Sen timed it perfectly and stripped the ball away.


    The Cavaliers immediately launched a fast break. Han Sen threw the ball to a sprinting Williams, who quickly scored with a layup despite Wallace''s chase.


    On the next defensive possession, Henderson found an open look, but his shot missed under Han Sen''s tight contest.


    The Bobcats, or Jordan''s thinking, wasn''t necessarily wrong. But what they overlooked was that in a weak draft year, a player they selected with the 12th pick simply didn''t have the talent to carry the offense.


    This time, the Bobcats got back on defense quickly, so the Cavaliers couldn''t push for a fast break and settled into their half-court offense.


    Williams successfully passed the ball to Shaq in the low post.


    Diaw quickly came over to double-team.


    Shaq had decent passing ability, and after years of being double-teamed in the post, his reaction was almost instinctive.


    He quickly passed the ball to Varejao at the free-throw line.


    Varejao had a completely open look but didn''t dare shoot. He dribbled once and then lobbed the ball back to Shaq.


    But as Shaq caught the ball, Chandler tipped it, forcing a turnover out of bounds.


    Han Sen had seen enough. He rushed over to Varejao and shouted, without any personal animosity, "What are you afraid of? Why won''t you even take the shot?!"


    That shot, even if Varejao missed, Shaq could have easily overpowered Chandler for the rebound.


    But instead, Varejao had turned it into a wasted possession.


    "Shut up, rookie! Come talk to me when you make a shot!" Varejao, his face flushed, snapped back.


    Who was Han Sen to criticize him?


    "Get back on defense, idiot!" Han Sen retorted before quickly running back to defend.


    Han Sen didn''t like James, but for someone like Varejao, who acted as James'' lapdog, he purely despised him.


    The Cavaliers'' missed offensive opportunity was followed by a shot-clock violation on the Bobcats'' next possession.


    The clash between these two defensive-minded teams evoked memories of the 2004 NBA Finals between the Pistons and Spurs.


    In the Cavaliers'' next offensive set, they ran a triangle offense, clearing the strong side and having Parker lob the ball into the post.


    But the Bobcats immediately double-teamed.


    The more Varejao hesitated to shoot, the bolder the Bobcats'' double-teaming became.


    Shaq, forced to protect the ball from being stripped again, hoisted it high above his head.


    At this stage of his career, Shaq''s footwork was no longer what it once was, and with the Bobcats'' aggressive double-team, he was quickly trapped after turning around.


    Seeing another failed possession looming, Shaq noticed Han Sen moving behind the three-point line and flung the ball to him.


    Han Sen had initially been lurking in the weak-side corner.


    But when Shaq caught the ball, Han Sen had already begun moving toward the weak-side 45-degree spot.


    The Bobcats'' defense was focused on the strong side and hadn''t noticed Han Sen''s movement.


    By the time they reacted, Han Sen already had the ball in his hands.


    However, the Bobcats'' defense was indeed strong. Wallace was already flying towards Han Sen at full speed.


    Without hesitation, Han Sen calmly jumped and took the shot.


    Wallace was a step too late and could only twist his body in mid-air to avoid colliding with Han Sen.


    Swish!


    The sound of the net snapped crisply as Han Sen nailed the first basket of his NBA career.


    There was no denying it: Coach Brown''s three-point training regimen had significantly improved the players'' ability to shoot under defensive pressure.


    After making the shot, Han Sen spread his arms wide in Varejao''s direction.


    I made it. Now what? S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Varejao''s face turned green.


    Shaq, on the other hand, was ecstatic.


    He ran over to Han Sen, grabbed his head, and planted a big kiss on him.


    A perimeter defender who could protect him from shooters and stretch the floor by hitting outside shots ¡ª Han Sen and Shaq had perfect chemistry!

 Chapter 41: Bringing Humiliation Upon Himself.*

    Chapter 41: Bringing Humiliation Upon Himself.*At this moment, Brown was also looking at Han Sen, a gleam of admiration in his eyes.


    The way Han Sen stayed composed while facing Wallace''s defensive pressure, not flinching even as if a mountain were collapsing in front of him, made it hard for anyone not to be moved.


    Even though he declared for the draft after his junior year, in reality, he only played one season in the NCAA.


    Such maturity made Brown wonder if this young man''s body housed a soul far beyond his years.


    But the most important thing was that this kind of player was just too perfect for LeBron.


    The biggest issue the Cavaliers faced last season was that after LeBron penetrated and passed, the outside shooters couldn''t hit their shots.


    This allowed opponents to double-team LeBron crazily or force him into mid-to-long-range shots.


    Not to mention, Han Sen''s defensive awareness also didn''t match his age.


    Hmm, the player LeBron picked was truly strong!


    Brown turned his head with a smile to look at LeBron, only to notice that LeBron had a troubled expression on his face.


    He sighed.


    Han Sen was great in every way, but he was also headstrong and rebellious. For some reason, he and LeBron just didn''t seem to get along.


    It seemed that Brown, as head coach, would need to step in and use his skills to mediate more between them.


    While Brown''s thoughts were wandering, Han Sen together with O''Neal was clashing fiercely on the court.


    Parker was an excellent 3-and-D player, executing the coach''s game plan on the court like a well-oiled machine, rarely making mistakes.


    But compared to Han Sen, Parker lacked a bit of creativity.


    Especially when both players were on the court at the same time, the difference became more pronounced.


    Parker could create space, but Han Sen could generate space.


    Guarding Parker only required the Bobcats to keep a defender on him, but guarding Han Sen? Just Henderson alone wasn''t enough.


    For example, in the previous play, Han Sen faked a shot after receiving the ball, making Henderson jump, then suddenly drove to the basket. Facing Chandler''s defensive help, Han Sen lobbed the ball into the air, setting up O''Neal for an alley-oop dunk.


    In another earlier play, after seeing the Bobcats prepare to double-team O''Neal early, Han Sen moved to the weak-side high post to set a screen for Williams. After setting the screen, he quickly rolled out to the top of the three-point arc, disrupting the Bobcats'' defensive formation and allowing O''Neal to score a one-on-one in the paint.


    Under the leadership of O''Neal and Han, the Cavaliers gradually erased the Bobcats'' lead and eventually took the lead themselves.


    Brown stroked his chin again, considering that playing Han and O''Neal together seemed like a pretty good option.


    By halftime, the Cavaliers were leading the Bobcats 43 to 33.


    Han played 15 minutes in the first half, contributing 8 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, and 2 fouls.


    In pre-season games, teams usually only play through the first half, and in the second half, coaches typically evaluate players on the fringe of the rotation.


    So the Cavaliers'' pride was ultimately preserved tonight.


    O''Neal played only 16 minutes, scoring 12 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, dishing out 3 assists, and putting on a show with an alley-oop dunk, demonstrating his continued dominance in the paint.


    Han ended up playing 26 minutes, tallying 16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, 1 block, 2 turnovers, and 3 fouls, shooting 4 of 7 from three-point range.


    Thanks to his stellar performance, he was invited to the postgame press conference, alongside O''Neal.


    Although it was a pre-season game, it was the season opener, so quite a few reporters were present.


    But once the press conference started, the first question posed by the reporters was about LeBron.


    Why didn''t LeBron play tonight? Was he injured? Will he be available for the regular season opener?


    O''Neal''s face clearly showed displeasure.


    Han was also a bit speechless. He and O''Neal had just saved the Cavaliers'' pride, but the media was most concerned about the guy who didn''t even play.


    However, after glancing at the press pass of the reporter asking the question, he understood.


    The reporter, named Windhorst, was from ESPN¡ª it was obvious he had come with an agenda.


    Once the LeBron questions were out of the way, it was finally their turn.


    The reporter first questioned O''Neal.


    "If you underestimate the Big Diesel because of his age, he''ll tear you to pieces!" O''Neal said, putting on a fierce expression for the camera when asked about his performance tonight.


    "Don''t forget, man, I was still an All-NBA third-team center last season, and tonight, I didn''t even break a sweat," he added, grinning afterward.


    This guy really knew how to entertain.


    Then the mic was handed to Han.


    The question for him was similar, asking him to evaluate his own performance tonight.


    "On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your performance tonight?"


    The reporter seemed to have done his homework on his ''notorious'' past and boxed him in with a tricky question.


    "10," he answered without hesitation.


    The reporter instinctively wiped his brow, realizing he had underestimated him.


    However, what he said next left everyone at the scene astonished.


    "But I would give half of those points to Shaq. It was his dominance in the paint that gave me such good opportunities on the perimeter."


    O''Neal''s face lit up immediately.


    This wasn''t just about flattering him¡ª Han Sen was giving him recognition.


    At his age, O''Neal put on that fierce expression in front of the reporters as a way to assert his presence.


    After all, if the media was acting this way even in a game where he contributed, what would happen when the regular season started?


    Then came the commercial praise segment.


    "Guys, you have to know that when Kobe was a rookie, he airballed three straight three-pointers. But this guy? He''s hitting threes over Gerald Wallace''s defense. He''s a ''Terminator''."


    Whoa, O''Neal had just given him a nickname!


    This was totally in line with O''Neal''s style¡ª Truth, Flash, The Big Fundamental, all NBA nicknames coined by him. He''d even come up with a dozen for himself.


    But Terminator?


    He seemed to recall someone else had that nickname too, right?


    He couldn''t quite remember for the moment.


    But having multiple players with the same nickname wasn''t unheard of in the NBA. The nickname "Doctor J" was first used by Julius Erving, then Michael Jordan, and later Vince Carter.


    Even the nickname ''King'' was initially used by Wilt Chamberlain.


    Nicknames weren''t on a first-come, first-served basis¡ª what mattered most was who became more famous.


    After the press conference ended, O''Neal put his arm around Han Sen''s shoulder and said he''d take him out to a nightclub later.


    Han Sen was making the most of the moment, bringing himself closer to O''Neal.


    After he showered and finished changing into fresh clothes...


    "Rookie, go buy us some fried chicken," a commanding voice suddenly called out near him.


    He turned to see the face he despised¡ª a sleazy grin.


    There was an unwritten rule in the NBA that rookies had to do chores for the veteran players, or sometimes veterans would deliberately make things difficult for rookies, known as ''rookie hazing''.


    Common pranks included stuffing popcorn into a rookie''s car or making them carry a pink backpack, which usually only happened once. Many NBA stars had been victims of such pranks.


    Other, more straightforward tasks involved carrying bags or buying food for the veterans. Ricky Davis asking LeBron to carry his shoes was an example of this.


    Of course, the number of times this happened varied¡ªSun Yue had to buy burgers for Kobe for an entire season. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was obvious that after Han Sen had trashed Varej?o on the court, he was now seeking revenge under the guise of rookie hazing.


    "I refuse," Han replied without a second thought.


    "You refuse?" Varej?o laughed.


    He had expected him to refuse, but breaking this unwritten rule would mean Han Sen was violating team protocol and would risk being isolated by his teammates.


    Sure enough, after Han Sen refused, the way the other players in the locker room looked at him began to change.


    Even O''Neal seemed to hesitate.


    "Anyone else on the team could ask me, and I''d go, but not you," He said with a calm expression, staring directly at Varej?o.


    "I''m not buying food for someone who doesn''t even dare take a shot on the court¡ª you''re not worth the effort."


    Varej?o''s face flushed with anger.


    Han Sen had bypassed all the subtle games and gone straight for the kill!


    Varej?o wanted to retaliate, but remembering how things had gone the last time he clashed with him, his body held him back.


    At that moment, Ilgauskas cleared his throat, stood up, and walked between the two.


    "Would you mind getting us some fried chicken?" he said with a smile.


    Han Sen paused for a second, then replied, "Sure thing!"

 Chapter 42: Way Ahead of You.

    Chapter 42: Way Ahead of You.O''Neal didn''t take Han Sen to a nightclub but instead invited him to his house.


    Even though O''Neal, like Han, had just arrived in Cleveland this season, where he lived was worlds apart from his place.


    Han''s was just a residential house, while O''Neal''s was truly a place to enjoy life.


    This mansion, over a thousand square meters, was the epitome of luxury and extravagance.


    There were five luxury cars parked in the garage alone.


    And this was just O''Neal''s temporary residence.


    Having money is truly wonderful.


    O''Neal led him to the living room, then went down to his basement to retrieve a bottle of his treasured liquor.


    When Han saw the bottle, his eyes lit up.


    Because it was Wuliangye! (A famous Chinese liquor)


    In O''Neal''s large hands, it looked like a bottle of oral medicine.


    "I got this from Yao," he explained the origin of the bottle.


    Han Sen suddenly understood. He remembered reading news reports about Yao Ming gifting Wuliangye to his teammates, and figured Yao must have casually handed one to O''Neal back then.


    Come to think of it, O''Neal and Yao Ming became close after their on-court battles, and now they had a pretty good relationship.


    After pouring the drinks and having the servants bring out some snacks, the two men started chatting.


    They first talked about Yao Ming as a mutual connection, then about Miami, where O''Neal had lived for nearly four years.


    As the alcohol started to take effect, they lazily reclined on the sofa and began discussing the events of the evening.


    "You were a bit impulsive. Varej?o is, after all, LeBron''s closest teammate," O''Neal turned his head and said.


    Does one need to consider the owner before hitting the dog?


    Han Sen couldn''t help but chuckle.


    What O''Neal said wasn''t wrong, but the issue was that he didn''t even respect the ''dog''s owner''.


    It wasn''t about individual skill; it was about the memories that his transmigrator-self had about LeBron. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Brotherhood basketball, hometown basketball, father-son basketball;


    Six-step layups, seven championships, relinquishing control;


    The Decision I, II, III; crowning himself king, life''s disappointments, the shocking kneel-down;


    Not participating in coaching selections, not interfering in the draft, lowering his salary...


    Han Sen''s dislike for the ''BOAT'' was not without reason.


    Seeing his reaction, O''Neal put down his glass and sat up straight.


    "When I first got to Miami, I had conflicts with Dwyane (Wade). We failed that season, but we eventually chose to reconcile, and the following year we succeeded."


    O''Neal was using his experience to guide him.


    Han Sen also put down his glass at this point.


    "Shaq, why did you come to Cleveland?" Han didn''t continue the conversation, instead asking O''Neal a question in return.


    "Championship. That guy now has the same number of championships as me," O''Neal, tipsy at this point, spoke from the heart.


    Let''s not pretend that O''Neal and Kobe had truly reconciled just because they shared the All-Star MVP last year. There were too many past conflicts, and that infamous comment, "Shaq did it too," wouldn''t be so easily forgiven.


    The so-called reconciliation was merely the league''s way of creating fairy-tale stories for fans.


    O''Neal''s subtle diss of Kobe at the press conference, and his reason for joining the Cavaliers, was very real.


    "What I''m doing is also for a championship," Han Sen said, sitting up straight as well.


    O''Neal was a bit puzzled. He had just advised him not to clash with LeBron and Varej?o for the sake of winning a championship, yet he was now saying that his conflict was for the championship?


    "Shaq, didn''t you feel uncomfortable at the beginning of tonight''s game?"


    O''Neal nodded. If Brown hadn''t subbed in Han later, he wasn''t sure how the game would''ve turned out.


    "Do you think things will improve when LeBron returns?" He asked, locking eyes with him.


    O''Neal frowned.


    Today, Brown had replaced Moon with Han Sen, improving the spacing on the court. But it was absolutely impossible for Brown to sub Han in for LeBron.


    The answer was obvious.


    "Not only will it not improve, but it will get worse," He answered for O''Neal.


    "LeBron has an enormous desire for the ball. When he''s on the court, the Cavaliers can''t play the way they did tonight."


    O''Neal rubbed his head¡ª Han Sen''s words were giving him a headache.


    But they were true.


    "So to solve this problem, either LeBron needs to become a great three-point shooter, or..." he paused for a moment, "...we need a power forward who can stretch the floor."


    After Han Sen said this, O''Neal''s forehead began to sweat.


    He had caught the subtext in his words.


    Varej?o, with his complete lack of shooting, was clogging up the offensive space. His presence on the court would inevitably lead to irreconcilable problems between him and LeBron.


    In the end, the situation O''Neal would face with the Cavaliers would become the same as last season with the Suns.


    The Suns had to choose between a seven-second offense or O''Neal. The Cavaliers would face a similar choice: LeBron or O''Neal.


    But the difference was that LeBron''s position in Cleveland was unshakable. The outcome wouldn''t be a balance; O''Neal would gradually be marginalized.


    He might even be pushed out of the starting lineup.


    Wiping the sweat from his brow, he looked at Han again.


    This 21-year-old kid was seeing things way ahead of his time!


    Of course, O''Neal didn''t know that these were things Han Sen had witnessed in his previous life. Playing LeBron and O''Neal together had been awkward, to say the least.


    "But the Cavaliers don''t have the kind of power forward you''re talking about," O''Neal reminded.


    "They do¡ª Dante Cunningham," Han said, bringing up a name that had been overlooked.


    "He''s just a rookie."


    "He played all four years in college; it''s more fitting to call him a ''veteran rookie.''"


    O''Neal rubbed his chin, thinking it over for a long time.


    He could tell Han and Cunningham were on good terms.


    Han wasn''t wrong, but it was clear he also had his own motives.


    By bringing up Cunningham, Han was essentially extending an invitation¡ªinviting O''Neal to join him in pushing Varej?o out of the starting lineup.


    But him taking down would inevitably lead to conflict with LeBron.


    So was this why he had asked him earlier why he came to Cleveland?


    To make him weigh his options and choose a side?


    O''Neal couldn''t help but look at Han Sen again. Like Malone, he felt he couldn''t quite see through this young man anymore.


    "LeBron''s contract expires next summer. The Cavaliers'' only goal this year is to win a championship. Even if Dante could start, the front office would worry about his lack of experience. They''ll find a way to trade for a stronger stretch-four," Han Sen added another factor to O''Neal''s mental scale.


    "You''re right. For the sake of a championship, Varej?o must be removed from the starting lineup," O''Neal said, picking up his glass again.


    Han followed suit, and after clinking glasses, they downed their drinks.


    Late into the night, O''Neal had gone to bed, but Han remained in the living room.


    His mood was rather good.


    The things they had discussed earlier were something he had originally planned to bring up later, after LeBron and O''Neal had actually experienced problems meshing on the court. That would have made it easier to convince O''Neal.


    But tonight, O''Neal had unexpectedly invited him over, and with the alcohol flowing, the conversation naturally veered toward that topic. Since the opportunity presented itself, why wait?


    Besides, his goal of pushing Varej?o out of the starting lineup was just the most superficial layer.


    Making Cunningham a starter would weaken their interior defense, triggering a chain reaction that would require a strong perimeter defender.


    This would increase Han Sen''s chances of making the starting lineup¡ª or at the very least, increase his playing time.


    Of course, that was only the second layer.


    Whether or not Varej?o was pushed out, the Cavaliers would eventually realize the problems between LeBron and O''Neal and, like in history, push Varej?o out and trade for a top-tier stretch-four like Antawn Jamison.


    So the third, deepest layer of Han''s plan was something he had intended from the start: to unite with O''Neal.


    O''Neal wasn''t like Malone, especially at this stage of his career. After all the ups and downs he had gone through, he had become quite shrewd.


    He wouldn''t oppose LeBron just because he liked or admired Han Sen.


    Especially considering that O''Neal had brought up Wade earlier. If he could yield to Wade, why wouldn''t he yield to LeBron?


    But people are inherently selfish. When their own interests are harmed, their passive defense mechanism kicks in.


    As long as O''Neal joined him in pushing out Varej?o, he would naturally be in opposition to LeBron.


    And naturally, they would be united.

 Chapter 43: Shaquille O’Neal’s Method.

    Chapter 43: Shaquille O''Neal''s Method.LeBron James didn''t keep his fans waiting for long, as he made his return during the second pre-season game against the Detroit Pistons.


    The Pistons are another legendary Eastern Conference team. In the last century, their "Bad Boys" era held down Michael Jordan for a long time until Jordan ultimately broke them apart. In the new millennium, their "Pistons Five" similarly kept LeBron in check for a while, but this time they fell apart because their core players aged out.


    This summer, Ben Wallace went to Boston to chase his second championship, leaving only Hamilton and Prince from the once-famous Pistons Five. They still have name recognition, but their power has long faded.


    In Han Sen''s eyes, choosing this team for their season debut was a very smart move.


    However, the game was tougher than expected for the Cavaliers.


    At the start of the game, LeBron played generously, clearing out space on the strong side and feeding Shaq in the post. But the Pistons had a clear strategy¡ª leave LeBron open on the perimeter and collapse into the paint immediately.


    Despite the team''s decline, they had played against LeBron for years and were well aware of his outside shooting limitations.


    As a result, LeBron was forced to take long-range shots early on, all of which bricked.


    After that, LeBron abandoned the idea of passing to Shaq and started driving to the basket on his own. But the moment he did that, Shaq became a huge burden on the court.


    Because Shaq had no shooting ability and was too slow to effectively roll after setting screens, he could only stay near the paint to remain a threat. But by staying there, he clogged LeBron''s driving lanes.


    With Varej?o on the court as well, LeBron often found himself driving into triple teams.


    It was just as awkward as Han Sen expected.


    It wasn''t until Shaq went to the bench and Ilgauskas came on that LeBron started to play comfortably again.


    When Shaq went to the bench, he glanced at the scoreboard and then turned to look at Han Sen, solidifying his resolve to follow through with their agreement.


    Han Sen played 20 minutes in this game, contributing 9 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block, shooting 2-of-4 from three.


    His minutes and performance weren''t much different from the previous game, showcasing the kind of stability rarely seen in rookies.


    But it was clear that with LeBron back, Han Sen''s opportunities were noticeably fewer than before.


    Even so, Han Sen was still better off than Shaq.


    Shaq played 15 minutes, went 3-of-6 from the field, and ended with just 6 points and 5 rebounds.


    In the post-game press conference, LeBron appeared alongside Coach Brown.


    "I didn''t have any issues. I just experienced some physical reactions, but we all know it''s just the pre-season," LeBron proactively explained his absence from the previous game.


    "I feel great right now. I added some weight this summer and believe I''ve reached another level in my career," he said, showering himself with praise when asked about his performance.


    "Shaq''s fine. His body and conditioning are great. I saw that firsthand during training camp. We just need more time to get in sync," he added, offering a diplomatic response when asked about Shaq''s performance.


    It was a very successful press conference, almost like a scripted event.


    And this pretty much became the Cavaliers'' routine throughout the pre-season:


    "Shaq''s fine. He''s in great shape. We just haven''t found our chemistry yet."


    "I''m confident Shaq''s fine. The coaching staff is figuring out the best way to use him. Everything will fall into place."


    "I don''t think Shaq''s the problem. He knows what he can bring to the team, and we know it too."


    ...


    The fans were tired of hearing it..


    To put it bluntly, the issues exposed during the Pistons game weren''t going to be solved just by facing a different opponent.


    At this point, Coach Brown''s tactical limitations were becoming very clear.


    It was inevitable that Shaq''s and LeBron''s playing styles would clash. Shaq had similar issues when he played with Dwyane Wade in Miami. Wade, when younger, was just like LeBron¡ªneither player was known for their shooting. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But after Pat Riley took over in Miami, he was able to adjust the lineup and tactics to solve that problem. Coach Brown, on the other hand, was at a loss.


    Finally, Shaq couldn''t take it anymore.


    In the preseason game against his former team, the Miami Heat, Shaq went into full beast mode, demanding the ball in the post and going to work.


    With Michael Beasley, a poor help defender, playing power forward for the Heat, Shaq ended the game with 20 points and 11 rebounds, shaking off the slump he''d been in.


    And after the game, during the press conference, Shaq made his demands publicly, in front of the media and Coach Brown:


    "We need a starting power forward who can space the floor. It would make things easier for both LeBron and me."


    Shaq''s sudden statement left both Brown and LeBron stunned.


    A suggestion like that is typically made behind closed doors, but Shaq chose to say it out in the open.


    This wasn''t just a suggestion¡ªit was a demand.


    And Shaq wasn''t dumb; he cleverly included LeBron in his statement, essentially binding their interests together.


    Coach Brown was left unsure of how to respond. He glanced at LeBron, only to find LeBron looking back at him.


    "We''re also considering how to make both LeBron and Shaq more comfortable on the court. We''ll find a solution soon," Brown ultimately deflected with some vague comments.


    After the press conference, Brown didn''t approach Shaq to discuss the matter further.


    Shaq relayed this situation to Han Sen, sharing his thoughts on it. Given his current status in the league, Shaq knew the coaching staff might not necessarily take his demands seriously.


    But Han Sen reassured him that there was no need to worry. After all, now that Shaq had publicly voiced his demands, his goal was already halfway accomplished.


    After the game against the Heat, the Cavaliers had completed their seven pre-season games.


    Han Sen averaged 24 minutes per game, putting up 9.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.3 blocks, shooting 46.2% from the field and 41.3% from three-point range.


    For a 16th overall pick, that performance was already quite impressive, especially on a contending team where opportunities were limited. As the preseason wore on, the rotations became more and more like the regular season''s.


    The Cavaliers finished their pre-season on October 23, and their regular-season opener was scheduled for October 27, giving them four days of rest in between.


    During those four days, Coach Brown began experimenting with pairing Cunningham with Shaq in practice.


    This was a very promising sign.


    Han Sen had already won big by forming an alliance with Shaq. If Cunningham could break into the starting lineup, it would be an even bigger win.


    ...


    Time flew by, and soon it was the 27th. The Cavaliers were at home for the opening game of the 2009¨C2010 regular season, facing off against the Orlando Magic.


    The Cavaliers were upset by the Magic in last season''s playoffs, and after enduring a long offseason, their fans were eager for revenge.


    In terms of scheduling, the league had never let LeBron or the Cavaliers down.


    Han Sen was just as excited for the regular season to begin.


    LeBron''s press conference answers might have been formulaic, but he was right about one thing: pre-season is just pre-season.


    Only when the regular season truly starts can the season officially begin, and only then will Han Sen have truly stepped onto the NBA stage.

 Chapter 44: Double Payback.

    Chapter 44: Double Payback.Before the game began, Coach Brown, accompanied by two assistant coaches, entered the locker room to announce the starting lineup for the season opener. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Mo Williams, Parker, James, Varej?o, and O''Neal.


    After announcing the starters and giving a brief motivational speech, Brown left the locker room with his staff.


    As soon as Brown left, Varej?o stood up with a teasing look toward Han Sen. O''Neal''s recent remarks, combined with changes during practice over the past few days, made Varej?o think he was about to lose his starting spot.


    But luckily for him, this was still James'' team. As long as he stayed close to James, what couldn''t he have?


    O''Neal frowned.


    "Come outside for a minute." At that moment, Malone returned and called Han Sen out of the locker room.


    "The team thinks you''re still young and lack experience, so they''re planning to have you start from the bench. Keep your head in the game," Malone was here to help him manage his emotions.


    After all, based on his preseason performance, he deserved to start.


    Han Sen nodded but showed no strong reaction.


    "If you have something on your mind, just say it. Don''t hold it in," Malone said, concerned by his unusual calmness.


    "Nothing to say," he replied with a smile.


    "Nothing?" Malone didn''t believe him.


    "Really, nothing."


    Seeing this, Malone didn''t press the issue and told him to get ready.


    Given their relationship, Han Sen had no reason to hide his true feelings.


    Though Malone still couldn''t quite figure out what was going on in his mind.


    Soon, Pierce came to gather the players for warmups.


    When they entered the arena, Han Sen was momentarily stunned by the scene. The Quicken Loans Arena, with its 20,000-seat capacity, was packed to the brim, with even some young fans standing in the aisles.


    Many fans had their faces painted with the Cavaliers'' logo, radiating enthusiasm.


    It was a completely different atmosphere from the pre-season games.


    Though Cleveland was a small city, the Cavaliers had been a powerhouse in the East for years, boasting a huge fan base.


    With more than half an hour before the game, including warmups and the opening ceremony, Han Sen decided to sit on the sidelines after hitting a few three-pointers.


    His shooting felt good tonight, so he wanted to save some for the game.


    At that moment, Cunningham sat down next to him and whispered:


    "Why aren''t they letting you start?"


    "I''m fine with it."


    "You''re fine with it?" Cunningham turned around, puzzled by Han Sen''s calm demeanor.


    "I prefer having the ball in my hands more," he said as he glanced at the court.


    Following his gaze, Cunningham saw James warming up on the far end of the court.


    He immediately understood.


    When James was on the court, the ball was always in his hands. Whether Han Sen got any touches depended on James'' mood.


    But coming off the bench would make things much easier for him.


    Although he was labeled a 3-and-D player, it was clear from the pre-season that he was quite different from a typical 3-and-D guy like Parker.


    As the warmups wrapped up, the pre-game ceremony began, with the away team introduced first. The Magic''s starting five were quickly revealed:


    Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter, Matt Barnes, Rashard Lewis, and Dwight Howard.


    The Magic had been swept by the Lakers in last year''s Finals, so management made targeted improvements, trading away starting small forward Hedo Turkoglu for Vince Carter, a better isolation scorer.


    They also signed Barnes to replace the departing starting shooting guard, Courtney Lee, who was part of the Carter trade.


    Once the Magic''s lineup was announced, the arena lights dimmed, leaving only the light strips between the first and second floors glowing.


    Then, the background music kicked in, and the LED screen began playing the opening video.


    When the music hit its peak, the screen went dark, and four corners of the arena shot out bursts of flame.


    "It''s time for Cleveland to rise up! Let''s welcome the Cavaliers'' starting lineup!" the DJ''s booming voice echoed through the arena.


    Every NBA team''s pregame ceremony has its own style, and Han Sen had to admit, this DJ was on point.


    Not only had the DJ completely fired up the crowd, but even he felt a surge of excitement.


    The starters each got their own little entrance routine, with O''Neal''s being particularly unique¡ªhe "tackled" Parker as he entered.


    But the loudest cheers were reserved for the final entrance: LeBron James.


    His intro was just as special.


    "From St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, Ohio''s chosen one, number 23, LeBron James!"


    Hearing the deafening cheers, Han Sen couldn''t help but show a hint of envy.


    He had his reasons for accepting his bench role, but deep down, who wouldn''t want to be a starter in the NBA?


    The game soon tipped off, and he watched the action unfold from the sidelines.


    One benefit of being a bench player was the ability to observe the opponent in real-time, something that film sessions couldn''t quite replicate.


    And being a trainer, he could analyze the details even more closely.


    After half a quarter, the Cavaliers trailed 11-16.


    It was clear the Magic''s offense had declined compared to last season.


    This was partly due to the Cavaliers acquiring O''Neal, who effectively limited Howard, and also because they traded away Turkoglu.


    Turkoglu had been the true play maker of the Magic''s offense.


    Organizing an offense isn''t just about assists¡ª it''s about orchestrating the entire flow of the team''s offense.


    So, even if Carter matched Turkoglu''s assist numbers, the overall impact was night and day.


    But while the Magic had taken a step back, the Cavaliers'' offensive issues were even more glaring.


    With Brown sticking to the same starting lineup, the problems from the pre-season carried over into the regular season.


    As Han Sen had said earlier, unless the starting lineup changed, they could only hope James'' outside shooting was red-hot, which rarely happened.


    The camera cut to Brown, and a murmur went through the crowd.


    O''Neal''s public statements had reached the fans, and most of them agreed with his assessment.


    But Brown''s stubbornness had now put the team in a tough spot.


    Unable to withstand the pressure, Brown finally turned and called Cunningham to check in.


    As Varej?o headed to the bench, a few fans booed.


    His stat line? 3 shots, 0 makes, 0 points, 2 rebounds, 1 turnover, 1 foul.


    After Han Sen''s earlier provocation, Varej?o had taken his open shots tonight, but the problem was, he couldn''t make them.


    Having avoided shooting for the first five years of his career, there was no way he could suddenly develop a jump shot in just two weeks.


    As Varej?o sat down on the bench, Han Sen smiled and said, "Grass is just a plant."


    The rest of the team was confused, but Varej?o was livid.


    It was a civilized way for Han to double down on Varej?o''s earlier locker room taunt.


    This was why Han Sen had told Malone he had nothing to say.


    From a personal standpoint, it was unfortunate not to start.


    But in the grand scheme of things, it was actually a blessing. It allowed the fans to see just how flawed the Cavaliers'' lineup really was.


    Soon, it wouldn''t just be O''Neal demanding Brown change the starters¡ª it would be the fans.


    And not even LeBron, the so-called ''King of Cleveland'', could stand in the way of the overwhelming will of the people.

 Chapter 45: Cavaliers to the Rescue.

    Chapter 45: Cavaliers to the Rescue.At the 9-minute mark of the game, the score was 21 to 31, with the Cavaliers already trailing by double digits.


    By this time, both teams had made some substitutions, and during one offensive play, James bulldozed someone over.


    Right at that moment, Brown turned and called out the names of Han Sen and Moon.


    Is it finally time to play?


    He stood up from the bench, took off his warm-up jacket, flexed his wrists a bit, and headed toward the scorer''s table.


    The worst thing about being a substitute is that sitting for too long makes your body a little stiff.


    Just then, something very subtle happened within Han Sen''s line of sight.


    James helped up the person he knocked over, and that person lightly patted James on the butt as a thank you.


    That pale and soft-looking person, short too... is that... J.J. Redick?


    Only then did Han Sen realize that Redick was playing for the Magic at this point in time.


    Speaking of which, the last basketball-related news he saw before his sudden death in his previous life was that Redick, who had only coached 9-year-olds, had somehow become the head coach of the Lakers.


    Although James had worked with rookie coaches before, like Blatt and Ham, neither of them had prior NBA head coaching experience, but at least they had basketball coaching backgrounds.


    What was even more surreal was that this news broke right after James collaborated with Redick on a podcast. James'' team quickly denied involvement in the Lakers'' coaching decision, and the media later revealed it was actually Anthony Davis'' preference.


    If people didn''t know that James was a free agent at the time, even a 3-year-old might have believed it.


    Seeing what was happening now, it really did seem like what James said ¡ª he and Redick were "high-EQ" players who admired each other.


    A short whistle sounded from the sideline, and Han Sen and Moon subbed in for James and Old Parker.


    At this point, the players on the court were:


    For the Cavaliers: Delonte West, Han Sen, Moon, Varejao, and Ilgauskas.


    For the Magic: Jason Williams, Redick, Pietrus, Ryan Anderson, and Marcin Gortat.


    Han was immediately matched up with Redick. The moment the two locked eyes, they both saw something called disdain in each other''s gaze.


    The Magic were on offense, and with Howard resting, they shifted from a "four-out, one-in" strategy to a pick-and-roll offense, with Redick as the focal point.


    Williams handled the ball, while Anderson and Pietrus spread the floor in the corners. Gortat set a solid pick, and Redick, who excelled at running, moved off the screen to get open.


    The Magic''s offense flowed smoothly, and as soon as Redick received the pass from Williams, he took a shot.


    "Smack!"


    At the moment Redick released the ball, Han Sen flew over Gortat like an eagle hunting a rabbit, swatting Redick''s shot out of bounds.


    The crowd erupted into cheers.


    That volleyball-style block was just too cool!


    As Han Sen landed, he looked at the dumbfounded Redick, raised his right hand, spread his index and middle fingers, pointed to his eyes, and then pointed at Redick after bringing the fingers together.


    The message was clear: ''I''m watching you!''


    Redick''s face flushed instantly, as if to say: ''How dare you.''


    The Magic resumed play with a sideline inbound, but this time, Han Sen completely locked down Redick''s off-ball movement. Gortat set two screens but still couldn''t free Redick.


    To put it nicely, the Magic players were all doing their jobs. To put it bluntly, their offense was completely stagnant.


    And Redick wasn''t exactly Ray Allen. He could only shoot threes, and his off-ball cuts weren''t a threat, making him easier to guard.


    "White Chocolate" Williams had no choice but to try driving and dishing, but West''s defense was solid, leaving him no room for flashy plays.


    As Williams was about to get trapped, West quickly swiped the ball from him. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Cavaliers pushed the fast break. West looked up and saw that Han Sen had already crossed mid-court.


    Even James, sitting on the bench, widened his eyes at how fast the fast break was unfolding.


    West threw the ball ahead, and Han easily finished the fast break with a two-handed slam.


    The crowd roared once again, with Han''s defense and offense fully drawing attention.


    As they returned to half-court, Han Sen gave West a high-five and immediately praised him: "Nice pass."


    The Magic''s next offensive possession failed again. Redick, momentarily transported back to the 2008 Dream Team training camp. He was reminded of how Kobe relentlessly targeted him back then.


    He couldn''t understand why this Chink in front of him had such a big grudge against him.


    On the Cavaliers'' side, West was organizing the offense.


    Pre-game, the coach wouldn''t have drawn up every single play in detail; instead, he would outline the strategic concepts and how to start the game.


    Aside from occasional in-game adjustments, most of the time, the point guard had to call the plays on their own.


    Especially with the team''s core players resting on the bench, the point guard effectively became the on-court coach.


    West called a pick-and-roll for the shooting guard.


    Han Sen had just given him an easy assist and was polite about it, so West had no reason not to return the favor.


    Han Sen came off Ilgauskas'' screen to take the shot.


    This play was similar to the Magic''s earlier offense, but Redick didn''t have the same defensive abilities as Han Sen.


    Han Sen got a decent look and took the shot before Pietrus could rotate to help.


    However, the ball hit the side of the rim and bounced out.


    Having just come off the bench, Han''s hands were still cold.


    The Magic quickly collapsed inside to fight for the rebound. Without Howard and with the soft Ryan Anderson at power forward, their interior rebounding was weak.


    Varejao secured the offensive rebound.


    Han Sen, seeing Redick also heading to the paint, quickly signaled that he was wide open.


    Varejao noticed him but chose to ignore it.


    This guy was bringing off-court grudges onto the court.


    Clearly, he wanted to prove himself, and even though Gortat came over to help, he forced a hook shot anyway.


    Clank!


    As expected, his shot clanged off the rim.


    There was another scramble for the rebound under the basket, and Ilgauskas, with his superior height, grabbed it.


    As soon as he secured the rebound, Ilgauskas saw a figure darting in from the 45-degree angle.


    With Gortat already under the basket, Ilgauskas didn''t have a better shot than Varejao, so he quickly passed the ball, pushing Gortat away from the basket.


    Redick noticed Ilgauskas'' pass and turned to help.


    The moment he turned, he saw the face of the person charging in.


    Han Sen!


    Han also noticed Redick, and instead of going for a layup, he immediately changed his mind after catching the ball.


    Summoning all his strength, he leaped into the air, holding the ball with both hands, and aimed to slam it hard through the hoop, right over Redick.


    Frustrated from being defended so tightly by Han Sen, Redick refused to become a mere background prop and tried to push Han mid-air.


    However, he soon realized that Han Sen was far stronger than he had imagined.


    Redick''s arms were pushed back, and the force of the collision sent him flying backward.


    Then, because of the height difference, Han Sen''s thigh came down right onto Redick''s face.


    Boom!


    Han Sen slammed the ball into the hoop with both hands, and the impact sent Redick tumbling to the ground.


    As Han landed, he stepped right over Redick''s fallen body!


    The crowd exploded into wild cheers, while the fans in the front row were left stunned.


    Han Sen, what a bold move!


    Redick, his face flushed red after being stepped over, didn''t dare stand up and start a fight.


    High-EQ players often think too much.


    Looking back at Redick''s reaction, Han flashed a provocative grin.


    His hostility toward Redick wasn''t due to Redick becoming the Lakers'' coach. That had nothing to do with him.


    And it certainly wasn''t because of James'' "mutual admiration." He wasn''t part of that admiration.


    No, Han''s real animosity stemmed from Redick as a person.


    This guy not only discriminated against Black women but also openly used racial slurs in an official Chinese New Year''s greeting video!

 Chapter 46: Unattainable Love.

    Chapter 46: Unattainable Love.Reddick was definitely the most unfortunate person tonight. After suffering the humiliation between his legs and choosing to endure it, Han Sen showed no signs of letting him off.


    In the next round, Han pressured Reddick into stopping the ball, then directly stole it. Reddick tried to shield the ball, but not only did he fail, he was also pulled down to the ground.


    Han''s posture made it seem like he was about to tear Reddick apart.


    Fortunately for Reddick, a belated whistle saved him as the referee called for a jump ball.


    Boos erupted from the crowd. Han had already gained control of the ball and was about to go for a fast break when the referee''s whistle finally sounded.


    But behind the boos was their growing admiration for Han, the rookie.


    The fans didn''t know the backstory between the players on the court. They only saw a rookie playing with intense effort, and they loved it.


    In fact, it wasn''t just the fans who were captivated by Han''s energy.


    Han Sen won the jump ball against Reddick, giving the Cavaliers the final offensive opportunity of the quarter.


    West once again called for a three-point play from the shooting guard position.


    Han Sen used the screen to get open, but this time Reddick fought hard to push through and maintain his defensive position.


    Reddick was the 11th overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the 2006 draft. As a lottery pick, he had never performed up to expectations. Last season was his peak, but he averaged only 6 points per game. This season, being a contract year, and getting humiliated like this in the first game, he was likely on his way out of the NBA.


    So, he had to show some improvement, even in areas he wasn''t strong in, like defense.


    Han ignored Reddick, caught the ball, jumped, and shot a three.


    After running around the court and dunking twice, Han Sen''s hands were on fire.


    Seeing this, Reddick leapt up to contest the shot.


    But the difference in height and physical ability, along with the Cavaliers'' regular three-point practice, made Reddick''s contest meaningless.


    Swish!


    The crisp sound echoed through the arena as Han Sen nailed his first career three-pointer (not including pre-season).


    At the same time, the LED scoreboard in the arena displayed Han Sen''s stats for the night.


    2 minutes and 58 seconds on the court, 4 shots, 3 made, 7 points.


    This scoring efficiency was explosive.


    After scoring, Han Sen raised his hand in a three-point celebration and, as he turned, shouted toward the Magic''s bench:


    "Are you guys even guarding me? How many times are u gonna let me score??"


    The thrill of playing the game was real, but so was his collection of haters.


    The Magic players'' faces turned pale, especially head coach Stan Van Gundy, who looked visibly upset.


    A rookie daring to be so arrogant!


    Satisfied with his rising number of haters, Han Sen spread his hands toward the Magic bench with a smirk.


    The Magic failed to convert on their final possession, and the first quarter ended with the score at 28¨C31.


    Thanks to Han Sen''s 7 points at the end of the quarter, the Cavaliers had turned the game around.


    "Are you telling me this guy is a rookie?"


    "They traded just J.J. Hickson for him? This has to be the best trade they''ve made in the past decade!"


    Tonight''s commentators were TNT''s dynamic duo, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith, and Barkley was already singing Han Sen''s praises.


    Although it had been over half a year, Barkley still vividly remembered when Han Sen, self-proclaimed as the best shooter in the NCAA, had recommended himself to him.


    As Han came off the court, Coach Malone discreetly gave him a thumbs up.


    Just as he had thought, Malone fully supported starting Han Sen. Whether paired with LeBron James or Shaquille O''Neal, Han Sen''s fit was perfect.


    But ultimately, it was LeBron''s opinion that had the final say.


    Still, Han''s performance was exceeding all expectations.


    As the second quarter began, both teams made substitutions. The Magic swapped out Reddick for Vince Carter, while the Cavaliers brought in O''Neal and Cunningham to replace Varejao and Ilgauskas.


    Coach Brown wasn''t about to go against LeBron''s wishes, but he didn''t have anything against Han Sen either.


    No defensive coach would dislike a player with good defense.


    Besides, in the pre-season, Han and O''Neal had shown great chemistry, so Brown subbed out O''Neal earlier in the first quarter to ensure they''d play together now.


    The Cavaliers had possession, and West lobbed the ball inside to O''Neal. O''Neal posted up Gortat, then turned and scored off the glass.


    The Magic didn''t double-team O''Neal on that possession¡ª not because they didn''t want to, but because they couldn''t.


    Of the four other Cavaliers on the court, three were reliable perimeter shooters, and the only inconsistent one, Moon, was positioned in the weak-side corner. Pietrus couldn''t possibly help from across the court.


    After the basket, O''Neal smiled and pointed at West, clearly delighted. It was probably the happiest he had been since joining the Cavaliers.


    And with that score, the Cavaliers had cut the deficit to just one point.


    ...


    In Memphis, at the FedEx Forum.


    Wallace was discussing Allen Iverson''s situation with his assistant.


    Signing Iverson had been an important move for the team in the summer. Along with acquiring Zach Randolph from the Clippers, the Grizzlies were aiming for the playoffs this season.


    But Iverson''s insistence on starting was creating a dilemma for them.


    "Isn''t there a Cavaliers game tonight?" Wallace suddenly remembered.


    The assistant nodded.


    At that, Wallace put aside his work, sent his assistant off, and opened his laptop to watch the live stream.


    ...


    "Kid, you''re too arrogant."


    On the Magic''s possession, Carter held the ball in one hand, facing Han Sen, speaking in a condescending tone.


    After all, he had just trash-talked the entire Magic bench¡ª it was hard to let that go.


    "I''m already holding back a lot," Han replied with a smile.


    There were only a few guys on the Magic''s bench, and without a chance to make headlines at a press conference, Han wasn''t interested in the small number of haters.


    Carter''s face instantly darkened. He had seen it all over the years, but he had never encountered such a cocky rookie.


    Tonight, he had to teach him a lesson!


    He signaled for everyone to clear out.


    The Magic had traded for Carter to solve their perimeter isolation issues, and once he waved, the strong-side players immediately cut along the baseline, giving him plenty of space to operate.


    Han Sen, however, remained calm.


    If he were facing Kobe, Wade, or even Durant, he might feel a bit of pressure.


    But at this point in his career, Carter wasn''t in the same league.


    Although Carter had once been the face of the league, after several ankle injuries caused by Bruce Bowen''s dirty plays, he had fallen from superstardom to being just an All-Star. With age further eroding his explosiveness, he had devolved into a secondary star reliant on perimeter shooting. That''s why the Nets had traded him.


    Of course, just because Han Sen disrespected Carter mentally didn''t mean he would underestimate him on the court.


    In fact, after their brief exchange of trash talk, he focused entirely.


    Dominating Reddick didn''t mean much¡ª any capable player could do that¡ª but if he could hold his own against Carter, he wouldn''t just win the trust of the Cavaliers'' coaching staff; he''d win the respect of over 20,000 Cleveland fans in the arena.


    To become famous, you had to make a name for yourself.


    Carter dribbled, and Han immediately pressed up on him.


    Carter was the least versatile scorer among the "Big Four Shooting Guards." His post-up game was weak, and his mid-range shooting was inconsistent. He excelled at driving and three-point shooting.


    Now that his explosiveness had waned, Han''s focus was on defending his three-point attempts.


    Carter chose to drive right.


    His first step was long, which was his signature move on drives.


    However, Han didn''t let him get by. Though playing tight, Han Sen had been prepared with side steps and kept up with him.


    Failing to break free with his first step, Carter''s driving threat plummeted.


    Realizing he couldn''t shake Han, Carter opted for a step-back jumper from mid-range.


    Carter''s ball handling was often underrated, and this time he successfully created some space for the shot.


    But Han reacted quickly, jumping almost in sync with Carter, providing strong defensive pressure.


    Clang!


    Carter''s shot bounced off the rim.


    The ball, however, went straight into Gortat''s hands, who grabbed the rebound and passed it back outside to Williams. The Magic retained possession.


    "You can try again," Han said with a friendly reminder to Carter.


    A rush of blood surged to Carter''s head.


    Han wasn''t taking him seriously at all!


    Carter leaned his back into Han, signaling for the ball.


    This time, he went for a post-up.


    He intended to use his physicality to bully Han Sen.


    But he soon realized that Han''s strength was far greater than he had anticipated.


    After two attempts to back him down, not only had Carter failed to make any progress, but Han had actually pushed him further out.


    The crowd began to whistle mockingly.


    Carter ultimately decided to pull up from the free-throw line with a fadeaway jumper.


    Han anticipated his move perfectly, lunging forward early.


    Carter still managed to shoot, but this time the ball was clearly deflected.


    Block!


    The Cavaliers'' in-house announcer, Ahmaya, excitedly shouted, igniting the crowd. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Shaquille O''Neal recovered the loose ball.


    As for Han Sen, he raised his hand toward the Magic bench again, showing three fingers.


    "If I block you three times in a row, how about you sit out the rest of the game?"


    Han Sen''s taunt was like rubbing salt to his wound. Carter was thoroughly rattled.


    ...


    Watching Han Sen dominate, Wallace felt both excited and emotional.


    First showing his offensive skills, then his defensive prowess¡ª his performance was a perfect match for all the effort he''d put into the draft.


    In fact, after the summer league this year, Wallace had approached Ferry again, increasing his offer in an attempt to trade for Han Sen.


    However, since Han was personally requested by LeBron, Ferry ultimately declined his offer.


    Now, with such a brilliant debut, the Cavaliers were even less likely to trade him.


    This truly was... an unattainable love!

 Chapter 47: The Terminator.

    Chapter 47: The Terminator.With continued strong performances from Han Sen and O''Neal, the Cavaliers quickly regained the lead.


    This forced Van Gundy to make adjustments, bringing in the starters earlier than planned.


    In response, Coach Brown also substituted his starters back in.


    Han Sen was subbed out five minutes into the second quarter.


    He played a total of eight minutes in the first half, contributing 10 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block.


    Of course, there were many defensive plays that didn''t show up in the stats but were clearly noticed by the fans.


    By halftime, the Cavaliers led 59 to 51.


    "Han Sen is a dark horse. His outstanding performance as a substitute changed the course of the game. We have every reason to remember his name."


    At halftime, Kenny Smith gave Han Sen a high evaluation.


    Unlike Barkley, Smith didn''t recall Han Sen''s past appearances, as there were so many participants in each episode of NBA Entertainment. This only further validated the objectivity of his evaluation.


    As the second half began, the game resumed.


    Varejao remained in the starting lineup.


    This wasn''t due to Brown being stubborn; it''s common practice for the starting lineup to remain unchanged between halves.


    After all, no one knows if a player who performed poorly in the first half will improve after halftime.


    Well, the answer is no.


    The Cavaliers'' problems weren''t with individual players'' performance but with the lineup itself.


    The Magic seized the opportunity, and with some good luck, hit a series of three-pointers. Carter alone sank two, and not only did they retake the lead, but they pulled ahead significantly.


    By the time Brown subbed Cunningham in for Varejao again, the Magic had pushed their lead back to double digits.


    The camera once again focused on Brown pacing back and forth on the sidelines.


    This time, the crowd was not only restless but even began booing.


    They came to see revenge for last season, not to relive the painful memories of last year''s playoffs.


    Han Sen couldn''t help but feel a little sorry for Brown.


    Actually, based on the training schedule before the regular season, it was clear Brown intended to adjust the starting lineup, but he couldn''t go against LeBron''s will.


    This had nothing to do with Brown being weak. If he had been more assertive, he would have been fired like his predecessors in Cleveland.


    What''s the number one rule for the head of security? The number one requirement for a ball boy? What''s the top priority for being LeBron''s coach?


    The answer to all three questions is the same.


    Han Sen was subbed back in with five minutes remaining in the third quarter.


    Brown brought him in earlier this time, and it was his first time playing alongside LeBron.


    This stint didn''t offer Han Sen as many offensive opportunities as in the first half, but he showcased his defensive skills and continued to limit Carter''s effectiveness.


    The Cavaliers managed to close the gap during this stretch.


    Then, as the fourth quarter began, a familiar scene played unfolded again.


    Brown once again deployed the Han-O''Neal combo.


    This pairing once again revitalized the Cavaliers, as they launched a counterattack that closed the gap, forcing Van Gundy to bring his starters back earlier.


    The game became a stalemate.


    Han Sen was subbed out five minutes into the fourth quarter.


    He had contributed more on defense in the second half, seizing one opportunity on offense to hit a three-pointer.


    After being subbed out, Han Sen put on his warm-up gear.


    His debut was essentially over.


    He played 18 minutes, scored 13 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, dished 1 assist, had 2 steals, and blocked 1 shot. He shot 5 for 8 from the field, including 3 for 5 from three-point range.


    Such a debut, combined with his defensive contributions to the team, could be called perfect.


    The remaining question was whether the Cavaliers could secure the win tonight.


    Outstanding stats shine like gold when you win, but in a loss, they become tarnished and lose their luster.


    Brown didn''t use Varejao again, opting instead for Cunningham at the power forward position.


    Cunningham''s skill set was similar to Han Sen''s. Although he hadn''t developed a three-point shot yet, he had a reliable mid-range jumper that could space the floor, and his defensive energy was high.


    He had a noticeable impact on the game, helping the Cavaliers stay within reach.


    However, in the final two minutes of crunch time, the Magic began targeting O''Neal on offense.


    Carter repeatedly ran pick-and-rolls with Howard, punishing O''Neal with back-to-back three-pointers.


    Carter had already hit four three-pointers that night and was on fire.


    With one minute left in the game, the Magic stretched their lead to four points, forcing Brown to call a timeout.


    When coaches draw up plays, the starters typically huddle in the center, with the bench players standing on the outer circle.


    Han Sen stood on the outer edge, but before Brown picked up his clipboard, he called his name directly.


    He was going to sub in for Parker to play the final minute of crunch time.


    Han Sen was a bit surprised.


    No coach does that¡ª if you want someone to play in crunch time, you''d sub them in earlier. Playing the final minute sounded like... taking the fall.


    Still, upon hearing his name, Han Sen quickly shed his warm-up clothes.


    No matter how many minutes, standing on the court during crunch time is an opportunity.


    Moreover, he had only sat for 5 minutes in the fourth quarter, so his body hadn''t cooled off completely.


    After the timeout, the camera zoomed in on Han Sen, who was re-entering the game.


    The crowd erupted in cheers.


    Even though he was a substitute and a rookie, the fans clearly recognized his performance.


    Those cheers made Han Sen clench his fist in determination.


    He wanted to be criticized because it drove him to become stronger and earn more respect.


    And tonight, he had already earned the recognition of so many people.


    For himself, and for those fans who believed in him, he had to help the team win this game!


    On the next Cavaliers possession, LeBron drove to the basket, battling Howard and drawing a foul. He stepped to the free-throw line.


    LeBron made the first free throw, but missed the second. Howard secured the rebound.


    With 40 seconds remaining, the Cavaliers trailed the Magic 99 to 102.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The crowd''s deafening chants filled the arena.


    The Cavaliers had to stop this possession to have a chance to force overtime, let alone win.


    Nelson dribbled while backing down Williams, running down the clock.


    With 14 seconds left on the shot clock, he passed the ball to Carter, who came off a screen.


    Carter caught the ball, but Han Sen fought through Howard''s screen to meet him.


    Seeing this, Carter crossed over and made a strong drive to the basket.


    The Magic were up by three. Even if they couldn''t score, just drawing a foul would essentially seal the win.


    Han Sen, being a rookie, was great on defense, but his lack of experience was a potential weakness.


    That was Carter''s assessment, but when he leaned in to take his shot in the paint, he realized he had misjudged again.


    Han Sen had honed his skills by defending elite slashers like Wade. He wasn''t going to fall for Carter''s tricks easily.


    Carter''s shot missed, and O''Neal grabbed the rebound.


    There were 17 seconds left in the game.


    Brown called the Cavaliers'' last timeout.


    The fans instinctively looked up at the scoreboard.


    The Cavaliers had one final opportunity to tie the game, but it was a tough one, as the Magic knew they could only go for a three-pointer, and they would extend their defense accordingly.


    LeBron grew anxious and took the clipboard from Brown, drawing up the play himself.


    No one on the team found it unusual.


    Not even Han Sen.


    In the past, he thought it was strange when LeBron took over the clipboard, but when a player could reschedule practices and decide the starting lineup, was taking the clipboard that big of a deal?


    As LeBron drew up the play, Han Sen understood his role¡ª camping in the weak-side corner.


    It was, well, pretty realistic.


    After the timeout, the game resumed.


    The crowd fell silent, watching the court intently, too nervous to breathe.


    While theoretically, the Cavaliers could go for a two-pointer and hope the Magic missed free throws later on [1], Van Gundy had already subbed out Howard in anticipation.


    The message was clear¡ª if you want to go for a tough two-pointer, the Magic wouldn''t contest it.


    Of course, Han Sen knew that LeBron had drawn up a three-point play.


    When the whistle blew, Williams advanced the ball quickly and passed it to LeBron in the frontcourt.


    With 14 seconds left, LeBron had the ball.


    The Magic extended their defense, refusing to give him an open look.


    LeBron tried to use a screen from O''Neal to create space for a shot, but it didn''t work, and he was double-teamed.


    The Magic knew they just needed to defend the three-point line, ignoring everything else.


    LeBron was forced to dribble farther from the three-point line as time dwindled, and the play was falling apart.


    Well, you couldn''t expect a player to draw up the best plays, and LeBron''s play-calling was certainly lacking.


    But just then, Han Sen moved from the corner to the 45-degree angle and successfully executed an off-ball screen with Cunningham, creating an open look.


    LeBron, nearly giving up hope, saw this glimmer of opportunity and made a sharp pass.


    Han caught the ball and quickly jumped to shoot. But a figure came flying toward him.


    No, it was a UFO!


    Carter had been blocked multiple times by Han Sen tonight, and now he was determined to redeem himself with his signature jumping ability!


    Han Sen ignored Carter''s contest, just like he had ignored Varejao''s challenges in practice.


    Smack!


    Carter''s hand slapped Han Sen''s arm, the sound crisp and clear.


    The referee''s whistle blew instantly.


    A foul on the three-point attempt, and the Cavaliers now had a chance to tie the game.


    No, not just to tie it.


    Han Sen had gotten the shot off cleanly despite the contact!


    The ball spun rapidly toward the basket.


    The crowd collectively held its breath, their hearts pounding in their chests.


    As the ball reached its peak and began to descend, excitement flashed in their eyes.


    Even though the shot had come after the foul, its trajectory was perfect.


    Swish!


    The net snapped as the ball fell cleanly through.


    Han Sen had drained the three, and now he had a free throw to win the game!


    The crowd erupted like a tidal wave.


    LeBron was celebrating wildly on the court.


    Han Sen had wanted to celebrate too, but his gesture froze halfway, and he shook his head, walking calmly to the free-throw line.


    The deafening arena gradually quieted down.


    With only one second left in the game, this free throw would determine whether the game went into overtime.


    The referee held up one finger and handed the ball to Han Sen.


    Han Sen took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart, though it didn''t help much.


    Even after two lifetimes, it was impossible not to feel the nerves in such a critical moment.


    "I bet you miss this free throw," came a familiar taunt from the line. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was Carter, clinging to his last bit of pride after making a costly mistake.


    Hearing that, Han Sen felt like he was back on the NCAA court, and in an instant, all his nerves disappeared.


    "How about 500,000 dollars?"


    With that, he released the shot.


    The ball arced perfectly through the air and swished through the net.


    "Remember, you owe me 500 grand."


    Han Sen had sealed Carter''s fate.


    The arena was in absolute pandemonium!


    ---


    (Author''s Note: [1] The rule against Hack-a-Shaq in the final two minutes was introduced in the 2016¨C2017 season.)

 Chapter 48: How Shameless Can a Person Be?

    Chapter 48: How Shameless Can a Person Be?The Magic called their final timeout, with only one second left on the clock.


    When Han Sen stepped off the court, he was met with wild cheers from the fans, and as he walked to the bench, his teammates were shouting and cheering at him.


    He had only been substituted into the game in the final minute, yet he helped the team rewrite the outcome of the game.


    Coach Brown''s face was beaming as he also enjoyed the feeling of orchestrating a victory.


    In the final second, the Magic set up an alley-oop play for Howard, but the Cavaliers'' defense was on point, and the play couldn''t be executed. Carter received the ball and threw a desperation shot from way beyond the arc, but it was both off target and too late.


    The final score was 103-102.


    Thanks to Han Sen''s miraculous 3+1 play at the last moment, the Cavaliers completed a stunning comeback.


    "Han saved the Cavaliers. He saved LeBron," commented Barkley once again as the Cavs stormed the court and the crowd erupted in celebration.


    It was hard to imagine how things would have looked for the Cavaliers and for LeBron, had they been eliminated by the Magic again this season, especially after losing to them in the season opener.


    Having sealed the game with a buzzer beater, Han Sen was, unsurprisingly, invited to the post-game press conference.


    LeBron joined him for the interview as well.


    Although LeBron''s shooting wasn''t on point tonight¡ª hitting only 7 of 19 shots¡ª he still recorded a triple-double with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists.


    Shaq also had a decent performance tonight, with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks, but with his massive frame, squeezing four players into the interview room might have been a challenge.


    As Han Sen walked into the press conference, he saw the room already packed with reporters.


    It was the biggest media turnout he had ever seen.


    Once they sat down, the reporters eagerly stretched out their hands, clamoring for a chance to ask their questions.


    There was plenty of news to cover after such an exciting game.


    The first question was directed at LeBron.


    "In the final moments, the Magic double-teamed you. How did you find Han for that pass?"


    Hearing this question, Han Sen''s previously excited mood dropped significantly.


    He glanced at the reporter, who looked vaguely familiar. Narrowing his eyes, he read the name on the press pass: Windhorst.


    At that moment, he remembered. After the pre-season game against the Bobcats, this guy also immediately asked LeBron-related questions during the post-game.


    And he was the first reporter called on that time too.


    So, was this LeBron''s personal reporter?


    "You know, I''m a team player. I''m always aware of where my teammates are. When they started double-teaming me, I knew someone had to be open. It was a great feeling when my teammate made that shot," LeBron answered.


    Shameless!


    LeBron''s play had fallen apart, and he had been forced to pass the ball, yet he made it sound as though everything was under control.


    Windhorst continued, "Your shooting wasn''t great tonight, but you still managed a triple-double. How do you do it?"


    LeBron smiled and shook his head. "You know, we can''t always guarantee our shooting every night, but I can lead the team in other ways. That''s my job, and I''m happy I did it well."


    Han Sen felt the same frustration now as he had on the court after hitting the game-winning three-pointer, only to watch LeBron celebrate as if he had won the game himself.


    He had made the game-winner, yet it seemed like the main hero was LeBron.


    Finally, after a series of questions, the reporters turned their attention to Han Sen.


    "Did you expect to receive a pass from LeBron and have the opportunity to finish the game?"


    Unfortunately, that strange feeling of being overshadowed still lingered.


    Is this Cleveland?


    Han Sen had felt a bit uncomfortable during the pre-season, and now it was clear that LeBron''s absence back then had been a relief.


    So should he thank LeBron for the pass? Should he say he was just doing his job?


    No way!


    "I knew the coach put me on the court in the final minute for a reason. As long as the ball is in my hands, I can finish the game," Han Sen replied, using no vague terms and exuding confidence.


    "You and LeBron seem to have great chemistry on the court. Do you look forward to playing more alongside him?" a reporter asked.


    "I can shoot threes, I can defend, and I can drive to the basket. I also have great chemistry with Shaq. What I mean is, as long as I''m on the court, I can contribute. I hope the coach keeps me on for all 48 minutes," Han Sen smiled at the reporters, now fully composed.


    They could ask all they wanted; he wouldn''t give them the answers they were looking for.


    After several more questions, the reporters finally realized Han Sen wasn''t going to play along, even with their not-so-subtle hints.


    In the end, they had no choice but to give up and ask him straightforward questions.


    Han Sen won this post-game press conference.


    After this experience, unless the reporters wanted to embarrass themselves, they wouldn''t try asking him loaded questions again. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Han Sen was humming a tune as he headed back to the locker room, only to find Thomas waiting for him at the door.


    He knew Thomas had come to see his debut.


    "Just now, your sneaker contract offer was updated," Thomas smiled.


    Hearing that, Han Sen''s mood brightened, and he immediately pulled Thomas aside to a quiet spot.


    After Han Sen was drafted, Thomas had received several sneaker contract offers, not only from Chinese brands but also from global giants like Nike and Adidas.


    One often-overlooked point was that although Han Sen''s draft position wasn''t as high as Yao Ming''s or Yi Jianlian''s, he was the first East Asian perimeter player ever drafted in the first round!


    In the sneaker industry, this distinction was crucial, as big men don''t typically sell shoes.


    So, while Han Sen wasn''t a top prospect and his draft position had been unexpectedly high, the huge sneaker market had brands scrambling for his endorsement behind him.


    At that time, Han Sen had calmly told Thomas to wait.


    Though there were several offers, none of them had high figures.


    Since sneaker deals are typically long-term, Han Sen wanted to wait until he had established his value before signing.


    Thomas had advised caution, suggesting he sign a smaller deal first and renegotiate after proving himself.


    But Han Sen, confident in his abilities, didn''t take the advice.


    Now, the sneaker contract offer had jumped from around $500,000 a year to $1 million.


    In other words, Han Sen''s game-winning shot had netted him an extra two to three million dollars.


    There was no way he could pass on this deal now.


    After being frustrated by the reporters, Han Sen finally saw the upside of being drafted by the Cavaliers.


    As Thomas had mentioned before, the exposure here was excellent.


    As long as he kept playing well, the contract would keep growing.


    ...


    After a good night''s sleep, Han Sen happily opened up the sports media sites the next morning.


    Humans, no matter how long they live, never lose their desires.


    Of course, after hitting a game-ending shot, Han Sen wanted to see how the media praised¡ª oops, crticised¡ª on his performance.


    But after reading the headlines, his expression was even more frustrated than it had been the day before.


    "LeBron''s Century-Defining Pass¡ª Greatness Speaks for Itself."


    "Triple-Double in Debut: LeBron Can Do Anything You Ask of Him!"


    "LeBron''s Chosen One Seals the Win¡ª The Final Championship Piece for the Cavaliers."


    ...


    So this is how shameless people can be!

 Chapter 49: You Can Start Thinking About It Now.

    Chapter 49: You Can Start Thinking About It Now.Han Sen looked at the reports in silence for a long time, his mind filled with countless thoughts.


    After the last conflict, he had thought that as long as he and James stayed out of each other''s way, he could succeed with the Cavaliers by improving his own abilities.


    But now, it seemed he had been too naive about James and his team.


    Just because it was a pass from James, and a passive one at that, the news reports were written like this.


    Meanwhile, he, the one who actually made the game-winning shot, became a side character hidden in the corner of the news reports.


    If it hadn''t been a pass from James, would the news have said that the game-winning shot was successful because James drew up the play?


    Snatching the clipboard wasn''t a bad thing; nah it was the key to victory!


    James truly was a reflection of this country, using the power of the media to market himself, ensuring all the spotlight was on him.


    As for those around him, they were merely tools to achieve this goal, feeding off of him like parasites.


    And belatedly, Han Sen realized that after joining the Cavaliers, his avenues for earning [hater points] had been reduced.


    Before the draft, he had found a shortcut by targeting James''s diehard fans to earn those points.


    But now that he was with the Cavaliers, that shortcut was no longer viable.


    No matter what, he couldn''t publicly criticize James.


    If he actually did that, the "benching" that Ilgauskas mentioned would be the least of his concerns. Attacking a teammate for no reason could lead to him being blacklisted by the entire league.


    He had taken the 3-and-D route to ensure he''d get drafted by an NBA team, but the fact that James took an interest in him had been something he didn''t anticipate¡ªa stroke of bad luck, to say the least.


    Han Sen let out a long sigh.


    He vented his emotions internally, but the frustration remained.


    No, he couldn''t just sit and wait for things to happen; he had to respond.


    James used the media to control the narrative¡ª did that mean Han Sen had no options?


    Or... why couldn''t he do the same?


    Although his current influence couldn''t compare to James''s, he still had the backing of the Eastern market.


    Moreover, the media attention he sought wasn''t to go against James, but to publicize his own achievements and raise his profile.


    Take this game-winning shot, for example. What he wanted was for the media to report that he made the game-winning shot, that he saved the Cavaliers.


    With that thought, Han Sen remembered someone.


    He picked up his phone and called Theus, the assistant coach of the Grizzlies.


    From him, Han Sen got the phone number of Jamal Khalil, the ESPN reporter who had interviewed him after the Michigan State game.


    That''s right, the same reporter from his post-game interview back then.


    Han Sen arranged a meeting time and place.


    Two days later, the day before the Cavaliers'' away game against the Raptors, the two met at a caf¨¦ in Toronto.


    After exchanging pleasantries, Han Sen got straight to the point, knowing Khalil was a no-nonsense type from their previous interview.


    "I want you to be my exclusive reporter, covering my news."


    Khalil was visibly surprised, but he didn''t give an immediate answer. He stroked his chin and pondered for a long time.


    As an ESPN reporter, he had, of course, seen the post-game news reports about the Cavaliers and the Magic.


    Anyone who watched the game would find those reports absurd.


    But as a journalist, Khalil wasn''t surprised.


    Ever since Nike signed that historic $90 million, seven-year contract with James before he even entered the league, this kind of thing had been inevitable.


    That contract had been widely underestimated. At the same time, Kobe Bryant''s contract with Nike was only $9 million per year, and Kobe had already won three championships by then.


    This only meant one thing: Nike saw James as the next "Jordan" to expand their brand''s influence. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As for Han Sen...


    Khalil glanced at him.


    Han Sen remained calm, waiting quietly for his decision.


    Han was indeed an interesting person; Khalil had sensed that during the NCAA interview.


    Later, when he was selected at the edge of the lottery, it had stunned Khalil for an entire year.


    Including his debut, where he completed a 3+1 game-winner.


    And then, of course, there was his big mouth.


    To the average person, that might seem like a flaw, something that would attract negativity. But from a media perspective, it was a natural source of material.


    There was definitely a lot to dig into with Han Sen.


    "I''ll agree, but I have one condition," he said, finally speaking up.


    "Go ahead."


    "If any part of your story involves going against LeBron, I won''t report on it. I don''t want to lose my job," Khalil admitted frankly.


    Han Sen nodded and extended his hand toward him


    The two shook hands, sealing the deal.


    Just as they did, the waiter brought over the coffee they had ordered.


    Indeed, working with people like him was straightforward.


    They drank their coffee and discussed some details of their future cooperation.


    Once they had talked it through and finished their coffee, they prepared to leave.


    "Do you know Brian Windhorst?" Han Sen asked as they stood up.


    Khalil nodded. Of course, he knew him¡ª James''s personal agent and a star reporter at ESPN.


    "Have you ever thought that one day you might become a reporter with more influence than him?"


    He was taken aback. He hadn''t expected Han Sen to ask such a question.


    He shook his head. Unless Windhorst willingly let go of his grip on James, no one could surpass him.


    "Well, now you can start thinking about it," Han Sen smiled confidently.


    "Because one day, I will become a player with more influence than LeBron."


    Khalil was shocked.


    But for some reason, hearing such an outrageous statement from his mouth made him briefly consider the possibility.


    Maybe it was because the mere fact that Han Sen had made it from the second-division league to the NBA in this current environment was already a kind of miracle.


    Of course, once he snapped out of it, he figured it was just one of those bold claims that overly confident rookies make out of ignorance.


    "Well, I''ll be looking forward to it," Khalil said with a polite smile.


    Han Sen smiled and said nothing more. Time would provide the answer.


    ...


    In the game against the Raptors, the Cavaliers made no changes to their starting lineup, with Varejao still starting at power forward.


    Winning could cover up a lot of things, including lineup changes.


    ''I won, so why should I keep making adjustments?''


    This was the mentality of many Cavaliers fans and, of course, James as well.


    The result? The Cavaliers lost to the Raptors 91-101.


    James put up 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, but had 4 turnovers.


    Varejao played 24 minutes, missed all five of his shots, and only scored 1 point from free throws, grabbing 4 rebounds and committing 5 fouls.


    The Cavaliers'' overall shooting percentage was just 34.9%.


    Han Sen was one of the few bright spots besides James. He played 28 minutes, shot 4-of-8 from three-point range, scoring 14 points along with 3 rebounds and 2 steals.


    On the Raptors'' side, Bosh had 21 points and 16 rebounds, while Bargnani scored 28 points with 5 rebounds.


    The offensive issues caused by the Cavaliers'' lineup remained, and their defense in the paint was overwhelmed.


    The next day, ESPN reporter Khalil published a news article that sparked widespread discussion.


    The headline read: "Han Sen''s Game-Winner Saves the Cavaliers from a Two-Game Losing Streak."

 Chapter 50: Starting Lineup.

    Chapter 50: Starting Lineup.This report had a unique perspective, especially when all the other reporters were busy finding excuses for the Cavaliers'' loss. However, it was easy for people to accept because it reflected the truth.


    From this, two key messages automatically formed in fans'' minds: first, Han Sen saved the Cavaliers; second, the Cavaliers currently have issues with their play.


    The Magic team had weakened this season, and the Raptors were at best a fringe playoff team. There was no reason the Cavaliers should have struggled in these two games.


    The delayed media pressure exploded intensely following this report.


    The underperforming Varejao became the target of criticism. After all, he had just signed a 6-year, $48.2 million contract with the Cavaliers that summer.


    Soon after, Brown''s player rotations were also questioned. Despite Cunningham and O''Neal working well together in the first game, Brown stubbornly kept Varejao in the starting lineup.


    The day after returning to Cleveland, Han Sen went to the gym for training as usual. Not long after, James and his trainer arrived as well. James looked upset, and this time, Varejao wasn''t with him.


    Before formal practice began, Brown announced a change: Varejao, due to soreness in his left ankle, would not play in the next game, and Cunningham would take his place as the starting power forward.


    "Is this a way out?" Han thought, recalling James'' expression, instantly understanding what had happened.


    You''ve got to admit, the power of public opinion is really useful!


    After practice that day, Cunningham dragged Han Sen to a bar to celebrate. Thanks to his experience in the Summer League, Cunningham booked a private room.


    "It feels like a dream," Cunningham said, still in disbelief. Initially projected as an early second-round pick, he was selected in the first round because the Cavaliers traded away Hickson to acquire Han Sen and needed a power forward.


    But who would have thought, just two games into the season, he''d be starting?


    "It''s all about timing. Look at Courtney Lee last season; he started 42 games as a rookie for the Magic," Han provided a relevant example.


    Though he had influenced the decision behind the scenes, there wasn''t anyone else on the Cavaliers'' roster who could replace Varejao.


    Han knew that before Jamison came to Cleveland, that role belonged to second-year player Hickson, a power forward who could stretch the floor but couldn''t shoot threes.


    "You''re right; I feel way less pressure now," Cunningham said with a smile, pouring drinks for both of them.


    "There''s no need to feel pressured. Just make your open shots and play solid defense," He encouraged him.


    "And, control your fouls," he added, remembering Cunningham''s tendency to foul.


    Cunningham nodded and raised his glass to toast.


    "I just wonder when you''ll make the starting lineup," Cunningham said after putting down his glass.


    "I''m comfortable where I am now," Han Sen replied. Although he was still a substitute in the last game, he played 28 minutes, which was practically the same as a starter.


    "But it won''t be long."


    ...


    Over the next week, the Cavaliers played against the Timberwolves, Bobcats, and Knicks, securing a three-game winning streak.


    Cunningham averaged 19.8 minutes over these three games, contributing 6.3 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 0.6 blocks, and 2.5 fouls, with a 49.5% field goal percentage. Despite still committing too many fouls, he perfectly executed Han Sen''s advice: make the open shots and play good defense.


    Varejao "returned" in the game against the Bobcats but, as expected, didn''t regain his starting position.


    With Cunningham''s performance, it seemed unlikely Varejao would return to the starting lineup this season.


    However, the most important change brought by this adjustment was how much more comfortable James and O''Neal played together. James even pulled off a highlight-worthy assist to O''Neal for a dunk.


    After the lineup change, the Cavaliers seemed to shake off their early-season slump and entered a honeymoon phase. However, that honeymoon didn''t last long.


    In their first game of November, and on their home court no less, the Cavaliers lost to the Heat.


    Wade exploded with 43 points, being the key player in the Heat''s victory.


    This game was significant because the Heat targeted O''Neal relentlessly, using screens to set up Wade against him. Parker couldn''t keep up, and O''Neal couldn''t step out to contest, allowing Wade to quickly find his rhythm.


    By the time Brown substituted Han Sen, the defensive impact wasn''t as effective as expected.


    A 4-2 record wasn''t great for a team with championship aspirations like the Cavaliers.


    And to make matters worse, the Cavaliers were about to embark on a Western Conference road trip, which included teams like the Suns and Jazz, both with elite point guards and a mastery of the pick-and-roll.


    The Heat had set the blueprint, and these teams would surely exploit it.


    The first stop on the Cavaliers'' road trip was Oklahoma City.


    While the Thunder weren''t known for their pick-and-roll game, they did have Kevin Durant, a top-tier perimeter player.


    The night before their road trip began, Han was in the team''s video room studying footage of Durant''s games this season when Malone appeared at the door, knocking.


    "How''s your research going?" Malone asked, sitting down by the computer.


    "I shouldn''t have beaten him in the tryouts," he replied as he handed Malone a cup of instant coffee.


    "What do you mean?" Malone asked, puzzled.


    "This guy''s fixed the flaw in his shooting form. He no longer shoots across his face to the right; now it''s a straight shot from bottom to top," Han Sen explained, summing it up. "Defending him is going to be twice as hard."


    Malone, intrigued, set down his coffee and started watching the video himself. After a while, he looked up at him with admiration in his eyes. "You''ve analyzed this better than the coaching staff." Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Have you figured out how you''re going to defend him?" Malone asked.


    Han shook his head.


    Though Durant was only in his third year, he was already showing incredible scoring ability, averaging 35 points per game ¡ª the highest in the league.


    In some ways, Durant should thank Han Sen.


    Malone continued, "Tomorrow, you''ll be starting at shooting guard."


    Han set down his coffee, slightly surprised. It was happening sooner than he expected ¡ª he had thought it would come after a losing streak, when he would be called upon to "save the day."


    "LeBron didn''t object?" He asked.


    Malone sipped his coffee, then smiled. "Didn''t you say defending him is going to be twice as hard?"


    Han Sen smiled in return.


    Of course! Durant had switched to playing small forward this season.


    While James wouldn''t be defending Durant on the court, when comparing stats post-game, Durant and James would be the ones going head-to-head.


    ...


    The day before the game, the Cavaliers arrived in Oklahoma City and practiced that afternoon at the Ford Center.


    News had already spread that Han Sen would start, so after practice, reporters swarmed him with questions about matching up against Durant.


    ''Seriously, how does everyone know LeBron doesn''t guard Durant?'' Han adjusted his emotions and fiercely responded, "I''m gonna blowout Durant, just like I did during the tryouts here!"

 Chapter 51: The Kite Runner.

    Chapter 51: The Kite Runner."Achoo!"


    Durant, who was training in the neighboring main arena, sneezed loudly.


    In Oklahoma in November, the temperature was a bit chilly.


    ...


    After finishing his extra evening practice, Han Sen returned to the hotel, took a shower, and then got into bed to check social media.


    As expected, his social media was under heavy attack from haters.


    "Blowout Durant? Who gave you that kind of face? You should take a good look at yourself!"


    "Got lucky with a last-second shot and now you think you''re invincible?"


    "I was there in person. At that time, KD had already played eight rounds of one-on-one before facing Han Sen. He was running low on energy when they faced off."


    "Han is a schemer. He studied KD''s weaknesses and used the most shameless tactics. His win was anything but honorable."


    "Today''s KD has evolved. Han can''t possibly guard him, let alone blow him out. That''s pure fantasy!"


    ...


    At first, Han Sen didn''t think much of it, but as he kept reading, something started to feel off.


    Back when he was trying out for the Thunder, the only people on-site were the Thunder staff and the rookies trying out.


    It wasn''t strange for one or two people at the scene to be online, but not all of them, right?


    Also, the point about Durant''s skill evolution¡ª Han Sen had carefully researched it to notice. How could any random person online know about it so easily?


    All these doubts came together, and suddenly, Han Sen understood.


    Durant, that guy, was probably surfing the web intensively right now!


    Realizing this, Han Sen switched to his alternate account and started engaging with Durant.


    He figured out how to guard Durant.


    ...


    The next night, the Ford Center, which can hold nearly 20,000 people, was packed.


    The home team had an excellent start to the new season, Durant was playing explosively, and with the Cavaliers as the opponent, the game attracted a lot of attention.


    The Cavaliers arrived at the arena earlier to warm up.


    After a while of shooting, Han Sen felt a cold chill down his back, as if something eerie had locked onto him.


    He turned around and saw Durant staring at him from across the court with a resentful look.


    He recognized that look¡ª it was the same person he had battled online the night before on social media.


    Han Sen waved with a smile, while Durant snorted and turned away.


    "Are you close with him?" O''Neal asked as he came over after seeing Han Sen''s gesture.


    "Not really," he smiled back, "but we''ll get closer."


    After the warm-up, the opening ceremony followed.


    This was Han Sen''s first career start, but since they were the away team, the introduction was brief.


    "Number 77, Han Sen."


    That was all the introduction he got.


    But even that short introduction was enough to stir the crowd into booing him enthusiastically.


    Whether it was the number 77 or Han Sen himself, both were good enough to attract hatred.


    Once the opening ceremony was over, both teams revealed their starting lineups.


    Cavaliers: Mo Williams, Han Sen, LeBron James, Cunningham, O''Neal.


    Thunder: Westbrook, Sefolosha, Durant, Jeff Green, Nenad Krsti?.


    O''Neal won the opening tip-off for the Cavaliers, and LeBron handled the ball, with O''Neal posting up for a shot in the low post.


    This tactic was nothing new compared to the start of the season, but it worked effectively. O''Neal banked in a shot to give the Cavaliers the first points.


    This success was partly due to the good spacing on the court, but also because the Thunder''s interior defense was weak.


    Krsti? was a classic European big man, effective in scoring and mid-range shooting, and also good at setting up plays from the high post, but his defense and rebounding were average. His partner, Jeff Green, was a natural small forward playing the power forward position, making their help defense less effective.


    Of course, the Thunder''s good season wasn''t built on defense, but offense.


    The key to beating them was limiting Durant''s impact.


    The Thunder brought the ball across half-court.


    "Look at me, I''m right here."


    At that moment, Han Sen waved his hand towards Durant with a grin, looking as annoying as possible.


    Durant, who was preparing for an off-ball play, saw this and, remembering last night''s social media battle with "Han''s fans," immediately switched to a one-on-one play.


    Westbrook saw the change and quickly adjusted the play, handing the ball to Durant.


    Durant caught the ball, turned to face the basket, and ignored Han Sen, pulling up for a jump shot.


    Han Sen jumped to contest, but couldn''t stop Durant from getting the shot off.


    Durant showcased his hot form this season, as the ball swished through the net.


    This was exactly what Han Sen had mentioned earlier¡ª the increased difficulty of defending Durant. He couldn''t force Durant to drive right like during the tryout. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Plus, Durant''s shooting form had changed. Now, he shot with a more fluid and quicker motion, no longer bringing the ball across the right side of his face.


    "So this is your idea of blowing me out?" Durant sneered after sinking the shot.


    Han Sen shrugged without showing a hint of anger.


    This annoyed Durant even more.


    On the Cavaliers'' next possession, O''Neal got the ball inside again, and this time, Durant collapsed into the paint to help. O''Neal, double-teamed, forced a foul on Krsti? and earned two free throws.


    The Thunder''s lineup was imbalanced between inside and outside players.


    O''Neal was playing comfortably, and even made both free throws.


    Back on offense, Durant called for the ball again, not waiting for Han Sen to make any moves. This time, Han Sen stayed close, denying Durant an easy catch.


    Westbrook dribbled over and handed the ball to Durant, clearing out the strong side for isolation.


    At this point, Westbrook was still fresh off his rookie season and very much Durant''s sidekick.


    Durant caught the ball and, instead of pulling up, used a spin move to drive right before stopping for a quick jumper.


    Han Sen stayed with him on this play and gave him plenty of contest.


    But Durant was on fire, draining the shot over Han Sen''s defense.


    As he landed, Durant, pumped up with adrenaline, yelled at Han Sen, "It''s a blowout alright, but I''m blowing YOU out!"


    You could tell how much frustration he had built up.


    Unfortunately for him, Han Sen had already turned and started running back on offense, leaving Durant''s shout directed at empty air.


    The arena''s camera crew was quick to capture Han Sen''s expression.


    He still looked completely unbothered, causing the crowd to stir restlessly.


    This guy''s skin was as thick as the foundation you''d put on for makeup.


    No, it wasn''t that he was unfazed¡ª his lips were curling into a smile!


    The noise in the arena quickly turned into boos.


    Han Sen''s [hater points] was skyrocketing.


    On the next possession, O''Neal drew a triple team when he got the ball, leaving Cunningham wide open on the baseline. Cunningham sank the shot cleanly.


    6 to 4.


    The Cavaliers maintained control of the game.


    Durant continued calling for the ball.


    At this point, he felt like a thousand-pound weight was crushing his chest. Only by destroying Han Sen could he release the frustration inside.


    But this time, Han Sen made a sudden move from the side, intercepting Westbrook''s pass intended for Durant.


    LeBron dashed across the half-court and finished with his signature tomahawk dunk off Han Sen''s pass.


    "Kevin, don''t get too caught up with Han!"


    At that moment, someone from the Thunder bench shouted toward Durant.


    Oops, busted!


    Han Sen''s eyes darted toward the source of the voice¡ª Thunder head coach Scott Brooks.


    He had almost forgotten about him.


    The Cavaliers lost their last game to the Heat because Wade repeatedly exploited O''Neal in the pick-and-roll, not only finding his rhythm but also forcing Coach Brown to bench O''Neal.


    Once O''Neal sat, the Cavaliers lost their interior advantage.


    To avoid a repeat against the Thunder, the best strategy was to trap Durant in isolation plays.


    Without playmaking skills, and with his stamina unable to match the output of Hakeem Olajuwon or Michael Jordan, Durant''s one-on-one plays wouldn''t be enough to carry the team.


    That''s why Han Sen had been picking fights on social media before the game and making little provocations on the court¡ª to bait Durant into playing isolation all night.


    And Durant, obligingly, had started falling for it, trying to prove something by attacking with the right-handed jump shots he hadn''t mastered during the tryout.


    Durant, out of respect for his coach, stopped calling for the ball.


    But Han Sen wasn''t about to let him off the hook.


    How could he stop playing isolation so easily after promising to do it all night?


    "Is this the blowout you were yelling about earlier? You''ve already chickened out after just one steal?"


    Han Sen looked at Durant, his expression full of disdain.

 Chapter 52: Mind Says No, Body Says Yes.

    Chapter 52: Mind Says No, Body Says Yes.Durant puffed out his cheeks, feeling as though he had just been inflated like a balloon. Clearly, he had the upper hand, but from Han Sen''s words, it sounded as though he was the one getting beaten up!


    No way! He couldn''t let this slide. If he did, how could he continue to thrive in the league?


    Once again, Durant interrupted his teammates'' movements, backing Han Sen down to force a one-on-one play.


    At that moment, he felt like a kite being repeatedly tugged back and forth.


    And the string of that kite was tightly held in Han Sen''s hands.


    After successfully defending Durant''s attack, Han Sen couldn''t help but reflect on Durant''s overly honest nature at times.


    Seeing that things were getting out of hand, Brooks called Ibaka off the bench.


    When a dead ball situation occurred, Ibaka subbed in for Durant.


    As Durant sat down, Brooks immediately pulled him aside for some stern coaching.


    Watching Durant bow his head and listen to the lecture, Han Sen felt that Durant was somewhat lucky. At least early in his career, he had Brooks as his coach instead of Mike Brown.


    Ibaka was a first-round draft pick for the Thunder in 2008, but they had kept him in the Spanish League for another year of training before bringing him into the team this season.


    Though a rookie, Ibaka had shown top-notch defensive potential, excelling both in one-on-one post defense and as a rim protector.


    Back in pre-season, the Thunder had traded away power forward D.J. White, giving up the 18th overall pick, largely because Ibaka outperformed White and took his spot.


    Once Ibaka entered the game, O''Neal''s dominance in the paint was limited, and the Cavaliers'' offensive surge fizzled out.


    On the other end, Westbrook showcased his personal talents, powering through Williams to drive into the paint, drawing a foul from O''Neal.


    At that moment, Durant was subbed back in for Sefolosha.


    That''s right¡ªhe didn''t sub out Ibaka.


    Brooks'' decision was quite intriguing. Knowing that their interior defense was struggling, he didn''t worry about defending the perimeter either. He was gearing up for a shootout with the Cavaliers.


    However, Han Sen sensed an opportunity.


    LeBron wasn''t guarding Durant, but Durant was guarding LeBron. This left Han Sen to face Sefolosha on offense.


    The "Swiss Army Knife" wasn''t much of a shooter from the perimeter, but his defense was elite. He was sticking to Han Sen like glue, tightly tracking his off-ball movements.


    But now, Brooks had taken him out.


    Westbrook made both free throws, bringing the score to 8-6.


    Both teams were playing intensely, but it was far from the point where the game would be decided.


    LeBron stopped dumping the ball into the post and instead called O''Neal over for a pick-and-roll.


    O''Neal set a solid screen, but with his current mobility, he could only set the screen and couldn''t effectively roll to the basket.


    Hearing Brooks'' instructions from the sideline, Krstic left O''Neal to help trap LeBron.


    At the same time, Ibaka collapsed into the paint for additional help.


    LeBron, driving into the crowded paint, couldn''t find a shot angle, even after taking an extra step. He was trapped.


    And then, something familiar happened.


    In the midst of this, LeBron caught sight of a familiar figure on the weak side.


    Just as LeBron was about to make his move, Han Sen exchanged a quick glance with Cunningham.


    The two had developed a solid understanding from playing together since summer league. With a pick-and-roll at the high post on the weak side, Cunningham completely blocked Durant from reaching Han Sen.


    With Ibaka collapsing to help protect the rim, Han Sen found himself wide open. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing who it was¡ª LeBron instinctively rejected the idea.


    The previous news article by Carrill had directly led to Varej?o being benched.


    If Durant hadn''t been playing so well this season, LeBron wouldn''t have agreed to let Han Sen into the starting lineup.


    However, he still passed the ball.


    Better to secure an assist than to turn it over.


    With no one defending him, Han Sen quickly took the shot and made his first basket of the night¡ªa three-pointer.


    This time, he didn''t wait for LeBron to celebrate. He raised his hands first, flashing the three-point celebration in Durant''s direction just as Durant fought through the screen.


    Then, with a taunting gesture, Han Sen put his finger to his lips, signaling silence.


    "Let''s see how you deal with this after just hearing Brooks'' lecture."


    Durant''s breath quickened, his face flushed red. As soon as they got back on offense, he attacked Han Sen again with the ball.


    Brooks was sweating bullets on the sidelines. Durant was the third-year player, but against Han Sen, he looked more like a rookie.


    Durant used a drag step to blow past Han Sen''s defense, but just as he prepared to accelerate, Cunningham rotated over for help.


    Forced to slow down and protect the ball, Durant found himself double-teamed as Han Sen came over to trap him.


    Durant, whose dribble was already high, lost control under pressure and dribbled it off his foot and out of bounds.


    "You needed help!" Durant fumed.


    "His arms were getting tired," Han Sen replied, pointing toward the baseline.


    Ibaka, noticing both Durant and Han Sen staring at him, sheepishly lowered his raised arms.


    The Cavaliers resumed their offense, with LeBron again using a pick-and-roll with O''Neal. This time, LeBron picked up speed, blew past Krstic, and soared into the air for his signature tomahawk slam.


    However, right then, a figure leaped up to meet LeBron at the rim.


    It was him¡ª the one who had just raised his arms until they were sore. Ibaka.


    Bang!


    LeBron''s dunk attempt was emphatically blocked.


    Ibaka''s block was ferocious.


    Though LeBron quickly recovered the ball, Ibaka landed firmly and regained his balance.


    After that massive block, LeBron appeared rattled. He faked a shot, but seeing that Ibaka didn''t bite, he began looking for a teammate to pass to.


    Then he looked up and saw that familiar figure again.


    Han Sen, after executing a whirlwind pick-and-roll [1] with Cunningham, had rotated to the corner for another open look.


    "...Him again? What is the rest of the Cavs doing? What about Durant?"


    LeBron really didn''t want to pass that way, but he had no other choice.


    The pass was low, nearly hitting Han Sen''s feet.


    Han Sen bent down to grab the ball just as Durant, fighting through the screen with a murderous expression, came barreling toward him.


    But Han Sen remained calm. With a fake shot, he sent Durant flying by and took one dribble before launching a three-pointer.


    Swish!


    The ball sailed through the net again.


    He had hit two three-pointers in a row.


    ''So much for being calm in the face of disaster, and not flinching at the sight of chaos.''


    "With defense like that, anyone could torch you," Han Sen muttered, pulling on the kite string a little tighter.


    If looks could kill, Han Sen would''ve been torn apart by now.


    Durant attacked again, drawing a foul from Han Sen, but he only made one of two free throws.


    His mood swings were affecting his shooting rhythm.


    LeBron drove again, but this time, seeing the Thunder collapsing on defense, he was already scanning for teammates.


    When he jumped, he saw Han Sen cutting along the baseline to find space on the far side.


    LeBron didn''t hesitate, sending the ball flying toward him.


    Although LeBron still resisted the idea, his body had moved instinctively. After all, who could resist a free assist?


    This time, Durant was blocked by O''Neal in the paint and could only watch as Han Sen took the wide-open shot.


    Swish!


    Han Sen''s three-pointer went in again.


    With that flurry of three-pointers, the score had widened to 17-7.


    After scoring, Han Sen puckered his lips toward Durant, tugging on his jersey and shaking it proudly.


    "You said you''d destroy me? I have more points than you. No, actually, I have more than your whole team!"


    This scene was immediately captured by the camera and displayed on the giant LED screen.


    The crowd was buzzing with excitement.


    Normally, an outstanding performance on the court, even from the opponent, would be admired and respected.


    But Han Sen, with his number 77 jersey swaying on the screen, just made people want to boo him!


    ---


    [1]: The whirlwind pick-and-roll is a play that originated with the Iowa State Cyclones from the NCAA. It''s a screen play, but unlike a typical pick-and-roll, the guard sets the screen for the forward, who then pops out to the three-point line. The Golden State Warriors later adopted this play as one of their standard tactics.

 Chapter 53: Making The Deal.

    Chapter 53: Making The Deal.Durant couldn''t break free from the kite string Han Sen held tightly all night. As a direct result, the Thunder''s offense often found itself in the awkward situation of "one player attacking while four others watched."


    The Cavaliers eventually won the game 102-86.


    Durant scored a game-high 34 points, but he shot just 11 of 29 from the field and committed five turnovers.


    Apart from Durant, only two other Thunder players scored in double figures¡ªWestbrook with 16 points and Jeff Green with 11.


    On the other hand, the Cavaliers had five players in double figures.


    LeBron James posted a triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. Shaquille O''Neal had 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. Mo Williams contributed 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Cunningham added 11 points and 4 rebounds.


    Han Sen played 33 minutes, hitting 6 of 10 three-pointers, achieving his first 20-point game in the NBA, along with 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.


    At the post-game press conference, Han Sen, O''Neal, and LeBron James all attended together.


    With the "Big Three" performing so well, even in a packed press conference, none of them could be left out.


    As soon as Han Sen sat down, he immediately spotted Brian Windhorst sitting in the audience.


    As the season progressed, Han Sen had come to know that besides being an ESPN reporter, Windhorst was also the Cavaliers'' beat reporter.


    Without surprise, Windhorst was the first to be called upon for a question when the press conference started.


    But what Han Sen didn''t expect was that this time Windhorst didn''t direct his question at LeBron James¡ª instead, he asked Han Sen!


    What, did the sun rise in the west today?


    "Han, three of your six three-pointers tonight were assisted by LeBron. Does playing alongside one of the greatest passers in NBA history make the game easier for you?"


    Han Sen squinted his eyes, realizing something was off.


    He turned his head to look at LeBron, who was now gazing at him with an unfamiliar, gentle look.


    Was this a test?


    Or an olive branch?


    Han Sen figured the latter was more likely.


    Without his three three-pointers, LeBron would have had three more turnovers and might not have even secured a triple-double.


    In such a situation, if Han Sen were LeBron, he''d also look to smooth things over.


    As for their previous clashes, weren''t those just... misunderstandings in the face of greater interests?


    Moreover, Windhorst''s question carried an obvious implication, and it didn''t take much thought to arrive at a standard response:


    "Playing alongside the greatest passer in NBA history¡ª no, the greatest player in NBA history¡ª makes the game easier than it''s ever been."


    Just thinking about it gave Han Sen goosebumps.


    But the worst part was, once you compromise once, it would be like cheating¡ªthere would be countless more times.


    However, if he refused LeBron''s goodwill, he would undoubtedly face pressure again, and his spot in the starting lineup for the next game could become uncertain.


    Not to mention, he''d be targeted by LeBron''s fanbase: Our King, so magnanimous, treats you with such grace, and yet you dare to be ungrateful?


    "I should add, Shaq also assisted me twice today, and Mo (Williams) assisted me once too. I really like the team atmosphere right now. It makes me feel that we have great chemistry, and we''re a true team," Han Sen replied with a smile.


    Whether or not LeBron was the greatest passer in NBA history wasn''t the issue¡ªtwo of the assists LeBron gave him tonight were out of necessity.


    This showed that LeBron hadn''t initially wanted to cooperate with him; Han Sen simply capitalized on the situation.


    Although starting was tempting, Han Sen didn''t want to become another Varej?o.


    As for being hated by LeBron''s fans...


    Wouldn''t that be a blessing?


    After leaving the press conference, LeBron walked quickly ahead, leaving the room.


    "You didn''t have to reject his goodwill like that," O''Neal remarked, even though he wasn''t particularly fond of LeBron himself, he still put on a facade.


    "I train too hard," Han Sen sighed.


    O''Neal didn''t understand.


    "My knees are too stiff; I just can''t kneel," Han Sen joked with a smile.


    O''Neal was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter before slinging an arm around Han Sen''s shoulders, talking about taking him out to a nightclub.


    Han Sen didn''t go to the nightclub with O''Neal. After returning to the hotel, he pulled out the [Hater System] and began to study it.


    His performance as a starter today exceeded expectations, but the process went about as he had anticipated.


    The more LeBron passed to him, the more points he scored.


    So it was predictable¡ª having rejected LeBron''s goodwill today, he would likely get fewer chances to touch the ball in the next game, and thus, fewer points.


    It felt like he was being given opportunities.


    So now the situation was: either he continued to stand his ground and had no opportunities, or he could kneel and get more.


    His mindset was the same as before¡ª if he had wanted to kneel, he would have done so in the locker room that day.


    But was there a way for him to stand tall and still get opportunities?


    The answer: yes.


    The most direct and effective way was to become the next "Kyrie".


    Here, the name "Kyrie" is just a stand-in for a player capable of closing out games with individual talent.


    LeBron''s technical characteristics, especially at this stage, were very "Pippen-like." He could absorb a large number of possessions, organize the offense, and set a solid foundation in the first three quarters.


    If he wanted to, he could become the best second option in NBA history.


    Of course, becoming the second option wasn''t an option for "The Chosen One."


    So, in Han Sen''s knowledge of "history," LeBron always had a somewhat disjointed style. He would put up spectacular numbers during regulation to solidify his status as the team''s alpha but would still need a strong closer to win the game. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Only such a closer would make him willing to relinquish the ball in crunch time.


    In other words, for Han Sen to avoid feeling like he was only being fed opportunities, he needed to¡ª and could only¡ª become the next "Kyrie".


    The good news was that the foundational skills he had honed since his NCAA days, especially his ball-handling, were the prerequisites for becoming that kind of player.


    Moreover, he had already started practicing elusive footwork during the off-season, so what he lacked now was simply elite finishing talent.


    In the Hater System, first-tier talent was still somewhat "out of reach" for him at this point.


    In comparison, second-tier talent seemed more attainable. The improvement brought by his previous talent, "Star Catcher," had been significant.


    Currently, he had accumulated over 90,000 hater points.


    The new points came partly from LeBron''s fanbase due to his conflicts with Varej?o and LeBron.


    Another unexpected portion came from domestic fans.


    Even though the FIBA Asia Championship had been over for nearly three months, some fans back home were still criticizing him for the national team''s failure to win the title.


    These people had no idea how the national team would continue to lower their standards in the future, eventually struggling to even compete with regional teams.


    There were even calls for him to be excluded from the 2010 FIBA World Championship because he didn''t contribute during the Asia Championship.


    Some even suggested banning him from the national team, just like what had happened to Wang Zhizhi back in the day.


    If it weren''t for his deep-rooted patriotism, he would have announced his withdrawal from the World Championship right now.


    Conveniently, he needed more hater points, and this situation could potentially boost them significantly.


    Just then, Thomas sent him an email.


    After his standout performance, the shoe sponsors had already updated their offers, eagerly awaiting his decision.


    Unlike last time, given the challenges he would face moving forward, now seemed like the right time to sign a shoe deal.


    Looking at the last brand name on the list and recalling how the fans back home felt about him, Han Sen suddenly came up with a new way to earn hater points.


    He called Thomas.


    Thomas quickly picked up, as he had promised to be available 24/7.


    "Which brand are you going with?"


    "UA (Under Armour)."


    ---

 Chapter 54: Counterattack.

    Chapter 54: Counterattack.UA (Under Armour) isn''t considered a big brand, and since their owner comes from the NFL, most of their partnerships have been with the NFL league.


    In basketball shoes, they are virtually unknown.


    However, the offer they made to Han Sen was for 4 years and 8 million dollars, which was higher than the offers from Nike, Adidas, and others.


    They also promised to make him the core spokesperson for their basketball shoes.


    Though they haven''t signed any other players, what matters is their commitment.


    So, when Thomas found out that Han wanted to sign with UA, he strongly advised against it over the phone.


    Even if he didn''t sign with Nike, he could go with Adidas, Jordan, or even Reebok.


    Signing with a small brand for shoes would negatively affect a player''s overall promotion.


    It could even hurt his chances in awards selections.


    But as before, Thomas couldn''t convince him otherwise.


    Because Han Sen was a time traveler.


    Putting aside his own plans, he knew UA was a brand set to soar in the future.


    And it wouldn''t be entirely due to Curry, because by 2014, UA''s sales had already surpassed Adidas to become the second-largest sports brand after Nike.


    In 2014, while Curry was an emerging star, he hadn''t yet reached top-tier superstar status.


    UA as a brand had a lot of potential for growth.


    Thomas worked out the contract details, and after the Cavaliers'' Western Conference road trip, Han Sen would head to UA''s headquarters in Baltimore for a visit and to officially sign the contract.


    The day after playing against the Thunder, the Cavaliers flew to Phoenix for a game against the Suns.


    The Suns have been the most surprising team in the league this season. Last season, they didn''t make the playoffs, but as of now, they lead the league with a 6-1 record.


    The biggest change to their roster compared to last season was losing Shaquille O''Neal.


    And Nash was already 35 years old, with the once-formidable "run-and-gun" squad having lost key players like Diaw, Marion, and Raja Bell.


    Like the Pistons in the East, they seemed like a team in decline.


    Their biggest transformation came from their head coach, Alvin Gentry. He retained the team''s run-and-gun system, incorporating fast wing play, corner spacing, V-cuts for perimeter shots, and long-range shooting, but also injected a defensive identity, making this Suns team strong on both offense and defense.


    It looked like a precursor to the future Warriors team.


    In this game, Han Sen lost his starting position, and his playing time was reduced to 18 minutes.


    Just as he expected, not accepting LeBron James'' goodwill meant standing in opposition to him. There was no middle ground.


    Nash relentlessly targeted O''Neal in this game, and under his system, the Suns displayed smooth teamwork.


    The Cavaliers ultimately lost the game 105-111.


    In the post-game press conference, Suns head coach Gentry spoke about the key to the game.


    "I don''t know why they didn''t use Han more. He played incredible against OKC, holding KD in check while scoring 20 points. That was unbelievable."


    It''s rare for a rival coach to actively mention a rookie and call him a key to the game.


    However, considering that Gentry liked Han Sen during the Suns'' pre-draft workouts and repeatedly recommended him to Steve Kerr during the draft, this made sense.


    He must have regretted not being able to coach Han Sen.


    But Gentry wasn''t the only one confused¡ª besides a few inside the Cavaliers'' organization, no one knew the real reason.


    After the Suns game, the Cavaliers quickly traveled to Utah for a game against the Jazz.


    This game was almost a repeat of the Suns game, with the Jazz dismantling O''Neal''s defense using pick-and-roll plays.


    The difference this time was that Brown benched O''Neal in the second half, but Boozer, a former Cavalier, wreaked havoc in the paint.


    In the end, with Deron Williams scoring 25 points and 10 assists and Boozer adding 28 points and 12 rebounds, the Jazz defeated the Cavaliers 107-103.


    Han Sen still wasn''t in the starting lineup and played only 19 minutes.


    After two consecutive losses, the Cavaliers returned to Cleveland with a 5-4 record.


    Around this time, ESPN''s Khalil published an article titled "On Mike Brown''s Player Management," which sparked widespread debate.


    Han Sen, having anticipated his reduced playing time, wasn''t going to sit idle.


    Though he couldn''t directly attack LeBron, he did as he had before¡ª targeting those around him, this time choosing Brown.


    "I don''t know what happened. I''m healthy, and my stamina is great."


    The article began with an interview between Khalil and Han Sen after the Cavaliers'' game against the Jazz.


    Using this quote, Khalil expanded on his headline, discussing Brown''s player management issues.


    From Brown''s stubborn insistence on using Varejao as a starter at the beginning of the season, nearly resulting in two losses, only for Han Sen''s game-winning three-pointer to save them, to him delivering a stellar performance against the Thunder, only to mysteriously be benched and have his playing time slashed, leading to two straight losses.


    He also mentioned former Cavalier Sasha Pavlovic, who was the team''s best 3-and-D player and a key regular-season rotation member but averaged only 8 minutes per game in the previous season''s playoffs.


    "Mike Brown''s player management has no principles. It''s all based on his mood. If he continues this way, the Cavaliers could repeat their past failures."


    Though the article didn''t directly blame Brown, the tone was heavy.


    With LeBron''s player option coming up next year, the Cavaliers had to win the championship this season, or else LeBron might leave.


    Now, Brown''s player management was being linked to the Cavaliers'' title chances, creating massive public pressure.


    After returning to Cleveland, Han Sen resumed normal training, arriving an hour earlier than everyone else to hit the weights.


    LeBron didn''t show up today¡ªno one knew where he was.


    He had just started his workout when someone stormed into the gym with purpose, heading straight toward him.


    Seeing that it was Brown, Han knew why LeBron hadn''t come today.


    "Morning, Coach," He greeted with a fake smile.


    "You complained to ESPN about your playing time?" Brown ignored the pleasantries and immediately questioned him.


    "Seems like it," Han replied casually, knowing that even if he hadn''t directly complained, there wasn''t much of a difference.


    "Why did you do that?" Brown was clearly displeased with Han Sen''s attitude.


    "To get more playing time," He said with a caring tone as if Brown didn''t know the obvious.


    Brown, however, was too flustered to realize this was the most obvious answer.


    "I''m asking why you had to say it to the media. Couldn''t you just tell me privately?" Brown stepped closer, almost gritting his teeth now under immense media pressure.


    Looking at his anxious face, Han Sen coolly replied, "Would that have worked?" S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    From the time LeBron changed his training schedule without Brown saying a word, to Varejao starting even though everyone knew it was a bad decision because he was LeBron''s buddy, Brown hadn''t had the courage to change the lineup.


    And now, after Han Sen had just put in his best performance yet, scoring a career-high, he was benched and his playing time reduced just because he didn''t accept LeBron''s goodwill.


    Could Brown be trusted to make decisions?


    "Look, this isn''t about whether it would work or not. You have to understand something¡ª team issues are always solved internally. No one goes to the media with them!" Brown was getting desperate.


    "Fine. Internal resolution, huh?" Han said, standing up and lifting a dumbbell while looking down at Brown.


    "So tell me, who the f*ck made you bench a player that just scored 20 points and helped the team win, only for the team to lose two games in a row after that? Dare to say it?"


    "You! You''ve lost your mind!" Han Sen''s towering presence made Brown instinctively take a step back.


    "If you can''t even maintain basic fairness, then trade me!"


    Han shouted, then tossed the dumbbell aside and walked out of the gym without looking back.

 Chapter 55: Truth is a Sharp Blade.

    Chapter 55: Truth is a Sharp Blade.Brown, of course, couldn''t decide anything.


    The Cavaliers weren''t going to trade Hansen at this point either.


    Even though the season had just begun and less than a month had passed, Hansen had already shown significant potential, even proving himself to be a valuable 3-and-D player.


    The Cavaliers'' management wasn''t foolish. A quality 3-and-D player may not compare to a superstar, but they are rare commodities in the league.


    Not to mention, this is the exact "championship piece" they''ve been searching for to support LeBron.


    Rather than trade him, they''d prefer to see LeBron "tame" Han Sen.


    So the final outcome was a "world where only Brown suffers."


    Facing the media''s criticism, he had to rack his brain to explain his personnel decisions.


    If he hadn''t already shaved his head, he would likely have lost a lot of hair by now.


    Han Sen wasn''t in a hurry either; the season was long, and his immediate priority was to quickly unlock his breakthrough talent.


    The Cavaliers returned to Cleveland and had three days of rest. Brown gave the team a day off to relax.


    Taking advantage of the break, Hansen and Thomas flew to Baltimore.


    Baltimore, located in Maryland, is only separated from Ohio, where Cleveland is, by a small corner of West Virginia.


    This city once had an NBA team. In 1948, the Baltimore Bullets won the BAA (the predecessor of the NBA) championship. However, they later went bankrupt due to financial problems, becoming the only championship team in NBA history to go bankrupt.


    Later, the Wizards called this place home from 1963 to 1973, continuing to use the Bullets'' name. But after they moved to Washington, Maryland has not had an NBA team since.


    At UA''s headquarters, most of the exhibits Hansen saw were sports apparel, with the majority being athletic underwear.


    UA was founded on athletic underwear, pioneering moisture-wicking fabrics.


    As for basketball shoes, they were more of a blueprint at this stage.


    In one of the headquarters'' offices, the staff prepared a detailed PowerPoint presentation for Han Sen, outlining UA''s design concepts for basketball shoes and their production and marketing plans.


    They even presented a market research report focused on the East Asian shoe market.


    The depth of this research was not something put together in a short time.


    It was clear that UA had been eyeing the East Asian market for a while and had likely tried to recruit other players before, but without success.


    Of course, none of that mattered now. What was important was that UA was treating him with the seriousness Thomas had mentioned.


    Furthermore, the strategy for signing Han Sen would be different from when they signed Curry. The focus would undoubtedly be on the shoe preferences of the East Asian market.


    This made Hansen quite excited.


    After reviewing the PowerPoint, Hansen and Thomas discussed the contract details, including performance bonuses, plans for an independent brand, and tiered shoe royalties, among other aspects.


    The contract amount was slightly different from what Hansen had initially known.


    The base amount was $8 million for four years, but if he met specific requirements, like making an All-NBA team in his rookie season, the contract could reach up to $10 million over four years, tying with the contract Nike had given Curry, making him the highest-paid rookie this year.


    Once everything was finalized, Han Sen officially signed with UA, commemorating the moment with photos.


    The visit concluded with a press conference UA had prepared for him.


    They had invited numerous well-known media reporters to the event, including some from East Asia.


    Since the conference was held in a room over 100 square meters, the atmosphere was particularly lively.


    Han Sen and Thomas exchanged surprised glances, realizing they had underestimated UA''s commitment to this deal.


    This was great news because the more exposure he received, the more hate points he could accumulate for his purposes.


    "Why did you choose UA as your brand?"


    This was the first question posed, and it was the one on everyone''s mind.


    Han Sen didn''t go into sincerity or future prospects.


    "When I first entered the NBA, I mentioned why I chose the number 77. That is also the reason I chose UA."


    As soon as he said this, the audience erupted.


    When Han Sen first chose the number 77, he said he wanted to claim all the basketball talent that God didn''t give to Jordan, which made waves at the time.


    Did this mean he intended to help UA capture all the basketball shoe market share outside of Nike?


    Even Elon Musk would have to shake his head at this. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "We know UA is still in the early stages of developing basketball shoes. What gives you so much confidence in their future success?"


    The next reporter followed up on his previous statement.


    Hansen looked at the male reporter and couldn''t help but think, "Nice question."


    "UA''s first phase is targeting the East Asian market. I don''t think that''s a secret. And right now, East Asian-made basketball shoes aren''t competitive. As long as we find the right positioning, a breakthrough won''t be as hard as people think."


    As Han Sen said this, the reporters below engaged in quiet discussions.


    But the East Asian reporters noticeably furrowed their brows.


    At this stage, East Asian shoes were mostly casual athletic styles. Basketball shoes were few and far between, and the quality was... questionable.


    It was a fact, but acknowledging it and saying it out loud were two different things.


    Soon enough, one of the East Asian reporters got their chance to ask a question.


    "To my knowledge, Nike signed third overall pick James Harden and fourth pick Tyreke Evans for $250,000 a year. Does signing this higher contract make you feel pressured?"


    This question was clearly meant to stir things up.


    Basketball shoe contracts have never been tied to draft position but to marketability. By that logic, Curry''s contract would also be overvalued.


    The UA representative next to Hansen reached for the microphone, ready to defend him, but Hansen stopped him.


    "You can speak Chinese," Han Sen said.


    "I feel no pressure," he added before pulling the microphone away.


    The East Asian reporter was completely stunned¡ª was that the answer?


    The UA representative couldn''t help but chuckle. Not over-explaining was the best response to such a question.


    ...


    Just a few days after the visit to UA''s headquarters, an article titled The Sadness of a Basketball Player surfaced online.


    "Our players go to the NBA for what? To help the national team achieve better results! But now, some people not only refuse to participate in the national team, causing us to lose the Asian championship...


    They''re intentionally using foreign brands to insult our domestic brands...


    Our players'' abilities may have improved, but their values and patriotism have declined...


    They''ve forgotten that what they have today is the result of the hard work of generations of basketball players...


    And yet, these are the stars we now idolize!


    This is the sadness of our basketball players and the sadness of our society."


    The article didn''t mention any names, but everyone knew exactly who it was targeting.


    Due to the time difference, Hansen saw the article in the evening.


    He flipped over in bed and slammed his palm onto the headboard.


    Feeling that wasn''t enough, he got up, walked to the desk, and slammed his hand down on it too.


    This article, filled with moral grandstanding and passive-aggressive rhetoric, was indeed impressive.


    Just like before he had crossed over, these so-called "insiders" of the basketball world were still the best at writing such articles.


    This time, Hansen couldn''t resist checking the comments on domestic websites.


    "UA? Garbage brand. If you had signed with Nike or Adidas, maybe we''d let it slide. But what''s with this superiority complex over some trash brand?"


    "Han Sen is trash. He''s gone to the U.S. and forgotten his roots. Why don''t you just change your nationality already?"


    "I don''t understand why the basketball association hasn''t banned him yet. Do we even need him?"


    ...


    Looking at the comments filled with aggression and vitriol, and then seeing his rapidly rising hate points, he couldn''t help but laugh out loud.


    Initially, his goal was just to use this wave of hate from fans to make some quick gains by dissing domestic brands. Whether or not it would be enough to fill his hate points wasn''t something he could guarantee.


    But unexpectedly, he ran into this "insider," who had done him a huge favor.

 Chapter 56: Phantom Steps.

    Chapter 56: Phantom Steps.In just one week, Han Sen''s "hater value" skyrocketed from over 90,000 to 160,000.


    China boasts a large crowd, so the "hater value" increased rapidly as well.


    Of course, part of this surge came from James''s fans. After Han Sen refused his goodwill, his fans began to target and criticize him. Later, as his playing time decreased and his performance declined, the negativity from that side only intensified.


    Regardless, Han Sen could finally redeem a new talent. He accessed the "hater system," scrolled to the second tier, and directly exchanged his 160,000 "hater points" for [Phantom Steps].


    [Phantom Steps]:A talent that enhances explosive power, change-of-direction speed, and body coordination.


    Explosive power is the key to determining the speed of a breakthrough. Change-of-direction speed is self-explanatory. As for body coordination, it affects the stability of a layup.


    Han Sen''s previous struggles with breakthroughs were fundamentally due to insufficient explosive power and coordination.


    Now, all of this was addressed in one go.


    Additionally, since he had already been practicing breakthroughs, it could be expected that he would reach the talent bottleneck faster than he did with [Star Catcher].


    The next day, Han Sen began targeted extra practice with Cunningham.


    Cunningham was also working on controlling fouls on defense, so they quickly clicked.


    However, after some training, Han Sen realized that practicing with Cunningham wasn''t yielding the desired results. It wasn''t that Cunningham''s defense was bad, but rather, as a big man, his footwork couldn''t match that of a perimeter player. This led to Han Sen easily beating him after a short time.


    "I can''t stop you," Cunningham eventually admitted, realizing the practice wasn''t beneficial for him either.


    Left with no choice, Han Sen had to find a new partner.


    On the Cavaliers'' perimeter, aside from himself, the other solid defenders were old Parker and Delonte West.


    Old Parker was kind and hadn''t clashed with Han Sen, but since they were in direct competition for the starting shooting guard spot, it wasn''t suitable.


    Han Sen eventually chose West.


    West, a 2004 rookie who joined the league a year after James, was now 26 years old, as he had played three years of college ball before entering the NBA.


    Though he had been with the Cavaliers for two years, West was not favored by James or his entourage due to his introverted nature.


    Unlike old Parker, West mainly competed for playing time with another of James''s "blade-bearing guards," Daniel Gibson.


    So, even though they were both guards, West didn''t directly compete with Han Sen.


    When Han Sen was coming off the bench, he had good chemistry with West, and even after being pulled from the starting lineup by Coach Brown, they still frequently played together. They were familiar with each other.


    Thus, when Han Sen approached West for extra practice to compete for more playing time, and even gifted him an extra pair of customized headphones, West readily agreed.


    Once Han Sen started training with West, he quickly recaptured the feeling of training with Dwyane Wade.


    Despite his shorter height, West was a formidable defender, even posing a pressing defensive threat with his quick hands.


    After all, West had mismatched against Hedo T¨¹rko?lu and Rashard Lewis in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Magic.


    Previously, the Cavaliers had players like Pavlovic and Szczerbiak, who were big and could defend the perimeter. Yet, West kept them on the bench, showing his value.


    A month quickly passed, and it was now mid-December. With only about ten days left until the most important American holiday, Christmas, Han Sen had made significant strides in his breakthrough ability due to his intense month of training.


    With his strong physicality, West was beginning to struggle to defend him.


    Of course, Han Sen was still far from reaching his bottleneck. This meant that if he wanted to improve further, he would have to face stronger opponents on the court.


    Before the game against the Wizards that day, Han Sen and West squeezed in some extra practice in the afternoon.


    After their training, the two walked back to the locker room while chatting.


    However, as soon as they entered the locker room, their conversation abruptly stopped, and they both froze.


    A woman was rummaging through a locker near the entrance of the locker room.


    The NBA has strict rules about locker room access, and even staff members aren''t allowed in without permission, let alone a woman.


    Could it be that someone had broken into the locker room?


    Still sweaty from their workout, both were shirtless. Han Sen quickly put on his jersey, while West stood there in shock.


    The woman turned around, her eyes lingering on West''s bare torso for a moment before she spoke.


    "Don''t worry, I''m Gloria James. I''m just here to pick up something for my son."


    She spoke politely, but both Han Sen and West widened their eyes in shock.


    This was James''s mother!


    Han Sen quickly gestured for West to put on his shirt. West, finally snapping out of it, hurriedly dressed.


    The atmosphere became slightly awkward, and after a brief greeting, the two sat down at their respective spots.


    Not long after, Gloria James left the locker room with what she came for.


    Han Sen shook his head in disbelief. NBA locker rooms are off-limits to outsiders, including family members of the players.


    James surely knew this. It wasn''t just a disrespect to Coach Brown''s authority, but it also trampled on the team''s rules.


    That night, the Cavaliers hosted the Wizards.


    The Cavaliers'' performance had been inconsistent over the past month, and they were now third in the Eastern Conference, behind the Celtics and Magic, which fell short of fan expectations.


    As for the Wizards, despite the return of Gilbert Arenas, with their trio of Arenas, Antawn Jamison, and Caron Butler all back, they were still struggling. After years of turmoil, their strength and morale were at rock bottom, including enduring a six-game losing streak.


    Facing such an opponent, the Cavaliers and their fans were eager to vent some frustrations.


    However, once the game began, the Cavaliers disappointed once again.


    Shaquille O''Neal sat out due to knee soreness, and the starting lineup relied heavily on James''s drives and kicks. Unfortunately, both Mo Williams and old Parker couldn''t hit their outside shots, clanking them off the rim repeatedly. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This forced James to relentlessly drive inside, relying on free throws to score points for the team.


    On the Wizards'' side, Arenas returned the favor with his own bricks from outside. However, Jamison was on fire, not only dominating his matchup against Cunningham but also drawing multiple fouls on Ilgauskas.


    Jamison might not have been a big-name player, but Han Sen was aware of his achievements. He was a member of the 20,000-point club, had made the All-Star team, and would later be traded to the Cavaliers, only to see his career plummet.


    But watching Jamison''s performance on the court, it was clear that his individual skill and impact were significant, and he was in top form.


    If the Cavaliers were to trade for him as Han Sen knew, it would be a massive upgrade.


    The two teams played evenly in the first quarter, and Han Sen got his first minutes at the start of the second quarter.


    The Wizards'' bench wasn''t particularly strong, and during this period, Han Sen and West helped the Cavaliers extend their lead to double digits.


    However, after just five minutes, Han Sen was subbed out.


    That was his situation now¡ªdespite the external pressure, Coach Brown, adhering to James''s demands, strictly limited Han Sen''s playing time.


    After three quarters, the Cavaliers trailed the Wizards 72-75 heading into the final period.


    It was this last quarter that completely shattered the spirits of the home crowd.


    The Cavaliers were outscored 19-33 in the final quarter, losing by 17 points with a final score of 91-108.


    Before the game even ended, Cleveland fans began booing in frustration.


    This dissatisfaction soon turned into a chant: "Brown, get out!"


    This wasn''t just a spur-of-the-moment reaction. For over a month, Brown had been stubbornly sticking to his rotation despite external pressure.


    Han Sen had played exceptionally well tonight, but with only 15 minutes of playing time and the team losing to a lowly opponent, the fans could no longer tolerate it.

 Chapter 57: He’s just a 3D player.

    Chapter 57: He''s just a 3D player."Shaq was absent, we were called for 26 fouls, while our opponents only had 15. It was not a normal night."


    At the post-game press conference, Brown rubbed his forehead as he tried to justify the loss.


    "Our outside shooting didn''t meet expectations either. We took 22 shots but only made 7, and we grabbed 14 fewer rebounds than our opponents." Of course, blame had to be shared.


    Missing outside shots and losing the battle for rebounds ¡ª two issues that never failed to contribute to the Cavaliers'' losses.


    But the reporters, especially those from Cleveland, had grown tired of hearing this over the past month, so naturally, they weren''t satisfied.


    "You said our outside shooting didn''t meet expectations, so why not give Han (Sen) and Delonte (West) more playing time?"


    Brown coughed twice, signaling for the next question.


    "Han played well at the start of the season and contributed a lot to the team, but after the game against the Thunder, his minutes were drastically reduced. What exactly happened?"


    Then, the next reporter''s question was even more direct.


    Brown picked up his water cup for a tactical sip, but ended up choking and coughing.


    James frowned at the reporter.


    "We heard you and Han had a heated exchange at the gym. Did he talk back to you, causing him to lose playing time?"


    Kerr also chose the perfect moment to ask a question.


    Such confrontational scenes were rare at post-game press conferences, but now that it had happened, it showed just how dissatisfied people were with the team''s current situation.


    James pulled the microphone closer to himself.


    "We all need to change, not just one person, but all of us. This is not the level we should be playing at."


    After the press conference, James and Brown walked towards the locker room.


    "Start that guy in the next game," James said.


    Hearing this, Brown let out a long sigh of relief.


    The pressure he''d endured over the past month could finally be released! In fact, he had no problem with Han Sen ¡ª strong defense, accurate three-point shooting, clutch performances, and a powerful presence on the court. No coach would dislike a player like that.


    Even though Han Sen publicly complained about his playing time and had clashed with him, Brown didn''t change his opinion, because, after all, he was the one at fault in the first place.


    But he had no choice; he couldn''t risk losing his job.


    Luckily, it was all over now.


    However, having worked with James for many years, Brown understood his personality. Despite the drama at the press conference, it wasn''t enough to make James change his mind.


    Just then, a staff member passed by them.


    After the person left, Brown continued, "If he plays well, our previous lineup decisions will be questioned."


    James suddenly stopped in his tracks.


    Brown, realizing a moment too late, also stopped and turned to look at James, noticing a dark expression flash across his face.


    Then, he heard James mutter, "He''s just a 3D player."


    ...


    "That move of yours was slick."


    In the Cavaliers'' locker room, O''Neal sat next to Han Sen, chatting with him.


    Although O''Neal couldn''t play tonight, he watched the entire game from the sidelines.


    Early in the second quarter, Han Sen made a beautiful spin move for a layup.


    Han Sen smiled, a little helpless.


    The Wizards'' bench wasn''t very strong, and he had more opportunities to showcase his improved driving skills, but unfortunately, his playing time was limited.


    Just then, James appeared at the locker room door.


    Seeing him, O''Neal got up and moved his bench back to his locker.


    A moment later, Brown also walked in.


    "We need some changes."


    As soon as he entered, he spoke directly, causing all the Cavaliers players to turn their eyes towards him.


    "Han will return to the starting lineup in the next game. This isn''t the end. Anyone who doesn''t perform well will lose their starting spot."


    After saying this, Brown left the locker room.


    At the same time, James picked up a towel and headed for the shower.


    Cunningham immediately stood up, walked over to Han Sen, and gave him a high-five with excitement.


    "Congrats." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    O''Neal also congratulated Han Sen.


    Even Delonte West, who didn''t say anything, walked over and bumped fists with him.


    Varejao, on the other hand, snorted coldly, grabbed his bag, and pushed past Cunningham as he left the locker room.


    Cunningham didn''t get angry and instead whistled at Varejao''s back.


    Old Parker, on the other hand, seemed a bit despondent. His performance had been relatively consistent over the past few games, but tonight, he shot just 1 for 7.


    Reactions varied, and Han Sen, caught in the center of attention, was somewhat taken aback.


    Just because the fans called for Brown''s dismissal, he was put back in the starting lineup?


    Shouldn''t they have increased his minutes as a transitional step?


    No, Brown couldn''t have made that decision on his own.


    Did James suddenly have a change of heart?


    That couldn''t be it!


    Looking at the empty seat in front of James'' locker, Han Sen couldn''t figure it out.


    But one thing was for sure ¡ª this was good news.


    Although the next game was against the Celtics, if he could put on a stellar performance against such a strong team and solidify his role as an indispensable player for the Cavaliers, it would be much harder for Brown or James to try to suppress him again.


    The game against the Celtics was an away game, so the team flew to Boston the day before the match.


    "I don''t like that place," O''Neal started venting to Han Sen on the plane.


    "The racism there is terrible. No one wants to play there." He didn''t hold back at all.


    James and Williams, sitting in the rows ahead of them, didn''t react to what O''Neal said, showing that Shaq wasn''t exaggerating.


    Han Sen felt a bit strange, considering that O''Neal''s final stop in his career was in Boston.


    "I respect Bill Russell, not just because of his achievements on the court, but because of everything he did in Boston," O''Neal continued.


    "You might not be able to imagine, but when he played for Boston, he couldn''t even stay in the same hotels as his white teammates. But he never complained. He taught me to have a strong spirit, to never complain, and not to be a crybaby."


    Han Sen wasn''t too familiar with America''s history of black and white relations, but he deeply despised racism.


    O''Neal''s words brought to Han Sen''s mind an image of the 2017 NBA Awards, where Russell received the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award.


    At the time, five legendary centers ¡ª Kareem, Shaq, David Robinson, Zo, and Mutombo ¡ª gathered to congratulate him.


    Russell pointed at them and said that iconic line: "I would kick your asses."


    The five centers laughed and applauded, accepting the statement.


    Back then, Han Sen didn''t fully understand it, since, in terms of historical status, Kareem alone could match Russell.


    Could it be that just because Russell was their senior, he had the right to publicly insult them?


    Now it seemed that Russell''s influence went far beyond the court.


    After arriving in Boston, the team took a bus to the hotel.


    There were quite a few fans gathered outside the hotel.


    Cavaliers fans in Boston?


    When Han Sen got off the bus, puzzled, he quickly realized that these weren''t their fans at all. They were troublemakers.


    "LeBron is a loser!"


    A man in the front was wearing a bold jersey.


    There were security guards from the hotel present, but they completely ignored the situation.


    James saw this and walked straight into the hotel, acting as if he hadn''t seen anything.


    It seemed he was already used to it.


    Han Sen was confused. Wasn''t this just a regular-season game?


    But soon, he couldn''t stay calm.


    After being ignored by James, the group quickly targeted him instead.


    The man in the James jersey pulled his eyes back in a mocking gesture towards him.


    "Damn!"


    Han Sen couldn''t hold it in and was about to confront the man.


    But just then, O''Neal grabbed him from behind.


    "This is exactly why I told you those things on the plane."


    The NBA has strict rules prohibiting players from engaging in altercations with fans. If Han Sen were suspended because of this, his hard-earned starting opportunity would be wasted.


    Han Sen, held back by O''Neal, watched as the man waved his right hand at him, singing what sounded like a Spanish song.


    Han Sen couldn''t understand it, but he knew it wasn''t anything good.


    "If you''re so tough, come over here and fight me!"


    Perhaps because Han''s reaction was too aggressive, the security guards finally stepped in and chased the man away.


    Han Sen was also urged to return to the hotel, but he still felt a belly full of rage.


    O''Neal wasn''t wrong; no one wants to come to this rotten place.

 Chapter 58: Taking a Break.

    Chapter 58: Taking a Break.On the night of the game, the TD Garden in Boston was packed to capacity.


    When Han Sen emerged from the player tunnel, he looked up to see the championship banners hanging from the ceiling.


    The Celtics hold the most NBA championships, with 17- two more than the Lakers.


    Bill Russell alone contributed 11 of those, including an unprecedented eight consecutive championships.


    Although there were fewer NBA teams during that era and the championship''s prestige wasn''t as high, it still demonstrated Russell''s dominance during his time.


    Han Sen disdainfully withdrew his gaze.


    A city so rife with racial discrimination maintained its NBA influence thanks to a Black man ¡ª how ironic!


    Then, his attention was drawn to some signs in the stands.


    "F*ck LBJ"


    "Clown 77"


    "KYS 77"


    There were even more mocking signs directed at him than at LeBron James, leaving Han Sen unsure whether to feel happy or angry.


    It was obviously related to the incident where he cursed at that white guy yesterday, which had gained him a lot of haters.


    Meanwhile, at the commentary table, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith were already in position.


    Although it was a regular season game, every clash between Eastern Conference powerhouses attracted media and fan attention.


    While the players were still warming up on the court, the commentators were also warming up the audience.


    The topic that always generated the best buzz was, of course, "Who do you think will win tonight?"


    Smith favored the Celtics, for a simple reason: momentum.


    Since Rajon Rondo''s rise, the Celtics now looked like a four-star team.


    Rasheed Wallace''s role had been underestimated; he filled the Celtics'' biggest gap, that of the sixth man.


    As a result, they had just achieved an 11-game winning streak, the longest in the league last month!


    "I''m rooting for the Cavaliers because they''ve put Han in the starting lineup tonight."


    Barkley, on the other hand, favored the Cavaliers, for a reason that sounded absurd.


    You could say Barkley had high hopes for Han Sen, or that he simply understood what draws viewership.


    After all, everyone knew that in a contest of this level, a rookie''s impact would be minimal.


    Han Sen couldn''t hear what the two commentators were saying, but he could feel his "hater points" counter in the system ticking up rapidly.


    In hindsight, he should have made a stop in Boston during his draft workouts.


    After the warm-ups, the pre-game ceremonies began, and both teams'' starting lineups were announced.


    For the Cavaliers: Mo Williams, Han Sen, LeBron James, Cunningham, and Shaquille O''Neal;


    For the Celtics: Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Kendrick Perkins.


    The Cavaliers opened by running two plays for O''Neal, but they weren''t very effective.


    Perkins was a highly underrated low-post defender. His value on defense couldn''t be captured by stats alone, even if his numbers seemed average.


    After that, LeBron James started driving to the basket, but with little success.


    The Celtics were one of the best defensive teams in the league ¡ª so much so that their defense against James could almost be considered the best.


    Pierce guarded the perimeter at the three-point line, Garnett covered the paint with his help defense, and Perkins locked down the interior, forming a real "trinity."


    After half a quarter, the Cavaliers trailed 10-15.


    In those seven minutes, Han Sen had two shot opportunities, not bad for a role player, but both were desperation heaves as the shot clock was winding down.


    Aside from the two forced attempts by O''Neal at the start, the ball mostly stayed in LeBron''s hands on offense. LeBron either didn''t pass it or passed it off just in time to avoid a mistake.


    Pierce was entirely focused on defending James during this stretch, so Han Sen didn''t have much chance to shine defensively either.


    Han Sen finally understood why James had put him back in the starting lineup.


    The media had been questioning why Han Sen''s minutes were reduced, so LeBron let him start. If Han performed well, it would be his skill; if not, it would be seen as his shortcoming.


    Not all fans watch games live; those who don''t will look at the box score afterward and conclude that Han Sen played terribly.


    After that, the Cavaliers could return to using Han Sen sparingly.


    What a brilliant yet obvious plan! LeBron shouldn''t be playing basketball ¡ª he should go into business!


    Rondo drove to the basket, drawing a defensive foul from O''Neal, and coach Mike Brown substituted Zydrunas Ilgauskas for O''Neal.


    "Ray, let''s switch," Pierce called out to Ray Allen from the free-throw line.


    Ray Allen looked puzzled.


    Pierce smiled and added, "I need a break."


    Guarding LeBron was exhausting, so switching onto Han Sen would give Pierce a chance to rest.


    When Han Sen heard this, it felt like something exploded in his chest.


    All the frustration he had been holding onto since the day before, from understanding LeBron''s plan to Pierce''s blatant taunting, finally boiled over!


    With the score at 10-17, Rondo sank both free throws, and the Celtics led by seven.


    In a battle between two defensive powerhouses, a seven-point lead was a significant advantage.


    As the Cavaliers prepared their next offensive play, Han Sen set a pick for Cunningham.


    The Celtics'' defense was focused on James, and since Pierce was "resting," Han Sen found himself wide open.


    However, Mo Williams didn''t pass the ball and instead looked to give it to LeBron again.


    At that moment, something unexpected happened. Han Sen yelled at Williams:


    "Give me the damn ball!"


    Williams was stunned. He had never seen Han Sen so furious, especially with an expression that seemed like he would beat him up if he didn''t pass the ball.


    Intimidated by Han Sen''s sheer force, Williams instinctively passed the ball.


    By then, Pierce had already navigated Cunningham''s screen and was in front of Han Sen.


    Cunningham wanted to set another pick, but Han Sen waved him off.


    Pierce grinned and called back to Garnett, "Kevin, no need for help defense."


    The Cavaliers'' decision to start Han Sen had been known since yesterday, and Celtics coach Doc Rivers had emphasized Han Sen''s scouting report during today''s video analysis: 3-and-D player, limited at driving, negligible threat when handling the ball. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Han Sen''s angry display clearly showed Pierce had managed to provoke him, and now he wanted to prove himself.


    No handles, a rookie ¡ª opportunities to school someone like this didn''t come often.


    But just as Pierce turned back to face him, he saw a blur as Han Sen blew past him.


    When Pierce turned around, Han Sen had completely beaten him off the dribble.


    Garnett''s help defense was a split-second late because of Pierce''s request, and Perkins had been pulled out of the paint by Ilgauskas. Han Sen drove inside and easily scored the layup.


    "LeBron told me your defense was like toilet paper, and he wasn''t wrong!"


    After making the shot, Han Sen turned to Pierce and sneered at him.


    Pierce: ?


    LeBron: ??


    Pierce was livid. After glaring fiercely at LeBron, he turned his fiery gaze to Han Sen.


    A rookie dared to trash-talk me?


    Doesn''t he know I''m the king of trash talk?!


    On the next possession, Pierce called for an isolation play, backing Han Sen down for the ball.


    Rondo quickly passed it to him, and everyone had seen Han Sen''s cocky attitude earlier.


    As Pierce received the ball, he turned and said:


    "Junior, you''ll regret what you said. You''ll soon learn what ''The Truth'' really means."


    "Less talking, more action!"


    Han Sen cut him off and pressed up on him.


    Pierce immediately attempted a drive and then stepped back for a jump shot.


    During the move, he used his left hand to clearly push off.


    It was similar to Jordan''s "last shot," adding a little extra push when unable to shake the defender.


    But there was no whistle. Rookies don''t get calls when facing All-Stars.


    However, Pierce''s expression changed mid-shot.


    He couldn''t budge Han Sen, and Han Sen, like a predator, was closing in on him.


    The step-back hadn''t created enough space for a clean look.


    At this angle, he was going to get blocked!


    Pierce had to launch the shot higher than usual, just avoiding Han Sen''s outstretched hand.


    But after tracing a high arc, the ball fell short ¡ª it was an airball!


    Han Sen''s defensive pressure had been too intense!


    In fact, he himself might not have realized that his [Phantom Steps] had enhanced his defensive skills as well.


    After glancing back, Han Sen turned to shout at Rivers on the sidelines:


    "He looks tired! Are you sure you don''t want to sub him out for a ''break''?"

 Chapter 59: The Truth.

    Chapter 59: The Truth.Rivers: "Seriously?"


    Han Sen''s sideline interaction came at just the right time, making people feel highly offended.


    At this point, the game was at the 9-minute mark, nearing the team''s usual substitution time.


    But because of Han Sen''s question, Rivers couldn''t sub Pierce out, even if he wanted to. Pierce wouldn''t be happy either.


    Pierce isn''t Durant; he doesn''t get easily provoked, but a star getting subbed right after a rookie trash-talks him? That''s just embarrassing.


    The Celtics'' attack failed, and on the other end, James took the ball from Williams right after crossing half court.


    Does he really want to give me no opportunities to shine?


    Han Sen couldn''t help but complain, so he just stood still at the weak side, 45-degree angle.


    He refused to believe that James would ignore winning the game just to target him.


    With that fan''s jersey at the hotel and the insulting signs in the arena, there''s no way James could be unaffected.


    James called for a pick-and-roll with Ilgauskas.


    The main difference between Ilgauskas and O''Neal is that Ilgauskas can shoot, so after the pick, he moved towards the free-throw line, pulling his defender along.


    But the Celtics'' defense was impressive, with Ray Allen following Ilgauskas, Perkins switching to Cunningham, and Garnett sweeping from the paint to cover James.


    If it were Kobe, this defensive strategy wouldn''t work because the switch between Perkins and Garnett would leave a mid-range gap.


    But James''s mid-range shot isn''t consistent, so whether he shoots or not, the Celtics'' defense would work.


    As it happened, James didn''t shoot. Instead, he accelerated towards the paint, but Garnett blocked him hard.


    In NBA history, not many players boast about being able to guard all five positions, but Garnett is one of the few who can actually do it.


    Knowing Garnett''s defensive prowess, James decided not to force a shot. He glanced at the clock and passed the ball outside.


    Han Sen was surprised to see the ball flying directly towards him.


    Did he guess right?


    But once he caught the ball, he realized something was off. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    There were only 6 seconds left on the shot clock¡ª it was a pass to shift responsibility!


    Damn it! That businessman is so devious!


    "You won''t get another chance like that," Pierce taunted with some trash talk.


    You two work so well together; why not just join the same team?


    Han Sen dribbled, making a slight move towards the middle.


    Pierce slid over defensively, still full of disdain.


    ''There''s no way that weak move could pass me'', he thought. ''The earlier score was just because I was careless.''


    But suddenly, Han Sen dragged the ball right, then made a quick, sharp move left.


    The speed and sharpness of his move were far beyond Pierce''s expectations.


    The crowd''s eyes widened¡ª was that Wade''s killer move?!


    Amid the stunned reactions, Han Sen blew past Pierce''s defense and banked the ball into the basket.


    "Nice pass."


    After scoring, he pointed at James with a grin.


    But James didn''t find it funny at all¡ª he was clearly provoking him!


    The real question was: when did this guy learn DW''s signature move?


    14-17.


    No matter what, after Han Sen''s back-to-back four points, the deficit was cut down to just one basket.


    Coach Brown glanced at the clock.


    With 9 and a half minutes left in the first quarter, it was time for the regular rotation.


    But with Han playing like this, subbing James out wouldn''t suppress him.


    Brown wanted Han Sen to play well but feared that James might take out his frustrations on him.


    After some thought, he called over Daniel Gibson and Varejao.


    Meanwhile, the Celtics'' Rasheed Wallace headed toward the scorers'' table as well.


    The Celtics had possession again, but Pierce didn''t bother continuing with Han Sen.


    After all, he wasn''t Durant, and seeing the score tighten, he realized that he was baiting him.


    "You shouldn''t be called ''The Truth,'' you should be called ''The Crap''."


    But to Pierce''s surprise, Han wasn''t letting him off the hook.


    "What did you say?!" Pierce was dumbfounded. He had only thrown one line of trash talk, yet he was relentlessly coming after him?


    "Don''t think I don''t know about what happened in the 2008 Finals when you crapped your pants."


    Han Sen kindly explained, much to Pierce''s horror.


    Even James had a shocked, amused expression¡ª was that true?


    "You...you''re lying!" Pierce''s face turned red.


    There was anger but also sheer panic.


    That incident, where he faked an injury to cover up an embarrassing moment, was only known to a few people within the Celtics organization. Han was still in the NCAA back then¡ª how did he know?!


    Could this guy be some kind of freak, watching the footage frame by frame and zooming in on every detail?


    "Your reaction says it all," Han continued the verbal onslaught.


    Even James couldn''t help but laugh.


    Trash talk is a tradition in the NBA. Players like Jordan, Bird, and Payton were all masters of it.


    Today''s players also have their trash talkers, and Pierce was one of the well-known ones.


    But as for James, with his "Chosen One" title and his status as Nike''s top athlete, he usually stayed above trash talk, especially on the court.


    So whenever he faced the Celtics, he often felt irritated.


    Now, Han Sen''s barrage of trash talk finally gave James some satisfaction.


    Who would''ve thought that "The King of Trash Talk," Pierce, would get roasted for once!


    Han Sen''s mocking and James''s laughter turned Pierce''s face even redder.


    Forget the bigger picture¡ª he had to regain his dignity today.


    Pierce called for the ball again, and Rondo passed it over.


    Every team has its cliques, and the trio of Rondo, Garnett, and Pierce was the strongest in the Celtics.


    "You can call for a pick-and-roll," Han helpfully suggested.


    "No need!" Pierce gritted his teeth.


    Great.


    Han''s suggestion was similar to what he said to Rivers earlier, eliminating options for the opponent.


    Garnett''s picks and quick movements could genuinely be a challenge to defend if Pierce had called for them.


    But Pierce opted for a post-up this time.


    The step-back shot was his best face-up technique, but the failed attempt earlier showed it wasn''t effective against Han Sen.


    Now, Pierce focused on using his strength in the post.


    Like Han, he was a VIP gym member, especially focusing on his back and upper body, all to enhance his post-up game.


    His dynamic athleticism wasn''t great, so this helped him play to his strengths.


    Han could feel the pressure¡ªPierce''s upper body strength was formidable, leagues above Morrison from summer league. Before bulking up, Han Sen wouldn''t have been able to handle this.


    Pierce''s post-up pressure was more than just brute strength; it was the follow-up techniques after the contact.


    That''s why players like James, who were also strong, weren''t as effective in the post¡ª they lacked the technical finesse.


    If you lower your center of gravity too much to counter Pierce''s strength, he could easily spin around you.


    But Pierce was shocked to find that Han Sen wasn''t budging.


    This rookie''s resistance was far stronger than he''d expected¡ª no wonder he couldn''t push him earlier.


    The NBA''s "5-second back-to-the-basket" rule limited how long players could post up.


    After a few failed attempts to back Han Sen down, Pierce spun towards the free-throw line, stepping back for a jumper.


    But just as he made his move¡ª


    Slap!


    The ball was gone from his hands!


    [Star Catcher], activated!


    Han Sen darted forward, sprinting towards the other end.


    But James was already ahead of him, running fast down the court.


    The two of them rushed down, one ahead and one behind.


    Only Rondo reacted in time, chasing after Han.


    Within seconds, they reached the frontcourt, James without the ball running even faster, while Rondo positioned himself between them, cutting off the passing lane.


    James signaled for an alley-oop with a point towards the basket.


    But instead of passing, Han Sen stopped short just outside the three-point line and pulled up for a shot!


    You give me high-difficulty shots all the time, and you want me to give you an easy assist?


    The choice shocked James, who angrily swung his arms¡ª he would''ve gone for the block if he were closer.


    Even Rondo was caught off guard. As James lost his temper, Rondo rushed towards the rim for the rebound.


    Coach Brown stood up from the bench, furious at Han Sen''s decision: "What the f¡ª!"


    It wasn''t the best shot selection, but Han''s release was perfect.


    The ball spun high, tracing a long arc toward the basket...


    Boom!


    It went in like a cannonball!


    17 all!


    Han Sen''s personal 7-0 run tied the game for the Cavaliers!


    "...That was amazing!" Coach Brown couldn''t help but pump his fist in the air.

 Chapter 60: Not a Smart One.

    Chapter 60: Not a Smart One.The Celtics called a timeout.


    After the timeout, both teams made extensive substitutions.


    Han Sen was also subbed out at this time.


    He wasn''t surprised at all about being taken out after scoring seven straight points.


    Tonight, he was most likely tied to James.


    In fact, if he hadn''t gone on a small scoring burst just now, his stat line would have been empty.


    But it was precisely because of his burst that Brown didn''t dare to keep him on the court.


    At the end of the first quarter, the score was 21-23, both teams evenly matched.


    Then, in the second quarter, James started the game.


    This was... unsurprising.


    In the first quarter, James was held in check by the Celtics'' defense, and he needed to make up for it during the substitution period.


    Otherwise, even if they won, the media wouldn''t have much to praise him for.


    James started by driving past Marquis Daniels for a dunk.


    At this point, the Celtics'' interior defense consisted of Rasheed Wallace and "Big Baby" Glen Davis¡ª one old, one out of shape¡ª significantly weakened on the defensive end.


    In this situation, unless the perimeter had a defensive stopper to limit James'' drives, there was no way to stop him from scoring.


    Luckily for the Celtics, they did have such a player.


    In the Cavaliers'' next possession, James'' defender switched from Daniels to Tony Allen.


    The reason Allen didn''t start off guarding James was that he''s only 6''4" (1.93m), so guarding James would be considered a size mismatch.


    But if it''s just about limiting James'' acceleration, no one on the Celtics does it better than Allen.


    Watching James struggle under Allen''s defensive pressure, Han Sen was itching to get back in the game.


    Winning, of course, is something every player wants, but right now, Han Sen was more interested in improving his own driving skills.


    Whether it was Delonte West or Paul Pierce, neither could help him anymore¡ª but Allen could.


    James'' drive was stripped by Allen, leading to a Celtics fast break where Daniels dunked in transition, igniting the TD Garden crowd.


    Han Sen could even hear someone cursing James from not far behind.


    He stood up and walked towards Brown, who was standing by the sideline.


    "Coach, sub me in," he volunteered.


    Brown turned and frowned when he saw it was Han Sen.


    But he didn''t order him to sit down because, once again, James was forced into a dead ball situation without a good passing option.


    The reason Tony Allen is so effective against James'' drives isn''t just because he''s quick with his hands and feet; it''s because he hardly ever falls for screens.


    And James just so happens to be a player whose offensive game heavily relies on pick-and-rolls.


    Brown eventually called for a quick timeout.


    The short timeout was only 20 seconds, but it could stop the play, avoid a turnover from James, and allow for one player substitution.


    Han Sen was subbed in for James.


    James didn''t have much of a reaction to being taken out, though he did give him a glance as he passed by.


    Both teams had a substitution available during the short timeout, but Rivers didn''t make any changes.


    If James could be contained, could Han do any better?


    The lineups on the floor were as follows:


    Celtics: Eddie House, Tony Allen, Daniels, Rasheed Wallace, Glen Davis;


    Cavaliers: Daniel Gibson, Parker, Han Sen, Varejao, Ilgauskas.


    As soon as the Cavaliers resumed their offense, Gibson drove hard to the rim.


    When James is on the floor, the ball always ends up in his hands, but with him out, nobody¡ª especially James'' close friends¡ª felt obligated to pass the ball to Han Sen.


    At this moment, James was on the bench, habitually biting his fingernails, looking calm, as if everything was under control.


    Brown knew better; West, O''Neal, and Cunningham¡ª Han''s buddies¡ª were all on the bench. No one on the floor had any connection to Han Sen.


    How was Han going to play well without James? He first needed to actually touch the ball.


    Gibson''s layup was blocked by Wallace, the "Big Nasty" showing that he''s still got it.


    Ilgauskas quickly grabbed the offensive rebound. Seeing no opportunity to score, he passed the ball out to Han Sen, who had found an open spot on the perimeter.


    James paused his fingernail biting.


    Ilgauskas may not have been close to Han, but he was a player who would always do what was best for the team.


    However, James quickly resumed biting his nails, this time faster.


    After receiving the pass, Han Sen didn''t have an open shot as Allen had already closed in to contest him.


    He hadn''t expected Allen to move so quickly.


    Gibson had repositioned himself outside the arc and was signaling for the ball.


    But Han ignored him. How could he expect a pass after refusing to pass himself?


    Besides, he was on the floor specifically for the purpose of facing Allen.


    Han drove hard to the right with a power move.


    Top-tier defenders like Allen would be watching from the bench, so using his signature Euro step wouldn''t work anymore. A powerful first step was more effective in this situation.


    His''s judgment was correct. Allen didn''t anticipate this move, but Han couldn''t fully capitalize, as Allen recovered his position with a quick slide.


    This guy''s lateral speed was insane! He was even faster now than he had been before bulking up.


    Allen didn''t give him a moment to breathe, immediately putting pressure on him by swiping at the ball.


    Han was forced to pivot and protect the ball, effectively killing his drive.


    Ultimately, he was left with no choice but to attempt a turnaround fadeaway, but Allen easily swiped the ball out of bounds.


    No wonder even top scorers like Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant had struggled against this man.


    James finally bit through his fingernail and rested his hand, leaning lazily back on the bench.


    Anyone could see that Allen was tough to beat, and Han foolishly tried to go at it alone after finally getting the ball¡ª definitely not the smartest move.


    "You should''ve passed the ball to me!" Gibson yelled after the ball went out of bounds.


    "Did you score last time for me to pass it to you? Give me the ball first!" He shot back, refusing to back down.


    "Fine, fine! I''ll pass it to you!" Gibson turned and shot a glance at Allen, already scheming.


    With the shot clock winding down, the Cavaliers'' possession ended without a score.


    But on the other end, Han Sen also helped force Wallace to miss his low-post shot through help defense.


    Allen''s defense was as strong as his offense was weak, so when he was on the floor, the Celtics were basically playing four-on-five offensively. This gave Han Sen the freedom to double-team the ball handler.


    Ilgauskas secured the defensive rebound, and Gibson pushed the ball up the court.


    True to his word, once they were in the frontcourt, he immediately passed the ball to Han Sen and then signaled for everyone to clear out for an isolation play.


    Clearly, seeing him struggle against Allen, Gibson wanted to set him up for more failure.


    The Boston crowd began to boo, with some whistles mixed in.


    Han''s comments yesterday had already infuriated them. Never mind that the white guy had made a racist gesture first¡ª in their eyes, they had the right to discriminate.


    And to top it off, Han Sen had disrespected Pierce today. Sure, Pierce was also Black, but he was their star, an elite Black man. How could someone like him¡ª a yellow-skinned person at the bottom of the hierarchy¡ª compare?


    So, bring it on! Tony Allen, teach this arrogant Asian guy a lesson he''ll never forget!


    Han Sen began his move, this time using the Euro step.


    One advantage of the Euro step is that the ball stays secure in your hands during the move, which protects it against defenders like Allen who like to swipe at it.


    It was the perfect counter to Allen''s aggressive style.


    And to top it off, Han Sen uncharacteristically initiated contact during the move, bumping into Allen.


    Allen had speed and quick hands, but he was small and lacked strength, making him vulnerable to physical plays.


    After the bump, Allen''s balance was thrown off, and Han Sen took the opportunity to finish with a layup while keeping his body between Allen and the ball.


    Wallace quickly rotated over to help. Like Kevin Garnett, he was tall with long arms and, at his peak, a top-tier defender.


    Seeing Wallace approach, Han Sen adjusted midair and floated the ball up just in time.


    Thanks to his improved body control, he executed the move perfectly.


    Wallace realized he couldn''t reach the ball in time, but with his aging body unable to stop on a dime, he crashed into Han Sen.


    Han flew out of bounds as the referee blew the whistle.


    As he fell, Han kept his eyes on the ball.


    The photographers under the basket instinctively clicked their cameras before ducking out of the way.


    Bang!


    The ball kissed the backboard, spun around the rim, and dropped through the net.


    Han collided with one of the photographers who hadn''t managed to move in time.


    The arena erupted.


    Han Sen had beaten Allen, driven past Wallace''s help defense, and converted a three-point play!


    He untangled himself from the pile of photographers and got to his feet.


    Ignoring the pain, he immediately turned to the Boston fans nearby, flexed his arms, and let out a primal roar.


    You thought I couldn''t beat Allen?


    You were all waiting for me to fail?


    How does it feel to get slapped in the face? Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 61: Why Should I?

    Chapter 61: Why Should I?Han Sen got a chance for an additional free throw, and both teams made substitutions. For the Cavaliers, James was subbed back in.


    This time, after James returned to the court, the Cavs began to gain the upper hand.


    Even after both teams'' main players returned to the game, this momentum was maintained.


    Ultimately, the Cavaliers defeated the Celtics with a score of 95-89, securing the victory.


    The Celtics had seriously misjudged Han Sen''s abilities tonight, which left them in a very passive position.


    Han had outstanding dynamic and static talents and could shoot from the perimeter. It wasn''t easy to design a defensive strategy to contain him in such a short time.


    Once Han demonstrated his strong ball-handling and isolation ability, the Celtics found themselves in a defensive dilemma.


    If they continued to focus all their defensive resources on James as they did at the beginning, they wouldn''t be able to stop Han Sen. But if they shifted their resources to target Han, they couldn''t contain James.


    Tony Allen was great, but since he had no offensive ability, the Celtics couldn''t use him much during crucial moments.


    In the end, the Celtics chose to stick with their original defensive strategy, and Han Sen''s excellent performance helped the Cavaliers win the game.


    The post-game stats showed James went 7-for-18 from the field, scoring 22 points, with 9 rebounds, 8 assists, and 7 turnovers¡ª almost a quadruple-double.


    Han Sen, on the other hand, went 9-for-14, made 3 of 5 three-pointers, and hit 4 of 6 free throws, finishing with 25 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals¡ª a new career-high in scoring.


    This outstanding performance earned him another chance to attend the post-game press conference.


    Boston was a special place, and although Windhorst was present, he didn''t get the first question.


    Naturally, the reporters focused their initial questions on Han Sen.


    Han felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction.


    His excellent performance tonight wasn''t due to James'' trust¡ª several of James'' turnovers occurred because he''d rather turn the ball over than pass to Han Sen¡ª nor was it because of any strategic plan by the team. Brown hadn''t drawn up a single play for him. It was all because he seized every opportunity and fought for his success.


    This feeling was even more satisfying than scoring 25 points or breaking a record.


    Moreover, many local Boston reporters showed respect when asking Han Sen questions.


    This respect was something he earned through his performance.


    After several rounds of questioning, Windhorst finally got called upon.


    And then, something unexpected happened again¡ª this journalist, known to be James'' personal mouthpiece, asked Han Sen another question.


    "You and LeBron showed great chemistry. How would you evaluate LeBron''s performance?"


    Great chemistry? Your sister!


    This was another blatant lie, fooling fans who didn''t watch the game.


    But... was this another attempt to win him over?


    Han Sen turned to glance at James.


    James kept his gaze forward, not looking at him.


    But as Han turned back, he noticed James making a seemingly casual head movement.


    It seemed Han''s judgment was correct.


    If he were in James'' shoes, after tonight''s game, he''d also try to continue winning him over.


    In James'' career, the best perimeter players with ball-handling and isolation skills he had teamed up with were Ricky Davis, Larry Hughes, and now Mo Williams.


    Among them, the only one with a consistent perimeter shot was Williams.


    A perimeter player with a reliable outside shot, who could space the floor when James had the ball and create their own shot when James couldn''t break through¡ª this was exactly the type of partner James wanted most.


    This even included Kyrie Irving, James'' "dream teammate", who was still playing at Montclair Kimberley Academy.


    Not to mention, Han Sen also had excellent defensive skills.


    Although Han''s overall skill set couldn''t yet match any of those mentioned, he had only been playing in the NBA for less than two months.


    A voice inside Han urged him to say something nice to ease the tension between him and James. It wouldn''t be groveling; it would just be for the sake of team unity.


    However, at the same time, memories from the depths of his soul surged, reminding him that once you bow down, you can never stand up again.


    This memory came from Anthony Davis.


    But what Han Sen was thinking at this moment was: Why should I?


    Yes, why?


    Why should I, after such a targeted game, be the one to reconcile with the person who targeted me?


    Should I manipulate myself into thinking this is some kind of high-level test from James?


    ''Congratulations, challenger, you''ve passed the test. I now formally announce that you''re one of us.''


    He couldn''t do it!


    And there was no need to.


    He was a traveler from another world, someone who possessed a system. If this were a novel, he would be the protagonist.


    Have you ever seen a protagonist compromise with someone who targets them?


    And if this were a game world, James would just be a boss in his path to leveling up.


    Although this boss might seem powerful at the moment, in the end, he would still be slain.


    "LeBron did what he had to do," He finally replied.


    He didn''t attack James, despite how poorly James played under the Celtics'' pressure or how annoyed he was by Windhorst''s question. Few people would attack their teammates in such a setting.


    In strict terms, his response was empty.


    But it was enough to show his stance¡ª he wasn''t interested in making peace.


    Moreover, he was prepared to lose his starting position again.


    After all, it wouldn''t be the first time they''d done that to him.


    But he wanted to see if Brown could withstand the pressure and keep his job as the Cavaliers'' head coach if Han Sen continued to allow Khalil to publish critical articles.


    After the game against the Celtics, Han returned to Cleveland with the team.


    When he arrived, Thomas was already waiting for him in Cleveland.


    Thomas had already communicated with the team''s general manager, Ferry. Over the next period, Han Sen would be very busy.


    He would need to participate in the team''s promotional events and also discuss endorsement deals with several major local brands to increase his influence in Cleveland.


    Clearly, this was a reward he earned with his outstanding performance against the Celtics. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sure enough, when you become stronger, many things come to you without having to ask.


    Moreover, his "hater value" had skyrocketed in recent days.


    Did his stellar performance win over the Boston fans?


    Wake up, this is Boston!


    Kobe Bryant didn''t earn applause from Boston fans until his retirement; he was nowhere near that level after one game.


    On the contrary, after the game, the local Boston media reported on his "insult to white people," including his arrogant behavior at TD Garden. He was now on Boston''s blacklist.


    In recent news, many local restaurants in Boston even had added him to their "banned" list.


    However, none of this affected Han Sen''s mood. Instead, it made him look forward to his next game against the Celtics.


    The "hater value" generated from this matchup was much higher than from any other game.


    He had previously worried about the cap on individual hater value and feared that the increase in new haters would be too slow. Now it seemed his concerns were unfounded.


    After all, he hadn''t even tapped into the largest fanbase in the NBA yet.


    On December 25th, the annual Christmas game, the Cavaliers were one of the featured teams.


    The other featured team was the defending champion, led by Kobe Bryant¡ª the Los Angeles Lakers.

 Chapter 62: Kobe Is Not MVP.

    Chapter 62: Kobe Is Not MVP.Han Sen was prepared to lose his starting position, but in the following back-to-back games against the 76ers, he still appeared in the starting lineup.


    Of course, his treatment on the court remained the same¡ª he still didn''t have many opportunities to shine.


    It seemed that James was still intent on keeping Coach Brown in charge.


    After all, where else could you find such a compliant coach?


    While other coaches were labeled as "run-and-gun master," "Zen master," or "tactical genius," Brown was known as the "nanny coach".


    Although Han Sen didn''t receive what could be called fair treatment, this outcome was still better than what he had expected.


    At least by staying on the court, he still had a chance to fight for opportunities.


    Taking responsibility, counterattacking, and tackling tough challenges... although these tasks were difficult, they weren''t bad for him at this stage.


    After all, he urgently needed these experiences to improve his abilities.


    However, not everything was the same as when they played against the Celtics.


    The biggest difference came in the fourth quarter, where Han Sen''s rotation time became unusually erratic.


    As the starting shooting guard, he would be sent onto the court at the beginning of the fourth quarter, play for six minutes, and then sit out the rest of the game.


    At first, he thought it was just a coincidence, but after several consecutive games, it became a pattern.


    Even after Khalil published an article on ESPN titled "Why the Team''s Best Defensive Player Can''t Play in Crunch Time," nothing changed.


    This strategy was insidious.


    In basketball, both the team and the players need to play a solid 48 minutes.


    But for the fans, unless it''s a high-profile matchup, most of the time, they''re only interested in the beginning and the end of the game.


    Especially during the decisive moments at the end, that''s what the fans love most.


    But now, Han Sen couldn''t even get on the court during those moments, which greatly reduced his exposure to the fans.


    As a result, Han''s clutch moments¡ª like his game-winning buzzer-beater against the Magic in the season opener¡ª also had no chance to be showcased.


    And the fans'' reactions weren''t as strong as before, as his overall playing time hadn''t significantly decreased despite the altered rotations.


    From November 15th to the 23rd, over a week, the Cavaliers played two back-to-back games, including the Celtics, for a total of six games. They achieved a 5-1 record.


    The only loss was to the Mavericks, while the wins were against non-playoff teams like the Bucks, 76ers, and Kings.


    It was like a peaceful southern scene¡ª everything seemed fine.


    Han Sen was always left sitting on the bench during the crucial moments, feeling rather helpless.


    If the Cavaliers weren''t planning to use him properly, why not just trade him?


    Surely James didn''t have a love-hate relationship with him, did he?


    Was he really that important to James?


    On December 23rd, Han Sen celebrated his 21st birthday in Cleveland.


    The next day, he boarded a plane to Los Angeles with the Cavaliers.


    After boarding the plane, James'' trainer opened a box, revealing the gift James had prepared for his teammates¡ª custom-made noise-canceling Beats headphones.


    The headphones looked expensive, and James'' photo was even on the packaging.


    It appeared to be a product he was endorsing.


    Han Sen put on his eye mask, unboxed the headphones, and began to rest up.


    The "23 VS 24" narrative was something Stern had been hyping since 2008, but despite all his efforts, it had never materialized.


    (Kobe''s jersey number is 24 while LeBron wears 23.)


    Finally, unable to stand it any longer, he arranged it for the Christmas Day game.


    So, it was predictable that this game would garner unprecedented attention.


    When they arrived in Los Angeles, it was already late at night. Unlike his teammates, who went straight to rest, Han Sen stayed in the hotel lobby for a pre-game interview with Khalil, who had arrived ahead of time.


    By the next morning, a report titled "I Don''t Think Kobe Is the Best Player in the League" had made headlines.


    Since Kobe had led his team to a championship earlier that year, his status as the best player in the league had been widely recognized.


    So, just the title alone was enough to grab attention.


    "I don''t think Kobe is the best player in the league because last year''s Lakers championship lacks substance," Han Sen said in response to a question about how he planned to face the league''s best player.


    "They were pushed to a Game 7 by the Rockets. If Yao hadn''t been injured due to Kobe''s collision, the Rockets would have won that series."


    His first argument was about the buzzer-beater.


    This viewpoint had been hotly debated online last year, especially because of the claim that Yao''s injury was caused by Kobe.


    There was a further debate about whether the injury was intentional or accidental.


    "If KG (Kevin Garnett) hadn''t been injured, the Lakers wouldn''t have been their match either. You have to remember that even without KG, the Celtics still pushed the Magic to a Game 7."


    Han''s second argument was another hot topic: the Lakers had it too easy in the Finals against the Magic.


    "So, who do you think is the best player in the league?"


    "Of course, it''s Tim Duncan."


    "TD was the youngest Finals MVP since Magic Johnson. He has four championships, three Finals MVPs, and two MVPs. You can''t ignore him just because he''s low-key. If he played in Los Angeles, I believe he''d already be catching up to Michael Jordan."


    "I know you might say that TD is getting old, but I want to point out that people have been saying that every year, yet he is still one of the top five players in the league. In fact, many people overlook that he''s only two years older than Kobe."


    His arguments were clear and well-supported, and while his view was unconventional, it was thought-provoking.


    Of course, if you dig deeper, you can find flaws.


    For instance, Han''s method of determining who the best player is was entirely based on accolades.


    But in reality, accolades don''t directly correlate with a player''s skill; they''re a cumulative process that depends on factors beyond just skill, like having good teammates and playing for longer periods.


    There''s also the issue of injuries. Han Sen argued that the Celtics didn''t win in 2009 because KG was injured, but couldn''t one also argue that the Lakers didn''t win in 2008 because Bynum was injured?


    And when it comes to Yao''s injury, if you start discussing injuries, it could become an endless conversation.


    But do those details matter?


    Not really. As long as the logic seems sound, it will make people think and will naturally spread.


    Especially among Kobe fans¡ª the biggest fanbase¡ª who will undoubtedly attack him.


    It''s all about generating buzz.


    But it''s not entirely about generating buzz.


    After the game against the Celtics, Han Sen noticed that his [Phantom Steps] had improved rapidly, to the point where he could almost see the bottleneck.


    His talent for breaking through progressed much faster than he had anticipated.


    This made him even more aware of the importance of high-quality games.


    But you don''t get strong opponents every night, especially in the East. So, when facing the Lakers, he had to seize the opportunity.


    Especially against Kobe.


    Not only does Kobe have MVP-level offensive ability, but he also has nine All-Defensive First Team selections.


    And this guy is notorious for being a maniac on the court.


    Even though he isn''t as transparent as Durant, would he really remain indifferent to such news?


    Of course, on game day, Han Sen stuck with the team, never acting like a lone wolf.


    There are extreme LeBron fans, but Kobe fans are a much larger group, so the number of extreme fans will be even greater.


    ...


    On the night of December 25th, at the Staples Center, the arena was packed.


    The NBA has two arenas that never worry about ticket sales: Madison Square Garden and the Staples Center.


    So, even though the Buss family, who own the Lakers, are among the league''s poorest owners, as long as the NBA remains, they''ll be hard-pressed to go bankrupt.


    The Christmas atmosphere was strong at the arena, but certain signs stood out among the crowd.


    "Fxck 77."


    "77, you don''t know basketball."


    "Kobe is unanimously the best player."


    ...


    As soon as Han Sen arrived at the arena, he was immediately put on the LED big screen by the camera crew, and the boos from the crowd were deafening.


    This Christmas showdown was originally supposed to be Stern''s grand stage for the 23 vs. 24 matchup¡ª a battle of destinies¡ª even with the added drama of the O''Neal and Bryant reunion. But no one expected the first person to steal the spotlight would be a rookie named Han Sen.


    This made two people in the stands shake their heads: one was Stern, who had personally come to watch the game, and the other was Danny Ferry, the Cavaliers'' general manager.


    Being the center of attention, Han was clearly enjoying himself.


    He hadn''t even done anything yet, and his buzz was already growing at a rate comparable to when he scored an and-one against Tony Allen.


    As expected, Kobe''s 600 million fans were truly terrifying.


    But just as he was reveling in the moment, he suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.


    The feeling was much stronger than what he experienced in Oklahoma. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He turned his head and saw a pair of cold, snake-like eyes staring at him from a distance.

 Chapter 63: I Just Turned 21.

    Chapter 63: I Just Turned 21.After the opening ceremony, the starting lineups for both teams were announced.


    Cavaliers: Mo Williams, Han Sen, LeBron James, Cunningham, O''Neal


    Lakers: Fisher, Kobe, Artest, Pau Gasol, Bynum


    Bynum tipped the ball back to the Lakers'' half, officially starting the Christmas game.


    The Lakers advanced to the frontcourt, with Kobe immediately backing down Han Sen in the high post.


    Kobe''s intent to school Han was clear to the whole world.


    Han Sen, mentally prepared, assumed a defensive stance in advance.


    Once Fisher cleared the strong side by cutting to the basket, Kobe initiated his offense.


    He started with a post-up move.


    Han Sen had already matched up against top scorers like Durant and Pierce, so he had some experience with this move.


    But he quickly felt that Kobe was different.


    The biggest difference came from Kobe''s footwork¡ª before receiving the ball, Kobe made a slight hop.


    According to the rules, he now had no pivot foot.


    In translation, this meant Kobe could choose any foot as his pivot to initiate the attack.


    This summer, Kobe had trained with Olajuwon on his "Dream Shake" footwork, and this was the result of that training.


    Kobe followed with a fake spin toward the three-point line, connected it with another fake spin towards the baseline, then turned for a fadeaway jumper.


    None of these moves were entirely fake¡ª Han Sen could feel that if he didn''t follow, Kobe could shoot at any time.


    However, if he followed every move, Kobe could manipulate his defensive center of gravity.


    Han finally lunged to contest the shot, but Kobe''s athleticism far surpassed Pierce''s, allowing him to hang in the air and neutralize the contest.


    Swish!


    Kobe made the opening shot.


    "Welcome to the NBA, rookie," he said mockingly as he landed, glancing at Han with a smirk.


    Pierce may have been the trash talk king, but Kobe wasn''t far behind.


    "Number 77 is in for a tough night."


    Tonight''s broadcast came from ESPN, and frequent guest Mark Jackson couldn''t help but comment.


    Jackson had played for the Pacers during his career, facing off against the Lakers in the 2000 NBA Finals. He knew Kobe''s personality well.


    O''Neal''s low-post hook was contested and missed, and Gasol grabbed the rebound.


    The Lakers quickly advanced, with Gasol setting up in the low post to initiate the offense. After spinning towards the basket and drawing a double team, he dished to a cutting Fisher for a layup.


    "Your welcome party was a bit short, wasn''t it?" Han Sen said to Kobe.


    Kobe gave him a surprised look.


    Han might have been just a rookie, but due to his notorious "77" statement, Kobe had heard a bit about him.


    However, he hadn''t taken it seriously¡ª there were brash rookies every year.


    But after Han Sen''s series of moves since arriving in Los Angeles, this kid indeed seemed special.


    The Cavaliers'' offense continued¡ª O''Neal didn''t have an opportunity in the low post. LeBron and Cunningham ran a pick-and-roll, but after being double-teamed, LeBron couldn''t pass the ball out, and it was knocked out of bounds.


    With only two seconds left on the shot clock, LeBron automatically walked to the sideline to inbound the ball.


    Han Sen initially didn''t move, glancing towards Cunningham. When the players began cutting, he suddenly sprinted to the sideline.


    Cunningham had already anticipated this and set a screen.


    Han got to the spot, and LeBron''s pass arrived right on time.


    One slick handoff followed by a clean catch.


    Swish!


    Han''s shooting was sharp today, hitting a three-pointer right out of the gate.


    "Is this the kind of defense the MVP plays?" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He sneered at Kobe, who had just fought through the screen.


    Unfortunately, jerseys didn''t have built-in microphones back then, so Mark Jackson couldn''t hear the exchange on the court. Otherwise, he would have taken back his earlier comment.


    Han Sen wasn''t someone who would back down so easily.


    Kobe''s face darkened¡ª Han wasn''t just special; he was downright cocky.


    The Lakers'' offense continued, with Kobe once again backing down in the high post.


    This played right into Han''s hands.


    One of the reasons he taunted Kobe before the game was due to the Lakers'' advantage in the interior.


    You could say the Lakers were strong because of Kobe, but you could also argue they were strong because of their "big three" inside.


    As seen in the previous possession, Cunningham''s small frame was no match for Gasol.


    So rather than letting the Lakers exploit their interior advantage, he figured it was better to provoke Kobe into isolating against him, like he had done with Durant before.


    Kobe initiated another post-up move, but this time Han Sen adjusted his defense, keeping some distance and refusing to let Kobe sense his defensive center of gravity.


    Kobe pushed in, but by doing so, he committed to a pivot foot.


    Han responded by pushing back, engaging in a brief physical contest, then quickly retreating.


    This defense was all about subtlety, not allowing Kobe to read his movements.


    Kobe couldn''t shake Han as easily as before.


    However, Kobe was too experienced¡ª after realizing Han retreated after each physical contact, he exploited this by continuing to push inside.


    Soon, the two ended up in the low post.


    Han then turned slightly, guarding the basket side and forcing Kobe towards the baseline.


    Though Kobe could hit from tough angles, Han knew it was far deadlier to let him turn toward the free-throw line.


    He made the right choice¡ª his defense was halfway successful.


    But Kobe''s next move caught him off guard. Kobe crouched down low, almost crawling along the ground to slip past Han Sen''s body and then...passed the ball.


    Gasol had somehow cut in from the middle, and after receiving the pass, he threw down a tomahawk dunk.


    "I''m not 21," Kobe said after the play, smirking at him.


    Damn, I''ve been duped!


    Kobe had been acting all along.


    This was what it meant to face the 31-year-old Kobe.


    Although Han Sen had said in interviews that Kobe wasn''t the best, at this moment, even he had to admit that with this mentality, Kobe was the best in the league.


    Coach Brown called Big Z (Ilgauskas) off the bench.


    When the play stopped, Big Z subbed in for Cunningham, and the Cavaliers went with a twin-tower lineup.


    Cunningham was too small for Gasol, and Varej?o wasn''t a good match with O''Neal, so Brown had no choice but to make this change.


    "Now there are four players on the court who are over 7 feet tall¡ª this is a rare sight in NBA history."


    Mark Jackson couldn''t help but marvel at the sight once again.


    With the Cavaliers playing a twin-tower lineup, the game slowed down noticeably.


    In this slower-paced game, the Lakers'' experience was evident.


    When the game reached the six-minute mark of the first quarter, the Lakers led the Cavaliers 12-7.


    The Cavaliers had the ball, and after LeBron and O''Neal ran a pick-and-roll and got double-teamed, LeBron passed the ball to the weak side, where Han Sen stood at a 45-degree angle.


    With just 5 seconds left on the shot clock, it was time to bail the team out again.


    But this time was different from before¡ª Kobe used his "puppy step" footwork1 to weave around Big Z''s screen.


    By the time Han caught the ball, Kobe was already standing in front of him.


    There was no time to hesitate¡ª Han immediately made his move with a crossover to close the distance, followed by a hesitation move towards the free-throw line to confuse Kobe.


    Kobe, who had faced Wade countless times in the NBA, wasn''t fooled by this move and quickly shifted to his left, anticipating Han''s drive in that direction.


    But Han switched his hesitation move into a direct acceleration, blowing past Kobe.


    The change was so abrupt that not only Kobe but even Bynum in the paint didn''t react in time.


    By the time Bynum tried to recover and block the shot, O''Neal had already used his massive frame to hold him off.


    Han Sen soared into the paint, leapt high, and executed a small in-air adjustment...


    Boom!


    The ball slammed into the basket.


    The crowd erupted.


    Five seconds to catch the ball, shake off Kobe, and just in time, throw down a reverse dunk¡ª this all felt strangely familiar.


    As Han Sen landed, he turned to look at Kobe, exuding youthful energy:


    "I just turned 21."


    ¡ªEnd of Chapter¡ª


    1 Puppy step: A defensive technique Kobe learned from Gary Payton, involving quick, small strides to slip around screens by compressing the body almost paper-thin.

 Chapter 64: Hogging the Spotlight.

    Chapter 64: Hogging the Spotlight.At halftime, the Lakers led the Cavaliers 51-45 in a tightly contested game.


    Kobe had scored 17 points in the first half, while LeBron racked up 14 points, satisfying fans'' expectations for the 23 vs. 24 matchup.


    Han Sen also seized his limited opportunities, going 3-for-3 from the field and scoring 7 points.


    During halftime, Coach Brown was in his office preparing for the second half.


    Halftime breaks typically last 20 minutes¡ª 5 minutes for players to relax, 10 minutes for the coach to strategize, and the final 5 minutes for preparation.


    At this moment, someone knocked on his office door.


    "Come in," he called out while continuing to organize his materials.


    The door opened, and Malone appeared.


    "He has something he''d like to say to you," Malone said, stepping aside to reveal Han Sen behind him.


    Brown checked the time, knowing Malone and Han were close, and nodded.


    Han entered the room, and Malone closed the door behind him.


    The atmosphere was a bit awkward; the last time the two had been alone like this was in the gym, and it hadn''t been pleasant.


    "You told me before, if I had an issue, I should talk to you directly," he started, getting straight to the point.


    Hearing this, Brown paused what he was doing. Han''s delayed show of respect was appreciated, so Brown gestured for him to sit.


    "I''m in good form. I need more ball time," Han Sen said as he stood across from Brown''s desk but didn''t sit down.


    Brown''s face immediately revealed a hint of difficulty.


    He was already a starter, but when he was on the court, the ball was mostly in LeBron''s hands, and sometimes in O''Neal''s. Even if Brown wanted to give him more touches, it wasn''t possible.


    "I understand your situation, so I''d like to come off the bench in the second half," He said considerately.


    Brown looked at Han Sen in surprise, as if he were meeting him for the first time.


    Was this the same rebellious guy who used to butt heads with LeBron?


    "But I have one condition," he continued, somewhat easing Brown''s concern.


    "Let''s hear it," Brown said, sitting down himself.


    "When I come off the bench, I want more ball control."


    "That can be arranged," Brown nodded. Han''s request was reasonable.


    "Then I''m done," Han Sen said, turning and leaving the office.


    Brown was stunned for a moment before laughing after he left.


    Ever since the game against the Celtics, Han had proven his ability to create plays with the ball in his hands. His first-half drive against Kobe tonight further showcased this.


    However, the current rotation didn''t fully utilize Han''s talents.


    But with Han Sen willing to come off the bench tonight, that problem was solved.


    Brown couldn''t go against LeBron''s wishes, nor did he have the power to influence management''s decisions, but as the coach, he still wanted to win.


    When the second half began, the Cavaliers adjusted their starting lineup, replacing Han Sen with old Parker as the starting shooting guard.


    "Looks like Mike Brown realized No. 77 can''t contain Kobe," analyst Mark Jackson commented.


    Under Han Sen''s defense, Kobe had already scored 16 points in the first half.


    But Jackson was quickly proven wrong.


    Kobe exploded right out of the gate in the second half.


    First, he hit a pull-up jumper over Parker from the baseline, then knocked down a mid-range shot off a Gasol screen, and followed it up by grabbing an offensive rebound, driving into the paint, drawing a foul on O''Neal, and sinking both free throws.


    In just two minutes, Kobe had already scored 6 points.


    These two minutes perfectly illustrated the phrase "no comparison, no harm."


    Han Sen may not have been able to stop Kobe, but with Han on him, Kobe''s shooting percentage in the first half was just 6-for-14.


    However, with Parker defending, it wasn''t a question of whether he could stop Kobe, but how badly he would fail.


    Brown immediately got a headache.


    Now it was clear why Han had suddenly volunteered to come off the bench. He had set him up to fail!


    But no one could deny that Han Sen had become an indispensable player for the Cavaliers. Without him, the team''s perimeter defense had dropped a level.


    Moreover, Kobe wasn''t forcing his shots anymore. His continuous scoring forced the Cavaliers to double-team him, allowing him to create opportunities for his teammates.


    Even when he didn''t have the ball, Kobe''s off-ball movement on the weak side was drawing the Cavaliers'' defensive attention.


    By the 9-minute mark of the third quarter, the score had already ballooned to 77-59, with the Lakers outscoring the Cavaliers 26-14 in the quarter, expanding the lead to 18 points.


    The Cavaliers were collapsing once again.


    Both teams made substitutions at this point, with Kobe and Gasol sitting down for the Lakers, and LeBron taking a seat for the Cavaliers.


    Han Sen checked into the game.


    The lineup on the court: for the Lakers¡ª Farmar, Shannon Brown, Vujacic, Odom, and Bynum; for the Cavaliers¡ª West, Han sen, Moon, Cunningham, and Ilgauskas.


    Despite Han Sen catching Brown off guard earlier, Brown still honored their agreement.


    Han looked refreshed as he entered the game.


    Did he want to win?


    The answer was the same as when he faced the Michigan State University back in the NCAA¡ª if there''s a chance, who wouldn''t want to win?


    But after being denied his chance to play at the crucial moments, whether they won or not wasn''t up to him anymore.


    Now, his priority was to break through the bottleneck of his [Phantom Steps].


    Getting stronger himself was the most effective solution.


    The Cavaliers had possession. West called for a pick-and-roll with Han Sen.


    Han Sen received the ball after the screen, and Odom switched onto him.


    At this point, Odom was still energetic and active on the court.


    Han faked a shot, pulled the ball back, and accelerated to drive left.


    Although Odom was known for his versatility, he was still a big man, and his foot speed couldn''t keep up with him.


    Additionally, both Cunningham and Ilgauskas had spread out to the perimeter, opening up space in the paint.


    As Han Sen drove inside, only Vujacic rotated over to help defend.


    The moment Han saw the Lakers'' pretty boy, he didn''t hesitate, charging forward.


    Vujacic might be talented, as evidenced by his relationship with tennis star Maria Sharapova, and he was deadly accurate from the free-throw line, but his defense was questionable.


    He tried hard but couldn''t stop anyone.


    Vujacic leaped to challenge Han Sen, but quickly realized he was in trouble.


    Han soared into the air, completely ignoring him.


    Boom!


    Han dunked over Vujacic with both hands, the impact sending Vujacic sprawling out of bounds. Han Sen hung on the rim for a moment before landing.


    Though they were down big, his dunk sparked a surge of energy for the Cavaliers.


    Bynum''s attempt to score inside was thwarted, and Ilgauskas grabbed the rebound, throwing a long pass to Han Sen, who had already bolted past the three-point line.


    Han''s instincts for fast breaks were on point, and only Brown managed to keep up with him.


    The two raced down the court, drawing the attention of the Lakers'' bench, including Kobe, who had stood up.


    Brown had made a stunning chase-down block against the Hawks last year (even though it was ruled a foul).


    As Han Sen approached the basket, he sensed the danger behind him.


    He sped up for a layup, but as he released the ball, a shadow loomed overhead.


    Brown not only had impressive hops but also a quick second jump.


    Han leaned into Brown mid-air, grabbing the ball with his right hand and executing a smooth reverse layup.


    His large hands and improved body control allowed him to evade Brown''s block and softly guide the ball into the basket.


    After landing, Han turned toward the Lakers'' bench, clenched his right fist, and made Kobe''s signature celebration.


    Taking down Vujacic or Brown didn''t help him much, though. What he wanted was Kobe.


    The crowd buzzed with excitement. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the first half, Han had shone more on defense, but his offensive presence was now undeniable after coming off the bench.


    Under his lead, the Cavaliers'' energy was back, and their defensive execution improved.


    Odom drove and dished to Farmar, whose three-point attempt was disrupted by Han, causing him to miss. The Lakers'' offense fell flat once more.


    However, this time the Lakers quickly got back on defense, forcing the Cavaliers to slow down and set up their offense.


    Han ran a pick-and-roll with Ilgauskas, and with his shooting touch now dialed in, he pulled up from three after the screen.


    Bynum, wary of Han''s drives, was slow to contest.


    With nearly no pressure on the shot, Han''s rhythm was perfect, and the ball swished through the net.


    The score was now 66-77.


    Han had single-handedly led a 7-0 run, cutting the Lakers'' lead to 11 points.


    The camera quickly focused on Han, and the big screen in the arena displayed his stats for the night.


    He was 6-for-6 from the field, 1-for-1 from the free-throw line, with 14 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and zero turnovers.


    "No. 77 is tonight''s Mr. Perfect. He''s changed the game," Mark Jackson admitted, finally changing his tone.


    There was only a minute left in the third quarter.


    But just then, the whistle blew for a Lakers timeout and Kobe returned to the court, adjusting his jersey as he stepped back into the game.


    The crowd erupted in cheers¡ª the kind of cheers reserved for a hero''s return.


    He immediately went one-on-one with Han Sen, driving to the basket and finishing with a difficult reverse layup, despite the strong defense from the latter.


    Han Sen had put immense pressure on the play, but Kobe was in exceptional form tonight.


    What no one expected, however, was that as soon as they came back down the court, Han Sen signaled for an isolation, ready to take on Kobe one-on-one.


    The crowd''s excitement reached a fever pitch¡ª it couldn''t be stopped.


    It was supposed to be LeBron vs Kobe, but Han Sen was stealing the spotlight!

 Chapter 65: Reaching the Limit.

    Chapter 65: Reaching the Limit."Do you think that just because you got me once, I can''t defend you anymore?" Kobe stared straight at Han Sen, settling into his defensive stance.


    "Of course not," Han Sen responded casually and then made his move to break through.


    This time, Kobe didn''t position himself early, so Han Sen used his elusive footwork. However, Kobe''s defensive experience was vast; he retreated early to the basket, blocking Han''s path for a layup. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lacking close-range finishing moves, Han attempted a tough shot after contact with Kobe but missed.


    Han knew the shot wouldn''t go in as soon as he released it, so he quickly jumped again, grabbed the offensive rebound, and drew a defensive foul from Kobe on his second attempt.


    "I''m just enjoying the process," he said to Kobe before heading to the free-throw line.


    Kobe didn''t understand what Han Sen was up to. He could only reflect on everything Han had done tonight: taking responsibility on tough plays, showing no fear when facing him, taunting him from the bench, and now this comment¡ª weren''t these the same things he himself used to do when he first entered the league?


    Subconsciously, a smile crept onto Kobe''s face.


    Just then, a whistle sounded from the sideline.


    Han, standing at the free-throw line, turned his head and saw the substitution: LeBron was coming back in.


    Han''s face was full of confusion.


    Why was LeBron coming in now? There were only about twenty seconds left in the game.


    Was LeBron being brought in to defend the final possession? Or was it simply to give the Cavaliers a boost during this last stretch?


    Han Sen didn''t understand, but he turned back and chose not to think too much about it.


    He calmly made both free throws, helping the Cavaliers cut the deficit to single digits.


    Kobe didn''t press his attack against Han Sen any further. Instead, he used a series of screens from Bynum and Odom to break into the paint, drawing a foul on Ilgauskas and earning two free throws.


    Just as Han Sen had felt earlier in the game, this mature version of Kobe was at the peak of his powers¡ª worthy of being called the best in the league.


    After taking a deep breath at the free-throw line, Kobe prepared himself. Despite having scored a lot, his exhaustion was clear.


    At 31 years old, he wasn''t at his peak anymore, and Han Sen had been wearing him down on both ends of the court.


    Nevertheless, Kobe composed himself and sank both free throws, restoring the Lakers'' double-digit lead.


    With only 2 seconds left on the clock, LeBron inbounded the ball from the backcourt.


    Han Sen stood near the midcourt line. Although he had grown used to being the bailout option, he wasn''t particularly interested in receiving a desperation pass from the backcourt.


    The Lakers applied tight pressure in the frontcourt, and West had no good opportunities to receive the ball.


    At that moment, LeBron looked toward Han and frantically waved for him to move. Brown''s voice also echoed from behind.


    Seeing this, Han Sen sprinted toward LeBron''s direction, signaling for the pass as well.


    The ball was sent his way. He caught it with his back to the basket, shielding it from Kobe. LeBron saw this and had no choice but to move closer to the play.


    Once LeBron got in position, Han decisively passed him the ball.


    With only about one second left on the clock, LeBron launched a long-range three-point shot from the backcourt.


    The ball traced a high arc over the court, covering an incredible distance before... swishing through the net.


    The crowd erupted in cheers. Even Han Sen was momentarily stunned¡ª did that really go in?


    It had to be said, LeBron had impressive strength, though luck was certainly a factor as well.


    However, LeBron wore a serious expression. He knew that the shot had been released after the buzzer.


    Making that shot actually hurt more than missing it.


    Sure enough, after a replay, it was confirmed that the shot had come after time expired.


    As the fourth quarter began, LeBron didn''t return to the court.


    On the Lakers'' side, Phil Jackson also didn''t send Kobe back in.


    It wasn''t because he was underestimating the Cavaliers; rather, he had felt the real threat and didn''t want Kobe to waste his energy during the reserve rotation.


    But at the same time, Jackson sent in both Gasol and Artest early, intending to stifle the Cavaliers'' comeback attempt.


    As the game went on though, things didn''t go according to plan.


    Han Sen was simply too hot tonight.


    Even Artest couldn''t slow him down.


    Artest was a strong defender, best suited to guarding heavy forwards like LeBron. But Han Sen was a guard, and for Artest to leverage his defensive strength, he first had to keep up with him.


    About five minutes into the quarter, Han Sen broke through Artest''s defense for a layup, cutting the Cavaliers'' deficit to just three points¡ª one possession away.


    Phil Jackson finally lowered his hands, refraining from blowing his beloved whistle, and called a timeout.


    Han Sen was extremely excited as he walked off the court.


    It wasn''t just because he had helped his team close an 18-point deficit down to 3 points, but also because right before coming off the court, his [Phantom Steps] had reached its limit!


    Facing both Kobe and Artest was like battling monsters and earning double the experience points.


    With a little more time, Han Sen felt confident that he could lead the Cavaliers to win the game!


    However, after the timeout, Brown benched Han Sen, reminiscent of the infamous moment when Li Yuezhou from the China U17 team was immediately subbed out after hitting a clutch shot.


    Anyone unaware might have thought Han Sen had suffered an injury.


    When LeBron reentered the game, he pounded his chest for the cameras, exuding a kingly aura, ready to lead the team to victory.


    Meanwhile, Han Sen felt a fire burning in his chest.


    He had already been frustrated by being kept off the court during the past week''s clutch moments. Now, after he fought hard to create this opportunity, just as he was ready to take over, he was told he still couldn''t play?!


    The game continued, and the Lakers sent all their starters, including Kobe, back onto the court.


    The Cavaliers'' momentum was quickly halted, and with a well-rested Kobe back in the game, there was no stopping him.


    Despite this, Brown still didn''t put Han Sen back in the game.


    The Lakers pulled away again and ultimately secured the win.


    After the game, the players exchanged post-game handshakes.


    "You played well," Kobe said as he reached out for a handshake and embraced Han.


    Even though they had gone head-to-head and exchanged plenty of trash talk on the court, it was clear Kobe had developed a respect for him.


    But Han, with anger still boiling inside him, wasn''t thinking about that.


    After quickly finishing the handshake, he headed back to the locker room.


    Having lost, and with this being a Christmas Day game¡ª a major spotlight event¡ª the atmosphere in the locker room was noticeably somber.


    Han sat there, growing angrier by the minute.


    The Lakers were the reigning champions, and he knew they were likely to win back-to-back titles this season.


    Since the teams were in different conferences, they only faced each other twice a season.


    This had been a Christmas Day game. If they had won, and if he had led them to a comeback victory, it could have been his defining moment.


    But Brown and the team didn''t care about any of that!


    At that moment, Varejao entered the locker room. Seeing Han Sen''s face, he whistled at him.


    Though the team had lost, Varejao was clearly enjoying Han''s frustration.


    This is what happens when you try to stand out¡ªyou might have skills, but you''re still stuck riding the bench!


    Suddenly, Han shot to his feet, startling Varejao into silence.


    He pushed Varejao aside. Fueled by anger, he didn''t hold back, and Varejao was knocked to the ground.


    Everyone in the locker room was stunned.


    But without looking back, he stormed out of the room.


    "That f*cking asshole!" Varejao cursed loudly after Gibson helped him to his feet.


    Once outside, Han Sen called Thomas.


    "Tell them to trade me," he said the moment the call connected.


    He didn''t bother going to Brown again. After his outburst in the gym about wanting a trade had gone ignored, he realized that Brown wasn''t the one in control.


    The real decision-makers were in the Cavaliers'' front office, and that required his agent to intervene.

 Chapter 66: I Should Join the Bench.

    Chapter 66: I Should Join the Bench.Thomas was in California at the time. After receiving Han Sen''s call, he rushed to Los Angeles overnight, and the two met in a hotel room.


    "Have you made up your mind?" Thomas wasn''t surprised by his request for a trade¡ª after all, he didn''t want to be in Cleveland from the start, and his time there hadn''t been smooth.


    "Am I still that rookie who exceeded expectations?" Han looked at Thomas.


    Thomas shook his head.


    In his two months with the Cavaliers, Han had hit a game-winner against the Magic on opening night, and he had solid performances defending Durant and Kobe. Against the Celtics, he had an outstanding game with 25 points.


    He had proven himself capable in tough games. A 3D player who can handle the ball is one of the most sought-after types in the league.


    His trade value had skyrocketed beyond what was expected of his draft position¡ª he was now considered a hot commodity.


    However, Thomas voiced his concern: "I don''t think the Cavaliers'' management will want to trade you."


    At first, no one wanted him; now, they''d be reluctant to let him go.


    Even though he had a reputation for being outspoken and a bit difficult, in the NBA, talent trumps attitude.


    "You know players are always on the passive side when it comes to trades," Thomas said realistically. "If the Cavaliers'' management doesn''t want to trade you, even if you make a fuss, the worst-case scenario is they''ll just bench you."


    What he didn''t say was that Han''s influence in the team was still too limited. Despite some impressive performances, he was still essentially a role player.


    "Even if they do trade you, if they send you to the Western Conference or to a struggling team, it might not be a good outcome for you," Thomas added.


    "I''ve made up my mind." Thomas had some valid points, but Han couldn''t shake the fire that had reignited within him after the Christmas game.


    Thomas stared at Han Sen for a while before nodding. "I heard that Ferry is currently in Los Angeles. I''ll go talk to him."


    Even if he couldn''t secure a trade, Thomas was determined to fight for more rights for him.


    About an hour later, Thomas returned with good news.


    "I''ll fully consider your request, but a trade isn''t a one-sided thing. I hope that until a resolution is reached, Han Sen will remain professional."


    That was Ferry''s exact response. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In other words, the Cavaliers agreed to his trade request.


    Hearing this, Han exhaled deeply and once again affirmed his agent''s competence.


    After the Christmas game, the Cavaliers returned to Cleveland for a brief three-day break before facing the Celtics at home for the second time this season.


    During this time, Han Sen maintained his professionalism, trained hard, and participated in all the promotional events assigned by the team.


    However, no secret stays hidden forever, and soon the media exposed Han''s trade request.


    Even Kobe''s post-game interview after the Christmas game was brought into the mix.


    "I don''t know why they benched the best-performing player in the latter half of the fourth quarter, especially the best defender, who gave me quite a bit of trouble."


    Just as Kobe had shown his respect during the post-game handshake, Han Sen''s performance had earned Kobe''s admiration.


    But at this moment, that admiration became fuel for the media''s narrative.


    "The Cavaliers have found the missing piece of their championship puzzle, but they don''t seem to want to use it properly," said Charles Barkley, who never misses an opportunity to weigh in.


    "The Cavaliers'' team atmosphere is unique in this league¡ª you''ll never understand some of their actions unless you''re part of it," commented Larry Hughes, who once played for the Cavaliers and now plays for the Knicks.


    "LeBron is still just a kid. He''s never truly learned how to lead a team," said Paul Pierce, adding his thoughts on social media, always eager to stir things up.


    Soon after, several teams that had approached the Cavaliers'' management revealed the team''s asking price for Han Sen.


    The Trail Blazers said the Cavaliers asked for LaMarcus Aldridge; the Thunder reported they were offered a deal involving Harden and Ibaka; and the Rockets claimed that even though the entire team was on the table, the Cavaliers weren''t interested.


    Even if you''re not a professional manager, you can easily conclude from these offers that the Cavaliers have no real intention of trading Han Sen.


    Han reached the same conclusion after reading the reports and realized he had overestimated the Cavaliers'' integrity.


    Ferry''s words were nothing more than a delaying tactic.


    It wasn''t a new trick, but it was one of the most common and effective.


    Han wasn''t a superstar like Vince Carter. If he deliberately underperformed on the court, he might end up blacklisted by other teams'' managers.


    He now understood the NBA''s business side but wasn''t ready to give up.


    On the last day of the break, he contacted Khalil and skipped the locker room, heading straight to the practice court later in the day.


    When he arrived, his teammates couldn''t help but glance his way.


    Even as players, they couldn''t completely block out the noise from the outside world.


    Especially since Han Sen hadn''t shown up in the locker room all day.


    Cunningham saw him and wanted to say hello, but Han gave him a look, signaling him not to.


    Coach Brown was in the middle of arranging the lineups for the full-court scrimmage.


    Han hadn''t missed practice without reason¡ª he had been granted personal leave. Now that he was back, Brown intended to place him in the starting lineup.


    "No, I was late to practice, so I should be on the third team," he said, surprising Brown.


    In the off-season training camp, when the roster wasn''t set, Brown used a black-and-white team setup. But now that the 15-man roster was finalized, the players were split into three teams: the starters, the second unit, and the bench (third team).


    These lineups weren''t set in stone, but generally, players assigned to the third team didn''t see much playing time in actual games.


    For instance, the third team currently consisted of Delonte West, Coby Karl, Jawad Williams, Leon Powe, and Darnell Jackson.


    Aside from West, who occasionally rotated in, the rest only saw playing time in garbage minutes.


    Brown had no idea what Han Sen was up to¡ª he figured it was just about wanting more touches. Without thinking much of it, he nodded in agreement.


    Brown even kindly accommodated his late arrival by scheduling the starters to scrimmage against the second team first, allowing Han time to warm up.


    Starting lineup: Mo Williams, Parker, LeBron, Cunningham, O''Neal


    Second team: Daniel Gibson, Coby Karl, Moon, Varej?o, Ilgauskas


    Because Han requested to be on the third team, Parker moved into the starting lineup, and Karl jumped from the third team to the second.


    These scrimmages typically lasted just one 12-minute quarter and were meant to gauge players'' form.


    The game between the starters and second team was more intense than expected. Gibson was in excellent form, while Williams and Parker struggled.


    As the game progressed, LeBron took control, driving hard to the basket, just as he would in a real game.


    Moon had solid athleticism and a sturdy frame, but his defense was average and couldn''t stop LeBron, leading to a shift in momentum.


    The starters eventually won 16-10.


    Throughout the scrimmage, Han was warming up on the sidelines. Once he was loose, he took off his jacket, revealing his practice uniform.


    Brown didn''t react, but Malone sensed something was off.


    Before he could inquire, the scrimmage ended, and it was time for the starters to face the third team.

 Chapter 67: You don’t know what you’re missing.

    Chapter 67: You don''t know what you''re missing.Before the game started, Han Sen had a brief conversation with Jawad Williams.


    Once both teams took the court, Coach Brown quickly realized something was off¡ª Han Sen was defending James!


    Han, a shooting guard, should have been matched up against Parker.


    Even Malone looked concerned.


    Although in terms of height, Han, standing at 2.01 meters with shoes, wasn''t much shorter than James, who is 2.03 meters, there was a significant difference in their weights.


    James, a heavy small forward, weighed 111 kilograms when he first entered the league. After some offseason bulking, he now weighed 113 kilograms.


    Even though Han had gained some weight over the summer, he was only at 100 kilograms.


    With that weight difference, if James got up to speed, Han Sen would likely be knocked right off his feet.


    The game was about to begin. Last time it was Pierce who officiated; this time, Malone took on the role of a temporary referee.


    Refereeing involves running up and down the court with the players, and assistants like Malone can''t quite keep up with professional referees in terms of stamina.


    The game started quickly, with O''Neal tipping the ball back to half court, and Team One launched the first attack.


    James didn''t participate in the offense during the first possession. Instead, Williams initiated the pick-and-roll with O''Neal.


    O''Neal''s screens covered a lot of space, and Williams decisively took the shot, but unfortunately, his touch wasn''t great today.


    The ball bounced off the rim, and with O''Neal unable to return to the paint in time, Jackson secured the rebound.


    Team Three advanced to the front court, and Han signaled for the ball. West passed it over immediately.


    While Han was defending James, James... wasn''t defending him.


    Han glanced at Parker, then signaled for the strong side to clear out, before exploding into a direct drive.


    Old Parker had defensive experience and good physicality, but his age made his footwork slower.


    More importantly, the reason Han dared to make this move was that his [Phantom Steps] had reached a bottleneck during the Christmas Day game.


    With raw speed, Han Sen blew past Parker and then launched himself into the air towards O''Neal''s help defense.


    O''Neal''s massive body felt like a wall as it bounced him back, but before Han was knocked away, he managed to get a shot off.


    The ball didn''t go in, but Malone''s whistle blew.


    O''Neal reached out to pull Han Sen up from the ground but didn''t say much.


    He could clearly sense Han''s determination from that play.


    Han shook off his arm; his hand was steady as he made both free throws.


    Team Three drew first blood. On the next possession, Williams ran another pick-and-roll with O''Neal, this time opting to drive to the basket.


    Jackson was too slow to keep up, but Han rotated over to the paint and cut off Williams'' layup angle.


    Just as Williams made a bounce pass to a cutting James on the right side, who was about to go for a dunk.


    Without any hesitation, Han turned and rotated over to contest the shot.


    The two collided, sending Han flying out of bounds, but the contact disrupted James'' attempt.


    Malone''s whistle blew again¡ª blocking foul on Han Sen.


    Compared to Pierce, Malone''s calls were much more fair.


    But with two fouls in the opening minutes, the clash between Team One and Team Three was clearly far more intense than the previous game between Team One and Team Two.


    The man responsible for this was being pulled off the ground by his teammates.


    Han got up and let out a deep breath, coughing twice¡ª James'' physicality was terrifying. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fortunately, Han had managed to back off slightly to lessen the impact.


    "My bad, I should''ve switched," Jawad Williams patted his chest, taking responsibility.


    Han Sen, as a starter, was playing alongside the bench players to create opportunities for them.


    He nodded without saying anything.


    James made one of his two free throws, and Team One got on the board.


    On Team Three''s next possession, Han called for a screen from Jackson.


    Though Jackson was only 2.06 meters tall, he weighed 115 kilograms, and his screen wasn''t bad.


    O''Neal didn''t drop back but instead stepped forward to contest.


    Han quickly changed direction, slipped past him, and sprinted towards the basket.


    In that moment, it felt like he had truly entered a fantasy martial arts world, his feet dancing with [Phantom Steps] as he weaved through the defense.


    Just as he reached the basket, James rotated over, timing his jump perfectly for his signature chase-down block.


    But he underestimated Han''s finishing ability.


    Han Sen contorted in midair, pulling off a reverse layup with his left hand to avoid the block, and smoothly laid the ball in.


    After reaching the bottleneck of [Phantom Steps], his body control had improved even further, making his movements appear even more fluid.


    The score was now 4-1.


    No one could have imagined that Team Three would start like this against Team One.


    Or that Han''s driving ability had reached such a level.


    Moreover, the overall morale of Team Three was noticeably different.


    What a strong team needs is teamwork, but what a weak team needs most is a star player!


    And right now, Han Sen was that star.


    The biggest change brought on by the boost in morale was their increased defensive intensity.


    O''Neal posted up inside, attacking decisively, but Han quickly rotated over, disrupting O''Neal''s shot with a foul.


    O''Neal made one of two free throws.


    Han took the ball again, facing old Parker once more.


    This time, after getting past Parker, both James and O''Neal rotated over to help.


    Han spotted the opportunity and passed the ball to an open Jackson on the baseline.


    Although Han hadn''t unlocked any passing-related talents, passing and ball handling were fundamental skills he had honed during his NCAA days.


    This kind of pass, drawing the double-team and dishing to an open teammate, wasn''t too difficult.


    Jackson, with no one defending him, rose up for the easy layup.


    Even though he was a bench player, he was still an NBA player- missing a wide-open layup was unlikely.


    The score was now 6-2.


    Coach Brown was getting anxious. He stood up and walked to the sideline.


    "Pay attention to your help defense!" He didn''t dare criticize O''Neal, so he yelled at Cunningham instead.


    But more important than who he was yelling at was the fact that he was yelling at all of them.


    These intra-squad scrimmages usually had no coach involvement, but Brown was now actively directing Team One.


    Clearly, he was nervous.


    Not just because losing to the bench players would be embarrassing, but more importantly, he could tell that Han was out to challenge James today.


    If James were to lose, he couldn''t even imagine what that would look like.


    James finally took the ball.


    He could sense that Han Sen had come prepared today.


    But as soon as he got the ball, Han immediately pressed him.


    That earlier collision taught Han that if James got up to speed, he wouldn''t stand a chance defensively.


    James couldn''t shake him off.


    Although Han wasn''t as fast as Tony Allen, he wasn''t much slower, and with his bigger body, James couldn''t create any space by trying to muscle past him.


    With Han''s added weight, plus the talent boosts from [Star Catcher] and [Phantom Steps], his defense against James was surprisingly effective.


    Unable to drive past, James called for a screen.


    O''Neal set a high screen, as wide and solid as a wall.


    But Han quickly maneuvered around it, clearly daring James to take the shot.


    James decisively pulled up for the jumper.


    As expected, the shot clanked off the back rim.


    With O''Neal pulled up high, Jackson secured another defensive rebound.


    This time, Team Three even executed a fast break, with West driving coast to coast and assisting Jawad Williams for the layup.


    8-2!


    Coach Brown wiped sweat from his forehead.


    He glanced at the clock¡ª there were still five minutes left in the game. As long as Team One found their rhythm, there was enough time to catch up.


    James took the ball again, this time skipping the probing phase and immediately calling for a pick, choosing Cunningham instead of O''Neal for the screen.


    Unlike O''Neal, Cunningham could shoot, so he could pull the defender away, leaving James with a clearer path to the basket.


    James'' thinking was sound, and his execution was spot-on. He accelerated towards the basket the moment the screen opened up.


    But Han Sen was quick to follow, sticking to him even as James picked up speed.


    The result was that while James had started his drive, it was like he was carrying a weight on his back, slowing him down.


    He finally muscled through to the paint, powering through Han''s defense to finish the three-step layup.


    But with his speed not fully up, Han wasn''t knocked away so easily.


    James was forced to stop in the paint after two steps, powering up again to muscle Han out of the way before laying the ball in.


    Malone''s whistle blew.


    "And one!" Coach Brown shouted excitedly.


    James pumped his fist.


    Six points felt like a lot, but if this free throw went in, the gap would be down to just three.


    However, Malone''s gesture left everyone in shock.


    He rotated both fists in front of his chest like turning wheels¡ª a traveling violation!


    Brown''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    "Malone, do you even know how to referee?! Bring back Pierce!"


    Did James travel? Yes, clearly, after taking his two steps for the layup, he landed with both feet, making it a textbook travel.


    But the key issue is, in an official game, James wouldn''t get called for this! Just like how Pierce didn''t call Varejao for illegal screens during the offseason training camp¡ª why call something in practice that won''t get called in a real game?!


    Malone remained unfazed, signaling that it was Team Three''s ball.


    "I''ve never tried to be LeBron''s friend, nor will I blindly praise him. I''m a coach. If he doesn''t do his job right, I''ll treat him the same as any other player."


    Just as Han Sen knew, Malone was a man of principles.

 Chapter 68: You Guys F**king Need Me!

    Chapter 68: You Guys F**king Need Me!"Get your a**es up! Is this how I taught you to play defense?!"


    Brown could only vent his anger on the players from the first team, but this also meant he disregarded the rules and started directly coaching them.


    Under his yelling, the first team''s defense noticeably improved. Team Three made a mistake in their play, and James successfully made a steal.


    James sprinted coast-to-coast, finishing with a signature tomahawk dunk.


    As he landed, James let out a roar, finally releasing his pent-up emotions.


    On the sidelines, Varejao and the others couldn''t help but shout excitedly.


    Only 4 points down? That''s because James hadn''t started going full force yet.


    Once he did, closing the gap would be a matter of minutes!


    Han continued to call for the ball in the frontcourt.


    Breaking through takes a lot of energy¡ªanyone who''s played even a couple of games of NBA 2K knows that, even if they''ve never played basketball themselves.


    Especially since Han was also battling James on defense, his energy was being drained even more.


    So in the previous possession, he had West handle the offense while he took a breather on the side.


    But the fact was, basketball is a talent-driven sport, and once the first team got serious, Han was the only player on Team Three who could make things happen.


    Han caught the ball, held it in his left hand, and signaled for a pick-and-roll play with his right.


    West directed the weak side to spread out, and Jackson came up high to set a screen for Han.


    O''Neal had been beaten by Han Sen once earlier, so this time he didn''t step out aggressively but instead switched with Cunningham.


    However, this type of switch naturally creates gaps, and even a small one was enough for Han to exploit.


    He used Jackson''s screen to dribble right, and when Cunningham saw his movement and lunged right, Han immediately crossed over and stepped back to the left for a three-point shot.


    Before Han Sen had crossed over, LeBron once bragged on J.J. Redick''s podcast about a type of pick-and-roll called the "Varejao pick".


    The only difference between that pick-and-roll and this one was that Varejao moved while setting the screen¡ª technically an illegal screen¡ª but Jackson''s screen here was stationary. Hansen simply used his offensive threat to manipulate the defense.


    Swish!


    Accompanied by the crisp sound of the ball going through the net, the basketball seemed as if it had a homing device, landing directly in the hoop.


    Han Sen held his follow-through.


    He knew exactly what he came to do today, and he was going to get it done.


    11-4.


    The lead was now 7 points!


    At this point, 12 minutes of game time had passed.


    James was starting to get anxious, but unfortunately for him, Malone, not Pierce, was acting as the temporary referee. After getting called for a travel, James felt like his rhythm was completely off.


    And this emotional fluctuation gave Hansen the opening he needed.


    Smack!


    The moment James initiated a crossover, Hansen swiped down and cleanly stole the ball.


    James, in frustration, grabbed Hansen and was whistled for a defensive foul by Malone.


    He couldn''t help but curse.


    Hansen remained expressionless, taking the ball to the backcourt to inbound it.


    At this moment, he resembled the "Terminator" Shaquille O''Neal had once described him as.


    Cold, like a machine.


    Possession swapped again, and under Brown''s barking orders, Old Parker fronted Han to limit his chances of getting the ball.


    Seeing this, Hansen gestured to Jackson to continue running the pindown off-ball screen play.


    After two attempts, Han finally got free off the screen, and West quickly delivered the pass.


    However, the intent of this play was too obvious, and it took too much time. By the time Han took the shot, James had already flown over from the weak side to contest.


    Seeing this, Hansen quickly drove past him, and after drawing in both James and Williams, he kicked the ball out to West on the perimeter.


    Hansen had anticipated this all along. After sinking that last three-pointer, he could feel that the entire first team''s defensive focus was locked on him.


    West didn''t panic, faking out the recovering Williams, taking a dribble, and then calmly sinking a three-pointer.


    Swish!


    The ball went through the net once more!


    When momentum is on your side, good shooting becomes contagious!


    After the shot, West found Han Sen and gave him a crisp high-five. He didn''t say anything, but his excitement was fully expressed in that high-five.


    14-4.


    Brown was drenched in sweat!


    A 10-point deficit with less than five minutes left¡ª it really looked like the first team was about to lose!


    James didn''t dare to drive to the hoop anymore.


    No matter how unwilling he was to admit it, the truth was that he couldn''t break through Han Sen''s defense.


    At this moment, O''Neal powered up in the paint, spun baseline after receiving the ball, and finished with a two-handed dunk.


    14-6.


    This dunk stopped the first team''s slump and kept their hopes alive.


    Though O''Neal had a good relationship with Han off the court, just like he had with Kobe back when they played together on the Lakers, he made a clear distinction between on-court and off-court matters.


    Han continued running the pindown play with Jackson in the frontcourt.


    Now that James wasn''t aggressively attacking, Han Sen had more energy to recover on defense.


    After receiving the ball, he faced James, who came over to help, and suddenly made a wide left-handed crossover.


    James, charging too aggressively, couldn''t stop in time and flew past him.


    Though he used his immense athleticism to push off the floor and keep from falling, by the time he regained his balance, Han Sen had already burst past him.


    And just as James, with his incredible physical gifts, lunged back to block, Han pulled a sudden step-back behind the three-point line.


    The crowd fell silent¡ªJames had been completely toyed with by Han Sen this possession!


    Varejao gritted his teeth, his eyes practically popping out.


    If he were on the court, he''d definitely want to go after Han!


    Of course, someone else did it for him. As Han went up for his shot, Williams, knowing he couldn''t stop him, intentionally fouled him.


    Malone''s whistle blew, and Hansen was sent to the free-throw line for three shots.


    This wasn''t a regular game¡ª there were no fans¡ª but Varejao was still yapping non-stop.


    Even Ilgauskas, standing nearby, couldn''t help but frown at the noise.


    Han calmly sank all three free throws, each one nothing but net.


    Varejao instantly fell silent.


    17-6!


    The game was basically over at this point.


    With less than three minutes left, even if O''Neal kept scoring in the paint, the first team didn''t have enough time to catch up. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Moreover, Team Three could still use the "Hack-a-Shaq" strategy.


    And now, Team Three was deliberately running down the clock during their possessions.


    As the time slowly ticked away, despair started to appear on the first team''s players'' faces.


    Under Brown''s shouted orders, the first team tried to press, but Han Sen and West worked together smoothly, advancing the ball into the frontcourt.


    Han was fouled again and sent to the free-throw line.


    This time, his hand trembled a bit, and he only made one out of two.


    But this felt more like a silent taunt because the outcome of the game was no longer in doubt.


    In the final minute, Williams hit a quick three-pointer, but it was too little, too late.


    After O''Neal vented his frustration with a thunderous dunk on the last possession, Malone blew the final whistle to end the game.


    The score was locked at 18-11.


    Han Sen had scored 11 of Team Three''s 18 points.


    Basketball isn''t a one-on-five game, but today, Han had almost single-handedly destroyed the first team.


    The atmosphere in the gym was extremely strange.


    Finally, it was Varejao who broke the tension, calling out the second team''s players to come on the court to win back some pride for the first team.


    Brown didn''t stop it, because the inter-squad training games were meant to have alternating players.


    This time, Pierce took over as the temporary referee.


    Pierce gave the second team a break by immediately calling a ticky-tacky foul on Han''s defense and even provided his usual explanation: "You''re a rookie, you''d get called for that in a game."


    But it didn''t change anything, because Han quickly adapted to the new officiating style and cleanly stripped the ball from Daniel Gibson twice.


    Gibson had been playing well all night, but just like in training camp, he struggled to get his shot off against Han, who was bigger, stronger, and nearly as fast as him.


    And with the second team''s lineup lacking offensive threats in the paint, they had to rely heavily on perimeter play.


    As for Varejao, who had been the loudest on the sidelines, you know how dogs bark the loudest when their leash is held by their owner. But once the leash is let go, they suddenly go quiet.


    20-10. Hansen scored another 14 points, leading Team Three to defeat the second team.


    The gym fell completely silent once more.


    Hansen had done something that seemed entirely impossible, and he had done it twice.


    At some point, Ferry had arrived at the gym. He stood next to Brown, with a look of disbelief on his face. Clearly, he had been there for quite a while.


    Han was somewhat surprised by Ferry''s appearance, but it was better that he was there.


    He walked straight toward them, speaking as he went.


    In the large gym, only his voice echoed.


    "I''m not going to pretend I''m the most talented player on this team. That title goes to LeBron.


    And when it comes to experience? Yeah, that''s Shaquille.


    But let''s be real here¡ªwho''s the one that helps this team win games?


    That''s me!


    Without me, you''re not beating the Magic.


    Without me, you won''t get past the Celtics.


    And honestly, without me, there''s no way you''re even making it to the Finals.


    You guys f**king need me!!"

 Chapter 69: I Don’t Want To But I need To.

    Chapter 69: I Don''t Want To But I need To.The words were powerful, decisive, and as electrifying as a bolt of lightning.


    Everyone was stunned.


    Han Sen''s words were arrogant, but they were all true.


    The win against the Magic was thanks to his game-winning shot.


    The win against the Celtics was due to him dropping 25 points.


    And without Han, the starting lineup couldn''t even beat the third team led by him!


    No one responded because there was no way to refute it.


    After saying these words, Han turned and left.


    "Wait!" At that moment, someone called out.


    "Let''s play again!" It was Mo Williams, who seemed unwilling to accept defeat and wanted a rematch.


    "You should first convince the Magic to play another round of the Eastern Conference Finals with you," Han replied without looking back, and then walked straight out of the gym.


    "F**k, this guy is crazy!" Varejao started yelling again after Hansen left.


    "Shut up!" LeBron''s face was very unpleasant.


    Leading the team''s main lineup and losing to a group of rookies led by a newcomer was undoubtedly the most humiliating day of his NBA career.


    This was even more humiliating than being swept by the Spurs in the Finals.


    "If word gets out about what happened today, none of you will have a good time."


    After dropping this harsh warning, LeBron gestured for Ferry to speak with him privately.


    At this moment, Coach Brown seemed like he wanted to say something but held back. From what he knew about Han Sen, even if they kept quiet, he would definitely run out and spread the word.


    "Keep him."


    After leaving the gym, LeBron spoke in a nearly commanding tone.


    Ferry turned in shock, thinking he had misheard.


    After Han Sen humiliated the entire Cavaliers team in such a manner, LeBron still wanted him to stay?


    "Tell him that everything that happened before was a misunderstanding. If necessary, I''ll have Brown apologize to him, but make him stay," he repeated.


    Ferry was still confused.


    "Are you acknowledging his abilities?"


    "I need this championship," LeBron replied realistically.


    Now Ferry understood.


    Hansen, as a top-tier 3-and-D player, could be the missing piece in the Cavaliers'' championship puzzle, but beating the Lakers would still be challenging. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The main problem was that in critical moments, no one could match up with Kobe.


    Or you could say, just like during the Christmas showdown, the Cavaliers could play evenly with the Lakers.


    But when it came to the decisive fourth quarter, the Cavaliers always fell apart.


    This had something to do with LeBron''s skill set¡ª he wasn''t particularly strong in clutch situations.


    But today, Han Sen demonstrated that ability, and he was even stronger than before.


    Keeping him not only filled the championship puzzle but also provided a player who could score in critical moments¡ª killing two birds with one stone.


    "Go quickly."


    Seeing that Ferry understood, LeBron urged him.


    After Ferry ran off, LeBron took a long breath.


    His mind was still filled with images of facing off against Han Sen. The pressure he put on him defensively, at full strength, was no less than what he faced from any of the league''s top defenders!


    Such a player, if you could have him as a teammate, you absolutely couldn''t let him become your opponent.


    If this guy somehow ended up in the hands of a championship rival, that would be fatal.


    So, from any perspective, the Cavaliers had to keep Han Sen.


    Ferry searched the second floor but couldn''t find any sign of him.


    He began to feel anxious, and sweat began to form on his forehead.


    If Han spread the news before he found him, there would be no room for negotiation.


    He quickly called security at the door to ask if Han had left the gym.


    To his surprise, the call brought unexpected good news.


    "He is in the lounge on the first floor with a reporter."


    Han Sen, with a reporter?


    Ferry''s mind raced, and he immediately realized the situation was bad.


    He had planned this all along!


    He hurried to the lounge and pushed the door open, finding, just as security had said, Han sitting face-to-face with the reporter Khalil.


    Sitting by the door was Han''s agent, Thomas.


    All three turned their heads in confusion.


    Han had expected Ferry to come looking for him after the events of today, just not so quickly.


    Seeing the sweat on his forehead, it was clear he had rushed over as fast as he could.


    Was Ferry so eager to send him off?


    But that was good news. After all, the whole point of today''s actions was to get the Cavaliers to trade him.


    The sooner the better, and if they could settle it today, that would be ideal.


    Han motioned for Khalil to wait outside for a moment.


    "Have you started already?" Ferry asked as Khalil stood up.


    Khalil shook his head.


    He sighed in relief.


    This behavior puzzled Han. What exactly was Ferry here for?


    "We want you to stay," Ferry said bluntly once Khalil had left.


    Han Sen froze.


    Had he heard that right?


    Ferry wanted him to stay, not trade him?


    "You can ask for anything, of course, except for a trade." Thomas had already sat down beside Han.


    "He needs to stay on the court during critical moments," Thomas said.


    "Naturally."


    "No less than 30 minutes of playing time."


    "That can be arranged."


    "A tactical role second only to LeBron''s."


    "No problem."


    Thomas stopped and turned to look at Han.


    He laughed. What was this?


    When he wanted to play seriously, they restricted this and that, but now that he wanted to leave, they suddenly offered him everything?


    Of course, Han knew that even Ferry didn''t have the power to make such promises.


    The only two people who did were Cavaliers owner Gilbert and LeBron.


    So, was this LeBron''s idea?


    Or had he earned LeBron''s respect?


    That seemed to be the case.


    While his overall skill level wasn''t yet on par with Kyrie or anywhere near Wade''s, in terms of role, he had become a similar type of player.


    Or perhaps he was now a version of Mo Williams with fewer offensive options but significantly better defense.


    Either way, LeBron wouldn''t want to let him go.


    Damn!


    He had imagined many different outcomes but never considered this possibility.


    It wasn''t that he couldn''t think of it¡ª it just never crossed his mind.


    LeBron really could be humble when he needed to be.


    "Of course, we all know you''ve endured a lot. If you want, I can have Brown apologize to you."


    Han laughed again.


    But this time, it was for Brown.


    He thought he had been quite the clown before, trying to gain bad press for the sake of his [hater points], but compared to Brown, he was nothing.


    To have a coach fall this low was unprecedented.


    But what was the point of having him apologize?


    None of this had been Brown''s decision.


    "How about LeBron apologizes?" Han looked at Ferry.


    He knew that was impossible.


    Asking the chosen one to apologize to someone would be like asking him to kneel.


    But only an impossible condition could push the Cavaliers to trade him.

 Chapter 70: The One-Year Agreement.

    Chapter 70: The One-Year Agreement."I can''t promise you right away, but I think it should be possible."


    Ferry''s response left Han Sen stunned.


    He couldn''t help but wonder what kind of instructions Ferry had received from James.


    "Han, can we have a conversation that we''ll forget as soon as we step outside this door?" Ferry continued.


    He nodded; perhaps the answer to his question lay in the words that would follow.


    "What do you think the chances are that LeBron will leave if he can''t win a championship in Cleveland this year?"


    Even though Han had mentally prepared himself, Ferry''s question still caught him off guard.


    "100%," Hansen replied bluntly. Since it was a "forget-it-once-we-leave" conversation, he had no need to hold back.


    "Yes, I think so too, though this is just my personal opinion," Ferry added cautiously. "From my perspective, I believe he''s done enough for this team, having fought for seven years. He''s already given everything to this team and the fans of this city."


    It was clear that Ferry and James had more than just a professional relationship as GM and player.


    Of course, what Hansen didn''t know was that Ferry had arrived at the Cavaliers the same year as James, and they had weathered the ups and downs of the team together.


    "But if he chooses to leave, it will be difficult for him to become a legend. As ''The Chosen One,'' he would leave as a failure."


    While Ferry was lamenting, Han Sen couldn''t help but laugh again.


    ''The Chosen One,'' once a symbol of greatness, had now become a burden¡ª how ironic.


    "So, he needs this championship," Ferry said plainly, sensing that convincing Han to stay wouldn''t be easy.


    "That''s what he needs, not me," Hansen responded just as directly.


    Winning a championship as a rookie would undoubtedly be great, but after everything he had been through, he had no interest in helping James win a title.


    Ferry glanced at Thomas. Judging by Thomas'' earlier questions, it seemed that Hansen was more interested in opportunities and development than championships.


    Ferry then turned his attention back to Han. "But don''t you need a stage?"


    "I can tell you this: if a trade does happen, the team will definitely send you to the Western Conference, but it will be to a bottom-feeder team."


    Ferry referred to the type of struggling team Thomas had previously mentioned.


    It was clear that Han Sen''s performance in today''s scrimmage had made the Cavaliers wary of him.


    "You know, for rookies, the playoffs are an important stage¡ª it''s where players truly prove their worth."


    Is there really such a huge difference in talent between players? Take Zach Randolph from the Grizzlies and Tim Duncan from the Spurs, for example. On the surface, they seem incomparable, but many times, they could go head-to-head.


    That''s the importance of the stage. Duncan appeared in the playoffs year after year, while Randolph had only been there once in his career, giving people the impression that he was just putting up empty stats on a bad team.


    There are plenty of similar examples, like Paul Pierce and Pau Gasol. Although both barely made the playoffs, neither made a significant impact. However, once they reached the Finals and even won championships, their standing in the league soared.


    That''s the stage¡ª most players aren''t attracted by the championship ring itself, but by the financial benefits that come afterward.


    Winning a championship and signing a new contract often means a big payday.


    Han Sen had to start thinking.


    If he went to a bottom-feeder team, he would undoubtedly get more opportunities and better stats.


    But this wasn''t much different from when he had chosen to attend Barry University.


    He talked big, but no one paid attention; he put up great numbers, but they were deemed meaningless; and he had to rack his brain just to get some [hater points].


    But staying with the Cavaliers, he could still easily get those points, and the Cavaliers could now offer him everything he wanted.


    The only issue was James.


    "I won''t try to get along with LeBron off the court. I''ll just remain professional on the court," He finally said.


    "No problem."


    "At press conferences, can I refuse to answer questions about LeBron? Windhorst''s questions are just sickening."


    "That''s entirely your choice."


    "If I continue to be targeted or if you don''t keep your promises, I''ll still request a trade."


    "Your concerns won''t happen again."


    Han stopped talking, knowing that no matter what he said, Ferry would agree.


    Thomas nodded toward him at this point.


    From the start, Thomas'' intention had been to help him secure more benefits.


    However, Han didn''t immediately agree because another thought crossed his mind.


    All these conditions he was setting were based on only being teammates with James for one season. As a time traveler, Han knew James would soon leave Cleveland.


    But if the Cavaliers won a championship, would James still leave?


    Theoretically, yes¡ª James was backed by Nike, and they needed him to go to a big city to enhance his personal brand.


    But there was always the possibility that James would stay.


    For instance, he could sign a short-term contract, make one more run at a championship with the Cavaliers, and then leave if he failed, ensuring he''d leave "with no regrets for this city".


    That was very possible, as James'' team had always been crafting that narrative for him.


    But that outcome was the last thing Han Sen wanted.


    "I have one more request."


    "Go ahead," Ferry said, looking pleased, sensing he was close to fulfilling James'' orders.


    "If LeBron chooses to stay next summer, I want a trade to the team of my choice."


    Ferry froze for a moment but quickly understood.


    Han Sen''s mindset was different from that of most Americans. He wouldn''t brush everything aside and say, "It was all a misunderstanding", just for the sake of personal gain.


    He hadn''t forgotten what James had done to him, and the only reason he was staying was for the stage Ferry had mentioned.


    "Okay," Ferry agreed after a moment of thought.


    This wasn''t just because James had told him, "I need the championship this year," but also because of Han Sen''s personality.


    If the Cavaliers didn''t win the championship and James left, Han''s personality could make him the team''s new franchise player, especially since he had a huge market in the East.


    And if the Cavaliers did win and James stayed, Ferry could always trade Han for another player or players willing to serve James. Winning the championship would only further boost Han''s trade value.


    "Verbal agreements are meaningless," Han said. He didn''t trust NBA GMs; as a time traveler, he knew too many stories of broken promises.


    "So, what do you want?"


    "I want it in writing. If the team doesn''t fulfill its promises, I''ll expose everything that happened during the scrimmage today and all of the promises we''ve made to the media. You know I have the ability to do that."


    Ferry was stunned. He hadn''t expected a rookie like Han to be so meticulous.


    He glanced outside. Didn''t Khalil say he was adjusting equipment? Does that really take this long?


    "This has never been done before," Ferry said, showing a bit of hesitation.


    "Then today will be the first," Han replied firmly.


    "Fine!" Ferry finally gritted his teeth and agreed. He had to get this done for James, no matter what.


    And so, the two men who had been chatting casually a moment ago called for paper and a pen to draft a written agreement.


    The basic content was that Ferry would guarantee Han Sen the role and team status he had promised earlier, and if LeBron chose to stay after a year, Han would be traded to the team of his choice.


    After signing the agreement, Han asked Khalil to head back while he went upstairs with Ferry.


    Instead of taking Han directly back to the practice facility, Ferry took him to the GM''s office.


    After indicating that Han should wait outside, Ferry went in.


    A moment later, he came back out, with LeBron by his side.


    "I think I owe you an apology. There were some misunderstandings between us," LeBron said with a smile.


    The classic "misunderstanding".


    Han smiled too, with a hint of amusement in his eyes.


    Because in his mind, he was picturing the scene of LeBron kneeling at the Celtics'' arena. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nike probably never expected their "Chosen One" would become someone so "flexible".


    After leaving the GM''s office, Han Sen headed back to the locker room. He needed a shower and a fresh set of clothes¡ª he was stinking right now.


    By the time he returned to the locker room, most of the Cavaliers had already left, but he saw someone there.


    "Dante, why are you still here?" Han Sen was a little surprised to see Cunningham.


    "I just saw Ferry take you to the GM''s office," he said as he stood up, looking a bit concerned. "Are you really leaving?"


    Han shook his head.


    "You''re not leaving?" Cunningham''s face brightened, but then he quickly pulled back his emotions.


    "Did they still refuse to let you go?"


    "Dante, let me shower first, then let''s go grab a meal and talk about it." The locker room wasn''t the place for that conversation.


    After the shower, the two went to a caf¨¦ and got a private room. He told Cunningham everything, leaving out only a few details he couldn''t share.


    There was nothing for Han to hide from Cunningham.


    "My relationship with him is now like Kobe and Shaq in the later years of the Lakers," Han said, using a vivid analogy.


    In the NBA, players are essentially coworkers. Most fans think that the relationships between players are how the league markets them. The classic example was the Rockets'' "Yao-McGrady" combination.


    In reality, even when they played on the same team, Yao and McGrady were never that close.


    What fans didn''t know was that Yao and McGrady weren''t even in the same friend circles off the court. The truth was, Yao was closer to Derek Fisher, his adversary on the court.


    "You know what? If it were me, I''d leave," Cunningham said, surprising Han Sen with his candidness.


    "What? Why?"


    "I used to think that no one would care if I left. If I could be the cornerstone of a team, I''d leave and find my own path," Cunningham said, a hint of resolve in his voice. "But now that you''re here, things are different."


    Cunningham then reached out and patted Han Sen on the shoulder.


    He wasn''t a fool. Reflecting on how he had made the starting line-up he knew Han Sen had influenced the decision behind the scenes with Shaq. Even though he didn''t show it, he was extremely grateful.


    Han Sen is the brother he''s going to stick with through thick and thin!

 Chapter 71: Life After the Disaster.

    Chapter 71: Life After the Disaster.The next day, Han Sen arrived at the gym a little earlier than usual, just like he always did.


    Before long, James arrived with Mancillas.


    As soon as they saw Han, they walked straight toward him.


    "This is my trainer, Mike Mancillas. He used to be Tim Grover''s assistant. If you need any help, you can ask him," James introduced him.


    Mancillas immediately extended his hand towards Han.


    Han Sen put down his dumbbells and shook hands with him, then shook his head.


    "Thanks, but I know how to train myself."


    They had already agreed that he didn''t need to improve his off-court relationship with James, even if James was now seemingly making the first move.


    Besides, back when he was in Miami, Han hadn''t taken a liking to Grover himself, so why would he care about his assistant?


    Moreover, he knew that James'' entire career wasn''t exactly synonymous with the word "technique". So, how reliable could this Mancillas really be?


    James didn''t say anything more, at least Han had said the word "thanks".


    There was a basic level of respect, and they had a common goal¡ª that was enough for them.


    Hansen finished his strength training earlier and headed to the locker room.


    By the time he arrived, the locker room was already bustling with people.


    But when Han walked in, the room quickly quieted down.


    As soon as Varejao saw him, he immediately jumped to his feet and pointed a finger at him. "You still dare to show up!"


    However, at the same time, Cunningham stood up and stepped in front of Varejao. "So, what do you want to do?!"


    "What are you trying to pull? Have you forgotten what this guy did yesterday?!" Varejao was stunned that Cunningham was siding with Han Sen.


    After all, he was also one of the guys Han had beaten up yesterday.


    "If you can''t beat someone on the court, do you really need to cause trouble off the court?" Cunningham raised his voice.


    "I admit his strength. And I respect it. Ask anyone in this room¡ª how many of them don''t?"


    No one responded, but no one denied it either.


    No one wanted to respond because what happened yesterday was too humiliating for most of them. But no one could deny Cunningham''s words either.


    A loss is a loss. You have to accept it.


    If you start trouble off the court just because you lost on it, then you''re nothing but a clown.


    "Let it go, Dante," Han Sen said at this point, motioning for Cunningham to back down.


    He used to find Varejao annoying, but now he only found him pitiful.


    After all, among the Cavaliers, Varejao was the most loyal to James and had the closest relationship with him. Even Shaq knew this.


    But when everything happened yesterday, Varejao didn''t get a single word of warning.


    Just as expected, a lackey has no rights.


    At that moment, James and Mancillas also entered the locker room.


    Seeing Varejao and Han facing off, James immediately dropped his face. "Get back!"


    Varejao was confused but didn''t dare defy James'' orders.


    James entered the locker room and stood beside Han. Then he said, "From now on, anyone who causes trouble for Han Sen will be causing trouble for me."


    A simple sentence, but it made everyone in the locker room widen their eyes.


    Varejao, in particular, was questioning his entire reality.


    What the heck is going on here?!


    Weren''t they at each other''s throats?


    Didn''t Han Sen humiliate not just the Cavs but especially James yesterday?


    At this point, everyone really wanted to step outside to see if the sun had risen in the west today!


    Seeing everyone''s reactions, James, as if anticipating it, continued,


    "Our only goal this season is the championship. We cannot fail again. No matter what conflicts we had before, they''re in the past. Only by working together can we be unstoppable. None of us is as strong as all of us."


    Han turned and looked at James in surprise. Did he really just pull off that level of a locker room speech? S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That genuinely caught him off guard.


    But it was understandable. This wasn''t an impromptu moment. With the strong team backing James, preparing a speech was no big deal.


    His speech was effective, and his leadership image grew larger in everyone''s eyes.


    Forgiving past grievances for the sake of a championship¡ª if that''s not leadership, what is?


    Han Sen didn''t care about any of this. He quietly sat down in his spot. As long as James'' posturing didn''t cause him trouble, he was fine with it.


    His thoughts remained the same as before: focus on getting stronger.


    He couldn''t be certain if James would stay with the Cavaliers after the season, but what he was sure of was that next season, he and James would no longer be teammates.


    When they meet on the court then, every matchup will be like a clash of titans.


    If by that time he isn''t strong enough, he really would become the clown.


    After James finished his speech, the locker room quickly returned to its usual liveliness.


    Shaq started chatting with Han Sen.


    During the days when Han was being targeted, Shaq hadn''t had an easy time either.


    On the court, Han was the teammate he connected with the best. When he wasn''t on the court, Shaq''s performance noticeably declined.


    Off the court, Shaq and Han were seen as being in the same camp by James. So while Shaq still got along with his teammates on the surface, it was all just for show.


    Now that Han and James'' relationship had softened, Shaq benefited indirectly as well.


    He even asked him about his birthday.


    When he found out that Han''s birthday had just passed, Shaq immediately said that he would give him a belated birthday gift soon.


    Han Sen couldn''t refuse such kindness, so he noted it down, intending to return the favor on Shaq''s birthday.


    Not long after they finished talking, James came over.


    Seeing this, Cunningham moved aside to make room.


    "Andy isn''t a bad guy," James said as he sat down. "If you want, I can have him apologize for everything he did to you before."


    Shaq, hearing this, was surprised. Was James really saying this stuff in the locker room?


    "No need," Han Sen shook his head.


    Varejao was just following orders. And if he really made him apologize in front of everyone, Varejao would lose face and might as well quit the Cavaliers altogether.


    But the most important thing was that Varejao had already been kicked out of the starting lineup by him and Shaq, so he no longer posed any threat.


    As long as the guy didn''t stir up more trouble, it was fine.


    "I''ll thank you on his behalf," James said with a big brotherly air.


    Han smiled. As he looked at James, he wasn''t sure how to describe his feelings at that moment.


    Maybe this is just James.

 Chapter 72: The Remote Farming Plan.

    Chapter 72: The Remote Farming Plan.Today is game day.


    Usually, tactical training isn''t scheduled on game days, but today is an exception. The team needed to practice the plays designed specifically for Han Sen.


    This was the highest level of treatment Han had received in training since coming to Cleveland.


    How to describe this feeling? It''s like getting extra time¡ª pure exhilaration.


    He even started to understand LeBron a little more now. Having the ball in your hands all the time on the court, that''s when you truly enjoy the game.


    Today''s training was semi-public. The tactical drills were held behind closed doors, but once they were over, and the team started shooting drills, the media was let in.


    After the session ended, Han Sen was quickly surrounded by reporters.


    The outside world still didn''t know about the series of events that had transpired over the past three days in the Cavaliers organization. In their minds, Han Sen was still in a "waiting to be traded" status.


    "There are many trade rumors about you circulating out there. How do you feel about them?"


    So naturally, the first question the reporters asked was related to that.


    "I''m standing and watching," Han Sen smiled. "But sitting down is more comfortable."


    "Just kidding, don''t be so serious. I''m just here to play ball," he added when he saw the reporters were stunned.


    When you''re in a good mood, even your words come out humorously.


    "I''ve heard the Grizzlies are making strong efforts to acquire you. It''s rumored that they''re even willing to send O.J. Mayo in exchange. How do you respond to that?"


    Another similar question, and clearly, Han Sen''s earlier joke hadn''t satisfied the reporters.


    Han Sen was slightly surprised and thought of Wallace, who had a good relationship with Ferry.


    "Your information might not be that reliable. Real trade rumors usually don''t get leaked in advance," Han Sen joked back with the reporters again.


    After all, he couldn''t just say he was sure he wouldn''t be traded now¡ª that was up to Ferry to clarify.


    "Paul Pierce recently said in an NBC Boston Sports interview that they wouldn''t make the same mistake again, and that he''s going to teach you a lesson that you''ll never forget. What''s your response to that?"


    The reporters shifted gears.


    "He really said that?" No wonder his [hater points] had mysteriously risen the other day. It turns out Pierce was working for him remotely.


    It seemed the trash talk he threw out last time had hit its mark.


    After confirming this with a nod from the reporter, a sudden idea popped into Han Sen''s mind.


    If he could find these trash-talking players who stir up fan emotions, build up their hatred, and provoke them, then whenever they faced off, just like now, his [hater points] would rise without him lifting a finger!


    And if the hatred was intense enough, he could cultivate them into a ''moderator'' for his anti-fans, meaning that even when they weren''t playing, his [hater points] would grow.


    Hmm, let''s call it the "Remote Farming Plan"!


    Of course, Pierce wasn''t the best candidate for this plan. The best candidate would be Draymond Green.


    But Green was still at Michigan State University, and it would be four years before he entered the NBA.


    "Tell that trash-talking guy that he doesn''t deserve that nickname. I am the real ''Truth''," Han Sen said, his playful smile fading into a serious expression.


    The nickname "Truth" held deep significance for Pierce.


    In fact, if it weren''t for that title, before the Big Three formed in Boston in 2008, Pierce would have been just another forgettable All-Star.


    ...


    That night, the Quicken Loans Arena was packed.


    Although Cleveland fans weren''t as hostile as those in Boston, in their eyes, if the Celtics hadn''t formed their Big Three, the Cavaliers would have won a championship two years ago.


    So, every time these two teams clashed, whether at home or away, it was always a spectacle.


    During pre-game warmups, Han Sen shot around for a bit, sinking several three-pointers in a row. It seemed like his outside touch was sharp tonight.


    After the warmups ended, the opening ceremony began.


    Han Sen was the first player introduced. His entrance was simple: when the announcer called out "77", he lifted his jersey and waved it at the camera.


    Ever since he made that bold statement when he first entered the league, people may not always recognize his name, but if you mentioned "number 77", everyone knew who you were talking about.


    Once the opening ceremony concluded, the starting lineups from both teams took to the court.


    After stepping onto the court, Han Sen noticed that his matchup wasn''t Ray Allen¡ª it was Paul Pierce.


    It seemed that the pre-game trash talk had worked.


    "I heard you''re not happy in Cleveland. How about coming to Boston and joining me?" Pierce opened with a ''concerned'' tone.


    "I think I could be interested. Why don''t you go talk to him about it?" Han Sen glanced toward the other side of the court at LeBron.


    "I''m just trying to help. LeBron can''t win you a championship. He''s my beaten opponent."


    Han Sen couldn''t hold back his laughter.


    Even though he didn''t care much for LeBron, where did Pierce get the nerve to say he had defeated LeBron?


    "Thanks for the offer, but I never rely on others to win championships," Han Sen said as he shifted his gaze to Garnett, who was about to jump for the ball.


    "!!" Pierce immediately became agitated.


    In the 2008 Finals, Pierce averaged 21.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, while Garnett averaged 18.2 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 assists.


    Purely from a statistical standpoint, the two seemed evenly matched. But in terms of impact on the team, Garnett was leagues ahead of Pierce.


    It''s easy to imagine the Celtics winning a championship with any other All-Star in place of Pierce, but how many players could have replaced Garnett?


    Garnett, much like Tim Duncan, was a cornerstone for building a franchise.


    This hit Pierce where it hurt.


    Seeing Pierce''s reaction, Han Sen knew that his farming plan was well underway.


    The whistle blew, and Shaquille O''Neal tapped the ball back to half-court. The Cavaliers were the first to attack.


    Pierce, still rattled by Han Sen''s words, was thinking about how to retaliate on offense.


    As for defense, he wasn''t too worried¡ª Han Sen''s role in the Cavaliers'' tactics was to sit in the corner and create space.


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t have told Han Sen to "take a break" the last time they faced off.


    Besides, Han Sen was currently the subject of trade rumors. If it wasn''t to showcase him for other teams, he probably would''ve been benched by now.


    In fact, the Cavaliers'' tactics seemed unchanged at first glance. Han Sen was spacing out on the weak side while LeBron prepared to attack from the strong side. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But just as Pierce refocused his attention, he suddenly realized that Han Sen had disappeared!


    Looking around, he spotted Han Sen cutting toward a 45-degree angle, with Cunningham setting a screen for him.


    As Han Sen reached the spot, LeBron''s pass arrived perfectly.


    Garnett, showcasing his defensive prowess, quickly fought through Cunningham''s screen to contest the shot.


    But Han Sen executed the same move he had used during the team scrimmage¡ª a quick change of direction dribbling to the opposite side of the screen. With Cunningham in the way, Garnett was too late to recover.


    Before Pierce could close in on him, Han Sen confidently released a three-pointer.


    Swish!


    The ball sailed through the net, accompanied by a chorus of cheers from the crowd. Han Sen had scored the first points for the Cavaliers.


    By the time Pierce reached him, it was already too late.


    "I forgot to tell you something," Han Sen said, looking at Pierce.


    "I''m not the same as before."

 Chapter 73: BOAT Quotes.

    Chapter 73: BOAT Quotes.Pierce had no idea what Han Sen meant by "I''m different," but he found his cocky attitude incredibly annoying.


    When it was the Celtics'' turn to attack, Pierce didn''t attempt to isolate Han like the latter had anticipated. Instead, he also utilized Garnett''s screen to run a set play.


    Garnett''s screens were of high quality, and the key was his excellent mobility and impeccable timing.


    Han couldn''t get around the screen, and Pierce received a pass from Rondo, sinking a mid-range jumper.


    "Rookie, this is the Truth," Pierce taunted after scoring.


    "Oh, so the Truth is worth just a mid-range jumper?" Hansen laughed in response.


    Pierce was left speechless again. When they had faced each other last time, he couldn''t understand why Han Sen, a rookie, was so skilled at trash-talking.


    Is he playing in the NBA or preparing for a graduate exam?


    The Cavaliers went on offense, and Han continued to run his off-ball play. Once again, James passed him the ball.


    This time, Pierce was fully focused, yet he grew more confused.


    The last time these two teams met, which was just a month ago, Han didn''t have this kind of tactical importance, did he?


    And to top it off, he was on the trade block. Was this just a way to showcase him to other teams?


    From the stands, the Cavaliers'' GM nodded with satisfaction as he watched.


    Although this game against the Celtics was a marquee matchup, at the end of the day, it was still just a regular-season game.


    Winning was important, but what mattered more was delivering on the promises they had made.


    On that point, James and the GM were aligned.


    Coach Brown was executing well, and Han was seizing his opportunities.


    Han Sen, seeing Pierce charging at him hard, faked a shot and then drove past him, heading straight for the paint.


    Han''s offensive skills were limited. In reality, his overall abilities weren''t as exaggerated as he had shown during the team''s scrimmages. But he was very good at making plans.


    We often talk about the term "balanced attack," meaning when a defender guards against your shot, you can drive; and when they defend against your drive, you can shoot.


    However, even in the NBA, there aren''t many players who truly excel at both because most players are only proficient in one of these skills.


    But when both skills become equally threatening, it makes it very hard for defenders to stop you.


    At this moment, Cunningham pulled Garnett to the weak side, and Perkins quickly stepped out to help defend.


    Seeing this, Han lobbed the ball toward the basket.


    The pass was a bit off, slightly behind its target, but fortunately, Shaquille O''Neal was under the hoop instead of Jackson.


    "The Big Diesel" soared and slammed the ball home with one hand.


    Who said he''s past his prime?


    The crowd at Quicken Loans Arena erupted.


    As O''Neal strutted around like a king under the basket, Han turned to Pierce with a smile, "So, how many Truths is that alley-oop worth?"


    "Shut up!" Pierce snapped, visibly frustrated.


    Was he trying to steal his nickname, the "Truth"?


    Actually, no, not really.


    Just like how O''Neal once dubbed him "The Terminator," Han had later looked it up and found out that nickname originally belonged to Reggie Miller.


    So, even though O''Neal''s nickname suited him, it didn''t really stick.


    The truth is, it''s difficult to steal someone else''s nickname, unless your influence far surpasses theirs.


    The "Truth" nickname was the same. While Pierce wasn''t quite a true superstar, his influence had grown significantly since winning the championship in 2008.


    For Han to steal that nickname right now would be difficult.


    So, "stealing" wasn''t really his goal. His goal was exactly what he had initially planned¡ªto provoke Pierce.


    And he had succeeded. But after exchanging trash talk with Pierce, Hansen thought of another way to double down on his efforts.


    This method came from what he considered the Bible of his hater system: ''The BOAT Quotes''.


    The seventh rule states: The most effective way to anger someone is to devalue the thing they care about the most.


    And the most efficient way to make something worthless is simply to make it worthless.


    This isn''t just rhetoric; it''s a fact.


    Before LeBron James declared himself the GOAT, no one would associate the term with anyone other than Michael Jordan.


    But James managed to change that. Through his repeated assertions, the term "GOAT" became so common that even players like Kai Jones, who aren''t even notable, now dare to call themselves the GOAT.


    It has even spread to other industries.


    So, he was doing something similar.


    On the Celtics'' next possession, Pierce continued to run a pick-and-roll with Garnett.


    Although he was fuming, he knew from their previous encounter that isolating Han Sen wasn''t the best strategy, given Han''s defensive prowess.


    This time, Han anticipated the screen and fought through it, forcing Garnett to commit an illegal screen violation.


    Garnett was strong, but at 33 years old, his foot speed had slowed, a common issue for big men as they age.


    The most important difference, of course, was that Garnett wasn''t on the Cavaliers. Otherwise, an illegal screen wouldn''t have been called.


    As possession switched hands, Han didn''t move off the ball this time.


    With limited preparation time, the Cavaliers couldn''t devise too many set plays for him. Most of his plays were off-ball screens.


    Unlike the Cavaliers, the Celtics didn''t have an obvious defensive weak spot like O''Neal, so Hansen''s on-ball screens wouldn''t be as effective.


    That''s why the Cavaliers primarily used him as a play finisher.


    The early weak-side off-ball plays were one example of this.


    But a single tactic can''t be used repeatedly; it quickly becomes predictable.


    So, Hansen now moved to the corner to spread the floor, while James and Cunningham ran a pick-and-roll attack, with James driving to the basket.


    Garnett quickly switched to defend James, but James, with his bulldozing strength, powered past him into the paint.


    When no one on the perimeter can slow down James'' drive, he becomes a ferocious force, especially this season after bulking up.


    The Celtics'' defense collapsed, and even Pierce had to rotate into the paint.


    But before the Celtics could form a defensive wall, James whipped the ball to the corner.


    This pass was not a bailout but a planned tactical pass.


    Han received the ball and even had time to make a slight adjustment before shooting a three.


    Swish!


    The ball sliced through the net once more.


    Just as he had felt in the pre-game warm-ups, his shooting was indeed on point tonight.


    And compared to the previous three-pointer, this one was much easier.


    After nailing the shot, Hansen turned to Pierce and held up four fingers.


    Yes, according to the previous exchange rate, Hansen now had four "Truths."


    Pierce finally snapped.


    He called for the ball and posted up against Han Sen, preparing to go one-on-one with him.


    Pierce was aggressive, clearly angered by how Han had devalued what he held dear.


    Han Sen didn''t back down either, engaging in a physical battle with Pierce.


    But during their struggle, Garnett quietly slid into Han''s blind spot.


    Pierce took advantage of this, spun toward the free-throw line, and caught Han off-guard. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Facing Cunningham''s help defense, Pierce executed his signature step-back jumper and scored.


    After the shot, Pierce turned and looked at Hansen, ready to deliver some trash talk.


    "No need to say anything," Han said, nodding. "I know, you''ve earned two ''Truths''."


    "..."

 Chapter 74: He Opened Up a New Path.

    Chapter 74: He Opened Up a New Path.At this moment, Pierce''s expression was one of utter disbelief, as if speechlessness itself had reached its peak.


    Why did Han Sen get 2 truths for scoring a basket, while he only got 1 for his?


    Wait, why the hell was he even comparing his points with Han''s in terms of ''truths''?!


    Shaking his head hard, he confirmed that Han was just a freak.


    Forget it. Arguing with this guy was just asking for trouble.


    He turned his attention back to the game, already having made up his mind.


    The Cavaliers were on offense again, with James continuing to handle the ball and initiate pick-and-roll plays.


    Ray Allen''s ability to fight through screens was decent, but his size couldn''t match up with James, who was still able to penetrate.


    The Celtics kept collapsing in on defense, and James continued to drive and dish.


    However, this time, Pierce had already started to retreat as soon as James jumped to pass, so James didn''t pass to Hansen but instead gave it to Williams on the perimeter.


    Williams drove towards the basket, and Pierce quickly moved to help defend.


    Although he didn''t know why Williams was called "No-Pass Mo," he was well aware of his play style¡ª a man with eyes only for the basket.


    But, once again, things didn''t go as Pierce expected. Halfway through his drive, Williams actually passed the ball.


    And the recipient... was Han Sen again!


    Even if they were trying to showcase him for a trade, did the whole team really have to keep passing to him?


    How eager were they to get rid of him?!


    Pierce was shocked, but that didn''t stop him from following the ball towards Han.


    However, after being caught out twice in a row, his defensive positioning was far worse than before.


    As he rushed over, Han waited for him to get close, then used a pump fake to get past him and drove straight to the basket.


    Earlier, Han had lobbed an alley-oop to O''Neal, so Perkins didn''t dare to step out and defend.


    But Garnett came over from the free-throw line to help out.


    Despite losing some mobility, Garnett''s reputation as a first-class help defender was well deserved.


    Han Sen chose to make a slight change of direction and switched into a quick sidestep move.


    This was the first time Hansen used his ''Euro Step'' after hitting a bottleneck with his [Phantom Steps].


    The clear difference was that his change of pace had become even faster.


    Garnett hesitated for just a moment in his judgment, and Hansen had already shifted past him with a sharp change of direction, finishing with a low-handed layup.


    Garnett, though, hadn''t given up, attempting to use his long arms to block the shot.


    Sensing this, Han Sen leaned into Garnett''s body, causing Garnett to get pushed slightly off balance. His blocking hand ended up hitting Han''s wrist.


    All of this happened in a split second. Han was fouled on the play, losing his balance from the contact, and his shot''s trajectory fell short.


    The ball bounced off the front of the rim, hovered for a moment, and then rolled in!


    Not only was he in good form tonight, but his luck was pretty solid too.


    The referee''s whistle came a bit late, but this was a 2+1 play that could easily make the highlight reel.


    After losing his balance and falling to the ground, Han lay there, fist-pumping in excitement once he saw the ball go in.


    Although the feeling came a bit late compared to the Christmas game, this was still incredibly satisfying!


    O''Neal and Cunningham rushed over to help him up.


    Once back on his feet, Han took a deep breath and walked to the free-throw line.


    Garnett''s expression wasn''t too bad, knowing that his defense was already solid and that Hansen had relied quite a bit on luck to score.


    But Pierce was genuinely frustrated at this point.


    Han was arrogant and obnoxious, yet the Cavaliers kept feeding him the ball all night¡ªand his luck was through the roof!


    Was there no justice left in the world?!


    Seeing Pierce standing there by the free-throw line, visibly annoyed, Han couldn''t help but feel a bit sympathetic.


    Before the referee handed him the ball, he turned to Pierce and said, "Why don''t we just stick with ''Truth''? You can be ''American Truth'', and I''ll be ''World Truth.'' That way, we don''t have to argue anymore." sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Pierce glared at Han Sen so intensely it felt like he was stabbing him 11 times in his mind.


    From that look alone, he knew he''d just earned his first dedicated hater.


    By halftime, the Cavaliers were leading 54-44.


    Han had just played the most dazzling half of his NBA career, racking up 25 points.


    Whenever he was on the floor, the Cavaliers did everything they could to get him the ball, and he definitely delivered.


    If he scored 25 in the first half, would he score 50 by the end?


    Of course, it wasn''t that simple.


    When a player performs exceptionally well in the first half, the opposing team usually makes defensive adjustments during halftime.


    That''s why it''s rare for players to replicate their first-half performance in the second half.


    And against a team like the Celtics, known for their defense, even superstars like Kobe would struggle to maintain the same scoring pace.


    Hansen was no exception.


    Moreover, unlike their last meeting, where the Celtics had misjudged Han Sen''s skills, this time they were more focused on adjusting their defensive strategy.


    With the Cavaliers centering their offense around Hansen, the Celtics focused on cutting off the connection between him and the rest of the team.


    They also exploited Han''s weakness in finishing after penetrating, allowing him to get to the basket but disrupting his layup attempts.


    Thanks to this defensive approach, the Celtics steadily closed the gap.


    The Cavaliers were forced to shift their offensive focus, letting James take on more of the scoring load.


    Then, something improbable happened.


    James was lights out from the perimeter. After going 1-for-3 from three-point range in the first half, he went 3-for-6 in the second.


    With this hot shooting, the Cavaliers ultimately defeated the Celtics 99-95, completing a sweep of the Celtics.


    Post-game stats: Ray Allen led the Celtics with 18 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Pierce had 16 points and 11 rebounds, Garnett contributed 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks, while Wallace added 12 points and 2 blocks, and Rondo posted 8 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists, and 3 steals.


    For the Cavaliers, Han Sen had a career-high 31 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 2 turnovers, while James had 25 points, 4 rebounds, 14 assists, 2 steals, 4 blocks, and 7 turnovers. Williams added 11 points and 5 assists, and O''Neal recorded 10 points and 10 rebounds, with 3 assists.


    During the post-game press conference, Han and James were joined by the team''s general manager, Ferry, which was unexpected and quickly caught the attention of the reporters.


    "We''ve heard a lot of trade rumors regarding Han. Can you shed some light on the situation?" asked the first reporter to be called on, directing the question to Ferry.


    "I want to make one thing clear¡ª those are all just rumors. We never put Han on the trading block. He''s always been off-limits."


    Hansen nearly lost his composure at this.


    So, was the first requirement to be an NBA General Manager, a thick skin?


    Then again, you could round it off and say it wasn''t wrong. The Cavaliers weren''t planning to trade him after all.


    With the trade confirmed as nothing more than rumors, the reporters naturally turned their questions towards Han Sen.


    Despite not scoring much in the second half, Hansen still led the Cavaliers with a career-high 31 points.


    "31 points¡ª if you were to rate your performance tonight on a scale of 1 to 10, what score would you give yourself?"


    It was a classic question, one that felt quite familiar.


    "7 points." But his response was surprising.


    This didn''t seem like his usual style at all. Was he starting to have a problem with the number seven?


    The answer, of course, was no. He was actually aiming to boost his hater count.


    When a consistently arrogant person suddenly downplays their success, they''re more likely to be criticized than praised for humility.


    "Pierce scored 16 points tonight. You previously said that he didn''t deserve the nickname ''The Truth'' and that you were the real Truth. Do you have anything to add now?"


    Khalil stood up and asked.


    Han Sen smiled and said, "Yes, I still stand by that. But I think he can continue to call himself ''Half-Truth.''"


    Typically, trash talk stays on the court, but not when it serves a purpose.


    Khalil got his headline, having completed his task.


    "How would you assess LeBron''s performance tonight?"


    The next reporter called on was from NBC Boston.


    Despite Windhorst being held back by LeBron, the fact remained that he drew attention.


    According to the previous agreement, Han Sen could have chosen to skip this question.


    However, an idea suddenly came to his mind.


    LeBron had indeed passed him the ball a lot tonight, and statistically speaking, his numbers were very Pippen-like. You could even argue that he had supported Han Sen.


    What if he teased LeBron a little? How would he react?


    Ahem!


    After a light cough, Han Sen adjusted the microphone and sat up straight.


    His posture showed he was ready to respond, and LeBron looked over curiously, thinking Han Sen would definitely skip the question.


    "We used to define team leaders as the top scorers, like Jordan and Kobe. But LeBron can score, organize the team, and even defend. He''s opened up a new path for what it means to be a leader," Han Sen said with a serious expression.

 Chapter 75: Extravagant Beyond Belief.

    Chapter 75: Extravagant Beyond Belief."I recently got a nice bottle of wine. Interested in coming over to my place to try it?" After the press conference ended, LeBron invited him.


    It was clear that he hadn''t caught the underlying meaning of Han Sen''s earlier comments.


    "No thanks, I''ve got to train later," he declined rather bluntly.


    LeBron might not have understood what those words meant just yet, but if someone on his team figured out that Han Sen was implying he was like a bigger version of Pippen, things could get awkward.


    LeBron wasn''t upset though; he just smiled and left. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Han headed to the locker room to pick up Cunningham, whom he had previously arranged to meet, and then they went to the practice facility.


    Tonight''s game had significant meaning for him.


    Not because of the points he scored, but because of how the Celtics defended him in the second half.


    Since he had a good grasp of both driving and shooting, it was difficult for opponents to defend him, which was also why he had previously led the third team to consecutive victories over the first and second teams.


    But that night was more of a surprise attack; if Coach Brown had prepped with a strategy to target him specifically, it wouldn''t have been so easy.


    At the end of the day, his offensive tools were still too limited.


    Passing and ball control had been part of his training since his NCAA days, but those two skills not only required training time but also depended on talent.


    Many people trained their entire lives but still couldn''t pass or handle the ball well.


    At his current level of passing and ball handling, it would still be very difficult for him to be the primary attacker in an NBA game.


    Moreover, he didn''t have such opportunities on the Cavaliers.


    Tonight''s game was just an exception. The Cavaliers wouldn''t¡ª or rather, LeBron wouldn''t¡ª play like this every night.


    In LeBron''s team''s eyes, stats were the most important thing.


    So his role was still in line with his previous plan¡ª to be like Irving, a powerful finisher.


    From this perspective, the skills he needed to work on were not passing or ball control, but his finishing ability.


    This was also why he had brought Cunningham in for training today.


    His drives had been limited during tonight''s game.


    He had Cunningham defend him the way the Celtics had, and then tried to figure out a way to break through.


    After some time training, he gradually found a direction.


    Strictly speaking, a drive should be divided into two parts: the drive itself and the drive finish.


    Take Austin Rivers, for example (Doc Rivers'' son). His first step was at an elite level, and his ability to drive was solid, but his finishing was poor, and as a result, he never fully broke out in the league.


    Han Sen was currently facing a similar issue with his drive finishes.


    When the opponent forced him to the basket and then interfered, making a regular layup was extremely difficult.


    At times like these, he either needed a reliable mid-range jumper to punish defenders when they retreated to the basket or needed to develop in-motion finishing techniques, such as floaters, bank shots, hooks, spin moves, and so on.


    Mid-range shooting, despite looking simple, was one of the most complex skills in actual gameplay.


    Compared to inside scoring, it had a lower success rate, and compared to three-pointers, it was less efficient. This is where the saying "mid-range shots won''t kill anyone" comes from.


    To make mid-range shots truly effective, there was only one way¡ª raise your shooting percentage to an unstoppable level.


    If the opponent gave you even a sliver of space, you had to be able to punish them.


    However, that wasn''t enough because mid-range shots were also the easiest to defend. A big man stepping forward would be right in your face in no time.


    That''s why it was connected to a player''s footwork, spin moves, step-back jumpers, body control, and even jumping ability.


    This was also why, although many players could hit mid-range shots, very few could rely on them to establish themselves in the league.


    In his case, if he were to use his [hater points] to trade for mid-range shooting talent, it would have to be the best¡ª top-tier talent.


    So, comparatively, it made more sense to add in-motion finishing techniques to his skill set.


    And there were many options to choose from, though ideally, mastering all of them would be best since you could never have too many skills.


    After practicing with Cunningham for a while, Han Sen updated his season plan.


    It wasn''t realistic to train everything at once since training time was limited, and trying to learn too much at once often backfired.


    In the end, he chose the most commonly used move by driving players and the one that could best complement layups: the floater.


    His training method was to start with basic drills he knew as a trainer and then analyze online videos of floater masters for technical details.


    It certainly wasn''t as effective as having Dwyane Wade teach him in person, but since there was no floater expert on the Cavaliers, this was his only option.


    The next day, there were no games, just the team''s routine practice.


    After their double victory over the Celtics, the Cavaliers'' practice atmosphere was quite good.


    Shaq invited Han Sen to his house again after practice.


    The second time Han visited Shaq''s home, his attention was immediately drawn to the cars in Shaq''s garage.


    For men, cars are like makeup for women¡ª having one is enough in theory, but if you have the means, you''ll always want something better.


    Shaq''s garage now had six cars, with an additional one covered by a cloth.


    Even though the car was hidden, its general shape indicated it was another luxury vehicle.


    This time, Shaq didn''t invite him for drinks but instead gave him a tour of his house.


    It was a signal of trust. When someone takes you on a tour of their home, it means they consider you a friend.


    There was a private pool, a private cinema, an oversized open-plan kitchen, and even an indoor boxing ring.


    He finally experienced what ''extravagant beyond belief'' truly meant.


    After seeing Shaq''s mansion, he couldn''t help but have some new ideas.


    Previously, he had focused all his energy on making up for the regrets of his past life, specifically in basketball. With the intense competition within the Cavaliers, he hadn''t considered how to make himself wealthier.


    Now that he had some money on hand, it was indeed time to use his ''time traveler'' perks to improve his lifestyle a bit.


    Shaq had even prepared dinner for him, although at this time of night, Han Sen thought it was more like a midnight snack.


    For basketball players, this wasn''t strange at all, given the amount of energy they burned during training and games, which was far more than the average person.


    Just take Shaq, for instance¡ª his size required him to have six meals a day just for maintenance.


    After finishing the meal, Shaq led Han Sen outside.


    "I mentioned before that I''d make up for your birthday gift," Shaq said, his words leaving him unexpectedly touched. He had thought Shaq was just saying that casually, but it turned out he had really prepared something.


    Han followed Shaq outside and directly to his garage.


    As soon as they entered, he had a hunch that Shaq''s gift to him would be that luxury car covered by the cloth.


    Then, his hunch was confirmed.


    Shaq walked up to the car and pulled off the cloth.


    A brand new white 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom was revealed before his eyes.


    That iconic shell-shaped front grille and the overwhelming sense of luxury that came with it.


    Han Sen currently owned a Ford as his daily car, but it couldn''t compare at all to this.


    While cars were cheaper in the US compared to East Asia, this one still started at a minimum of $400,000.


    Shaq''s gift was ridiculously expensive!

 Chapter 76: A Sudden Realization.

    Chapter 76: A Sudden Realization."If I had a few million, tens of thousands wouldn''t be any different from a few bucks."


    This was one of the most classic phrases Han Sen had seen online, and the only thing that could rival it was, "What if you had a billion dollars?" or "What colour is your Bugatti?"


    From any angle, a gift worth more than 400,000 dollars was undeniably generous.


    Especially for Han Sen, who was only worth around a million at this time, he truly didn''t know how to react for a moment.


    "Thank you, Shaq." Not accepting the gift would be a slap in the face to Shaquille O''Neal, so Han Sen compressed all his emotions into that short sentence.


    You don''t judge a person by what they say but by what they do.


    Han Sen made a mental note of this favor.


    "Wanna give it a spin?" O''Neal smiled as he handed him the keys.


    He nodded and then took O''Neal out for a drive.


    The car was a custom model, with a lot of space inside¡ª plenty of room for, let''s say, group activities. (TL/n: Very sus.)


    With a press on the gas, the car roared to life, reaching 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds.


    When they got on the city highway, Han Sen practically turned the luxury sedan into a sports car.


    O''Neal was in the passenger seat, clutching the roof handle and howling in fear.


    So even "The Big Shaq" had moments of fear.


    The next day, O''Neal had the car''s ownership transferred to him. Han Sen immediately decided to move into a new place, renting a small villa with a garage to prevent the car from being stolen.


    Fortunately, this was Cleveland¡ª few people, many houses¡ª so he was able to find a place not far from where he used to live, improving his living conditions in the process.


    Then he started working on his investment plans.


    When he was just thinking about it yesterday, everything seemed great, but when it came to actually making decisions, Han Sen found it much harder than he''d imagined.


    First of all, in his past life, he was into basketball, not business. Saying he had limited knowledge of business would be an understatement.


    Secondly, even though he was a transmigrator, his brain wasn''t a computer, and his memory had very little useful information about making money.


    So now, he either needed to consult a business advisor or do some research on the internet.


    In the end, he chose the latter.


    After spending some time searching through a flood of information, he finally stumbled upon something familiar in the corner of his memory: Bitcoin.


    He didn''t expect Bitcoin to have just been created this January¡ªit was still very new at this point.


    Wasn''t this like striking gold?


    Then there was the stock market. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Amazon, Google, and Facebook stocks were all relatively low at this time.


    Though nothing compared to O''Neal''s $1 million worth of Google stock bought back in 1998, these stocks still held considerable investment potential compared to the future.


    Finally, there was real estate.


    Not in the U.S., where real estate prices were far beyond Han Sen''s budget.


    However, real estate in his home country was just starting to develop and was still relatively cheap.


    For this, since his parents were back home, all he had to do was send them money and guide them to buy properties in prime locations he remembered.


    Even with a plan in place, when it came to actual implementation, Han Sen encountered two problems.


    The first was the anticipated issue of insufficient funds.


    For the average person, a million-dollar net worth might seem like a lifetime''s goal, but when it came to investments, it was still far from enough.


    Especially with Bitcoin, which would take time to generate returns¡ªthe longer the time, the greater the payoff.


    This meant that the money he put in would be like throwing it into a black hole in the short term.


    The stock market and real estate were essentially the same.


    Unless you could precisely predict their movements within a specific time frame, they were all long-term investments.


    This reminded Han Sen of his experience betting on NCAA March Madness and the NBA Championship last season¡ª those offered real short-term returns.


    No wonder the NBA would eventually collaborate with gambling companies. As the partnerships deepened, the broadcast contracts grew larger¡ª quick cash flow was the driving force.


    The second problem was risk. Although Han Sen''s ability allowed him to avoid investment risks, there were still legal risks.


    Just like how you couldn''t expect a basketball player to know much about business, you also couldn''t expect him to know much about the law.


    But when it came to law, Han Sen thought of someone.


    He immediately called Chris Rondo, who had mentioned studying law earlier.


    "Han? Han!"


    As soon as the call connected, Rondo''s excited voice came through.


    "Do you know? We haven''t missed a single one of your games! Just yesterday, the way you played in the first half¡ª felt like we were watching Kobe on the court! Absolutely epic!"


    Hearing that familiar voice and tone, and thinking of all the scheming since joining the Cavaliers, Han Sen couldn''t help but feel a wave of nostalgia.


    What people miss about their school days is that simplicity and innocence.


    And Rondo said "we," not "I", so he must have been referring to his old teammates from Barry University.


    "I''m coming back to Miami to play next month. I''ll get you guys tickets, so you all better come."


    "Really? We''ll definitely be there! But don''t worry about my ticket¡ª did you forget who I am?" Rondo''s laugh had a mischievous tone.


    "Locker room attendant," Han Sen joked.


    "Haha, I knew you''d remember! I''ll go tell everyone now, they''ll all be there for sure."


    Han Sen could already imagine Rondo''s wide grin.


    After hanging up, Han realized he''d gotten so caught up in the conversation that he hadn''t even mentioned the matter at hand.


    But since the Cavaliers were heading to Miami in mid-November, there was no rush to solve it now.


    Next, he called Thomas.


    When it came to funding, he needed to look off-court.


    Shoe deals were a big part of any player''s income, but they weren''t the only part.


    Now that Han Sen was steadily securing his spot on the Cavaliers and rising in status, endorsement deals should follow suit.


    Long-term contracts could be a disadvantage, so he aimed for short-term deals.


    During the call, Thomas shared some good news: Under Armour''s shoe design was progressing smoothly, and his first signature shoe would be launched by next summer.


    That was indeed great news. Han Sen was still wearing other brands'' shoes, which made him seem unprofessional as an endorser.


    After the call, he opened up his social media.


    Now that he had gotten used to floaters, he needed to speed up the process of accumulating [hater points].


    At the moment, he had accumulated over 50,000 [hater points], but that was far from enough.


    His Facebook account was buzzing with activity.


    This was because he was being simultaneously attacked by two of the largest fanbases in the league.


    The reason? His previous remark during the press conference about "creating a new path".


    Kobe fans: No wonder Han Sen was attacking Kobe before¡ª turns out he''s a LeBron fan!


    LeBron fans: Han Sen was a Kobe hater even before joining the league. What he''s saying is that our King is just a bigger version of Pippen!


    Honestly, Han Sen didn''t know when Kobe and LeBron fans had become such fierce rivals.


    Anything praised by LeBron fans was instantly criticized by Kobe fans, and anything criticized by Kobe fans had to be praised by LeBron fans.


    The truth, the facts¡ª none of it mattered. What mattered was the mutual bashing.


    Compared to the scenes before he time-traveled, where things were akin to a blood feud, this felt almost civilized.


    As for his remark, he had only intended to tease LeBron a bit, using a technique from the "Book of All-Time Greats."


    Paving a new path¡ª if you couldn''t compete in scoring, you could compete in versatility. LeBron''s camp loved data, and versatility was something they prided themselves on.


    Whether LeBron was truly versatile or not didn''t matter; filling up the stat sheet was what counted, and his stats from that game were certainly on point.


    Watching the two fanbases argue while his hater points continued to rise, Han Sen suddenly had a moment of clarity.


    Before, he thought he couldn''t generate hater points within the Cavaliers.


    Not only was it hard to present the facts, but it was also tricky to say anything sarcastic¡ª LeBron and his team weren''t fools.


    But today''s events gave him a new idea.


    Who said flattering words had to be sincere?


    There''s a term in this world: "killing with kindness".

 Chapter 77: Milking a Sheep for All It’s Worth.

    Chapter 77: Milking a Sheep for All It¡¯s Worth.Time flew by, and it was already 2010.


    Before you knew it, mid-January had arrived.


    In the past half month, Han Sen gradually adapted to his new role with the Cavaliers.


    Although he no longer received the same attention from the entire team, like when they were feeding him the ball in the Celtics game, he remained the top option for defending the opponent''s offensive focal point.


    However, he became the player responsible for leading the second unit and often became the team''s second, or even first, option in clutch moments.


    His shot attempts increased, and with that, so did his stats.


    Before January, he was averaging 20.3 minutes per game, with 8.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 1.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game, shooting 44.2% from the field and 38.5% from three.


    His inconsistent playing time as a rookie, along with not being on the floor during crucial moments, caused his performance to fluctuate greatly.


    However, in these past two weeks of January, his playing time jumped to 28.5 minutes per game, and he averaged 14.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.3 blocks, with a shooting percentage of 46.8% and a three-point shooting percentage of 41.9%.


    He outscored O''Neal, trailing only behind LeBron James and Mo Williams.


    With such performances, he became a strong contender for the Rookie of the Month award in January.


    However, with his increased role in games, he also became more of a target for opponents.


    Especially in the recent game against the Spurs, Coach Popovich specifically targeted him, resulting in Han Sen''s worst performance since the start of January.


    This made him urgently realize the need to improve his floater technique.


    On this day, the Cavaliers were heading to Miami for an away game against the Heat.


    Han Sen made a request to the coaching staff and, along with Cunningham, traveled to Miami half a day earlier to visit Barry University and catch up with his former teammates.


    When his teammates saw him at the gym, they were beyond excited, nearly throwing him into the air with joy.


    "I brought you guys gifts," Han Sen quickly signaled Cunningham to unpack the gifts.


    Inside were more than ten boxes, each containing a pair of Beats headphones and an Xbox console.


    The former was a gift from Beats, as Han Sen had recently signed an endorsement deal with them. He had asked for some extras, and the latter was something he had bought himself.


    For students, nothing brings more happiness than headphones and gaming consoles.


    As expected, when they saw the gifts, the entire gym erupted in excitement.


    Han Sen then pulled out something he had promised earlier: tickets for tomorrow night''s game at the Heat''s home court.


    Some of these were his own. Every NBA player is allocated tickets based on their status with the team, reserved for family members.


    However, since this was an away game, Han Sen didn''t have many tickets, so he had to buy the rest out of his own pocket.


    The seats weren''t too close to the court, but they were still on the first floor.


    After giving out the gifts and catching up, Han Sen left Cunningham at the gym to hang out with the others, while he and Rondo took a stroll around campus.


    Even though it had only been six months since he left, coming back still brought a rush of nostalgia.


    As they walked to a bench and sat down, Han Sen pulled out two more tickets from his pocket.


    "I told you I didn''t need these," Rondo said, thinking Han Sen was wasting money.


    "Just take the night off tomorrow. Are you really planning to wear a Heat staff uniform and then cheer for the Cavaliers?"


    "Good point." Rondo accepted the tickets. In his rush to save Han Sen some money, he had forgotten that detail.


    But once he had the tickets, he couldn''t help but ask, "Why are there two?"


    "You used to brag about being so smooth¡ª don''t tell me you still don''t have a girlfriend?" Han Sen teased.


    "You got one?" Rondo curiously eyed Han Sen.


    Han Sen coughed awkwardly, "Never mind!"


    "Tsk, figured." Rondo chuckled and quickly pocketed the tickets.


    "How''s law school going for you?" Han Sen shifted the conversation to a serious topic.


    "I''m a natural lawyer," Rondo said confidently as he pulled out his phone and showed Han Sen a photo.


    It was a picture of a law license with his name on it.


    "You actually did it?" Han Sen was genuinely shocked.


    Hadn''t it only been half a year? And he already passed?


    He studied Rondo''s 5''9" frame closely.


    Rondo sat up straight, even more dignified than the last time they parted.


    Han Sen couldn''t help but laugh.


    What could he even say?


    When one door closes, another opens?


    At least this made things easier for Han Sen.


    He certainly needed someone he could trust to handle his legal affairs. Hiring a stranger wouldn''t give him peace of mind.


    After all, too many NBA players had been scammed by so-called financial advisors¡ª even agents had defrauded their players.


    The most famous case being Tim Duncan, who was swindled out of over $20 million.


    But with Rondo, after all their time together, Han Sen felt much more at ease.


    Perhaps in the future, Rondo could even become his own "Rich Paul".


    After leaving Barry University, Han Sen headed straight to the American Airlines Arena, where he had arranged to meet Wade at the practice facility.


    "You''re not planning to challenge me to a one-on-one before the game, are you?" Wade joked when he saw Han Sen.


    If that was the case, Wade wouldn''t mind at all.


    After all, the guy who could only defend him back then had now grown enough to put up a real fight.


    "Maybe later. But first, I want to ask you something."


    "You''re being humble?" Wade was used to Han Sen''s cocky demeanor.


    "Wasn''t I always humble?" Han laughed. He wasn''t about to act arrogant when asking for advice¡ª he was doing it for the benefit of his [hater points].


    There was no point in being prideful when seeking guidance.


    Though Wade was a friend, he didn''t owe Han Sen anything.


    Wade chuckled. That was the funniest joke he''d heard recently.


    "I want to talk to you about floaters," he cut straight to the point.


    In the past half-month, he''d been practicing his floater technique on his own, but like when he trained his defense, the results had been less than ideal.


    While foundational basketball skills can be self-taught, mastering the finer details requires experience, and having a good teacher can make all the difference.


    As for why Wade? Well, he was available, and aside from his famous Eurostep, his floater was one of his signature moves.


    It would be a waste not to learn from such a great teacher.


    Wade looked at Han Sen with some surprise before nodding.


    From bulking up during the offseason to improving his floater now, his career plan was meticulous.


    Wade even started to wonder if Han Sen was more of a trainer than a player.


    After learning about Han Sen''s training routine, Wade shared some of his insights.


    Just like when he taught the Eurostep, Wade didn''t hold anything back.


    Old-school players like him had a unique trait¡ª they wanted to pass down their basketball techniques.


    For example, Kobe Bryant''s fadeaway was largely influenced by Jordan, and his footwork was inherited from Gary Payton.


    And in turn, Kobe also passed on what he learned to others.


    Wade shared his floater techniques, offering plenty of valuable advice.


    For instance, he explained that you should never use your wrist to power the floater. Floaters rely heavily on touch, and using the wrist makes it difficult to control the ball and slows down the release. Instead, you should push the ball up to the highest point with a straight arm and release it with your fingertips.


    He also emphasized the importance of body balance when executing floaters. Some players lean forward or even jump to create space, which seems to open up shooting opportunities but sacrifices stability and increases the chances of an offensive foul being called.


    In addition to floaters on the move, Wade also shared techniques for jump-stop floaters, spin floaters, and more.


    The common theme in all these floaters was the need to shake off defenders or prevent them from contesting your shot. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Of course, beyond technique, floaters also depend on natural talent¡ª things like explosiveness, vertical leap, body control, and flexibility.


    As with any basketball skill, talent determines your ceiling.


    But talent is something Wade couldn''t help with. That would require assistance from the [Hater System].

 Chapter 78: He’s Better Than Jordan.

    Chapter 78: He''s Better Than Jordan.111-104.


    With a 26-19 performance in the fourth quarter, the Cavaliers defeated the Heat on the road.


    The Heat were still the same team with the same style, but the difference was Han Sen.


    Last time they faced each other, he wasn''t even a starter, playing just 18 minutes. But tonight, he played 38 minutes.


    Han''s relentless defense on Wade made it difficult for the latter to use pick-and-rolls to attack O''Neal like before.


    Furthermore, the Heat''s ''Big Q'' Quentin Richardson, due to injuries and a lack of defensive effort, was a disaster when matched up against LeBron James.


    Add in Beasley''s negligible help defense, and Wade was forced to help more defensively.


    This led Wade to grab several steals, but the energy he spent on defense caused him to have a poor fourth quarter.


    In the end, he shot only 11 of 26, contributing 24 points, 3 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals, and 6 turnovers.


    Post-game statistics: Beasley had 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists for the Heat; Jermaine O''Neal had 17 points and 3 rebounds; Chalmers had 14 points and 6 assists; Richardson had 0 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 fouls.


    For the Cavaliers, LeBron James scored 34 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and dished out 9 assists; Cunningham scored 18 points (a career-high); Shaquille O''Neal had 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists; and Mo Williams added 13 points and 3 assists.


    Han Sen made a strong comeback, shooting 10 of 15 from the field, 5 of 7 from three, and scoring 25 points, along with 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals, all while his former Barry University teammates cheered him on.


    During the game, Han had a standout moment when he dribbled past Beasley, drove into the paint, and scored an and-one layup over Jermaine O''Neal.


    After the game, Han Sen signed his jersey and gave it to Rondo, who had come to support him with his girlfriend.


    Thanks to his outstanding performance, he was once again invited to attend the post-game press conference.


    Since the self-deprecating ''7 out of 10'' rating he gave himself last time didn''t generate as many haters as he had expected, Hansen decided to completely let loose when faced with a similar question this time.


    "11 points," he said, giving himself a score beyond the maximum. One extra point didn''t hurt his confidence.


    "LeBron gave you a lot of opportunities tonight. How would you evaluate the performance of the league''s best player?" came a question from... Khalil.


    He had been waiting for this.


    "Honestly, in some ways, I think LeBron is better than Michael Jordan," Han Sen declared, causing an uproar in the room.


    James, upon hearing Jordan''s name, couldn''t hide his excitement.


    "LeBron is a better three-point shooter. He went 2 for 4 from three tonight. He''s more versatile than Jordan."


    Han spoke with conviction, though in his heart, he quietly apologized to the Basketball God¡ª this was all for the sake of attracting haters.


    Even though Han tried to clarify, the commotion in the room didn''t die down; it only grew more intense.


    Because at this moment, even though Nike and the media were hyping LeBron, he was still chasing Kobe Bryant, not Jordan.


    Stern''s narrative of ''23 vs. 24'' was built around this.


    But now, Han Sen had skipped Kobe entirely and directly compared LeBron to Jordan? At this point in time, it was a bit premature. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    LeBron, however, was more than just excited¡ª he was glowing.


    Can you guess why LeBron chose number 23?


    "I heard you''re looking for sponsors recently. If you need help, feel free to ask me," LeBron said to Han Sen with a flushed face after the press conference.


    "No need," he refused bluntly and walked away without looking back.


    LeBron watched his retreating figure, just like Malone and O''Neal before him, unable to figure him out.


    While taking a shower, Han Sen noticed his number of haters was increasing at an astonishing rate.


    This excited him.


    His earlier statement had been accidental, but this time, it was intentional.


    After returning to the hotel, Han Sen logged into social media on his computer to check the situation.


    Sure enough, his social media had exploded.


    "LeBron''s three-pronged attack? Daring to compare him to Jordan? He should look in the mirror and see what he really is!"


    "Versatile? Don''t make me laugh! Don''t you know Jordan once averaged 32.5 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists for a season? Can LeBron ever do that?"


    "Are you just obsessed with stats? Weren''t you talking about leadership in a new path? You can''t score in the clutch, so what kind of leader are you?"


    "Why not just say LeBron is the GOAT already? Seriously, you have no shame!"


    "You still claim not to be a LeBron fan? Your brain must be honey-soaked if you can say something like this! How many favors did LeBron give you under the table?"


    "Being around LeBron really turns people bad! If a guy calls himself the king, there''s no way the people around him are normal!"


    "First, understand how many rings Kobe has and how many LeBron has before you start talking about Jordan, you LeBron fanboy! Oh wait, LeBron doesn''t even have a ring!"


    ...


    A glance at the comments revealed mostly Kobe fans.


    While ''6 Billion Kobe Fans'' was just a figure of speech, during this period, they were the NBA''s largest fanbase and terrifying in numbers.


    But more surprising than the Kobe fans were the LeBron fans'' reactions.


    They were torn. On one hand, they had to fight the Kobe fans; on the other hand, they had to find time to argue with Hansen.


    "Are you out of your mind comparing our king to Jordan? You''re just inviting hate for him!"


    "This guy is so sinister. LeBron has never claimed to be better than Jordan, but you''re forcing the comparison and throwing him into the fire!"


    "I get it now. This guy isn''t just a LeBron hater; he''s a masterful, covert hater!"


    "You''re sneaky and devious! Stop putting our king on a pedestal! All he wants to do is play basketball!"


    ...


    The rationality of some LeBron fans caught him off guard.


    They weren''t the fans he remembered.


    But then again, this was understandable. At this time, LeBron hadn''t yet made ''The Decision''. He was still the ''Chosen One'' and had some genuine charisma.


    It was worth remembering that quite a few LeBron fans stopped supporting him after ''The Decision'', probably including these people.


    This won''t do.


    If his intentions were exposed after the first attempt, how would he continue racking up hate points in the future?


    Hmm, it was time to dust off those 58 burner accounts.


    Han began logging into his alternate accounts and diving into the familiar world of manipulating popular comments.


    "You really a LeBron fan? Daring to say our king isn''t on Jordan''s level? LeBron is destined to be the GOAT!"


    "Exactly! LeBron is the chosen one. Kobe is nothing more than a gatekeeper of the top 10 in history. He doesn''t deserve to be compared to our king."


    "What''s wrong with you guys? Don''t you remember why we love LeBron? At 17, he said he didn''t want to be the next Kobe, so why should he be the next Jordan? He wants to surpass them all and rank first on everyone''s list!"


    ...


    The next morning, when Han Sen woke up, he discovered that his hater points had increased by over 10,000 overnight!


    To put it in perspective, he had racked up 10,000 points in total while at Barry University, and that had taken him quite some time.


    This proved that his strategy of lifting LeBron up to knock him down was not only effective but beyond expectations.


    It was truly a new path for earning hater points.


    A slight disappointment, though, was that the [Hater System] didn''t have a rental feature.


    Because after what he said last night, LeBron ended up getting more hate than he did.


    If Han Sen could somehow rent out the system to LeBron while still being the one to benefit, the thought alone was exhilarating.

 Chapter 79: I’ll Date Taylor Swift.

    Chapter 79: I''ll Date Taylor Swift. The next day during practice, Han Sen paid close attention to LeBron''s behavior. He seemed to be in a great mood, with a smile constantly on his face.


    There was no way his team wouldn''t have informed him of everything that happened on social media yesterday, but it looked like he didn''t care at all.


    His reaction had now completely dispelled Han Sen''s final reservations. He could already envision the scene of himself acquiring the floater talent and becoming stronger in his drives.


    However, during practice, Han encountered a bit of a problem¡ª he started to feel significant discomfort in his groin. After practice, he went to the team doctor to have it checked out. The doctor took him to a hospital partnered with the team, where they determined the issue was caused by overexertion.


    To help Han Sen better understand, the team doctor explained the concept of the "rookie wall".


    Rookies often hit a point in their first NBA season where they seem to lose all their energy, like they''re facing an invisible wall that blocks their path forward. The causes vary but are typically attributed to the difficulty of adjusting to the NBA''s intense schedule, resulting in fatigue or injury.


    Han Sen was now experiencing something similar.


    Even players from Division I NCAA teams only play around thirty games per season, including March Madness. That''s not even three months'' worth of NBA games. Add to that the fact that NBA games are packed much more tightly than NCAA games.


    "And you''ve also put a lot more strain on your body with your summer weight gain, your training load, and your change in playing style," the team doctor warned after considering Han Sen''s specific circumstances.


    The doctor advised him to take extra care with his recovery after games and practice, including small details like icing sore areas. Additionally, he was advised to cut back on his training volume and let his body gradually adjust to the intensity of the NBA schedule, then slowly ramp up his training again once he''s more acclimated. On top of that, he was told to prioritize sleep and cut down on late nights.


    The team doctor was quite professional. After all, Cleveland might be small, but its healthcare system is well-developed.


    After leaving the hospital, Han checked the [Hater System]. Until now, he had been focused on upgrading his abilities and hadn''t paid much attention to injuries.


    After browsing through the system, he found only one talent under the first tier that could improve his body''s resilience to injury¡ª [Iron Bones]¡ª but it cost 2 million hater points. That was still a long way off for him.


    It seemed like his only option now was to follow the team doctor''s advice. More important than how well he played was whether he could stay on the court. The NBA has seen many players'' careers ruined by injuries, and he didn''t want to be the next. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Around this time, the NBA''s annual All-Star voting had begun. The All-Star Game would take place in mid-February, still over a month away, but the voting process involved four rounds, so it started earlier.


    According to current rules, each team submits a shortlist of four players to the league, and only those on the list will appear in the voting interface.


    The Cavaliers'' selections were LeBron James, Shaquille O''Neal, Mo Williams, and Hansen.


    Along with submitting names, teams also promote their players for votes. This year, the Cavaliers were no exception.


    The PR department asked each player on the list to write a slogan for their campaign, which would be used in promotional materials.


    Han Sen was currently being heavily targeted by opponents. In theory, he should be ramping up his practice on his floaters, but due to his physical fatigue, he had no choice but to cut back on training. This inevitably left him feeling a bit anxious.


    As a result, he wasn''t particularly interested in making the All-Star team. What he really cared about now were hater points.


    He needed to unlock the floater talent as soon as possible and start intensive training to get past his current challenges.


    His plan to praise LeBron had worked well, and his hater points were still increasing. However, this tactic required the right moments and a careful balance¡ª too much too fast, and even LeBron would start catching on.


    So, he needed to combine it with other methods.


    But making the All-Star Game wasn''t going to happen. This voting wasn''t going to gain him any haters...


    Wait a minute.


    Suddenly, an idea hit Han Sen like a bolt of lightning, opening up new possibilities.


    Maybe he could use this opportunity to stir up some controversy and attract more hater points?


    After all, the team was releasing these statements to the entire league.


    He could say something bold, like, "Vote me into the All-Star Game, and I''ll become the MVP."


    But that seemed a little too clownish.


    Searching through his memory of various strange campaign strategies, Han Sen finally came up with the perfect idea.


    ...


    David Griffin was in charge of the Cavaliers'' All-Star promotional campaign.


    In addition to slogans, he had to create highlight videos for each player and even handle mass email campaigns for fans who had bought tickets. The workload was enormous, and staring at a computer screen had left him with tired, strained eyes.


    At that moment, his assistant handed him the players'' slogans.


    Griffin rubbed his eyes and skimmed through the list. When he got to Han Sen''s slogan, he suddenly felt wide awake.


    Because he had written: ''Vote me into the All-Star Game, and I will date Taylor Swift!''


    Was this some kind of joke?


    Griffin went straight to find Han Sen, eventually tracking him down in the medical room where he was undergoing treatment.


    "Yes, that''s the slogan I came up with," he confirmed.


    The idea had been inspired by Joel Embiid and his public pursuit of Rihanna.


    Back then, Embiid''s strategy had earned him four or five hundred thousand votes.


    Of course, the votes weren''t the main point. The main point was that Embiid''s stunt, though not as wild as when Kevin Durant said he wanted to drink Scarlett Johansson''s bathwater, had brought him a ton of criticism.


    Embiid, as a Cameroonian, wasn''t exactly beloved in the U.S. He was talking about chasing America''s sweetheart, Rihanna. How could he not be mocked?


    This was a perfect fit for Hansen, too¡ª an Asian in America, at the bottom of the racial hierarchy.


    As for why he chose Taylor Swift, it was something he found while searching online.


    Over the past year, she had become the hottest celebrity in America. Three words described her best: "Red hot superstar."


    At the MTV Video Music Awards this year, she beat Beyonc¨¦ for ''Best Female Video'', prompting Kanye West to storm the stage and grab the mic to defend Beyonc¨¦. Later, at the American Music Awards, she took the ''Artist of the Year'' award from Michael Jackson. She even graced the cover of the prestigious music magazine ''Rolling Stone''.


    With her vocal talent, good looks, and innocent persona, it was impossible not to be a star in America.


    So Han Sen saying he would date Taylor Swift would inevitably provoke one response: ''Dream on. You''re not Worthy!''


    And with that, the hater points would start rolling in.

 Chapter 80: Unfavorable Circumstances.

    Chapter 80: Unfavorable Circumstances.The All-Star voting had begun, and each team ramped up their promotional efforts.


    However, Han Sen''s promotional slogan sparked heated discussion among fans.


    One factor was that Han had Khalil report the matter on ESPN.


    What he didn''t expect, though, was that TNT''s latest episode of NBA Entertainment also used his slogan as material.


    This news quickly spread beyond the usual circles¡ª now even music fans were joining the discussion.


    After all, Swifty was regarded as a goddess by many music fans, and Han Sen was seen as shameless.


    "Look at yourself in the mirror," "Who do you think you are," "No shame at all."...


    History repeats itself¡ª previously, Kobe fans used these phrases to mock LeBron James, and now music fans directed them at Han Sen.


    Naturally, he was overjoyed.


    Taylor Swift''s fan base had grown considerably, and even if only a small portion of them hated on him, the amount of ''haters'' he gained was comparable to LeBron''s.


    So naturally, during the Cavaliers'' public training session, reporters couldn''t resist asking him about it.


    "If you get selected for the All-Star game, would you really go on a date with Swift?"


    "Of course," he answered confidently¡ª after all, he knew he wouldn''t get selected.


    In the NBA All-Star, 12 players from each conference (Eastern & Western) are chosen per team¡ª 7 reserves picked by the league''s coaches, and 5 starters selected by the fans.


    There''s no chance of being picked as a reserve; he was only averaging around ten points per game. Even if you handed the decision to Malone, he wouldn''t pick Han Sen¡ª it would just be setting him up for failure.


    As for the starters, that was even more unrealistic. Though he had the support of the Far East market, the Eastern Conference had too many star guards right now¡ª Iverson, Wade, and Pierce were all in their prime, and then you had popular choices like Rose, Joe Johnson, Rondo, and Carter.


    Plus, last year Yi Jianlian almost beat Garnett to be voted as a starter for the Eastern All-Stars, so the league was definitely going to tweak the voting rules.


    So, it was a 99% impossible scenario.


    "But that''s Taylor Swift!" the reporter exclaimed.


    "What do you think of my looks?" Han Sen asked with a smile.


    The reporter sized him up carefully before concluding, "Well, your name fits you."


    His name in English, "Handsome", had become a joke, even mentioned by commentators during the summer league.


    "Do you like Taylor?" Han Sen continued.


    The reporter blushed slightly¡ª who doesn''t like her these days?


    "So, I''m handsome, and single¡ª why can''t I like Taylor?"


    His response left the reporter speechless. It seemed like something was off, but they couldn''t quite pinpoint what.


    Han shrugged and smiled, reminding the reporter, "Don''t forget to vote for me."


    This interview, once published, only added fuel to the fire.


    More fans and music enthusiasts joined the ranks of his haters.


    Soon enough, someone pointed out the flaw in his logic¡ª sure, anyone could like Swift, but Han Sen had previously talked about going on a date!


    The number of his haters skyrocketed.


    At the same time, Han Sen received an invitation to the league''s three-point contest.


    He wasn''t particularly interested in participating, but when he heard that Curry and Pierce would be there, he immediately changed his mind.


    One was his ''arch-rival'' from his NCAA days (self-proclaimed), and the other was his number one hater¡ª how could he miss this opportunity?


    A week later, the results of the first round of All-Star voting were released.


    Hansen ranked seventh among Eastern Conference guards.


    While it was surprising that he had more votes than Joe Johnson, given his East Coast background, it made sense.


    He was content with the result.


    Being too low would make him seem insignificant, but being too high¡ª come on, you don''t really want him to go on a date with Swift, do you? Even if he shamelessly went and got rejected, that level of awkwardness would make you want to crawl into a hole.


    ---


    Han''s performance on the court improved that week.


    Firstly, after following the team doctor''s advice, his groin issues noticeably improved.


    Secondly, after receiving guidance from Wade and targeted training, he occasionally managed to score with a floater.


    Everything seemed to be heading in the direction he hoped.


    Until a week later, when the results of the second round of voting were released, and he sensed something was off.


    His votes had skyrocketed, jumping from seventh to third, right behind Iverson and Wade.


    Wait, what was going on?


    He was confused by the result.


    After the first round of voting, he had done some research. According to online fans, to control the votes from the Far Eastern market, the league had raised the vote weighting to 1:7, and some even claimed that votes from the Far East weren''t counted at all- only votes from the US mattered.


    Amid all the rumors, one thing was clear: there were certainly measures in place because Yi Jianlian barely got any votes this year.


    And let''s not forget, Yi''s stats this season with the Nets were much better than last year with the Wizards.


    There''s no way Americans would vote him into the All-Star game just to see him embarrass himself, right?


    Han Sen knew Americans could be bored, but not to that extent.


    Of course, he wasn''t the most worried about the results¡ª Pierce, Rondo, Carter, and their fans were.


    Especially Pierce, who took to social media to criticize the voting system, calling it a disgrace.


    This scene was reminiscent of last year when Garnett was nearly overtaken by Yi Jianlian, and fans criticized the voting system.


    Boston fans were once again up in arms, and Han picked up even more haters without even trying. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His earlier "remote farming" plan was turning out to be a stroke of genius.


    But the real climax came a week later when the results of the third round of voting were released¡ª Han Sen had surpassed Iverson and moved into second place among Eastern guards!


    At this point, even he was bewildered.


    What on earth was happening?


    He knew surpassing Iverson couldn''t have been influenced by American fans. While Iverson''s popularity had declined, he couldn''t compare to him in the US.


    The only plausible explanation had to be something from back home.


    After scouring chinese forums, Han finally figured it out.


    Turns out, he had underestimated the situation.


    First off, it was the haters. These haters had started a massive campaign on forums, urging others to use VPNs to vote for him.


    Apparently, through repeated attempts, they discovered that the vote weighting in China was 1:10, but using a VPN made it 1:1.


    They even provided VPN tutorials and offered help to those who didn''t know how to use them.


    It seemed to prove the old saying true: "When hate reaches its peak, it turns into love."


    However, their real goal was to watch him make a fool of himself.


    Han Sen''s performance had improved over the past two weeks, bringing his season average to over 12 points, but being selected as an All-Star with just over 12 points would be utterly embarrassing.


    Not to mention the added embarrassment of having to go on a date with Swift¡ª someone he couldn''t possibly land. Double the embarrassment.


    Then there were his actual fans.


    Because he''d been so focused on cultivating haters, he had paid almost no attention to his own supporters.


    Especially since he hadn''t played in the Asia Championships and had criticized domestic shoe companies, theoretically, he shouldn''t have many fans left.


    But he''d overlooked one key point¡ª Yao Ming was out for the season due to injury.


    With Yao unable to play and Yi Jianlian putting up better numbers but the Nets still ranking near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, Han Sen''s solid standing with the Cavaliers naturally drew more attention.


    Most fans didn''t care about off-court matters.


    It''s like actors¡ª if you perform well and stay within the law, fans don''t mind if you have personal issues.


    Moreover, Han Sen didn''t have any serious personal issues¡ª he just had a big mouth.


    So as long as he played well, he''d have fans.


    And it turned out, he had quite a few. Whether facing the 1:10 vote weighting or using VPNs, their combined votes were significant.


    Though he now understood the reasoning behind it all, he still wasn''t worried. He knew the league wouldn''t let him start.


    No matter how many votes he received, what did it matter?


    To the league, it was just a bunch of data in the backend, and altering data¡ª something even a basic programmer could do¡ª wasn''t difficult.


    Besides, by surpassing Iverson, the passionate ''Lifelong Iverson Fans'' would start pulling in more votes for their favorite.


    So, in all likelihood, he would end up in third place, just like Yi Jianlian last year¡ª close, but no cigar.


    For Hansen, that would be the best possible outcome.

 Chapter 81: Giant Slayer

    Chapter 81: Giant Slayer(TL/n: Double length Chapters incoming.)


    A week later, at the beginning of February, the league announced the final results of the All-Star voting.


    LeBron James topped the votes with 2.7 million, making him the All-Star vote leader.


    Han Sen ultimately received 1.42 million votes¡ª still far below Wade''s 2.32 million but higher than Iverson''s 1.32 million.


    This meant he would join Wade as the Eastern Conference''s starting backcourt for the 2010 All-Star Game!


    Han Sen no longer had time to think about why the league really let him into the starting lineup.


    The vote count just seemed absurd to him.


    After all, Yi Jianlian had 1.8 million votes last year, and this year only 300,000!


    Even if you take a 6-to-1 ratio, even if you discount the American fans who voted for him, it still meant that about three to four million people from China were voting for him!


    Forget about getting around the great firewall or voting systems being a hassle¡ªhow many people would truly follow such a cumbersome process just to cast a vote?


    It was terrifying!


    When it came to sheer numbers, China had made the NBA question their reality more times than they could count.


    Perhaps that was also the reason why the league didn''t forcefully remove him from the starting lineup¡ª so many people voting meant that many would watch the live broadcast.


    Pulling him out would have dealt a massive blow to the overseas ratings for the All-Star Game.


    Han Sen, of course, knew that this wasn''t a reflection of his actual popularity. Even Yao Ming didn''t have this kind of pull.


    Maybe the haters had grabbed their grandmas'' and great-uncles'' IDs to register accounts and vote.


    He had come to fully accept the saying: ''Haters are still fans¡ª one hater equals ten regular fans!''


    So, now he was faced with one piece of good news and two bad ones.


    The good news was that his [hater points] was about to spike dramatically.


    The last rookie to average only around ten points per game and still make the starting lineup was, yes, Yao Ming.


    Yao Ming averaged 12.9 points and 8.1 rebounds before the All-Star Game, comparable to Han Sen''s scoring.


    But Yao was a center, so his competition was relatively less fierce. Even so, he got roasted by the haters.


    So, it was foreseeable that while Han Sen was lying in bed, his hater value would be skyrocketing.


    As for the bad news, the first was that entering the All-Star Game in this manner would not only alienate his opponents but also make his own teammates from the Eastern Conference uncomfortable with him.


    It would be extremely difficult for him to perform well on the All-Star court.


    The second piece of bad news was, naturally, the situation with Swift.


    Although Han Sen had confidence in his looks and other qualities, the problem was that he and Swift lived in two completely different worlds.


    This completely unexpected result left Han Sen feeling a bit unsure of what to do.


    Maybe he could photoshop a picture to deal with it?


    No, no, that would be too much like Embiid!


    Sure, it would gain him more haters, but he was afraid he''d become a nationwide joke¡ª imagine going onto the court and having the defenders laugh at you before the game even started.


    He needed haters, but he also had his pride.


    After thinking it through and coming up with no good solution, Han Sen decided to leave it alone for now.


    The priority now was to improve his skills.


    As long as he could make a name for himself on the court like Yao Ming, these things might eventually turn into interesting anecdotes.


    The next day, Han Sen woke up to a surprise.


    His hater value had surpassed 100,000 and now stood at 110,000.


    That meant overnight, he gained over 20,000 hater points!


    This was even crazier than the time he praised LeBron to the heavens.


    And this was just the beginning!


    By the time the All-Star Game rolled around, he''d surely have enough to exchange for the Floater Talent. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With that thought, he strutted into the gym feeling lighter on his feet.


    As long as his skills were strong enough, who cared about a little controversy?


    Once he reached the locker room, LeBron was the first to congratulate him.


    It seemed that his "praise to heavens" card hadn''t expired yet.


    With LeBron leading the way, the other Cavaliers veterans followed suit and offered their congratulations.


    Of course, most of the congratulations were just formalities; only a few close friends genuinely cared.


    "I''ll be your bodyguard in Dallas," Cunningham volunteered as soon as he sat down.


    "If you need it, I can take care of that for you," West chimed in, holding up seven fingers in a gesture.


    It was clear they were worried about Han Sen''s safety.


    After all, Dallas was in Texas, a place known for its rugged, wild culture.


    Han Sen laughed and shook his head. "Come on, I haven''t heard of any NBA player getting gunned down while playing for the league."


    At worst, he just wouldn''t act like a lone wolf when he was there.


    "I can help you get Taylor Swift''s contact info," Shaq butted in, clearly enjoying the drama.


    "Now that would be useful," Han Sen nodded.


    "Are you really planning to date her?" Shaq''s question quickly drew the attention of the rest of the locker room.


    No one cared about food, but they weren''t missing out on the gossip.


    Han Sen coughed lightly, "Might as well give it a shot."


    With that, the entire locker room erupted in cheers.


    Even though they were all millionaires or multi-millionaires, it was still tough for them to catch the attention of a Hollywood star.


    Even Michael Jordan, as great as he was, never had any rumored relationships with famous female stars.


    One reason was that NBA players'' schedules were too packed¡ª if they weren''t playing, they were training. Dating someone felt more like being a widower.


    Another reason was that athletes didn''t hold as high a status in America as they did elsewhere.


    Then, of course, there was the possibility that the widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs had left some side effects. Not many NBA players looked as good as Han Sen did.


    So if Han Sen had the guts to try dating someone like Swift, they were all for it, regardless of whether he succeeded or failed.


    "How do you plan on trying?" Cunningham asked curiously on their way to the training facility.


    "You''ll find out when the time comes," Han Sen teased.


    This left Cunningham feeling genuinely curious.


    ---


    A few days before the All-Star game, the Cavaliers were in New York for their last game before the break.


    The night before the game, Han Sen found himself sitting across from Taylor Swift at a cozy caf¨¦ in the heart of the city.


    Taylor, dressed casually in a beige coat with an orange baseball cap, let her wavy golden hair fall naturally around her face. Her ice-blue eyes stood out, but what struck Han Sen most was how approachable she seemed¡ª less of a distant celebrity and more like the friendly girl next door.


    After living in the U.S. for years, Han Sen had picked up on the nuances of American culture. A "date" could mean something casual, not necessarily romantic like back home.


    That''s why he''d been open to the idea. His controversial comment had generated buzz, and for a star like Taylor, media attention was never a bad thing.


    Plus, he figured it was worth a shot¡ª though he didn''t expect her to actually agree.


    Yet, here she was, sitting across from him, sipping her coffee.


    "So," Taylor said, her voice soft but with a bit of edge, "have you heard any of my songs?"


    Han Sen grinned. "Most of them, actually."


    Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Really? Like which ones?"


    "Uh, ''Love Story,'' ''Fearless,'' ''You Belong With Me''..." He paused, pretending to think, though he knew plenty more. "You''ve got quite a few hits."


    Taylor''s eyes lit up as he listed them off, but Han Sen could tell she wasn''t just flattered; she seemed genuinely happy.


    It was almost as if no one had ever told her that before. She leaned forward with a playful smile. "Not bad. You might be a real fan."


    Han Sen chuckled, relaxing into the conversation. "Yeah, I''m not going to lie. Your music''s good. I even bought a membership just to stream your songs back in the day."


    Taylor''s laugh was bright, breaking whatever ice was left. "Wow, dedication! Okay, I believe you now."


    Han Sen couldn''t help but smile at how easygoing she was. She didn''t act like the global superstar everyone else saw. As they kept talking, the conversation flowed effortlessly.


    They chatted about everything from her upcoming tour to how hectic life in the NBA could get. At some point, Taylor even high-fived him when he cracked a joke, something about how neither of them could seem to escape the paparazzi.


    By the time they finished their meal, Han Sen felt like he was hanging out with an old friend rather than someone he''d met just hours earlier.


    As they got up to leave, and the photographers outside clicked away furiously, he walked her to her car.


    Just before she got in, Han Sen couldn''t resist asking, "Taylor, I gotta know¡ª why''d you say yes to this? I mean, you didn''t have to."


    She smiled, looking at him thoughtfully. "Because you were brave enough to ask. Simple as that."


    Han Sen blinked, caught off guard by the honesty. "Brave? I wouldn''t call it that."


    She shrugged, a grin playing on her lips. "Well, I do. It takes guts to put yourself out there." With that, she climbed into the car.


    As the engine started, she rolled down the window, waving at him. "See you around, Han."


    Han waved back, watching as the car pulled away. "Brave, huh?" he muttered to himself, shaking his head.


    He hadn''t been trying to be brave¡ª he was just trying to stir up some media attention. But thinking back to their conversation, he realized what she meant.


    Maybe there was something bold about asking for what you wanted, even if it was just a dinner.


    But then again, he thought, with a smile tugging at his lips, they probably wouldn''t meet again.


    ---


    "Han Sen''s Private Meeting with Swift in New York."


    No need for a flashy title¡ª when TMZ broke the news the next day, both the entertainment and basketball worlds were shaken.


    Turns out, the "toad" really did snag the "swan", and people couldn''t help but be annoyed!


    As expected, Han Sen''s [hater points] skyrocketed again. The growth was so rapid that he actually witnessed the number break past the 200,000 mark.


    Once it hit 200,000, he immediately redeemed the skill he''d long been eyeing:


    [Giant Slayer]: Enhances floater touch, body balance, and stop-and-go control while driving.


    Han Sen hadn''t given much thought to the system''s skill names before, but now, looking closely, he noticed how clever they were.


    Some were straightforward, like [Star Catcher] and [Phantom Steps], but others, like [Eagle Eye] (where an eagle''s eyes serve as a precision lens for long-range shots) or [Giant Slayer] (since floaters are commonly used when small players face bigger defenders), had deeper meaning.


    I mean, if you''re going up against someone like Redick, you''d dunk on them, not throw up a floater!


    Redeeming this skill before the All-Star Game brought Han Sen a sense of relief, and he felt more relaxed. With the detailed advice he got from Dwyane Wade and his newly acquired talent, his next goal was to train his floater until he hit a plateau.


    It wouldn''t come as quickly as [Phantom Steps]¡ª after all, he hadn''t been practicing floaters as long. But as long as he could master it by the end of the season, that would be enough. After all, the playoffs were the real stage where strategy was dialed up to the max.


    Curious, Han Sen also checked out Taylor Swift''s Facebook page to see how her fans were reacting to the news.


    What he found stunned him.


    He expected lighthearted teasing, but instead, the comments were filled with harsh criticism:


    "Didn''t she just break up with John Mayer? And now she''s already moving on? What, another guy to write about?"


    "Taylor jumps from one guy to the next like it''s nothing. First Lautner, now Mayer¡ª at least this time she''s not cheating."


    "She''s acting like she''s all classy, but she''s just like everyone else in Hollywood. Now she''s dating an Asian guy? Seriously?"


    "Why is she even still famous? She''ll never be Beyonc¨¦. She''s not even in the same league."


    "This is what''s wrong with the entertainment industry¡ª white privilege at its finest."


    Han Sen was taken aback. He''d assumed that with Taylor''s massive popularity, her fans would be defending her. But it seemed like she had just as many haters, maybe even more.


    Feeling responsible for the wave of negativity Taylor was getting, Han Sen couldn''t just sit there. Even though he knew the comments wouldn''t stop, he felt compelled to do something. He opened up his burner accounts¡ª several of them, in fact¡ª and started to wade into the comment sections.


    It didn''t take long for him to dive in headfirst, responding to every hateful post he saw.


    "Maybe she''s just living her life. Since when did that become a crime?"


    "John Mayer? That was ages ago in celebrity time. Stop acting like you know these people personally."


    "An Asian guy? Seriously, we''re still doing this? How about judging someone based on who they are, not where they''re from."


    "Comparing her to Beyonc¨¦ is like comparing apples and oranges. Let each artist be great in their own way."


    He spent the next hour furiously typing, his fingers flying across the keyboard. But no matter how many accounts he used or how well he tried to defend her, the flood of hate seemed endless. He was up against a sea of online trolls, and it became clear that one person, even armed with a handful of burner accounts, couldn''t change the tide.


    Eventually, exhausted, Han Sen logged back into his main account and posted something real, something that came from him directly:


    "Had a great time with Taylor Swift. She''s got a pure heart, but I''m not the right person to fill in the lines of that story. Wishing her the best in finding her happily ever after."


    And after a moment of reflection, he added:


    "For those who live for the game, let''s focus on what really matters¡ª making history on the court. Let''s create something memorable at the All-Star game. #77."


    Satisfied, he set his phone down, knowing he couldn''t fight every battle but hoping that, at least for now, his words would do some good.


    ---


    As the All-Star weekend approached, Han Sen set off for Dallas. Thomas accompanied him, as Han Sen had to attend several sponsor events that weekend, and Thomas was there to help coordinate everything.


    Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade were also involved, so it wasn''t just Han Sen representing the league.


    Cunningham, Han Sen''s teammate, also traveled with them.


    Originally, Han Sen had planned to participate in the Rookie Challenge, Three-Point Contest, and the All-Star Game. But to avoid pushing his body too hard, he opted out of the Rookie Challenge.


    After some discussion, the league decided to let Cunningham take his spot as a replacement. Though his stats weren''t eye-popping, Cunningham was at least a starter for the Cavaliers.


    Once in Dallas, Han Sen attended promotional events with Wade and Bosh while Cunningham trained with the rookie team.


    Security wasn''t something Han Sen had to worry about¡ª the sponsors had arranged everything, and with top stars like Wade and Bosh involved, the security detail was top-notch.


    After the events, they all gathered in a private room arranged by the sponsors to rest and eat.


    They chatted about the promotional events, the upcoming All-Star Game, and the season itself.


    Each of them represented different stages of the league: Han Sen on a championship-contending team, Wade on a playoff-bound team, and Bosh leading his team in a playoff push.


    This created a sort of admiration circle: Bosh envied Wade for making the playoffs consistently, as he had only made it twice in seven years. Wade, in turn, envied Han Sen''s position on a championship contender. Though Wade won a championship in 2006, he''d always wanted another to solidify his legacy. And Han Sen? He envied Bosh, as he had originally hoped to join a playoff fringe team when he entered the draft.


    "If none of you achieve your goals this season, maybe we should explore playing together next summer," Thomas suddenly suggested, catching them all off guard.


    His words left the room in stunned silence as the three players turned to look at him.


    All three, including Han Sen, respected Thomas immensely. After all, not many agents worked 24/7 and handled so much with such a broad network of connections.


    Wade and Bosh exchanged glances. Both held player options for the upcoming summer.


    Han Sen, meanwhile, rubbed his chin, deep in thought.


    And honestly, the more he thought about it, the more interesting the idea became.


    Han Sen wasn''t anti-LeBron, but what if he replaced LeBron on that legendary Heat team with Wade and Bosh? Would the results be different? He could space the floor better than LeBron, allowing Bosh to stay in the paint instead of working on his three-pointer. Offensively, the team would be a three-headed monster, combining outside shooting, driving, and interior play.


    Defensively, Wade wouldn''t have to cover for LeBron, and Han Sen could help reduce Wade''s workload.


    If they not only won a championship but built a dynasty, that wouldn''t just be interesting¡ª it''d be exhilarating.


    But Han Sen wasn''t a free agent like them.


    "If you guys want to come to Cleveland, I think we could make something work," Han Sen joked, breaking the silence.


    Wade and Bosh both laughed.


    Let''s be real: who would choose to go to Cleveland if they had a choice?


    Besides, LeBron was still there. If they joined, where would LeBron go?


    You couldn''t exactly kick the king out of his own castle.


    The conversation fizzled out after that, but they all wondered what might happen if they ever teamed up.


    ---


    TL/n: From now on [Floating Steps] will be changed to [Phantom Steps]. I''ll gradually change the terms in the previous Chapters. Sorry for the confusion.

 Chapter 82: The Future is Yours.

    Chapter 82: The Future is Yours.The All-Star individual contests take place on the second day of the All-Star Weekend, and today, Han Sen is participating in the three-point contest.


    This year''s All-Star game is special because the main game isn''t held at the Mavericks'' home court, the American Airlines Center, but in the Cowboys Stadium, which can hold 100,000 spectators. This crowd size will set a world record in basketball history, surpassing even the NCAA Finals.


    Of course, that''s for the main event later. The celebrity game, rookie game, and individual contests are still held at the American Airlines Center. However, fans who traveled far won''t settle for just one main game, so the arena is completely packed for today''s contests as well.


    It''s so crowded that servers struggle to deliver food and drinks, eventually leading to the suspension of that service. This is probably the most intense atmosphere in the history of NBA individual contests.


    After the Shooting Stars competition and the Skills Challenge, the three-point contest is up next.


    The six participants in the three-point contest include Han Sen, Steph Curry, and Paul Pierce, along with last year''s champion Daequan Cook, Chauncey Billups from the Denver Nuggets, and Channing Frye from the Phoenix Suns.


    As the players prepare, reporters come to interview them. Soon, a reporter approaches Han Sen.


    When Han Sen appears on camera, a wave of boos echoes from the crowd. In terms of being a love-hate figure, Han Sen stands alone.


    "What are your expectations for this contest?" the reporter asked with a professional smile.


    "I think at this very moment, there''s only one quote from my idol, Larry Bird, that perfectly captures how I feel."


    Larry Bird''s your idol?


    The reporter was caught off guard; she had never heard him mention Bird before, but something already felt off.


    "I just want to ask the other contestants... are you all here to fight for second place?!"


    Before Han Sen could finish, the crowd erupted in boos. He just smiled, raising his arms to welcome the wave of jeers¡ª no, hater points.


    This feeling was it¡ª the fuel that made him feel like he could fly.


    "Did I hear that right?" Over at the commentary booth, Magic Johnson''s eyes were wide open.


    It had been years since he''d felt this level of showmanship. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "We gotta admit, he might be telling the truth¡ª but too bad Michael isn''t here tonight!" Barkley chuckled beside him.


    My idol, Bird.


    Han Sen''s over-the-top comments finally had a source. Too bad for Jordan, who''d been looking for Bird-type player for years; they could have just picked him with the twelfth pick this year.


    As the contestants did their final prep, other players had various stars in their corner chatting them up¡ª except Han Sen, who was left solo, courtesy of his pre-game bravado.


    "Don''t worry. I got faith in you," Shaq said, putting down his camera and walking over to give Han Sen a supportive pat on the back.


    "Relax. Easy win," Han Sen said with confidence, making Shaq burst into laughter. He patted Han Sen on the shoulder, then went back to his camera, ready to catch it all.


    Han Sen was up first.


    He looks completely unbothered¡ªbecause he is. If he loses, the haters will have a field day. If he wins, they''ll hate him even more! Either way, he wins, so why would he feel any pressure?


    Besides, Han Sen has been using three-point contests to evaluate his shooting ability since his NCAA days. It was the same format he used when he had Chris Rondo record his perfect 25-shot video to send to Barkley.


    While his overall three-point shooting might not match Steph Curry''s¡ª the latter''s ball-handling is superior¡ª the three-point contest isn''t always won by players like him. Often, it''s the role players who come out on top.


    Why? Because all they have to do is focus on making threes.


    Han Sen doesn''t have much to do on the Cavaliers, and with their emphasis on three-point shooting, his skill is more than enough.


    In the contest, there are five spots, each with five balls: four regular balls worth 1 point each, and one money ball worth 2 points. A perfect score is 30 points. Players can choose to start from the left or right corner, and Han Sen chooses the right corner.


    As his hands hover over the first ball, the arena goes silent. While the crowd may not like Han Sen, they aren''t going to disrupt him¡ª they want to see if he can back up his words.


    With the referee''s whistle, Han starts shooting.


    From picking up the ball to jumping and releasing, everything feels just like his practice.


    After finishing the first rack, he hits four out of five, missing only the money ball. But that''s enough to shock the crowd, and the commentators'' eyes widen in disbelief.


    Usually, the first player at the first spot struggles to get into rhythm, but Han Sen looks like a machine.


    When he hits four out of five again at the second spot, including the money ball this time, the crowd can''t contain their excitement. The commentators aren''t just wide-eyed now¡ª they''re open-mouthed as well.


    Han Sen''s performance is rock-solid, almost unnaturally so!


    In the three-point contest, it''s less about shooting ability and more about rhythm, experience, and mental state. Jordan once scored only five points in this contest¡ª not because his three-point shooting was bad¡ª but because his rhythm was off. He finished his shots with 10 seconds left, which suggests he hadn''t practiced specifically for this contest.


    But Han Sen, on the other hand, has the rhythm, the confidence, and the experience. This doesn''t look like his first contest¡ª it looks like he''s showcasing his signature skill!


    At the third spot, he struggles a bit, hitting only two out of five, but he nails the money ball. Finally, the crowd lets out a sigh of relief¡ª he''s human after all.


    Yet that relief is short-lived. After adjusting, Han Sen hits four out of five at the fourth spot, bringing his score to 16.


    At the final spot, Han Sen''s performance continues to dazzle, with each made shot eliciting gasps from the crowd.


    "18 points... 19... 20... 21... 23!" Mike Breen counts aloud as Han Sen drains shot after shot.


    When the final money ball swishes through the net, the crowd erupts.


    A perfect final rack! Even the stars in the front row stand and applaud.


    Shaq is grinning ear to ear, excitedly snapping pictures with his camera like a giant baby.


    Was Han Sen just being arrogant? No, this dude is the real deal!


    "That was just the preliminaries," Kenny Smith reminds everyone, being the voice of reason.


    The next contestant, Frye, steps up, looking tense. He finishes with only 11 points, a disappointment for the Suns'' top shooter this season.


    Then Cook, the defending champion, surprises everyone with a mere 13 points.


    Curry, who follows, takes deep breaths before starting. Only now do people realize the immense pressure Han Sen''s trash talk and 23-point performance have put on the other contestants.


    "He wasn''t lying¡ª he''s the next Larry Bird," Johnson says, finally coming to his senses.


    Back in the day, Bird only needed 17 points to win the contest, but his trash talk had thrown everyone else off their game. Han Sen seems to have inherited Bird''s swagger in more ways than one.


    Curry, under the weight of expectation, struggles at first, hitting only two of his first five shots, and missing the money ball. The pressure is palpable.


    The crowd murmurs¡ª if this continues, Han Sen''s victory seems inevitable. To win while being so cocky¡ª it''s infuriating!


    But Curry turns it around at the second rack, sinking four out of five shots, and then goes three-for-five at the top of the key, hitting the money ball as well.


    He''s slow to warm up, but he''s coming to life!


    By the end, Curry finishes with 18 points¡ª not enough to surpass Han Sen, but a solid score compared to Frye and Cook.


    As Curry steps off the court, Han Sen stands and gives him a high five. Curry is surprised but appreciates the gesture¡ª it''s a genuine sign of respect from Han Sen.


    Curry handled the pressure well. It''s not just the "small ball era" that''s made him a star¡ª he''s got the mindset to back it up.


    Curry''s success lifts some of the pressure off the remaining contestants.


    Next up is Billups, who finishes with 17 points.


    Now, all the pressure is on Paul Pierce.


    According to the rules, only the top three players advance to the finals, meaning Pierce needs at least 17 points to move on.


    Before his turn, Pierce glances at Han Sen, who smiles back and points at the scoreboard.


    The message is clear: Don''t choke, my number one hater!


    Pierce manages to keep his cool, scoring 18 points, just enough to make it to the finals.


    Known for his clutch performances, Pierce has 11 career game-winners and five buzzer-beaters. He lives up to his reputation by nailing the final shot, securing his spot in the finals.


    After his final shot, Pierce glances back at Han Sen with a smirk. He may have scored fewer points than Han Sen''s 23, but in the finals, it''s a clean slate.


    Han Sen, ever the showman, gives Pierce a slow clap from the sidelines.


    Breen chuckles at the playful exchange: "So it''ll be Han Sen, Curry, and Pierce in the finals, huh?"


    "This is the NBA I love," Barkley adds, thoroughly entertained by the drama.


    "I''m calling it now¡ª Pierce is going home with the trophy," Johnson declares with a grin.


    "Care to bet on it?" Barkley shoots back.


    Before we even reach the finals, this contest has become the highlight of the night!


    ---


    After the preliminary round, Han Sen, Curry, and Pierce advanced to the finals, with their order determined by their scores, from lowest to highest.


    There was a five-minute break between the preliminaries and finals, during which a reporter approached Han Sen again.


    "Is there anything you''d like to say to your opponents now?" the reporter asked, knowing just the right question.


    "I hope they enjoy the competition," Han Sen replied, leaving everyone stunned.


    Is this the same guy who just quoted his idol Larry Bird with all that trash talk?


    Maybe he''s just parroting Bird''s words? But as everyone wondered, Han Sen''s next comment stirred the crowd into another round of boos.


    "After all, I''m not the one starting first this time."


    The reporter instinctively took a small step back; this guy''s aura of arrogance was overwhelming.


    "I''ve said it before¡ª he''s the next Bird," Johnson laughed at the commentator''s desk.


    The finals began with Pierce stepping up first.


    Living up to his reputation, Pierce showed his poise under pressure and scored even better than in the prelims, netting a solid 20 points¡ªthe second-highest score of the night so far, setting off a round of cheers.


    With 24 previous editions of the NBA''s three-point contest, only nine champions had scored above 20. With 20 points, Pierce had a strong 50% chance of winning.


    As he left the court, Pierce shot Han Sen a challenging look. ''Testing nerves? You''re too green for this, rookie!''


    Han Sen''s reaction surprised Pierce; he simply gave Pierce a big thumbs-up. ''Nicely done. No wonder you''re my top hater!''


    Pierce rose to the challenge, but Curry faltered under the pressure. Between Han Sen''s taunts and Pierce''s high score, it was a lot for a rookie to handle.


    He finished with 17 points, leaving him out of the running. Now, it was Han Sen''s turn.


    As Han Sen stood up, he was greeted by familiar boos. At this rate, in a couple of years, he''d be the player version of ''Stern'', showing up to a guaranteed chorus of boos.


    But he smiled, looking relaxed. The competition this year wasn''t that intense. Sure, Curry was here, but he was still a rookie. If he were up against a prime Curry and Thompson, he''d feel the heat. For now, his biggest competitor was himself.


    In the prelims, he''d stumbled a bit on his third rack, showing a bit of nerves. He wasn''t a machine, after all.


    After steadying himself, Han Sen walked to the right side of the half-court and prepared.


    Beep! The finals had officially begun.


    On his first rack, he wasn''t as sharp as in the prelims, hitting only three out of five, though he did sink the money ball.


    The crowd, noticing his slight slip, started to feel hope for Pierce.


    But as he reached the second rack, that doubt disappeared.


    From the third ball on the second rack to the second ball on the fourth rack, Han Sen hit every shot. It was a downpour of threes.


    The crowd went wild. Han Sen was born for the three-point contest!


    By the end of the fourth rack, Han Sen was sitting at 20 points. As he moved to the final rack, he could feel his hater points skyrocketing.


    ''This is the feeling! Pure exhilaration!''


    On the last rack, Han Sen scored four out of five, finishing with a total of 24 points!


    This put him in second place among all-time three-point contest champions, just behind Kapono''s 25 in 2008.


    When the last money ball bounced off the rim, Han Sen showed only a hint of regret before turning and raising his arms with a smile, welcoming the cheers.


    He might attract hate, but he truly delivered.


    This isn''t humiliation; it''s domination!


    "From now on, I''m a fan¡ª don''t try to stop me!" Barkley yelled from the commentator''s table, grabbing Kenny Smith''s hand in excitement.


    Kenny laughed heartily, realizing that Barkley''s previous banter had always been fan behavior in disguise.


    The other contestants joined in, applauding Han Sen. They''d lost fair and square.


    Aside from his bold opening remarks, Han Sen had given Curry a high-five and a thumbs-up to Pierce, showing real class.


    Shortly after, the championship trophy presentation took place.


    Accepting the trophy, Han Sen gave a short speech.


    "I want to thank my coach, Mike Brown, whose three-point drills are probably the toughest in the league."


    Mike Brown, on vacation at home, suddenly sneezed, not expecting to be the first to get a shout-out from Han Sen.


    The crowd was a bit surprised, too; the news made it sound like Han Sen and Brown didn''t get along well. It just showed more of Han Sen''s character.


    "Next, I want to thank the fans," Han Sen continued, knowing they''d contributed to his hater points.


    "Your presence is our greatest motivation. This trophy belongs to each one of you, too."


    The crowd broke into applause.


    Han Sen might be cocky, but he sure knew how to play it.


    "And lastly, I want to thank one person."


    He glanced over to the players, his gaze lingering on Pierce.


    Pierce was caught off guard, feeling an odd sense of impending crisis, only to realize he''d been mistaken when Han Sen''s gaze shifted to Curry.


    ''This guy... he''s doing it on purpose!'' Pierce clenched his teeth in frustration.


    Looking at Curry, Han Sen''s face turned sincere:


    "Steph, the future''s yours."


    Two kids from Akron, both deserving of the same praise given to LeBron.


    Thunderous applause erupted.


    Although Han Sen, like Curry, was just a rookie, he was now a three-point contest champion.


    This was the highest recognition one champion could give to a rising star.

 Chapter 83: The Arena.

    Chapter 83: The Arena.After the game, Curry came over to chat with Han Sen.


    At heart, Curry was still just a big kid, and after Han Sen complimented him a bit, he had completely forgotten about the whole NCAA incident.


    Han Sen joined in the friendly conversation. After all, it was thanks to Curry that a lot of his social media followers (and haters) came his way.


    On the final day of the All-Star event, the main game.


    For NBA fans, especially those in Dallas, this was a truly historic moment.


    The Cowboy Stadium was just built in the latter half of last year, and its "first" event was this NBA All-Star game.


    A crowd of 100,000 watching basketball sounded unbelievable; those fans in the highest seats probably couldn''t see more than a tiny dot on the court¡ª they were just there for the atmosphere.


    The Eastern and Western All-Star players were in their locker rooms, making last-minute preparations.


    "This is my little bro¡ª look out for him, would ya," LeBron introduced Han Sen in the Eastern locker room.


    Who''s your little bro?!


    Though it seemed his previous "killing with kindness" buff hadn''t expired yet.


    It was lasting longer than expected.


    Of course, he knew that LeBron''s words wouldn''t make much difference.


    Besides him and LeBron, the other three starters were Wade, Howard, and Garnett.


    Howard and Garnett were LeBron''s Eastern Conference rivals and weren''t exactly fans, even if they pretended to get along.


    There was no way they''d take extra care of him just because of LeBron''s suggestion.


    Fortunately, he had a decent relationship with Wade, which might offer him some opportunities. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was unfortunate that Kobe was out this year due to a fractured finger.


    Their last Christmas Day showdown ended with a loss to the Lakers, leaving Han Sen eager for a rematch.


    He''d have to wait until after the All-Star game; he was also curious to see if his Cavs could take down the Lakers.


    Soon, a staff member came in to inform them it was time to get ready.


    As they walked through the tunnel toward the main stage, they could already hear the roaring crowd outside.


    With 100,000 people on-site, even thick concrete walls couldn''t mute that sound.


    By the time they reached the platform under the stage, the sound was like a bomb going off next to their ears.


    Han Sen couldn''t help but take a few deep breaths. This was a one-of-a-kind way to experience his first All-Star game.


    First came the Eastern Conference reserves, followed by the starters.


    One by one, the five starters rose up on their platforms.


    Wade was the first to go up.


    Standing below, Han Sen could clearly hear the deafening cheers from the crowd outside.


    This response showed Wade''s popularity in the league¡ª even in a ''road'' game in the Western Conference.


    After Wade, it was Han Sen''s turn.


    As the platform slowly lifted, Han Sen raised both hands high.


    He was expecting to be greeted by boos, as usual.


    But to his surprise, the crowd cheered.


    The cheers weren''t as loud as Wade''s, but they were definitely cheers.


    This caught him off guard, as he''d hoped to rack up some hater points.


    Apparently, he underestimated the impact of his three-point performance the previous day.


    Many had become fans rather than haters after witnessing his performance.


    American fans especially respect strength, so a bit of arrogance isn''t a big deal if you''re good enough.


    Han Sen laughed helplessly in the end¡ª he needed haters, not fans!


    But he couldn''t help smiling with a hint of pride.


    After all, who could resist cheers from the crowd?


    He lowered his hands, then raised his right hand to his ear in a ''listening'' gesture.


    The fans'' cheers rose to a new level.


    This year''s All-Star game had one absentee from each conference: Kobe in the West and Iverson in the East.


    Iverson had chosen to sit out to take care of his sick daughter, which saddened many fans.


    Han Sen''s gesture showed he truly knew how to work the crowd.


    As the opening ceremony ended, the lights dimmed before slowly coming back up.


    Only then did Han Sen get a chance to take in the entire arena.


    He was stunned.


    Not only him¡ª other players looked around in awe as well.


    The sheer sight of this endless sea of people was overwhelming.


    Since this was an NFL stadium, it had a roof but open sides.


    The scene, with the mix of fresh, slightly dusty air, didn''t feel like a typical basketball court; it felt more like a Roman Colosseum from the movies.


    This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.


    As Han Sen looked away from the crowd and was about to warm up, something in the front row caught his eye.


    At first, it was because someone was wearing a Cavaliers jersey with his number 77.


    Then, he realized¡ª it was Taylor Swift?


    His expression was as shocked as a meme-worthy cat.


    Seeing Swift here wasn''t surprising¡ª being a pop star, she''d definitely show up to an event of this magnitude.


    But why was she wearing his jersey?!


    Their rumored ''date'' already drew Swift a lot of hate online.


    For her to "defy the odds" like this, could she also have some kind of hater system?


    Or could it be that, inspired by his ''courage'', she actually had a crush on him?


    If that were true, it''d be absurdly, ridiculously... ''romantic''.


    ---


    As Han Sen was fantasizing, the others began warming up.


    After warm-ups, the All-Star starters took their positions on the court.


    The West: Nash, Anthony, Nowitzki, Stoudemire, Duncan.


    The East: Wade, Han Sen, LeBron, Garnett, Howard.


    After Kobe''s injury, theoretically, he should''ve been replaced by another guard. However, since the All-Star Game was taking place in Dallas, Nowitzki ultimately took his place.


    This made the Western Conference lineup visibly bigger, and Han Sen ended up matched against Anthony. Like LeBron, Anthony is a power forward¨Ctype small forward, taller than Han Sen and weighing around 110 kilograms, making him a tough opponent to defend.


    However, Han Sen had a grin on his face since, in comparison, LeBron''s matchup with Nowitzki was clearly more intriguing. As someone with foreknowledge, Han Sen was well aware of the drama that would unfold between these two later on.


    Duncan and Howard were at the center circle, ready for the jump ball, and Han Sen lined up against Anthony.


    "You shouldn''t be here," Anthony said, shaking his head, to Han Sen''s surprise.


    Han Sen had anticipated that his All-Star selection might be controversial, but he hadn''t expected Anthony to be so blunt about it.


    "The fans picked me, not you!" Han Sen shot back without hesitation. He had no reason to hold back against Anthony like he did with LeBron, who was his teammate and required a bit of tact.


    Anthony stared at Han Sen for a moment, silent, a hint of hostility could be seen in his eyes. They said Anthony had a street reputation, and his silence definitely gave off a ''tough guy'' vibe.


    Han Sen shot a hard glare back. Did Anthony really think he''d back down?


    The whistle blew, and Duncan''s experience shone through. He nudged the ball twice and tipped it back to his team''s side of the court.


    Amid the deafening cheers of 100,000 fans, the unique All-Star Game officially began.


    As the game started, rhythmic drumming filled the stadium, though the open-air arena dispersed the sound, giving it a vibe more akin to a soccer match.


    The West took the first possession. Duncan and Stoudemire set up two solid screens on the right side for Nowitzki, and Nash''s pass was perfectly on target.


    Nowitzki ran into position, caught the ball, and smoothly knocked down a mid-range jumper to put the West on the board. The crowd erupted into thunderous applause.


    Unlike his place on the Cavaliers, Brown- the All-Star Game head coach, was more of a figurehead. This year, the Western coach was the Nuggets'' George Karl, who certainly hadn''t called this play¡ª it was the Western players giving their ''hometown'' player, Nowitzki, the spotlight in Dallas.


    For the East''s first possession, LeBron took over as point guard, driving the ball up. He didn''t pass but instead backed Nowitzki down, then spun right for a fadeaway.


    Nowitzki pressed in for a strong contest, and the shot bounced off the rim.


    LeBron hadn''t applied enough pressure in his post-up move, so even a defender like Nowitzki could interfere effectively.


    Back on offense, the West ran a similar play on the left side. Nowitzki, positioned further out this time, nailed another long two-pointer.


    Han Sen had previously admired Durant''s shooting ability for a tall player, but if anyone was at the top of that list, it had to be Nowitzki.


    At 7 feet tall with a smooth touch and that signature high-release ''one-legged fade'', he was almost impossible to contest directly.


    Wade then pushed the ball for the East, and this time LeBron moved to the right side to take the ball. He squared up and attempted a pull-up jumper but missed again.


    Duncan grabbed the rebound and quickly passed to Nash, sparking a fast break that ended with Stoudemire flying in for a layup.


    The West opened with a 6-0 lead.


    With Kobe out and the Western lineup slightly off-kilter, the East was supposed to hold the advantage, but this start was surprising.


    Yet Han Sen sensed something different about this opening. Typically, All-Star Games were relaxed in the first three quarters before getting serious in the last. But today, there was already some tactical play and actual defense from the start.


    Clearly, the unprecedented crowd of 100,000 had spurred the players to focus from the tip-off, which suited Han Sen''s defensive style perfectly.


    The West''s possession then switched to a Nash-Stoudemire pick-and-roll, drawing the East''s defense in. Nash made a no-look bounce pass to Anthony, who drove hard to the rim.


    Duncan set a solid screen for him from the weak side.


    Anthony leaped to finish, but a figure chased him down from behind, leaping to meet his shot.


    Bang!


    The ball was swatted forcefully into the backboard, and Anthony was knocked out of bounds.


    While Duncan''s screen was solid, the ''Big Fundamental'' hadn''t learned the art of sneaky, illegal screens, and Han Sen managed to get around him.


    Anthony looked slightly rattled after Han Sen''s block, but the referee called a foul, giving him a bit of a dignity-saving break.


    Two players came to help him up¡ªDuncan and LeBron.


    LeBron even playfully patted him on the back as if to say, "You shouldn''t have messed with him."


    After all, Han Sen had been the one who blocked LeBron in their very first training camp together.


    Seeing Anthony in the same situation put LeBron at ease.


    Anthony sank both free throws, bringing the score to 8-0.


    In an All-Star Game, the score didn''t really matter, but the East''s pride was a bit dented by the start.


    LeBron handed the ball off, and Wade finally got his hands on it. Wade made a strong drive against Nash, forcing the West''s defense to collapse.


    Unlike Kobe, Wade didn''t force a shot but instead whipped the ball out to Han Sen in the corner.


    Wade, often overlooked as a playmaker, had a knack for racking up seven or eight assists in a season when given the chance.


    Han Sen felt more comfortable than he did on the Cavs since Wade''s pass had a nice touch and timing.


    Han Sen took the shot, and the West''s unbalanced lineup was evident. Even All-Star big men couldn''t cover the three-point line that quickly.


    Swish!


    With yesterday''s three-point contest win fresh in his mind, Han Sen broke the East''s scoreless streak.


    On the way back to defend, Han Sen found Wade for a high-five. Having a real friend in the All-Star Game made a difference.


    For the West''s next play, Anthony tried to get the ball and take his shot, seeking redemption from his earlier block. But Han Sen used a half-fronting defense to deny him the ball.


    The moment was captured by a courtside photographer and flashed up on the LED screen, causing a wave of cheers from the crowd.


    "Is this really the intensity of an All-Star Game?"


    Anthony didn''t get the ball, but the Western team still pulled off a smooth play. Nash, with a screen from Duncan, drove into the paint and, with some Magic Johnson-style flair, dished a no-look pass to Stoudemire on the baseline. Stoudemire tapped it back to the rolling Duncan, who banked in a solid mid-range shot.


    Clearly, Nash and Stoudemire, as teammates, plus his prior connection with Nowitzki, had the Western team running a more coordinated offense. For the Eastern team, they had to rely on Wade to keep up.


    And Wade stepped up, driving hard past Nash. The Western defense was cautious, clearly hesitant to collapse inward¡ª showing the value of having a strong outside shooter.


    Seizing the opportunity, Wade used a nifty Eurostep to shove Nash aside and then tossed the ball off the backboard, slamming down a self-assist dunk. The high-flying legs brought the crowd to a frenzy.


    Now this was starting to feel like an All-Star game.


    After the dunk, Wade pointed at Han Sen, and LeBron raised an eyebrow. "You two seem pretty in sync, huh?"


    On the next possession, Anthony got the ball outside the three-point line and drove past Han Sen. In Han Sen''s memories, though Anthony''s reputation wasn''t always high due to his time with the Lakers, he knew the guy''s game. Despite lacking in defense and playmaking, Anthony''s scoring ability, especially at 15 feet, was elite.


    Han Sen closed in to deny Anthony''s space to make a move. It worked, forcing Anthony into a back-down play. Anthony was heavy and skilled in post-ups, so Han Sen lowered his stance.


    In that instant, Anthony used a tight spin move, his trademark ''spin cycle''. By the time Han Sen recovered, Anthony was already at the rim for a banked-in score. He celebrated with his iconic ''three-to-the-head'' gesture, and the crowd erupted in cheers.


    LeBron tried a three-pointer but missed again. Luckily, Howard grabbed the offensive rebound, fighting through Duncan and Stoudemire''s coverage, but couldn''t find an opening against the Western team''s towering lineup. Han Sen moved from the corner to a 45-degree angle, catching Anthony napping and leaving him wide open. Howard, who''d played a four-out offense with the Magic, instinctively passed it over.


    No chance for a clean shot, though, as Duncan quickly closed out. Han Sen made a sharp move past him, driving to the basket. Anthony recovered and, along with Stoudemire and Duncan, blocked off any easy layup or jump shot. With no other option, Han Sen went for an off-balance floater, and it dropped in cleanly.


    With that shot, Han Sen was now the Eastern team''s top scorer.


    He took the chance to flash his signature celebration, gripping the sides of his jersey and shaking it¡ª an action that seemed to amplify in significance under the spotlight of All-Star weekend.


    Anthony wasn''t about to back down. This time, he came at Han Sen more aggressively, hoping to humble the rookie. But Han Sen responded with equally intense defense, pushing back harder than before.


    The fans were getting louder and louder. Anyone walking in might have thought this was last year''s Lakers vs. Nuggets Western Conference Finals. The ref finally called a foul on Han Sen''s defense.


    Anthony spun around, grabbed the ball with one hand, and pushed his forehead into Han Sen''s.


    "Rookie, you can''t guard me!"


    "Quit yappin''. Last I checked, you haven''t stopped me either!"


    They locked eyes, both of them glaring, tossing trash talk back and forth. The crowd of ten thousand was on fire, the court turned into a modern-day colosseum.


    ---


    TL/n: Don''t forget to leave a review and let me know your honest thoughts!

 Chapter 84: Trade.

    Chapter 84: Trade.The players from both sides quickly intervened to separate the two, and Han Sen was subbed out by Joe Johnson after accumulating two fouls.


    This All-Star game sealed the rivalry between the two.


    Although Han Sen was a starter and played impressively at the beginning, he ultimately received only 14 minutes of playing time¡ªthe least among the starters.


    For an Asian player to make a name in the NBA, they often face more obstacles.


    But he made the most of his limited time, scoring 9 points on 4-for-6 shooting, with 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 2 steals.


    Under Wade''s leadership, the East narrowly edged out the West with a score of 141 to 139.


    In terms of stats, Anthony led the West with 27 points and 10 rebounds on 13-for-22 shooting, while Nowitzki put up 22 points on 8-for-15 shooting.


    For the East, LeBron scored 22 points, with 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. Wade scored 28 points with 6 rebounds, 11 assists, and 5 steals, and Bosh contributed 23 points with 10 rebounds and 2 steals.


    Wade earned the MVP title, marking his first All-Star MVP award.


    As Wade gave his heartfelt acceptance speech, Han Sen joined the applause with the others.


    In 2006, Wade had won a championship, but his skills and experience were not fully refined. However, winning the scoring title last season and showing such dominance in this year''s All-Star Game marked his true peak.


    Seeing Wade finish his speech, Han Sen went up to offer his congratulations.


    Although they hadn''t shared much time on the court, they had a promising chemistry.


    If only he''d had more playing time; they could have played together with Bosh as they''d planned.


    The All-Star Game was over, but most fans lingered, and many players stayed to sign autographs.


    Han Sen walked toward Swift, curious about why she wore his jersey tonight.


    But he only made it a few steps before hearing fans calling his name.


    Instead of being bashed as expected, his strong performance had earned him a lot of new fans.


    He stopped to sign autographs for ten minutes, and by the time he looked back, Swift had disappeared.


    Back in the locker room, the players were chatting away, laughter filling the room.


    The ''West is stronger than the East'' narrative had been dominant in the league, so winning was a rare joy for the East team.


    Seeing Wade and Bosh in deep conversation, Han Sen started over to join them¡ª only to be beaten by LeBron, who pulled up a chair and joined the conversation.


    For Han Sen, it was surreal seeing Wade, Bosh, and LeBron together. This trio wasn''t just the most impressive in tonight''s game but was also the ''Miami Heat Big Three'' he knew from the future.


    There was something slightly awkward in LeBron''s dynamic with Wade and Bosh though¡ª like he was forcing his way in.


    Soon, the media was allowed into the locker room for interviews.


    Han Sen took questions from Chinese reporters, thanking his fans for their support, whether real fans or haters.


    He also hinted that his first signature shoe would launch in the summer, a message for his local fanbase.


    After the interviews, Han Sen''s first All-Star weekend officially concluded.


    The players were ready to enjoy the nightlife¡ª a rare chance to unwind.


    Han Sen planned to go out with Cunningham.


    Just as Han Sen was packing up to leave, his phone rang.


    It was an unknown number.


    When he answered, a somewhat familiar voice came through:


    "Hi, it''s Taylor."


    ...


    In the parking lot, Han Sen got into the passenger seat of Swift''s car.


    For a celebrity of Swift''s caliber, finding his private contact information wasn''t hard.


    Plus, the car had plenty of space, indicating that she had come prepared.


    With a push on the gas pedal, Swift took Han Sen for a spin around downtown Dallas.


    "I have a question." Once the car left the busy area, Han Sen couldn''t help but ask,


    "Why were you wearing a Cavaliers No. 77 jersey at the event today?"


    "Thank you for what you said about me on social media." Swift was very direct.


    Han Sen sighed in relief. Thankfully, it wasn''t because she had feelings for him.


    Though he liked Swift''s personality, he wasn''t really interested in dating her.


    After all, dating her would not only seal his fate as an ex-boyfriend, but he''d also probably end up being written into a song.


    And if the song became a hit, well, he''d become really famous.


    Wait a minute!


    He suddenly realized something¡ª he had been using a burner account the whole time. How did she know it was him?


    As for the posts from his main account, those had only mentioned that they weren''t suited for each other.


    Could it be...


    He quickly grabbed his phone.


    Sure enough, when he checked, he broke out in a cold sweat.


    Damn! His main account had commented after all!


    He had too many accounts, and while switching between them, he accidentally used the main one. (TL/n: He pulled a KD.)


    It was too late to delete it now, so he decided not to bother.


    "You didn''t have to do that. It will just bring more slander your way¡ª it''s not worth it," Han Sen advised after putting down his phone.


    Though Swift''s actions had helped him gain a lot of hater points during the competition, just like before, it came at too high a cost for her.


    "I only do what I want to do. What others think is their business."


    As Swift turned the car right, she glanced at the right rearview mirror, and Han Sen noticed how natural her expression was.


    Her personality was still as refreshing as ever.


    "Thank you for thinking of me," Swift said, "but it doesn''t matter what I do. It depends on whether they want to or not."


    Han Sen nodded instinctively when he heard this.


    It was true. Sometimes, without him doing anything, his system would still accumulate hater points.


    Once you''re famous, people don''t always need a reason to hate you.


    If he experienced this, then Swift, even more so.


    "We''re here."


    The car came to a stop.


    Han Sen got out and found himself standing before a tall building.


    There were three large columns, likely housing elevators, and at the top was a circular structure wrapped in a band of red lights, resembling a globe.


    It vaguely reminded him of the Oriental Pearl Tower, except this one seemed only half as tall.


    Swift got out too. She put on a hat, glasses, and a scarf, making it hard to recognize her without close inspection. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She opened the trunk and called out to him.


    When he walked over, he saw a camera bag.


    Seeing her gesture for him to take it, he hesitated, "I''m not really good at taking pictures."


    If he had been, maybe he wouldn''t have been single in his previous life.


    Should he call Rondo for help?


    "Just help me carry it." She laughed at his troubled expression.


    Her smile was still beautiful.


    He picked up the camera bag, realizing it was heavier than expected. It seemed like it held more than just a camera.


    They walked a bit further together.


    Even though it was already past 10 p.m., there were still a lot of people around, and even a line.


    Han Sen glanced at the building''s name: Reunion Tower.


    The name had a nice ring to it.


    They bought tickets, and on the back was a brief introduction to Reunion Tower: Built in 1978, the tower stood 171 meters tall, making it the 15th tallest building in Dallas. The top had three floors, but only the lowest level, the Geo-Deck, was open to the public.


    As they took the elevator up, the city of Dallas slowly revealed itself like a woman removing her makeup, exposing her most original and beautiful self.


    When they reached the top and entered the observation deck, the lighting inside was dim, probably to help people appreciate the night view better.


    The deck was 360¡ã¡ª offering a panoramic, unobstructed view of Dallas at night.


    Han Sen found himself captivated by the sight.


    During the day, being amidst it all didn''t feel like much, but now, from this height, the endless stretch of twinkling lights had its own unique charm.


    Just then, Swift called him.


    When he set the camera bag down, she opened it and began setting up her gear¡ª it was a long-lens camera.


    After assembling it, Swift removed her sunglasses and scarf, fully focused on taking pictures of the night view.


    They say people are most beautiful when they''re focused, and at that moment, her side profile, highlighted by the soft light, had a distinct beauty.


    Han Sen couldn''t resist pulling out his phone to capture the scene.


    He pressed the shutter, and there was a flash¡ª though it wasn''t from his phone.


    Han Sen turned around to see someone with a camera running off.


    Even though Swift had done her best to stay hidden, it wasn''t enough to evade the paparazzi.


    Han thought about chasing after him.


    "Let him go. Come take a look at this," Swift said with a smile, as if she was used to it.


    Han Sen sat back down, crouching to look through the lens. He saw that it was focused on the main road.


    The stream of headlights moving along the road looked like a river of light, and at the end of the river was the Cowboys Stadium they had just left, brightly lit like an ocean.


    "Beautiful."


    Swift was a talented photographer.


    After coming down from Reunion Tower, both of them were in high spirits.


    "How did you get into photography?" Han Sen asked, noting that her style of photography was quite different from Rondo''s.


    "It''s a way to relieve stress. How do you relieve stress?" She asked in return.


    Han Sen shook his head. It seemed like he didn''t really have one.


    Unless you count the occasional night out with Cunningham to satisfy physical needs.


    "I envy you. You remind me of when I first started writing songs. But I''d recommend you find a way to relax¡ª you''ll need it in the future."


    Swift said this as she started the car.


    Han Sen rubbed his chin. Maybe he should pick up fishing again?


    Cleveland was a port city after all.


    Since she had an event at 7 a.m. the next morning, Swift drove straight to the airport.


    Before leaving, she did three things:


    First, she had Han Sen drive the car to a certain location, where her driver would take him back to his hotel;


    Second, she told Han Sen the phone she used to call him was her personal phone (TL/n: She gave you her private contact information, wink wink);


    Third, she said that next time they meet, she''ll treat him to a cake she baked herself.


    Just like last time, it wasn''t until she had left that Han Sen began to process everything.


    Was that a date? Or just a casual hangout between friends?


    Or... was she trying to fish?


    The next day, when Han Sen woke up at the hotel, his hater points had surged by over 30,000.


    Although the photo taken by the paparazzi the night before wasn''t very clear due to the lighting, leaving many people unsure if the man in the photo was really him, it didn''t matter.


    It was like people debating how much someone ate¡ª it''s not about how much you actually ate, but how much people think you did.


    Even if they couldn''t see clearly, given Han Sen''s previous rumors with Swift and the fact it was the night of the All-Star Weekend, it didn''t matter whether it was true or not.


    Han''s feelings were complicated.


    It seemed like every time he met Swift, he gained a ton of hater points.


    If they actually dated, wouldn''t he be able to just sit back and let the points roll in?


    But then he shook his head.


    If that were the case, it wouldn''t be a relationship¡ªit would be a ''transaction''.


    It was the same reason he didn''t announce his withdrawal from the national team a year early just to generate hater points, or use something outrageous like ''drinking Scarlett''s bathwater'' to earn points during the All-Star Weekend.


    He had his own set of principles, or a bottom line.


    If he sacrificed those just for hater points, how would he be any different from LeBron?


    ---


    Just a few days after Han Sen returned to Cleveland following the All-Star Weekend, the league announced a major three-team trade.


    The Wizards traded Antawn Jamison and Drew Gooden, receiving Al Thornton, Brian Skinner, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and a future first-round pick from the Cavaliers;


    The Clippers traded Al Thornton, Sebastian Telfair, and Brian Skinner, receiving Drew Gooden;


    The Cavaliers traded Zydrunas Ilgauskas and a future first-round pick, receiving Antawn Jamison and Telfair.

 Chapter 85: Invincible.

    Chapter 85: Invincible.Every NBA season has a trade deadline. As the name implies, it''s the last day teams can make trades for that season.


    So, even if a team starts the season far over the salary cap and is paying a ton in luxury tax, what matters is how they look on the deadline.


    Teams that don''t want to pay the tax will go all out on this day, trying to lower their payroll to get under the cap or the tax threshold.


    This year, the Wizards were one of those teams.


    The Wizards'' ''Big Three'' finally managed to stay healthy this season, but due to poor form and morale, their record was still awful. The blowout win against the Cavs was one of the few highlights of their season.


    But their star, Gilbert Arenas, wasn''t satisfied with just that. He decided to make an even bigger splash.


    He became the NBA''s first ''Gun King'' when he pulled a gun on his teammate, Javaris Crittenton, in a locker room altercation.


    Even though he didn''t fire the gun, as Chekhov''s law might suggest, the incident still shattered his career and reputation.


    Before this, Dwyane Wade had a famous ''throat-slash'' celebration that the NBA later banned. The league, as the pinnacle of basketball worldwide, simply couldn''t allow any crossing of lines into violence.


    Arenas was suspended for the rest of the season and cooperated with a government investigation. There was even a chance he could end up in jail.


    This incident pushed the Wizards, already considering a rebuild due to their poor performance, to make a final decision: they were opening up a fire sale.


    The Mavericks swooped in, using a washed-up Josh Howard (who had only played 31 games and averaged 12.5 points and 3.6 rebounds on 40% shooting due to injury) and a bunch of benchwarmers to acquire one of the Wizards'' Big Three, Caron Butler, along with Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson.


    The Cavaliers also made a move during this window, trading Zydrunas Ilgauskas and a first-round pick for the Wizards'' number-two option, Antawn Jamison.


    Although this wasn''t the biggest trade news of the deadline (that honor went to the Rockets sending Tracy McGrady to the Knicks), when Han Sen arrived in the locker room, he could still sense the excitement on the players'' faces.


    Even though Jamison was 33, he was still averaging 20.5 points and 8.8 rebounds for the Wizards, shooting 45% from the field and 34.5% from three.


    You could say that only active All-Stars could consistently outplay him as a power forward.


    In terms of spacing and inside play, there were only a few who could surpass him.


    Of course, no one in the locker room showed this excitement openly, since Ilgauskas hadn''t left yet.


    If you were to ask who the most influential player in Cavs'' history was, it would undoubtedly be LeBron James.


    But if you asked who the most beloved player was, that would be Ilgauskas.


    Ilgauskas was a first-round pick by the Cavs in 1997 and had played for the team ever since.


    Over the past 12 seasons (he missed the 1999¨C2000 season due to injury), he had been a two-time All-Star and the team''s leader before LeBron arrived.


    He was humble, hardworking, selfless, and always kept the team together. Even when Shaq came this season and took his starting spot, he gave it up without complaint.


    You could see almost every positive trait of a professional athlete in him, and he was respected by everyone on the Cavs.


    LeBron was the first to stand up and walk over to Ilgauskas, giving him a heartfelt hug while whispering words of farewell. His eyes even welled up slightly.


    The rest of the locker room couldn''t help but feel emotional watching this.


    After all, since LeBron entered the league, Ilgauskas had been by his side.


    Well, except for one person.


    Han Sen, watching this, couldn''t help but take back his earlier comments about LeBron. He thought LeBron might be more suited to being a politician than a businessman.


    Because, in addition to intelligence, a politician needs acting skills.


    If LeBron really didn''t want Ilgauskas to leave, would the Cavs'' front office dare go through with the trade?


    Just last season, when the Cavs tried to lowball Anderson Varej?o during contract negotiations, LeBron forced their hand by coming off the bench in protest, which resulted in Varej?o getting a six-year, 48.2 million dollar deal.


    So, at the end of the day, LeBron didn''t stop this trade because Ilgauskas had gone from being a prized asset to an aging player.


    Besides, this trade brought LeBron a seasoned All-Star power forward in return.


    LeBron''s always been about winning, just like how he could apologize to a player who had punched him if it meant winning a championship. It''s all about the bottom line.


    After LeBron, the rest of the Cavs also came up to say their goodbyes to Ilgauskas.


    That included Han Sen.


    Han Sen was still grateful to ''Big Z''. If it hadn''t been for his earlier mediation, he might have been benched indefinitely by the Cavs.


    Sure, he could''ve forced a trade by publicly trashing LeBron, but that method came with a lot of uncertainty.


    Compared to that, the path he was currently on, gradually earning his place with the Cavs, was far better.


    Of course, Han Sen didn''t make a grand gesture like LeBron, because he knew Ilgauskas would be back.


    After saying goodbye to Ilgauskas, the players finally let their emotions loose on the practice court.


    The energy in practice was sky-high, with LeBron flying all over the place, visibly excited.


    It wasn''t just him. Han Sen noticed Shaq seemed pretty pumped, too.


    "Is Jamison really that good?" he asked Shaq after practice, unable to contain his curiosity.


    This was the first time he had seen Shaq this fired up since arriving in Cleveland.


    After all, Shaq had been in the league for years. Not much should surprise him at this point.


    "You have no idea how good this guy is," Shaq said, sitting down on the bench.


    The ''Big Diesel'' was about to give a lesson, and it wasn''t just Han Sen who gathered around¡ª other players did, too.


    Most of them had the same impression of Jamison as Han Sen: a former All-Star who, at 33, could still drop 20+ points and was part of the exclusive 20,000-point club.


    "My biggest memory of him is from Christmas Eve in 2000. He was with the Warriors then, and Phil (Jackson) told us to watch out for this third-year guy who had dropped 51 points in Seattle three days earlier."


    Shaq knew how to tell a story. Even this opening line drew everyone in.


    On December 4, 2000, Jamison had dropped 51 points, though the Warriors narrowly lost to Gary Payton''s Sonics.


    Three days later, the Warriors returned home to face Shaq''s Lakers, and Jamison once again scored 51 points, leading his team to a 125-122 victory.


    "He could back you down in the post, hit long twos, drive from the high post, pass out of double teams, grab offensive boards for put-backs, and his three-point shooting was a serious threat. We tried everything that night, and nothing worked," Shaq said.


    His description was so vivid that Han Sen couldn''t help but pull out his phone and look up the stats from that game.


    Jamison had shot 21-of-29, finishing with 51 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, and 4 turnovers.


    Wow. That was terrifying.


    This was in 2000, before the hand-check rule was eliminated, and the Lakers'' defense back then was one of the best in the league.


    Shaq wasn''t exaggerating.


    What made it even more interesting was that in that same game, Kobe Bryant had also scored 51 points, though he shot 18-of-35 and turned the ball over eight times.


    No wonder Shaq remembered it so well. Two players scoring 50+ in the same game? That doesn''t happen often in NBA history.


    Han Sen then looked up Jamison''s stats from the game against the Sonics: 23-of-36, 51 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks, and only 1 turnover.


    Jamison was seriously something else!


    Just then, Shaq revealed the real reason for his excitement during practice:


    "Now that we''ve got him, I honestly don''t know how we lose."


    Shaq was really hyped up, probably forgetting how the Lakers lost back in the day.


    But his confidence is understandable.


    This isn''t the era before Han Sen''s time travel, where superteams were all the rage, with no teams having two top-tier superstars.


    Even if you count the earlier Celtics, both Pierce and Ray Allen were just the stars of struggling teams, and the only true superstar was Garnett.


    And even including the Celtics, they were the only team like that.


    Other teams, at most, were like the Lakers: one superstar leading the former star of a weak team.


    But now, on the Cavs, LeBron is a superstar, and then three second-tier stars: Mo Williams, Shaq, and Jamison..


    That''s not even counting the rapidly improving Han Sen.


    And in terms of rotation, guys like West, old Parker, Moon, and Varejao were all starters last season.


    That''s basically like playing with two starting lineups, and on paper, it''s hard to see how they could lose.


    Of course, basketball isn''t played on paper. Otherwise, the Heat''s Big Three in their prime wouldn''t have won just two championships.


    Shaq and LeBron have already spent a lot of time adjusting to each other. How long will it take for Jamison to fit in?


    Let''s not forget, after the All-Star break, there''s only two months left in the season.


    And when you have a lot of star players, it''s really a test of the coach''s ability to manage them.


    Especially when you have someone like LeBron on the team, who has such a strong desire for ball control.


    Without guaranteed touches, it''s hard to maintain form, just like what Han Sen experienced earlier.


    Rivers did a good job in Boston, but Brown...


    Luckily, based on what we''ve seen in practice, things are looking optimistic for now.


    After all, Jamison could be seen as an upgraded version of Cunningham, perfectly complementing LeBron.


    The next day, Malone led Jamison to the Cavs'' locker room, where he would take over the corner locker that used to belong to Ilgauskas.


    The first thing that caught Han Sen''s eye when he saw Jamison was the prominent scar on his right cheek.


    Although the Cavs had faced the Wizards before, you don''t really notice those details on the court.


    It gave him a tough look, but the moment he opened his mouth, that impression vanished.


    Jamison''s warm and genuine smile, combined with his large frame, created a striking contrast.


    Everyone who greeted him was met with a friendly smile, giving off a very humble and polite vibe.


    But after the greetings, he sat quietly, preparing his gear for practice.


    This made Han Sen a little concerned.


    It wasn''t that he was being prejudiced, but in his time playing in the States, the Black players he had met, like Rondo and Cunningham, were all chatterboxes. Quiet ones like Jamison were rare.


    Curious, Han Sen pulled out his phone and searched for Jamison, not for game footage but for his career background.


    After that, it all made sense.


    Turns out Jamison went to UNC.


    No wonder.


    That''s a place that could even make someone like Jordan understand the importance of teamwork. It''s known for producing players with that mindset, though not always.


    What surprised Han Sen even more was that Jamison had been college teammates with Vince Carter at UNC for three years, and Jamison was the team''s leader?


    Averaging 22 points and 11 rebounds in his junior season?


    Those are insane stats for a UNC player!


    And how come no one ever mentioned it before?


    Even more interesting, he and Carter were both drafted in the same year, with Jamison going fourth and Carter fifth, and they even swapped teams right after being drafted.


    Such an interesting story, but too bad no media really hyped it up.


    After putting down his phone, Han Sen came to a final assessment of Jamison: stats greater than skill, skill greater than fame.


    Jamison''s arrival boosted the Cavs'' morale, but it didn''t impact Han Sen much.


    His main focus now was to push his [Giant Slayer] skill to the limit in the remaining two months.


    It wasn''t going to be easy, meaning he had to get back to his previous training routine.


    After practice one day, Han Sen stayed behind to work on his floater, with Malone helping by holding up a board to simulate a defender.


    After a while, he noticed Jamison sitting on the sidelines, watching.


    When Han Sen finished, he was still there.


    Han Sen grabbed a towel to wipe off his sweat and sat down beside him.


    "Did you want to talk to me?"


    "Vince mentioned you."


    Hearing that, Han Sen took a tactical sip from his water bottle.


    His interactions with Carter had mostly been on the court, and let''s just say, those weren''t pleasant memories for Carter.


    Was Jamison here to stick up for his old college buddy?


    But what Jamison said next made him choke on his water.


    "He said you''ve got potential."


    Wait, is this the difference between people?


    Han Sen trashed Pierce, and the latter became his biggest hater.


    But after he trashed Carter, he instead got complimented?


    Is he some kind of masochist?


    Well, at least he wasn''t here to settle a score. That''s good news.


    Although Han Sen had established his place on the Cavs, his relationship with LeBron hadn''t changed much.


    It''s always better to have one more friend than one more enemy, especially when that friend is a starter on the team.


    Plus, Jamison replaced Cunningham, and a lot of weak-side plays would require coordination between the two of them.


    "Tell him thanks. He''s my idol. I grew up watching him play," Han Sen said, adjusting his tone to sound serious.


    Carter was the face of the league when Han Sen was 11 or 12, so the age thing checked out.


    It definitely sounded more plausible than calling Bird his idol.


    And no one ever said you could only have one idol, right?


    If needed, you could have plenty!


    Sure enough, this comment instantly brought him and Jamison closer.


    "I saw you working on your floater earlier," Jamison said, continuing the conversation.


    "Yeah. Wait, huh?"


    Han Sen paused and turned to him.


    He remembered that Jamison was pretty good with floaters too, right?


    In that game against the Wizards, Jamison had dropped 31 points, including two impressive floaters.


    "I know a bit about them. Want me to practice with you?"


    Hearing that, Han Sen eagerly nodded.


    The reason the floater is called ''Giant Killer'' is because it''s a move used by smaller players to counter bigger defenders.


    Using Malone as a stand-in hadn''t been that effective, since Malone''s slower foot speed and lower reach didn''t really simulate a true big man.


    If he wanted to make his training more efficient, he needed to practice against an actual big guy.


    But the Cavs'' big guys? No way Shaq would help out, even if they were friends. Ilgauskas was just traded. Cunningham was too short.


    And he definitely wasn''t going to ask Varejao!


    So Jamison''s offer was exactly what he needed.


    Jamison''s signature floater was a spin move into a drifting floater, usually after a post-up. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was the complete opposite of the floater Han Sen learned from Wade.


    The key to a floater is keeping your body balanced.


    Jamison explained that his drifting floater was a way to deal with help defenders in the paint.


    It made sense. In low-post situations, it''s easy to get double-teamed and blocked by big men.


    But this was Jamison''s unique move¡ª not something just anyone could learn.


    According to him, it stemmed from an experience he had as a kid.


    His dad, noticing his love for basketball, put up a hoop in their yard. The standard height is 10 feet, but his dad hung it at 11.5 feet.


    So from a young age, Jamison had to practice shooting high floaters from all kinds of angles.


    That''s how he developed the ability to hit drifting floaters with consistency.


    So in a way, it was kind of a ''weird trick''.


    But Han Sen thought it was worth trying out, since the move focused on surprise and unpredictability, making it hard for defenders to guard.


    Aside from learning the floater technique, Jamison also shared his insights on how to defend against floaters.


    With his 7-foot-2 wingspan, the defensive pressure Han Sen faced from him was nothing like the resistance Malone''s board could offer.


    Han Sen had to focus on every detail and adjust his rhythm to suit his own body.


    By the time they finished training, Han Sen felt like he had learned a lot.


    One thought crossed his mind: he didn''t trash-talk Carter enough!

 Chapter 86: The Fisherman.

    Chapter 86: The Fisherman.Two days later, the Cavaliers hosted the Bobcats at home.


    This was Jamison''s debut for the Cavaliers.


    Coach Brown didn''t seem to have figured out how to handle the ball distribution yet, so Jamison wasn''t in the starting lineup for this game.


    It wasn''t a big deal since Jamison had only recently joined the team. He barely had time to learn the plays, let alone get familiar with all his teammates.


    However, this decision led to an unexpected outcome.


    The Bobcats had originally spent two months deliberating before selecting Henderson, but less than a month into the season, they abandoned the idea of making him their cornerstone. Instead, they traded with the Warriors for ''Captain Jack'' Stephen Jackson.


    After joining the Bobcats, Jackson averaged a career-high 17.8 field goal attempts per game and scored a career-high 21.1 points per game.


    His efficiency wasn''t great, but he could handle the ball and score in crucial moments, which was a much-needed boost for the team.


    With Tyson Chandler anchoring the paint, Gerald Wallace and Boris Diaw leading the wings, and Jackson contributing on the perimeter, along with a more polished Raymond Felton in his contract year, the Bobcats had become a playoff-caliber team.


    Moreover, this roster had a solid defensive capability, making them a tough team to beat when their offense clicked.


    On this particular night, they shot 54.7% from the field, 47.4% from three-point range, and outrebounded the Cavaliers by 10, ultimately defeating Cleveland 110-101.


    This was not a performance the Bobcats could sustain regularly¡ª an outlier¡ª but Jamison''s play was the more noteworthy aspect of the game.


    In 26 minutes off the bench, Jamison had the worst game of his career, bar none.


    He went 0-for-12 from the field, 0-for-4 from beyond the arc, and only managed 2 points and 7 rebounds from free throws.


    At the post-game press conference, Han Sen and LeBron attended together.


    LeBron scored 22 points, 3 rebounds, and 9 assists, while Han Sen contributed 18 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 4 steals.


    When asked about Jamison''s poor performance, LeBron came to the new teammate''s defense. "There''s nothing wrong with Antawn. He''s in great shape, and I''m confident about that. We just need some time to gel."


    Listening from the side, Han Sen felt a little weird.


    He realized that LeBron had used this exact line before, except the subject had been Shaquille O''Neal instead of Jamison.


    LeBron had his excuses ready.


    "Han, how long do you think Jamison will take to adjust to the team?" Reporters directed a similar question to him.


    It''s hard to avoid these questions after such an abysmal performance.


    "He''s a veteran who''s been in the league for 11 or 12 seasons. He just had an off night, but I''m confident he''ll bounce back in the next game," Han Sen expressed his unwavering confidence in Jamison.


    After the press conference, Han Sen returned to the locker room.


    Jamison sat quietly in a corner.


    According to David Griffin, that spot was supposed to be a peaceful area, but now it felt almost desolate, especially compared to when Jamison first joined the team two days ago.


    This is the harsh reality¡ª when you''re a highly anticipated All-Star acquired through a major trade, and you perform this poorly, don''t expect your teammates to give you warm looks.


    LeBron glanced at Jamison after returning to the locker room but then went straight to the showers without a word.


    Han Sen, however, walked directly toward Jamison.


    "Let''s train together later."


    Jamison looked at Han Sen and nodded.


    On the practice court, they engaged in some intense physical drills.


    Han Sen didn''t hold back just because Jamison was in a bad mood. By the end, both were drenched in sweat, exhausted.


    But unlike two days ago, Han Sen could sense Jamison was anxious; his technique was off.


    This had been evident during the game as well.


    His anxiety likely stemmed from Brown''s lineup decisions.


    Jamison had only come off the bench in his rookie season and during the 2003-04 season when he won Sixth Man of the Year with the Mavericks.


    It''s not just about him needing to learn the team''s plays; if he has a few more bad games, Jamison might never get the chance to start.


    This would save Brown the headache of managing the ball distribution.


    But sometimes, the more you rush, the worse you play.


    Besides adjusting his form, Jamison needed to work on his mindset.


    Han Sen realized this after their extra training session, but he wasn''t a psychologist.


    Telling him ''patience is a virtue'' wouldn''t mean much.


    "Are you free tomorrow afternoon?" Han Sen asked.


    Coach Brown had already mentioned that they had a regular practice in the morning and film review in the evening, with the afternoon free.


    "When do we hit the gym?" Jamison immediately nodded.


    "Gym? No, I''m taking you somewhere else."


    Jamison looked puzzled. Not training?


    "Just follow me tomorrow after practice," Han Sen said.


    Though still confused, Jamison agreed.


    When everyone else avoids you because of a poor performance, the person who treats you like normal earns your trust.


    The next day, after practice, Han Sen drove Jamison to a scenic bay.


    "What is this?" Jamison was baffled by the shallow cove and the sound of waves crashing against the rocks.


    Han Sen waved him over to the car to help unload some gear. Before long, they found a perfect spot, set up an umbrella, and cast their fishing lines from foldable chairs.


    When Han Sen had gone to Reunion Tower with Swift earlier, Swift suggested he find a way to relieve stress. The first thing that came to mind was fishing.


    It was a hobby from his past life that he didn''t need to relearn.


    Plus, fishing was a common activity in America. Many players did it during the offseason.


    Jamison, though, looked a bit reluctant. He would rather be training at the gym. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Also...


    "Why are we wearing helmets to fish?" Jamison asked. The weather was cool, so hats seemed more appropriate.


    Han Sen coughed awkwardly and explained, "There are seagulls around. We wouldn''t want bird poop to land on us."


    Jamison didn''t look too convinced.


    The two sat by the water, the rhythmic crash of waves against the rocks providing a calm backdrop to their fishing spot.


    Jamison, though still tense from the game, leaned back slightly in his foldable chair, gripping the rod with a mix of hesitation and awkwardness.


    "Why are we doing this again?" Jamison asked, still eyeing his rod like it might bite him instead of a fish.


    "Because," Han Sen smirked, adjusting his helmet, "sometimes, man, you just need to stop thinking about it for a minute. The more you push, the more things fall apart. Trust me."


    Jamison let out a frustrated breath. "Yeah, well, I''m not exactly used to... not doing something about it."


    Han chuckled, casting his line into the water. "Neither was I. When I was a kid, if something wasn''t working, I''d bang my head against it until I either fixed it or broke something." He paused. "Usually ended up breaking something."


    Jamison smiled, but it didn''t quite reach his eyes. He was clearly still rattled from the previous game.


    "You ever get in trouble for it?" Jamison asked, leaning into the conversation a bit more. He could relate to that kind of determination, even when it went wrong.


    "All the time." Han''s grin widened. "Once, I remember there was this beat-up, second-hand bike my folks got me for my birthday. I loved that thing. Rode it everywhere. But one day, it just wouldn''t pedal right. Chain kept slipping off. I must''ve spent half the day trying to fix it¡ª had no idea what I was doing¡ª just pulling at the chain, getting grease all over my hands. Dad came out, saw me messing it up worse, and just laughed. Sat me down, showed me how to do it right. But the whole time, I couldn''t stop thinking that if I just kept yanking on it, I could make it work."


    Jamison nodded, his posture loosening as Han spoke. "Sounds familiar. I was like that with basketball. Grew up in a small neighborhood, not a lot of space. There was this broken-down court near my place, and all the older kids would hog it. I wasn''t the tallest, not back then, so I''d have to wait around for hours just to get a chance to play. By the time it was my turn, it was dark, and I could barely see the rim."


    Han raised an eyebrow. "But you played anyway?"


    "Damn right, I played," Jamison said, a real smile breaking through. "And you know what? I was terrible at first. Airballs, bricks, all of it. But I kept going back, every night, until they had no choice but to let me run with them during the day."


    Han shook his head, impressed. "That''s grit, man."


    "Yeah, well," Jamison shrugged, "I had to prove myself. The more I missed, the harder I worked. That''s just how I was wired."


    For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, letting the wind and the soft sound of the sea fill the gap in their conversation. Then Han Sen spoke again, a little more quietly.


    "I get it, though. How things don''t always go the way you want, no matter how hard you push," he said. "Like when I was younger, we didn''t have much, you know? My parents worked their asses off, but it never seemed like enough. I couldn''t control anything that was going on around me, so I turned to basketball. It was the one thing that I could put all my energy into, the one thing that responded to how much work I put in. But even then, I had to learn patience. Some days, no matter how many shots I put up, nothing would fall."


    Jamison nodded again, more thoughtful this time. "Yeah, that sounds about right. You get so used to grinding, you forget that sometimes you just need to step back. Let things come to you."


    "Exactly," Han said, casting his line again, letting it sit for a moment before turning to Jamison. "That''s what today''s about. Letting it come to you. No need to force it."


    Jamison laughed, though there was some disbelief in his voice. "So, what? We just sit here, staring at the water, waiting for a fish to bite?"


    Han smiled. "Pretty much."


    For the first time, Jamison seemed to relax. He let his shoulders drop and shifted in his seat, finally giving in to the calm around him.


    "You know, I always thought fishing was boring," Jamison admitted.


    "Most people do. But it''s like anything else¡ª if you''re in your own head, yeah, it''s boring as hell. But if you let go of all that, you might actually find some peace in it."


    Jamison stared out at the water, the tension slowly leaving his body. "Maybe I needed this more than I thought."


    "Trust me," Han said, reeling in his line slowly, "we all do sometimes."


    Jamison glanced at Han. "Thanks, man. For bringing me out here."


    "Don''t sweat it. Besides," Han added with a grin, "I''m sure you''ll return the favor when I''m the one in a slump."


    Jamison chuckled, finally looking more like himself again. "Deal."


    Just then, Jamison''s rod jerked in his hands. He stood up, startled, gripping the handle tightly.


    "Whoa! What do I do?" Jamison asked, a mix of excitement and panic flashing across his face.


    Han quickly jumped up. "Just pull! Don''t think too much¡ª just like a fast break, react."


    Following Han''s advice, Jamison fought with the rod as the fish tugged hard. After a few moments of struggle, he pulled up a sizable sea bass.


    Laughing, Jamison held the fish up triumphantly. "Guess you were right."


    Han grinned. "Told you. Sometimes, you just gotta let things come to you."


    Seeing his catch, Jamison experienced the joy of fishing for the first time.


    Han Sen, meanwhile, retrieved some shrimp blocks from the car.


    When sea fishing, especially for bass or barracuda, once you''ve caught one, it''s time to bait heavily, as they usually hunt in schools.


    By the time the sun began to set, they packed up, with a big bag of sea bass as their reward.


    Most of them were caught by Jamison. It wasn''t that he had some hidden fishing talent, but rather beginner''s luck seemed to be on his side, with fish constantly biting his line.


    "How do we deal with all these?" Jamison finally realized their predicament as they headed back to the car.


    Catching nothing is disappointing, but catching too much can be a hassle.


    They couldn''t keep these fish alive, and there was no way they''d eat them all.


    "We''re going back to the arena," Han Sen already had a plan.


    Back at the arena, Han Sen and Jamison carried the tank full of fish into the locker room.


    Most of the Cavaliers players were there, curiously watching their every move.


    "Guys, this is the result of an afternoon''s work, though Antawn did most of the catching," Han Sen announced, opening the container.


    When the team saw the lively sea bass inside, there were gasps of surprise.


    Just as Han Sen had anticipated, many players were into fishing, and they knew how impressive the catch was.


    A few players were already giving Jamison thumbs up.


    But the real highlight wasn''t showing off. Han Sen had prepared bags and divided up the fish for everyone.


    For multimillionaire athletes, the catch itself might not be special, but sharing it with teammates for a nice meal definitely was.


    Seeing the players enthusiastically divvying up the fish, Jamison finally broke into a smile.


    Han Sen could sense Jamison''s anxiety fading.


    In reality, this day''s fishing trip wasn''t about solving Jamison''s shooting woes¡ª it was about breaking the ice with the team and easing the pressure.


    As for the poor shooting night?


    They''d fish again tomorrow if needed.

 Chapter 87: The Honeymoon Phase.

    Chapter 87: The Honeymoon Phase.Two days later, the Cavaliers visited Orlando for their second matchup of the season against the Magic.


    The Magic hadn''t made any moves by the trade deadline, and Jamison was still coming off the bench as Coach Brown had planned.


    But in this game, Jamison became the key factor in the outcome.


    He came off the bench for 31 minutes, shot 9-for-14 from the field, and delivered an efficient 19 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.


    Not only did he perform completely opposite to his previous game offensively, but he also played solid defense for once.


    For most of the game, Jamison was matched up against Rashard Lewis. Under Jamison''s defense, Lewis was limited to 5-for-12 shooting and only managed 12 points and 4 rebounds.


    Jamison had never been known for his defense, especially after joining the Wizards, where his defensive habits became poor, turning him into a liability for his team.


    However, defense often relies on physical talent.


    Take two extreme examples: Tracy McGrady and Sasha Vujacic. The former, even without putting much effort into defense, was never considered a liability, while the latter, no matter how hard he tried, was often referred to as non-impactful.


    Jamison stands at 6''9" with a 7''1" wingspan, weighs 238 pounds, and has broad shoulders¡ª a natural gift for defense.


    When he''s willing to commit defensively, even at 33, he can at least avoid being a liability, though not a lockdown defender.


    As Han Sen had predicted earlier, Jamison regained his form just one game later.


    This earned him a spot in the post-game press conference.


    During the press conference, Coach Brown even smiled and announced in advance that Jamison would start in the next game.


    According to Brown, the coaching staff had planned for Jamison to get into rhythm over two games.


    But Jamison knew deep down that it was his performance that had earned him his starting spot back.


    After the press conference, back in the locker room, Jamison was greeted warmly by his teammates, as if things were back to how they were when he first joined the Cavs.


    Except for Han Sen.


    Han quietly stepped aside, letting his teammates congratulate Jamison while he sat next to Cunningham, offering words of comfort to his young teammate.


    With Jamison returning to the starting lineup, Cunningham was the one to lose his spot.


    Cunningham, though, was taking it well, much like veteran Parker had earlier when he was replaced by a more capable player.


    Unlike Parker, Cunningham was more at peace with the situation.


    "I wasn''t a starter to begin with, and I''m still getting minutes," Cunningham said.


    After Ilgauskas left, Varejao became O''Neal''s backup, leaving Jamison and Cunningham to split the minutes at the four spot.


    Now, it was just a matter of the two swapping roles.


    In the last game, Jamison played 31 minutes off the bench, while Cunningham, the starter, played only 13. There wasn''t much difference between starting and coming off the bench anymore.


    Han Sen patted Cunningham on the shoulder. Ever since the time he grabbed the wrong shoes in the locker room, Han knew this kid had a good attitude.


    If by some chance LeBron decided to stay, and if that agreement between Han and Ferry kicked in and he was traded, Han thought it would be good to take Cunningham with him.


    The next day, Coach Brown didn''t schedule a morning practice for the team. Han had been doing extra workouts lately, so per the team doctor''s orders, he was taking a break and sleeping in.


    But around 9 a.m., his phone rang, waking him up.


    It was Jamison.


    He hadn''t asked Jamison to join him for extra workouts the day before because Jamison had been in such a good mood. He didn''t even mention that they had the morning off. Was Jamison calling to drag him to the gym?


    When Han answered the phone, he didn''t expect Jamison to say he was downstairs.


    Since they had gone fishing together, Jamison knew where Han lived.


    Han got up and headed downstairs, only to find Jamison standing there with a small truck. Jamison was wearing polarized sunglasses, and for a moment, Han thought he was a delivery driver.


    With Jamison were two other men who, under his direction, unloaded something from the truck.


    When they set it down, Han saw it was a massage chair.


    As soon as it was inside, Jamison began explaining, "This is the model I use myself. It works wonders after training. I think it''ll help you too."


    "Very thoughtful," Han smiled, patting Jamison on the arm.


    It really was thoughtful.


    After O''Neal gifted him a Rolls-Royce, Han didn''t need much else, but a massage chair was genuinely useful.


    After intense exercise, the body produces a large amount of lactic acid, which, if not flushed out, can lead to serious soreness the next day.


    Post-workout massages, ice packs, and ice baths were all aimed at flushing out lactic acid.


    But with all the extra training Han did, he wasn''t always able to flush the lactic acid in time. A massage chair would definitely help.


    More than the chair itself, what really made him happy was Jamison''s gesture.


    If Jamison hadn''t considered Han a friend, he wouldn''t have put that much thought into choosing the gift.


    After the massage chair was set up in the living room, Han decided against taking the day off.


    After all, Jamison had already come over.


    Might as well hit the gym together!


    ...


    By mid-March, the NBA regular season was nearing its end, with less than a month left.


    During the past month, the Cavaliers had experienced a true honeymoon period.


    They had just won their longest streak of the season¡ª 12 straight victories.


    This streak allowed them to surge past the Celtics and Magic to claim the top spot in the Eastern Conference.


    Basketball isn''t simple math, but when a team has more players who can handle the ball, it exponentially increases the pressure on the opposing defense.


    Take a simple example: When Cunningham sets a screen, the defense only needs to focus on the ball handler because, besides a catch-and-shoot, Cunningham doesn''t pose a real threat.


    But with Jamison, you have to guard against him rolling to the basket, popping out to the three-point line, and even making a secondary pass. You have a lot more to worry about.


    This diversity in threats made the Cavaliers'' offensive system much more complex.


    As for the ball distribution issues that were a concern, Jamison, displaying his North Carolina roots, didn''t complain about having fewer touches.


    Much like when he was traded from the Warriors to the Mavericks, where he went from being the main guy to the sixth man, he accepted the change.


    That''s his personality, and it''s also why he never became a superstar, but it made him fit in perfectly with the Cavs.


    Of course, it helped that Jamison had signed a fully guaranteed four-year, 50 million dollar contract in 2008, meaning he didn''t need to chase stats for a new deal.


    During the win streak, LeBron averaged 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.8 assists; Jamison averaged 16.1 points and 7.4 rebounds; Han Sen averaged 15.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2 steals; Williams averaged 15.2 points and 6.2 assists; and Shaq averaged 12 points and 7.8 rebounds.


    The Cavaliers not only maintained their top-tier defense but also became one of the league''s elite offensive teams.


    In early March, the Cavs took advantage of a loophole in league rules and re-signed Ilgauskas, who had been waived by the Wizards.


    This meant the Cavs had traded for Jamison by giving up only a future first-round.


    This move sparked strong dissatisfaction among other teams, leading to the creation of the ''Big Z Rule'', which stated that a player, once traded, could only return to his original team after one year.


    But like all rules, it didn''t apply retroactively, so Ilgauskas could still return to the Cavs.


    As Shaq had said, it really seemed like they didn''t know how to lose.


    Han Sen''s stellar play earned him his first career honor in March¡ª Rookie of the Month.


    Up until then, the award had always gone to the Bucks'' Brandon Jennings.


    Jennings had nearly recorded a triple-double in his NBA debut with 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists, and had set a rookie record with 29 points in a quarter and 55 points in a game against the Warriors on Thanksgiving.


    Winning the award was nice, but what made Han happier was training with Jamison.


    With Jamison''s help and the experience gained from games, Han''s floater technique improved rapidly, and he was close to breaking through the bottleneck for [Giant Slayer].


    Two days later, the Cavaliers would face the Lakers for the second time this season.


    The team was in top form, and everyone was eager to avenge their loss from the Christmas Day game.


    On the morning of game day, the players trickled into the locker room, preparing for the final pre-game practice.


    It wasn''t until he was about to get up that Han noticed O''Neal''s spot across from him was empty.


    "Shaq hasn''t shown up?" Han asked, puzzled.


    Cunningham shook his head; he hadn''t seen O''Neal today either.


    Today''s practice included tactical drills and was closed to the public.


    It wasn''t until they arrived at the training facility that Coach Brown made the announcement.


    O''Neal had torn the ulnar collateral ligament in his right hand and required surgery. He would miss the rest of the regular season, and whether he could make it back for the first round of the playoffs depended on his recovery.


    This was a huge blow.


    Han Sen was a bit stunned.


    He remembered that O''Neal had dealt with injuries during his time with the Cavaliers, but he hadn''t expected anything this serious.


    This wouldn''t just affect tonight''s game against the Lakers, but also cast a shadow over the Cavs'' playoff run.


    But injuries are part of the season. Even Kobe had missed nearly a month earlier because of a fractured finger, including sitting out the All-Star game.


    The intensity of an 82-game regular season is a massive test on a player''s body.


    That night, the Cavaliers avenged their Christmas Day loss to the Lakers with a 102-87 victory.


    LeBron scored 33 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and dished out 12 assists (though with 7 turnovers), along with 2 steals. Han Sen had 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals. Jamison contributed 13 points and 4 rebounds, while Mo Williams added 11 points and 5 assists.


    Kobe put up 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, but he only made 11 of his 33 shot attempts. Gasol managed 11 points and 6 rebounds, Artest added 13 points and 7 rebounds, and Bynum and Odom combined for just 10 points.


    Even with Shaq out, the Lakers'' ''Big Three'' in the frontcourt had a terrible game. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In fact, you could see from the Christmas Day game that the Lakers had some issues this season.


    The logic is simple: winning a championship is like chasing a goddess¡ª before you win her, you''re willing to do anything, but once you''ve got her, the passion quickly fades away.


    Kobe still had that fire because, like Shaq, he wanted to win more championships than the other.


    But the rest of the team wanted higher status, more shots, and bigger contracts.


    These desires couldn''t be fulfilled on a Lakers team with a fixed roster.


    After the game, once Han Sen showered, he and Cunningham brought some gifts over to O''Neal''s house to visit him.


    Shaq had surgery on his finger, so while he couldn''t play, it didn''t impact his day-to-day life too much.


    When Han saw Shaq, he didn''t look much different from usual. Shaq even stood up with a smile and gave him a hug.


    "I watched the game. You really kicked Kobe''s butt! That guy still doesn''t get that there''s no ''I'' in team," Shaq said, laughing.


    He still loved dissing Kobe.


    "But there''s a ''me'' in it, right?" Han Sen joked.


    Shaq was caught off guard for a second, then burst out laughing.


    "What did the doctor say?" Han asked, concerned about Shaq''s injury.


    Even though the Cavaliers had won easily that night, it was mostly because the Lakers'' frontcourt trio played so poorly.


    They wouldn''t always be that bad, and Han remembered that this was the year Gasol would shed his ''soft'' label in the Finals.


    At that point, O''Neal''s presence would be crucial.


    And that was assuming the Cavs made it to the Finals. If they had to face the Magic, Shaq''s presence would make all the difference.


    "Looks like I''ll be back by May."


    "That''s good news."


    May meant Shaq would likely return around the second round of the playoffs.


    Based on the current standings in the East, the Magic were right behind the Cavs, so if they met, it would be in the conference finals.


    That meant Shaq might even have a full series to get his rhythm back.


    But Han Sen suddenly remembered something¡ª hadn''t the Cavs failed to make it to the conference finals this year?


    In his memory, LeBron''s 1.0 version of the Cavs only faced the Magic once in the playoffs.


    If it wasn''t the Magic, then they must have lost to the Celtics in the semifinals.


    So, maybe that good news wasn''t as good as it seemed.


    "Don''t worry, even if I''m not fully recovered by then, I can still play with one hand," Shaq said, flexing the muscles in his left arm for a laugh.


    Han Sen cracked up. Was Shaq trying to turn into Greg Oden now? This wasn''t college ball.


    But beneath the jokes, Han could feel Shaq''s determination¡ª 5 is greater than 4. This year, it was a race between him and Kobe to see who would get that fifth ring.


    If the Cavs and Lakers did meet in the Finals, Han wouldn''t be surprised if Shaq found a way to shine one last time.


    After some more conversation, Han Sen reminded Shaq to rest up and then prepared to leave.


    "You didn''t have to bring me these gifts," Shaq finally noticed the items Han and Cunningham had left by the door.


    Shaq had made nearly 300 million dollars in his career; even after taxes, he still had over 100 million, not to mention his investments and endorsements.


    While he wasn''t as wealthy as Jordan, Shaq was still part of the highest-earning group in NBA history. That''s why he could casually gift Han a 400,000 dollar car.


    In other words, no matter how expensive a gift Han brought, it would just end up gathering dust in Shaq''s basement.


    "It''s an East Coast tradition. Just think of it as ordering takeout while you''re stuck at home recovering," Han Sen said with a smile.


    Shaq laughed heartily at Han''s humor.


    It wasn''t just about their shared interests; their personalities had always clicked, which was why they had bonded so well.


    After visiting Shaq, Han didn''t go straight home. Instead, he returned to the arena and contacted the team doctor.


    After the game against the Lakers, he''d felt some soreness in his knee.


    The doctor''s diagnosis was the same as last time, but his tone was more serious this time, even expressing concern.


    Han Sen had not only returned to his previous training intensity but had also been driving to the basket more in both training and games.


    With the season entering its later stages, the doctor worried that Han was pushing his body too hard and might risk injury from fatigue.


    Han trusted the team doctor after his previous experience, so he was willing to listen to the advice again.


    But this time, the doctor''s advice put him in a bit of a dilemma.


    Besides reducing his training load, the doctor also recommended cutting back on his drives in games, especially explosive moves like his euro step, which put too much strain on his knees.


    Training he could cut back on, but if he stopped driving to the basket in games, it would be like crippling himself.


    He didn''t have many offensive moves to begin with. If he cut back on driving, he would essentially revert to being a 3-and-D player, making all his previous hard work pointless.


    And how could he explain this to Coach Brown? Tell him he was afraid of getting hurt, so he wanted to abandon the team''s game plan for him?


    That was just unrealistic.


    At that moment, Han thought of Tim Grover.


    He wasn''t regretting not listening to Grover''s advice earlier; rather, he was facing the same dilemma now.


    If he had listened to Grover back then, he wouldn''t have broken out so quickly on the Cavs, and he wouldn''t have earned all those hater points, nor the role he had now.


    It seemed like a choice, but in reality, it wasn''t.


    Still, he chose to follow part of the doctor''s advice by reducing his training load, even though he was on the verge of breaking through the [Giant Slayer] bottleneck.


    Slowing down was better than getting injured and being unable to play at all.


    ...


    Two weeks passed, and the season was down to its final 10 days.


    During a game against the Bulls, while making a hard drive to the basket, Han collided with Joakim Noah and rolled his ankle, forcing him to leave the game.


    Reality isn''t a novel¡ª Han wasn''t immune to injuries like some fictional protagonists.


    In fact, as an injury-prone Asian player, the fact that he''d made it this far without getting hurt was a testament to his careful planning and willingness to listen to the medical staff.


    But playing through the risk of injury inevitably meant that injuries would come.


    The post-game evaluation showed that Han was lucky: there was no fracture or ligament tear. He just needed 2-3 weeks of rest before returning to play.


    In a way, this injury gave his overworked knees the rest they needed.


    So, in a sense, it was good news.


    The bad news, however, was that the timing of the injury meant he would miss the Cavs'' final week of games and the first round of the playoffs.


    That''s right¡ª he was now sidelined alongside Shaq.


    ---


    TL/n: Don''t forget to leave a review if you''re enjoying it so far!

 Chapter 88: Daddy’s Coming Back.

    Chapter 88: Daddy''s Coming Back.Ten days later, the NBA 2009-2010 season came to a close, and the final standings for both the Eastern and Western Conferences were set.


    The Cleveland Cavaliers finished with the league''s best record at 64-18, securing home-court advantage for every series in the playoffs.


    The Orlando Magic followed closely behind with a 59-win season.


    The most surprising team was the Boston Celtics. They started the season with an 11-game winning streak, sitting atop the Eastern Conference for a while.


    However, as the season progressed, injuries to key players like Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Glen Davis took a toll, and their performance declined.


    Injuries are part of any season, not something unique to the Cavaliers.


    The Celtics ended up with just 50 wins, finishing behind the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth spot in the East.


    This meant that if they won their first-round matchup, they would face the Cavaliers in the second round.


    This confirmed Han Sen''s memories¡ª while he couldn''t recall the exact games, he knew that in Cavaliers'' history, this was the year they lost to the Celtics.


    The Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Bobcats, and Chicago Bulls rounded out the 5th to 8th seeds.


    Based on the standings, the Cavaliers were set to face the Chicago Bulls in the first round.


    Game 1 took place on April 17 at the Quicken Loans Arena.


    On game day, the arena was packed with excited fans.


    Although the Cavaliers had also finished first in the league last season with 66 wins, this season''s team was even stronger.


    They had everything going for them¡ª timing, location, and people.


    The only concern was injuries.


    Shaquille O''Neal and Han Sen, two of the team''s starters, sat at the far end of the bench, dressed in sharp suits.


    Han Sen was chewing gum and chatting with O''Neal.


    Even though they couldn''t play yet, their recovery was on track.


    As long as they could return for the second round, there was nothing to worry about.


    After all, if the Cavaliers struggled to win the first round without them, there was no point in dreaming about a championship.


    Han Sen was very familiar with this Bulls team.


    Led by Derrick Rose, they had players like Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich, and Taj Gibson¡ª names that were all too familiar.


    This was the first time since Michael Jordan''s retirement that the Bulls had a championship-caliber team.


    However, one key difference from Han Sen''s memories was that neither Carlos Boozer nor coach Tom Thibodeau were there yet¡ª the team was still led by Vinny Del Negro.


    The game started, and LeBron James quickly hit a three-pointer against the Bulls'' compact defense.


    It seemed like an odd night¡ª Cleveland was playing well offensively, and it was hard to see how they could lose.


    Han Sen even started chatting with O''Neal about how they would play against the Celtics.


    But as the game went on, their conversation slowed, and they both began to focus on the court.


    The Bulls were keeping pace with the Cavaliers.


    James was hot from the outside, and the Cavaliers'' offense was clicking. But the problem lay on the defensive end¡ª they couldn''t stop Derrick Rose.


    Rose, a player who lacked an outside shot and relied heavily on his drives, played similarly to James in terms of style.


    The key difference was that while James relied on his strength, Rose relied on his speed.


    And that hit the Cavaliers where it hurt most.


    Old Parker had the strength and experience, but he was too slow on his feet, turning into Derrick Fisher in front of Rose.


    On the inside, Anderson Varejao was great at grabbing rebounds and defending pick-and-rolls, and he had a knack for flopping.


    But like Parker, he was also too slow, and he couldn''t defend the paint like O''Neal.


    As a result, every time Rose drove to the basket, the Cavaliers were forced to collapse on defense, opening up the Bulls'' offense.


    Rose wasn''t the best at playmaking, but his drive-and-kick game was steady.


    At the end of the first quarter, the game was tied at 24-24.


    "Okay, that''s just one quarter," many fans thought.


    But by the second quarter, nothing changed.


    To make things worse, Rose got more comfortable, even hitting a three-pointer.


    Throughout the second quarter, the cameras kept panning to the bench and zooming in on Han Sen, filling the screen with anticipation.


    If Han Sen hadn''t been injured, Rose would never have been able to stroll into the Cavaliers'' paint like it was his backyard.


    Led by Rose, the Bulls outscored the Cavaliers 32-21 in the second quarter.


    At halftime, the Bulls were up 56-45.


    "The Cavaliers need Han," Mike Breen remarked from the commentary booth as the half ended.


    There''s a saying: "You only realize how important someone is when they''re not there."


    Coming out of halftime, coach Mike Brown didn''t make any significant adjustments. To be fair, apart from focusing on defense, there wasn''t much he could do.


    But the Bulls were also a solid defensive team. In the third quarter, both teams scored 23 points each, and the Bulls maintained their 11-point lead.


    By the fourth quarter, the Cavaliers were getting desperate. Brown lost control of the game, and the Cavaliers started to trade baskets with the Bulls.


    The Cavs put up 38 points in the quarter, but the Bulls still scored 29, and the Cavaliers ultimately lost 106-108.


    When the final buzzer sounded, the Bulls celebrated wildly, and Rose was mobbed by his teammates after putting up 31 points and 10 assists.


    Last year, in the first round against the Celtics, Rose, as a rookie, also put up 36 points and 11 assists to lead the Bulls to victory. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Keep in mind, Rose had only averaged 20 points and 6 assists in the regular season, yet he thrived even more in the playoffs¡ª a player born for the big stage.


    LeBron James looked awkward on the court. He had a hot shooting night, going 4-for-8 from three, and filled the stat sheet with 39 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks, 5 turnovers, and 3 fouls.


    But in the end, it was one of those nights where ''the team lost, but I didn''t''.


    Han Sen frowned as he watched the final two minutes. He really couldn''t trust James in clutch moments.


    One offensive foul on Deng during a drive, and then a mismatch with Noah that ended with a turnover, burying the Cavaliers'' hopes of a win.


    If not for Mo Williams hitting two last-minute threes, the score would have been even uglier.


    After the game, Han Sen stood up to head to the locker room but was unexpectedly approached by a reporter for an interview.


    Even though he didn''t play, he was on the big screen more than enough times tonight.


    "Will you return in the first round?" the reporter asked, as expected.


    "This isn''t the end of the world," Han Sen responded carefully.


    Would losing Game 1 put the Cavaliers at a disadvantage?


    Clearly not.


    The Bulls shot 50% from the field and 41.7% from three. Beyond Rose, Hinrich and Deng scored 27 and 20 points, respectively¡ª way above their usual output.


    Once they came back down to earth, the Bulls wouldn''t be able to rely on Rose alone to beat the Cavaliers.


    Of course, Han Sen was politely dodging the reporter''s question. No, he wouldn''t return in the first round.


    Winning a championship was great, but Han Sen had a bigger priority¡ª establishing his value.


    This was the biggest lesson he had learned in his rookie season. You need status to have a voice on the team.


    Regardless of whether he stayed with the Cavaliers next season, that wouldn''t change.


    So he wouldn''t rush back and risk injury.


    ...


    Ten days later, the Cavaliers won Game 5 at home, 96-94, completing a gentleman''s sweep of the Bulls.


    Rose finished the series averaging 26.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists, shooting 45.6% from the field and an impressive 33.3% from three.


    But as Han Sen predicted, Rose couldn''t carry the Bulls to victory by himself.


    The Cavaliers'' standout performer was, of course, LeBron James, who averaged 31.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 8.2 assists over the five games.


    However, in the final game, James injured his right elbow on a drive. He finished with just 19 points and even had to shoot free throws with his left hand at one point.


    This cast a shadow over the Cavaliers'' chances in the second round.


    Especially since their next opponent was the Celtics, who had also completed a gentleman''s sweep over the Miami Heat.


    As the second round approached, a reporter asked Han Sen a familiar question.


    "Will LeBron''s injury affect your series against the Celtics?"


    "No," Han Sen replied with a confident smile, a hint of mischief in his voice.


    "Because their daddy''s coming back."


    The Cavaliers went 2-1 against the Celtics in the regular season. The one loss came when Han Sen was absent, and in the two wins, Han Sen scored 25 and 31 points, respectively.

 Chapter 89: Who is Your Daddy?

    Chapter 89: Who is Your Daddy?(TL/n: Triple length Chapter incoming.)


    "Their Daddy is Back!"


    When this headline was published by Khalil in his usual concise yet resonant style, it instantly sparked a wildfire of online discussions.


    Boston fans were quick to curse Han Sen and his ancestors, and his hater points also skyrocketed as a result.


    After all, the Celtics are one of the league''s most popular teams, and his bold, antagonistic remark had maxed out the hate levels from fans.


    However, something unexpected happened: his social media began to flood with messages of support. One particular comment made him burst out laughing:


    "Han is your daddy. If you curse his family, does that mean you''re cursing your own?"


    You''d almost think Han Sen had set up a secret account to fight the trolls himself!


    Boston, as a unique city, has earned the Celtics plenty of enemies across the league. And as the saying goes, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."


    Despite the fury from Boston fans, the Cavaliers held home-court advantage for the first two games of the series, so their rivals would have to keep their anger in check for now.


    The day before the series started, the league announced the 2009-2010 regular-season MVP.


    LeBron James received 120 of 123 first-place votes, winning with 39% of the total vote, ahead of Kevin Durant (19%) and Kobe Bryant (18%).


    This marked LeBron''s second consecutive MVP award, placing him alongside legends like Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, and Steve Nash as back-to-back MVP winners.


    LeBron''s MVP win wasn''t much of a surprise, given that the Cavs had the best record in the league.


    However, Han Sen had his own take on the voting: "LeBron deserves to be called the media''s MVP."


    Durant not only secured the scoring title but also led a previously 23-win Thunder team to 50 wins and a playoff berth, which in the Eastern Conference would rank fourth.


    Kobe''s case was even stronger. The Lakers had faced numerous challenges throughout the season, and there were countless games where he practically carried the team on his back.


    While their records didn''t warrant MVP consideration, both Durant and Kobe certainly deserved more votes.


    During practice, LeBron showed up with a smile so wide, even a ski mask couldn''t hide it. Just the day before, Windhorst had published an article on ESPN titled: "LeBron''s Back-to-Back MVP Matches Jordan."


    This is what real journalism looks like!


    Han Sen had previously sparked controversy by comparing LeBron to Jordan in a bid to overhype him. Now it seemed that LeBron''s team had caught onto the idea and fully embraced it.


    Now, anytime the opportunity arises, they''re already claiming to be side by side with Jordan.


    During practice, LeBron was especially hyped, throwing down dunk after dunk during scrimmages. It was clear that while he had dealt with injuries in the first round, his incredible physical condition had sped up his recovery.


    But after one particularly intense dunk, LeBron winced, grabbing his right elbow before heading to the sidelines.


    Following a conversation with the team doctor, he left the court altogether.


    Looks like he celebrated too soon.


    Now the Cavaliers'' outlook for the next round had truly taken a dark turn.


    That evening, Windhorst hurriedly published another article on ESPN: "LeBron Suffered Serious Right Elbow Injury in the First Round."


    Talk about having a well-oiled PR machine!


    If they lose, it''s because of the injury. If they win, what more needs to be said? The man is once again comparable to Jordan! It''s a win-win situation.


    However, Han Sen saw an opportunity.


    Though he hadn''t played in the first round, he had watched every moment from the sidelines. In the playoffs, LeBron''s ball-dominance was even more evident than during the regular season.


    Antawn Jamison had also performed exceptionally well, scoring over 15 points in all five games, with three 20+ point performances and a team-high 24 points in the final game.


    Yet, in those five games, he only attempted more than 15 shots once.


    Clearly, LeBron wanted not only the championship but the stats as well.


    With LeBron now injured, he may not miss games, but his ball-handling will surely decrease. For Han Sen, that meant opportunity.


    The Cavaliers-Celtics matchup was the most anticipated second-round series, providing the perfect stage for Han Sen to enhance his personal reputation and impact.


    The next day, Quicken Loans Arena was packed to the brim, with news even circulating about ticket prices being driven up several times over, making it nearly impossible to get a seat.


    The rivalry between the Cavs and Celtics had been brewing for two years, dating back to their epic seven-game series when the Cavaliers lost Game 7 by just 5 points, leaving their fans devastated.


    Now, two years later, they were ready for revenge. "Two years. Do you have any idea what these last two years have been like for us?!"


    LeBron entered the game wearing a protective brace on his right elbow. During warm-ups, his shots were noticeably off-target. This type of injury severely impacts shooting touch.


    As warm-ups concluded, the arena transitioned into the opening ceremony.


    When Han Sen was introduced first, performing his signature jersey shake, the crowd erupted into a frenzy.


    Against a veteran team like the Celtics, skill was important, but so was morale.


    In the past, the Cavaliers'' talent was never far off from Boston''s, but they always seemed to lack that mental edge.


    That infamous photo of LeBron standing alone surrounded by four Celtics players may have boosted LeBron''s individual image, but it crushed the team''s spirit.


    But now, with Han Sen in the mix, the entire dynamic had shifted.


    The two regular-season victories over the Celtics weren''t just about talent; they were about asserting dominance.


    Pierce had nearly lost his mind after being thoroughly outplayed by Han Sen.


    And now, technically speaking, Han Sen had already claimed the title of "Celtics'' Daddy!"


    The starting lineups were announced:


    Celtics: Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins


    Cavaliers: Mo Williams, Han Sen, LeBron James, Antawn Jamison, Anderson Varej?o


    Shaquille O''Neal''s injury had healed as expected but hadn''t fully recovered yet. For safety reasons, he wasn''t expected to return until Game 3.


    So even though the Cavaliers had home-court advantage for the first two games, with Shaq out and LeBron injured, they actually entered the series at a disadvantage.


    ---


    Varej?o tipped the ball back to the Cavaliers'' half, officially kicking off the Cavs-Celtics Battle 2.0.


    LeBron stood on the weak side from the start, letting Williams handle the offense. This was exactly what Han Sen expected, and what Coach Brown had planned before the game.


    Williams initiated a pick-and-roll with Jamison, but after encountering a double-team, he passed it back to Jamison.


    Jamison''s mid-range shot was contested by Garnett on the recovery and missed.


    Perkins secured the defensive rebound and passed it to Rondo, who pushed the ball up and set up a half-court offense. Ray Allen, running off the ball, missed his shot too, under Han Sen''s defense.


    However, Garnett leaped past Jamison''s box out, grabbed the offensive board, and drew a foul from Varej?o on his put-back attempt.


    Jamison had been brilliant in the first round, but in these early possessions, he was clearly losing his matchup against Garnett. As expected, Garnett excels at facing off against these tweener power forwards. He doesn''t give up speed and still has the size advantage.


    Garnett knocked down both free throws, putting the Celtics on the board first.


    Williams advanced the ball again, this time taking a mid-range jumper after a pick-and-roll with Varej?o. But shockingly, Perkins stepped out to contest, and Williams'' shot clanged off the rim.


    If Garnett''s earlier play showcased individual superiority, this possession revealed the Celtics'' elevated focus and energy in the playoffs. They were simply sharper and more driven.


    If you judge their playoff intensity by regular-season standards, you''re bound to get burned.


    Rondo orchestrated the next Celtics'' possession. Ray Allen was shadowed closely by Han Sen, so Garnett quickly set a screen near the right elbow. Rondo made a sharp move, darting past Jamison and floating a high layup over Varej?o. The difficulty was high, but Rondo calmly sank it. His development has been key to keeping the Celtics competitive as their Big Three age.


    Down early, Williams tried to attack the Celtics'' interior, but he underestimated Rondo''s ability to steal. As Williams drove in, Rondo snatched the ball from behind.


    This isn''t just any Rondo; this is a 6''1" guy with a 6''9" wingspan, ranking among the top in NBA history in terms of wingspan difference.


    Rondo''s steal led to a fast break, with Han Sen chasing him closely. The two raced down the court. Han Sen didn''t make any rash moves, instead waiting for Rondo to make the first move. Despite Rondo''s long arms, he was still 6''1"¡ª a height Han Sen could definitely block.


    As Rondo soared into the paint for a layup, Han Sen timed his jump. But Rondo pulled off a no-look, behind-the-head pass to the trailing Paul Pierce. Han Sen, now landing, couldn''t recover in time to contest.


    Pierce caught the ball, took off, and hammered down a two-handed dunk. After the dunk, Pierce glared at Han Sen and pumped his fist aggressively.


    The arena roared with excitement.


    The Celtics had stormed to a 6-0 lead, completely flipping the momentum Han Sen''s pre-game talk had built.


    But Han Sen''s reaction swiftly crumbled the Celtics'' momentum, like a landslide.


    Facing Pierce''s intense celebration, Han Sen smiled and said, "Yo, Half-Truth."


    "..."


    Pierce almost lost his cool again.


    "I''m the Truth. Don''t get it twisted."


    Though Han Sen had rattled Pierce with trash talk many times before, Pierce had built up a bit of immunity. He snorted and jogged back on defense.


    Han Sen turned to give Williams a signal.


    Trash talk couldn''t change the game''s reality¡ª the Cavs hadn''t scored yet, and if they wanted to turn things around, they needed to break this scoring drought.


    Coach Brown''s strategy was to rely on Williams'' individual ability to get them going, but that plan wasn''t working. Now, Williams needed to step up.


    Williams called for a play and passed the ball to LeBron.


    LeBron, positioned on the strong side, ran a pick-and-roll with Varej?o, while Han Sen set an off-ball screen for Jamison on the weak side.


    This was a standard Cavs play, especially after Jamison joined the team, allowing them to maximize spacing.


    Normally, LeBron would either drive to the basket or kick the ball out to open shooters. But with his injured right elbow, the pick-and-roll was more of a decoy.


    As Han Sen curled to the 45-degree angle on the weak side, LeBron sent the ball his way.


    Han Sen caught it but didn''t have a clean shot. The Celtics'' playoff defense was dialed in, and LeBron''s fake screen didn''t fully collapse their defense.


    Seeing Garnett rotating over to help, Han Sen didn''t hesitate. He attacked quickly, catching Garnett off-balance.


    Garnett, a top-tier defender, couldn''t match Han Sen''s foot speed but used his long arms to contest the shot. Meanwhile, Perkins had already retreated into the paint, raising his arms to protect the rim.


    Caught between Garnett and Perkins, Han Sen found himself trapped.


    And with Jamison''s passing lane cut off by Garnett, it was a dead end.


    But Han Sen suddenly slowed down, using his hip to bump into Garnett, forcing him to stop abruptly. Taking another step forward, Han Sen then jumped high, balancing mid-air, and flicked the ball with his fingertips at its peak.


    Swish!


    The ball arced over Perkins and swished through the net.


    From dead end to comeback!


    Although Han Sen hadn''t reached the full potential of his [Giant Slayer] skill due to his recent injury, it was still enough to face someone like Perkins.


    The crowd erupted in cheers.


    Han Sen had broken the Cavs'' scoring drought! It felt like they were surfacing from a long breathless struggle, finally able to take in some fresh air.


    The atmosphere was electric.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The crowd at Quicken Loans Arena roared in unison. Despite trailing, that homecourt energy was back, thanks to Han Sen''s clutch shot.


    At this moment, Han Sen switched with Williams on defense.


    This scene sent the emotions of the live audience into a frenzy.


    They had grown accustomed to watching James avoid guarding the opposing team''s offensive core, so seeing Han Sen take the challenge head-on gave them a clear contrast, making them realize just how impactful this difference was.


    Upon seeing Han switch onto him, Rondo immediately signaled for Garnett to come up for a screen.


    The Celtics'' tradition was clear: they wouldn''t back down from anyone.


    Since this matchup was offered voluntarily, even if it was a tough one, they had to find a way to bite down on it.


    Using Garnett''s screen, Rondo drove towards the basket.


    However, Han had already anticipated this and retreated in advance, waiting on Rondo''s driving path.


    In Han''s memory, his deepest impression of Rondo wasn''t from the ''Big Three'' era in Boston but from his days in Chicago Bulls.


    Back then, when Rondo teamed up with Jimmy Butler and Wade, all three players would stand beyond the arc without taking shots, making the Bulls seem like they were back in the 90s.


    Rondo couldn''t break through Han Sen''s defense but managed to make one of his signature no-look passes, sending the ball to a cutting Pierce on the weak side.


    Unlike James, who would glance at his target and then pretend not to, Rondo was the real deal when it came to no-look passes.


    Pierce received the ball and glided in for a layup.


    Bang!


    James came in from behind and blocked the shot.


    Using his left hand, James not only swatted the ball but also caught it mid-air, showcasing his explosive athleticism.


    As James landed and turned his head up, he spotted Han already racing beyond the three-point line.


    Wait, bro, weren''t you just defending Rondo''s drive a second ago?


    James was reminded of how amazed he was during the pre-season, watching Han''s incredible fast-break awareness.


    Holding the ball in his left hand, James delivered a quarterback-style pass down the court.


    With his right elbow injured, scoring wasn''t easy for him, so he focused on accumulating assists.


    Moreover, Han''s ''Jordan Overpraise Card'' wasn''t expired yet.


    Han caught the ball and stormed into the frontcourt. He leaped up, threw down a two-handed slam, and hung on the rim with bent knees for added flair.


    The flashy dunk ignited the entire arena.


    4-6! The Cavaliers'' momentum began to shift noticeably.


    Amidst the fans'' roaring chants, Garnett''s free-throw line jumper also bounced off the rim.


    Varejao secured the defensive rebound, and the Cavaliers pushed the ball up the court.


    "Let''s go, Cavs!"


    The crowd''s chants grew louder and louder.


    However, the Celtics'' defense remained composed. Their starting five had been through countless battles; this atmosphere couldn''t shake them.


    Ray Allen began fronting Han Sen, denying him the ball, while Garnett frequently moved around to disrupt the Cavaliers'' passing lanes.


    Han didn''t give up on his off-ball movement; in fact, he increased his activity.


    His movement drew much of the Celtics'' defensive attention, allowing James to seize the opportunity and drive to the rim, drawing a blocking foul on Perkins.


    But James'' injured elbow affected his free throws, and he missed both.


    Varejao came up big, though. During his box-out with Perkins, he cleverly flopped to the ground, drawing a whistle for a push-off foul on Perkins.


    Han was stunned. Perkins had just committed two fouls in one possession and was now heading to the bench...


    To be fair, it wasn''t an unfair call. While boxing out, their hands got tangled, and Varejao simply waited for the moment Perkins exerted force to fall.


    As the saying goes, there are no bad nicknames, only wrongly named ones.


    The whistle blew again, and Rasheed Wallace came in to replace Perkins, shifting Garnett to the center position.


    The Cavaliers retained possession.


    James stood at the sideline for the inbound. After exchanging glances with Jamison, the latter quickly stepped up to set a high screen.


    Han Sen cut inside using the screen but suddenly spun and ran back out to the three-point line.


    James whipped the ball to him quickly.


    Wallace, slower than Garnett, could only leap to contest.


    Seeing this, Han didn''t shy away but jumped up first to shoot.


    The ball sailed over Wallace''s fingertips, and as Wallace collided with him, the referee''s whistle blew for a foul.


    At this moment, Han Sen displayed the body control that the [Giant Slayer] ability granted him. After being hit, he quickly bent over and slid back as he fell, ensuring a safe landing despite the collision.


    Swish!


    The crisp sound echoed through the speakers.


    This wasn''t just a foul on a three-pointer; it was a 3-point play!


    7-6! The Cavaliers had taken the lead, and Han was heading to the free-throw line.


    Jamison and Williams quickly ran over to him, one on each side, to pull him off the ground.


    Han Sen, at this moment, truly exuded the presence of the Cavaliers'' leader.


    The cameramen immediately focused their lenses on him as he stood up.


    He lifted his jersey with both hands, showcasing his iconic celebration.


    The arena erupted in a frenzy.


    With Shaquille O''Neal sidelined due to injury, James limited by his elbow, Jamison struggling with his matchups, and even Williams unable to step up, it was Han Sen who scored seven straight points to lead the comeback.


    For a guy who needed to wear a helmet while fishing with Jamison, there was no doubt about it: He was the one calling the shots for Cleveland!


    In the first quarter, Han scored 14 points, leading the Cavaliers to a 28-23 advantage.


    As the second quarter began, he was resting on the bench, while James took over.


    James had only made one field goal in the first quarter, relying on free throws to tally three points. His return to the game wasn''t unexpected.


    But fate had once again made Coach Brown into "Cunning Brown."


    Within just five minutes, the Cavaliers had extended their lead to double digits!


    This shift in momentum was due to Perkins'' early foul trouble, forcing Rasheed Wallace to enter the game earlier than expected, throwing off the Celtics'' game plan. Coach Rivers had no choice but to sub in Glen Davis to play center.


    Davis, though large, was short and slow, making him more of an offensive threat than a defensive presence.


    While James struggled to penetrate against Perkins, he had no trouble getting past Davis.


    Of course, aside from the lineups, James'' scoring mentality couldn''t be overlooked!


    In the last round against the Bulls, scoring only 19 points didn''t sit well with James or his camp. "The team won, but I didn''t" was a situation James couldn''t accept.


    Especially since, just before this game, James was being compared to Jordan. Even with the injury as an excuse, posting poor numbers would only fuel criticism.


    So, he had to score¡ª no matter what.


    If he couldn''t score in the starting period, he''d make up for it during the bench minutes.


    Watching James attack the rim again and again, even drawing Perkins'' third foul soon after he returned to the floor, Han Sen couldn''t help but laugh.


    People say James only has historical-level athleticism¡ª who says that? That''s slander! His ability to pick his moments to strike is elite!


    By the time Han Sen returned to the game, the Cavaliers were already up 40-27, leading the Celtics by 13 points.


    As soon as he checked in, he nailed a three-pointer over a helping Pierce.


    After sinking the shot, Han turned and cheekily waved at Coach Rivers on the sideline, saying:


    "You''re really not going to defend me? If you don''t send someone now, I''m dropping 40 tonight!"


    Rivers could only offer a polite retort, but as he looked up at the scoreboard, he was left helpless.


    For two defensive teams, a 16-point deficit felt like a chasm.


    Though the Celtics displayed their trademark resilience, the Cavaliers, playing at home and riding high on momentum, never let them get close.


    By halftime, the Cavaliers led 58-43.


    Han Sen was on fire, shooting 8-of-13 from the field for 21 points, the highest in the game.


    His performance was nothing short of spectacular, but commentator Barkley''s words left everyone in awe.


    "We have to remember, this is just his first playoff game."


    Having missed the entire first round, this fact had been overlooked by many.


    Coming out of the halftime break, Han Sen opened the third quarter with a brick.


    The rim seemed unforgiving at that moment.


    But, much like in their second regular-season matchup, the Celtics began to adjust their defensive focus, directing it towards Han Sen.


    Though Rivers was slow to react, the 15-minute halftime break gave him enough time to recognize James'' injury as a vulnerability.


    However, once the first domino fell, it was impossible to stop the chain reaction.


    Just as the Celtics shifted their defensive focus, James drove hard to the basket and drew Perkins'' fourth foul.


    Perkins was once again forced to the bench, and that was the final straw that broke the camel''s back for Boston.


    By the end of the third quarter, the Cavaliers had extended their lead to over 20 points.


    Han Sen, after a slow start, picked up the pace in the latter half of the third, scoring another 7 points to bring his total to 28 by the end of the quarter.


    ---


    In the final quarter of the game, the Cavaliers firmly controlled the situation on the court.


    Although the Celtics launched a fierce counterattack at the end, with one minute left in the game, they were still trailing the Cavaliers by as much as 12 points.


    The hole they had dug earlier was simply too deep to climb out of.


    At that moment, both teams tacitly subbed out their starters, effectively signaling that the outcome of the game had been decided.


    Han Sen sat down, feeling exceptionally happy.


    Not only because the team secured a big victory in Game 1, but also because his taunting had succeeded.


    Even though his shooting cooled off in the fourth quarter, he still managed to score 5 points, bringing his total to 33.


    This wasn''t just a new high for his playoff career; it was also another personal best for him in a single game. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In theory, the Celtics had strong defense, and scoring against them wasn''t supposed to be easy.


    But every time he played against the Celtics, he seemed to put up big numbers. You could say the Celtics were his lucky charm, or, to borrow from his pre-game comments, Han Sen was really their "daddy."


    The fans in the arena were also extremely excited.


    From a heartbreaking Game 7 loss two years ago to today''s dominant performance, the change in fortunes left everyone feeling elated.


    And then, someone in the crowd, nobody knew exactly who, started a chant that quickly caught on, turning into a full-throated shout.


    The massive, taunting cry left Han Sen stunned.


    Because, clearly, they were chanting...


    "Who is your daddy!"


    Before the game, Hansen had said he was the Celtics'' daddy. Now, they were asking: Who''s really your daddy?!


    The cameraman on-site knew exactly what to do, immediately focusing on the Celtics'' bench, where the Big Three of the green-clad team sat.


    Ray Allen showed no reaction, while Garnett''s face was grim, but Pierce couldn''t hold it in. He jumped up, ready to fire back at the crowd, but fortunately, Rondo quickly grabbed him and pulled him back down.


    Over on the Cavaliers'' bench, everyone was already bursting with laughter, many trying hard to suppress their chuckles, but Han Sen couldn''t hold it in and started laughing out loud.


    To be honest, when he made those comments before the game, it was mostly to take a little jab at Pierce, his top ''hater'', in hopes of generating some negative buzz before the game.


    At the same time, it was meant to boost the team''s morale.


    Both goals were achieved.


    But this current situation was something he could never have anticipated.


    Because this brought a story he knew from the past forward by more than a decade!


    Of course, that wasn''t the only reason he was laughing. More importantly, Cleveland''s fans had stirred things up, and now, how could the Boston fans take it lying down?


    Thinking ahead, he realized that he wouldn''t need to do anything else to provoke them. As long as he showed up at the TD Garden, the negative energy from the haters would spike on its own.


    This was truly like Qin Shi Huang playing with electricity¡ª it was a win beyond belief.

 Chapter 90: Plans and Changes.

    Chapter 90: Plans and Changes.(TL/n: You guessed it, another triple length Chapter.)


    After the game, in the post-game press conference, Han Sen was naturally asked by reporters about the fans'' ''celebratory moment'' near the end of the match.


    "Why do you think the fans chanted like that? Does it have anything to do with what you said before the game?"


    The reporter was asking a question he already knew the answer to.


    "I think the fans were just expressing their emotions. The series is long, and this is only the beginning," Han Sen replied, steering clear of directly answering the reporter''s question.


    Even though saying more could have earned him more haters, Han Sen understood the principle: "A cornered dog will jump over a wall, and a rabbit, when pushed, will bite."


    If he really pushed things further, it would only make the Celtics fight tooth and nail in the next game.


    Moreover, despite what was shown in Game 1, the Cavaliers were not in a position to completely overpower the Celtics.


    In fact, as seen at the start of the game, they were still the weaker side.


    To put it simply, Game 1 was a fluke.


    Perkins picking up two fouls early on not only disrupted Rivers'' rotation but also caused the Celtics'' defensive system to collapse prematurely.


    You can''t expect these kinds of fluke factors to happen every night.


    However, with Shaquille O''Neal still out for Game 2 and LeBron James still dealing with a right elbow injury, those are the hard facts they must contend with.


    "Han Sen scores 33 points in playoff debut, he is Cleveland''s future."


    Though Han was modest at the press conference, that didn''t mean the same attitude had to carry over post-game. After the game, Khalil published a highly provocative article on ESPN.


    This article ignited heated discussions among fans on social media.


    The last rookie to perform so well in their playoff debut was Derrick Rose, whom the Cavaliers had just eliminated in the first round.


    If Rose is the future of Chicago, why can''t Han be the future of Cleveland?


    In that sense, the article wasn''t wrong in any way.


    But the key issue lies in the fact that LeBron James is still with the Cavaliers!


    Although James has been in the league for seven years, he entered straight out of high school, so he''s only 25 years old now.


    With the King of Cleveland still reigning, how could anyone else dare claim to be the future?


    Naturally, this logic sparked discussions among fans about a long-known but rarely discussed topic: LeBron''s summer decision.


    Once that topic was opened, it became like a never-ending conversation.


    Some LeBron fans said he would win the championship this season, continue to compare himself to Jordan, and establish his own dynasty in Cleveland.


    Some Kobe fans countered, saying that with LeBron''s current injury, there was no way he could win a championship, and even if he did, as a businessman-athlete, he would still choose to leave afterward.


    Everyone was expressing their own opinions, but in the end, the result was that Khalil''s report gained massive popularity.


    Han Sen didn''t gain much in terms of ''haters'' from this, since the topic wasn''t centered on him, but his influence in the league grew as a result. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After all, his debut with 33 points was a solid performance.


    After two days of rest, the second game of the series continued.


    This time, there was no fluke like in Game 1, and the Celtics clamped down on Han Sen, giving him no room at all, putting the Cavaliers on the back foot from the start.


    In the regular season, the Cavaliers won two games by relying on the mutual threat posed by Han and LeBron, which left the Celtics'' defense in a dilemma.


    But now, with LeBron''s offensive threat significantly reduced due to his injury, that mutual threat had disappeared.


    The Cavaliers ended up losing to the Celtics 104-86.


    Han Sen''s defense was still outstanding, recording 3 steals and 1 block with defense-first level stats, but he only scored 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting.


    This was entirely expected.


    If he could still rack up high scores under the Celtics'' tight defense, he wouldn''t be Han Sen¡ª he would be Kobe.


    No, not even Kobe could do that. Perhaps only that one man (MJ) could.


    After two games, the series was tied at 1-1. On the surface, it seemed even, but the Cavaliers were still on the back foot.


    In the ''history'' that Han Sen knew, the Cavaliers would lose to the Celtics this year, and it was no coincidence.


    But the good news was that Shaquille O''Neal was expected to return.


    The night they arrived in Boston, Shaq and Han Sen discussed the next game in the hotel room.


    Shaq''s goal was to win his fifth championship and surpass Kobe. Han Sen didn''t have that kind of obsession, but he wanted to reach the Finals.


    The Finals, like March Madness, were a bigger stage. Reaching it wouldn''t just boost his value¡ª it would skyrocket it.


    Even taking a step back, if the Cavaliers increased their exposure, even if LeBron left, it would still make Cleveland more attractive to free agents.


    So, with a common goal, the two of them naturally hit it off.


    As for why Shaq didn''t go to talk with LeBron or bring him along?


    It was because in his current injured state, while LeBron could still manage to score over 20 points by strategically pacing himself, he no longer had the ability to make the Celtics adjust their defense.


    What they needed to do now, or rather the only thing they could do, was make Shaq the new focal point and then have Han Sen recreate the effect they had before.


    That was the only way they could win the game.


    ---


    As they were deep in discussion, a knock on the door interrupted their focus.


    Han Sen got up and glanced through the peephole. "It''s a delivery guy," he said, slightly puzzled.


    Shaq looked up from his spot. "You order something?"


    Han Sen shook his head. "Not me. You?"


    "Nope."


    Curious, Han Sen opened the door and had a quick exchange with the delivery guy. A moment later, he turned back to Shaq with a pizza in hand.


    "Turns out the coaching staff sent it," Han Sen said, lifting the lid to reveal the still-warm, delicious pizza. The rich aroma filled the room.


    Shaq''s eyes lit up. "Man, I''m starving," he said, already reaching for a slice.


    Han Sen was about to grab one himself when he suddenly paused. A thought crossed his mind, and he quickly stopped Shaq''s hand mid-motion.


    "Hold up¡ª remember the ''Flu Game''?"


    Shaq froze for a second, pizza slice in hand. "You mean Jordan''s?"


    Han Sen nodded. "Yeah. That game where he ate pizza late at night and got food poisoning right before Game 5 of the Finals."


    Shaq sighed, reluctantly putting the slice back into the box. "Oh, come on, man. You really think someone''s trying to mess with us like that?"


    Han Sen shrugged and pulled out his phone. "In Boston? Wouldn''t be the first time. Let me check."


    Shaq leaned back in his chair, shaking his head but couldn''t help laughing. "Man, you''re paranoid. But I guess better safe than sorry."


    Han Sen dialed the phone and, after a brief conversation, hung up.


    "Well?" Shaq asked, already knowing the answer.


    "Coach said they didn''t order anything."


    Shaq''s face turned serious as he closed the pizza box, a hint of frustration in his voice. "Damn. Guess that''s that."


    Han Sen nodded, tossing the pizza into the trash and wiping his hands. "This place really doesn''t change, does it? Even after all these years..."


    "Nope," Shaq said, rubbing his stomach with a groan. "And now I''m still hungry. Thanks a lot, man."


    Han Sen chuckled, "Better hungry than sick, big man."


    Shaq pointed at the trash can. "That pizza looked really good though."


    "Yeah, well, let''s get some real food. Something that''s not laced with... whatever."


    As Shaq reached for the hotel phone, he muttered, "Next time we play in Boston, I''m bringing my own damn food."


    Han Sen grinned, "Smartest thing you''ve said all day."


    "Does this place even have security cameras?" Han had checked the hallway earlier but didn''t find any.


    Shaq dialed the hotel front desk and had a brief conversation before hanging up. "You''re not gonna believe this, but apparently their cameras are ''down for maintenance''."


    "Well, isn''t that... convenient," Han Sen said with a cold laugh.


    Here they were in 2010, and Boston was still pulling these kinds of stunts. It just goes to show that some things are deeply ingrained.


    Just like after today''s practice, the visitor''s locker room, as rumored, had no hot water. They had to head back to the hotel, sticky with sweat, to shower.


    Shaq shook his head, frustration mixed with amusement. "And yet people wonder why the Celtics are one of the most hated teams in the league."


    ---


    The next day, on game day, the Cavaliers held their routine morning practice, which was open to the public.


    It was during this time that LeBron''s condition surprised everyone.


    It was as if overnight his injury had healed, and even his shooting from the outside had returned to normal levels.


    To recover so quickly¡ª is LeBron''s body really that freakish?


    Right after practice, Coach Brown made an announcement: LeBron had received a cortisone injection and would go all out in Game 3.


    LeBron then gave an inspiring speech, which instantly boosted the team''s morale.


    After leaving the practice facility, Cunningham and Han Sen headed back to the hotel together.


    Cunningham was like a hawk, watching everything around them, almost as if he were working part-time as a bodyguard.


    "Why do you think LeBron chose to play with a cortisone shot?" Cunningham couldn''t help but ask as soon as they got to the room.


    Han Sen rubbed his forehead¡ª this guy just wouldn''t let it go.


    "To win, and for the spotlight," Han Sen replied after dropping his hand.


    LeBron definitely didn''t want to lose. He was after this season''s championship¡ª how could he fall short in the conference semifinals?


    As for the spotlight, the ''return of the king'' storyline was the most marketable one out there.


    In Game 2, LeBron had already started to increase his number of shots.


    Even though the two of them had reached a mutual understanding, LeBron was definitely going to reclaim the limelight if Han Sen stole it. He wasn''t about to back down.


    Han Sen also understood cortisone injections better than the average person, given his experience as a trainer.


    Fans usually discussed the side effects of these shots with fear, often citing examples like Tracy McGrady, Serge Ibaka, or Ding Yanyuhang.


    But in reality, cortisone shots weren''t uncommon in basketball, and plenty of players had used them without issue, including Steph Curry, Willis Reed, and Kobe Bryant.


    Cortisone is essentially a numbing agent, and its effects depend on many factors: the player''s style of play, physical condition, the dosage, and the player''s awareness of the risks.


    To put it simply, if you go all-out after the shot, you can easily worsen the injury. But if you pace yourself properly, it''s not as terrifying as people make it out to be.


    That said, the tactics he had discussed with Shaq the previous day would likely have to be shelved for now.


    Since LeBron had taken a cortisone shot, he certainly wasn''t going to play off the ball like he did in Game 1.


    "But no matter the reason, it''s good for the team," Han Sen concluded.


    The next day, the Cavaliers faced off against the Celtics in Game 3.


    Worth mentioning, Gloria James had also come to Boston to cheer for her son.


    Back at home, the Celtics were energized. Rondo exploded with 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 12 assists, and the Big Three all scored in double figures.


    But in the end, they still lost to the Cavaliers 101-93.


    The Cavaliers played as if they were on adrenaline on both ends of the court.


    Under his mother''s watchful eyes, LeBron made a triumphant return, shooting 12 for 26 from the field, scoring 35 points, with 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks, and 2 turnovers.


    Jamison went 6 for 14 with 13 points and 9 rebounds. Williams shot 4 for 12, adding 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. Shaq, playing in his first game since his return, shot 4 for 6 and scored 9 points with 4 rebounds.


    Han Sen also had a bounce-back game, shooting 5 for 11 and finishing with 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals. He guarded Pierce the entire game, holding him to just 5 for 17 shooting.


    With this win, the Cavaliers took a 2-1 series lead.


    In a best-of-seven series, odd-numbered games are always pivotal¡ª the opener, the Game 5 decider, and a potential Game 7¡ª just like the Game 3 the Cavaliers had just secured.


    A 2-1 series lead meant that if they won one more, they would reach match point.


    And LeBron''s physical toughness was off the charts¡ª he put up those numbers while playing through a cortisone shot, and his body seemed fine afterward. He could easily take two more shots in the upcoming games.


    The Cavaliers were in a great position to advance.


    This newfound optimism had the team laughing and joking during practice, their mood significantly better than after the last game.


    But Han Sen noticed that Delonte West was missing from practice.


    When he asked Shaq and Cunningham, neither of them knew why.


    After asking around, Han Sen finally found out from Malone that West had taken personal leave.


    Taking personal leave during the playoffs? Han Sen couldn''t help but wonder what was going on with West.


    Han Sen remembered that after retiring, West ended up homeless¡ªapparently due to mental health issues. He just hoped that wasn''t the case now.


    After practice, Han Sen and Jamison stayed behind for an extra half-hour to work on their floater shots.


    It felt a bit like the fantasy novels where characters go through tribulations¡ª Han Sen was now infinitely close to breaking through his [Giant Slayer] bottleneck. He just needed one final push.


    After half an hour of extra work, he still hadn''t made the breakthrough.


    It seemed like it would take the pressure of a ''life-or-death trial'' (a high-intensity game) to finally push through.


    As the two walked toward the locker room, they heard shouting from inside.


    The voice was unmistakably LeBron''s.


    The two exchanged glances, both hesitating whether to step back.


    LeBron wielded a lot of power on the team, but neither of them had ever heard him get into a shouting match in the locker room before.


    When Han Sen first joined the team and openly defied him, LeBron had found a way to back down gracefully.


    LeBron was the type to scheme behind the scenes, not confront people directly in front of others.


    So something unusual was definitely going on.


    Especially for Han Sen¡ª he''d seen LeBron''s mom in the locker room before, and with her now in Boston, if this was a mother-son argument, it would be incredibly awkward to walk in.


    But after a moment, Han Sen started walking forward.


    He had recognized the other voice¡ª it wasn''t LeBron''s mom, but Delonte West.


    West was in Han Sen''s camp now, and he couldn''t let West face LeBron alone.


    Seeing Han Sen move forward, Jamison hesitated for a moment but decided to follow.


    As they stepped into the locker room, the shouting abruptly stopped.


    "Delonte, what happened?" Han Sen asked, looking at West, still unsure of the situation.


    But before West could answer, LeBron snorted, shot West a daggered glare, and stormed out of the locker room.


    "Nothing," West shook his head.


    Han Sen looked confused¡ª what was that all about?


    "I''m a bit tired. I''m heading back to rest," West said before leaving the locker room as well.


    Now, Han Sen and Jamison were left standing there, utterly baffled by what had just transpired.


    Jamison shrugged it off quickly¡ª it was other people''s business after all. He grabbed his bag and called out to Han Sen to head back to the hotel.


    ---


    The visiting team''s locker room still didn''t have hot water, so they had to go back to the hotel to shower.


    Han Sen nodded and picked up his bag.


    As he came back to his senses, a scandalous rumor from the past suddenly crossed his mind.


    The reason it was considered a rumor was that the people involved had denied it afterward. The rumor of Delonte West having an affair with LeBron James'' mother. Consequently, it hampered the Cleveland Cavalier''s potential in the 2009-2010 NBA Season.


    Now, he could only hope that it was just a rumor, because if it turned out to be true, the Cavaliers would be facing a huge crisis in tomorrow night''s game.


    During the team''s practice on game day, West returned to practice, but James was absent.


    Coach Brown explained that James'' right elbow needed time to recover, but Han Sen had already started to sense that something wasn''t quite right.


    He didn''t go to West to ask for details, because if his suspicions were correct, there was no way he would get a straight answer.


    Instead, he went straight to O''Neal to continue discussing the strategy they hadn''t finished talking about at the hotel the other night.


    "Is that even necessary anymore?" O''Neal asked in confusion. He had only taken six shots in the last game and barely had any touches on offense.


    "Things have changed," Han replied without further explanation.


    Seeing how serious he was, O''Neal didn''t fully understand but trusted him enough to nod in agreement.


    That evening, Game 4 of the Cavaliers vs. Celtics series continued in Boston.


    As Han Sen walked out of the player tunnel, he was greeted with the same treatment as the last game.


    "Fxck you! 77!"


    "77, get out of Boston!"


    This wasn''t a sign; it was Boston fans directly yelling at him.


    Just like during the regular season outside the hotel, the security on-site didn''t bother to stop them.


    Cunningham, who was beside him, got agitated and was about to confront them, but Han pulled him back.


    He flashed a smile and flipped off the fan who was cursing at him.


    Thanks for boosting my hater points, buddy.


    The fan, enraged, tried to rush at him, but this time security held him back.


    The NBA doesn''t ban fans and players from exchanging insults, but getting physical is definitely not allowed.


    Han Sen waved at the fan with a grin and then turned to enter the court.


    "Boss, I think I should stick close to you the whole time," Cunningham said, once again concerned about his safety.


    "Relax, they won''t dare," Han said, unconcerned.


    At most, they''ll hurl insults at you; who''s really going to risk their life over it?


    Of course, if it were a Black dude, he''d be more cautious. His run-in with Cunningham during Summer League was still fresh in his memory.


    If he ran into someone who pulled out a gun instead of a knife, he might just get a ''one-way ticket to heaven''.


    During warmups, Han finally saw James.


    James was still wearing his elbow brace, and it was unclear whether he had taken another pain-relieving injection, but what drew more attention than that was his expression.


    He had never seen James with that look before, just like he''d never seen James argue with anyone in the locker room before.


    What kind of expression was it? Hmm, like he was constipated.


    That''s the vibe¡ª like just standing there was making him uncomfortable.


    It wasn''t exactly good news, but it also wasn''t entirely bad news.


    Because if James was in that kind of shape, it would be almost impossible for him to play well, which meant the tactical strategy Han and O''Neal had come up with might have a chance to be implemented.


    After the warmup, the starting lineups for both teams were announced.


    Cavaliers: Mo Williams, Han Sen, James, Jamison, O''Neal


    Celtics: Rondo, Ray Allen, Pierce, Garnett, Perkins


    This was the first time the Cavaliers had their full lineup in the playoffs.


    The game started quickly, and the Celtics took control early.


    It wasn''t that they were playing exceptionally well; it was that James was playing terribly.


    Honestly, even though Han had expected it, he was still shocked.


    He had never seen James play this poorly.


    Whenever James drove to the basket, he either got blocked or lost the ball on his own.


    And instead of playing off the ball like in Game 1, he was just forcing things recklessly with the ball in his hands.


    It was as if he had no intention of winning.


    Five minutes into the game, the Cavaliers were down 0¨C8.


    Coach Brown was forced to call a timeout.


    "LeBron, do you need a break?" Brown cautiously asked James, having already noticed that something was off with him.


    James didn''t say anything, just nodded, and went straight to the bench.


    At that moment, Han and O''Neal exchanged a look and nodded to each other in agreement.


    Their chance had arrived.

 Chapter 91: Iconic Moment.

    Chapter 91: Iconic Moment.(TL/n: Double length Chapter.)


    As play resumed, the Cavaliers made a lineup adjustment, bringing in old man Parker to replace James.


    And this time, it wasn''t Williams who took the ball on the strong side but Han Sen.


    Over the course of the playoffs, Han''s performance had elevated his tactical importance over Williams.


    O''Neal was very familiar with this strategy since, back in the day, the triangle offense started with him posting up in the low post.


    The only difference now was that Han''s threat from three-point range was so significant that he didn''t need to clear the strong side by cutting backdoor. Just standing there created space for O''Neal.


    Moreover, all five players on the court had strong three-point shooting abilities, which essentially mirrored the Magic''s playing style.


    Almost immediately, O''Neal demonstrated that he was better suited for this system than Howard. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After receiving a lob pass from Hansen, O''Neal powered up with his back to the basket, forcing the massive Perkins to lower his center of gravity. Then, with a swift spin move, O''Neal easily muscled his way to the rim for a powerful dunk.


    Perkins wasn''t without skill. When O''Neal spun, Perkins secretly used his elbow to apply force. Against someone like Howard, this move might have disrupted his balance.


    But on O''Neal? That didn''t work at all!


    As Hansen had analyzed before the season began, even though O''Neal had aged, his stamina declined, and his defense was lacking, once he got the ball in the low post, he was still the ''Big Diesel''.


    Back on defense, Pierce tried to run a pick-and-roll with Garnett to attack O''Neal, but Han Sen''s tight defense prevented it from working.


    For fans who had been watching the Cavaliers since the pre-season, this sequence wasn''t unfamiliar at all.


    In the first pre-season game, James didn''t play, and this lineup was the one on the floor at that time.


    It was almost as if everything had been pre-ordained, and that pre-season game was a rehearsal for tonight.


    In the end, Pierce forced a shot over Han, which clanged off the rim.


    Whether or not Han Sen was truly Celtics'' daddy was up for debate, but what fans agreed on was that ever since Han showed up, Pierce struggled against him like a child against a parent.


    It was ugly to watch.


    After the Cavaliers secured the stop, they went back to Shaq in the low post again.


    Perkins, knowing he couldn''t hold his ground, tried to front Shaq, but the latter''s frame was too wide. Even after fronting him, Perkins quickly found himself sealed off behind him again.


    It was almost humiliating.


    Han lobbed the ball inside, forcing the Celtics'' weak-side defenders to rotate over and help.


    After spinning, O''Neal wasted no time and slung the ball out to Williams, positioned at the 45-degree mark on the weak side.


    As the Celtics rotated, Williams passed to Jamison, who was wide open in the corner. Jamison launched a three, and it was nothing but net.


    O''Neal couldn''t help but wish he''d been born ten years later. If he had, he would''ve replaced Howard on the Magic, and by now, he''d be battling Kobe for his fifth championship ring.


    Han Sen and O''Neal exchanged high-fives as they retreated on defense.


    Although the plan had taken some time to come to fruition, their preparation was finally paying off.


    Garnett set a pick for Rondo and hit a signature mid-range jumper off a great pass from the latter, temporarily halting the Cavaliers'' momentum.


    But on the very next possession, O''Neal drew the defense again in the low post before kicking it out. After several passes, the ball ended up in Han Sen''s hands.


    Hansen let it fly¡ª


    Swish!


    8-10.


    The Cavaliers were on an 8-2 run.


    It was a simple yet effective game plan. Ever since James left the court, the Cavaliers'' offense had suddenly become much smoother.


    The Celtics missed their next shot, and as O''Neal received the ball down low once again, Garnett immediately committed a help-side foul.


    Rivers hadn''t caught on, but Thibodeau, his assistant, reminded him that the ''Hack-a-Shaq'' strategy was coming into play.


    Free throws¡ª the eternal bane of Shaquille O''Neal''s career.


    The referee handed O''Neal the ball, and the noise in the arena became deafening.


    In moments like these, O''Neal usually wore a nervous expression.


    But this time, he looked surprisingly calm.


    Why? Because during his earlier discussions with Han Sen about strategy, they had already anticipated this scenario, and Han had given O''Neal a rather ''special'' method.


    The advice was simple: while shooting free throws, he should silently tell himself, ''For every shot I make, my chances of winning one more championship than Kobe increase by 1%.''


    O''Neal''s free-throw problem started as a technical issue but gradually became a mental block as well.


    After years of underperforming at the line, he had begun to lose faith in himself.


    Han''s method was designed to help O''Neal focus on what mattered most to him, bypassing the psychological issue so he could focus solely on technique.


    The result? O''Neal''s first free throw went through the hoop cleanly!


    The fans were stunned, and Rivers shot a blameful look at Thibodeau.


    Even O''Neal himself was a bit surprised. He glanced at his hands as if they had suddenly acquired magical powers.


    Then he made the second free throw as well.


    He went 2-for-2!


    Unable to contain himself, O''Neal burst out laughing and, just like during the pre-season, wrapped Han Sen in a bear hug and planted a big kiss on his head.


    Hansen cringed but smiled in satisfaction.


    The method he had suggested wasn''t something he had come up with on the fly. He had closely observed Shaq''s free-throw form during practice.


    O''Neal''s free throws weren''t great, but they weren''t as bad as they had looked in games either.


    He had been training to improve his free throws for a long time, experimenting with various shooting forms. While none had been a magic fix, his overall percentage had improved.


    Though there was some luck involved in making both free throws, luck is part of the game.


    And these two free throws were critical¡ª they completely changed the Celtics'' defensive approach.


    On the next possession, when O''Neal posted up again, the Celtics abandoned the Hack-a-Shaq strategy.


    They didn''t know what had changed with O''Neal, but Rivers was sharp enough to realize that putting O''Neal on the free-throw line wasn''t the right call that night.


    Thibodeau, meanwhile, was left speechless. Like Malone, he was merely an assistant coach, and to have any real say, he would have to be in the head coach''s seat.


    Shaq continued to dominate in the paint, and this created a positive feedback loop.


    Since O''Neal was punishing the Celtics inside, both teams were forced to play a half-court game, allowing O''Neal to conserve energy as he didn''t have to run up and down the floor. This gave him more stamina to post up and keep dominating.


    He played a solid nine minutes before being substituted out, finishing the stretch with 9 points on 5-for-3 shooting and 3-for-4 from the line.


    What a sight it was! Young fans who hadn''t seen Shaq in his prime got a small taste of it.


    Some even fantasized about what it would be like if O''Neal joined the Celtics¡ª that would be a huge upgrade for Boston.


    After all, Garnett excelled at help-side defense, and his skills perfectly complemented Shaq''s.


    But that wasn''t the focus of the moment. The key point was that, before James left the court, the Cavaliers had been down 0-8.


    By the time O''Neal sat down, the Cavaliers were ahead 17-14!


    In the past, the Cavaliers couldn''t afford to lose James, just like the West couldn''t afford to lose Jerusalem.


    But tonight, the Cavaliers were playing better without James!


    With two minutes left in the first quarter, Han also took a rest.


    Brown didn''t wait for the start of the second quarter and quickly sent James back in.


    At this point, James'' stat sheet was empty except for field goal attempts and turnovers.


    No matter how big the issue, it couldn''t be more important than this.


    Despite trying to adjust, James still performed poorly.


    He even committed an offensive foul while driving against Glen Davis.


    This wasn''t just an issue with injury; it was a complete mental collapse.


    The Celtics took advantage and closed the gap. By the end of the first quarter, the score was tied at 21.


    As the second quarter began, Han Sen and O''Neal were still resting, leaving James to lead the team.


    But within just three minutes, the Cavaliers were already trailing by five points.


    Han and O''Neal exchanged helpless looks.


    James was completely counterproductive tonight.


    Brown eventually substituted James out again, partly to give him time to reset mentally, and partly because this game was crucial for the Cavaliers.


    If they lost this game, the series would be tied, putting them back on equal footing with the Celtics.


    And Brown knew the Celtics too well. If the series dragged on, the odds would likely shift in Boston''s favor.


    ---


    O''Neal was still resting on the bench, but Han Sen and Jamison were sent in early.


    After Han came on, he missed an outside shot off a pick-and-roll with Jamison.


    Having sat on the bench for a while, his shooting touch had cooled off.


    This was a normal fluctuation¡ª no one can maintain a hot hand on the court forever.


    He didn''t force it, though. After signaling to West, he used his off-ball movement to create opportunities for Jamison.


    Even though Jamison was at a disadvantage against Garnett, he wasn''t on the court at that moment.


    A mid-range jump shot off a pick-and-pop, a turnaround floater after a low-post catch, and a cutting layup that drew a foul, with one free throw made out of two.


    This strategy proved effective. As long as Jamison wasn''t matched up against Garnett, he still looked like the Jamison from the first round.


    This performance forced Rivers to sub Garnett back into the game, while Brown, prompted by Malone, countered by bringing Shaquille O''Neal back in as well.


    By halftime, O''Neal was 5-for-9 from the field and 6-for-8 from the free-throw line, with 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists¡ª a stellar performance.


    Thanks to his presence inside, the Cavaliers hit 49% of their three-pointers in the first half and led the Celtics 56-53.


    Is the Shaq old? At 37 years old, definitely.


    But he can still get the job done!


    Han Sen''s shooting was inconsistent tonight, going 3-for-8 in the first half, but he managed to score 8 points with free throws.


    Jamison contributed 11 points as well.


    James, on the other hand, had a miserable showing, going 0-for-7 from the field in the first half and scoring just 4 points off of 6 free throws, along with 4 turnovers.


    Hansen hadn''t followed the Cavaliers closely during LeBron''s first stint with the team in his previous life, so he wouldn''t have known the Cavaliers got knocked out in the semifinals that year without guessing.


    However, back then, Yao Ming was on the Rockets, and like many from the Far East, he was a die-hard Rockets fan who never missed a game.


    Because of this, his most vivid memory of James was that iconic ''See you in Houston'' game.


    In that game, under the defense of Artest and Yao Ming, James put up a stat line of 7-for-21 from the field, 21 points, 1 rebound, and 0 assists, which had always been considered one of the most embarrassing games of his career.


    But compared to the game at hand, that game didn''t seem like much.


    Both teams headed to halftime.


    Unlike usual, Brown wasn''t the one making the halftime adjustments tonight¡ª it was Malone. James wasn''t in the locker room either.


    It was obvious that Brown had gone to give James some psychological counseling.


    It turned out that, although Brown was just a placeholder for the Cavaliers, he was a competent one.


    Whatever he did, it worked because, by the second half, James was warming up.


    In the early stages of the third quarter, James made two shots, blocked Pierce once, and finally had a stat line of 2-for-9 from the field and 10 points¡ª not stellar, but respectable.


    Han Sen also regained his touch in the second half, hitting a three-pointer from outside and sinking a floater on a drive to the basket.


    With O''Neal drawing attention in the paint, the Cavaliers played with the same momentum they had in the previous game, outscoring the Celtics 30-20 in the third quarter.


    By the end of the third, they led the Celtics 86-73, a 13-point margin.


    At this pace, the Cavaliers were on the verge of taking a 3-1 series lead.


    At the start of the fourth quarter, Hansen and O''Neal were still resting on the bench, while James stayed on the floor to lead the team.


    With James finding some rhythm, it was important to let him rack up some stats.


    Ten points weren''t fitting for a ''Chosen One''.


    But once again, James fell into a slump, either turning the ball over or missing shots.


    Under his ''leadership'', the Celtics mounted a comeback, quickly narrowing the gap to within five points, forcing Brown to call a timeout.


    At this point, Han was looking at Brown in disbelief, as he was still sending out West and James together on the floor.


    It was clear Brown wasn''t trying to deliberately mess with James¡ª it was just that his rotation decisions tonight were genuinely foolish.


    Perhaps James'' over-the-top performance had thrown him off his game as well.


    After the timeout, Han and Jamison were subbed back in, but this time Rivers was ahead of the curve, bringing Garnett back in as well.


    Fortunately, Han had recovered his shooting form, and under his lead, the Cavaliers managed to hold their lead.


    Both teams gradually brought their starters back, and the game became highly contested.


    With two minutes left in the game, the Cavaliers were clinging to a 110-108 lead over the Celtics.


    Rivers then opted for the Hack-a-Shaq strategy, sending O''Neal to the free-throw line.


    Amidst the crowd''s noise in Boston, O''Neal calmly sank both free throws.


    That brought his total to 26 points¡ª he was turning back the clock tonight.


    Ray Allen missed a tactical three-pointer from outside, and O''Neal grabbed the defensive rebound. With less than a minute remaining, the Cavaliers were highly likely to win the game.


    James started demanding the ball for an isolation play.


    This reminded Hansen of the Christmas Day game, where Brown had subbed James in for the final possession.


    If James hit a ''clutch'' shot, the media would at least have something to talk about after the game.


    But while the idea was great, reality wasn''t so kind.


    With his current form, James had no chance in this key moment. He drove to the basket, got swarmed, and had the ball stripped by Garnett.


    The Celtics pushed the ball on a fast break, and Rondo made a layup, cutting the deficit back to two points.


    There were now less than 30 seconds left in the game.


    Brown didn''t call a timeout, and James attempted to take control again, but Han Sen, reminiscent of the Christmas game, yelled at Williams, "Give me the damn ball!"


    After getting the ball, Han slowed the pace and then fed it inside to O''Neal, who drew a foul.


    The Cavaliers were in the lead, and with O''Neal shooting well from the line tonight, the strategy was to keep feeding him the ball to close out the game.


    O''Neal stepped to the line, knowing that if he hit both free throws, the Cavaliers would seal the win.


    Wiping sweat from his forehead, Shaq faced the challenge. His first free throw bounced off the front of the rim before rolling in.


    But his second free throw missed.


    You couldn''t expect him to shoot free throws like Jordan¡ª going 8-for-10 from the line was already above his average.


    Garnett grabbed the defensive rebound, and the Celtics called a timeout.


    The Celtics now had a chance to force overtime.


    After the timeout, Rondo advanced the ball into the frontcourt, and the Celtics began to run their play.


    Brown assumed the Celtics would set up a shot for Pierce, but Rivers was once again a step ahead. Using Pierce as a decoy, he set up Ray Allen for the shot.


    James'' defense lapsed, and he lost Ray Allen.


    Hansen had been drawn to the weak side by Pierce, leaving him too far to help in time.


    Ray Allen rose up for the shot, and with 3 seconds left on the clock, the Celtics miraculously tied the game.


    "Damn!"


    The TD Garden erupted in cheers, and while Brown called a timeout, Han couldn''t help but curse.


    He and O''Neal had been working hard, like two men struggling to swim to shore, only to have James dragging them down like a ghost pulling at their legs.


    It was absolutely frustrating!


    "I''ll take the final shot." As soon as the timeout was called, Han made his intentions clear to Brown.


    Interestingly, he positioned himself between Brown and James, preventing James from even reaching for the playbook.


    Brown glanced at James, who remained silent.


    Finally, Brown nodded in agreement.


    James had played horribly tonight, and if they lost the game, it would be yet another ''milestone failure'' for him.


    Winning, however, was always better than losing.


    The game resumed with the crowd making all kinds of noise to disrupt the Cavaliers.


    "Don''t lose him! Stay with Han!" Thibodeau, who had bypassed Rivers at this point, shouted instructions from the sidelines.


    Though just an assistant coach, Thibodeau''s in-game instincts tonight were clearly sharper than Rivers'', the head coach.


    Han was tightly defended, unable to break free.


    At this point, he stopped caring. After a sharp cutback, he gave Ray Allen a hard shove.


    The referees didn''t blow the whistle, letting the players decide the game.


    After shoving Ray Allen, Hansen sped past Pierce and sprinted towards the sideline.


    Williams delivered the pass just in time, and Han caught the ball, getting his shot off just before Garnett could close out on him.


    The ball soared through the air as the game clock hit zero.


    Though it was a high-pressure situation, Han Sen''s movements were fluid, and more importantly, his gaze showed no signs of nervousness or panic¡ª instead, there was a bloodthirsty hunger.


    This was his moment. His arena. His destiny.


    The ball spun through the air toward the basket. As it reached its apex and began its descent, fans on the edge of their seats clasped their heads, some unable to watch, others drawn in by the gravity of the moment.


    The arc was perfect. Too perfect.


    As the ball began to drop, Hansen had already turned, his arms raised high in silent triumph, as if he had known¡ª no, demanded¡ª the outcome before it even happened.


    Swish!


    The net snapped with a crisp, beautiful sound that silenced the roaring crowd for a split second before the arena exploded into pandemonium.

 Chapter 92: I’m your Daddy!

    Chapter 92: I''m your Daddy!When the game-winning shot sank into the basket, disbelief was written all over the faces of the fans.


    Rivers, in a fit of emotion, rushed to the referee to argue that Han Sen had pushed off during the play to break free from the defender.


    The referee just shook his head.


    This play was reminiscent of Reggie Miller''s game-winner against the Bulls years ago. But just like back then, if the ref didn''t call it during the game, they weren''t about to change the result afterward.


    By now, Han Sen was already surrounded by his Cavaliers teammates.


    This scene was broadcast on the arena''s LED screen, and the crowd erupted in boos and insults.


    Soon, those insults morphed into one unified chant: "Referee Sucks!"


    The sheer volume of the chant made even the Cavaliers players pause their celebration.


    Han Sen frowned.


    These Boston fans couldn''t stand losing!


    He pushed through the crowd surrounding him and strode quickly toward the scorer''s table.


    At first, no one knew what he was doing, but by the time they realized, it was already too late.


    With a leap, Han Sen jumped directly onto the scorer''s table at TD Garden.


    The crowd went silent.


    Every fan''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    What did he just do?!


    And more importantly, how dare he?!


    Not only did Han Sen dare, but what he said next was what truly sent the place into chaos.


    He raised both fists high in the air and shouted toward the crowd:


    "Who is your daddy?!"


    Previously, when interviewed by reporters, Han Sen had chosen to respond mildly. After all, when he had said "Daddy''s back," it was just to gain some "hater points" and not to make things too hostile.


    But Boston fans didn''t appreciate that. On his very first day in Boston, they had someone try to drug him, and from then on, every time he entered the arena, people pointed in his face and cursed at him.


    Sure, he was earning hater points from it, but seriously, who actually enjoys being insulted like that?


    All of that bottled-up emotion exploded when these sore losers couldn''t even handle defeat.


    Alright, so you all want to know the answer to that question?


    Let me tell you.


    As the crowd stood in stunned silence at Han Sen''s words, he pointed both index and middle fingers at his chest and shouted again:


    "I am your daddy!"


    The fans, snapped out of their shock, turned from disbelief to fury. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They screamed and cursed at Han Sen, with some even throwing their water bottles at him.


    Han Sen didn''t dodge. He raised his fists high again, his gaze icy cold.


    And at that exact moment, a photographer named Khalil, who was at the game, captured what would become an iconic image.


    This was a hundred times more epic than when Han Sen jumped onto the scorer''s table back at Michigan State.


    It was destined to go down in history.


    Perhaps one day, when someone else knelt on this court, it would truly become legendary.


    Malone finally ran over to the scorer''s table. He had found a board somewhere and held it over his head to shield Han Sen from being hit, then pulled him down from the table.


    "Are you crazy?!" Malone genuinely thought Han Sen had lost it. This was Boston, after all.


    Was he planning to risk his life here?


    Han Sen didn''t answer. He simply walked straight toward the tunnel.


    Water bottles kept flying at him, and Malone held up the board to protect him.


    Even after Han Sen disappeared into the tunnel, the crowd''s cursing continued for a long time.


    Before tonight, the Celtics had many rivals in the league, and several players had been booed on this court.


    But after tonight, Han Sen would top that list. He would become Boston''s public enemy number one.


    At the post-game press conference, Coach Brown didn''t initially want to let Han Sen attend, considering how insane his actions had been.


    It was no exaggeration to say that his actions were like figuratively pinning Boston fans under his heel.


    But Han Sen chose to attend anyway, because this victory belonged to both him and Shaq.


    Why skip the celebration after such a hard-fought win?


    When Han Sen appeared at the press conference, the room was immediately buzzing.


    Since the game was in Boston, there were quite a few local reporters in the room.


    They hadn''t expected him to show up.


    Han Sen, Shaq, and Coach Brown took their seats, and the conference was about to begin.


    Brian Windhorst was the first to stand up.


    This was a bit unconventional, and a nearby staff member wanted to stop him, but Brown signaled that it was okay.


    Windhorst''s question was for Brown, asking about LeBron James.


    "His injury got worse. He''s receiving treatment now. After the last game, his body didn''t respond well, despite playing through the pain. The team doctor originally recommended he sit out tonight, but he insisted on playing. He knew how important this game was, and he didn''t want to be seen as a quitter."


    LeBron went 3-for-14 from the field tonight, barely scraping together 15 points thanks to free throws. But after hearing Brown''s explanation, his performance sounded less bad and more heroic.


    This is the advantage of letting the media spread the word about injuries beforehand ¡ª no matter what happens, you can never be blamed.


    Brown and Windhorst clearly had rehearsed this, playing off each other perfectly. They also took the opportunity to explain why LeBron wasn''t at the post-game press conference.


    These two were working hard.


    After LeBron''s question was answered, the next reporter immediately aimed their question at Han Sen.


    "Do you think you pushed off on that game-winning shot?"


    The question was aggressive right from the start.


    Han Sen smirked. "Do you think Reggie Miller pushed off when he hit that dagger against the Bulls? Or MJ with ''The Shot''? Push or not, the bucket still counts, doesn''t it?"


    He didn''t answer directly but turned the question around.


    The reporter was stumped. Both Miller''s game-winner against the Bulls and Jordan''s ''The Shot'' were highly controversial, with no definitive conclusion.


    Han Sen''s counter-question was an answer in itself.


    "Why did you jump on the scorer''s table after the game? It looked like a pretty provocative move." asked another reporter, this one from NBC Boston.


    "Is there a rule in the NBA handbook against it?" Han Sen shot back.


    Once again, the reporter was stumped. The NBA only prohibits physical altercations between players and fans, but the reporter quickly tried to recover, saying, "No, but it''s still seen as provoking the fans."


    Han Sen just shrugged. "Well, if you''d heard the trash they were yelling at me when I walked in, you''d understand it wasn''t provocation¡ª it was a response. Sometimes you''ve got to give the people what they want."


    Han Sen''s command of words completely crushed the reporter, leaving him speechless.


    Shaq couldn''t help but chuckle. Seeing Han Sen verbally spar was a treat.


    "You shouted that you were their ''daddy''... Don''t you think that''s a bit much?" asked another local Boston reporter.


    The person managing the press conference was clearly local too, giving these reporters every opportunity.


    "Did I? That''s not really my style. Things said in the heat of battle should stay on the court." Said Han Sen, feigning surprise.


    The room goes silent for a beat.


    "So, do you really think you''re the Boston fans'' daddy?" The reporter pressed on and dug an even deeper trap.


    "Oh, come on. The fans are the reason this league exists¡ª they''re like our customers, our gods. Who''s got the audacity to claim they''re God''s daddy? Maybe you should grab a Bible and think that one over."


    After Han Sen''s response, even Coach Brown struggled to contain his laughter, though he quickly wiped the smile off his face.


    Han Sen had a thick skin, but he always found a way to justify himself with some half-truths that left people with no room to argue.


    "Aren''t you worried about the reception you''ll get next time you''re back in Boston?" asked another reporter, touching on a sensitive topic, since the series wasn''t over yet.


    "Not really," Han Sen smirked. "Cause we''re not coming back."


    With tonight''s win, the Cavaliers were up 3-1 in the series, one win away from closing it out. The next game would be in Cleveland.


    If they won at home, there wouldn''t be a next game, and they wouldn''t have to come back to Boston.


    And Han Sen wasn''t just being cocky or trying to rack up hater points.


    Because in tonight''s game, his [Giant Slayer] had finally hit its peak!


    ---


    (The stats for LeBron and Shaq in this game were based on their actual performance in Game 5 of the Cavaliers vs. Celtics semifinal series that year.)

 Chapter 93: Cleveland Doesn’t Need a King.

    Chapter 93: Cleveland Doesn¡¯t Need a King.Returning to Cleveland with a 3-1 lead, the Cavaliers were just one home win away from not only exacting revenge but also pulling off a gentleman''s sweep against their rivals.


    This is where the unpredictability of a playoff series comes into play. Initially, the Celtics were clearly the stronger team, but after dropping a couple of crucial games, they now found themselves on the brink of elimination.


    There were two days of rest between games, and during this time, Han Sen''s popularity skyrocketed. Even though he wasn''t as dominant in Game 4, going 7-for-17 from the field and scoring 21 points¡ª nothing as flashy as his Game 1 performance¡ª his clutch game-winner and dramatic leap onto the scorer''s table were nothing short of legendary.


    Especially after Khalil captured that iconic moment: Han Sen standing tall on the scorer''s table as furious Boston fans hurled insults and water bottles at him. When that image hit the newsstands, it exploded in the media.


    As a result, Han Sen racked up tons of hater points, with his system showing over 300,000 in total now. But at the same time, his social media also saw a surge in genuine followers.


    In fact, ever since the All-Star break, his follower count had been steadily increasing, but now it was skyrocketing. His social media was buzzing daily, with fans and haters constantly battling it out in the comments.


    Unfortunately, most of the haters were repeat offenders, so they weren''t generating any new hater points. Otherwise, Han Sen would have been raking in even more with zero effort.


    On game day, Han Sen arrived at the gym an hour early for his usual workout. But something felt off¡ª LeBron was nowhere to be seen.


    After finishing up, Han Sen hit the court, but still no sign of LeBron.


    It wasn''t until Coach Brown entered the gym that the mystery was solved.


    "I''ve got some bad news," Brown announced grimly before practice officially started. "LeBron''s injury has worsened, and he''ll be sitting out Game 5."


    "He''ll be back," Brown added, sounding emotional. "He''s a warrior. He just needs some time to rest."


    As Brown''s dramatic explanation echoed through the gym, Han Sen couldn''t help but smirk.


    What a brilliant move.


    Last game, Han Sen had stolen the spotlight¡ªfirst with the game-winning three, then by jumping onto the scorer''s table. With Khalil''s help, the media frenzy had overshadowed LeBron''s ''kingly'' return.


    So, LeBron''s options were limited: fighting for more touches on the court would''ve been too obvious, but if he played passively, his impact would be stifled.


    Instead, he chose to sit out with an injury, letting the Cavs potentially lose Game 5, only to return and lead them to victory in Game 6. Another grand comeback for the King.


    It was a clever move, not necessarily malicious, just classic LeBron.


    But still, it was hard to ignore how ironic Brown''s previous statement sounded now, considering he''d said LeBron wouldn''t ''run away'' after the last game.


    After practice, Shaq pulled Han Sen aside for a private chat.


    "So... should we ''get injured'' too?" Shaq joked, making Han Sen laugh out loud.


    "You sly old man! You really get how to play the injury card, huh?"


    Han Sen found it amusing, but after a good laugh, he shook his head.


    He had just flexed his dominance in the last game¡ª faking an injury now would be embarrassing.


    Plus, he was genuinely concerned about going back to Boston too soon. The fans were still fuming, and who knows what they might do when emotions were running high?


    But more importantly, he had a different vision in mind.


    "This is our chance," Han Sen said, his voice steady. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Chance? What do you mean?" Shaq asked, confused.


    Han Sen gazed out of the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking off into the distance as if he saw something far beyond.


    "It''s our chance to show everyone..." Han Sen paused, then continued, his eyes still focused on the horizon, "Cleveland doesn''t really need a king."


    ---


    Two days later, Game 5 of the Cavaliers vs. Celtics series tipped off at Cleveland''s home court.


    The Quicken Loans Arena was once again packed to capacity.


    However, the energy on the fans'' faces wasn''t quite as high as in the previous games. LeBron''s absence had undoubtedly cast a shadow over the Cavaliers'' prospects for the night.


    Although injured, LeBron still showed up in a sharp suit to support his teammates, and the cameras couldn''t stop focusing on him during the pre-game warm-ups.


    He truly knew how to stay in the spotlight.


    After the warm-ups, the opening ceremony began.


    Unlike previous games, Han Sen was introduced last tonight.


    Technically, Han Sen should be the fourth option on the Cavs, at best tied with Mo Williams as the third. But in this series, he had scored 33, 11, 14, and 21 points across the four games, averaging 19.75 points per game¡ª solid second-option numbers.


    With LeBron out, it was only natural for him to take center stage.


    "Selected 16th overall in the 2009 Draft, from Barry University, standing at 6-foot-6, Han~ Sen!!"


    As the DJ called his name and Han Sen stepped out while shaking his jersey, the crowd erupted with deafening cheers.


    Just like on social media, Han Sen had captivated the fans during this series.


    You could even say that tonight, he was the hope of all Cleveland!


    LeBron frowned slightly at that moment, feeling like his injury had handed Han Sen an opportunity. But he quickly relaxed¡ª there was no way Shaq would repeat his Game 4 performance, and the Cavs wouldn''t win tonight anyway.


    When he makes his comeback in the next game, nothing that happens tonight will matter.


    After the opening ceremony, both teams revealed their starting lineups.


    The only major difference for Cleveland was that old man Parker replaced LeBron as a starter. Otherwise, the lineups were largely unchanged.


    With the roar of the crowd behind him, Shaq tipped the ball back to Cleveland, and the game officially began.


    Right away, Shaq posted up in the low post and forced a defensive foul from Garnett.


    One reason Han Sen didn''t agree with Shaq''s ''injury'' idea was because of the last game. LeBron had played poorly, yet the Cavs still won. So why couldn''t they do it again?


    Shaq stepped to the free-throw line, but this time he only made one out of two, with the made shot bouncing in.


    His 8-of-11 free-throw shooting from the last game had been a miracle¡ª tonight, a 50% rate was more like his usual self.


    On the Celtics'' next possession, Garnett hit a cold-blooded jumper, sinking it with ease.


    His entire form and confidence seemed different from the earlier games.


    Some players crumble when they''re on the brink of elimination, but others tap into even greater energy.


    Garnett was clearly the latter.


    And it wasn''t just him. When the Cavs tried to set up their offense again, the Celtics'' defense ignited.


    This time, when Shaq spun in the post, Rondo collapsed on him and stripped the ball away.


    Down 3-1? That only seemed to activate the Celtics'' passive ability: Bloodlust!


    Halfway through the first quarter, the Celtics had taken control, leading 13-8.


    Shaq was getting trapped in the post, and his performance was noticeably less free-flowing than in the previous game.


    At the end of the day, this Celtics team was built on defense. Once they locked in, it was tough to beat them with the same tricks.


    LeBron, meanwhile, was chatting and laughing with Varejao on the sidelines, clearly in a good mood.


    Everything was going according to plan.


    ---


    Rondo drove past Shaq, hitting a floater and drawing a foul.


    Coach Brown called over Ilgauskas from the bench¡ª Shaq''s stamina was already starting to wane.


    Rondo sank the free throw, and the lead had grown to 8 points.


    The arena grew restless.


    Fans knew it would be hard to win tonight without LeBron, but they didn''t expect the Cavs to look so sluggish so early.


    Without LeBron, it really was tough!


    As Han Sen jogged up the court, he made a signal to Mo Williams.


    When Shaq was on the floor, the offense naturally flowed through him. Now that Shaq was out, it was up to Han Sen to take over.


    On the strong side, Williams ran a pick-and-roll with Jamison, while on the weak side, Ilgauskas set a screen for Han Sen.


    It was a typical Cavaliers play, except the screeners had switched roles.


    The goal was to get Han Sen a clean look on the weak side.


    And it worked.


    Han Sen received the ball, now switched onto Kendrick Perkins.


    But the Celtics'' defense adapted quickly. Perkins sagged toward the basket, while Ray Allen, having fought through Ilgauskas'' screen, closed off Han Sen''s retreat to the three-point line.


    By this point in the series, the Celtics had thoroughly studied Han Sen, knowing his mid-range game was weak and leaving that area wide open.


    Han Sen knew it too, so he didn''t hesitate¡ª he charged straight at Perkins.


    Perkins had no choice but to retreat faster, fearing Han Sen would blow by him for a layup if he was too slow.


    As the two closed in on the paint, Han Sen stopped on a dime, rose into the air, and floated the ball just above Perkins'' outstretched hand.


    With his [Giant Slayer] talent maxed out, Han Sen''s control on quick stops, balance in the air, and even his floater rhythm had all significantly improved.


    The moment he jumped, he knew the shot was good.


    Swish!


    Perkins couldn''t keep up with Han Sen''s quickness and could only watch as the floater dropped in for two.


    The crowd roared in approval.


    When it matters most, Han delivers!


    On the way back on defense, Han Sen clapped and raised his hand to rally his teammates.


    No matter what, he was going to win this game tonight!


    Morale was high and the Cavaliers'' defense was becoming more active, but with Shaq off the court, their ability to protect the rim decreased.


    Rondo drove into the paint, using his signature fake pass and layup to draw a foul from Ilgauskas.


    He hit one of two free throws, extending the Celtics'' lead to 17-10.


    As Han Sen tried to find an opportunity through weak-side screens, the Celtics intensified their defense against him receiving the ball.


    Mo Williams couldn''t find a passing lane to Han Sen and was forced to drive to the basket himself, only to be blocked by Garnett, who was dominating on both ends of the floor tonight.


    Fortunately, Jamison grabbed a crucial offensive rebound. Although he had been mostly outplayed by Garnett during the series, like Shaq had said, Jamison could do everything.


    But Garnett, playing at a superhuman level, quickly turned to cut off Jamison''s second-chance shot.


    Jamison had no scoring opportunity but soon spotted Han Sen waving for the ball on the far side.


    After all, he could do everything¡ª including passing.


    Han Sen caught the ball, saw Pierce closing in, and initiated the ''Cunningham screen''. This time, however, it was Ilgauskas setting the pick instead of Cunningham, making it even more effective.


    Pierce got caught on the screen, leaving Han Sen with a rare open three-pointer.


    It felt like he was back in practice, leading the third team against the starters.


    Determination can push someone forward without hesitation.


    Han Sen took the shot, eyes sharp.


    Swish!


    The net snapped as Han Sen drained the three!


    17-13!


    After Han Sen scored five consecutive points, the Cavs had closed the gap to under five points.


    The crowd erupted in cheers.


    This was the hope of the whole city!


    "Defense! Defense!"


    With Han Sen''s personal five-point run, the Cavs were starting to build momentum!


    LeBron paused his conversation with Varejao¡ª Han Sen''s rhythm tonight was clearly better than in the last game.


    Rondo once again used a screen to drive into the paint, but this time Jamison came from behind and pinned his shot off the backboard!


    Jamison wasn''t a great one-on-one defender, but his physical gifts allowed him to be an excellent help defender at times!


    After the block, Jamison grabbed the rebound and immediately spotted Han Sen sprinting past the three-point line.


    There wasn''t time to wonder how Han Sen always seemed so fast on fast breaks. Jamison threw a long pass forward.


    The pass was a little too far ahead, but Han Sen, as if he had rockets on his feet, caught up to it, took a big step, and lifted the ball high for a powerful one-handed tomahawk dunk.


    After the dunk, Han Sen stood on the baseline, grabbed his jersey, and let out a fierce roar.


    The arena went wild.


    Some fans couldn''t stay seated anymore, standing up and waving their hands while shouting out their finest trash talk.


    17-15!


    Celtics coach Doc Rivers called for a timeout.


    Han Sen had forced the Celtics to stop the game!


    As Han Sen walked off the court, his teammates rushed over to congratulate him, with Shaq grabbing his head and giving him a big kiss.


    No wonder this guy had the guts to say Cleveland didn''t need a king¡ª his confidence came from his skills!


    LeBron''s brow furrowed deeply into a "´¨" shape.


    He was starting to regret it¡ª if the Cavs actually won this game under Han Sen''s leadership, he would have handed Han the keys to the throne himself.


    He glanced toward the Celtics'' side, now hoping his old rivals could pull something out of their bag of tricks.


    "Come on, you guys! I know you still have that fight in you. Use it to stop this kid!"


    After the timeout, the Celtics executed a perfect play, with Pierce driving in for a layup.


    LeBron instinctively raised his hand to applaud, but midway through, he realized it wasn''t appropriate and awkwardly stuffed his hand into his mouth, biting his nails.


    "Let''s go, Cavs!"


    Even though the Celtics had scored right after the timeout, the Cavaliers'' energy didn''t drop.


    Han Sen, using a series of screens, received the ball and charged into the paint.


    Perkins quickly retreated on defense, and Han Sen took the opportunity to stop abruptly and attempt another floater.


    But this time, Garnett showcased his elite help defense, flying in from the side to block the shot.


    However, Han Sen remained calm, flicking his fingers and releasing the ball early.


    The ball soared just over Garnett''s fingertips, tracing a high arc...


    Swish!


    Nothing but the net.


    Han Sen had now scored 9 consecutive points!


    He was playing out of his mind!


    The camera zoomed in on Han Sen, who wasn''t as visibly excited as before. Instead, he looked calm and composed.


    He could feel the massive improvements from his [Giant Slayer] talent reaching its peak¡ª his enhanced abilities were undeniable.


    Unless Rivers sacrificed some offense to bring in Tony Allen for full-on man defense, the Celtics'' current defensive lineup couldn''t contain him.

 Chapter 94: This is My House!

    Chapter 94: This is My House!Rivers didn''t make any major adjustments¡ª there was a reason Tony Allen had limited minutes with the Celtics. Plus, as the ''master of blown leads in history'', Rivers wasn''t known for his in-game adaptability.


    Han Sen''s performance kept the Cavaliers in the game, and by the end of the first quarter, both teams were tied at 23.


    Han Sen played the entire first quarter, scoring 13 points with a standout performance, but the energy expenditure was high.


    With Jamison now leading the Cavaliers on the court, Rivers countered by sending in Garnett. Both teams were now in full-on battle mode, with no thought given to the next game.


    This was when the impact of LeBron''s absence started to show. LeBron''s decision to sit out had been criticized, but without him, the Cavaliers struggled to maintain their scoring pace.


    Jamison could''ve filled that role, but Garnett locked him down. Meanwhile, Williams had only had one good game so far in the series, leaving Coach Brown with a helpless expression.


    Han Sen was in excellent form, and if LeBron were playing, the Cavs would have a great chance of winning. But, LeBron had made his decision, and Brown had to go along with it.


    The Celtics executed a brilliant play, with Nate Robinson (acquired at the trade deadline) catching an alley-oop pass from Garnett and posterizing Varejao with a thunderous dunk.


    Varejao instinctively fell to the ground, but the refs didn''t call it. As good as his acting was, it didn''t impress the officials this time.


    The momentum shifted in favor of the Celtics, and the crowd became restless. Brown had no choice but to call Han Sen, who had only just sat down for a rest, back into the game. Han Sen barely had time to put on his warm-up jersey before getting up.


    The energy the Celtics displayed tonight showed that they were still the team that had pushed the Lakers to seven games in the Finals.


    Han Sen didn''t disappoint¡ª he came in, drove to the basket, and drew a foul from Rasheed Wallace, sinking both free throws to steady the Cavs. On the next possession, he blocked Robinson''s attempt at another drive to the rim.


    This offensive and defensive sequence had Brown pumping his fist with excitement on the sidelines. Han Sen''s desire to win was palpable, making him a stabilizing pillar on the court.


    At halftime, the Cavs led the Celtics 45-42, with Han Sen scoring another 10 points in the second quarter, bringing his total to 23 by the half.


    He didn''t return to the locker room during halftime, instead going straight to the medical room for treatment with the team doctor. He had only rested for 2 minutes in the entire first half.


    If this were the regular season, he could''ve handled this level of intensity, but tonight''s game had Finals-level intensity, and his knees were already aching.


    He now fully understood why ''Steel Bones'' was a top-tier talent that required 2 million [Hater Points] to unlock. The body, in a sense, is the strongest talent. Without a body that can support your skills, even the best techniques are just a house of cards.


    Take McGrady, for example. If he hadn''t suffered from those back injuries, his place in history wouldn''t have been at the bottom of the "Four Guards".


    "I know you won''t listen to me, but I still have to say it. If you keep playing like this in the second half, your season might end here," the team doctor warned with a serious expression.


    Han Sen could only offer a bitter smile. "If it really comes to that, I don''t think I''ll have any regrets."


    Sure, he wanted to make it to the Finals¡ª doing so would skyrocket his value. But as for his desire to win a championship, it wasn''t as strong as people might think. After all, he was just a rookie, and as he had told Ferry before, winning a championship was more of a dream for the team''s core players. This team was LeBron''s, not his.


    But there was something else driving him tonight. Watching LeBron smirking on the sidelines in the first half, Han Sen couldn''t let things end that way. He had to win tonight.


    "My luck''s always been pretty good," Han smiled.


    The doctor didn''t say anything more. He knew why Han Sen was pushing himself so hard tonight.


    Were everyone on the Cavaliers mute or deaf? No, they just had to play that way because of the environment.


    The second half began, and both teams resumed their battle.


    Despite the halftime break, both teams started the half with cold shooting, clearly drained from the intense first half. Neither could put the ball in the basket, so both sides shifted their focus to defense.


    This brought the intensity of the game to a fever pitch. From Han Sen''s perspective, it was starting to feel like the epic Lakers-Celtics rivalry from his ''history''.


    Han Sen only rested for a minute and a half at the start of the fourth quarter before returning to the game.


    With two and a half minutes remaining, the Cavaliers held a slim 72-69 lead. Both teams were now exhausted and fighting tooth and nail.


    On a Cavaliers possession, Han Sen got open for a three-pointer, but Garnett''s aggressive contest caused him to miss. However, Ilgauskas grabbed the offensive rebound and passed it back outside. Old Parker immediately shot a three-pointer in one fluid motion.


    Swish!


    The three-pointer found the net, and the Quicken Loans Arena erupted into cheers. This three-pointer was priceless!


    But before the cheers could settle, Ray Allen ran off screens, popped out to the corner, and nailed a three-pointer off a Rondo pass.


    Allen, a T0-level shooter, showed his mettle in the clutch, cutting the lead to one possession.


    O''Neal posted up, dished to Jamison for a three, but it clanked off the rim. Han Sen grabbed the long offensive rebound, drove to the hoop, and collided with Perkins, drawing a foul and earning two free throws. He collapsed to the ground afterward, causing a stir in the crowd.


    If Han Sen was injured now, the Cavaliers would be done for tonight.


    The Cavaliers'' players rushed to his side, and after a long moment, his teammates helped him to his feet. It wasn''t an injury¡ª he was just too exhausted to stand.


    Han Sen stepped up to the free-throw line.


    As he was adjusting his stance, the crowd, which had been quiet, slowly started to chant.


    In the past, that chant would have only been for LeBron James, but now, they were chanting for Han Sen.


    Hearing it, James turned around, and the fans behind him quieted down under his gaze.


    But the moment he turned back, the chants roared again, even louder.


    "MVP! MVP!"


    The chant thundered through the arena, but Han Sen just shook his head.


    He wanted [hater points]!


    Was the crowd trying to make him feel touched?


    Taking a deep breath, Han Sen knew that any emotional fluctuation at this moment could cost him the opportunity.


    After settling his emotions, he calmly sank the first free throw.


    The second free throw? Same result.


    Two-for-two!


    The Cavaliers now held a crucial 5-point lead.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    With less than a minute remaining in the game, all they needed was to stop the Celtics'' next possession, and the 5-point lead would secure the win for the Cavs.


    The Cavaliers'' players were completely drained, but they fought hard on defense.


    This time, the ball ended up in Paul Pierce''s hands, who shot after a screen by Garnett.


    Han Sen lunged forward to contest the shot.


    Pierce''s three-pointer clanged off the rim, but Garnett, with brilliant anticipation, grabbed the offensive rebound and passed it out to Rondo in the corner.


    Rondo wasn''t known for his three-point shooting, but he took this one decisively.


    The ball swished through the net¡ª he made it!


    In this critical moment, Boston''s grit seemed to have the favor of the basketball gods.


    The lead was down to 2 points with half a minute remaining. The Celtics still had a chance!


    Coach Brown wanted to call a timeout, but Malone quickly grabbed his arm¡ª they had already used up all their timeouts!


    "Run play 7! Play 7!" Brown yelled toward the court, shaking off Malone.


    Play 7, Han Sen''s off-ball screen play, named after his jersey number, 77.


    Williams nodded in acknowledgment and brought the ball up, burning as much time off the clock as possible.


    By now, almost every fan in the arena was on their feet.


    If they could score here, the game would essentially be over.


    The camera zoomed in on Han Sen¡ª after his game-winner against the Celtics last game, could he hit another clutch shot?


    At this point, two Celtics players surrounded him, with a third ready to help.


    Boston wasn''t dumb¡ª they had just been eliminated by him last time. No way were they going to let him get the ball easily.


    With about 10 seconds left on the shot clock, Williams looked to pass to Han Sen, but he couldn''t shake free from his defenders despite continuous movement.


    With no other option, Williams drove into the paint, hoping to draw a foul.


    In moments like this, just getting to the free-throw line would seal the win for the Cavaliers.


    But just like in Boston, the refs didn''t blow the whistle, and Williams'' shot missed the rim.


    A scramble for the rebound ensued, and once again, Ilgauskas came up with the offensive board!


    Without today''s "Hack-a-Shaq" restrictions, Coach Brown had opted to keep Ilgauskas on the floor, and his second offensive rebound paid off!


    Ilgauskas quickly saw Han Sen cutting to the basket, freed from the double-team, and passed him the ball.


    Han Sen caught it, but Garnett was right there again, this time completely blocking his front-facing shot angle.


    Despite Garnett''s declining athleticism due to injuries, he was still giving everything he had, defending Boston''s paint with his body and soul.


    Han Sen didn''t stop his drive. The two players raced towards the basket.


    Just as Garnett expected Han Sen to go for a direct layup, Han Sen suddenly veered right, creating space with a large step, and then leaped into the air, twisting his body for a side-angled floater.


    There was no way Garnett could block it in time.


    All he could do was hope that Han Sen would miss. After all, a drifting floater is hard to control.


    But when Garnett saw the ball reach its apex and start to descend, a look of dread filled his eyes. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This shot was going in!


    Swoosh!


    The ball went cleanly through the net!


    Having reached the peak of his [Giant Slayer] talent, Han Sen could now execute Jamison-like drifting floaters in live games!


    The Quicken Loans Arena erupted in chaos.


    "Handsome! Handsome!"


    The fans chanted with ease, as his name sounded so fitting.


    In this moment, Han Sen was Cleveland''s hero.


    The Celtics called their final timeout.


    With only 6 seconds left in the game, unless a ''Reggie Miller moment'' happened, the game was over.


    The Cavaliers'' bench was going wild, even Varej?o was on his feet.


    Meanwhile, LeBron, sitting at the end of the bench, looked forlorn.


    This was supposed to be his team, but at that moment, he felt like an outsider.


    After the timeout, the Celtics'' final possession saw them execute well, with Garnett grabbing yet another offensive rebound, but both Ray Allen and Rondo missed consecutive three-point attempts.


    Jamison secured the defensive rebound and quickly passed the ball to Han Sen, who sprinted beyond the three-point line.


    As he dribbled away from the chasing Celtics, the buzzer sounded.


    79-75!


    The Cavaliers won, eliminating the Celtics 4-1 and avenging their loss from two years ago!


    Han Sen was ecstatic.


    He had really done it.


    As he thought back to the MVP chants from the fans, his blood surged with excitement.


    Yes, Cleveland didn''t need a so-called King!


    He spotted the scorer''s table, and his instincts took over.


    Taking two long strides, he leapt onto the table.


    Once on top, with the ball in his left hand and his right pointing down at the court, he shouted passionately:


    "This is my house!"


    This was his territory!

 Chapter 95: Season Finale.

    Chapter 95: Season Finale."God, he''s like the ''Scorer''s Table Terminator''!"


    On the commentary panel, tonight''s commentator, Barkley, dropped a golden line.


    O''Neal had earlier dubbed Han Sen the ''Terminator'', but that nickname had faded among the crowd. However, after Barkley''s new spin on it, it seemed like the name was bound to stick, especially since this was the third time Han Sen had jumped onto the scorer''s table¡ª dating all the way back to his NCAA days.


    This time, within a single series, he jumped onto the table twice, each time with a classic line. Now, with this new nickname, future opponents would likely be wary of whether their scorer''s table would survive.


    After shouting, Han Sen felt a rush of exhilaration. He let out a loud cheer, and as the fans roared, he jumped down again.


    At this point, most of the Cavaliers players, except LeBron James who had already retreated to the locker room, gathered around the scorer''s table, including even Varejao. Tonight''s victory was truly inspiring!


    After battling through the sea of reporters, one finally reached Han Sen.


    "Han! Han! What are your thoughts right now?" The reporter had to raise his voice to be heard over the cheers of the fans and players.


    "I told you, we won''t be going back to Boston!" Han Sen shouted back.


    The arena exploded once again.


    Since the NBA''s founding, there were very few players who could boast about taking down the Celtics successfully. But Han Sen, a rookie, had not only done it but was now acknowledged as Boston''s nemesis¡ª a feat possibly unmatched in history.


    After the interview ended, Han Sen smiled and waved to the fans before heading toward the tunnel. But as soon as he stepped into the player tunnel, his expression twisted slightly, and he had to lean against the wall.


    Cunningham, who had been all smiles, immediately sensed something was wrong.


    "Help me to the medical room," Han Sen quickly said.


    Ever since his game-winning play, something had felt off, and now it seemed like adrenaline was the only thing keeping him going. Cunningham quickly called over Jamison, and the two helped Han Sen to the medical room.


    Once inside, the team doctor, who Cunningham had already fetched, started an initial examination.


    Han Sen''s knee was in a lot of pain.


    After the preliminary checkup, the team doctor recommended they take Han Sen to the hospital for further tests. Without hesitation, Cunningham and Jamison, still in their uniforms, accompanied him to the hospital.


    Meanwhile, back in the Cavaliers'' locker room, the players were celebrating wildly. They felt unstoppable, some even imagining themselves lifting the championship trophy.


    "Where''s Han?" O''Neal asked, turning around, suddenly realizing the rookie''s absence.


    After further tests at the hospital, the final diagnosis came from the team doctor: "Mild ligament strain. He''ll need at least two weeks of rest."


    Both Cunningham and Jamison had complex expressions.


    Two weeks meant Han Sen would miss the entire Conference Finals. And even if the Cavs made it to the Finals, there was no guarantee Han would be ready.


    Han had played his heart out to lead the Cavs past the Celtics, but now it seemed like his journey had ended at the finish line.


    "I told you, I''ve always had good luck," Han Sen said with a smile to the doctor.


    While two weeks of rest wasn''t ideal, it was the best possible outcome for an injury. And given that he had played heroically in three of the five games in this series, even if his season ended now, it would have been worth it.


    Soon after, Coach Brown and General Manager Ferry arrived at the hospital after being notified by the team doctor.


    The true extent of Han Sen''s injury remained under tight wraps, as they didn''t want to reveal anything before the Eastern Conference Finals. After some discussion, they decided to list Han''s injury as "knee soreness, day-to-day."


    Hearing this, Han Sen couldn''t help but think, ''Doesn''t this sound exactly like Kawhi Leonard?''


    After receiving initial treatment, Han Sen returned home. Over the next week, not only could he not play, but he couldn''t even train, which was a tough adjustment for someone so used to constant action.


    Although Shaq and West visited him the next day, the visits were brief, and Han was left with a lot of time on his hands.


    Bored, he began to think about things he''d overlooked during the playoffs. For example, were Rondo and the others now on vacation? He considered inviting them to Cleveland, but since his injury was still under wraps, it seemed like a bad idea.


    Han, bored out of his mind, grabbed his phone. ''Maybe I''ll check in with Swift,'' he thought. After all, she did promise him a cake. He shot off a quick message:


    "Hey, still owe me that cake ????."


    To his surprise, his phone buzzed almost immediately¡ª a video call from her. He answered, and there was Taylor Swift, holding her phone up to show a massive concert stage behind her.


    "Hey, Han! Guess where I am?" she said, flashing a big smile.


    "Uhh... judging by that crowd, definitely not in Cleveland," Han replied, grinning.


    Taylor laughed, "Nope! Brazil, actually. Rehearsing for a show."


    "World tour, huh? Look at you, international superstar," Han teased.


    "Yeah, Fearless tour. Been non-stop since April. But don''t worry, I haven''t forgotten about your cake," she said with a wink.


    Han chuckled, "You better not. I''m holding you to that."


    "I know! Just wait till July, I''ll be back then. We''ll do it for real," she promised.


    "Deal. Just don''t expect me to help bake it," Han said, smirking.


    "Oh, don''t worry. You''d just mess it up anyway," she shot back with a playful roll of her eyes before saying, "Anyway, I''ve gotta run¡ª stage calls! Rest up that knee, okay?"


    "Yeah, yeah, you too. Don''t trip on stage," Han joked.


    With one last smile, Taylor waved and hung up, leaving Han staring at the screen.


    Smiling to himself, he set his phone down. At least she didn''t forget.


    Still, after the call ended, Han found himself bored again. He picked up his gaming console and started playing NBA 2K to pass the time.


    It wasn''t long before Khalil called him to talk about the All-NBA selections.


    According to NBA rules, the awards weren''t handed out in a ceremony, but rather announced throughout the playoffs. The last major award to be announced was the All-NBA Team.


    The selections were divided into three categories: All-NBA, All-Defensive, and All-Rookie teams. Unlike the All-NBA teams, the All-Defensive and All-Rookie teams only had two selections each.


    Being selected to the All-NBA First Team was considered one of the most prestigious honors, second only to MVP in terms of establishing a player''s legacy.


    Thanks to his regular season averages of 13.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 2.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game, Han Sen had been named to both the All-Rookie First Team and the All-Defensive Second Team!


    Joining him on the All-Rookie First Team were Brandon Jennings, Steph Curry, Tyreke Evans, and Taj Gibson.


    Blake Griffin, who had dominated in Summer League, missed out due to injury. As for Hasheem Thabeet and James Harden, they hadn''t played much during their rookie seasons.


    It''s worth noting that, in theory, these awards were supposed to follow positional designations. But in reality, the media didn''t always stick to that rule.


    "If you were American, you''d have made the All-Defensive First Team," Khalil said, expressing his frustration on Han Sen''s behalf.


    These awards were largely subjective. If an Eastern journalist were voting, they would naturally be biased toward Eastern players.


    Still, the fact that Han Sen had made the Second Team, despite the bias, showed just how impressive his defensive play had been all season. Thanks in no small part to the contributions of superstars like Durant, Kobe, Carter, Pierce, and even Anthony, who had all struggled against him.


    "Oh, and by the way, LeBron made both First Teams for the second year in a row."


    Han Sen wasn''t surprised. Media bias in favor of LeBron was no joke.


    But Han didn''t care much about these awards, even the All-Rookie First Team, because they didn''t bring him any tangible benefits. What he did care about was the All-Defensive Second Team. According to his shoe deal with UA, this accolade would boost his contract from 2 million to 2.5 million dollars this year.


    While it might not seem like much now, when invested in his previous financial plan, that extra money would grow into something substantial.


    Han Sen''s boredom didn''t last long, as just two days later, the Cavaliers faced off against the Orlando Magic.


    Han showed up at Quicken Loans Arena and, per the team''s request, went out during warmups to take a few shots¡ª just to throw the Magic off. Afterward, he changed back into his warm-up gear and took his seat at the far end of the bench as a VIP spectator.


    Han''s mindset was pretty relaxed. If the Cavs made it to the Finals, great¡ª he''d love to play on that stage. If they didn''t, that was fine too.


    After all, if the Cavs didn''t advance, it would only prove how important he was to the team.


    In fact, after LeBron''s sneaky play in Game 5 of the last series, Han was quietly hoping the Cavs would lose in the Conference Finals.


    After all, if LeBron went to the Finals, only to fail spectacularly, wouldn''t that be the most disgusting outcome imaginable?


    (TL/n: For those unfamiliar, the Finals is the annual championship series of NBA. The Eastern and Western Conference champions play a best-of-seven series to determine the league champion.)


    That said, Han thought the Cavs still had a good shot at winning.


    The main reason, of course, was Shaquille O''Neal.


    O''Neal proved against the Celtics that he was still going strong. Now, facing off against Dwight Howard, who he completely dominated, wouldn''t that give him even more room to shine?


    If the Magic were compared to a car, Howard would be the engine.


    Once the engine is restricted, it''s hard for the car to speed up.


    What''s more, they traded away the ''driver'' (Hedo T¨¹rko?lu) during the offseason.


    Of course, it''s not like the Magic have no chance at all. O''Neal''s stamina is a big concern, and if the Cavaliers'' offense struggles and the game turns into a fast-paced affair, Howard could still make a big impact in the paint.


    Also, the Magic swept their way into the Eastern Conference Finals, and Vince Carter had been in great form since the second round, scoring over 20 points in three of the four games.


    Who wins? Only playing the games will tell.


    Then, the Cavaliers took Game 1 with a 96-88 victory.


    O''Neal was outstanding, putting up 21 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks.


    But stats alone couldn''t capture his full impact. He made life incredibly tough for Howard on both ends of the court.


    At the end of the day, Howard is still a player who relies on physicality. When that advantage is taken away, he''s nothing more than a glorified role player.


    Barring any surprises, Han would need to start preparing for the Finals.


    After Game 1, the media gave O''Neal a lot of coverage, with the headline: "The Big Shaq''s Fourth Act."


    The first act was in L.A., the second in Miami, the third in Phoenix, and the fourth¡ª though it might not last a full season¡ª was shining in the playoffs.


    Ever since coming back from injury, O''Neal had been red hot. As long as he got the ball, he never disappointed.


    It''s no exaggeration to say that, while Han was the main reason the Cavaliers eliminated the Celtics in the previous round, O''Neal deserved at least as much credit as LeBron.


    Then came Game 2, where O''Neal couldn''t get the ball.


    LeBron had one of those classic ''the team lost, but I didn''t'' games, going 14-for-29 from the field, with 37 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 turnovers. But the Cavaliers lost to the Magic, 92-101.


    And then LeBron had two more games just like that. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After four games, the Cavaliers, who had won the first one, suddenly found themselves down 1-3 to the Magic.


    At this point, Han could only channel his inner Mamba and say, ''What can I say, man!''


    It was absurd¡ª so absurd it was mind-blowing.


    Han thought LeBron''s obsession with stats rivaled that of Wilt Chamberlain, the last player nicknamed "The Big Dipper".


    If Han Sen were forced to analyze it, he''d say LeBron lost his cool after Han stole the spotlight in the first round, and O''Neal took it again in the second round.


    But that wasn''t even the craziest part.


    The craziest part was that when the Cavaliers were down 1-3 and staring at another early playoff exit, Danny Ferry actually came to Han!


    "You want me to come back early? Seriously"


    Han wore an annoyed expression when he heard Ferry''s request.


    In this situation, Ferry wasn''t trying to convince LeBron to let go of his obsession with stats. Instead, he came to ask Han to return early from injury?


    Han didn''t just refuse. He used a much firmer tone.


    "Ferry, let''s be real for a second. I got injured because of pushing too hard. Now you want me to gamble my career for a single championship? Nah, man. That''s not happening."


    Seeing Ferry about to speak again, Han cut him off again.


    "And don''t even try to guilt-trip me with that ''LeBron''s playing through pain'' stuff. Everyone''s body is different. If my career gets screwed up, who''s gonna cover that? You? The team? Yeah, didn''t think so."


    Han''s situation was different from LeBron''s. LeBron desperately needed this championship to crown himself, but Han was more focused on showcasing his talent.


    The second round against the Celtics had already accomplished that. The rest was just icing on the cake.


    Seeing his firm attitude, Ferry couldn''t argue any further.


    After all, as Han said, asking a player to play through injury was a form of moral coercion.


    But Han never imagined what happened next. Just a day after he refused Ferry, Brian Windhorst published an article on ESPN, claiming the reason the Cavaliers were losing was because of Han''s absence, and that no one could contain Vince Carter.


    "If Han could return early, the Cavaliers still have a chance."


    What the hell? Han was furious with LeBron.


    Just like leaking his injury status before the season ended, they were already setting him up to take the blame before it was over.


    Han immediately contacted Khalil, instructing him to publish an article titled, "In Basketball, What''s More Important: Stats or Winning?"


    Khalil, after working with Han for a while, had grown bolder.


    And, more importantly, as Han''s fame rose, so did his. If he had to quit over this, he could easily join TNT or another network.


    So even before the season ended, the drama surrounding the Cavaliers was already in full swing.


    Two days later, Dwight Howard fouled out, LeBron went off for 43 points, and the Cavaliers narrowly won Game 5 at home, 112-109.


    Four days later, the Cavaliers lost Game 6 on the road, 84-96, and were eliminated 2-4 by the Magic.


    When Han led the third-string team to beat both the first and second teams in practice, he declared that he was the player who could help the Cavaliers win. Without him, they wouldn''t make the Finals.


    At the time, even Han didn''t realize just how prophetic those words would turn out to be.


    With the Cavaliers'' elimination, Han''s rookie season officially came to an end.


    ---


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 Chapter 96: High Energy.

    Chapter 96: High Energy.After Game 6, the mood in the Cavaliers'' locker room was incredibly tense. Losing always stings, and no one was in the mood to crack a smile.


    Veterans like Ilgauskas were especially hit hard, with his eyes noticeably red. He had returned to the Cavs this season despite a lot of criticism, only to meet such a heartbreaking end.


    It wasn''t just Ilgauskas. All the players who had been with the Cavs since last season were equally disheartened. Losing to the same team, with the same scoreline, for two straight years? It felt downright horrible.


    Coach Brown entered the room, calling for LeBron and Shaq to head to the post-game press conference.


    "I''m coming too," Han Sen said, standing up.


    Brown looked confused, and even LeBron turned his head toward Han. The press conference was going to be a roast¡ª anyone would avoid it if they could. But Han was volunteering?


    "I want to face this failure with the team," Han said, his face resolute.


    Brown couldn''t help but feel moved, giving Han a big hug. As they left, Cunningham scratched his chin, feeling uneasy. Knowing Han and his playful relationship with LeBron, he couldn''t shake the feeling that Han wasn''t just going to share the blame¡ª he was about to stir up trouble.


    ---


    At the press conference, the room was packed with reporters. The Cavaliers'' loss meant they had plenty of tough questions ready.


    The first ones targeted Coach Brown. If the Cavs had won, they''d be heading back to Cleveland for a Game 7, with a chance to pull off the 1-3 comeback at home.


    "Our opponents were outstanding tonight, they deserve respect. LeBron did everything he could, but we all need to do better, myself included. But this isn''t the end of the world," Brown said, giving a textbook response: praising the opponent, highlighting LeBron''s effort, and spreading the blame across the team, including himself.


    Then, the reporters turned to LeBron.


    "Your roster was much stronger this year, yet you still lost to the same team. What do you have to say about that?"


    LeBron, clearly prepared, took a deep breath and gave a look of regret before speaking confidently. He acknowledged the improvements in both teams, highlighting the addition of Vince Carter to their rivals, while also mentioning the Cavs'' injury struggles.


    He brought up his own serious elbow injury in the first round and pointed out how the Cavs had barely played together as a full squad until Game 3 of the second round.


    Then, LeBron glanced at Han Sen. "Han''s absence hurt us a lot too. He''s our best defender, and if he were on the floor, VC would''ve been limited."


    As LeBron spoke, he watched Han for any reaction. But Han''s face stayed calm, not showing any anger. LeBron stopped his answer there, skillfully deflecting blame onto injuries and emphasizing Han''s absence.


    But when the reporters moved to Han, the atmosphere shifted.


    "Han, missing the conference finals and being unable to help the team¡ª does that leave you feeling frustrated?"


    Thanks to LeBron''s setup, Han was handed a softball question. But Han wasn''t about to play along.


    "Injuries aren''t an excuse for failure," Han declared.


    The room buzzed with shock. Even Brown turned to Han in disbelief. What happened to facing failure together? LeBron also cleared his throat uncomfortably. Han''s statement just threw everything LeBron had said out the window.


    Without acknowledging the others'' reactions, Han continued. "Injuries are part of the game. Take the Celtics'' KG (Kevin Garnett), who tore his knee ligaments last year. His athleticism has clearly declined, but no one on the Celtics uses that as an excuse for losing."


    The room became even more agitated as Han brought up another example. "Kobe didn''t use Bynum''s injury as an excuse when they lost to the Celtics in 2008. Blaming losses on injuries is cowardly."


    The press conference erupted.


    Han had just indirectly called LeBron a coward, while also dragging Kobe into the mix. The room turned into a madhouse, and Brown and LeBron looked like they were sitting on a frying pan.


    LeBron fidgeted, nervously biting his nails, clearly rattled. But right when things seemed completely out of control, Windhorst¡ª a journalist known to be close to LeBron''s camp¡ª stood up, drawing everyone''s attention.


    "When LeBron played against that Celtics team, he took injections just to be on the floor, but you didn''t. If you had, maybe the Cavs would be preparing for the Finals against the Lakers right now."


    Windhorst''s words shifted the blame back onto Han.


    But Han remained calm, even smiling. "Are you complimenting me on how important I am to the team?"


    Windhorst, caught off guard, stammered, "I-I didn''t mean that..."


    Han pressed on, still smiling. "So what do you mean? Are you saying the Cavs'' loss wasn''t the fault of the core players but instead rests on me, a role player? Do other teams blame role players for losses?"


    Windhorst''s face turned red, and he shot a pleading look at LeBron. Instead of helping, it looked like he was playing into Han''s hands.


    Brown, sensing the chaos, stepped in to save the day. "We lost, no matter the reason. This is a team sport, and blaming any one person doesn''t make sense."


    Brown''s words were diplomatic, but they still aligned with LeBron''s narrative.


    "Yes, I agree with Coach Brown."


    With that, Brown let out a sigh of relief, and LeBron finally stopped nervously biting his nails.


    At that moment, their only thought was simple: don''t piss off Han. It never ends well.


    Honestly, they should''ve realized this long ago. Just look at Pierce¡ª he''s gone from "The Truth" to practically being known as Hansen''s kid. His whole reputation shattered.


    But they still underestimated Han.


    Because even after saying his piece, he didn''t put down the mic.


    "Failure is failure," Han Sen continued. "No matter how many excuses we make, it doesn''t change the result. What we need to do is come back and win. And hey, if anyone wants to leave after a loss, I won''t stop them. After all..."


    Han then turned and stared directly at LeBron.


    "He''s already given everything to this team and this city''s fans."


    What did Han Sen want more than anything? To push LeBron out of Cleveland.


    That''s what Ferry had told him before: Seven years. LeBron owes Cleveland nothing.


    So if he owes nothing, then it''s time for him to leave.


    The room suddenly went quiet.


    Hansen''s words hit just like Khalil''s article titled ''What Matters More in Basketball: Stats or Wins?'' Only this time, it wasn''t missing LeBron''s name.


    And LeBron? He couldn''t argue with it.


    Han Sen had even handed him his favorite excuse on a silver platter.


    How considerate, right?


    As the press conference wrapped up and everyone started leaving, O''Neal pulled Han aside, giving him a subtle thumbs-up.


    Han Sen''s words had even fired up the old vet like nothing else. Shaq couldn''t help but feel a little regret. If he''d been as bold as Han back in the day, maybe he''d still be with the Lakers. And even if he wasn''t, at least it wouldn''t feel like he''d been booted out.


    He had to admit, Han had earned his respect. If Han had made a scene and then gotten traded, people would''ve just thought he was kicked out.


    After all, back then, he was just another role player. Even if he had talked trash about LeBron after leaving, his status meant people would''ve seen him as a clown.


    But now? Han had earned his place. He had the respect, the fame, and now when he called someone out at a press conference, it felt more like the legendary Shaq-Kobe beef.


    Even if Han Sen ended up leaving, no one would think he got booted. They''d think the Cavs'' management didn''t know what they were doing.


    As they walked out, LeBron suddenly caught up to them.


    He cleared his throat, grabbing their attention.


    "Aren''t you afraid you''ll be the one who ends up leaving?" LeBron''s gaze was sharp, like daggers.


    "Why should I be afraid?" Han shrugged casually.


    He and Ferry had an understanding. Even if he were the one traded, he''d still end up on a team he actually wanted to join. Let''s not forget, Han was forced into Cleveland. If there''s a trade now, this time, he''d have the power. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You should be more worried about yourself," Han Sen said with a smile.


    This summer, LeBron was in for a rough ride.


    In fact, LeBron''s fate wasn''t even entirely in his own hands.


    Han Sen? He was still somewhat of a lone wolf, so whatever happened, he''d manage.


    LeBron, though? That''s a different story.


    Even if LeBron wanted to stay in Cleveland, would Nike let him? Would his big-money sponsors allow it?


    It''s like being the president of the U.S. Sure, you''ve got the title, but a lot of the time, the decisions aren''t really yours to make.


    Sometimes, even if you don''t want to make a graceful exit, they''ll make sure you do.


    So yeah, maybe LeBron could stick around, but chances were, he was out of here.


    LeBron scoffed, ready to walk away.


    But then Han Sen called after him.


    "Oh, by the way, no matter what happens next season, we''ll be rivals. I''m really looking forward to facing you on the court."


    He flashed a grin, but LeBron felt a chill run down his spine.


    He''d never forget the day Han led the third squad to destroy the starters in practice. That locked-down feeling was why LeBron had decided to keep him around in the first place¡ª and why he never wanted to experience that again.

 Chapter 97: Ice and Fire.

    Chapter 97: Ice and Fire.As expected, Han Sen''s post-game comments stirred up a huge controversy.


    First off, Khalil was forced to resign.


    ESPN and Nike have intricate ties, and those connections meant that as long as Nike applied some pressure, ESPN would make the ''right'' choice. However, Khalil found a new job at TNT the very next day. As ESPN''s biggest competitor, TNT welcomed him with open arms at this critical moment.


    Secondly, Han was attacked by LeBron fans and quickly trended online.


    "A guy who can''t even get on the court dares to criticize the team''s star player."


    "LeBron averaged 34.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists against the Magic. No one on the Cavaliers has the right to question him."


    "If it weren''t for LeBron bringing you to Cleveland, would you even be where you are today? Ungrateful!"


    "LeBron has it too hard. He''s been carrying a bunch of nobodies to the Eastern Conference Finals year after year. He''s given everything to Cleveland."


    "I''ve said it before, Hansen is a high-level LeBron hater. Get him out of Cleveland!"


    ...


    Then came comments from certain media personalities. What did they have to say?


    Naturally, they regretted voting for Hansen on their All-NBA ballots.


    "His defense is actually pretty bad. He just looks good because he''s on a bigger stage with the Cavaliers."


    "Check the stats of the players he''s guarded. It looks like he''s stopping them, but he hasn''t really stopped anyone."


    "Anthony Parker''s minutes were affected by his lack of playing time. He deserved a vote more than Hansen."


    ...


    Lastly, the Cavaliers began to fall apart.


    The team''s ultimate goal had been to win the championship, but now that goal seemed lost.


    Moreover, Han had publicly fallen out with LeBron at the press conference, which meant only one of them could stay in Cleveland.


    Originally, this wasn''t even a question. Hansen had played well in one series, but it was just one series. LeBron''s place in Cleveland was unshakable.


    But now, even LeBron''s future with the Cavaliers was uncertain.


    Shaq, whose contract was up, would likely join a new team to chase another championship regardless of whether LeBron stayed.


    The outside world was in chaos, but Han didn''t care.


    Just like during the three-point contest, no matter the outcome, he wouldn''t lose out.


    He didn''t continue playing NBA 2K. Instead, having recovered from his injury, he resumed training.


    Of course, his training intensity was lower than before. He didn''t want to injure himself again during the off-season.


    Then there was the [Hater System].


    Thanks to LeBron fans, his [Hater Points] had been accumulating rapidly, reaching a total of 600,000.


    That was enough for him to exchange for two or three second-tier talents.


    But he wasn''t in a rush.


    Right now, he faced a serious issue: injuries.


    Genetics are predetermined at birth.


    Talent due to race is something that cannot be ignored.


    Hansen didn''t know why the Hater system existed, but he had a general sense of its purpose¡ª to break through the limits imposed by natural talent.


    But now, his body couldn''t support his further progress.


    This meant that if he wanted to approach or even become an All-Star caliber player, he had to find a way to exchange for "Steel Bones."


    And that required 2 million Hater Points.


    Perhaps that was why the system categorized the talent as first-tier¡ª because giving an Asian man an indestructible body would be like putting an exoskeleton on a human, a direct evolution.


    Relying solely on offending fans or dating Swift in a relationship doomed to fail wouldn''t generate enough Hater Points.


    To achieve his goal, he needed to do something that would cause the entire internet, or at least a significant portion of basketball fans, to hate him.


    But such a plan couldn''t be devised overnight.


    So every day, his morning routine was to reflect on himself.


    But this kind of thing often required a flash of inspiration, and so far, he hadn''t had a breakthrough idea.


    If he couldn''t think of something, he''d clear his mind by watching this year''s NBA Finals.


    It was the Magic versus the Lakers in a rematch.


    He called Chris Rondo to join him in Cleveland.


    Watching a game is always better with a buddy.


    Peanuts, sunflower seeds, squid rings, beer, soda, and dried fruit.


    The two men sprawled out on the soft sofa, enjoying the most relaxing day Han Sen had experienced in a while.


    Rondo, however, wasn''t as excited this time because he had placed a heavy bet on the Cavaliers, only to see them eliminated in the Eastern Conference Finals.


    Han remarked on Rondo''s betting habits: "Next time, ask me before you place your bets. Have you forgotten how you won last time?"


    The Magic had more regular-season wins than the Lakers, so Game 1 of the Finals was held in Orlando.


    Neither of them bet on the game, but they both favored the Lakers.


    Rondo''s reasoning was simple: Last year, the Lakers had "gentlemenly swept" the Magic 4-1, and since the Magic were weaker this year, it might be a repeat of last year.


    Han was more cautious.


    The Lakers hadn''t been as dominant this season, even though Gasol had improved in the playoffs.


    Plus, Kobe had re-injured his finger before the Finals, so he wouldn''t be at his best.


    But the Magic had bigger problems. Without Hedo Turkoglu, they were even more reliant on Dwight Howard, but the Lakers had Andrew Bynum, who could make life tough for Howard.


    So it was less about who was stronger and more about who had fewer weaknesses.


    When the game started, however, Han was surprised by how close the contest was.


    The flaws of both teams were evident, but the Magic''s outside shooting was on fire.


    Carter, playing in his first Finals, seemed like he was on steroids, draining shot after shot from the perimeter.


    In the final moments, with the Magic down by three, it was Carter again who came through, hitting a three-pointer off Howard''s screen to force overtime.


    "This is nothing like I expected," Rondo muttered in disbelief.


    "Did you watch last year''s Finals?" Han Sen asked. He hadn''t watched them either, thinking the Lakers were clearly better than the Magic.


    Rondo shook his head. He had been busy dating at the time.


    Han pulled out his phone and began searching for news from last year''s Finals.


    What he found shocked him. Sometimes you really can''t just rely on headlines.


    The Lakers vs. Magic series wasn''t at all what he had imagined.


    In five games, only Game 1 had been a blowout, with the Lakers winning 100-75.


    This wasn''t surprising. None of the Magic players had Finals experience, and they couldn''t be expected to handle the pressure right from the start. They probably got shell-shocked.


    But from Game 2 onwards, everything was different.


    Game 2 went to overtime, with the Lakers winning 101-96. Courtney Lee had a chance to win it in regulation, but Gasol''s interference on his alley-oop attempt went uncalled, a decision that sparked much controversy at the time.


    Now it made sense why the Magic wanted to replace Lee with Carter. If it had been Carter in that situation, he would have dunked it and sealed the victory¡ª no controversy.


    In Game 3, the Magic returned home and set a Finals record for field goal percentage, winning 108-104 over the Lakers.


    If that interference had been called in Game 2, the Magic would have been up 2-1, not down 2-1.


    In Game 4, both teams again went to overtime. With the Lakers trailing by three in the final seconds, Fisher hit a clutch three-pointer to send the game to overtime, where the Lakers eventually prevailed, taking a 3-1 series lead.


    In the final game, the Magic players had lost all hope, succumbing to a 99-86 defeat and a gentleman''s sweep.


    No team in NBA history had ever come back from a 1-3 deficit in the Finals, and with the Game 2 no-call still looming large, the Magic knew the series was over. They just wanted to go home.


    So it wasn''t an easy victory at all!


    If Lee''s shot had been called interference, or if Fisher hadn''t hit that three, the Lakers might have lost the series.


    But that was Kobe''s redemption season!


    After the 23 vs. 24 storyline Stern had been pushing didn''t materialize, the league needed to promote Kobe''s positive image.


    If they had advertised that the Lakers and Magic were evenly matched, it wouldn''t have served that narrative.


    So, people like Hansen and Rondo, who hadn''t watched the Finals, just accepted the narrative they were fed.


    Hansen already knew that the media was a powerful tool, but he still underestimated its influence.


    Suddenly, something clicked in his mind. He stopped watching the Finals and picked up his phone to make a call in the corner.


    You have to remember, the Cavaliers also won 4-1 against the Celtics in the semifinals!


    Those who watched the games knew how intense they were, but for those who didn''t, if the media portrayed it like the Lakers vs. Magic, wouldn''t his achievements become worthless?


    He immediately called Khalil.


    After he had switched to TNT, he had been keeping a low profile, but now it was time for him to start making waves.


    After finishing his conversation with Khalil, Han Sen still felt it wasn''t enough, so he made another call to a senior executive at UA.


    It was also time for his shoe brand to step up.


    By the time Han returned, the game was already over.


    Kobe had scored 8 points in overtime, helping the Lakers secure the win.


    So, in the end, it still comes down to the star players.


    Even though Carter played well, his ability to close games still couldn''t match Kobe''s.


    After watching the game, Han Sen and Rondo started discussing investments.


    This time, the main reason for inviting Rondo wasn''t just to watch the game but to talk about business.


    The basic idea was that Han would make the decisions, and Rondo would handle the execution. That way, if legal issues arose, Rondo could directly address them.


    Of course, that wasn''t Rondo''s only job. He also had to use his photography skills to film a documentary about Hansen.


    It wasn''t a particularly sophisticated strategy; even LeBron had people filming him back in high school.


    Otherwise, where do you think all that early footage of superstars comes from?


    This can be understood simply as: Han Sen was beginning to build his own personal team, and Rondo was the first to join it.


    Rondo hadn''t expected Han to trust him so much and was so excited that he immediately expressed his desire to transfer to Cleveland. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Rondo didn''t have a shot at the NBA, and with just one year left before graduation, transferring for convenience seemed necessary.


    But Hansen told him not to rush¡ª everything should wait until things settled on his end.


    The next day, Khalil fired the first shot on TNT.


    "If Han Sen were playing, the Cavaliers would have already won Game 1 of the Finals."


    "Who''s the real player that can help the Cavaliers win?"


    "Han Sen gave everything for the victory; LeBron sacrificed everything for his stats."


    "Does Cleveland need a player who can help the team win, or a king who can never win a championship?"


    "Jordan put Nike on the throne; Nike put LeBron on the throne¡ª that''s the difference."


    ...


    Khalil''s explosive remarks left Han Sen stunned. It reminded him of Skip Bayless, the notorious LeBron critic who had sent out nearly 50,000 tweets, with 87% mentioning LeBron or his nicknames.


    For a moment, Han Sen regretted making Khalil a partner instead of nurturing him as his number one anti-fan leader.


    Naturally, Khalil''s comments sparked a response from LeBron''s team.


    But each time, he easily parried their arguments, even holding his own.


    It wasn''t that Khalil was particularly skilled, but that his words were grounded in carefully spun facts, or polished truths.


    The truth is like a sharp blade.


    While Khalil was wielding double blades in a battle against LeBron''s fans, UA also voiced their support for Han Sen on their official website.


    Their approach was unique, much like what Hansen had done before¡ª stating the facts.


    "16th pick, 77th rookie, averaged 22.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in the Celtics series, with 46.2% shooting and 37.5% from three-point range.


    G1: 33 points, the highest-scoring playoff debut by a rookie since Derrick Rose;


    G4: 21 points, game-winning three-pointer, creating the famous ''I''m Your Daddy'' moment;


    G5: 35 points, defeating the opponent single-handedly in LeBron''s absence, including a difficult game-winning shot, declaring, ''This is my House'' ;


    The future of Cleveland is already on the roster."


    This move wasn''t just at Han Sen''s request but also because UA needed this opportunity to establish an image of defiance against the powerful Nike, which would, in turn, elevate their brand''s impact.


    Han Sen''s confrontation with LeBron and UA''s stance against Nike were mutually beneficial efforts.


    Khalil''s relentless output and UA''s support steadily increased Han Sen''s presence while further driving a wedge between him and LeBron.


    They had become as incompatible as ice and fire.


    Before long, mid-June arrived.


    After six hard-fought games, the Lakers defeated the Magic 4-2, securing back-to-back championships.


    Just as Hansen had seen in Game 1, the Magic played to their strengths, but the star power ultimately led to their downfall.


    Kobe was named Finals MVP again, earning his fifth NBA championship ring.


    At the championship ceremony, Kobe smiled with unmatched joy.


    5 > 4. He had finally gained that "5".


    However, during this time, LeBron seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth.


    Not only could his teammates not find him, but even the Cavaliers'' staff couldn''t reach him.


    Yet Han Sen sensed something different in the air.


    This feeling seemed all too familiar...


    At that moment, Thomas called him.


    Ferry wanted to have a chat with him.

 Chapter 98: Leaving Tonight.

    Chapter 98: Leaving Tonight.In a locker room at the Quicken Loans Arena.


    Han Sen once again sat across from Ferry. However, this time they weren''t alone; Thomas was also present.


    Ferry held a notebook in his hands with a pen tucked into the cover, giving the appearance that he was about to take meeting notes.


    "I''ve had this question for a while¡ª when I came in last time, had your interview with that reporter really not started yet?" This question had been on Ferry''s mind for a long time.


    Han Sen shook his head.


    Ferry chuckled bitterly as he sat down; he had suspected as much.


    Han now held a trump card. If the Cavaliers didn''t honor their agreement, Han Sen could choose to expose what had happened back then.


    "We haven''t been able to reach LeBron," Ferry said helplessly after setting his notebook aside.


    "You could try putting out a missing person report," Han suggested playfully, though he knew Ferry wasn''t asking him for LeBron''s whereabouts.


    Ferry was stunned for a moment, then shook his head, unable to suppress a smile.


    He opened the notebook.


    Han looked over curiously, but there was nothing written on it.


    "We''re doing everything we can to keep LeBron."


    As Ferry said this, Han already knew the reason for his visit.


    It wasn''t unexpected. From the moment Ferry had pushed him to return from injury, it had been clear that the Cavaliers'' management was utterly devoted to LeBron.


    Oh right, Han Sen had also learned during a casual chat with Malone that LeBron had an insider in the management.


    Randy Mims, a close friend of LeBron''s and someone with little information even on Wikipedia, was essentially LeBron''s shadow in management.


    On the surface, LeBron wouldn''t interfere with management''s decisions because Randy would handle that for him.


    So, LeBron''s disappearance was strategic. His parting words about ''persisting to realize the grand goal of winning a championship in Cleveland'' gave the impression that he was planning to stay.


    "Do you think he will stay?" Han Sen asked, remembering how, during one of their past ''forgetting as soon as they leave the room'' converstion, Ferry had been convinced LeBron would leave Cleveland.


    Ferry shook his head.


    He didn''t say it outright, but the gesture made it clear his thoughts hadn''t changed.


    He then pointed upwards and said, "I''ve told them before, gamblers might end up with nothing in the end, but..."


    He shook his head helplessly.


    After all, he was just the general manager, much like when he had no choice but to comply with LeBron''s requests.


    "So, are you coming to me now to ask where I want to go next?" Han asked, pointing at the notebook in Ferry''s hand.


    Ferry nodded. "This wasn''t originally a choice. The conflict between you and LeBron wasn''t irreconcilable. We could have kept you while waiting for LeBron''s decision. But..."


    His meaning was clear: Han''s feud with LeBron had become irreparable, and management had to make an early decision.


    "In the eyes of management, can''t Han be the future of Cleveland?" Thomas couldn''t help but interject.


    After all, LeBron was currently missing in action, meaning the Cavaliers'' management hadn''t received a concrete commitment from him yet.


    Or perhaps they had, but Ferry, as general manager, wasn''t privy to it?


    "His performance is well recognized; he''s full of potential," Ferry said, pausing and looking regretfully at Han. "If it weren''t for concerns about injuries, I believe we would be more inclined to keep him. He''s from the Far East, and he has great potential in overseas markets, but..."


    Ferry didn''t continue, because there are no ''ifs'' in life.


    Hansen had been injured twice in one season, especially in the playoffs where he got injured after just five games.


    Yes, there had been a few brilliant performances, but the fact that his body couldn''t withstand the intensity of play was undeniable.


    Without LeBron, they might not care so much, since Hansen was just the 16th pick. But now, they had to make a choice.


    "Of course, we had an agreement before. If you insist, we can wait for LeBron''s decision," Ferry said, pulling out the agreement they had signed earlier from his briefcase.


    This was also why he had asked Han that initial question.


    "That won''t be necessary," Han interrupted, motioning for Ferry to hand over the notebook.


    The situation felt a bit like dark humor.


    He couldn''t refute Ferry''s words, just like he couldn''t tell him that he had the chance to acquire [Steel Bones].


    But there was no need for that anymore.


    When Ferry had tried to push him to return from injury earlier, Han had already lost all goodwill toward the Cavaliers'' management.


    Durant, while with the Warriors, had also been unable to play due to injury. But under pressure from management, the media, and even his teammates, he chose to play while injured, ultimately tearing his Achilles tendon, which drastically reduced his ability and eventually led to him being forced out.


    Yes, Han could use the agreement to force Ferry to wait until LeBron made his decision before deciding his future.


    But what would be the point?


    Staying with this management would feel like living with a girlfriend who had spent years with her ex-boyfriend.


    You''d inevitably keep recalling all those years she spent catering to him.


    Ferry handed over the notebook, and Han began seriously considering his next destination.


    Since he had already thought about the possibility of leaving, he had given this some prior thought.


    His trade value was high right now. Besides the Magic and Celtics that Ferry had specifically mentioned, in theory, he could go anywhere.


    But in practice, it would depend on what the Cavaliers could get in return.


    For example, even if Han wanted to go to the Rockets, they wouldn''t have the assets to satisfy the Cavaliers.


    So, he needed to find a team with trade potential that was also conducive to his development.


    Han didn''t use a process of elimination; that would be a waste of time.


    In reality, his choice boiled down to two options: One, join a weaker team to build his skills. Of course, he''d rule out teams like the Timberwolves and Kings¡ª if he was going to level up, it should be in a big city with growth potential. Teams like the Clippers, Warriors, and Nets were all good choices.


    The second option was to join a team with competitive potential because of his grudge with LeBron.


    If LeBron went to Miami and formed a superteam that Han Sen couldn''t stop from winning titles, his current feud with LeBron would turn into a joke.


    After all, based on what he knew about history, the Heat didn''t win seven championships, but they did secure two in a row.


    After thinking it over, Han eliminated the first option.


    That would be like an ostrich burying its head in the sand.


    And if he went that route, he might as well use the agreement to force his way into staying with the Cavaliers. He knew LeBron was very likely to leave, so he wouldn''t have to start fresh with a new team.


    As for the second option, which teams could he choose?


    Han Sen began writing down the names of a few teams: Heat, Bulls, Pacers, Knicks, Thunder, and Grizzlies.


    The common factor among these teams was that while they weren''t currently championship contenders, they would soon be very competitive.


    If he joined one of them, the Cavaliers could trade him, and there''d still be a chance to stop the Heat later.


    What''s that? Why is the Heat on the list?


    Isn''t preventing the formation of the Heat''s Big Three also a way of stopping the Heat?


    Han then crossed off the Bulls, Thunder, and Heat.


    If this past year with the Cavaliers had taught him anything, it was that status on the team meant everything.


    Rose on the Bulls, Durant on the Thunder, Wade on the Heat¡ª those were guys whose status he couldn''t easily challenge.


    But on the other three teams, there wasn''t yet a clear-cut ''franchise player'' for the next ten years.


    Finally, he handed the notebook back to Ferry.


    Looking at the three teams listed, Ferry made a promise: "I''ll do my best to get you to one of these places."


    "Not just your best¡ª it''s a must," Hansen said, picking up the agreement from the table.


    Ferry was momentarily stunned before nodding and correcting himself: "We will get you to one of these places."


    After that, he left, notebook in hand.


    "This is a good thing," Thomas said, trying to comfort Han Sen once Ferry had gone. "You never wanted to be here, and you''ve been thinking about leaving for a while now."


    Han smiled but didn''t nod.


    In truth, up until today, he had considered staying.


    Not for the team, but for teammates like Jamison and Cunningham, and more importantly, for the fans of Cleveland.


    He would never forget the sight of those wonderful people chanting "MVP" for him during Game 5 at home.


    After parting ways with Han Sen, Thomas went to Baltimore.


    Han''s signature shoe design was nearly complete, but Thomas wanted to share this latest development¡ª perhaps it would inspire the designers.


    ---


    Han returned to his place and had barely settled in when his phone buzzed. It was Shaq.


    "Hey, big man, I''m about to pull up to your house," Shaq announced.


    Han wasn''t surprised. Shaq couldn''t possibly know about the trade rumors yet. He was coming over for something else.


    When they finally sat down, Shaq dropped the news. "I''m out of here," he said bluntly.


    The Cavaliers now had two visible outcomes: either LeBron stays, or LeBron leaves.


    If LeBron stays, the internal conflict within the Cavaliers will continue. Shaq knew all too well what the result of such conflicts would be.


    Plus, after this year, he also knew how obsessed LeBron was with stats, making it clear that this Cavaliers team had no real chance of winning a championship.


    And if LeBron leaves, the Cavaliers would still have no chance at winning the championship next season.


    At this stage of his career, Shaq was determined to pursue his fifth championship, especially since Kobe had already won his fifth.


    Han raised an eyebrow. "Where to?"


    Though O''Neal hadn''t publicly declared that he didn''t want to be a bench player, no superstar ever truly wants to sit on the bench.


    So, O''Neal would likely choose a team that could offer him a starting position.


    However, finding a team that both had championship potential and could offer him a starting role severely limited his options.


    Shaq scratched his chin. "Still working it out, but maybe Boston."


    Han couldn''t help but smirk. He knew Shaq had no love for that city, especially after everything that had gone down this season.


    "You really want to go there?"


    Shaq leaned back, his expression conflicted. "I don''t have many options left. Boston''s got a shot, and I can still start there."


    Han nodded. Shaq wasn''t one to accept a bench role easily.


    "I get it," Han said. "But hear me out¡ªwhat if there''s a better move?"


    Shaq''s eyebrows shot up. "Like what?"


    "Think about Dallas," Han said, his tone serious.


    Han Sen had never had the chance to repay Shaq for the Rolls-Royce gift. And seeing his demeanor the last time he visited, he knew Shaq didn''t need any material return.


    But this might be the one ''gift'' he would actually want.


    Shaq shook his head almost immediately. "Dallas? They already missed their window, man."


    Han grinned.


    "You sure about that? Let me tell you something. I''ve got this weird sixth sense... sometimes I just know things. Look, I don''t have all the answers, but there''s something about Dallas. They''ve got the pieces. Maybe they''re not favorites right now, but teams like that? They can surprise everyone. I''m telling you, don''t underestimate them. Remember Houston back in the day? People counted them out too." S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Shaq frowned, considering it. "You really think they still got it in them?"


    "I do," Han said. "They''ve still got Dirk, and that team''s been slept on. You might be exactly what they need to make a serious push."


    Indeed, the Mavericks'' current starting center, Dampier, was indeed terrible.


    Han had also considered joining the Mavericks himself, but their roster was filled with aging players with little trade value, making it difficult for them to put together a trade package for the Cavaliers.


    However, Han didn''t push further because if you told someone right now that the Mavericks would win the championship next season, 99 out of 100 people wouldn''t believe you.


    Shaq stayed quiet for a moment. "I''ll think about it," he said, not committing but clearly pondering the idea.


    Then he switched gears. "What about you? What''s next for you?"


    Han sighed. "I''m out too," he said. "Cleveland''s ready to move on, and honestly, I''m not fighting it."


    O''Neal wasn''t particularly surprised.


    "If there''s even the slightest chance, they''ll do everything they can to keep LeBron, but I think in the end, they''ll end up with nothing. It''ll be the dumbest move they''ve ever made," Shaq offered his direct opinion.


    "But that''s business," he said, trying to comfort him.


    O''Neal had been LeBron''s teammate for a season now and knew exactly how talented LeBron was.


    But in the end, Nike had chosen LeBron, which automatically made him a significant commercial asset.


    Championships might be essential for players, but for team owners, the ultimate goal of winning a championship was to make more money.


    If they could make the same amount of money without winning a championship, keeping LeBron would be equivalent to winning a championship for the owners.


    They would bet everything on him and never pass up even the slightest chance of keeping him.


    Of course, that didn''t apply to teams like the Lakers and the Knicks because they could make money effortlessly.


    After listening to Shaq, Han Sen couldn''t help but feel a sense of anticipation.


    LeBron was business, thanks to Nike''s backing.


    But would Nike remain unwaveringly supportive of him?


    What if LeBron never won a championship?


    Remember, ''The Chosen One'' was a persona crafted by Nike, much like they had built up the image of ''The King''.


    But if LeBron never won a championship, wouldn''t Nike just be the butt of the joke?


    And as a fan, would you continue to root for Barkley your whole life? Or Karl Malone?


    Ultimately, Nike''s promotion of LeBron was simply fulfilling their contract with him.


    If LeBron couldn''t reach the top, Nike could just choose not to renew his contract.


    If that scenario ever unfolded, it would be truly fascinating.


    This thought only reinforced Han Sen''s belief that LeBron would eventually join the Heat.


    LeBron couldn''t afford to lose Nike''s support.


    ---


    Shaq leaned forward. "So, what''s your next move?"


    Han smiled faintly. "Still figuring that out. But wherever it is, it''s going to be a fresh start."


    Shaq chuckled. "Well, wherever you land, just make sure they don''t underestimate you."


    Han laughed too. "Same goes for you. And seriously, think about Dallas."


    Shaq gave him a thoughtful nod before heading out.


    ...


    Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, another week had passed.


    The 2010 NBA Draft was held on the evening of June 24th at Madison Square Garden.


    Fans eagerly followed the annual event.


    But as the first round of the draft neared its conclusion, a report by renowned journalist Woj set off a storm of discussion among fans, overshadowing the draft itself.


    The Memphis Grizzlies traded OJ Mayo, 2009''s second overall pick Hasheem Thabeet, and this year''s 25th pick (acquired from the Hawks), Quincy Pondexter, to the Cavaliers in exchange for Hansen, Delonte West, and two future second-round picks.


    ---


    Note:


    OJ Mayo: Averaged 38 minutes, 17.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.2 steals per game during the 09-10 season with a 45.8% FG and 38.3% 3-point percentage (4.3 attempts per game).


    Thabeet: Averaged 13 minutes, 3.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game with 58.8% FG during the 09-10 season.


    Quincy Pondexter: 6''6", with a 6''11" wingspan, from the University of Washington (NCAAD1), averaged 19.3 points and 7.4 rebounds as a senior, known for his strong defense.

 Chapter 99: Farewell.

    Chapter 99: Farewell.In this trade, the Cavaliers received an established rising star, a highly talented second overall pick who hadn''t gotten many opportunities in his rookie year, and a full-sized 3-and-D guard who seemed like he could replace Han Sen.


    It could be said that the Grizzlies went all in for Han, taking on the gaping maw of the Cavaliers'' demands.


    As a result, the trade sparked widespread ridicule.


    "The Grizzlies passed on Evans, Curry, and Harden last year and chose Thabeet instead, and now they''re giving up so much for Han. Why didn''t they just use their second pick last year to select him?"


    "I bet the Grizzlies'' management only watched that playoff series where Han Sen played against the Celtics. Sure, he played well, but that was just three good games!"


    "The Cavaliers just made a killing. LeBron has no reason to leave now¡ª this is the most successful trade they''ve made in the past decade!"


    "I love Danny Ferry. He''s a severely underrated GM. Trust in LeBron, he will definitely bring a championship to Cleveland!"


    "Williams, Mayo, LeBron, Jamison, Thabeet¡ª what a terrifying lineup. The LeBron era is finally coming!"


    "Are the Grizzlies a side account for the Cavaliers?"


    "With the way the Grizzlies play, I''d say Han won''t even last half the season before he''s out with a season-ending injury. This trade is bound to go down in history... in a bad way."


    ...


    Before the draft even began, Han had already received a call from Ferry, informing him of the result.


    Initially, the Cavaliers had struck a deal with the Pacers to trade him for the 10th pick, Paul George. But in the end, the Grizzlies made an offer that was too good to pass up.


    So Memphis became Han Sen''s next destination.


    Regarding this outcome, Hansen could only describe it as mutual.


    The Grizzlies had been eyeing him for a long time.


    When he first heard the details of the trade, he was stunned.


    He had thought that the Grizzlies would only offer Mayo and a first-rounder, but he didn''t expect them to part with Thabeet as well.


    Even though hindsight would show Thabeet to be one of the biggest busts in NBA history, at the time, he had only played one season and had barely seen any playing time.


    It was clear: the Grizzlies truly valued him.


    As for the idea that they should have just used the second pick on him in the first place, that was nonsense.


    Let''s be honest, no sane person would consider picking a player projected to go late in the first round with the second overall pick.


    And as for the Grizzlies, setting aside their chances of winning a championship, they were a nightmare matchup for LeBron.


    With their black-and-white interior duo, plus Han''s lockdown defense on the perimeter, if they could get out of the West... the thought was too good to even imagine.


    In fact, Han Sen could hardly wait to face LeBron in the regular season.


    So right now, Hansen was watching his haters pile on while simultaneously looking forward to the new season. It was double the fun.


    Of course, he also had to pack up and prepare to leave Cleveland.


    Having lived there for nearly a year, there were plenty of things to pack up and, naturally, people he needed to say goodbye to.


    And this time, he planned on heading to Memphis in a special way.


    He first went to the team''s locker room to deal with his belongings.


    David Griffin accompanied him once again.


    "Honestly, I hate to see you go," Griffin said, a hint of regret on his face as they walked toward the locker room.


    "I''ll be back," Han replied, a hint of eagerness in his eyes.


    Even though when he returned, he wouldn''t be a Cavalier anymore, he was sure that when he stepped foot on this court again, his desire to win would be at its peak.


    Griffin, noticing Hansen''s expression, gave a helpless smile.


    Truth be told, he really liked Han Sen¡ª interesting personalities were rare.


    "Keep this as a memento." Griffin handed Hansen the nameplate from his locker.


    Initially, Griffin had assumed Han Sen was one of LeBron''s guys, which was why he had subconsciously placed him near LeBron.


    He hadn''t expected him to clash with LeBron so much afterward. This nameplate had witnessed it all.


    After packing his things, Griffin even helped carry Han Sen''s stuff to the arena''s entrance.


    Han Sen hadn''t driven his car into the underground garage this time.


    "Thanks," he said as he prepared to leave.


    After the locker incident, he had been biased against Griffin.


    But from their limited interactions, he realized that Griffin was actually a decent guy.


    Before getting into the car, he couldn''t resist glancing back.


    On the front of the arena was a poster of the Cavaliers'' starting five: Williams, Han Sen, LeBron, Jamison, and O''Neal.


    The Cavaliers never updated their posters quickly enough.


    He pulled out his phone and snapped a picture.


    For better or worse, this was the journey of his rookie year.


    After leaving the arena, Han drove to Malone''s house.


    He had even prepared some gifts.


    This season, Malone had protected him a lot.


    Without Malone, his situation could have been far worse.


    But what Hansen hadn''t expected was that after a brief chat, Malone told him he was leaving too.


    So to keep even the slightest chance of retaining LeBron, were they willing to part ways with even someone as fair and impartial as Malone?


    Hansen was just about to speak.


    "Don''t overthink it, it''s not because of you. I just want a better platform," Malone said, always perceptive.


    "Where to?"


    "New Orleans. They''ve invited me to be their lead assistant coach."


    "Congratulations, then."


    During his time with the Cavaliers, Malone had only been the second assistant coach. Becoming the lead assistant meant he was one step closer to being an NBA head coach.


    "The Hornets and Grizzlies are both in the Southwest Division, so we''ll face each other four times a season," Malone said with a smile.


    In other words, even though they wouldn''t be on the same team next season, they would still see plenty of each other.


    Han Sen stood up and hugged Malone. Away from Cleveland''s gloom, they both had bright futures ahead of them.


    After leaving Malone''s house, Han had planned to visit Jamison, but Jamison had already returned to his home in Shreveport, so they only spoke over the phone.


    Once all that was done, Hansen was ready to do what he had planned last: driving from Cleveland to Memphis.


    Although the Grizzlies were part of the Western Conference, Memphis was actually a central city, less than 1200 kilometers away by car.


    If he drove nonstop, he could be there in a day.


    But he wasn''t in a rush. He wanted to enjoy the scenery along the way.


    It was a symbolic way to say goodbye to the past and embrace the future.


    Two days later, after getting plenty of rest, Han woke up early, ready to set off.


    However, to his surprise, when he got up, he saw a crowd gathered outside his villa.


    He wasn''t sure what was happening, so he sent his security guard out to ask. It turned out they were fans there to bid him farewell.


    The Cavaliers had officially posted a farewell message for him on their website the day before, and fans had shown up the next day.


    He hadn''t expected this at all.


    But after heading downstairs and seeing the fans'' sad faces¡ª and when someone hugged him, crying¡ª he was deeply moved.


    In his year here, he had gained quite a few haters, but he had also won over a lot of local Cleveland fans.


    For fans who asked for photos or autographs, Han Sen obliged.


    He even went back into his house, grabbed some of his old shoes and jerseys, signed them, and handed them out to the fans.


    Once he had said goodbye to the fans, Han got into his Rolls-Royce Phantom and left his villa behind.


    Before officially setting off, he took a detour to pick up Cunningham.


    This guy insisted on being his bodyguard on the trip, and Han Sen had no choice but to agree.


    When he arrived, Cunningham was squatting by the roadside. Because of the delay with the fans, he must have been waiting for quite a while.


    Instead of honking, Han lowered the window and called out to him.


    When Cunningham looked up and saw him, he immediately grinned and ran over.


    "Why do you have such a huge bag?" Han asked, puzzled, as Cunningham approached.


    "It''s a tent. I just bought it. I know a great camping spot," Cunningham said as he stuffed the bag into the back seat.


    Han couldn''t help but laugh and shake his head¡ªthis guy sure thought of everything.


    With Cunningham keeping him company on the road, Han wouldn''t feel bored.


    And when he got tired, Cunningham could take over driving for a while.


    They weren''t in a hurry, so they took their time, snapping pictures of the scenery and enjoying the journey. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Of course, he didn''t post any of the photos online. With so many haters around, he didn''t want to stir up any more trouble.


    Soon, they reached the camping spot Cunningham had mentioned. It was on a mountain, but it was a managed campsite, so it was very safe.


    The weather was clear that day, and by nightfall, they were lying outside their tent, enjoying the cool June breeze and gazing up at the stars.


    For Han, who had crossed into this world, this slower pace of life was certainly unique.


    And Cunningham had brought plenty of food and drinks, even some bug spray.


    This guy really knows how to enjoy life.


    "I''m having second thoughts. Is it too late to take you with me to Memphis?" Hansen said with a smile.


    "Really, boss?" Cunningham, not expecting this, got excited and sat up immediately.


    "I was just joking. Didn''t I say before it''s better for you to stay here?" Han Sen almost couldn''t hold back his laughter when he heard Cunningham call him ''boss'' again.


    Originally, Han had thought about taking Cunningham with him when he left.


    If he had been going to a weaker team, he would have done so, and Ferry would likely have agreed.


    But now, he was heading to the Grizzlies, where the competition for the frontcourt was fierce, and there was absolutely no chance Cunningham would start.


    So, rather than bringing him along, it was better for Cunningham to stay with the Cavaliers and develop.


    With O''Neal leaving, and Ilgauskas likely to follow James out the door, Cunningham would definitely get more playing time.


    Even if James didn''t leave, Cunningham would still fit in just fine.


    Cunningham sat back down, feeling a bit dejected.


    "Don''t worry, boss. I''ll carve out my own place in the league, just like in this starry sky. There will always be a corner that''s mine."


    Han Sen shook his head.


    This guy could really get poetic.


    However...


    He also looked up again, a look of anticipation on his face.


    In this vast starry sky, there would also be a wide space that belonged to him.


    ---


    This is the last Chapter of volume 1. New volume next release. Leave a review, let me know your honest thoughts so far!

 Chapter 100: Memphis.

    Chapter 100: Memphis.After two and a half days of traveling, with stops along the way, Han Sen and his crew finally arrived in Memphis.


    Before even entering the city, they could see Memphis'' iconic landmark from afar.


    The ''Memphis Pyramid'', standing at 98 meters tall with a glass-pyramid design, had briefly served as the Grizzlies'' home court from 2001 to 2004.


    Reflecting on his rookie season over the past year, Han Sen found one of the most exciting aspects was visiting different cities, staying in various hotels, and enjoying new sights, which made every day feel like an adventure.


    This Pyramid arena had left a strong impression on him.


    After all, it''s not every day you see an arena shaped like that, even on a global scale¡ªit''s one of a kind.


    The arena''s design ties back to the city''s historical roots. Many American city names are derived from colonial history¡ªeastern cities often have names related to England, like Cleveland, which is named after a county in England, while western cities usually have connections to Spain.


    The name ''Memphis'' comes from an ancient and significant Egyptian city.


    Even today, ruins of the original Memphis Pyramid still stand near modern-day Cairo.


    The United States has a short history, so it often borrows from others.


    However, the Pyramid arena isn''t the only thing that grabs attention.


    Much like Cleveland, Memphis is also a port city, but it''s built along the Mississippi River and the mouth of the Wolf River, rather than by a lake.


    And unlike Cleveland''s industrial wasteland, Memphis boasts many skyscrapers and feels more like a bustling modern city.


    Though it''s no Miami, its economy seems to be thriving much more.


    Upon entering the city, Han Sen noticed a lot of references to rock ''n'' roll and blues music. He even saw some road signs featuring old photos of ''The King'', Elvis Presley.


    "Memphis, the hometown of Elvis, the birthplace of rock ''n'' roll!" Cunningham couldn''t help but exclaim after seeing the photos.


    In his previous life, Han Sen also enjoyed rock music, with classics like ''Glorious Years'' being a staple in his playlist.


    Arriving in Memphis, he figured he''d at least get to enjoy the city''s musical atmosphere.


    Han Sen drove straight to a villa in the suburbs.


    Before leaving Cleveland, he''d already had Chris arrange a place for him to stay in Memphis.


    The villa was spacious, featuring an outdoor pool, a backyard basketball court, and, most importantly, high fences and a built-in security system¡ªensuring a high level of safety.


    If there was one area where Memphis lagged behind Cleveland, it was public safety.


    Nearly 48% of the city''s population was African American.


    "Boss, I really recommend you get a gun," Cunningham suggested, mimicking a gun with his hands as soon as they arrived.


    This time, Han Sen took the advice. He planned to get a gun license in the next few days and then buy a gun for self-defense.


    As long as he didn''t go around flaunting it like Ja Morant, there wouldn''t be a problem.


    The day after Han Sen arrived in Memphis, someone came knocking on his door.


    It was none other than Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace.


    He wasn''t alone; alongside him was Reggie Theus, the team''s assistant coach and Han Sen''s former coach at Barry University.


    Traveling to a new city made Han Sen feel a bit out of place, but seeing Theus helped melt away some of that discomfort.


    "Coach!" Han Sen greeted Theus with a big hug.


    Theus patted Han Sen on the shoulder, his face glowing with pride.


    The NBA had provided Theus with a second chance, and a year later, they found themselves reunited in the same city¡ªa divine coincidence.


    After catching up briefly, they sat down, and Chris brewed them coffee.


    "With you on board, I feel confident about making the playoffs this season," Wallace said, sipping his coffee with a look of certainty.


    The Grizzlies hadn''t performed poorly last season. Their lineup included the perimeter duo of Mike Conley and O.J. Mayo, and the frontcourt duo of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, supported by versatile small forward Rudy Gay. Yet, they still missed the playoffs.


    Both management and fans found this unacceptable, and changes were inevitable.


    As a defense-oriented team, the Grizzlies'' rebuild would naturally focus on improving defense.


    They traded Mayo and acquired Han Sen to bolster perimeter defense while adding David West, a solid defender, to strengthen their bench. These moves were all part of their roster improvement strategy.


    "Were you surprised by the assets we traded for you?" Wallace asked Han Sen with a smile after setting down his coffee cup.


    "They were enough to get an All-Star player," Han Sen admitted, slightly puzzled, knowing Wallace had no knowledge of his system.


    In other words, Wallace could only see the same things as Cavs GM Danny Ferry.


    "When Danny mentioned he wanted Hasheem Thabeet, I hesitated. The kid still had potential, so I sought advice from someone," Wallace said.


    "Oh?" Han Sen was intrigued. Who could directly influence the decision of an NBA general manager?


    It couldn''t have been the Grizzlies'' owner, since owners typically only care about results, not advice.


    "It was West. He told me you were worth the gamble," Wallace revealed.


    Jerry West, the iconic figure known as the NBA''s logo, had served as the Grizzlies'' GM from 2002 to 2007. Wallace had taken over his role.


    "He knows me?" Han Sen was surprised that West, a figure of Pat Riley''s stature in the league, was aware of him, especially since they had no prior interaction.


    "When he predicted the Celtics would eliminate the Cavaliers, he watched your games after the Cavs pulled off that unexpected series win. That''s when he noticed you," Wallace explained.


    Han Sen looked in amazement¡ªit seemed like Wallace had a close relationship with West.


    Balancing an openly contentious relationship with Ferry while maintaining a close bond with his predecessor showed Wallace''s exceptional people skills.


    Wallace''s words also validated the saying, ''Do good without expecting anything in return.'' If Han Sen hadn''t given his all in that playoff series, he wouldn''t be here now.


    "Not many can make West''s predictions go wrong. He said your innate fearlessness is your most valuable trait."


    Being praised like that made Han Sen feel a bit embarrassed.


    It turned out that arriving in a new city required some time to rebuild that thick skin.


    "Tomorrow, let Reggie take you to the locker room first. In two days, the team will hold a press conference for you, and after that, there won''t be much else to worry about."


    Unlike the last off-season, Han Sen''s current ability no longer required him to participate in the summer league.


    Han Sen nodded in agreement. After seeing off Wallace and Theus, he began reaching out to Thomas and Khalil.


    Since he had arrived in Memphis, it was time to kickstart his new business and promotions.


    It was time to officially begin his career with the Grizzlies!


    The next day, Theus took Han Sen to the FedExForum, the Grizzlies'' current home arena.


    Compared to the Pyramid Arena, FedExForum''s exterior appeared much more understated.


    If viewed from above, it resembled a large disc.


    This minimalist design seemed to match its name.


    Like most NBA arenas, it had a corporate sponsor¡ªFedEx, headquartered in Memphis.


    This modern arena could hold 18,000 spectators and represented the largest construction investment in Memphis''s history.


    After its completion, the Grizzlies became its sole tenants.


    After all, the Grizzlies had moved from Vancouver to Memphis, significantly boosting the local economy.


    Naturally, the government provided strong support to such a ''golden goose.''


    This wasn''t Han Sen''s first time at the arena, but it was the first time he observed it up close.


    Once inside, he felt like a country boy arriving in the big city.


    Compared to FedExForum, Quicken Loans Arena was truly outdated in every respect.


    Upon entering the locker room, Han Sen no longer felt like he was entering a public bathhouse.


    With its black-and-white color scheme, glass display cases, and a large TV placed at the front, it exuded a distinctly modern vibe.


    Theus led Han Sen to his locker, which was located in an interior corner.


    That locker had previously belonged to O.J. Mayo, and his nameplate was still inserted there.


    Judging by the locker''s location, it was clear Han Sen''s status on the team was not low, even as a new acquisition.


    Aside from Randolph and Gay, who had lockers near the entrance, it was him and Conley, placing him higher than Marc Gasol.


    This was a much better starting point than in Cleveland.


    "I''ve heard about some of the things you went through in Cleveland. Don''t worry, things are different here. The team has a lot of young players who are eager to prove themselves," Theus reassured him.


    His words made Han Sen feel like he''d been assigned a scout ahead of his arrival on the Grizzlies.


    With Theus around, many things would be easier to navigate.


    Just as Han Sen was about to organize his locker, he suddenly remembered something.


    He wasn''t the only player traded to the Grizzlies¡ªDelonte West should''ve reported for duty as well.


    At that moment, Theus''s phone rang, and he stepped outside to take the call.


    When Han Sen finished organizing his locker, Theus led West into the locker room.


    It appeared he had been late.


    Han Sen hadn''t seen Delonte West since the season ended, but now, seeing him again, he noticed thick dark circles under West''s eyes and his hair disheveled like straw. He looked utterly worn out.


    Right after the Cavaliers lost, the media quickly broke the story of ''MomGate.''


    Although LeBron later issued a statement refuting the rumors, West still endured an unprecedented amount of online abuse.


    It''s safe to say that the latter had been the most tormented player in the league over the past few months.


    Han Sen walked over with a warm smile and gave West a big hug.


    "It''s all behind you now," he said, gently patting West''s back.


    Even if the rumor were true, there was no rule in the world that said two single people couldn''t date.


    Even if the timing wasn''t ideal, it shouldn''t have been used as a diversionary tool for such severe online abuse.


    After all, plenty of NBA players perform admirably despite facing personal tragedy. That''s just the life of a professional athlete.


    To Han Sen and Theus''s surprise, West started crying on Han''s shoulder.


    The emotions he had been bottling up for months came pouring out all at once.


    ...


    Two days later, the day before the official start of the 2010 free agency period, the Grizzlies held a press conference for Han Sen, Delonte West, and Daniel Orton, the 28th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft.


    Han Sen received his Grizzlies #77 jersey, while West gave up his #13 and reverted to the #2 jersey he wore with the Sonics.


    "Han, try to keep a low profile at the press conference later," Wallace warned as they headed to the event.


    The last time Han Sen made his debut in Cleveland, his ''77'' comment had stirred up controversy, and its echoes still lingered a year later.


    Even though Han Sen had played well in the playoffs, it wasn''t nearly enough to justify that bold statement. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wallace was genuinely concerned Han Sen might stir up something big again.


    After all, the pressure Wallace faced from the trade was already immense.


    Han Sen nodded, understanding.


    As they walked into the press conference room, Han Sen noticed a large crowd¡ªit seemed a lot of people had shown up.


    This wasn''t because the Grizzlies were particularly hot next season, nor was Han Sen a big enough star to draw All-Star-level attention.


    Rather, the surprising nature of the trade had attracted so much interest.


    What was supposed to be an introductory press conference for new players quickly turned into a grilling session for Wallace.


    It was the first time Wallace had appeared in public since the Han Sen trade.


    Why make such a trade?


    Why give up on Hasheem Thabeet after just one season without giving him much of a chance?


    If Han Sen was so highly valued, why didn''t the team work harder to draft him last year?


    Listening to the barrage of questions, Han couldn''t help but furrow his brow.


    These reporters, dressed in professional attire, weren''t that different from online trolls spewing negativity on social media.


    Anyone could be an armchair critic in hindsight.


    But Han Sen quickly regained his composure.


    Maybe he was too personally invested since the situation involved him, but weren''t reporters always like this?


    At least there wasn''t anyone like Windhorst in Memphis.


    Down in the crowd, Jamal Khalil, now with TNT, sat casually, waiting for Han Sen''s signal.


    Finally, Han cleared his throat, smiled politely at the reporters with his signature humility, and grabbed his water bottle for a tactical sip.


    Seeing this, Khalil raised his hand to ask a question.


    Soon, he was called on.


    Working for big outlets like ESPN and TNT has its perks; they tend to stand out more to event staff.


    "We know the Grizzlies have missed the playoffs for four consecutive seasons. Is your goal in coming here to help the team make the playoffs?" he asked.


    Before Han Sen could answer, Wallace nodded approvingly.


    It was a question with a built-in assumption¡ªa friendly question, and one that aligned perfectly with the team''s goals. This TNT reporter was quite adept.


    Han Sen put down his water bottle, straightened his posture, and, with a serious expression, said:


    "No, my goal is to bring a championship to the Grizzlies."

 Chapter 101: The Summer of 2010.

    Chapter 101: The Summer of 2010.As Han Sen had previously analyzed, the Memphis Grizzlies'' playstyle was a perfect counter to LeBron James. To put it more bluntly, their style countered the entire Miami Heat Big Three.


    If James actually joined the Heat and Memphis met them in the Finals, it would be like a father disciplining his child¡ªMemphis would crush them.


    With a bit of optimism, a three-peat championship wasn''t out of the question. However, this all depended on the Grizzlies getting past the brutal Western Conference, where even 50 wins could only land a team in eighth place. This wasn''t the Eastern Conference.


    Han Sen, who initially wanted to stir the pot and attract haters by predicting a Grizzlies dynasty, decided to play it safe after a word from Wallace, who''d cautioned him ahead of time.


    While Han Sen intended to hold back, the press and the public exploded at his claims. The Grizzlies winning a championship?! A team that had never even made it to the Western Conference Finals?!


    Wallace face-palmed, realizing he should have briefed Han Sen on the team''s realistic goals for the upcoming season. Now, with Han Sen''s bold statements making headlines, the Grizzlies would likely become the league''s laughingstock.


    Nevertheless, Han Sen wasn''t done. As the room began to calm, he took the mic again to explain: "Although we missed the playoffs last season, we improved by 16 wins from the previous year. That shows we''re on the right track. Many of our games were lost due to weak perimeter defense and key plays in the final moments, areas where I specialize. That''s why they brought me here at a significant cost. In reality, since my arrival, we''re already a playoff-caliber team. So, our goal isn''t just the playoffs; we''re aiming for a championship after we gel as a team. And I believe we can achieve it."


    His reasoning was solid, but the reporters were still buzzing with his earlier championship comment, already drafting headlines.


    Wallace, too, began to see that while Han Sen''s words were ambitious, they weren''t without merit. Han Sen had thrived in Cleveland under terrible conditions; his success was no accident. And Jerry West''s judgment in acquiring him was as sharp as ever.


    After the press conference, Wallace pulled Han Sen aside, asking about his knee, still his main concern given the injury history that had almost prevented the trade in the first place.


    Han Sen assured him his knee was fine, promising he''d continue to work on his physical fitness over the summer. Wallace smiled, feeling reassured that his gamble on Han Sen was paying off.


    That evening, Han Sen''s comments stirred massive debate among fans¡ªand gave haters a field day. Memphis'' acquisition of Han Sen had already been controversial, and now, with him talking championships, no one cared about his analysis. They just wanted to hate.


    Han Sen watched his hater points soar, climbing from 600,000 to nearly 800,000 in no time. For him, it was a big win.


    Still, the timing of the Grizzlies'' press conference wasn''t ideal, and his comments didn''t spread further because the 2010 free agency frenzy was about to begin, and all the talk was about player movements.


    This year''s free agency class was historic, featuring big names like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Bosh, and many others. All eyes were on where James would end up, especially since he was maintaining radio silence. Every bit of news came from his team, and none of it offered any real insight.


    Han Sen, scrolling through the latest rumors, stumbled upon real news: The Nets had traded Yi Jianlian to the Wizards in exchange for Quinton Ross. This marked Yi''s third team in just four seasons. Despite a career-high season, Yi had once again been derailed by injuries, and his trade to free up cap space wasn''t a surprise.


    While Han Sen was processing this, his agent Thomas arrived. Han assumed it was to discuss endorsements, but it was about something else: the national team. Thomas asked if he planned to join the team for the FIBA World Championship that year.


    Given last year''s bad experience, Han Sen hadn''t followed the national team''s activities. Though surprised, he quickly dismissed the idea, as he had a rigorous personal training plan for the summer. After Thomas left, Han Sen got an idea¡ªhe could use this situation to boost his hater points.


    He promptly announced on Facebook that he wouldn''t be representing the national team at the 2010 FIBA World Championship. The basketball association hadn''t yet revealed that he wouldn''t be on the team, so he got ahead of them, making a bold statement. He knew this could attract more haters.


    However, the backlash wasn''t as severe as expected. Fans reasoned that even with Han Sen, the national team wouldn''t break through their historical limits without Yao Ming. Han Sen''s potential absence didn''t spark as much outrage as he had hoped, but at least he could now fully focus on his training.


    Then, on the first day of free agency, Rudy Gay re-signed with the Grizzlies for five years, 80 million dollars. It was a crucial move to keep their core intact. However, the Grizzlies were past the point of benefiting from rookie contracts; if they didn''t produce results soon, they''d be heading for a rebuild.


    Additionally, Han Sen noticed another seemingly minor free-agent signing: Amir Johnson agreed to a five-year, 34 million dollar contract with the Raptors. This indicated that Chris Bosh would likely leave Toronto, which aligned with Han Sen''s expectation of Bosh joining LeBron and Wade. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Finally, LeBron announced he''d reveal his decision on July 13 in an ESPN special titled ''The Decision''. Everyone was on edge to see where the ''King'' would go next.

 Chapter 102: The Decision I

    Chapter 102: The Decision IThe date didn''t quite match what Han Sen knew. There were two key pieces of information here.


    First, NBA free agents have a ''freeze period''¡ªa time when players can negotiate with teams but can''t officially sign until the period ends. This period initially lasted one month, but after several changes, it was set to 13 days starting in the 2004¨C2005 season.


    Second, Han Sen vividly remembered the details of LeBron''s famous ''The Decision I''. It made such waves that he recalled almost everything, particularly the date¡ªit happened on July 9.


    Now, LeBron had pushed the decision to July 13, the last day of the freeze period.


    Was this move meant to add more suspense?


    Or had something else changed?


    Han Sen had no idea.


    However, he hopped on social media to see how fans were reacting. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And well... he was burning with envy.


    LeBron was already getting slammed with hate.


    "You really think you''re Jordan? I''m a Kobe fan; your decision means nothing to me!"


    "Don''t insult Jordan. Jordan always respected the fans. Only a media darling like LeBron would treat fans like this!"


    "I can''t hold it in anymore. Just got smashed in the Eastern Conference Finals, now you''re making a decision? Deciding what, to run away?"


    "Why are you complaining? LeBron is performing a live show for you, and you''re not even grateful!"


    "LeBron: ''Stop arguing. I''m announcing I''m taking my talents to the WNBA!''"


    ...


    Sure, LeBron still had some supporters, but they were completely drowned out by the overwhelming hate.


    This scene was surprising to Han Sen because, from what he remembered, LeBron only got trashed after the decision, not before.


    But thinking about it carefully, such an unprecedented stunt wasn''t something a normal person would think of.


    At the end of the day, no matter how much the media praised him, he was still just an athlete.


    People liking you is their choice.


    But this¡ªLeBron and his team had, through this method, taken away the fans'' freedom, forcing them to focus on him.


    It wasn''t because his influence was unmatched, but because his choices genuinely could change the landscape of the league.


    Of course, he wasn''t the only one capable of such a thing. Players like Wade and Nowitzki could have similar effects in free agency.


    For instance, Wade joining the Lakers, or Nowitzki joining the Magic, could also make waves.


    But LeBron was the only one who chose to make such a move.


    This reminded Han Sen of the origin of the infamous "Who is your daddy?" meme.


    Why did the Nuggets have such a strong grudge against the Lakers after winning the championship?


    Was it because they were being overly proud?


    The answer was no¡ªit was because after the Nuggets won, LeBron almost immediately made headlines by hinting at retirement, forcefully shifting the spotlight onto himself.


    Even back when, the NBA was focused on promoting Kobe''s back-to-back championships, but once LeBron dropped that bomb, hardly anyone paid attention anymore.


    Thankfully, Kobe wasn''t as petty as the Nuggets. Otherwise, he might have clapped back with a "Where are you, my brother?" to mock LeBron for failing to make it to the Finals¡ªpotentially spawning another viral meme.


    The more Han Sen watched, the more envious he became.


    If only he could rent out his system to LeBron¡ªhe''d be skyrocketing right now!


    Hmm?


    Just then, a brilliant idea flashed in Han Sen''s mind.


    If the date change didn''t ultimately alter anything, LeBron would still end up going to Miami and forming the Big Three, just like in Han Sen''s memory.


    And at that time, LeBron would still be ripped to shreds online.


    He could already foresee that the hate LeBron was getting now would pale in comparison to what was coming.


    Han Sen couldn''t rent out his system to LeBron¡ªhis system didn''t have that function¡ªbut what if he spoke out in support of LeBron when the storm hit?


    It was a reverse logic, but one thing was clear¡ªhe''d definitely be hated too.


    But wasn''t that exactly what he wanted? Something that would make the entire internet, or at least the majority of basketball fans, hate him?


    The thought excited Han Sen.


    The amount of hate he could harvest from this would likely surpass what he needed to exchange for [Iron Bones]!


    Suppressing his excitement, he began thinking carefully.


    To make his plan work, he had to ensure that LeBron''s decision wouldn''t change.


    If the date shift caused LeBron to stay with the Cavaliers, all of his plans would go up in smoke.


    But given his rocky relationship with LeBron, there was no way LeBron would listen to his advice.


    In fact, if LeBron heard his voice, he''d probably hang up right away.


    So, was there any way to make sure LeBron heard him, even if he didn''t want to?


    Han Sen looked at his phone, opened social media, and started typing.


    After a few moments, he posted:


    "LeBron, don''t let loyalty ruin you."


    If Han Sen were still with the Cavaliers, he absolutely wouldn''t have been able to post something like this.


    But now, after being traded away¡ªwithout even requesting it, after playing phenomenally in the playoffs¡ªhe was in the perfect ''victim'' role.


    His post quickly gained traction.


    The first target of criticism became the Cavaliers'' management, who had failed to provide LeBron with a ''true All-Star'' teammate after all these years.


    Next up was the city of Cleveland itself, a place no star players wanted to go. If LeBron had been drafted by a major city, he''d have won championships already.


    Finally, the Celtics'' Big Three got their share of criticism. If it weren''t for them, the Cavaliers would''ve won a title by now.


    The type of people supporting Han Sen''s post was clear.


    These LeBron fans likely already knew he was leaving Cleveland.


    After all, last season''s roster was as good as it got.


    Sure, the Cavs added Mayo and Thabeet this year, which improved their depth, but was it better than the previous trade for Jamison?


    LeBron fans knew better than anyone that ''LeBron can''t win a championship with the Cavs''.


    They just didn''t want to admit it out loud because leaving after failing to win would destroy LeBron''s reputation.


    But now, Han Sen had given them the perfect ''reason''.


    Linking LeBron''s departure to the idea of ''loyalty'' was bound to resonate with them!


    Seeing how many LeBron fans supported his post, Han Sen knew his message would likely reach LeBron''s ears.


    In this situation, his strained relationship with LeBron actually worked to his advantage.


    After closing social media, Han Sen called Wade.


    Thomas had already gone to Miami the day before, and Wade and Bosh were also there now.


    Just like they''d discussed during the All-Star break, Wade and Bosh had already decided to play together.


    Of course, just because they were in Miami didn''t mean they were set on joining the Heat¡ªteams like the Knicks and Nets were still options.


    Han Sen''s call was mostly an excuse to join Wade for some training.


    After all, no matter how good their relationship, Wade wasn''t going to share his free agency plans outright. Maybe something would slip during practice.


    Wade was still running training sessions in Miami with the usual crew, and even though he had opted out of his contract to become a free agent, he didn''t seem too concerned.


    But once Han Sen arrived in Miami, he could tell Wade was excited.


    Basketball isn''t a one-man sport. After back-to-back first-round exits in the playoffs, Wade was frustrated. For someone who won a championship and Finals MVP in just his third year, it was suffocating.


    But now, with the chance to team up with Bosh, Wade was eager to chase another title¡ªno matter which team they ended up on.


    "Han, if you were still in Cleveland, Chris and I would consider the Cavs too," Wade casually mentioned after practice.


    "Too bad I don''t have a say in that," Han Sen replied with a regretful expression.


    Of course, he knew Wade was just being polite.


    He didn''t actually think Wade would leave the Heat, given his old-school mentality. Players like Wade were driven by loyalty¡ªjust like when Kobe said he''d leave the Lakers in 2007, he really just wanted the team to improve.


    Now that Bosh was confirmed to be leaving Toronto to join the Heat, Wade''s wishes were fulfilled.


    "DW, have you heard about LeBron''s ''Decision''?" Han Sen asked, watching Wade carefully.


    Wade nodded, but his gaze shifted slightly.


    That confirmed to Han Sen that LeBron had already spoken with Wade about forming the Big Three.


    "I remember when Barkley joined Hakeem and Drexler on the Rockets," Han Sen continued, making Wade and Bosh look at him curiously.


    "If LeBron joins you guys, you''ll definitely be better than them¡ªyou''re younger and have the potential not just to win titles but to build a dynasty."


    Han Sen wasn''t exaggerating. In fact, he might have been understating it. Back when the Heat formed their Big Three, people thought they''d dominate the league for the next decade.


    "Don''t you want a championship?" Wade asked, noticing Han Sen wasn''t including himself in the picture.


    "Of course I do. Who doesn''t? But I''m still young, and besides, I''m in the West. That place is..." Han Sen trailed off, shaking his head.


    Wade and Bosh both chuckled. The Western Conference had been a battlefield for years.


    "LeBron''s reached out to us," Wade admitted.


    "But we all hesitated. We knew that doing so would bring a lot of criticism, and once we did it, there would be no turning back."


    Forming a superteam wasn''t originally their idea. Like in the All-Star Game locker room, LeBron only decided to join them later.


    Hearing Wade''s words, Han Sen could guess that LeBron''s delay in announcing his decision was probably to enhance the show''s effect.


    "It truly is a path with no way back. It all depends on whether you want more championships or how you want to win them," Han Sen said. His purpose for coming here was to find out why LeBron had delayed the announcement, giving him a chance to put his own plan into motion.


    However, since Wade had helped him even before he entered the league, as a friend, he couldn''t help but offer some advice.


    "Thank you, Han," Wade said gratefully, sensing that Han Sen was genuinely looking out for him.


    ...


    Time passed quickly, and July 13th arrived.


    That day, all of America tuned into ESPN. According to real-time statistics, the audience had already reached 10 million before the show even began. Based on projections, that number would peak at an unprecedented 30 million during the show''s climax.


    This number far exceeded the size of the basketball fan base, with many viewers simply being curious onlookers.


    From a journalistic standpoint, ''The Decision'' had already been a huge success.


    Han Sen was still in Miami, and Wade hadn''t received any further contact from LeBron. At that moment, no one knew what LeBron would choose.


    So, like the rest of the audience, the three of them sat in front of the TV with snacks and drinks, quietly watching the show.


    They all looked quite tense. After all, LeBron''s decision would have a massive impact on them.


    Finally, the show began. LeBron sat across from an ESPN reporter on what looked like a hastily assembled stage, with a group of kids and a few media personnel in the audience, witnessing this historic moment.


    Among them was Kanye West¡ªthe same guy who had once interrupted Taylor Swift at the VMAs.


    Honestly, the set looked pretty amateurish.


    But you couldn''t really blame ESPN¡ªnobody had ever done something like this before, so there was no blueprint to follow.


    Especially when the show started, that sense of awkwardness became even more pronounced.


    They began by stacking up goodwill. All proceeds from the show were going to be donated to a charity called the Boys & Girls Club.


    They also introduced the club, which helps young people across the country by providing guidance and education to ensure that every child graduates high school, makes future plans, demonstrates good character and citizenship, and lives a healthy lifestyle.


    It was actually a pretty cool organization.


    Those kids in the audience were probably from the club.


    Then came the awkward small talk.


    How does it feel to be a free agent? What have you been thinking about this summer? How many people know your decision? When did you make your decision? They even asked LeBron if he still bites his nails.


    At this point, Han Sen and the others had stopped watching and were chatting among themselves.


    In essence, the so-called ''Decision'' really boiled down to just one sentence.


    But ESPN had set aside an hour for that one sentence.


    It felt like watching someone set up a poker game for an hour before the action started.


    And to be honest, even the host and LeBron seemed to sense the awkwardness. But they had to fill that hour somehow.


    Finally, just as Han Sen was about to get up and go to the bathroom, the moment arrived.


    "LeBron, what''s your decision?"


    LeBron smiled his signature smile on TV and said:


    "This fall, man, it''s tough, but I''m taking my talents to South Beach and joining the Miami Heat."


    "Miami Heat? Is that a decision you made this morning?"


    "Yes, I made that decision this morning."

 Chapter 103: Iron Body.

    Chapter 103: Iron Body.At this moment, fans watching from Cleveland began cursing at the TV. And not just them¡ªfans in New York, Chicago, and other cities where LeBron James was rumored to go were also cursing him.


    Of course, Han Sen couldn''t hear these curses from inside. Instead, he could hear the excited cheers coming from outside. Miami, where the Heat were seen as the frontrunners, had the largest gathering of fans watching ''The Decision''.


    Inside the room, however, the three men''s expressions were mixed.


    Wade was relieved but showed no real excitement. His emotions were obviously conflicted, as weighing the pros and cons wasn''t easy. Bosh frowned, likely the least willing of the three to team up, but he had already committed to playing with Wade, leaving him little choice.


    As for Han Sen, he was holding back his excitement. His plan could finally move forward, and next season, he wouldn''t have to deal with injuries anymore! If luck was on his side, he might even unlock another first-tier talent.


    Just then, both Wade and Bosh received calls from Riley and Thomas.


    "Han, we probably won''t be able to continue training together for a while," Wade said.


    They had been informed about their upcoming schedule, which included a media blitz to promote the new season.


    Wade''s previous conflicted emotions disappeared, replaced by excitement. The decision had been made, and the difficult weighing of pros and cons was now in the past. Now, it was all about looking forward to the future¡ªhow many championships could this team of three superstars win?


    "I''m heading back to Memphis. Let me know if you want to train together again," Han Sen said, taking his leave.


    Now, all he had to do was wait for the right moment to put his plan into action.


    The aftermath of LeBron''s ''The Decision'' began to unfold later that same evening.


    At the ESPY Awards, the host joked: "LeBron announced on ''The Decision'' that he would join the Miami Heat. We all witnessed it... a super boring one-hour program."


    The crowd burst into laughter at the sharp humor. Little did LeBron know that the first to mock him would be ESPN itself.


    The next day, Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, released an open letter on social media:


    "LeBron''s narcissistic departure was the act of a coward, a betrayal from a man who calls himself a king."


    "This shocking disloyalty comes from a so-called ''Chosen One'' raised in our own hometown, giving everyone a perfect example of what not to do."


    "We would never want to teach our kids to be like that, nor would we ever want them to follow his example."


    You could feel Gilbert''s fury through his words.


    After all, he had done everything he could over the last seven years to build team after team for LeBron, paying high luxury taxes every year despite Cleveland being a small market.


    Han Sen understood Gilbert''s feelings.


    After his excellent playoff performance, the Cavs had traded him to Memphis in their desperate bid to keep LeBron.


    Now, the Cavaliers were left with nothing, as the famous phrase goes: "The simps always lose".


    However, Han didn''t think Gilbert''s actions were entirely justified. Public figures like Gilbert have a huge influence on their audiences.


    Gilbert''s letter set off a massive chain reaction. First, the Cavaliers'' poster staff got to work, removing every LeBron-related image as quickly as possible. Next, GM Danny Ferry was fired and replaced by his assistant, Chris Grant.


    Finally, inspired by the letter, fans gathered outside LeBron''s Cleveland mansion. Some started ripping up and burning LeBron''s jerseys, as if ready to storm the place like an angry mob.


    More fans flooded LeBron''s social media, bombarding him with the filthiest insults they could think of.


    "Han had it right¡ªyou''re nothing but a coward. You shouldn''t call yourself a king, but a queen."


    "Jordan wouldn''t team up with Barkley or Olajuwon after losing to the Pistons. You''re not even close to his level, and that was obvious the moment you chose to run away."


    "You''re a sellout. The management traded Han to keep you, and you''ve ditched us? Do you know how much we loved Han?!"


    "Danny Ferry was just your lackey, but Han was our future, and you both ruined it!"


    "Thanks to you, we''re the biggest joke of this free agency. Delonte West had it right¡ªscrew you!"


    "I refuse to believe the Cavs traded Han without some promise from you. Gilbert''s right¡ªyou''re not just a coward, you''re a traitor too."


    And the most ruthless: "Mark my words: in a few years, when you retire without a ring, you''ll regret this decision!"


    However, LeBron had no time to pay attention to these comments. He and his team had already arrived in Miami.


    Two days later, Han Sen watched another historic broadcast¡ªWade, LeBron, and Bosh made their first public appearance as a trio at the Heat''s fan event.


    LeBron and Bosh were already wearing their new Heat jerseys. The camera cut to Pat Riley¡ªthough Thomas had spearheaded Wade and Bosh''s partnership, Riley''s influence was undeniable in forming this superteam.


    When LeBron took the mic, he uttered one of the most iconic lines of his career:


    "Not one, not two, not three... not seven."


    He wasn''t just promising one or two championships¡ªhe was aiming for seven.


    Compared to Han Sen''s promise of bringing a championship to Memphis, LeBron''s ambition was way bolder.


    Through the TV screen, Han could sense Wade''s awkwardness. Wade had mentioned earlier that once the trio formed, there was no turning back. Now LeBron had taken it further¡ªthere wasn''t just no retreat, the way forward was locked too.


    If they didn''t win seven championships, LeBron''s words would become an infamous joke.


    Why seven? Because seven is greater than six.


    LeBron wasn''t content with matching Jordan; he wanted to surpass him.


    But could they really win seven titles?


    Anyone who thought about it for a second knew that was impossible. It wasn''t just a matter of skill¡ªhis statement assumed their opponents would never improve.


    In reality, if they could team up, what was stopping others from doing the same?


    Besides, Han Sen, as a time traveler, knew their team chemistry would be far from perfect.


    LeBron also hadn''t realized the ripple effect his actions were causing. This wasn''t like the Celtics'' Big Three, who were formed through trades that came at a high cost, depleting future assets.


    Now, the Heat had pulled this off with hardly any effort, which could lead to a shift in league dynamics and concerns from ownership.


    Of course, Han was all for it.


    Because with LeBron making bold statements, he was now America''s number one villain. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At that moment, LeBron was the most hated athlete worldwide.


    Han felt it was time. He logged into his social media account, where the comments were full of people praising him while bashing LeBron. In their rage, fans had stopped thinking rationally¡ªHan Sen was their hero because he opposed LeBron.


    But Han Sen hesitated for a moment.


    He knew that by making his next move, he would alienate many of his newfound fans. Still, with his Hater System, he was destined to have more haters than admirers before he became a superstar.


    So he quickly typed, "I fully support LeBron. He made the smartest decision."


    Within minutes, his account was flooded with insults. People couldn''t believe that Han, LeBron''s greatest rival, would say such a thing. The hate was overwhelming.


    Han Sen laughed and closed the app. Even just sharing some of the hate aimed at LeBron was enough to make his blood pressure rise. You could never underestimate the creativity of internet trolls.


    He couldn''t help but poke fun at LeBron''s die-hard fans, the ''Bronsexuals''. Normally, they''d tear him apart, but now they were nowhere to be found.


    But maybe Han was being too harsh, as many of LeBron''s former fans had already turned against him after this fiasco.


    Han opened his System Space, and his eyes lit up. The system was gaining points at an insane rate, faster than ever before.


    His social media post had barely reached anyone, yet his hater points were shooting up like crazy!


    The points were increasing so fast it made Han a bit nervous, but he wanted even more.


    He called Khalil, asking him to publish an article covering his post.


    The latter thought he misheard, but after confirming, he wrote up the article and published it the next day.


    After that, Han''s hater points surged even more rapidly.


    Just one week later, his hater points had shot up to 2 million!


    And they were still climbing.


    By then, Han had stopped checking the count and went straight to redeem [Iron Body].


    [Iron Body]: Greatly enhances the body''s resistance to fatigue, wear, and injuries.


    This was the first time Han had seen such strong wording in the system. Although it was only a description, it showed how special a Tier 1 talent was.


    Unlike the offensive or defensive talents he had acquired before, which required focused training, [Iron Body] would theoretically start changing his body immediately. However, Han knew he would need to train hard to maximize this talent''s potential.


    Then he remembered someone who once told him, "Everyone has their optimal weight; it''s something each player must discover for themselves."


    This time, Han didn''t bother Wade, who was busy enjoying his honeymoon with LeBron. Instead, he asked Thomas to use his connections to contact Tim Grover.


    A few days later, Han Sen met Grover in a private room at a Memphis caf¨¦.


    "I want to hire you as my personal trainer," Han said bluntly.


    "I accept," Grover responded immediately, surprising him. No negotiations? No haggling over price?


    "Why else would I be in Memphis?" Grover laughed.


    Han Sen couldn''t argue with that logic.


    "Can you tell me why?" Han asked, curious. After all, he wasn''t exactly seen as a healthy player with a bright future.


    "Because you played for the Cavaliers, and I noticed you. I expected you to be out for the season by February, but you made it to the second round of the playoffs. Your body''s resistance to injury was better than I expected."


    Han Sen silently thanked the team doctors for advising him to reduce his training load around that time, which helped him push through. Grover''s sharp eye impressed him¡ªhe clearly knew his stuff.


    "That''s the only reason?" Han Sen still found it a bit hard to believe.


    "There''s more. You know Mike Mancias, right?" Grover asked.


    Han Sen nodded. Mancias was LeBron''s personal trainer, someone he saw every day in Cleveland''s gym.


    "He told me that in all his years in Cleveland, you''re the only player besides LeBron who trains in the gym an hour before every game."


    Mancias used to be Grover''s assistant, so they stayed in touch. It was funny how Han''s dedication, which went unnoticed at the time, had now earned him Grover''s respect.


    "You know, persistence is the most valuable quality on the road to success for any athlete. Michael didn''t succeed because of me¡ªI only provided him with a small amount of help. He succeeded because he had the persistence to follow through."


    Han Sen smiled, not because of what Grover said, but because of his attitude. Despite being a legendary trainer, Grover remained humble, and Han knew he had chosen the right person.


    "And there''s one more thing," Grover added without being prompted, "You do have injury concerns, much like Michael once did. If I can help you stay healthy, it could be the last and perhaps most significant addition to my career."

 Chapter 104: A Quick Note.

    Chapter 104: A Quick Note.Sorry for the late release. I just had to make a decision.


    First of all as I''ve mentioned in the synopsis- this work is not mine, I''m merely translating it.


    Second, my dumba** put this story in the wrong section. It should be in the fan-fic section, not original novel.


    So imagine my surprise when webnovel sent a contract for premium- which meant locked Chapters in the future.


    I don''t want that. I''m just a reader. I''m only translating this cause I enjoy the story- nothing more.


    I''ll be moving the story over the fan-fic category, in the celebrities and real life section.


    Apparently webnovel doesnt allow you to simply change the category. So, I''ll have to repost every single damn Chapter lol. It''ll take me a while. I''ll notifiy you guys here again after I''m done. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once I''m done, you guys will just need to go to my profile and check my original works to see the book. Or just search for the story in fan-fic category: celebrities. I''ll keep the same name.


    Again, sorry for the inconvenience.

 Chapter 105: Abstinence.

    Chapter 105: Abstinence."I have one condition," Grover continued after his explanation.


    "Money''s not an issue," Han Sen replied. While his contract salary wasn''t huge, his endorsements more than made up for it. He could easily afford not just a personal trainer, but an entire training team.


    "It''s not about the money. You''ll need to listen to me about all things training," Grover said, dead serious. The last time in Miami, Han Sen had dismissed his advice with a half-hearted effort.


    "No problem," Han Sen agreed readily.


    Previously, he''d had some biases against Grover, but now that he had hired him, it was time to let go of his past as a trainer himself.


    NBA trainers didn''t make as much as people often thought. Even the top trainers at the time earned around $100,000 annually. But Grover had been with Jordan for years, and as a business partner of Jordan''s, he earned far more than just his training salary.


    Grover had told the truth¡ªhe was interested in Han Sen because of his qualities, not because of the money. Still, Han Sen offered him $150,000 a year, much higher than the market rate, as a sign of respect.


    Once the contract was signed, he immediately started his physical training with Grover''s guidance.


    From the very beginning, Grover demonstrated his professionalism and experience. He had Han Sen undergo a series of high-intensity exercises to assess his current physical state.


    The first conclusion Grover reached was that Han Sen needed to lose some weight¡ªaround 98 kg. This would help him be more agile on the court and reduce the physical strain caused by excessive weight.


    It took Han about a week to shed the extra weight.


    Grover was patient, not rushing into any specific training beyond the weight loss program. He also adjusted Han Sen''s training schedule, breaking it into two to three sessions a day.


    The first session would be early in the morning, from around 5:00 to 7:00 AM, focused on physical conditioning and injury prevention, before breakfast.


    The second session was with the team''s regular practice, which focused on shooting and tactical drills, starting at 10:00 or 11:00 AM.


    The third session was optional, depending on whether the team had a game that evening. If no game was scheduled, the session, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, would focus on skill development.


    On game days, the third session was canceled, as Grover believed training should not interfere with the actual performance.


    Since it was the off-season, Han Sen had to endure three intense daily workouts. Although he had recently dealt with injuries, Grover chose to take an unconventional approach.


    He believed injuries weren''t caused by overtraining, but by a lack of proper training intensity and poor methods, which left the body unprepared for extreme physical confrontations.


    Grover''s high-intensity testing on Han Sen''s body had a purpose: he was physically capable of handling the workload. And it just so happened that Han Sen had recently gained the talent [Steel Bones]. (TL/n: Steel bones or Iron bones, which one sounds better?)


    Grover then began Han Sen''s specialized training, focusing on refining his muscle groups down to a granular level.


    He wasn''t just working on major muscle groups like abs; he targeted specific areas like the rectus abdominis, obliques, lower back muscles, and more. This approach differed from that of most trainers, aiming to improve Han Sen''s core strength and flexibility¡ªkey factors in injury prevention during intense competition.


    Although some of these methods conflicted with Han Sen''s own training beliefs, he stuck to his agreement with Grover and followed every instruction. It wasn''t long before he started to feel the benefits in his body.


    Despite his own modern training experience, Han Sen couldn''t compare with Grover''s expertise, which had been honed over years of working with NBA legends like Michael Jordan, Grant Hill, Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade.


    As they trained together, Grover became more convinced that Han was the right choice.


    Han Sen, in turn, impressed Grover with his work ethic. Regardless of the intensity of the training, he never complained and always pushed through. Even when physically and mentally exhausted, he somehow managed to muster up energy for the next workout.


    Grover didn''t know exactly how Han Sen managed it, but he could see that Han valued each day and took his training seriously. These qualities reassured Grover that his decision to train him was the right one.


    Their training became increasingly effective, with Han feeling his body approach its limits.


    By the end of July, the NBA free agency period had mostly come to a close. The Miami Heat''s new Big Three¡ªLeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh¡ªhad formed. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Heat cleared nearly their entire roster to create cap space, even trading Michael Beasley to the Timberwolves. LeBron and Bosh joined via sign-and-trade deals, allowing Miami to retain their Bird rights.


    All three stars took slight pay cuts to leave room for Udonis Haslem, ultimately signing six-year, 110 million dollar contracts with player options starting in the fourth year.


    Miami also used their mid-level exception to sign Mike Miller and added veteran players like Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Juwan Howard, Jerry Stackhouse, and Erick Dampier.


    With this roster, the Heat looked even stronger on paper than LeBron''s former Cavaliers team. Han Sen wasn''t sure how anyone would beat this "Version 2.0" of the Heat.


    The Memphis Grizzlies, his new team, also made some moves in free agency. Surprisingly, they used their mid-level exception to sign Tony Allen to a three-year, 9.7 million dollar contract, even after acquiring Han Sen.


    It was similar to how the Dallas Mavericks signed Shaquille O''Neal and then traded for Tyson Chandler¡ªdouble insurance, since both players had injury histories.


    With the addition of Tony Allen, the Grizzlies'' perimeter defense was set to improve drastically.


    ---


    Around this time, Taylor Swift arrived in Memphis.


    She had returned to the U.S. in mid-July, resting in New York for a while afterward.


    Han Sen was mid-practice when she showed up at the gym unexpectedly. He had planned for her to head straight to the hotel after her flight, but here she was, sitting courtside, watching him train¡ªshirtless, no less.


    "Rondo, wasn''t she supposed to go to the hotel first?" Han Sen asked, grabbing a towel.


    "I wanted to see you practice," Taylor said with a smile. "I''ve been to plenty of NBA games, but I''ve never watched a player train before."


    Han Sen blinked, a little caught off guard. "Didn''t think it''d be that interesting," he replied with a chuckle, tossing on his shirt.


    "Don''t worry, you can keep doing your thing," she said, noticing his move. "You don''t need to put that on for me."


    He shook his head but kept it on. "I think I''m good."


    As he got back to practice, he couldn''t help but sneak a glance at her.


    Now Taylor was sitting, snacking on popcorn she must''ve convinced Rondo to get her, casually chatting away with him. The scene was oddly normal, almost like they were just a couple of friends hanging out at the gym.


    When his session finally wrapped up an hour later, he walked over, catching his breath. "Sorry for the wait."


    Taylor waved it off, smiling. "Don''t worry, the popcorn kept me busy. Besides, that was impressive."


    Han Sen smiled, relaxing a bit more now. "So, what''s the plan? Need me to drop you off at the hotel now?"


    "Nope," Taylor said, eyes lighting up. "Let''s go bake a cake!"


    He laughed, completely taken aback. "Wait, what? Like, bake it ourselves?"


    "Obviously!" she said, grinning. "Cakes taste better when they''re fresh, trust me."


    "Alright, alright," Han Sen said, shaking his head in disbelief. "But first, I''m gonna need a quick shower."


    Just as he was about to head off, she stopped him. "Actually, before you do that... can you help me with something?"


    Han Sen raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to explain.


    "I''ve always wanted to dunk," she said, pointing toward the basketball hoop.


    Han Sen laughed. "You serious?"


    "Dead serious!" Taylor replied, standing up. "Come on, I''ll need a boost."


    He sighed, but there was no way he could say no. "Alright, fine."


    Walking over, Han Sen placed his hands on her waist and lifted her up like he was helping a kid dunk. Taylor was tall, but dunking wasn''t something she could pull off without a little assistance.


    With a laugh, she made the basket, and he set her back down as they high-fived.


    "I''m basically a pro now," she joked, still grinning ear to ear.


    "Well, you''ve got the celebration down at least," he teased back.


    After a quick shower, they headed to a small local bakery that Han Sen frequented. When they arrived, the "Closed" sign was up, thanks to a favor Rondo had arranged ahead of time.


    Inside, Taylor wasted no time getting to work on the cake. Han Sen, following her lead, became her makeshift assistant, mixing and measuring as she directed.


    As they worked, he realized something¡ªTaylor wasn''t just going through the motions. She was totally immersed, laser-focused on making this cake just right. It reminded him of the dedication he saw in her music, something he could really respect.


    "You do this often?" he asked, as flour dusted both of their faces.


    Taylor smiled. "Every chance I get. I''m a bit of a control freak when it comes to desserts."


    Han Sen laughed, wiping the flour off his hands. "That explains a lot."


    "What about you?" she asked, pausing to look at him. "What do you do when you''re not killing it on the court?"


    Han Sen thought for a moment. "Used to have hobbies¡ªgames, hanging with friends, traveling. But now, it''s pretty much just basketball."


    After crossing over into this second life, he had been so focused on basketball that his life had been filled with nothing but the sport. He wanted to live this life without regrets.


    "Sounds intense," Taylor said, stepping closer with a damp towel to wipe some flour off his cheek. "Ever take a break?"


    He shrugged, the closeness catching him off guard. "Not really. But baking with you? I think that counts."


    Taylor smiled as she continued wiping off the flour. "Maybe you should make more time for things like this."


    For a moment, they just stood there, the mood suddenly feeling a little more serious.


    Han Sen''s body was tense, and his breathing quickened.


    Since starting his training with Grover, he had restrained himself to ensure the quality of his workouts.


    While it gave him more energy each day, his improved physical condition made it harder to control his urges.


    This was a common issue for athletes who abstained to boost performance, only to struggle with self-control on the field.


    Fortunately, Han had strong self-discipline after living two lives. Plus, Swift saw him as a friend, and it would be shameless for him to react otherwise.


    He distracted himself with thoughts to calm his breathing.


    But just then, he felt something move closer.


    When he looked up, he saw Swift''s soft pink lips descending toward him.


    A sweet taste followed.


    ---


    TL/n: Bird rights allow a team to exceed the salary cap to re-sign a player who has finished their contract. The team that holds a player''s Bird rights can offer:


    1. Contract length: Up to 5 years, while other teams can only offer a maximum of 4 years.


    2. Annual raise percentage: The current team can offer raises of up to 10% per year, whereas other teams are limited to 8%.


    3. Salary cap exception: The team with Bird rights can exceed the salary cap to retain the player, but other teams must stay within the cap.


    This rule helps teams keep their key players, even if they don''t have cap space.

 Chapter 106: HS Terminator One.

    Chapter 106: HS Terminator One.(TL/n: Sorry for the past couple days, I''ll be back to the usual schedule from now on.)


    Swift''s lips were soft, like biting into a perfectly chewy gummy. Han Sen didn''t expect it to feel like this¡ªhis mind raced, and his heart began pounding, his hand instinctively moving upward.


    Ding!


    The oven''s timer went off, breaking the tension instantly. They pulled apart, the heat of the moment dissipating like steam.


    Han Sen quickly crossed his legs and cleared his throat. "Uh, the cake''s ready."


    Swift chuckled, brushing back a loose strand of hair as she moved toward the oven. "Right, the cake."


    She pulled out the cheesecake, its golden crust perfectly baked. "Just needs to cool off in the fridge for a while."


    There was a pause, the previous moment lingering in the air between them. Han shifted uncomfortably, unsure what to say next. Swift was the one to break the silence.


    "Wait a minute... You''ve never dated before, have you?"


    Han Sen scratched his head, a bit embarrassed. "I just haven''t had the time," he said honestly.


    Even though he wasn''t a superstar just yet, his career had taken off enough that his schedule was packed. Between constant training, team practices, and games, finding time for a serious relationship was tough.


    He thought briefly about the fact that, despite his fame, he''d never really been drawn to dating. Sure, there were opportunities, but his mind was always focused on basketball.


    As a rising star in the NBA and a millionaire, getting a girlfriend wouldn''t be hard, but sustaining a relationship? That was a different story. His lifestyle didn''t leave room for anything that wasn''t basketball.


    Swift stared at him like he''d just grown a second head. "You''re 21 and have never been in a relationship?" In the U.S., that was really rare.


    "I mean," Han Sen shrugged, "it''s not that I couldn''t. I''ve never seriously thought about it."


    Swift folded her arms and raised an eyebrow. "So, what kind of girl are you into? Maybe I can hook you up. I know a lot of people." She grinned, teasing him a little, clearly enjoying his discomfort.


    Han Sen blinked in confusion. Was she actually offering to set him up? Or was this some kind of test? His mind raced through the possibilities.


    Maybe Swift liked his kissing and wanted to see if he was interested? He was about to ask when he caught himself. Weren''t they here to eat cake, not talk about his love life?


    Even if he did have a girlfriend, would it make a difference with his schedule? At most, maybe he could handle a casual fling.


    Trying to steer the conversation back on track, Han Sen quickly asked, "So, how''s the tour going? Everything smooth?"


    Swift''s eyes lit up. She could talk about her music for hours, and Han Sen was relieved to have shifted the topic. Her energy bounced back as she gushed about the concerts, the fans, and how much she loved performing live.


    After some time, the cake was finally cool, and they shared it in the bakery, sitting side by side on bar stools. Swift kicked her legs playfully, clearly enjoying the cheesecake she had baked.


    When they finished, Han Sen and Swift left the bakery together, walking out into the cool night air. Swift had a flight to catch, and soon they were at the airport.


    Before heading to her gate, Swift pulled him in for a quick hug. "Oh, and by the way, your kissing game... could use some work." She winked, whispering in his ear before pulling away.


    Han Sen could only laugh awkwardly, shaking his head.


    One of life''s greatest delusions: I thought I was a good kisser.


    ---


    Han Sen spent another week training with Grover, feeling stronger than ever. But now, he needed a sparring partner to truly test his progress.


    "Tim, did you ever train Kobe before?" He asked Grover one day after a session.


    "You want to train with Kobe?" Grover immediately caught on to Han Sen''s idea.


    Han nodded. One of his biggest regrets from not making the finals with the Cavaliers was not facing Kobe on the court.


    "That might be tough. I think he''s going to be very busy this summer. If I remember correctly, he''s heading to China soon," Grover said.


    Han Sen was reminded of Kobe''s love for China, where he had a huge following, not just because of his basketball skills.


    "But I can try to get in touch with someone else," he added.


    "DW?" Han Sen guessed.


    Grover shook his head. "KD."


    Kevin Durant? Han Sen was surprised. He didn''t know Grover had a connection with Durant.


    "He once approached me to be his personal trainer," he explained.


    That wasn''t too shocking, given Durant''s well-known stamina issues and Grover''s expertise in conditioning.


    "But you didn''t agree to train him?" Han Sen was curious since Durant''s talent seemed like a perfect opportunity.


    "I couldn''t help him," Grover admitted. "His stamina problem isn''t about training; it''s his body type. The NBA''s never had a shooting guard built like him."


    Standing at 6''10" and often making cuts and dribbles like a guard, Durant''s body was both a blessing and a curse. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Is he not busy this summer?" Han Sen wondered. Despite not being on Kobe''s level, Durant had finished second in the MVP race last season, so his summer should be packed.


    "He''s a gym rat," Grover smiled. A gym rat is someone who practically lives in the gym, sometimes even sleeping there.


    "Alright, see if you can reach out to him," Han said. He wasn''t worried about any awkwardness from their past encounters. At the end of the day, competition was just that¡ªcompetition.


    ---


    Two days later, Han Sen didn''t hear from Durant, but Thomas returned to Memphis with an Under Armour (UA) representative.


    The prototype of Han Sen''s first signature shoe was ready.


    When Han saw the sample, he was thrilled. During the design phase, UA had asked for his input, and he had suggested something similar to Paul George''s PG1 model. The result was a sneaker with about 80% of the same style.


    Han had chosen PG1''s style for a reason. When they first came out, they didn''t make much noise internationally, but back home, they blew up.


    If you were thinking global appeal, they weren''t the best choice, but for the Far Eastern market? Perfect.


    Moreover, after improvements were made to address his criticism for the shoe''s lack of lateral stability, Han tried them on, and the comfort was noticeably better.


    UA had shown him the respect he deserved throughout the process.


    It seemed like his days of wearing other brands'' shoes were finally coming to an end. He already had plans for the season opener: he was going to rock the boldest violet colorway.


    The shoe would be called ''Handsome One'' or the ''HS Terminator One''.


    ''Terminator'' was the name of the line, inspired by Barkley''s shout during a game: ''Scoreboard Terminator''. The nickname had started to stick.


    The name ''Handsome'' also played well back home, so if anyone asked him what he was wearing, it would lead to some funny conversations.


    As for the sample shoes, Han decided to keep them.


    He could take this chance to test their comfort more thoroughly, and if he found any issues, they could still be tweaked before mass production.


    ---


    The next day, while Han was still getting a feel for the shoes, Grover showed up at the gym with someone who had a backpack slung over his shoulder.


    It was Durant, striding in like he owned the place.


    "Let''s go, one-on-one!" Durant tossed his backpack aside, wasting no time throwing down the challenge.


    It wasn''t surprising at all that KD was willing to come to Memphis.


    Besides Grover mentioning that Durant was a ''gym rat'', the more important reason was that he could play against Han!


    Since they were in different conferences, they only faced each other twice a season, and Han''s trash talk during those games had always left Durant seething.


    He didn''t consider it just on-court competition.


    If he hadn''t had some commitments recently, he would have flown to Memphis the day he got Grover''s call.


    It was clear he wasn''t here for a casual visit.


    But Han wasn''t in a rush: "Let''s hit the gym first."


    Durant almost lost his temper¡ªhe hadn''t flown all the way from Oklahoma just to train with Han.


    "He''s right, let''s train first," Grover chimed in, and Durant had no choice but to hold back.


    After a full day of Grover''s grueling training, Han was impressed by Durant''s work ethic.


    Durant was cruising through the drills. It was no joke¡ªGrover''s training was intense¡ªbut Durant made it look easy. Han could see why they called him a ''gym rat'', and it made Han feel the heat too.


    Durant may have been known for his so-called lack of stamina, but he still led the league in scoring last season, putting up over 30 points a game. Given the same amount of touches, Han couldn''t do that¡ªat least, not yet.


    When the day''s training was finally over, Durant wasted no time. He dragged Han to the half-court, practically begging for a one-on-one.


    "What''s with those flashy shoes?" Durant asked, his eyes locked on Han''s new kicks.


    "Beat me, and I''ll tell you," Han shot back, his tone full of confidence.


    "Five minutes, tops, and I''ll know the name of those shoes," Durant fired back, unafraid. He came to Memphis to teach Han a lesson, and he wasn''t about to leave empty-handed.


    Rondo started filming with a camera.


    This could very well become classic footage someday.


    The one-on-one began, playing by American rules, with Durant getting the first possession.


    He started off aggressively, driving before stopping on a dime for a pull-up jumper. It was clear from his pace that he''d leveled up since their last regular-season encounter.


    Durant nailed the first bucket right over Han, then let out a yell and stared Han down.


    Scoring title and leading his team from a 23-win season to 50 wins¡ªthat kind of leap boosted his game and his confidence.


    Durant might not be top five in the league just yet, but he was definitely top ten.


    Han wasn''t fazed. In fact, he looked fired up.


    The reason he wanted to train with Kobe was to push himself to new limits and Durant''s current strength was not much weaker than Kobe''s, which suited him just fine.


    In the next possession, Han stuck to Durant like glue, not giving him any breathing room. Durant tried to power through, but Han timed it perfectly and poked the ball loose.


    Han''s body felt different since training with Grover¡ªquicker, more explosive. It was like he had morphed into a 6''6" Tony Allen.


    Durant was caught off guard, but he wasn''t going to back down. With the ball now in Han''s possession, Durant locked in on defense.


    He was fully engaged now, and though surprised, his mind kept replaying all the trash talk Han had thrown his way in the past, along with the remarks on social media.


    Han went into his bag, using a quick crossover to create some space, but Durant''s long arms still loomed over him, cutting off his angles.


    Durant''s physical gifts meant that when he was fully committed, he was an elite defender.


    Han used two dribbles but didn''t find a good opportunity. He used his last dribble to pull back and create separation for a floater.


    It was the same move he had used to ice the Celtics in Game 5.


    Kevin Garnett couldn''t contest it back then, and though Durant got closer, he still couldn''t reach it.


    "Swish!"


    The ball ripped through the net.


    With his improved physical condition, Han had become even more confident in this move.


    "Need me to set a timer for you?" Han taunted, grinning.


    [Hater Points +1.5]


    Before Han had even finished his sentence, the Hater System flashed a new number.


    Durant was clearly serious this time.


    However... that 1.5 point wasn''t much.


    But then again, he had only recently led his team to the playoffs for the first time, so he wasn''t exactly a big star yet.


    The back-and-forth didn''t stop, and the trash talk got more intense.


    "You really think you can hang with me?" Durant snapped, frustration creeping in.


    "Bro, I''ve been hanging on you like a cheap suit all day," Han shot back. "And guess what? It still fits."


    Durant rolled his eyes, but you could see the fire in them. He might have laughed it off, but you could tell he was taking it personally.


    Grover, watching from the sidelines, shook his head. He hadn''t paid much attention to the backstory between these two, but it was clear now¡ªthey had history.


    But Han Sen hadn''t mentioned anything before.


    The one-on-one raged on for over ten minutes, with Durant finally edging Han out 11 to 9.


    The result wasn''t a surprise. Durant was built for one-on-one matchups, while Han''s wins came more from strategy than brute skill.


    And Durant wasn''t just any player now¡ªhe was in the conversation for the league''s top ten. If Han could beat him easily, then he''d already be considered in that elite group.


    Rondo was about to delete the video, thinking it was just a practice session.


    "Don''t even think about it," Han called out. "I''m not LeBron."


    Being away from Cleveland had its perks¡ªHan could take jabs at James freely.


    But the real reason Han stopped him was because that footage could be useful later.


    Turning back to Durant, Han nodded. "You got me this time," he admitted. "But since you fought hard for it, here''s the scoop: these kicks? They''re UA, HS Terminator One¡ªmy first signature shoe."


    Durant looked stunned, like he''d just been sold an infomercial. "Seriously, dude? Did I just get played into a sneaker ad?"


    Before he could wrap his head around it, Han was already at the three-point line with the ball in his hands. "Let''s go. Round two."

 Chapter 107: Flowers in a Greenhouse.

    Chapter 107: Flowers in a Greenhouse.The two kept playing until they were completely exhausted.


    Although Han Sen managed to win some games, most of his victories came when Durant''s stamina started to drop.


    Overall, Durant was clearly the stronger player.


    "Remember what happened today. Next time on the court, learn some respect," Durant said, picking up his backpack.


    It was clear that he wasn''t planning to train long-term with Han Sen; he just came by to teach him a lesson.


    Grover was about to explain the situation. He initially intended for Han Sen to convince Durant himself, but he didn''t anticipate the animosity between them.


    "Did Tim tell you that he''s my trainer now?" Han Sen said, looking directly at Durant.


    Durant froze, his face showing disbelief.


    He turned to Grover, and when he saw Grover nod, his expression shattered.


    What? Why? What did Han Sen have that he didn''t?!


    No, besides being handsome, what did he even have that compared to him?!


    "Do you know why?" Han Sen continued.


    Now not only Durant, but even Grover looked curious.


    "Because unlike you, I didn''t think about quitting after just one day," he answered his own question.


    Grover couldn''t help but laugh.


    He did indeed choose Han Sen because of his persistence, but that had nothing to do with the current situation.


    Durant''s face turned red. "Who said I was quitting? I''m just taking a break! Tomorrow, I''ll make you eat your words!"


    With that, Durant threw his backpack over his shoulder and walked out of the gym.


    As he watched his back disappear, Han Sen smirked.


    After all, he had already survived a power struggle with LeBron on the Cavaliers; dealing with Durant was going to be easy.


    ---


    With Durant out of the way, Han Sen called over Rondo, asking him to join him in the video room.


    The whole point of watching film was to analyze the game and spot what gets overlooked on the court.


    After sitting down, Rondo went to grab some food for Han Sen while he stayed behind to study the footage.


    In the clips, he could clearly see the improvements in his physical abilities. His movements on both offense and defense were noticeably quicker.


    This was important because athletic performance ultimately comes down to speed.


    If you react faster than others, you can rise to the top.


    Grover had been modest in his earlier comments; the help he had given Michael Jordan was significant, and they had truly elevated each other.


    Apart from this, Han Sen focused on analyzing the games he had lost.


    It didn''t take him long to realize the biggest gap between him and Durant.


    His shooting ability¡ªor more specifically, his mid-range shooting¡ªwas far inferior to Durant''s.


    It wasn''t just a matter of height; it was a gap in skill.


    Previously, he had improved his floater to enhance his finishing ability at the rim.


    In theory, after mastering [Iron Body], he should continue to add more finishing moves, like a hook shot or a turnaround jumper.


    (TL/n: [Iron bones] and [Steel bones] got the same likes, so I''m going with the third option [Iron Body] lol. I''ll gradually change the terms in the previous Chapters.)


    But now it seemed like he really needed to set his next target on mid-range shooting.


    Not only because of his current battles with Durant, but also because of the defensive strategies he might face in the new season.


    When he was with the Cavaliers, LeBron drew most of the defensive attention, so teams didn''t focus much on studying him.


    The most obvious example was the Celtics, whose coach, Doc Rivers, never really paid him much mind, which allowed him to have some amazing playoff performances.


    But Rivers was an ''idiot''; you can''t expect every coach to be like him.


    Looking back at last season, the games against the Spurs stood out. Coach Popovich''s defense turned those games into some of the worst performances of his career.


    With the Cavaliers, he only faced the Spurs twice a season. But now, with the Grizzlies, he would face them four times since they were in the same division.


    And it might not stop there; he could see them in the playoffs too.


    If he ended up having a career-worst series because of Popovich''s tactics, LeBron''s camp would definitely drag his name through the mud.


    He opened his System space.


    Nearly a month had passed since ''The Decision'', and although people were still talking about LeBron, the buzz had died down.


    The world moves quickly, and even hot topics fade away with time.


    Naturally, since Han Sen had spoken up for LeBron, no one was criticizing him as much anymore.


    His hater points were growing slowly, but they had still accumulated to 600,000.


    In total, his statement ''the smartest decision'' had netted him 1.8 million hater points.


    This was close to his initial expectations, considering the audience for ''The Decision'' had reached 30 million.


    But it still wasn''t enough.


    As he had analyzed before, to be truly lethal from mid-range, his skills had to be strong enough, which meant unlocking a Tier 1 talent.


    And a Tier 1 mid-range talent required 1.9 million hater points.


    Although it was slightly less than [Iron Body], it still required some time to accumulate.


    Unlocking a Tier 2 mid-range talent wouldn''t be very useful, as it would only add an inconsistent scoring option.


    There was also the matter of competition for the upcoming season. The Grizzlies'' current focal point on the perimeter was Rudy Gay.


    Han Sen had some familiarity with Gay from his previous life and their encounters while he was on the Cavaliers.


    The guy had explosive talent¡ª6''8" with a 7''3" wingspan, comparable to Kawhi Leonard, with dynamic athleticism.


    In the draft, he was touted as the next ''T-Mac'', a comparison that fit better than Paul George.


    He had a variety of scoring moves, could run and jump, and was especially skilled at difficult mid-range shots, making him fun to watch.


    But Gay had a weakness. Or rather, the reason he never reached his full potential was his efficiency.


    He was always a high-volume, low-efficiency player. The saying ''Any NBA player can score 30 points on 30 shots'' was debunked by him when he scored 29 points on 37 attempts, his most ''classic'' performance.


    If Han Sen wanted to beat Gay in the competition for the starting spot, his most powerful weapon would be his efficiency.


    So unlocking the Tier 1 mid-range talent was the most suitable option, meaning he still needed to accumulate more anti-fan points.


    Rome wasn''t built in a day, and Han Sen wasn''t in a hurry, considering the season hadn''t even started yet. But at least he now had a clear goal.


    From this perspective, bringing KD to Memphis was already a huge win.


    Besides, the training with Durant had just begun.


    As Han Sen and Durant kept battling in the gym, time flew by, and September arrived.


    The gap between Han Sen and Durant was visibly shrinking. Around this time, his hater points surged from 600,000 to 1 million.


    This sudden ''windfall'' wasn''t random; it was due to China''s National Basketball Team finishing their World Championship campaign.


    Their talent had been underrated. Even without Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian put up impressive numbers, averaging 22.5 points and 9.75 rebounds during the group stage, almost matching Yao''s stats.


    The starting five, including Wang Zhizhi, Sun Yue, Wang Shipeng, and Liu Wei, all averaged double-digit scoring.


    They lost 81-89 to Greece, 80-89 to Russia, and 67-78 to Lithuania.


    These performances were commendable, especially given Yao''s absence, earning them the label of ''glorious defeats''.


    Unfortunately, the head coach at the time, Bob Donewald, had a fiery coaching style that clashed with the East Asian culture. As a result, the basketball federation and domestic media harshly criticized him afterward, diminishing the team''s accomplishments.


    But that was in the future. For now, the narrative was: if only Han Sen had joined the national team for the World Championships, they would have had a strong chance of reaching the quarterfinals or even the semifinals.


    This ''what if'' scenario that had haunted him on the Cavaliers was now playing out again, this time with the national team.


    If Han Sen hadn''t made that post, fans would have blamed the basketball federation for not including him in the squad. But ''unfortunately'', Han Sen had become the scapegoat.


    He found the situation a bit absurd.


    His previous post didn''t generate many hater points, but now they were coming in late.


    It was a ''delayed blessing''.


    The real pity was that the national team still made it out of the group stage, so most fans were satisfied with the outcome.


    If they had failed to qualify, Han Sen would''ve earned enough hater points to unlock the mid-range talent immediately.


    In mid-September, the joint training with Durant came to an end, and Durant left Memphis with a lot of frustration.


    In late September, like all other teams, the Grizzlies officially opened training camp.


    Han Sen finally met his new teammates.


    His main focus, of course, was his potential competitor, Rudy Gay.


    To be honest, Gay looked like a star, with his handsome features standing out among African-American players. From certain angles, he even resembled Will Smith.


    He also seemed to be a quiet, low-key guy.


    But with his experience on the Cavaliers, Han Sen knew better than to judge by appearances.


    Besides Gay, the most attention-grabbing player was Zach Randolph.


    Randolph looked like he had just been released from prison, with a fierce face and a very violent temper. He was constantly swearing and gesticulating wildly, like a big black bear.


    In contrast, his partner Marc Gasol was much quieter. Although he wasn''t exactly a man of few words, he preferred to express himself through his actions.


    The person Han Sen found most pleasant to be around was Conley. His every move exuded a quality of humility and politeness, making him even more likable than Ilgauskas.


    The most surprising person to Han Sen, however, was James Johnson.


    Speaking of Johnson, it was entirely thanks to Han that he ended up on the Grizzlies.


    Back then, in order to compete for Han Sen, the Grizzlies had traded for the 18th pick. Unexpectedly, the Cavaliers swooped in and snatched Han Sen away, leaving the Grizzlies to draft Johnson because they had traded away Darrell Arthur.


    Of course, Han Sen''s impression of Johnson wasn''t based on that; as a time traveler, he knew exactly who the ''most dangerous player in the NBA'' was.


    When others fought, they had to think about being fierce enough, use proper techniques, or even set the mood first, but with this guy, he''d just stand quietly in front of his opponent and they''d immediately back down.


    It wasn''t that he looked particularly intimidating, but because he was someone, who came from a family of Taekwondo masters, could really knock you out if things got serious.


    Yet, despite that, he actually seemed very gentle.


    If a player fell, he was always the first to help them up, and he constantly wore a smile. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If you didn''t know his background, you''d really think he was a pushover.


    Besides these players, there were two others who caught his eye.


    One, of course, was Tony Allen.


    Allen had played for the Celtics last season and didn''t seem too impressed with Han Sen, likely due to their previous experiences.


    The other was Haddadi, who was set to replace Thabeet as Gasol''s primary backup in the new season.


    With Han Sen, Delonte West, Tony Allen, and others joining the Grizzlies this season, the team''s perimeter strength had noticeably improved. However, the inside bench depth seemed a bit weak.


    But that was normal. If the Grizzlies really had a lineup as flawless as the Cavaliers did last season, they wouldn''t just be aiming for the playoffs; they''d be, as Han Sen said, directly targeting the championship.


    After the players warmed up at the training facility, the Grizzlies'' head coach, Lionel Hollins, arrived with his coaching staff.


    Alongside Hollins, there was Dave Joerger, who was considered the team''s top assistant coach.


    In most teams, if the head coach was defense-oriented, they''d complement him with an offensive-minded coach, like how the Cavaliers paired Brown with Pierce.


    However, both Hollins and Joerger were well-known defensive coaches, which showed the Grizzlies'' emphasis on defense.


    But compared to Hollins, who looked fierce, Joerger had a much more approachable face, even somewhat comical.


    As Han Sen withdrew his gaze, he noticed Gay frowning at Hollins.


    Judging from this, it seemed that Gay and Hollins didn''t have a good relationship?


    Unlike Brown, Hollins not only looked fierce but also spoke fiercely.


    After gathering the players, the first thing he emphasized was ''obedience''.


    This kind of style was rare in the NBA, as it is a commercial league where coaches don''t wield as much power as in the NCAA.


    However, this approach seemed to work well with the Grizzlies, even making Randolph appear quiet.


    When the official training began and they started running tactical drills, Han Sen understood all the lingering doubts.


    It was related to the Grizzlies'' tactical system.


    Although he had faced the Grizzlies as an opponent while on the Cavaliers, experiencing it from the inside was a completely different feeling.


    The Grizzlies'' tactics were all initiated around the interior.


    The first offensive option was Randolph, and the primary facilitator was Gasol.


    Even the perimeter plays involved supporting the interior, such as Conley and Gasol''s pick-and-rolls.


    As for Gay and Han Sen, they only held the ball when the interior plays weren''t working or couldn''t be executed.


    So Gay''s expression toward Hollins was purely due to dissatisfaction with his tactical role.


    The reason Randolph obeyed Hollins was because his tactical status on the team was unparalleled.


    By securing Randolph, Hollins'' unusual coaching style naturally worked for the Grizzlies.


    It was a completely different system from the Cavaliers, which somewhat surprised Han Sen.


    However, this unexpected situation actually excited Han Sen.


    Because when he chose the second option back then, he knew that he would face competition and challenges.


    You can''t grow flowers in a greenhouse; only competition can make you stronger.


    He was sure that the competitive atmosphere on this Grizzlies team had the foundation to beat the Heat''s Big Three.


    And his next goal was to compete with Gay and claim the core perimeter position.

 Chapter 108: Chaos is a Ladder.

    Chapter 108: Chaos is a Ladder.The Grizzlies'' first day of training didn''t involve full-court scrimmages. Han Sen primarily showcased his three-point shooting and defense.


    Defense needed no further emphasis, as it was exactly what the Grizzlies were looking for. Even without displaying it, the coaching staff would have prioritized evaluating Han Sen''s defense, considering he was the only player on the team''s perimeter who had made the All-Defensive Team.


    As for the three-point shooting, that was Han Sen''s crafty move.


    The Grizzlies'' offense was built around the interior, so what did they need most?


    Space.


    Low-post isolation was the most susceptible to collapsing defenses. And to create space, three-point shooters were essential.


    However, Han Sen noticed that none of the Grizzlies'' three-point shooters were reliable.


    At this time, neither Rudy Gay nor Mike Conley''s three-point shooting was more than "usable" and couldn''t support the team''s tactics.


    So, although it was just the first day of training, Han Sen had already surpassed Gay and Conley to become the primary passer when Randolph posted up inside.


    Compared to Gay and Conley, who needed to cut to the basket after passing the ball to draw defenders, potentially causing Randolph to get double-teamed, Han Sen''s ability to pass and then immediately space the floor was much more efficient.


    However, feeding the ball inside wasn''t an easy task. It had been a problematic area for teams like Yao Ming''s.


    Han Sen possessed this skill not only because of his stable three-point shooting but also thanks to his time with the Cavaliers, where he gained valuable experience feeding Shaquille O''Neal.


    After the first day of training ended, the players returned to the locker room.


    Han Sen sat in his corner resting, with Delonte West beside him.


    Earlier, Theus had brought them to the locker room, and changing a locker position was a minor matter.


    While changing his shoes, Han Sen sensed someone looking at him. When he looked up, he saw Rudy Gay quickly turn his head away.


    It seemed Gay already had an issue with him.


    This was expected. Gay''s role in the offense was already limited, and Han Sen had taken away some of his touches as soon as he arrived. It was only natural for him to feel slighted. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But so what? Competition doesn''t involve everyone sitting down peacefully to share the spoils.


    The resources are limited, and no one wants to settle for less, so one has to fight for them.


    Just then, someone came into Han Sen''s field of vision.


    Conley walked over with a smile.


    Han Sen didn''t know what he wanted but greeted him with a friendly expression.


    Conley sat down, and Han Sen soon understood his intention.


    This guy came over to discuss the nuances of passing to the post.


    The difference between people was already apparent in that instant.


    Because of his Cavaliers experience, Han Sen didn''t judge people by their appearance, but Conley, in his current lifetime, was exactly as he remembered.


    A player who played 17 years in the league, was never ejected, never received a technical or flagrant foul, and never fouled out. Moreover, he made the All-Defensive Team, won the NBA''s Teammate of the Year award twice, and received the NBA Sportsmanship Award four times. It spoke volumes about how cleanly he played and how good a person he was.


    During his chat with Conley, Han Sen learned a lot about the Grizzlies.


    For example, the head coach, Lionel Hollins.


    Hollins held significant power within the team not just because he could manage Randolph, but more importantly, because he was a ''three-time veteran'' for the Grizzlies.


    Back in the 1999¨C2000 season, when the Grizzlies were still in Vancouver, Hollins served as an interim coach.


    Later, during the 2004¨C05 season, when Hubie Brown was fired, Hollins again stepped in as the interim coach.


    Finally, in the 2008¨C09 season, when the Grizzlies were in turmoil and changed coaches three times in one season, Hollins took over once more and had been coaching ever since.


    So, after talking with Conley, Han Sen could confirm that Hollins was a coach with actual power, and his authority was unquestioned in the Grizzlies.


    This made Gay and Randolph''s reactions even more understandable.


    After about a week of tactical training, Hollins finally arranged for a full-court scrimmage.


    The team was divided into three groups: starters, reserves, and bench players.


    Starters: Conley, Han Sen, Gay, Randolph, and Marc Gasol.


    Reserves: Delonte West, Tony Allen, Sam Young, James Johnson, and Hamed Haddadi.


    Bench: Ish Smith, Acie Law, Rodney Carney, DeMarre Carroll, and Dant¨¦ Alighieri.


    The scrimmage started with a game between the reserves and the bench players.


    Han Sen had previously only focused on key rotation players, and it was then that he noticed a familiar face on the Grizzlies'' bench.


    Carroll was on the Grizzlies at this time?


    This was a player who would later earn a multi-million dollar contract with the Hawks.


    However, once the game began, Han Sen realized that Carroll was still a very raw player at this point, possessing only a physical presence.


    And it wasn''t just Carroll; the Grizzlies'' bench had players who were primarily defensive specialists with little offensive talent.


    It was as if the Grizzlies had gathered all the league''s players who could only defend and not score.


    In comparison, West was the most offensively threatening player on the court.


    The disparity in offensive talent left Han Sen wiping away sweat.


    It was clear that being overly one-sided could be a disadvantage at times.


    After a series of missed shots, thanks to West''s performance, the reserve team eventually won 9-6.


    After a short break, it was time for the starters to play against the reserves.


    The reserve team began on offense, and Han Sen rested on defense.


    Tony Allen posed virtually no offensive threat, leaving Han Sen with little to do.


    West made a mid-range jumper after a pick-and-roll with Johnson.


    Despite his character issues, West had well-rounded skills.


    Just like the last play, he had keenly identified Randolph''s defensive weakness.


    Although Randolph had a big frame, his mobility was on par with Shaquille O''Neal''s, making him vulnerable to pick-and-roll plays.


    Conley pushed the ball upcourt, and once Randolph established a good position down low, he passed to Han Sen, who then fed the ball inside. Randolph caught it and went one-on-one against Johnson, scoring with a beautiful post move and turnaround jumper.


    Randolph''s low-post skills were on full display, but what struck Han Sen even more was how truly old-school the style was.


    Though it wasn''t yet the small-ball era, passing and cutting were becoming more common in the league. Teams like the Cavaliers primarily relied on pick-and-roll plays and passing sequences.


    But the Grizzlies, with their twin-tower approach and low-post focus, resembled the double-post Rockets led by Hakeem Olajuwon in the ''90s.


    However, this grind-it-out style was indeed effective against teams with limited offensive capabilities.


    For instance, as Han Sen helped Randolph with defensive rotations, the reserve team could only fall further behind.


    Midway through the first quarter, the score had already reached 10-2.


    But it was around this time that a small incident occurred on the court.


    When the starters pushed the ball upcourt, Gay asked Conley for the ball and began isolating.


    It was a genuine isolation play, with no attention given to his teammates.


    His style resembled Carmelo Anthony''s during the All-Star game¡ªseemingly triple-threat but essentially only offering two options.


    Sam Young, who entered the NBA the same year as Han Sen and was last year''s second-round pick for the Grizzlies, had decent physical attributes.


    However, his talent paled in comparison to Gay''s. After getting past Young, Gay hit a floater over him for the score.


    Then, for several consecutive possessions, he continued to play solo.


    The downside to this approach was that it left the other teammates disengaged. Even Randolph showed visible frustration on defense.


    Observing Hollins'' reaction on the sideline, Han Sen saw that he wasn''t happy either.


    Could Gay really be this reckless?


    That didn''t seem right.


    Han Sen''s impression of Gay wasn''t that of an unruly player; if it were someone like Cousins, he''d understand.


    After thinking it over, Han Sen figured out the reason.


    Gay was expressing his frustration in his own way.


    There was a subtle detail here: Gay had signed a five-year max contract with the Grizzlies this summer.


    Before signing the deal, he dared not step out of line, knowing Hollins'' high standing with the team. Any reduction in his role might have jeopardized his chances of securing a max deal.


    But now, with his contract secured and given by a small-market team, his trade value was low, making it hard for the Grizzlies to move him.


    So Gay was using this approach to demand a more prominent role in the offense.


    From a logical perspective, it made sense; after all, a player with a max contract who didn''t produce matching numbers would face heavy criticism.


    However, this situation signaled an opportunity for Han Sen.


    Gay''s mindset would inevitably lead to friction with the coaching staff, and if Han Sen could capitalize on this discord, it could be his chance.


    ---


    After training ended that day, Randolph was cursing in the locker room.


    Although he didn''t mention any names, everyone knew who he was targeting.


    However, no one chimed in to support him; instead, Conley went over to try to calm him down.


    After all, out of the young players on the Grizzlies, Gay had been with the team the longest, making him the leader among the younger players.


    And Randolph was just a later addition and had a reputation as a league troublemaker.


    Under these circumstances, most players sided with Gay, even if what he did today wasn''t quite right.


    For several days, Gay had been expressing his dissatisfaction in this way.


    Hollins found himself in a tough spot.


    He had already asked Joerger to communicate with Gay, but it seemed like Gay was determined to secure a bigger role in the team''s tactics.


    Moreover, Gay''s isolation skills were indeed impressive.


    Hollins tried putting Allen on him, but it wasn''t effective.


    Gay not only had the skills but was also very strong physically, which put Allen at a disadvantage in defending someone of his size.


    Plus, Gay had worked hard on his game over the summer and had noticeably improved to a higher level.


    The situation looked like Gay was demanding a bigger role in the game plan, and he was proving that giving him the ball was the better option.


    This was the real issue causing Hollins'' discomfort.


    With less than ten days until the season started, if they couldn''t rein in Gay''s momentum, the Grizzlies might face internal strife when the new season began.


    The next day, Han Sen uncharacteristically arrived late for practice.


    Hollins looked angry, clearly in a bad mood and ready to vent, and Han walked right into it.


    However, what he said next quickly diffused Hollins'' anger.


    He didn''t explain why he was late, only acknowledging that he was and suggesting that he should practice with the second team.


    Hollins wasn''t stupid; he had been an All-Star player during his career and had been in the league for over 20 years, so he could read between the lines.


    "This is a one-time thing. Don''t let it happen again!"


    After reiterating his coaching principles, he motioned for Han Sen to rejoin the team.


    Soon, it was time for the full-court scrimmage.


    This time, Hollins set up a match between the starters and the reserves, swapping Han Sen and Tony Allen''s positions.


    Looking at the lineup across from him, Hansen felt a strong sense of familiarity because it was the Grizzlies'' starting lineup he knew so well.


    The scrimmage began quickly, with the reserves getting the first possession.


    Han Sen took a pass from West and tried a one-on-one move, but his floater missed the basket under Gay''s defense.


    Gay''s talent was indeed exceptional.


    Spurs fans once had a classic ''what if'': had Gay been drafted by the Spurs instead of joining later, would the team have found its ''Leonard'' sooner and won more championships?


    On defense, Han immediately double-teamed Randolph, forcing the latter to spin baseline for a shot, but Johnson''s contest disrupted him, and he missed.


    However, Gasol scored on a putback over Haddadi.


    On the next possession, Han Sen changed his approach on offense, moving off the ball instead of handling it.


    This adjustment allowed him to find an open shot, and West''s pass was right on target. Han caught the ball and fired a three-pointer, sinking it with ease.


    The Grizzlies'' coaching staff all had a bright look in their eyes.


    The Grizzlies had always played a structured, half-court style, making this type of offense quite rare.


    Hansen and West high-fived as they got back on defense, showing great chemistry from having played together for a season with the Cavaliers.


    What excited Han Sen even more was that in that last possession, he noticed a defensive weakness in Gay.


    Compared to his ability to defend ball handlers, Gay''s off-ball defense was quite average, even poor, as he seemed more concerned about what the ball handler was doing than his own assignment.


    This reminded Han of an old acquaintance.


    The starters continued to play through Randolph, with Allen moving to the far corner on the weak side.


    But Hansen didn''t bother with Allen and double-teamed Randolph again.


    Randolph showed his passing vision, throwing the ball to Allen along the baseline.


    Allen had an open three, but hesitated after receiving the ball. Eventually, he drove to the basket, but Han, who had recovered, blocked his shot, and secured the rebound.


    Just like he showed in his one-on-one matchup with Durant, Han Sen''s improved physical condition made his recovery and rebounding much better than last season.


    After grabbing the rebound, he immediately pushed the ball forward.


    The Grizzlies players were accustomed to half-court play, and it wasn''t until he crossed the free-throw line that they reacted.


    Conley came over to stop him, but Han Sen threw a long pass forward, where West was already past the three-point line.


    Anyone who came from the Cavaliers was skilled at fast breaks.


    West scored on the fast break layup, making it 5-2 in favor of the reserves.


    For Han, who once led the Cavaliers'' third team to dominate the first and second teams, this situation was familiar territory.


    At this point, Gay reached out to Conley for the ball.


    This time, Conley didn''t hesitate and passed it to him right away. With the inside attack stalling, Gay needed to open things up.


    Gay took the ball and drove past Sam Young, but as soon as he got by, Han was there to challenge him, putting pressure on the ball.


    Forced to slow down, Gay tried to use his strength to muscle past him but quickly found that Han Sen wouldn''t budge.


    Although Han was 2 kilograms lighter than last season, his improved core strength didn''t compromise his physicality.


    As Gay was about to spin, he noticed Sam Young had recovered as well.


    Despite the double-team, Gay didn''t pass and tried to pull up for a jump shot, but Han timed his reach perfectly and stripped the ball away.


    After the steal, Hansen accelerated quickly, leaving Gay behind.


    West was already running on the other side for a fast break, and Conley couldn''t cover both.


    As for the rest of the Grizzlies, their biggest flaw with the ''twin towers'' lineup was evident, just as Brown''s Cavaliers had shown with O''Neal and Ilgauskas, transition defense was always an issue.


    In the blink of an eye, Han was charging down the court. When Conley shifted off West to cover him, Han raised the ball with his right hand.


    Conley tried to poke it loose but failed and quickly retreated.


    Boom!


    Hansen soared and slammed it down with one hand!


    The sound was deep yet loud.


    The players on the bench shouted excitedly.


    As he landed, he glanced over at the sideline and saw the corner of Hollins'' mouth curl upward.


    Chaos is a ladder, and Han Sen was already climbing it.

 Chapter 109: Interrogation.

    Chapter 109: Interrogation.The substitute team ultimately defeated the starting lineup 18-12.


    This wasn''t necessarily a reflection of both teams'' strengths, but it did give Han Sen''s abilities a chance to fully shine.


    Randolph was effectively contained, while Gay was even more helpless.


    Han Sen''s mobility on defense, particularly in help situations, left Hollins extremely impressed.


    After shedding weight and improving his core strength, Han Sen''s lateral movement speed nearly returned to the level it was before he bulked up.


    Of course, some credit goes to Tony Allen, who effectively made the starting team play 4-on-5 on offense, allowing Han Sen to help defensively without hesitation.


    On offense, Han Sen also showcased his excellent finishing skills, which he had previously held back to focus on displaying his three-point shooting, leaving a pleasant surprise.


    At this point, Hollins was looking at Han Sen much like Larry Brown of the Bobcats once did¡ªseeing him as more and more impressive with each glance.


    After training ended, Han Sen returned to the locker room.


    Conley came over for a chat, wanting to talk about help defense.


    Conley didn''t have Gay''s athleticism, but his academic mindset toward the game might be one of the secrets behind his success, which ended up far surpassing Gay''s in the long run.


    Han was more than happy to chat with him. As a textbook example of a point guard, Conley was keen on the finer details of the game, and their conversation was mutually beneficial.


    As they talked, Han noticed someone approaching. He looked up to see Gay walking toward them, his jaw clenched, looking visibly angry.


    And he had every right to be upset. He had been trying to force Hollins into giving him a bigger role on the team, but Han had inadvertently spoiled his plans.


    Conley saw the look on Gay''s face and quickly got up, pulling him aside and urging him to talk it out.


    "Han isn''t unreasonable," he reassured him.


    But Gay wasn''t having it, and he shook Conley off. "How about we go one-on-one?" he challenged Han.


    Well, so much for Han''s previous statement. It seemed Gay wasn''t thinking clearly.


    ''Settling things with a game of one-on-one?'' Han thought. ''What are we, kids?''


    By now, the rest of the team had gathered around, intrigued by Gay''s challenge. Most watched with curiosity, while Randolph looked like he was settling in to enjoy the show.


    "What do I get if I win?" Han asked directly.


    "What do you want?" Gay shot back, surprisingly open to negotiation.


    "Hmm, how about you tell Coach to give all the plays assigned to you, to me?" Han said, half-jokingly.


    He was hoping to make Gay back down. After all, losing a one-on-one in front of the entire team would be embarrassing.


    Han wasn''t here to start a war. He joined the Grizzlies to compete against the Heat''s Big Three and chase a championship. Competing for a bigger role was one thing, but this level of hostility wasn''t necessary.


    Making it an all-out conflict would be counterproductive, especially since Gay had just signed a contract above his market value and couldn''t be traded easily.


    "Fine," Gay agreed.


    Well, now Han had no choice.


    He stood up, ready to go.


    In reality, this wasn''t such a bad thing. He was still new to the Grizzlies, and most of the team didn''t know him well. If he wanted to establish himself quickly, a statement game wouldn''t hurt.


    And Gay was offering himself up as the perfect opportunity.


    Both Han and Gay left the locker room, with the rest of the team following closely behind.


    Everyone loves a bit of drama, especially when it concerns them.


    "How are we starting?" Gay asked as they took the court.


    "You go first," Han said politely.


    Gay didn''t hold back. He took the ball and walked straight to the three-point line.


    In the previous scrimmage, Han Sen had been using help defense, so if it came down to one-on-one, he thought he wouldn''t be as helpless.


    Once he reached the three-point line, Gay quickly initiated an attack, driving to the right.


    Han Sen kept close, and Gay couldn''t shake him off, eventually forcing a fadeaway jumper.


    Han Sen timed his jump to contest the shot, but Gay''s wingspan was impressive, lifting the release point high enough to evade the block.


    Thanks to his outstanding wingspan, his jump shot had once been described as ''unblockable''.


    Although the shot was difficult, Gay seemed comfortable with this kind of release, using his hang time to complete the motion.


    The basketball arced through the air and swished through the hoop.


    The teammates on the sideline cheered, and Conley glanced at Han, looking a bit concerned. He worried that Han might have underestimated Gay.


    Although Gay''s basketball IQ might be lacking, his athleticism and scoring ability were his strengths.


    However, Han Sen didn''t seem fazed by the defensive failure. Instead, he smiled and nodded as if acknowledging Gay''s tough shot-making ability.


    This left Conley puzzled.


    Gay attacked again, but this time Han Sen forced him to stop.


    The players on the sidelines looked surprised.


    Gay had to resort to a turnaround fadeaway.


    But with the intense defensive pressure from Han Sen, though the shot managed to avoid being blocked, it fell short, hitting the front rim and bouncing out.


    There''s an old saying: "Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will be undefeated."


    Han Sen had been paying attention to Gay from day one at training camp, using his experience as a former trainer to analyze his skill set.


    Gay''s athleticism was indeed strong in both static and dynamic measurements, but there was one limitation that capped his potential: speed.


    To put it simply, Gay had the body of a small forward but the speed of a power forward.


    Moreover, his ball-handling was subpar.


    While training with Grover, in addition to physical conditioning, Han Sen also worked on ball-handling and passing. Grover had advised him to lower his dribbling stance.


    For someone of Han Sen''s height, low dribbling isn''t easy. Aside from the challenge, it can also reduce a player''s court vision.


    But the benefit is that it allows for more frequent dribbling to get past defenders and lowers the chances of turnovers.


    Han Sen ultimately accepted Grover''s advice, as he had initially promised.


    Gay, on the other hand, dribbled with an even higher stance due to his height.


    With a high dribble and slow speed, the result was that Gay couldn''t shake off defenders with either his speed or his handle, leaving him with no choice but to settle for contested jumpers.


    So, rather than saying he was obsessed with long two-point shots, it was more accurate to say he had no other options.


    The ball switched hands, and Han Sen had possession.


    Gay got into a defensive stance, clapping his hands in front of his chest.


    It seemed like he intended to make up for his poor offense by playing hard defense.


    After all, during the scrimmage, he had done a good job of containing Han Sen when defending one-on-one.


    Han Sen held the ball in a triple-threat position, not rushing to attack.


    With a fake to the right, he noticed Gay shift his weight in that direction and quickly changed direction to the left, creating space for a step-back three-pointer.


    Gay''s defensive contest was limited, and Han Sen''s three-pointer was right on target.


    Gay''s technical shortcomings affected not only his offense but also his defense.


    The teammates exclaimed in surprise; no one on the Grizzlies had really played like this before.


    Conley let out a sigh of relief, seeing that Han Sen had clearly come prepared.


    But he quickly grew concerned again because he knew that if Gay lost, it would create even bigger problems.


    Gay was visibly frustrated, pounding his chest and throwing the ball to Han Sen, resuming his defensive stance.


    Han Sen took the ball and immediately faked a three-point shot, prompting Gay to lunge forward.


    However, it was a pump fake, and Han Sen quickly dribbled to the right, accelerating past Gay.


    In just one possession, the difference in their dribble was clear¡ªHan Sen''s was lower and quicker, allowing him to get into the paint in a flash.


    Gay landed and tried to catch up as Han Sen drove in for a layup, making a desperate leap to block. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Han Sen switched hands in mid-air for a reverse layup from the left, scoring effortlessly.


    Gay had the athleticism, but it wasn''t enough against Han''s crafty moves.


    The sideline erupted in applause, acknowledging that while Gay had the raw talent, Han''s skillset clearly outshone his.


    After all, Han had already faced off against Wade before joining the league and had just spent the summer training with Durant.


    If he could hold his own against those two, beating Gay was hardly a stretch.


    Han Sen won 11-7, giving Gay some face by not making it an easy victory.


    But the players on the sidelines could all see that Han Sen was much better at one-on-one than Gay.


    The latter underestimated Han''s abilities and hit a brick wall.


    When the match ended, Gay turned and stormed off in frustration.


    "Where are you going?" Han called after him.


    "A bet''s a bet!" Gay replied. Although he wasn''t the brightest, he had the guts to own up to his loss without being a coward.


    "Come back here!" Han was a bit speechless. Did Gay really think Hollins was as clueless as he was?


    Hollins hadn''t given Gay a more prominent tactical role because his system revolved around the frontcourt.


    The coach had let Gay do his thing in training camp because Gay had just signed a max contract. If Hollins were to hand Han all the offensive plays, it would essentially be going against the front office''s wishes.


    Plus, if Hollins found out the real reason behind all this, Han''s standing with the coach could take a hit.


    That''s why Han had brushed it off earlier, saying it was just a game.


    "Treat me to dinner," Han said.


    Gay froze for a moment.


    Conley caught on immediately. He realized Han was giving Gay another way out.


    He quickly stepped in with a smile, grabbing Gay with one hand and Han with the other, suggesting some good local spots in Memphis.


    The team gradually dispersed, though Randolph looked a bit disappointed, having expected more drama.


    ---


    In a private room at a restaurant in Memphis, the three sat down for dinner.


    The atmosphere was still a bit tense after what had just happened.


    Conley tried to break the ice with small talk, but it didn''t quite work.


    Finally, Gay couldn''t hold it in any longer. "Why do you have a problem with me?" he asked.


    "Rudy''s wondering why you seem to be targeting him," Conley interjected to ease the tension.


    "I want to be the primary perimeter option on the Grizzlies," Han said bluntly.


    Gay''s expression tightened. "Well, you''re not hiding it," he scoffed.


    "Wasn''t that O.J. Mayo''s goal, too?" Han replied with a grin.


    Gay''s face darkened. His issues with Hollins went beyond just wanting more offensive plays¡ªhe was frustrated that Hollins had never really established him as the team''s primary option on the perimeter.


    It was as if he and Mayo had been thrown into a pit, left to fight it out and see who would emerge victorious.


    After finally getting the upper hand over Mayo, now Han had come into the picture.


    Gay had actually considered leaving the team over the summer, but after the Grizzlies traded Mayo and gave him the max contract he wanted, he decided to stay.


    "I want to be the primary perimeter option not just because of my personal ambitions, but also because your skills aren''t up to par."


    "Han''s saying that..." Conley scratched his head. He didn''t know how to translate that.


    "What makes you say that? Just because you beat me one-on-one?" Gay retorted.


    Han shook his head. While isolation skills are important in basketball, they aren''t everything. Otherwise, Durant and Anthony would have won championships long ago.


    "You have the physique of a small forward, the speed of a power forward, and the playing style of a shooting guard."


    Gay didn''t get it.


    Han rubbed his forehead. It seemed like he needed to be more direct.


    "Your basketball IQ is lacking. You have the body of a small forward but choose to play a less efficient shooting guard style. If the team builds around you, you might put up nice stats, but it will be hard for us to make the playoffs, let alone contend for a championship."


    Gay''s face turned red. He wanted to argue, but words failed him.


    After all, during his years with the Grizzlies, as Han pointed out, his stats had been decent, but the team hadn''t made a single playoff appearance.


    Last season''s improvement came after Hollins established Randolph as the focal point.


    "Han, Rudy wants to win too," Conley said, trying to speak up for Gay.


    Han''s words were true, but the truth can sting.


    "LeBron says the same thing," Han shrugged.


    "Cough!" Conley cleared his throat awkwardly.


    "Alright, since we''re talking about winning, let me tell you how you can help the team," Han said, softening his tone.


    Both Conley and Gay looked at Han curiously.


    "There are two ways. The first is to change your style, focus on playing off the ball, and make more cuts to the basket. That would maximize your physical gifts and shooting ability."


    This was the approach Gay eventually took with the Spurs, and it proved to be the best fit for his game.


    Gay frowned at the suggestion. It would mean sacrificing a lot of ball-handling opportunities. Besides, the Grizzlies didn''t run many plays like that, so his stats would definitely take a hit.


    Han seemed to realize that Gay wouldn''t choose this option, even though it would be the best thing for the team.


    "The second option is to put your energy into defense when you''re in the starting lineup, and then lead the team when you''re on the court with the second unit. That would avoid any conflicts over touches with Zach (Randolph), and you could still put up decent stats."


    Staggering Gay''s minutes with the starters?


    Why not?


    ---


    TL/n:


    Staggering Gay''s minutes means adjusting his playing time so that he spends more time on the court with the second unit (the bench players) rather than playing exclusively with the starting lineup.


    The idea is to ensure that he plays during stretches when the team''s primary scoring options, like Randolph, are resting.


    This way, Gay would have more opportunities to be the focal point of the offense when he''s on the floor with the bench players, allowing him to showcase his skills and maintain his stats without competing for touches with other key players.


    It helps avoid conflicts over ball possession and maximizes his impact by letting him take on a leading role during certain periods of the game.

 Chapter 110: Some Joys Can Only Be Experienced.

    Chapter 110: Some Joys Can Only Be Experienced."How do you think Rudy will choose?"


    After dinner, Gay left first, leaving Han and Conley still in the restaurant.


    "Maybe the second option, or maybe he won''t choose either," Han Sen shook his head.


    People are inherently selfish and lazy, especially since Gay doesn''t seem particularly smart.


    Although Gay lost face today, as long as he''s thick-skinned enough, he can act like nothing happened.


    Fundamentally, the fact that Gay signed a max contract with the team is a done deal, so as long as he puts his mind to causing a fuss, he can secure his position.


    Of course, in the end, Gay might not hold on, because as he mentioned before, the Grizzlies are past the rookie benefit period, and if they don''t start producing results, rebuilding is inevitable.


    "I''ll try to persuade him." What Han did today may not necessarily convince Gay, but it did earn Conley''s admiration.


    Having the ability, knowing when to stop, and being able to offer practical advice¡ªall these combined create personal charm, or what could be called leadership.


    Neither Gay, Randolph, nor Conley himself had really shown much of that quality before.


    Indeed, anyone who could stand out on a team like the Cavaliers was not just average.


    Han Sen nodded.


    He didn''t know what Conley was thinking at that moment, but he knew that Conley was well-liked. If Conley could persuade Gay to choose the second option, it would be good for the Grizzlies.


    ---


    Time flew by, and by the end of September, training camps for various teams had wrapped up.


    What Gay ultimately chose was unknown, as he didn''t give Conley a clear answer. However, he calmed down during training camp and didn''t go back to his old solo ways.


    This was a good thing for the Grizzlies, and for Han Sen as well.


    Because Han helped Hollins solve a big problem, his standing in the latter''s eyes improved significantly.


    Around this time, NBA columnist Marc Stein published the first power rankings for the 2010-2011 season on social media.


    In the rankings, the defending champion Lakers were at the top.


    Following closely were the peak Miami Heat with their Big Three.


    The Celtics, Magic, Mavericks, Thunder, Jazz, Spurs, Bulls, and Bucks occupied positions 3 through 10.


    The Grizzlies were ranked 20th.


    Although the Grizzlies'' offseason trade with the Cavaliers generated some buzz, and Han made bold statements about leading the team to a championship after joining, the team was still not highly regarded.


    Meanwhile, the Cavaliers, who had lost Han, James, Shaq, and Ilgauskas, were ranked 22nd.


    The rankings sparked considerable controversy.


    The biggest points of contention were naturally the positions of the Lakers and the Heat.


    The Lakers'' path to defending their title last season was tough, and this season their roster had hardly changed, looking clearly aged. So why were they still ahead of the Heat?


    The second point was the Grizzlies. They were close to making the playoffs last season, and Han Sen shined during the previous season. Although talk of a championship was unrealistic, were they really not even good enough to make the playoffs?


    The last issue was the Cavaliers. After losing three core players, why weren''t they considered a bottom-three team?


    Because of these questions, Stein''s social media was bombarded by fans.


    In the end, Stein had to write a detailed article explaining the points of contention.


    First, he explained that the power rankings took into account matchup dynamics. He believed that if the Lakers and Heat met in the Finals, the Heat''s weaknesses in the paint would put them at a disadvantage.


    Secondly, he argued that Han Sen''s abilities were overestimated, using Bonzi Wells as an example.


    Wells, during the 2005-2006 season with the Kings, averaged 13.6 points per game in the regular season, just like Han Sen. He also posted impressive stats in the playoffs against the defending champion Spurs, averaging 23.2 points and 12 rebounds on 62.5% shooting.


    But in the following season with the Rockets, Wells averaged just 7.8 points in 28 games.


    Stein believed Han Sen''s injury concerns would be exacerbated on a Grizzlies team that played a half-court style, and that he might perform even worse than Wells.


    Finally, despite losing James and O''Neal, the Cavaliers had acquired Mayo and Thabeet.


    Mayo had been considered a player with a floor of Kobe Bryant and a ceiling of Michael Jordan when drafted, but he didn''t receive enough development in Memphis. Thabeet, a former second-overall pick, had only played 13 minutes per game as a rookie.


    At the end of the article, Stein added a personal opinion: "I still believe that the Cavaliers were the beneficiaries of the draft night trade. It may take two to three years for this to become clear."


    At the same time, the league released the schedule for the upcoming season, including pre-season and regular-season games.


    The pre-season opener was set for October 5, with the first game being the Lakers vs. the Timberwolves.


    The regular season would begin on October 27.


    The Grizzlies'' first game was also on October 27, as they would head to Miami to face the Heat.


    As the league''s strategist, Stern knew what kind of script would excite the fans.


    This arrangement sparked excitement among the fans but also drew some criticism, mostly from Heat fans and especially LeBron''s followers.


    The Heat had just formed and needed time to develop chemistry, but the Grizzlies'' style was clearly a bad matchup for them, making this arrangement unfavorable to the Heat.


    However, what these critics overlooked was that Stern was firmly opposed to ''The Decision'' and did not want to see the league dominated by superteams.


    The old collective bargaining agreement would expire next summer, and negotiations had already begun in February of the previous year. Introducing a superteam now would make many team owners anxious about losing their star players and, subsequently, their fanbase.


    Furthermore, if top stars continued to form superteams, the league would become dominated by a few teams, leaving others in decline.


    To prevent this trend, a hard salary cap would need to be implemented, which was the biggest sticking point in labor negotiations.


    If the disagreement could not be resolved, Stern would have to face a lockout during his tenure.


    Han was very pleased with this arrangement by the league. Although Gay''s issues were not yet completely resolved, as a time traveler, he knew the Heat''s Big Three would face more early struggles than the Grizzlies.


    The Grizzlies would have a chance to deliver a ''rude awakening'' to the Heat in this game.


    However, the regular season was still a while away, and they had seven pre-season games to play.


    The Grizzlies'' first pre-season game was at home against the Pacers.


    The Pacers were ranked 21st in Stein''s power rankings, making them fairly evenly matched with the Grizzlies.


    The game quickly saw the Grizzlies take the upper hand.


    At this time, David West had not yet joined the Pacers, and their power forward rotation consisted of Tyler Hansbrough and Josh McRoberts.


    One had brute strength but couldn''t use it effectively, while the other wasn''t known for his defense. Neither could handle Randolph in the post.


    Hansen''s impact was also evident, as his presence at the three-point line created plenty of space for Randolph to operate in the post.


    This prompted the commentator to remark, "As long as Han stands there, he''s worth 10 million dollars."


    Although Mayo had shot well from three-point range last season, he wasn''t a true three-point specialist and didn''t have the same tactical impact.


    But as the Grizzlies took control, Gay started his isolation plays.


    Facing Mike Dunleavy''s defense, Gay''s superior speed and overall skills gave him the advantage.


    After driving past Dunleavy several times and hitting mid-range jumpers, the crowd cheered loudly.


    Pacers coach Jim O''Brien, seeing trouble, replaced Dunleavy with Paul George.


    George was the Pacers'' tenth overall pick this year, with similar physical measurements to Han Sen but with a longer wingspan by 2 cm. He also had better dynamic athleticism, including vertical leap and jump speed, and excellent flexibility.


    The Cavaliers had previously considered trading Han Sen for George, but the Grizzlies'' offer was more attractive, so they dropped the trade.


    Seeing the Pacers bring in a rookie, Gay''s desire to score one-on-one grew even stronger.


    However, he underestimated George''s abilities.


    Though a rookie, George had quick lateral movement, making it hard for Gay to get past him.


    With 7-foot-2 Roy Hibbert guarding the paint, Gay couldn''t easily drive inside without risking a blocked shot.


    This forced him to resort to post-up plays, but with mediocre post skills and George''s quick hands, he almost got stripped.


    Gay''s scoring efficiency declined, allowing the Pacers to take advantage and launch frequent fast breaks.


    Although they didn''t succeed every time, they managed to force the Grizzlies'' twin towers to repeatedly sprint up and down the court, allowing the Pacers to completely control the game''s pace.


    If the previous scrimmage within the team had only shown a glimpse, this pre-season game clearly illustrated why Hollins was reluctant to grant Gay a bigger role in the offense.


    The essence of the twin towers'' lineup is to reduce the number of possessions in the game and aim to score on every possession. Essentially, slowing down the game and maximizing each possesion.


    If they could hold their ground defensively, their chances of winning would significantly increase.


    But now, with Gay being inefficient, the game turned into a running contest, and the twin towers became a liability.


    In the end, Hollins had no choice but to sub in Sam Young for Gay, allowing the Grizzlies to regain control of the game.


    Han was speechless about the situation.


    Although Gay had not explicitly stated it, his previous actions made Han think that he had accepted his suggestions.


    But now, it seemed like Gay still hadn''t come around.


    This made Han think about Gay''s entire career.


    It seemed like Gay carried bad luck with him wherever he went.


    When he was on the Grizzlies, they could never make the playoffs, but as soon as he got injured, they became the eighth seed to upset the first; when he left, the Grizzlies made it to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in history.


    When he was with the Raptors, they were at the bottom of the East year after year, but as soon as he left, they made it back to the playoffs for the first time in five years.


    He played four years with the Kings, but they never won more than 40 games.


    In hindsight, it wasn''t bad luck at all¡ªit was purely a matter of playing style.


    This situation persisted throughout the pre-season.


    Gay''s skills and form were at their best since entering the league, but his playing style clearly didn''t fit well with the team.


    Han Sen even had the urge to crack open Gay''s head and see what was going on inside.


    But it was obvious that after signing a max contract, even Hollins couldn''t do much with Gay.


    Before the final pre-season game against the Mavericks, Han approached Hollins.


    "You want me to bring Rudy off the bench?" Hollins was shocked by his suggestion.


    A max-contract player coming off the bench? Han Sen, are you out of your mind?


    "Rudy''s reckless behavior comes from his belief that no one can do anything to him."


    Hollins didn''t say anything. He knew Han was right, but the problem was that management wouldn''t let him do that.


    "If we let Rudy continue like this, we probably won''t make the playoffs again this season, and then even the coach might get dragged into it."


    This made Hollins immediately look up.


    Most people only care about things that are related to their own interests. From Theus to Shaquille, and now to Hollins, it was no different. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "And it''s just for this one pre-season game. Of course, we wouldn''t say it that way," Han Sen''s meaning was clear¡ªthis was to give Gay a warning.


    Hollins stroked his chin and thought for a moment before finally agreeing.


    Han''s idea was perhaps the only feasible solution.


    On October 23, the Grizzlies hosted the Mavericks in their final pre-season game.


    Han saw Shaq for the first time in nearly five months, and he seemed to have gained more weight.


    Shaq''s injuries last season were largely due to poor weight control.


    The two caught up and chatted about their current situations.


    Shaq was enjoying his time in Dallas.


    Although racial discrimination was also prevalent in Dallas, as an elite black man, he didn''t feel it much.


    Moreover, he played very comfortably alongside Nowitzki in the frontcourt, and the Mavericks'' offensive spacing was even better than the Cavaliers''.


    After catching up, the game between the two teams soon began.


    Gay did not start in this game and sat on the bench with a gloomy expression. It was as if there was a murderous aura around him, causing his teammates to subconsciously keep their distance.


    On the court, the Grizzlies and Mavericks went back and forth.


    Carlisle used O''Neal to match up with Randolph, while Nowitzki was assigned to defend Marc Gasol, making it difficult for the Grizzlies to initiate low-post offense.


    At this point, Han seized the opportunity to showcase his skills, frequently attacking the Mavericks'' interior when O''Neal was drawn out of the paint by Randolph.


    The player defending him, Caron Butler, was known for being a defensive liability, and compared to him, even Jamison seemed like a defensive stopper.


    However, the Grizzlies still struggled to contain the Mavericks'' offense, and Randolph versus Nowitzki looked like a tank being kited by an archer.


    Even when Hollins adjusted the lineup to have Marc Gasol guard him, Nowitzki still managed to use screens to target Randolph.


    With nine minutes into the first quarter, the score was tied at 20.


    Han had scored 9 points in the quarter, putting on an impressive performance.


    As the regular season was near, both teams played seriously and rotated their players normally.


    Gay was subbed in by Hollins at this point.


    Fueled by anger, Gay dominated his matchup with DeShawn Stevenson, even pulling off a humiliating poster dunk.


    Although Gay''s playing style was problematic, his skills and condition this season were indeed good enough. He completely overwhelmed his opponents in the bench minutes.


    In the end, the Grizzlies defeated the Mavericks 107-98, securing their final and most impressive win of the preseason.


    Han contributed a team-high 24 points, while Gay added 20 points off the bench.


    After the game, Han returned to the locker room.


    As soon as he sat down, Gay walked over to him.


    This time, Gay did not look down on him but sat beside him.


    "You were right."


    Hearing Gay''s words, Han broke into a smile.


    Sometimes, the joy of staggering your schedule can only be understood after experiencing it.


    That was another reason why he had Hollins bring Gay off the bench.


    For straightforward people, simple and direct methods are often the most effective.

 Chapter 111: They Don’t Love Me No More.

    Chapter 111: They Don''t Love Me No More.After the pre-season came to an end, Marc Stein released the second edition of the power rankings based on each team''s pre-season performance.


    The Lakers remained at the top, while the Heat dropped to fourth due to their poor pre-season showing.


    Interestingly, the Grizzlies climbed four spots to 16th place after beating the Mavericks.


    This, of course, sparked some controversy.


    Some fans thought Stein had no professionalism, using pre-season performance to gauge a team''s strength¡ªit was laughable.


    However, this time Stein didn''t offer any explanation, as the regular-season game between the Heat and Grizzlies was about to kick off, which would speak for itself.


    The league had been promoting the season opener on a massive scale.


    The Heat''s official promotion even used a comedic title ''Heat Burns the Bear'' to hype up the game.


    Regardless of playing style or strategy, the Heat were a championship contender, while the Grizzlies weren''t even a playoff team; the gap in strength was obvious.


    The day before the game, the Grizzlies flew to Miami.


    Han Sen sat near the front of the plane, with Conley beside him.


    The two were discussing the upcoming game.


    This was their opportunity, but they would likely become the first stepping stone for the Heat''s Big Three.


    "They''re weaker than you think," Han, being a transmigrator, was confident. Since this Heat team hadn''t changed from the one he knew, he was more familiar with their true strength than anyone else.


    He knew that early in the season, the Heat struggled due to chemistry issues, leading to all sorts of closed-door meetings.


    "That was just the pre-season," Conley reminded him. Hansen was underestimating their opponent by assessing them based on pre-season performance.


    Han then realized that others didn''t share his perspective, but still...


    "Teams that perform well in the pre-season don''t always do well in the regular season, but if they perform poorly, it means they have some issues."


    The most classic example would be the Lakers'' new F4 lineup with Nash, Kobe, Gasol, and Howard, who went winless in the pre-season and had a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs.


    Conley nodded in agreement, finding some truth in what Han said.


    Just then, Gay approached them and motioned for Conley to give him a seat.


    Han looked puzzled, wondering why he suddenly interrupted their conversation. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Unexpectedly, Gay leaned in close, acting mysteriously.


    "Should I hold back a little when I''m matched up against LeBron?"


    Han Sen was instantly confused.


    Why would you come to me asking whether to go easy on him?!


    Unexpectedly, Gay handed him his phone.


    Han glanced at the phone, and when he saw the content, he was momentarily stunned.


    It was an interview from earlier when James had spoken with the media during a training session in Miami.


    The reporter asked James about the upcoming game against the Grizzlies and facing Han as an opponent.


    The question wasn''t out of place, as everyone knew that Han Sen and James had a strained relationship before parting ways.


    The problem lay in James''s response.


    "You know, Han is my good brother. We''ve fought side by side and defeated many opponents together. We were just one step away from the championship. I know he went to a team he wanted to join, and I wish him all the best in Memphis."


    Wait, is James another masochist like Carter?


    This didn''t seem right¡ªJames and he had a hostile relationship, so how could he say something like that?!


    "This is fake news."


    "Fake? But it seems to be from ESPN''s official site," Gay scratched his head.


    "It''s definitely fake. Whether we win tomorrow depends entirely on your defense, so don''t hold back at all." Han looked at Gay seriously.


    Gay was taken aback for a moment but, seeing Han''s expression, nodded firmly.


    After Gay left, Han took out his phone and searched online.


    Turns out, the news was actually real!


    At that moment, he slapped his forehead, realizing he had forgotten something important.


    During the free agency period, in order to exchange for [Iron Body], he had publicly supported James, earning a wave of haters.


    Think about it¡ªwhen everyone was cursing you, and suddenly someone stood by your side, especially someone who used to be at odds with you, how would you feel?


    You''d feel like true friendship shines through adversity!


    Although James likely didn''t see it that way.


    But to maintain his image, James would pretend to see it that way.


    So, his words made perfect sense.


    "Actually, if you hadn''t gotten injured, the Cavaliers really had a chance to win the championship last season," Conley said as he returned to his seat, having apparently spoken with Gay.


    Han didn''t even want to explain. If Conley had experienced what he went through with the Cavaliers, he would never have thought that way.


    He turned his head to look out the window.


    After a while, he turned back and continued the conversation with Conley.


    In that moment , he had formed a new idea.


    The environment with the Grizzlies was much better than with the Cavaliers, but one thing was worse¡ªthe lack of external attention.


    Nike heavily promoted James, so he naturally had a spotlight on him; even in a small market like Cleveland, it didn''t affect the media coverage.


    It was much easier for Han to gain haters there, but in Memphis, it would be difficult.


    His bold claim about bringing a championship to the Grizzlies was one of the few opportunities he had.


    Now, with James saying those things, wasn''t he creating an opportunity for him?


    Imagine, Han Sen embarrassing James on the court after he said those words¡ªwouldn''t James'' die-hard fans go after him relentlessly?


    Upon arriving in Miami, Han Sen and Rondo made a stop at Barry University.


    Although Rondo had transferred, their old teammates were still around, so they treated them to a meal and some game tickets, just like old times.


    However, a year had passed, and some had graduated, making the group smaller than before.


    During the meal, someone suggested that they all wear Han''s number 77 jersey to the game the next day to show support.


    They were sincere, so Han Sen didn''t refuse and asked Rondo to prepare the jerseys overnight.


    His new shoes had also just been released, so he got them each a pair, in the same eye-catching purple as his.


    After the game, they could take a group photo¡ªit would look great.


    The next evening, the coast of Biscayne Bay in Miami was bustling, with the American Airlines Arena brightly lit and packed with excitement.


    The stadium was already full, and the media section was crowded.


    The Heat''s Big Three were making their debut, one of the most highly anticipated events in recent years.


    After Theus led everyone in a cheer, the Grizzlies players jogged out from the locker room through the player tunnel.


    As soon as Han stepped onto the court, he felt the overwhelming wave of enthusiasm from the crowd.


    James'' ''Decision'' had faced a nearly unanimous backlash, but Miami fans, as the beneficiaries, were the exception.


    Most people in this world like to play the role of justice, but some enjoy being the villain. The Heat and their fans now filled that role.


    Han Sen quickly spotted the Barry University crew in the stands. Dressed in their Grizzlies #77 jerseys, they formed a noticeable row among the sea of Heat fans.


    But soon, his eyes landed on another #77 jersey.


    What''s she doing here in Miami? And wearing a Cavaliers #77 jersey, no less?


    Seeing his gaze, Taylor waved at him, her expression full of playful excitement as if she had planned a surprise.


    Han Sen silently chuckled. ''Thanks, I guess...''


    He withdrew his gaze; despite the minor disturbance, it wasn''t a big deal.


    While he was warming up, James came over.


    "How''s life in Memphis?"


    Han instinctively glanced around and, sure enough, spotted cameras quickly.


    James was like a GPS, always knowing where the cameras were.


    But that worked perfectly for him.


    "It''s better than Cleveland," Hansen said with a smile.


    If the die-hard fans didn''t see them getting along, how would they hate him when he went all out on James later in the game?


    "That''s good. I wish you all the best."


    James left after saying that.


    "Should I really give it my all?" Gay came over again after seeing the exchange.


    "Absolutely, don''t hold anything back. This game is being watched by the entire U.S., maybe even the world. You''ve got to seize this chance," Han said through gritted teeth.


    Gay had no more doubts.


    After warmups, the opening ceremony began.


    The Grizzlies, as the away team, took the court first.


    Mike Conley, Han Sen, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, and Marc Gasol.


    Other than Han getting a few scattered boos, the others didn''t receive much reaction from the crowd.


    The Grizzlies didn''t have much of a reputation in the league.


    After the away team came the home team.


    Unlike the Cavaliers, the Heat''s opening ceremony was full of high-tech flair.


    The lights danced, the background music played, and flames erupted on the LED screens¡ªa truly awe-inspiring scene.


    The arena even brought in flamethrowers, paired with the large "HEAT" signs held by the audience and the waving flags, creating a grand atmosphere.


    From these arrangements alone, it was clear that Miami was showing off the city''s strength.


    This was the difference between a big city and a small market team.


    The most breathtaking moment, however, was when the Heat players started their entrance.


    Leading the way was LeBron James.


    Out of respect for Michael Jordan, the Heat had retired the number 23 jersey years ago, so James had to wear number 6.


    LeBron James, Joel Anthony, Chris Bosh, Carlos Arroyo, and Dwyane Wade.


    In the NBA''s official player power rankings, James, who had won consecutive MVPs, topped the list ahead of Kobe Bryant, while Wade was ranked third right behind Bryant, and Bosh was ninth.


    An unprecedented trio at their peak, exuding a commanding presence.


    After the final three minutes of warm-up time, the starting players from both teams were ready to take the court.


    James found the camera and began tossing magnesium powder.


    It was at that moment that an interesting scene unfolded on the court.


    The Grizzlies'' five starters stood together, and aside from Randolph''s number 50, the rest of the players wore double-digit numbers.


    Conley was number 11, Gay was number 22, Marc Gasol was number 33, and Han Sen was number 77.


    This was a first in NBA history.


    Han Sen matched up against Wade.


    The two merely nodded in acknowledgment at this point.


    For both of them, this was a game they couldn''t afford to lose.


    With the referee''s whistle, Marc Gasol jumped high and tipped the ball back to the Grizzlies'' half, officially starting the game.


    Conley brought the ball up to the frontcourt and set up the offense. Once Randolph established position against Anthony in the low post, the ball was passed to Han Sen, who lobbed it inside.


    Anthony, a UNLV graduate, was the same height as Randolph at 6''9", a typical undersized blue-collar center.


    His strengths lay in a solid base, mobility, quick defensive rotations, and decent shot-blocking ability.


    With Haslem and Ilgauskas on the Heat roster, his selection as the starting center definitely spoke to his talents.


    However, Randolph wasn''t as raw as someone like Dwight Howard.


    Seeing that Bosh had been pulled away from the paint by Gasol, Randolph didn''t battle Anthony for strength. Instead, he used Anthony as a pivot to turn towards the free-throw line, driving his body against him like a tank, advancing to the basket before tossing up a close-range floater.


    This was a real tank¡ªmuch bulkier than LeBron.


    Anthony was completely overpowered and could only watch as Randolph scored over him.


    The Grizzlies struck first. On the other end, Wade brought the ball up and passed it to James.


    Even with James on the team, the Heat was still Wade''s team. The entrance order in the pregame ceremony made that clear, with Wade being the last to appear.


    However, Wade was mature enough not to treat James like Gay had treated Han Sen earlier.


    On the contrary, he was good at managing James''s emotions, allowing him to find his rhythm early in the game.


    Once James got the ball, the rest of the Heat players spread out to give him space for an isolation play on the strong side.


    Since entering the league, Gay had never been known for his defense, and in theory, James should have had the upper hand.


    James quickly started his drive, but he was surprised when Gay lunged forward, applying pressure and preventing an easy take-off.


    This level of defensive intensity caught him off guard. Though he managed to push past Gay thanks to his physical strength, his footwork was a bit off.


    Especially when he stumbled into the paint, and Randolph abandoned Anthony to help on defense. James instinctively stopped and then resumed his drive.


    This irregular rhythm allowed him to fake Randolph out successfully, but just as he was about to shoot, the referee''s whistle blew.


    The ref signaled a traveling violation, rotating both hands.


    James looked puzzled as he glanced at the referee while holding the ball out in front of him.


    The crowd buzzed with restlessness.


    In the end, James had no choice but to hand the ball over to the referee, smiling as he jogged back down the court.


    "Nice job." Han Sen approached Gay for a high-five.


    When he had previously emphasized Gay''s defense as crucial, it wasn''t just empty words, since Gay wasn''t quick enough to guard Wade, leaving Han Sen to do it.


    Now, with Gay exerting that kind of defensive pressure on James, the Grizzlies'' chances tonight looked promising.


    After the change of possession, the Grizzlies resumed their half-court offense.


    Randolph received the ball and backed down again.


    This time, the Heat provided help defense, so Randolph passed to the weak-side Gasol.


    As Gasol drove towards the basket, James collapsed back to swipe at the ball.


    Gasol lost control, and the referee''s whistle sounded again.


    When the referee then pointed at James, the crowd grew even louder.


    James was called for a defensive foul!


    He held his head in disbelief, then took out his mouthguard and tried to explain to the referee.


    But the ref paid little attention, merely pointing to Gasol''s reddened arm as evidence of James''s foul.


    The boos echoed throughout the arena¡ªit was, after all, the Heat''s home court! The referee was clearly biased!


    However, the boos quickly subsided when the arena''s big LED screen replayed the previous sequence, clearly showing that James hit Gasol''s arm, causing the turnover.


    James could only shake his head in frustration.


    These calls weren''t made in the past.


    Han Sen couldn''t help but laugh.


    He recalled his experiences during practice with the Cavaliers.


    "Plays like this wouldn''t get called during a game."


    That was a common refrain of then-Cavs assistant coach Lloyd Pierce.


    The Cavaliers treated the league''s favoritism as a part of their daily training, and there was no way James would unlearn those bad habits.


    But who could guarantee that favoritism would last forever?


    Clearly, with James''s ''Decision'', some things had quietly changed.

 Chapter 112: I Will Let You.

    Chapter 112: I Will Let You.Randolph continued to play in the low post. This time, after receiving the ball, he made a move against Anthony and quickly turned baseline to take a fadeaway shot before the Heat''s help defense could arrive.


    For a player of his build, his moves were incredibly smooth.


    Anthony indeed had good shot-blocking ability, but Randolph''s rich experience allowed him to initiate contact early, preventing Anthony from closing out in time.


    Swish!


    The ball went through the net cleanly.


    Randolph had earned the trust of a seasoned coach like Hollins, who built the team''s tactics around him. Being a legitimate low-post threat, he was more than just a decent player.


    After about five minutes of play in the first quarter, the score was 10-2, with the Grizzlies leading.


    These five minutes could be described as LeBron James'' public humiliation.


    Gay, despite his physical strength, could not shut down LeBron every time. The lack of speed limited him to merely containing LeBron.


    The key issue, however, was that out of the five Grizzlies on the court, Gay was the weakest defender!


    When LeBron did manage to get past Gay, his lack of a consistent mid-range shot forced him to keep driving inside.


    But waiting for him at the rim were either Randolph or Marc Gasol- usually Randolph.


    With Randolph''s physical presence, it was always LeBron who came out on the losing end of the collision.


    To make matters worse, the Heat''s center was Joel Anthony, a player with zero offensive threat, making things more frustrating than when LeBron was with the Cavaliers.


    Shaq was the kind of player who could score if you fed him the ball, but with Anthony, passing to him was practically a turnover.


    LeBron''s stats for those five minutes read: 0-for-4 shooting, 0 points, 2 rebounds, 1 turnover, and 1 foul.


    And to top it off, in the most recent possession, Marc Gasol blocked LeBron''s shot volleyball-style.


    Wade, mature enough to let LeBron take the lead, was left watching LeBron perform like he was struggling with a stomach ache.


    Han Sen''s earlier assessment was spot on¡ªthe Grizzlies'' lineup was a nightmare matchup for LeBron.


    Especially with the referees no longer favoring him, Han didn''t even have to push himself.


    The crowd was buzzing.


    They could never have imagined such a start for the ''Big Three''.


    Or rather, they refused to imagine it, despite warnings from Stan about the Heat''s interior issues, and Heat fans realizing the Grizzlies would be a tough opponent.


    After all, this was the peak ''Big Three!''


    It was fair to say the Grizzlies'' opening slap stunned the Heat.


    In a critical moment, Spoelstra bailed LeBron out by calling a timeout.


    After the timeout, LeBron was subbed out for a rest, and Mike Miller entered the game.


    Miller, the fifth pick in the 2000 draft and a friend of Tracy McGrady, was known for his three-point shooting. He was also a former Grizzlies player and had won the Sixth Man of the Year award with them.


    With Miller on the floor, the Heat''s offense noticeably improved.


    This wasn''t just because LeBron''s iso attacks were ineffective, but also because the starting lineup''s spacing was too cramped.


    Could you imagine Wade being the best three-point shooter among the Heat''s starting five?


    But with Miller providing a reliable three-point threat, Wade''s driving lanes opened up significantly.


    Wade, being smart, tried pick-and-rolls with Bosh, knowing that Han, who had trained with him over the summer, could pose defensive problems.


    Bosh, who could play inside and out, was much faster than the Heat''s previously injured starting center, Jermaine O''Neal, and posed a greater offensive threat.


    Whether Han Sen switched or not, the pick-and-roll created opportunities.


    Spoelstra showed his coaching prowess by replacing Anthony with Bosh to guard Randolph.


    Though Bosh''s on-ball defense wasn''t as strong as Anthony''s, he could keep up with Randolph''s moves, and his 6''11" height and 7''3" wingspan allowed him to contest Randolph''s shots effectively.


    With 10 minutes gone in the quarter, the score was 18-14, with the Grizzlies still leading, though their advantage had shrunk.


    The five minutes before and after the timeout were like night and day.


    Before LeBron made his decision to join Miami, some fans argued that the Heat would be stronger if they built around Wade and Bosh while adding quality 3-and-D players and a sixth man.


    That notion was scoffed at then, as the impact of a superstar far exceeded what role players could bring.


    Yet, the Heat''s performance during this stretch was a slap in the face to that thinking.


    With both teams'' starters gradually subbing out, Han was replaced by Tony Allen.


    The lineups now stood as:


    Grizzlies: Delonte West, Tony Allen, Rudy Gay, James Johnson, Hamed Haddadi


    Heat: Mario Chalmers, Mike Miller, LeBron James, Haslem, Ilgauskas


    Gay was Hollins'' choice, while LeBron...


    It was like two different generations of cars hitting the road together.


    The style of play in this segment was the opposite of the opening.


    Gay and LeBron didn''t match up directly; instead, they each scored based on their abilities. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And both coaches allowed it.


    After all, the Grizzlies needed Gay''s scoring to stabilize his emotions, while LeBron needed this period to pad his stats.


    Classic NBA ''stat-padding'' action.


    Han Sen was getting his taste of the NBA''s quirks.


    Sometimes, reality was more dramatic than fiction.


    At halftime, the score was 43-41, with the Grizzlies holding a slight lead.


    The stats showed Wade scoring 13 points, LeBron 10, and Bosh 7 for the Heat.


    But stats could be deceptive; anyone not watching the game would think Wade and LeBron had performed equally well.


    For the Grizzlies, Randolph led the way with 14 points, Gay had 9, and Han Sen hit a three-pointer for 7 points.


    During the halftime break, after Hollins finished laying out the strategy, Han chatted with Gay.


    Although LeBron''s performance was just as disappointing as anticipated, Wade and Bosh kept the Heat competitive.


    Combined with Spoelstra''s excellent coaching, the Heat were not as easy to defeat as Han had expected.


    "You want me to let LeBron drive inside?" Gay was puzzled by Han''s request, especially since Hansen had initially instructed him to go all out.


    "Then I''ll trap him. We''ll sandwich him with a double-team," Han Sen explained as simply as possible, without mentioning that Spoelstra might adjust to a lineup with better spacing in the second half.


    "But what about DW?" Gay was concerned about leaving Wade unguarded.


    "I''ll rotate back. Trust me."


    Seeing Hansen''s confidence, Gay could only nod.


    After all, he had enjoyed scoring in the first half.


    As the second half began, the Heat indeed made adjustments to their starting lineup.


    Chalmers and Ilgauskas replaced Arroyo and Joel Anthony.


    It was only the first game of the season, and Spoelstra was still experimenting with the rotation, but his in-game adjustments were miles ahead of Mike Brown''s.


    The Heat had the first possession of the second half, with Wade leading the attack.


    However, he quickly noticed that Han Sen was defending him more aggressively than in the first half.


    After trying twice to run pick-and-rolls with Bosh without success, Wade reset at the three-point line, baffled by Han''s sudden intensity¡ªhad he given himself a pep talk at halftime?


    That was out of the question; Han was expending all his energy to force Wade to abandon his iso plays.


    His effective defense owed much to conserving energy in the first half and to Grover''s intense conditioning program.


    Moreover, Han was using his knowledge of Wade''s tendencies and techniques, gained from their shared training, to his advantage.


    With the shot clock ticking, Wade gave up and passed to LeBron.


    The second-half lineup provided better spacing than the first half, and with LeBron''s old teammate Ilgauskas on the floor, he was expected to make an impact.


    LeBron called for a pick from Ilgauskas. Gay''s lateral speed was too slow, so even if he didn''t sag off, he couldn''t stop LeBron from driving.


    LeBron found himself facing Marc Gasol one-on-one, seeking revenge for an early foul call, when suddenly a shadow darted toward him.


    Before he could see who it was, the ball was gone from his hands.


    [Star Catcher] activated!


    Han had sprung an unexpected ambush, coming from Marc Gasol''s blind side, leaving LeBron completely unaware.


    This was the benefit of having been teammates¡ªknowing LeBron''s offensive habits inside out.


    Seeing him steal the ball made LeBron clench his teeth in anger!


    But Han didn''t have time to care about LeBron''s reaction; he was already sprinting down the court like a machine.


    He was definitely faster than last season!


    LeBron couldn''t catch up, and the only Heat player responding was Wade.


    They raced toward the Heat''s half-court, Wade trailing behind.


    Though not as known for chase-down blocks as LeBron, Wade''s shot-blocking prowess as a guard was formidable.


    Han Sen knew Wade well, though. As soon as he entered the paint, he leapt high for a two-handed dunk, leaving Wade no chance for a block.


    Wade gave up mid-air and watched Hansen dunk, shaking his head in resignation.


    The Grizzlies clearly aren''t known for fast-break plays, but Han coming from the Cavaliers changes things.


    This dunk energized the Grizzlies'' bench, as they hadn''t seen a coast-to-coast steal and slam like this in a while.


    Even Swift, sitting in the front row, got excited, standing up and pumping her fist to show her support for Han.


    Wearing that distinctive No. 77 Cavaliers jersey, she quickly appeared on the LED screen, stirring up the crowd.


    Her jersey also reminded many people of the past tensions between Han and James on the Cavaliers.


    Han''s post-game comments after being eliminated by the Magic, where he angrily called James a coward, still echoed in people''s minds.


    Especially after James left the Cavaliers, Han''s remarks gained more attention and were widely known.


    Is Han now trying to prove his words with real actions?


    As Han retreated on defense, he noticed his hater count was rapidly increasing.


    Good, that''s exactly the effect he wanted.


    Although ''The Decision'' made many LeBron fans stop supporting him, LeBron''s fan base was still large, and thanks to Nike''s marketing, new fans emerged every year.


    Wade continued to hold the ball in the frontcourt, while Han maintained high-pressure defense.


    But this time, Wade chose to attack the basket instead of passing, yet Han''s tight defense combined with Gasol''s help defense left Wade empty-handed.


    Randolph secured the rebound.


    The Grizzlies advanced to set up a half-court play, with Han still controlling the ball and preparing to feed Randolph in the post.


    Bosh showed his mobility by fronting Randolph to prevent the entry pass.


    Seeing no good angle for the pass, Han suddenly drove to the left.


    Grover had specifically trained his muscles, including the hamstrings, which are crucial for leg explosiveness.


    In other words, Han''s first step had improved compared to last season.


    Wade, who hadn''t trained with Han since before free agency, was caught off guard by this change.


    By the time Wade reacted, Han was already speeding toward the free-throw line.


    At this moment, James quickly rotated over to help, and as a former teammate, he knew that passing wasn''t Han''s strength.


    Especially since the Heat had James and Wade, their defensive rotations were exceptional.


    And indeed, Wade did not chase Han after being beaten but instead moved directly toward Gay.


    James and Wade demonstrated their defensive chemistry.


    However, Han had no intention of passing the ball.


    Seeing James rotate over only made it even less likely for him to pass.


    He accelerated toward James, stopped abruptly, glanced at the basket, then quickly took a big step to the right and released a floater with his body turned.


    This move was one of his signature shots, but now it was faster and more stable than last season.


    James was completely fooled and could only watch Han''s floater in mid-air.


    Swish!


    The ball went through the hoop cleanly.


    After scoring, Han extended his hands toward James.


    James chose to turn his head away, pretending not to see it.


    Han had scored four consecutive points, bringing the score to 47-41.


    "I remember when Han first arrived in Memphis, he boldly claimed he would help the Grizzlies compete for a championship. At the time, it sounded like a joke, but now, it seems that maybe it wasn''t just talk."


    Han''s performance drew praise from commentator Mike Breen.


    Facing the Big Three without fear, Han''s potential might just be the tip of the iceberg, as seen in last season''s playoffs against the Celtics.


    The Heat found themselves in a tough spot on the court.


    Wade then attempted a pick-and-roll with James, looking to exploit a mismatch against Gay.


    But Han backed off, refusing to switch.


    Wade bounced the ball to James, who cut inside after setting the screen.


    But as soon as Wade made the pass, Han swiftly switched to defend James.


    No one would believe there wasn''t some personal rivalry involved.


    James was forced to retreat to the perimeter by Han''s pressure.


    With the shot clock winding down, James had no choice but to go one-on-one.


    It was then that Han spoke up, giving James no room to evade:


    "I''ll let you to call for a pick."

 Chapter 113: A True Brother.

    Chapter 113: A True Brother.LeBron''s expression shifted instantly.


    Back when Han had spoken up for him during that controversy, it had struck a chord. It felt like a "friend in need is a friend indeed" kind of moment.


    But then his advisor, Maverick Carter, pointed out that Han''s comments might have had a double meaning¡ªmocking him in a subtle way. LeBron had snapped out of his sentimental thoughts right then.


    It was also Carter who had advised him to maintain the demeanor of "The Chosen One." This would help keep him on a moral high ground over Han.


    Carter had been his childhood friend and the smartest member of his team, the driving force behind "The Decision." So LeBron followed his advice to the letter.


    During warmups, LeBron tested the waters with Han, thinking Carter''s plan was working. But now, it was clear¡ªHan had been playing him all along. He was never going to make things easy for him.


    "We''ll be opponents next season, no matter what. I''m looking forward to facing you," Han''s challenging words at that press conference came back to him.


    And that phrase, "I''ll let you call for a screen," wasn''t new either. Han had used it as trash talk against Paul Pierce when the Cavaliers played the Celtics.


    It was a no-win situation¡ªcalling for a screen would be admitting weakness, but going one-on-one with Han wouldn''t be easy either.


    Back when he was with the Cavaliers, one of the main reasons he tried so hard to keep Han Sen on the team was because he didn''t want to face his defense.


    LeBron''s mind raced through these thoughts in an instant, then he began scanning the court for an open teammate.


    Han could only shake his head. "That''s so you, LeBron..."


    At this moment, he thought even Pierce had shown more guts than LeBron.


    Still, the Grizzlies'' defense remained solid, and LeBron struggled to find a good passing option.


    Finally, Wade, the ever-reliable teammate, managed to slip away from Gay and move toward LeBron.


    The latter''s eyes, which had been filled with frustration, suddenly lit up.


    Han felt a mix of annoyance and familiarity.


    "Here we go again," he thought. LeBron''s face always looked like this when he was about to pass the responsibility to someone else, just like back in Cleveland.


    In his mind, Han could almost hear LeBron''s voice echoing those infamous lines:


    "You know, Han''s my brother..."


    "You know, Wade''s my brother..."


    This guy never fails to amaze, Han thought.


    Gay couldn''t keep up with Wade, and LeBron fired the ball over to him. But as the ball left his hands, a figure lunged forward.


    Han had been waiting for this exact pass.


    Why was it that when players like Nash or Rondo made similar passes, they were called "artistic," but when LeBron did it, people said he was avoiding responsibility?


    Because LeBron''s passes, like his pump-fake threes, were usually too easy to read.


    Smack!


    Han cut in from the side, intercepted the pass, and sprinted forward.


    Wade, who was already reaching out to catch the ball, could only watch as Han made the steal. The move was so sudden that Wade had no time to react.


    Han sped down the court and finished with a layup.


    49-41!


    Han had scored six consecutive points in the second half, with two steals from LeBron.


    He wasn''t just holding his own against the Big Three; he was outplaying them.


    As they jogged back on defense, Han and LeBron crossed paths.


    "I wasn''t wrong when I called you a coward back then," Han said. "The league''s so-called best player doesn''t even have the courage to go one-on-one with someone ranked outside the top 100?"


    Han''s words didn''t have any profanity, but they stung more than any insult could.


    LeBron''s expression remained unreadable, but on the very next possession, he drifted out of the Heat''s offensive scheme. When Bosh passed him the ball, LeBron just stood there, letting it bounce out of bounds.


    Bosh put his hands on his head in frustration, while LeBron stared vacantly before jogging back up the court.


    Han shook his head in disappointment. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    LeBron''s mental fortitude was so fragile. How could someone like this be taken seriously as a rival? He didn''t even have the nerve to back up his infamous "Not 7" proclamation!


    Then again, if LeBron had strong mental resilience, he wouldn''t have come to Miami in the first place.


    Spoelstra saved LeBron once more by substituting him for Mike Miller at the next dead ball.


    After LeBron was benched, the Heat played more smoothly under Wade and Bosh, though they couldn''t close the gap like they had in the first half.


    Hansen''s scoring streak had sparked the Grizzlies'' momentum.


    By the 10-minute mark of the third quarter, the Grizzlies were up 67-57, a double-digit lead over the Heat.


    It seemed like the Heat were going to mess up their opening game.


    In the stands, Pat Riley stroked his chin, lost in thought.


    During the preseason, he had sensed something was off. It wasn''t so much the Heat''s problem as it was LeBron''s.


    LeBron''s status as the league''s top player was debatable, but he shouldn''t be this bad.


    Ultimately, it came down to his uniqueness as a superstar.


    Most superstars could adapt to a team, but you had to build the team around LeBron for him to excel.


    That wasn''t something that could be solved in the short term.


    His gaze shifted to Han Sen, who was resting.


    Back when he had considered drafting Han but failed to pick him, the young player''s growth had been astounding.


    Riley couldn''t help but wonder if things would have been better if he had traded Beasley for a lottery pick, drafted Han, then signed Wade and Bosh this summer while strengthening the frontcourt.


    At the end of the third quarter, the Grizzlies maintained a 72-62 lead.


    In other games, a 10-point deficit wouldn''t be much, but for a slow-paced team like the Grizzlies, it was a substantial advantage.


    At the start of the fourth quarter, Hollins immediately sent Gay back in.


    Coincidentally, the Heat also sent LeBron back on the court.


    Han admired Spoelstra for this. He was still a young coach, yet his abilities were already impressive.


    Then he stood up and approached Hollins, requesting to play at the start of the fourth quarter.


    Breaking the rotation wasn''t something coaches liked, but Han''s reasoning convinced Hollins.


    "If we can extend the lead to 15 or more, the fourth quarter will be garbage time."


    Beating the Big Three into garbage time?


    It sounded tempting.


    As the fourth quarter began, both teams'' players took the court.


    Seeing Han come off the bench, Spoelstra quickly called back Ilgauskas and put Bosh in early.


    The Grizzlies lineup: West, Han, Gay, James Johnson, and Haddadi.


    The Heat lineup: Chalmers, Miller, LeBron, Haslem, and Bosh.


    The Grizzlies attacked first.


    West organized the offense, Gay broke past Haslem, but his pull-up jumper was disrupted by Bosh and missed.


    Bosh''s defense was underrated¡ªhe could hold his own against Randolph in the post and was just a bit slower than Garnett in help defense.


    The Heat had a chance to close the gap.


    LeBron reached the frontcourt and found Han Sen defending him... Wait, wasn''t Han a shooting guard?!


    He had a bad feeling as soon as he saw Han start the fourth quarter.


    It turned out Han wasn''t even pretending to hide his intentions this time.


    When cornered, even a rabbit would bite. LeBron couldn''t tolerate this.


    If he couldn''t score with the ball, did that mean... he couldn''t score off the ball either?!


    Using Bosh''s screen, LeBron cut to the basket and pointed upward, signaling for an alley-oop from Chalmers. LeBron finished with a powerful slam.


    The Heat''s lineup had great spacing, and LeBron''s off-ball movement was hard to defend.


    After landing, LeBron flexed his biceps and roared at the camera.


    Gay''s next drive into the paint resulted in a steal by LeBron.


    Han''s presence disrupted the previous [mutual padding] pattern, and that alley-oop helped LeBron regain some confidence.


    However, just as LeBron prepared to drive forward after the steal, a shadow passed by, and the ball was gone.


    After being dunked on, Han had kept his eyes on LeBron.


    The steal came from his deep understanding of LeBron.


    After securing the steal, he darted to the basket. Seeing Bosh coming over to help, he tossed the ball toward the rim.


    Gay, who had been lingering in the paint, leaped up and finished with a one-handed alley-oop slam.


    The play electrified the crowd.


    In terms of vertical leap and wingspan, Gay was superior to LeBron, which was precisely what made a dunk visually stunning.


    After being stripped earlier, Gay was thrilled to make such an impactful play the very next moment.


    He ran over to Han and enthusiastically bumped chests with him.


    LeBron was left stunned.


    Just when he was getting into rhythm, it was him again¡ªdamned Han Sen!


    The Heat''s possession saw Bosh holding the ball at the high post. Suddenly, he spun and charged towards the basket, scoring an and-one over Haddadi, who was rotating to help on defense.


    After the basket, Bosh let out his signature roar.


    The crowd''s fallen energy instantly surged back.


    Haddadi dominated in Asian competitions, but it was clear that in the NBA, his paint protection was not on the same level as the "Black and White Bears" (Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol).


    Moreover, Bosh had just joined the Heat and hadn''t been required to practice three-pointers yet, so his scoring ability inside the paint was still top-tier in the league.


    Bosh made the free throw, bringing the score to 74-67.


    Spoelstra''s in-game substitution adjustments were paying off.


    Han then gave West a look.


    West understood and set up a pick-and-roll with Haddadi on the offensive end to distract the Heat''s defense. As he drove to the free-throw line, he passed the ball to the weak side at a 45-degree angle.


    Over there, Han had already found a three-point opportunity, thanks to James Johnson''s screen.


    This was a shot Han had showcased during Grizzlies'' training sessions, and now it appeared in an official game.


    But just as Han was about to release the shot, a figure flew toward him.


    This play was actually adapted from the Cavaliers'' previous pass-and-cut strategy¡ªhow could LeBron not recognize it? He had just been stripped by Han, and now he was ready to make up for it with this block.


    Han saw LeBron in mid-air.


    Judging by normal speed, LeBron''s block was going to reach Han.


    Han sped up his shooting motion, aided by Grover''s muscle conditioning training and the reinforcement brought by [Iron Body], allowing him to accomplish this.


    Smack!


    LeBron''s hand struck Han''s arm.


    The referee''s whistle blew promptly from the sideline.


    Before LeBron could get the block, Han had already completed the shot.


    LeBron''s force was strong, causing Han to lose his balance in mid-air. He quickly slid backward upon landing to avoid injury.


    Swish!


    As he lay on the ground, he heard that familiar sound.


    Thanks to Mike Brown!


    Without Brown''s intensive three-point shooting drills, even with all those enhancements, Han would have only avoided getting blocked on that play. But now, he made the shot!


    The crowd erupted.


    Bosh''s and-one had reignited the Heat''s morale, but Han''s four-point play immediately extinguished it.


    Gay and West quickly ran over to pull Han up.


    It was a familiar scene, but this time, it had shifted from Cleveland to Memphis.


    As Han got up, he glanced at LeBron with a smile and mouthed, "Thank you."


    He then stepped up to the free-throw line and made the free throw despite the heavy distraction.


    78-67, and the Grizzlies regained a double-digit lead.


    Meanwhile, as Han was taking the free throw, Hollins substituted Marc Gasol for Haddadi.


    With Gasol on the floor, the Grizzlies'' interior defense significantly improved. Bosh attacked the rim again but failed to score.


    On the other end, Gasol showcased his playmaking skills at the free-throw line, making a no-look bounce pass that assisted Johnson''s backdoor cut for a basket.


    The lead suddenly stretched to 13 points, heading towards garbage time in the fourth quarter.


    "Let''s go! Heat!"


    The crowd, led by the announcer, was cheering for the home team.


    It was the first game of the season, and the Heat were still working on their chemistry. Losing wasn''t the worst thing, but if the peak Big Three were to get blown out into garbage time, it would be embarrassing.


    However, with Gasol on the court and momentum building, scoring wasn''t going to be easy for the Heat.


    LeBron then repeated an old trick, signaling to Bosh and quickly cutting to the basket.


    Bosh utilized his playmaking skills, making a bounce pass as soon as possible.


    But before the ball reached LeBron''s hands, Han once again darted in from the side and intercepted the pass.


    Bosh''s pass resembled Gasol''s earlier one, but unlike Gasol''s well-disguised move, Bosh''s intent was too obvious.


    And Han wasn''t going to let the same tactic work twice.


    After the steal, Han immediately passed the ball to West on the perimeter.


    The former Cavaliers duo sprinted beyond the three-point line, one in front and one trailing.


    At that moment, there was no Wade on the court, only Chalmers trying to guard West.


    West quickly passed the ball behind him on the fast break, using the momentum to push Chalmers out of bounds.


    Han caught the pass, with nothing behind him but photographers ready to snap a picture.


    He knew what he had to do.


    About a meter from the basket, he slowed down, twisted his body in mid-air, brought the ball from in front of him down, and then slammed it into the hoop with a windmill dunk.


    Bang!


    The flashbulbs went off as Han delivered the most spectacular windmill dunk of his career thus far, right in Miami''s home arena.

 Chapter 114: A Good Night.

    Chapter 114: A Good Night.After landing, Han Sen was elated. He stood right in front of the photographers, puckered his lips, and pulled up his No. 77 jersey, performing his signature celebration move.


    The American Airlines Arena was in an uproar.


    The steal, the fast-break windmill dunk, and the celebration all flowed seamlessly, securing the top spot on today''s Top 5 Plays.


    82 to 67.


    The Grizzlies had successfully extended their lead to 15 points! Spoelstra was forced to call a timeout.


    Even the usually stern Hollins was smiling, high-fiving Han Sen as he came off the court.


    He had said they''d win by 15 points, and Han Sen had made it happen.


    After the timeout, both teams gradually sent their starters back onto the court.


    The Heat were making one last push.


    Unfortunately for them, tonight they were up against the Grizzlies, a retro-style team renowned for their grind-it-out style.


    When facing this type of team and falling behind by a large margin, the game becomes a struggle, as it''s not just about shooting efficiency; the number of possessions matters even more.


    And the Grizzlies thrived in limiting possessions.


    With three minutes remaining, the Heat were still trailing by around 15 points, prompting Spoelstra to pull most of the starters early.


    On the Grizzlies'' side, Hollins decisively put in the entire bench.


    On the bench, the Grizzlies'' starters were chatting and laughing.


    Although it was just a regular-season game, beating the Heat''s Big Three convincingly felt incredibly satisfying.


    Rudy Gay, sitting next to Han Sen, found himself liking him more and more.


    His thoughts were simple, but it was because of that simplicity that he could clearly see how much Han Sen had helped the team¡ªand him.


    Forget about fighting for the role of perimeter leader. Han Sen was the one who could lead them forward!


    But Han''s gaze was fixed on the court because he noticed that LeBron was still out there.


    And crucially, Tony Allen was defending him.


    Han Sen had played extended minutes today, so Allen hadn''t gotten many opportunities to be on the court. Now, with his fresh legs and high energy, he was ready.


    As for LeBron, his frustration was written all over his face. Staying on the court now was probably just an attempt to pad his stats.


    The clash of two players in such contrasting states resulted in another turnover for LeBron.


    Han Sen couldn''t help but feel a bit sorry¡ªLeBron just wanted to get a few more points!


    In the end, the Grizzlies defeated the Heat 97-85, securing their season opener victory.


    In terms of stats, for the Heat, Wade shot 10-for-21 for 27 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 turnovers. Bosh had 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists. LeBron recorded 17 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 6 turnovers.


    For the Grizzlies, Randolph contributed 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 assists. Han Sen had 20 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 5 steals. Gay added 17 points and 8 rebounds, Gasol had 11 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Conley finished with 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists.


    The Grizzlies dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Heat 47-32, and also led in steals 10-4. Rebounding and defense were the keys to their victory.


    At the post-game press conference, Han, Randolph, and Gay attended together.


    Khalil had also been brought to the scene by Han Sen, who gave him a knowing glance as he entered and then took the seat on the far right of the podium.


    As soon as the press conference started, Han Sen became the focal point for reporters'' questions, as he had provided many memorable moments while matching up against LeBron tonight.


    It was no exaggeration to say that LeBron had turned himself into the league''s biggest villain with "The Decision," and Han Sen had exposed his facade tonight, revealing the hollow inside.


    "How would you evaluate the performance of the Heat''s Big Three tonight?" asked an ESPN reporter.


    "DW is one of the top two shooting guards in the league, perhaps the best. Bosh is one of the top three power forwards. They created a lot of challenges for us on both ends, and Mike Miller did a good job spacing the floor. They''re still adjusting, and I look forward to facing them again."


    Top two, perhaps the best? Top three? And did he just refer to Miller as the third star?


    Han Sen''s brief comments were bound to stir up a lot of controversy once reported.


    It couldn''t be helped. The Grizzlies were a small-market team with low attention, so Han Sen had to seize every opportunity to make his voice heard.


    "And what about LeBron?" the reporter pressed.


    Han Sen glanced at the reporter. LeBron? Started 0-for-4? Scored in garbage time during the second quarter? Got exposed by me in the third quarter? And got stripped by Tony Allen in the fourth?


    Are you expecting me to praise his highlight, that one alley-oop dunk?


    "LeBron played terribly tonight," Han Sen''s response instantly caused a stir.


    He didn''t hold back at all, despite LeBron calling him ''my good brother'' before the game.


    But what came next was even more shocking.


    "I guess he hasn''t fully recovered from his elbow injury."


    When had LeBron suffered an elbow injury? There hadn''t been any reports before the game.


    And he wasn''t wearing any elbow braces tonight.


    Could Han Sen have been referring to that elbow injury from last season''s playoffs?


    That would be pretty ruthless. LeBron had already appeared unaffected during the Eastern Conference Finals against the Magic last season.


    Besides, half a year had passed since then; even if surgery had been required, he should have recovered by now!


    At least stick to some basic facts when you criticize someone.


    Han Sen shrugged. It wasn''t his fault they kept pushing the question; he hadn''t intended to bring it up.


    "What do you think was the key to your team''s upset victory tonight? I mean, according to the NBA''s power rankings, you''re clearly a lower-ranked team compared to the Heat," asked another ESPN reporter.


    "Why treat a power ranking put together by some journalist like it''s gospel?"


    After "The Decision," Han Sen had grown increasingly disdainful of ESPN.


    "Rankings are filled with subjective judgments. In the official NBA player rankings, LeBron is still considered the best. Did his performance tonight look like that of a top player?"


    Han Sen''s words left the reporter momentarily speechless.


    "I don''t think our win tonight was an upset. But if you really want to talk surprises, I didn''t expect us to even have garbage time."


    Han Sen was brash, but you couldn''t argue with his point. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then it was Khalil''s turn to speak. He had a job to do tonight.


    "I noticed you were wearing a pair of violet sneakers tonight, which you didn''t wear last season?"


    At this, all the other reporters turned to Khalil.


    Come on, man, that was too forced!


    But Han Sen had already stretched out his leg to show off his flashy shoes, which was also why he had chosen to sit on the far right¡ªto show them off conveniently.


    "Yes, this is my first signature sneaker, from UA, called the HS Terminator One."


    If Durant were here, he would probably jump off the bench right now. He knew Han Sen had been trying to promote them to him!


    But you have to admit, Han Sen''s promotion was effective, as some reporters were already taking pictures.


    Even though most of them hadn''t heard of UA making basketball shoes, the unique design and color scheme did stand out.


    After Han Sen''s influence, the atmosphere at the press conference became much lighter in the second half.


    When the Grizzlies'' press conference ended and the Heat''s Big Three arrived, the mood immediately turned tense.


    The Big Three had made their debut only to be blown out. Even with the excuse of needing time to gel, there was no easy way to explain away such a loss.


    "We played terribly, like moldy bread pulled from a slop bucket. Losing like this is unacceptable," Wade said dejectedly.


    He was genuinely frustrated; both past and future paths seemed blocked, and starting the season with such a failure was a nightmare.


    "We couldn''t contain Randolph; that was a tactical issue for the coaching staff. The players worked hard, though I believe things will gradually improve. This was only our first game," Spoelstra said, trying to shoulder the blame.


    A microphone was finally handed to LeBron.


    His poor performance was plain for all to see. If not for scoring during the first two quarters, it could have been another Game 4 disaster against the Celtics from last season.


    "My elbow injury is still bothering me."


    As soon as LeBron spoke, the reporters were stunned.


    Wait, did Han Sen actually predict this?


    "You know, last season it affected my performance. My team recommended surgery, but I opted for conservative treatment. It flared up again during training camp."


    ...


    "Ah-choo!" Han Sen sneezed as he stepped out of the shower. It was still warm in Miami in October, so he wasn''t sure if the water had been too cold or if he was just overthinking things.


    "Hey Han, when we get back to Memphis, you should come over to my place," Rudy Gay said, walking over. After tonight''s game, his good impression of Han had doubled, especially after that alley-oop that almost felt like magic.


    Han nodded. The competition between them had faded since Rudy accepted his new role, and he appreciated Gay''s straightforward nature. There was no harm in socializing off the court.


    "Awesome! I''ll have Ecko get things ready. We''ll make sure it''s a night you won''t forget," Rudy added, referring to his wife.


    Just then, Han''s phone rang. It was Taylor Swift calling. He gave Rudy an apologetic wave before stepping aside to answer.


    Later, instead of heading back to the hotel, Han went down to the underground garage. Taylor was waiting next to a sleek SUV, waving at him. It seemed like she always had a different car in every city.


    They hit the road, cruising along the highway. With the windows down, the cool breeze from Biscayne Bay swept through the car, refreshing and light.


    Eventually, Taylor pulled over by a quieter section of the beach, donned her hat and sunglasses, and stepped out. Han followed her lead.


    "Thanks for coming tonight," Han said, his tone sincere.


    "Surprised?" Taylor grinned, clearly enjoying the spontaneity of it all.


    Han chuckled and nodded. It was more of a shock, really. But he couldn''t deny that her presence had brought in a flood of attention, including plenty of haters.


    Tonight alone, he had gained a six-figure amount of hater points, not just from LeBron fans but from Swifties as well.


    Taylor had unknowingly become his secret weapon.


    "I asked my friends about dating athletes, and none of them were into basketball players," she said, walking toward the sand.


    "That makes sense. We can be pretty boring," Han replied, remembering how she had once watched him practice for hours.


    "I don''t think you''re boring," she shot back, glancing at him with a hint of mischief. The moonlight illuminated her face, adding a touch of magic to the moment.


    "You once asked if I had hobbies. It''s not that I don''t, but with people like us, there''s barely any time left. I spend six to seven hours a day training, then another hour or two recovering. The rest is for eating and sleeping. The only pet I could probably manage is a turtle because it doesn''t need daily attention," Han said, a teasing smile on his lips.


    Taylor laughed, her eyes lighting up. She took off her sunglasses, looking at him seriously. "I get it. My life''s a lot like yours¡ªexcept, of course, I also worry about running out of inspiration."


    For her, it was a constant cycle of performing and writing songs, not to mention all the travel. Every time they met, Han found himself driving her to the airport.


    "At least you''re more free," he remarked.


    "Free?" She repeated, stepping onto the sand and slipping off her shoes. "I haven''t felt truly free in a long time."


    Han watched as she wandered toward the water, his hand instinctively reaching out as if to stop her. But she wasn''t doing anything reckless; she was just letting the waves wash over her feet.


    Relieved, he took off his own shoes and joined her. The salty breeze, the sound of the waves, and the silver moon above all combined to create a serene moment. Just then, Han felt Taylor''s hand slip into his.


    "You know, when I was 11, I sang at a Philadelphia 76ers game," she said softly, staring out at the ocean, her voice nostalgic.


    "Really?" That was news to him.


    "They told me who Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant were. Most girls don''t like basketball players, but I always did." She tightened her grip on his hand. "So when I found out a basketball player had a crush on me, you have no idea how happy that made me."


    She turned to face him. Her expression was genuine, and Han felt a twinge of guilt for using her presence to rack up hater points.


    No wonder Taylor had found his initial confession bold. The cake promise, her curiosity about his taste in women¡ªit all made sense now. For her, it wasn''t just about him; it was a nostalgic fantasy from her teenage years.


    Looking at her under the moonlight, with her guard down and her youthful features glowing, Han pulled her closer. He didn''t know if dating Taylor would lead to anything serious, but she was chasing a romantic ideal while he was a rookie in the world of relationships.


    It wasn''t as if he had to stay single just to compete in the NBA.


    Worst-case scenario, if things went south, he''d end up in one of her breakup songs.


    Taylor smiled, draping her arms around his neck. This time, he leaned down, and when they kissed, he felt her breath hitch, the moment charged with electricity.


    After a pause, she pulled away, laughing. "You''re still not very good at that."


    How was he supposed to get better at this kind of thing?


    Before he could respond, Taylor kissed him again, but this time she took the lead. Han wrapped his arms around her, lifting her effortlessly as he carried her back toward the SUV.


    ---


    TL/n: I''ve added an auxiliary Chapter that records his stats and talents to date. I''m thinking of adding another one, explaining basketball terminologies for the casual readers.

 Chapter 115: Unhappy.

    Chapter 115: Unhappy.(TL/n: I got no excuses. I lost track of time watching GOT. Sorry guys..)


    As Han Sen and Swift were getting hot and heavy in the SUV, social media was ablaze with heated discussions.


    The LeBron stans were the first to jump in, defending James and calling out Han.


    "How are you going to treat your friend like that? No respect at all. Han''s acting like a spoiled kid."


    "Everyone has off nights. He was playing through an injury and Han just had to kick him while he was down. I used to think he was admirable for sticking up for LeBron."


    "It''s just a regular-season game, what''s Han even celebrating? Watch when Miami wins the championship and he''s sitting at home because Memphis didn''t even make the playoffs."


    ...


    Just as Han had said before, the LeBron stans were nowhere to be found when James needed them the most, but they came out in full force when it was time to criticize.


    However, this time, Han didn''t even need to fire back from his burner account because these comments were already being shut down.


    "LeBron''s so-called ''brotherhood'' has always been a one-way street. Han never claimed to be his friend, but he did call him a coward."


    "LeBron didn''t even dare to go one-on-one with Han and ended up getting his pass to D-Wade intercepted. I laughed so hard at that play."


    "Guess it''s true what they say about you guys being delusional. The ''smartest'' decision you made was thinking you were supporting LeBron, haha!"


    "It''s just a preseason game. It''s just a regular-season game. It''s just a playoff game. It''s just a championship. It''s just basketball."


    ...


    The Cavaliers fans were also quite vocal.


    "If Han were still with us, tonight would''ve been our time to publicly embarrass that ''traitor''. But instead, we''re just stuck watching from the sidelines."


    "I still don''t understand why we traded Han on draft night. Couldn''t we have waited until that ''traitor'' made his decision?"


    "Danny Ferry is just a scapegoat. The whole management team was that traitor''s groupies."


    "I miss that night when Han single-handedly took down Boston, shouting ''This is my House''. The management screwed it all up!"


    ...


    After returning to Memphis, the Grizzlies faced a back-to-back set of home games.


    The first opponent was the perennial rebuilding Timberwolves, basically a free win.


    Randolph sat out this game, but Han and Gay carried the load with 29 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and 25 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, respectively. Conley added 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists.


    It goes to show, stats are easier to rack up when you''re playing against weaker teams.


    Their next opponent was the Suns.


    The Suns were a run-and-gun team, making it a clash of styles between the two teams.


    Randolph returned for this game, but under Nash''s lead, the Suns dictated the pace, and the Grizzlies couldn''t slow things down.


    The Suns ultimately won 123-118.


    Randolph struggled in the fast-paced game, shooting 4-for-11 and finishing with just 12 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assists.


    However, Han and Gay delivered solid performances, scoring 23 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and 26 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, respectively.


    After three games, the Grizzlies stood at 2-1.


    Han Sen''s performance was impressive, averaging 24 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3.7 steals over three games. This scoring output nearly doubled compared to last season.


    Although the sample size wasn''t large, it was clear that he had the potential to become the team''s cornerstone.


    Even more noteworthy was Han Sen''s average playing time of 35.8 minutes per game, significantly more than last season, and increasing with each game.


    It''s worth mentioning that despite concerns about Han Sen''s injury issues, his physical condition remained excellent, unlike James, who was still dealing with last season''s elbow injury.


    "He''s my pick for Most Improved Player this season," said Barkley during a broadcast, already raising a toast in Han''s honor.


    After the game against the Suns, Han Sen visited Gay''s house.


    Gay''s home was a mansion resembling Shaq''s former Cleveland estate, with a garage filled with luxury cars.


    Most NBA players are paid monthly, but some can receive advances, and Gay had that privilege.


    With an 80 million dollar contract, even after taxes, he had over 40 million left. Combined with his advance, he had over 20 million in hand, so houses and cars were no problem.


    As Gay gave Han a tour, he couldn''t hide his pride.


    Becoming an NBA player was a step up in life, but becoming a max-contract player put you in the elite class.


    "You box too?" Han Sen was surprised to find a boxing ring in Gay''s mansion.


    He had previously seen Shaq''s boxing ring and thought it was just a hobby, but it seemed to be quite popular among NBA players.


    Rudy laughed, giving a quick shadowboxing demonstration. "Yeah, a little bit. It''s a good workout, keeps me in shape and sharp. Plus, it helps with balance and footwork on the court."


    Han nodded, understanding the logic. "Makes sense. Might need to get into it myself," he said, making a mental note to give boxing a shot at some point. It could be useful for staying in shape, or even just for blowing off steam.


    And Gay''s reasoning made sense¡ªthere were many parallels between boxing and basketball. Boxing''s footwork, especially the quick, light steps, probably inspired the ''puppy steps'' in basketball.


    It could even serve as a deterrent, making opponents think twice before trying to rough him up.


    ---


    After a while, they made their way to the kitchen, where Rudy''s girlfriend, was putting the finishing touches on dinner. The spread looked impressive¡ªhomemade dishes that smelled as good as they looked.


    "This is Ecko," Rudy said, wrapping an arm around her. "We''re not married yet, but we''re getting there."


    Han grinned. "Nice to meet you, Ecko. You''re putting all of us to shame with this setup."


    "Nice to meet you, too," Ecko replied warmly. "Hope you brought your appetite."


    After dinner, Gay took Han Sen to his study.


    There weren''t many books, but there were plenty of awards related to St. Jude Children''s Research Hospital.


    Gay spoke enthusiastically, and Han Sen learned that it was a research hospital specializing in pediatric diseases.


    Gay had rallied many NBA players for the cause, including Nuggets coach George Karl.


    He even started a temporary housekeeping organization called ''Memphis House'' for the cause.


    "I didn''t know you were so involved with St. Jude," Han admitted. "That''s impressive, man."


    Rudy shrugged modestly. "It''s something I care about. I''m just trying to give back where I can."


    He paused for a moment, then added, "By the way, I wanted to give you a heads-up about Zach. I know you haven''t been around him much yet, but just watch out. He''s got a bit of a temper."


    Han raised an eyebrow. "You mean Randolph?"


    "Yeah. He''s had some incidents, you know? He broke Ruben Patterson''s eye socket with a punch in Portland, and he once threw water on Nate Robinson in New York. If others hadn''t held him back, they probably would''ve fought," Gay explained casually.


    Even with this brief description, Han Sen could vividly picture those scenes.


    It matched his impression of Randolph.


    Looking at Gay and then thinking about Randolph, Han Sen couldn''t help but feel like they were a ''no-brain and unhappy'' combo.


    No wonder the Grizzlies missed the playoffs with such a lineup last season. The fact that they won 40 games was a testament to Conley''s efforts.


    Randolph was different from Gay, though.


    In Hollins'' system, Gay was somewhat dispensable, but Randolph was a true cornerstone.


    Unless Hollins left, this wouldn''t change.


    This meant Han Sen had to treat Randolph differently from Gay.


    While he was in direct competition with Gay, he needed to cooperate with Randolph.


    Essentially, they played complementary roles, one inside and one outside.


    Even if Randolph was indeed the ''jerk'' Gay described, as long as they didn''t clash off the court, it wouldn''t affect Han Sen much.


    ---


    Time flew, and it was already late November.


    The NBA 2010-2011 season had been underway for over a month.


    Stan had just released his third power rankings of the season.


    Because of previous controversies, his rankings drew a lot of attention and, as Han Sen had said before, were regarded by some as the ''Bible'', generating significant discussion.


    The rankings saw major changes over the past month.


    The Bulls jumped from 9th to the top spot.


    Their core lineup was similar to last season''s, with the addition of Boozer. However, the former Celtics assistant coach, Tom Thibodeau, had built a team reminiscent of the Iverson-era 76ers, with a league-best record.


    Meanwhile, the highly-anticipated Heat continued to slide, dropping to 9th, the Bulls'' original position.


    This showed Stan''s professionalism, as the Heat''s performance had been underwhelming.


    Many thought losing the season opener to the Grizzlies was just an anomaly, but a month into the season, their record was only 9-8.


    Considering they were in the East, which was seen as the weaker conference, if they were in the West, they wouldn''t even have a .500 record.


    The "Big Three" had formed for nothing.


    ''Closed-door meetings'' and ''plane meetings'' came as expected, and after the recent loss to the Mavericks, there was a national uproar over the "shoulder bump incident." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the third quarter, when they were trailing, LeBron was subbed out. As he walked back to the bench, he ran directly into Spoelstra, who was coming toward him, without making any effort to avoid him.


    The collision was so strong that Spoelstra''s suit nearly slipped off, and LeBron completely ignored him throughout.


    But contrary to expectations, there were only a few people criticizing LeBron''s behavior; more were calling for Spoelstra to be fired.


    This is basketball for you. When a team performs poorly, the coach is always the first to take the blame.


    And let''s not forget, Spoelstra is still a young coach.


    Another team getting a lot of attention is the Grizzlies.


    The Grizzlies have jumped from their previous ranking of 16th to 8th, even higher than the Heat, who are ranked 9th.


    This rise is thanks to their performance so far.


    This season, they''ve achieved an 11-6 record, ranking fourth in the Western Conference, behind the Spurs, Lakers, and Mavericks.


    To perform like this in the brutal Western Conference is truly surprising.


    The biggest changes came from two areas: first, the addition of Han Sen, and second, Rudy Gay''s improved efficiency.


    If previous games were too small of a sample size, Han Sen''s season stats so far¡ªaveraging 19.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, with a 48.2% field goal percentage and 40.6% three-point shooting¡ªare absolutely core-level numbers.


    Don''t think that scoring average is low. The Grizzlies play a slow-paced, grind-it-out style, with fewer possessions. Plus, Han Sen is currently the team''s top scorer.


    Even Stan admitted in a detailed article later that he was wrong.


    "Han''s presence has elevated the Grizzlies'' perimeter strength to a whole new level. His physical condition looks great, and his injuries with the Cavaliers seemed to be fatigue-related. The Grizzlies clearly won big in that trade."


    Rudy Gay is also averaging 18.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. While his scoring has dropped compared to last season, his efficiency has significantly improved, with a career-high 47.1% field goal percentage and 39.6% from three.


    Gay''s performance further proves that stats can be deceiving.


    With better load management, he doesn''t just look good statistically; his efficiency is high, too.


    Although Randolph encountered some injuries early in the season, causing his form to fluctuate, he is still averaging 17.2 points and 11.2 rebounds.


    However, the Grizzlies'' overall cohesion and better-than-expected chemistry have led to their growing recognition from the outside world.


    After this ranking was released, the most frustrated fans were those of the Heat and Cavaliers.


    Calls for ''Spoelstra to be fired, Riley to take over'' reached a peak on social media.


    Remember, the Heat won their first championship when Riley took over from Stan Van Gundy, so there''s a ''track record of success''.


    As for the Cavaliers'' fans, they were even more frustrated than the Heat''s.


    At least the Heat still have hope, but the Cavaliers'' current record is among the worst in the Eastern Conference.


    Thabeet has been stuck on the bench, unable to compete with Varejao, showing that it wasn''t just a lack of development at the Grizzlies; he just wasn''t good enough.


    Mayo is putting up over 20 points per game, his career-best stats, but he still can''t lead the Cavaliers to victory.


    As for Quincy Pondexter, who was thought to replace Han Sen, he is averaging only 2.8 points in 12 minutes per game. It''s unclear whether he''ll even still be in the NBA after his rookie season.


    As the saying goes, ''No comparison, no harm''. The Cavaliers'' management is getting roasted by the fans.


    "We need an explanation! Who was it that traded Han? That was criminal!"


    "Damn it! Refund my season tickets!"


    "Management, you were so good at kissing that traitor''s feet before; can you go kiss Han''s feet and bring him back?!"


    "Han is in Memphis chasing the playoffs and even a championship, while we''re tanking for the lottery. We all had bright futures."


    ...


    Thanks to their impressive performance, the Grizzlies are getting more attention.


    For a small-market team to gain recognition, there''s only one way¡ªproduce results.


    Ja Morant''s rapid rise wasn''t just because of his talent; it was also because the Grizzlies finished second in the West for two straight years at that time.


    Han Sen is now getting more attention too, and he''s already considered a ''rising star''.


    The date is now December 1st, and the Grizzlies are about to head on the road for a matchup with the Cavaliers.


    ---


    2010-11 NBA Team Ratings (Top 10):


    1. Chicago Bulls


    2. Los Angeles Lakers


    3. San Antonio Spurs


    4. Boston Celtics


    5. Orlando Magic


    6. Dallas Mavericks


    7. Oklahoma City Thunder


    8. Memphis Grizzlies


    9. Miami Heat


    10. Denver Nuggets

 Chapter 116: Away Game? Home Game!

    Chapter 116: Away Game? Home Game!On the plane to Cleveland, Han Sen and Conley were casually chatting about the upcoming game.


    For the Grizzlies, this was just an ordinary regular-season game, a seemingly easy win like their previous matchup against the Timberwolves.


    But because of the bad blood between Han Sen and the Cavaliers, this game had a different flavor.


    Connections and relationships still play a role in the NBA, just like anywhere else.


    At the moment, Conley was discussing how to create opportunities for Han Sen in the game.


    Teammates naturally enjoyed the prospect of helping him ''stick it'' to his former team.


    Especially since the Grizzlies were currently in a sort of honeymoon phase.


    While chatting, Han Sen glanced up and saw Randolph sitting in the front row with headphones on, quietly listening to music.


    Since visiting Gay''s place last time, Han Sen had subconsciously started paying more attention to Randolph.


    He noticed that, since the beginning of the season, Randolph seemed to be a lot quieter.


    Because they didn''t interact much, Han Sen could only assume it was due to the frustration of underperforming after dealing with injuries.


    "Has Zach been going through something lately?" Han Sen asked Conley quietly.


    Conley, being the most well-connected player on the team, would be the first to know if anything was up.


    Conley shook his head.


    If Conley hadn''t heard anything, then it seemed Han''s assumptions were correct.


    The plane landed at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, and as Han Sen stepped off, he felt the familiar fresh air.


    It was exactly like when he first arrived in Cleveland, with the high level of greenery.


    As they exited the terminal, they were momentarily stunned.


    "Are these people here to welcome us?" Gay, leading the way, asked in confusion.


    He had been in the NBA for many years and had come to Cleveland before, but he had never seen anything like this.


    Fans lined both sides of the exit, holding up various signs.


    Randolph glanced at him. "Seriously, man? You don''t have eyes?"


    Gay squinted at the crowd, then muttered under his breath, "I''m nearsighted, you know. Should''ve put my contacts in on the plane."


    Conley and Han Sen followed them out.


    "Han, they''re here to welcome you," Conley said after glancing at the signs.


    "Come back, Han!" "The management is dumb! They''re all idiots!" "The Cavs can''t survive without you"...


    When an NBA player returns to play against their former team, the main question is whether they''ll be booed or cheered.


    But for Han Sen, it was obvious there was no need to worry about that.


    Even Han hadn''t expected to see such a scene.


    He felt he had done right by the Cavs, so he didn''t expect to be booed, but this was a surprising welcome.


    It reminded him of the farewell he received from fans when he left Cleveland.


    He truly was quite popular here.


    Han Sen turned to Hollins and asked if he could go over to sign autographs and take pictures with the fans.


    Hollins initially wanted to refuse, but Joerger interjected, allowing Han Sen to go ahead with the instruction, "Just don''t take too long."


    Han Sen shot a grateful glance at Joerger. Although he was a defensive-minded coach like Hollins and Brown, he had a completely different vibe.


    As Han Sen approached the fans, the atmosphere instantly erupted.


    Gay stopped in his tracks and looked back, a hint of envy in his eyes. In all his years in Memphis, he had never received such treatment.


    Even Randolph took a couple of extra glances.


    Conley couldn''t help but shake his head.


    He didn''t understand why a player so loved by fans was so easily discarded by management.


    ...


    "No, we don''t regret our decision. After LeBron left, the team entered a rebuilding phase. OJ was simply the more talented player; that''s why we traded for him." S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the Grizzlies arrived in Cleveland, Cavaliers GM Chris Grant''s statement stirred up quite a bit of discussion.


    "I''ve said it before; the Cavs'' GM is just a puppet. The management doesn''t understand the real problem."


    "Who''s going to admit their mistakes? They''re just saving face."


    "OJ may be talented, but he''s not the guy who can help a team win."


    "I think Grant has a point. It''s not like Han can win us a championship. Just making the playoffs isn''t enough; rebuilding was inevitable."


    "Rebuilding? Can you guarantee the players you pick will be better than Han? You could''ve skipped the whole rebuilding process!"


    "Why talk about ''making the playoffs'' like it''s easy? How many times have we actually made the playoffs?"


    "Most people underestimate Han. He''s Memphis'' leading scorer right now, and he''s new to that team."


    The buzz on social media mirrored the reality: when so many fans showed up at the airport to welcome Han Sen, the Cavs'' supporters made their feelings abundantly clear.


    After a brief rest at the hotel, Hollins took the team to the Quicken Loans Arena for practice.


    A strict coach always starts with training.


    Walking into the familiar arena, and even more familiar ''locker room'', Han Sen felt like he had traveled back in time.


    And there were familiar faces too.


    Shortly after entering the locker room, an old acquaintance came looking for him.


    David Griffin.


    Griffin had made some progress; he was now the assistant GM.


    This meant if Grant ever got fired, Griffin would be the top candidate for the GM role.


    "I heard you were back, so I rushed over."


    "Aren''t you afraid of getting yourself in trouble?" Since Grant''s stance reflected the management''s position, Griffin could easily get into hot water.


    "Visiting a friend isn''t a big deal," he replied confidently.


    Han Sen chuckled and patted Griffin on the shoulder; this guy was indeed interesting.


    "Oh, by the way, I''ve got some tickets for you." Griffin took a bunch of tickets out of his pocket.


    As a home player, Han Sen would have had no trouble getting tickets, but as a visiting player, there were limited options.


    Like last season, when the Cavs played the Heat on the road, Han Sen had to buy most of the tickets for his friends at Barry University.


    Han Sen glanced at the tickets, noting the seats were quite close to the court, including some in the front row.


    "Thanks." He needed a front-row seat for Swift, who would be attending the game.


    After seeing Hollins enter the locker room, Griffin took his leave.


    When practice ended, Han Sen handed out the extra tickets to his teammates.


    Unlike him, fighting away from home, most NBA players had family or friends attending their games.


    It wasn''t a big deal financially, but who wouldn''t appreciate free tickets?


    After everyone left the locker room, Cunningham and Jamison came to find Han Sen.


    The Cavaliers had finished their morning practice, and they had come specifically to see him.


    "Boss," Cunningham greeted him, making Han Sen facepalm.


    Jamison, meanwhile, came over and gave Han Sen a big hug.


    The last time Han Sen left Cleveland, Jamison wasn''t around to bid him farewell.


    "Let''s go grab some food," Jamison said with a smile.


    ...


    The next afternoon, Han picked up Swift from the airport.


    "Heading back tonight?" Han asked as she slid into the passenger seat. He was already used to her usual quick visits.


    "Nope," Swift said, grinning. "Staying until tomorrow morning."


    Han''s eyebrows shot up. "Really?" He glanced over at her, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "That''s a nice change. Last time was a little... cramped."


    Swift laughed, catching his drift. "Yeah, it was a bit of a tight squeeze," she teased. "Oh, and I made sure I grabbed the right jersey this time," she said, pulling a red hat out of her bag and giving it a little shake. "I even brought this."


    Han noticed the custom print on the hat that read ''handsome''. He chuckled. "You really thought this through, huh? But maybe leave the hat off¡ªit might stir up trouble."


    Swift smirked and put the hat on anyway. "How does it look?"


    Han couldn''t help but smile. "Looks great. Best hat on the best-looking person."


    Swift beamed at the compliment, reaching over to squeeze his hand. "Good answer."


    ...


    That night, the Quicken Loans Arena was packed to capacity.


    Since both Han Sen and LeBron James left, the Cavaliers'' attendance this season had been quite low.


    The last time the arena was full was when the Heat visited, and the fans spent the whole night venting their frustrations with all sorts of signs.


    But unfortunately, no matter how much the Heat struggled, the Cavaliers couldn''t win.


    This time, however, the scene was quite interesting.


    Many people were holding signs in support of Han Sen.


    Some even wore custom T-shirts printed with the word ''handsome''.


    When Han Sen and his teammates walked out of the tunnel before the game, many fans cheered for him.


    It was strange.


    Han Sen almost felt like he was still playing for the Cavaliers.


    No, actually, even when he was with the Cavaliers, he wasn''t this popular.


    This became even more apparent when the warm-ups ended, and the opening ceremony began.


    As the visiting team, the Grizzlies were introduced first, with Han Sen being the first to be announced.


    Although the arena DJ kept it simple with a brief "Number 77, Han Sen,"


    The entire Quicken Loans Arena erupted!


    This reaction shocked the Grizzlies players.


    Sure, they had seen how popular Han Sen was in Cleveland at the airport, but this wasn''t just about popularity.


    With that kind of cheer, you could argue Han Sen was the leader of the Cavaliers!


    Swift, sitting courtside, was wide-eyed.


    She''s a regular at NBA games and has seen many big moments, but this was unlike anything she''d ever witnessed.


    She instinctively looked at her own jersey.


    So, is this an away game? Or a home game?


    It hadn''t been that long since she last saw him, and yet her boyfriend''s popularity had reached such an exaggerated level?


    Han Sen, meanwhile, remained calm.


    He had figured out why the crowd was reacting so strongly.


    Honestly, it wasn''t just about whether he was liked; he had become the outlet for the Cleveland fans'' emotions.


    After being "betrayed" by LeBron, all they could do was vent through signs and words because the Cavaliers just couldn''t win on the court.


    Especially since the front office had been antagonizing the fans, all they could do was transfer those emotions onto him.


    Channeling their hatred for LeBron and their dissatisfaction with management into support for him.


    It was surprising, but not necessarily a bad thing.


    ---


    After the opening ceremony, the starting lineups for both teams were announced.


    Grizzlies: Conley, Han Sen, Gay, Randolph, Gasol.


    Cavaliers: Mo Williams, Mayo, Anthony Parker, Jamison, Varej?o.


    Gasol tipped the ball to the Grizzlies'' side, and the game officially began.


    The Grizzlies advanced to the frontcourt, and Conley passed the ball to Han Sen.


    As soon as Han Sen got the ball, it was like someone flipped a switch, and the crowd burst into cheers.


    Han Sen, who had already figured out the situation, didn''t let the cheers get to his head. He passed the ball to Randolph in the post for an isolation play.


    Jamison couldn''t hold off Randolph. Randolph turned towards the free-throw line and attacked the basket.


    Varej?o came over to help, but Randolph elbowed him to the ground.


    The referee''s whistle blew, calling an offensive foul on Randolph.


    "Zach, that guy''s really good at drawing fouls," Han Sen said as they retreated on defense, reminding Randolph as a former Cavalier.


    "I don''t need your reminder!" Randolph snapped back.


    The big guy was like a bear on edge.


    On the Cavaliers'' offense, Williams set a pick-and-roll with Jamison, passed to him, and Jamison knocked down a mid-range jumper.


    Randolph''s pick-and-roll defense is the weakest link in the Grizzlies'' defense.


    Randolph even exchanged words with Conley, basically blaming him for not coming over to help in time.


    He was clearly not in the right mood tonight.


    The Grizzlies pushed the ball to the front again, passing it inside to Randolph, who went at Jamison once more.


    Jamison had no chance against Randolph in the post. This time, Randolph didn''t turn towards the free-throw line but spun baseline.


    Varej?o came over to help again, and Gasol called for the ball from the weak-side baseline, but Randolph didn''t pass. Instead, he went straight at Varej?o.


    Because of the previous offensive foul, Randolph hesitated and didn''t power up. Under Varej?o''s long-arm interference, the shot bounced off the rim.


    However, he showed his toughness, grabbing the offensive rebound right over Varej?o and putting it back in while drawing a foul.


    After scoring, he got right in Varej?o''s face and unleashed a tirade:


    "You''re a f***ing p***y! Soft as hell!"


    "You can''t do s*** to stop me, bitch!"


    The ref''s whistle blew before Randolph could get under Varej?o''s skin any further, hitting him with a technical foul.


    Randolph instantly lost his temper and charged at the referee.


    Gasol and Conley quickly stepped in to hold him back.


    But even as they restrained him, Randolph kept running his mouth, directing his anger at the ref.


    The second technical foul was called, and Randolph was ejected.


    This sudden turn of events caught everyone off guard.


    Even Han Sen was confused. Randolph had a temper, sure, but he wasn''t usually this out of control on the court.


    What was going on with him tonight?


    As Randolph walked toward the tunnel, he took off his headband and angrily threw it to the ground before leaving.


    The Grizzlies, a team that relies heavily on their post play, were suddenly without their offensive focal point, turning what seemed like an easy game into a tough challenge.

 Chapter 117: Career Night.

    Chapter 117: Career Night.Not only the players on the court, but even Hollins didn''t quite understand what was happening. With the game just starting, calling a timeout wouldn''t make much sense, so he substituted Johnson in.


    Johnson''s low-post game is practically non-existent, so now the Grizzlies had to rely solely on Conley''s playmaking.


    As the technical foul was being executed, Han Sen took Randolph''s place for the free throw. At this point, technical fouls resulted in two free throws and possession, so the Cavaliers got four free throws in total.


    After all the free throws were taken, the score was 3-5, with the Cavaliers leading, and they still had possession.


    Williams drove but missed due to Conley''s defense. However, Varejao and Jamison grabbed a few offensive boards, and Jamison eventually put the ball in.


    Randolph''s unexpected exit caught the Grizzlies off guard, and it fired up the Cavaliers as well.


    Randolph''s importance was evident¡ªgoing from a loss to a potential win changes the entire mindset of the players, reflected in how they play.


    Conley ran a pick-and-roll with Gasol, but Gasol''s layup was blocked by Varejao''s effort.


    The Cavaliers launched a fast break, and Williams finished with a layup.


    3-7. The Cavaliers controlled the momentum early on.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The fans in the arena, despite their support for Han Sen, were still cheering for their hometown team. After all, who wouldn''t want their team to win?


    When Han Sen reached the frontcourt, he signaled a play to Conley.


    Johnson set up a screen on the weak side, and Han Sen used the ''Cunningham'' screen to move. But the Cavaliers knew this move well, and Jamison was there to help.


    Jamison was all over him, so Han Sen quickly drove to his left. As a former teammate, Jamison knew he couldn''t keep up, so he coordinated with Varejao for a double team.


    But before Varejao could retreat to the paint, Han Sen had already blown past, finishing a right-handed layup.


    Jamison was shocked. "How did Han Sen get so fast?"


    On his way back, Han Sen gave him a wink.


    The Cavaliers fans started cheering again.


    In just one play, Han Sen won back the crowd that had momentarily turned against him, stabilizing the Grizzlies'' momentum.


    The Cavaliers handed the ball to Mayo, their future star. The former top high school player needed to step up.


    Han Sen had never faced Mayo, but he knew him well¡ªhe was Wallace''s benchmark during Han Sen''s workout with the Grizzlies.


    Mayo, looking confident, remembered how he had once outperformed Han Sen during those workouts.


    But as he drove into the lane for a floater, Han Sen closed in faster than Mayo expected, heavily contesting the shot. The ball didn''t even hit the rim.


    Mayo''s game had hardly improved, while Han Sen had evolved significantly.


    Especially with [Iron Body] maxed out from Grover''s training, his speed was notably enhanced. Han Sen was clearly on another level now.


    Gasol grabbed the defensive rebound, and Han Sen had already sprinted past the free-throw line by the time he looked up.


    Gasol launched the ball, and Han Sen sprinted down the court, muscling past Williams for a layup.


    The former Cleveland fast-break king delivered again!


    The arena roared.


    With Randolph on the court, the Grizzlies'' offense always ran through him. But with his sudden departure, Han Sen was unleashed!


    Cavaliers GM Grant, who was in the arena, watched with furrowed brows as the crowd continued to cheer.


    He dreaded how the media would cover tonight''s game.


    "It''s ridiculous¡ªridiculously unbelievable," he muttered.


    After Han Sen''s 4-point streak, the Grizzlies found their defensive rhythm again.


    The Cavaliers struggled with two straight drive-and-kick attempts, failing to create any good opportunities.


    Johnson wasn''t as skilled as Randolph on either end, but his defensive mobility was impressive.


    Eventually, the Cavaliers gave the ball to Mayo again.


    Mayo forced a floater over Han Sen, but Han Sen waited and timed his jump perfectly.


    Bang!


    A volleyball-style swat sent the ball flying out of bounds!


    Statistically, Mayo had outscored Han Sen this season, but after these two head-to-head matchups, it was like when Han Sen faced LeBron¡ªstats didn''t mean a thing.


    The Cavaliers couldn''t capitalize, and Conley fed the hot hand again¡ªHan Sen.


    Academically trained point guards know how to get the ball to the guy on fire.


    Han Sen faced off against Jamison again.


    Jamison tried to anticipate his move, but Han easily went right past him.


    They shared memories of fishing together, but tonight, there was no shared responsibility on the court.


    Varejao, hands up, awaited Han Sen''s drive. But Han Sen didn''t slow down, rising high for a dunk.


    Boom!


    There was contact, but just as Randolph had called it, Varejao was soft, hitting the floor again.


    Crash!


    Han Sen dunked over Varejao.


    No whistle from the refs!


    Just like LeBron''s experience in Miami, Varejao''s acting career took a nosedive.


    Han Sen stepped over Varejao as he lay on the floor.


    He looked like a stray dog abandoned by its owner, and he didn''t even dare to bark.


    The crowd, already hyped by Han''s moves, went wild.


    The Grizzlies bench erupted.


    What a play!


    9-7!


    After Han Sen''s 6-point streak, the Grizzlies took the lead. More importantly, the Cavaliers'' momentum, ignited by Randolph''s exit, was squashed.


    Coach Brown sensed trouble and called a timeout.


    As the camera panned to Grant, the arena booed.


    Sweat dripped from Grant''s forehead. If he had known tonight would turn into such a spectacle, he''d never have shown up.


    When play resumed, the Cavaliers subbed in Gibson and Cunningham for Williams and Jamison.


    Barely half a quarter had passed, and two starters were already benched. Fans weren''t just making Grant uncomfortable¡ªCoach Brown was getting frustrated too.


    The Cavaliers missed again, and Han Sen received the ball. Gibson was now defending him.


    Gibson and Cunningham weren''t as offensively skilled as the starters; they were clearly put in to stop Han Sen.


    Facing Gibson, one of LeBron''s old guards, Han Sen signaled for isolation.


    "What, your king left you too?" Han Sen taunted.


    Gibson got heated.


    Then, Han Sen blew right past him.


    Gibson was stunned.


    Normally, Han Sen''s strength would be the issue, but this time, his speed was too much.


    Han Sen''s explosive growth in just six months was undeniable.


    Cunningham quickly rotated over, but Han Sen bumped him, forcing him to stop. A quick floater, and it was good.


    Brown''s defensive substitution strategy? Still didn''t work!


    After the bucket, Han Sen pulled at his jersey, his signature move, and the crowd went wild.


    Though his jersey was now a Grizzlies one, the number 77 was still the same!


    The Cavaliers'' offense faltered again.


    With Jamison and Williams, the team''s second and third leading scorers, benched, the Cavaliers lost half their firepower.


    Conley passed to Han Sen again, signaling an empty side play.


    Tonight, Cleveland was Han''s stage.


    Gibson locked eyes with Han Sen, determined to make up for the last possession.


    Han Sen didn''t trash-talk this time. He made a quick right-handed crossover.


    Gibson retreated, but Han pulled back, hitting a step-back three.


    Gibson stumbled, falling to the floor.


    The crowd gasped.


    Han waited for Gibson to stand up before taking the shot.


    Swish!


    Nothing but net.


    "You should call your king," Han Sen said with a grin, making a phone gesture.


    Gibson''s spirit was crushed.


    As Han Sen ran back, he motioned for the crowd to get louder.


    The arena went nuts.


    The camera zoomed in on the Cavaliers'' bench. The veterans looked conflicted.


    It was Han Sen''s first time back in Cleveland, but the scene was all too familiar.


    Back in practice, Han Sen would dominate the first and second teams, just like tonight.


    The only difference was that back then, there were no spectators; now, 20,000 people were watching.


    And all those fans were cheering for Han Sen.


    You can imagine how bitter they felt.


    They knew the fans were protesting Grant''s management, not necessarily rooting against them.


    But still, having the home crowd cheer for the opponent? That''s brutal.


    Just like Han Sen once told Griffin, returning to this familiar place, his hunger for the game was through the roof.


    Especially with Randolph''s early exit, it unleashed his passion earlier than expected.


    Seeing they couldn''t contain Han Sen with single coverage, Coach Brown deployed double-teams in the second quarter.


    Losing the game was acceptable, but they couldn''t let Han Sen keep scoring at will.


    But Han just switched to off-ball movement!


    The Grizzlies were a ''team-first'' squad, running plays rather than relying on individual heroics. Han Sen''s first-quarter takeover was just an adjustment to Randolph''s sudden absence, not their usual strategy.


    Once they returned to team play, Han Sen still found ways to score.


    His improved athleticism made his off-ball movement more lethal.


    After he slipped past the defense and caught Conley''s pass for a gliding layup, Brown looked defeated.


    By halftime, Han Sen had shot 11-for-16, scoring 27 points and setting a new personal record for points in a half!


    Under his lead, the Grizzlies stretched their halftime lead to 20 points.


    The game was basically over.


    When the third quarter began, Hollins was no longer standing on the sidelines but was back on the bench.


    It was clear that with such a huge lead, he didn''t need to micromanage from the sideline anymore.


    At that point, the Grizzlies players on the court were intentionally feeding Han Sen the ball.


    Players aren''t machines, and tonight, Han Sen''s performance and his stabilizing plays in those crucial minutes were as clear to them as anyone.


    Especially for the starters¡ªJohnson didn''t have much scoring ability, Conley and Marc Gasol weren''t obsessed with stats, and the only one with some ambition, Gay, had already been won over by Han Sen.


    In this quarter alone, Han Sen scored another 16 points, breaking his single-quarter scoring record and bringing his total to 43 points, marking his first 40+ game in his career.


    By the end of the third quarter, the Cavaliers trailed the Grizzlies by a full 26 points.


    At that point, the game was completely out of reach.


    During the break before the final quarter, Joerger came up to Han Sen and asked if he wanted to go out at the start of the fourth quarter to play a bit more.


    The implication was obvious¡ªthe coaching staff was asking if he wanted to pad his stats a bit more.


    After all, Han Sen had scored over 40 points, making it the night of his career.


    If he could push his score even higher, maybe hitting 50+, the PR would be even better.


    Han Sen shook his head.


    If the opponent had been the Heat and they had some garbage time, he wouldn''t have minded going back out there, as it could rile up LeBron fans to generate more hater points for him.


    But tonight, this away game felt fake.


    It didn''t hold much meaning for him.


    Still, Han Sen wasn''t idle while sitting on the bench, as he noticed Cunningham was on the court.


    He watched for a bit and saw that Cunningham had developed a new move this season¡ªa long two after taking one dribble inside the three-point line.


    This little trick clearly made it much harder for defenders to guard him compared to before. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even though Han was no longer in Cleveland, the kid hadn''t slacked off.


    Then, Han Sen ''incidentally'' noticed Thabeet''s performance on the court.


    This guy... was hard to watch.


    He looked big, but his ability to withstand contact was terrible¡ªeven Carroll could knock him back with a simple bump.


    A big man without physicality has no chance of surviving in the NBA.


    With just over five minutes left and the score difference still over 30 points, the camera panned to Grant again, and the crowd started chanting a familiar phrase, "Who is your daddy!" in unison, led by an unknown fan.


    That familiar chant¡ªno one could resist it!


    Even Han Sen couldn''t hold back his laughter.


    At least give the front office a little bit of dignity.


    Just a little.


    After the chant erupted, Grant, who had been trying to stay composed, finally couldn''t take it anymore. He got up and left the arena early.


    This place was really unbearable for him.


    However, his exit was destined to become one of the iconic photos of the Cavaliers'' season after the game.


    After the game, the players from both sides exchanged handshakes.


    The new guys on the Cavaliers looked somewhat dejected. After all, they wouldn''t want to experience another night like this again.


    But the old guys, like Cunningham, were all smiles when shaking hands with Han Sen.


    After the start they''d had, it was clear the Cavs were tanking, and there was little they could do. But seeing Han Sen''s career night, they were genuinely happy for him.


    ---


    After the game, Han attended the post-game press conference.


    A lot of reporters showed up, many of them local.


    What happened tonight was beyond bizarre, and the buzz was off the charts.


    "Han, you scored 43 points tonight, a new career-high. What does this mean to you?"


    Han Sen smirked slightly. "Well, I guess it means it''s my career night, right? Nah, honestly, it''s a huge thanks to my teammates. Their support was everything tonight. And the coaching staff, they trusted me and put me in those positions. I also gotta shout out the fans¡ªthey were loud and amazing out there. That energy meant a lot."


    Han Sen''s response was unusually normal.


    "Did you expect something like this to happen before the game?" the reporter followed up.


    "Not at all. I mean, sure, you always feel something special before a big game, but everything¡ªlike the cheers and then the chants¡ªit was crazy. When they started chanting, ''Who is your daddy?''¡ªthat''s just something else, man. It really hit me."


    "It was a wild atmosphere, and it''s those moments that stick with you. The fans, they''re the realest out there." Han Sen said sincerely.


    The Cavs'' front office might be terrible, but Cleveland''s fans were great.


    It was precisely this contrast that created such a unique scene tonight.


    "Did your performance tonight have anything to do with the Cavaliers trading you?" another reporter asked, going straight to the heart of the matter.


    "Yeah, maybe. You always want to prove something," Han Sen admitted. "It''s like, when you''re out there, it''s personal. But in the end, it was about giving the fans a show. That means a lot more."


    "We know you and LeBron played together in Cleveland. Does your growth now relate back to that experience?" an ESPN reporter asked.


    Han smiled, "Next question."


    ...


    After the press conference, Han Sen returned to the locker room to take a shower.


    Conley was still there, and when he saw Han, he approached him directly. "Zach..."


    It seemed Conley wanted to talk about Randolph.


    "Mike, I have plans tonight."


    But Han Sen didn''t engage in the conversation. Instead, he started taking off his jersey to shower.


    He really wasn''t in the mood to talk about Randolph because Swift was still waiting for him.


    He''d finished the game on the court, but there was another intense match waiting for him later that night.


    He had to thank his old Cavs teammates for letting him rest on the bench in the fourth quarter. His energy levels were at their peak right now.

 Chapter 118: The Big Move.

    Chapter 118: The Big Move."I''m not done yet."


    "Can we just sleep...?"


    "Round three?"


    "I''m exhausted... let''s sleep."


    "Mmm..."


    "Are you kidding me? Again?!"


    ...


    Swift originally planned to catch an early flight for an event, but she didn''t make it. It wasn''t because she overslept¡ªit was because she could barely stand.


    Han Sen was relentless.


    He had taken her to the point of complete surrender, leaving her mind blank more times than she could count.


    If it hadn''t been for the flight she had to catch last time, she would''ve experienced this in Miami already.


    She glanced at Han Sen with a mixture of exhaustion and something else¡ªlike a plea. She was always so career-focused, never missing an event, but now, because of him, she was stuck.


    "Just rest a bit. I''ll get us some breakfast," he said, kissing her forehead before slipping out.


    He had to escape for a moment. This wasn''t entirely his fault; athletes are naturally full of energy. And last night? It felt way better than any night out at a club.


    There was also a small detail. Swift had been very eager in the beginning... and with the rare chance to have her stay over, Han couldn''t hold back.


    Still, he needed to show some restraint.


    Dating Swift and then breaking up is one thing, but breaking up over something like this would be seriously awkward.


    On his way to grab breakfast, he checked his phone and saw the media headlines blowing up about last night''s game.


    No need for his agent Khalil to step in this time; the coverage was everywhere.


    "43 Points in Three Quarters: Grizzlies'' Future Has Arrived."


    "The Best Trade in Grizzlies History: Memphis Has Found Their Kobe."


    "Home Fans Turn Against the Cavs: Front Office Loses Big."


    "''Who is your daddy?'' Grant Walks Off in Defeat."


    "''God gave 23 to Jordan; I''m taking the remaining 77.''"


    ---


    When it comes to ''hype'', American media may not be as extreme as Chinese media, but they are definitely more intense than most people think.


    For Han Sen, this was perfect. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Back when he was with the Cavaliers, even his game-winning shots were downplayed as ''LeBron''s supporting piece for the championship''. Leaving Cleveland felt like finally seeing the light of day.


    After reading the reports, Han Sen checked his hater system, and what he saw left him stunned.


    His hater points skyrocketed from 1.1 million to 1.4 million overnight¡ªa gain of 300,000 in just one night!


    What the heck happened?!


    He didn''t even mention LeBron in his post-game press conference, and it wasn''t likely from Cleveland fans either.


    Cleveland fans? A thought struck Han Sen.


    He quickly went to TMZ''s website.


    Right there on the homepage was a picture of him and Swift getting out of the car and entering a hotel. Even though Swift wore sunglasses and a hat, the clarity of the photo made it easy to identify her.


    More importantly, he had turned his head.


    At that exact moment, he''d heard a fan calling his name and instinctively looked back, only to be captured by the paparazzi.


    Unlike the previous photo of them meeting in Dallas, this one was crystal clear, and it was taken right at the hotel entrance¡ªno room for doubt.


    He scrolled through the comments below the article, and the hate aimed at Swift was overwhelming.


    "You''re really with that clown? He''s just some Asian guy!"


    "An overrated singer and a loudmouth baller¡ªmatch made in heaven."


    "Unfollowing. Can''t believe you''d choose him. LeBron is a hundred times better!"


    "I showed up to your event today, and they said you were sick, but turns out you were with him at a hotel. So disappointed!"


    "No wonder you won Best Video; were you cozying up with the judges the night before, too?"


    "Oh, so all it takes to date you is dropping 43 points? Why not date Kobe then?"


    Han Sen was so annoyed he started responding with his burner account, but like last time, he couldn''t keep up. You can never win against haters; the more you engage, the more fired up they get.


    He checked his social media, and it was filled with similar comments. He thought about using his official account to clap back, but he realized it would only backfire.


    Sometimes, the best approach is to act like nothing happened and let time take care of it. Haters are most excited at the beginning; once their energy fades, they move on.


    When Han Sen got back to the hotel with breakfast, he saw that Swift had fallen back asleep. He quietly tucked the blanket around her and noticed her phone was still lit up, open to the TMZ article.


    Sitting beside her, he looked at her peacefully sleeping face and couldn''t help but feet a pang of guilt.


    He leaned down and kissed her forehead. Just as he pulled away, Taylor stirred awake.


    "Sorry."


    "I''m a light sleeper anyway," she smiled. After a quick nap, she seemed much more refreshed.


    Han Sen gestured towards her phone, bringing up the TMZ article.


    She reached out, signaling for him to come closer. When he did, she wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head on his chest.


    "I told you before, I don''t care about any of that."


    "Do you?" she asked, looking up at him.


    He shook his head. "No, not really."


    Ever since his career took off, he''d never been free from criticism. If anything, not getting hate felt strange to him. Besides, those negative comments were just points in his hater system; from his perspective, it was a win.


    But now, Swift was his girlfriend. He didn''t mind the hate himself, but he couldn''t ignore it when it came to her.


    She didn''t say anything else, just snuggled closer into his embrace.


    Han Sen thought about saying more, but when he looked down, he realized she had already fallen asleep again. After last night''s chaos and all the media frenzy this morning, she must''ve been exhausted.


    He waited until he was sure she was deeply asleep before gently laying her back down and tucking her in.


    Then, he headed to the bathroom to shower.


    It was there, under the stream of water, that inspiration hit him. A hot story could be cooled down not just by ignoring it but by covering it with a bigger story.


    Last time, when he first arrived in Memphis and said he''d bring the Grizzlies a championship, the backlash didn''t hit as hard because free agency stole the spotlight. That''s the key¡ªdominate the headlines with something bigger.


    A new idea started forming.


    After his shower, he saw Swift still asleep. Han Sen grabbed his phone, stepped out onto the balcony, and called Khalil.


    Later that afternoon, Han Sen took Swift to the airport. This time, she didn''t wear sunglasses, and they shared a kiss goodbye in plain sight.


    The TMZ report had already stirred up a storm, but it also confirmed their relationship. Since it was out in the open, there was no need to hide anymore.


    Shortly after Han Sen left the airport, a new TMZ report from Khalil sent shockwaves through the league.


    Khalil described an incident from last season. The day after the Christmas game, Han Sen led the Cavs'' third squad to dominate the first and second squads, boldly declaring, "You guys f**king need me."


    "I''m not going to pretend I''m the most talented player on this team. That title goes to LeBron. And when it comes to experience? Yeah, that''s Shaquille.


    But let''s be real here¡ªwho''s the one that helps this team win games? That''s me!


    Without me, you''re not beating the Magic. Without me, you won''t get past the Celtics. And honestly, without me, there''s no way you''re even making it to the Finals."


    ---


    Even though these words were just in Khalil''s report, they still had a powerful impact.


    LeBron''s fans immediately jumped in to discredit the story.


    Their biggest issue was the belief that Han Sen couldn''t possibly have done those things. With LeBron and Shaq on the Cavs, the idea of Han Sen, a rookie, dominating them sounded impossible.


    Their second point of contention was that if this had really happened, why was there no news back then? Was there any proof?


    But while LeBron fans doubted the story, many others instinctively believed it.


    The reason? It sounded exactly like something Han Sen would say.


    And, more importantly, everything he claimed was true.


    During the regular season, Han Sen was key in defeating both the Magic and the Celtics. That was even more apparent in the playoffs. With Han Sen, the Cavs beat the Celtics. Without him, they lost to the Magic. And without him, they didn''t make the Finals.


    Social media buzzed with heated debates.


    Another piece of news surfaced. During a Cavs practice last season, Han Sen blocked LeBron''s shot, and there was footage¡ªuntil it was confiscated.


    At the time, since LeBron was still with the Cavs, reporters had no way to speak out. But now, the timing was right, and it came out.


    Fans instantly turned it into a trending topic.


    LeBron''s team: you want the footage? Not happening!


    With pressure mounting, reporters interviewed Shaq in Dallas. They thought he might be vague, but instead, he confirmed everything.


    "Yes, he said that. I was mad, but he was right. He was the one who helped us win."


    Shaq''s response was candid. With the Mavericks doing well and contending for a title this season, he was in a good mood. This was also because of Han Sen''s advice back then; helping him now was just returning the favor.


    Soon, Cleveland journalists also interviewed other Cavs players, who confirmed the story.


    For them, supporting Han Sen''s narrative also justified their recent loss. If Han Sen dominated their squad back then, it made sense that he would dominate the Grizzlies now.


    Finally, reporters in Miami tracked down Zydrunas Ilgauskas.


    "It wasn''t a pleasant experience because he destroyed us. We underestimated his talent and determination, but he did exactly what he said."


    Ilgauskas, still playing with LeBron, didn''t twist the truth.


    With so many witnesses confirming the story, the truth was clear, even without video evidence. And as a bonus, the rumor about LeBron suppressing the footage was also verified.


    The situation only worsened for LeBron. As the media storm continued, TMZ released another bombshell.


    Somehow, TMZ got hold of a recording of the infamous ''Dunkgate'' incident from 2009.


    That summer, Nike hosted a training camp with LeBron as their star. Naturally, being the best attracts challengers¡ªjust like Michael Jordan faced throughout his career.


    LeBron was no different. The organizers even incentivized the players, offering $500 to anyone who could dunk over LeBron.


    Fueled by ambition and money, young players gave it their all. One of them, Xavier University''s Jordan Crawford, seized the moment and dunked on LeBron.


    But instead of getting the $500, the media team''s footage was confiscated. Despite denials from LeBron''s team and Nike, those who were present, including reporter Ryan Miller, confirmed the incident. However, without direct evidence and with Nike''s PR efforts, the story faded away.


    But now, TMZ had obtained footage from a fan in the audience. It wasn''t the best angle, but it clearly showed the moment.


    The new footage connected all the dots. Even Khalil''s past headline resurfaced:


    "Jordan Elevated Nike, Nike Elevated LeBron. That''s the Difference."


    Han Sen didn''t expect the chain of events triggered by his actions, but it perfectly achieved his goal.


    Meanwhile, as the "victim" of this incident, LeBron was struggling both on and off the court, facing an unprecedented crisis.

 Chapter 119: A True Leader.

    Chapter 119: A True Leader."LeBron didn''t mean to. Neither of us noticed each other at the time. This team has been placed under a microscope."


    "We had a private conversation after the game, just the two of us, and discussed his role on the team. We cleared things up."


    A few days later, while LeBron was in the middle of a media storm, Spoelstra brought up the ''shoulder bump'' incident again.


    "That incident had nothing to do with LeBron. It was Nike''s staff who confiscated the footage, and LeBron wasn''t even aware of it."


    Nike''s senior executive, Lynn Merritt, also stepped up to ''explain'' the situation.


    "One quarter''s results are a fluke. Luck outweighs skill."


    "LeBron is a great team player, while some people only care about themselves."


    "Free agents have the right to make their own choices; LeBron shouldn''t be criticized."


    Windhorst, too, published several articles on ESPN defending LeBron.


    While LeBron found himself at the center of the storm, everyone around him was doing the same thing: coddling him.


    Meanwhile, Han Sen had already flown back to Memphis alone after dropping Swift off.


    After getting off the plane and seeing this wave of news, he suddenly understood LeBron''s behavior a lot better.


    Wasn''t he just a kid spoiled by his whole family? And at this point, he''s so spoiled there''s no saving him.


    Because if you''re used to always being coddled, the moment that stops, your only options are to flip the table or have a mental breakdown.


    Either way, it''s not something the people around him want to see.


    But Han Sen had an unexpected gain.


    This time, his goal was simply to generate media buzz and divert attention. He hadn''t even considered gaining ''hater points''.


    Even though Nike was constantly promoting LeBron, and his fanbase would continue to grow, they couldn''t keep up with the number of fans leaving after all this negative press.


    Plus, the die-hard LeBron fans had already maxed out their potential for providing ''hater points'', so there wasn''t much more to gain from them.


    However, as the situation continued to escalate, he still managed to collect nearly 200,000 hater points!


    It was clear that every single LeBron fan absolutely hated him by now.


    With his ''hater points'' quickly reaching 1.6 million, he was now just 300,000 short of acquiring the mid-range shooting talent he wanted.


    And this next wave could potentially max it out.


    Back home, the Grizzlies were about to face the defending champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, for the first time this season.


    Previously, when Han Sen was in the Eastern Conference, he didn''t get many chances to play against the Lakers. But now, in the Western Conference, it was time to harvest ''hater points'' from Kobe fans!


    On his first day back in Memphis, Han Sen arrived at the arena around 5:30 a.m. for his usual early training session, and Grover showed up at almost the same time.


    After an entire summer of this, Han Sen had already adapted to this routine.


    By around 7 a.m., Han Sen wrapped up his training and, as usual, was ready to shower and grab some breakfast.


    As he headed back to the locker room, he unexpectedly bumped into someone inside.


    "Mike, you''re here early," Han Sen greeted Conley with a smile.


    Due to his unique training schedule, he hadn''t run into anyone at this hour before, so he was surprised to see Conley so early today.


    Conley looked at Han Sen, drenched in sweat, and froze.


    "Don''t tell me you''ve already finished a whole session?" Conley''s eyes were filled with disbelief.


    He had come early today because Hollins had asked him to join a film study session, especially since the Lakers were their biggest rivals in the West.


    It would''ve been one thing if Han Sen had just arrived at the gym, but seeing him like this made it clear he was already done.


    "Just a quick fitness session," Han casually replied.


    Conley chuckled to himself. He thought he knew Han Sen pretty well by now, but it seemed he had been overconfident in that assumption.


    Now he understood why Han Sen had quickly established himself in the Grizzlies and even earned the respect of someone like Rudy Gay.


    It was then that Conley remembered their interrupted conversation they had back in Cleveland.


    "I had a brief chat with Zach the other day." Conley glanced at the time and saw there was still room to talk, so he sat down beside Han Sen.


    When Conley mentioned Zach Randolph, Han Sen stopped what he was doing and sat back down.


    "Is it related to me?" If Conley was bringing it up, it had to be for one of two reasons: either he saw Han Sen as the team leader, so any major team issues needed his input, or it directly involved him.


    Anyone but Rudy Gay would easily figure out that it was the latter.


    Conley nodded.


    "Your status on the team has risen too quickly since you arrived, and it''s made Zach feel threatened," Conley quickly added, "Of course, I don''t think that''s necessarily a bad thing, because you help us win."


    Hearing Conley''s explanation, Han Sen could see where he was coming from.


    As a rookie, he had immediately gone after Rudy Gay and now had essentially taken over as the team''s core perimeter player.


    He was also the Grizzlies'' leading scorer.


    Especially during the Cleveland game, where the Cavaliers fans treated him as "the only player worth knowing on the Grizzlies" while ignoring Randolph.


    It would''ve been strange if Randolph, the team''s nominal leader, didn''t have any thoughts about that.


    This was starting to tread into "who''s the boss" territory.


    Just like how the infamous fallout between Shaq and Kobe had ultimately boiled down to that issue.


    "I''ve tried talking to him, but it hasn''t worked very well. It might be partly because he''s been dealing with injuries and hasn''t been performing well," Conley said delicately, but Han Sen knew the problem was more complicated.


    That game against the Cavs had made it crystal clear.


    He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.


    This was a tricky situation.


    Randolph was a true powerhouse, a key player for the Grizzlies. Sure, they could easily beat a team like the Cavaliers without him, but could they win playoff series against the Lakers or the Spurs without him?


    Even Kobe, as insane as he was in the 2005-06 season, could only drag his team into the playoffs. It wasn''t until Gasol joined him that they became championship contenders.


    Han Sen wasn''t on Kobe''s level, which made Randolph even more important.


    "Mike, what kind of person is Zach?" Han Sen asked, looking at Conley.


    Rudy had described Randolph as a ''jerk'', but relying on just one person''s opinion was too one-sided.


    "He''s got a temper, but he''s a good guy," Conley said.


    Now Han Sen was intrigued¡ªhow could the same person be described in two completely opposite ways?


    "Of course, that''s just my personal view, because Zach doesn''t interact much with teammates off the court. I''m one of the few who gets along with him."


    That explained a lot.


    Rudy''s assessment was likely based on the fact that Randolph had been a troublemaker in his younger days, which had become his ''label''.


    If Conley''s perspective was also valid, then it showed that Randolph''s attitude had changed with age and experience.


    That made sense. Unlike LeBron, Randolph hadn''t been coddled by everyone around him. On the contrary, doubts and criticism had followed him throughout his career, with labels like "stat-stuffer" sticking to him.


    Over time, you either get crushed by that or are forced to adapt.


    "What makes you say he''s a good guy?" Han Sen wanted to dig deeper because this would influence how he handled his relationship with Randolph.


    "He''s misunderstood," Conley replied.


    Han Sen listened intently.


    "I used to think he was a jerk too, especially after he broke Ruben Patterson''s eye socket. But after talking to him about it, I realized he was justified."


    Han Sen''s eyes widened¡ªConley''s storytelling skills were up there with Shaq''s.


    But Conley''s next words genuinely changed Han Sen''s perspective on Randolph.


    "Zach hit Patterson because Patterson was bullying Qyntel Woods. That punch was him standing up for Woods."


    It was like something out of a classic chivalric tale¡ªRandolph had a strong sense of justice.


    Just then, Joerger appeared at the locker room door.


    He paused at the sight of Han Sen, still drenched in sweat, before motioning for Conley to head to the film room.


    Han Sen went to shower, then headed downstairs for breakfast.


    As he sat down to eat, he noticed Chris Wallace was also there.


    Han Sen sat across from him.


    After some small talk, Han Sen decided to probe further:


    "Chris, what kind of player is Zach?"


    Wallace didn''t question why Han Sen was suddenly interested in Randolph. After some thought, he replied:


    "He lost his way for a while, but now he''s a good guy."


    It was a similar answer to Conley''s, though not exactly the same.


    "I brought him to Memphis because I knew a lot about his past."


    Wallace began sharing more.


    He too mentioned the incident with Patterson, but in even more detail than Conley had.


    "Ruben Patterson was a well-known thug in Portland, and at the time, Zach was just a second-year player. The post-game media reports all targeted him, and if you didn''t dig deeper, you wouldn''t know what really happened."


    Han Sen completely agreed with this. Having been LeBron''s teammate during his rookie season, he knew firsthand how selective media coverage could cause serious harm.


    "But his temper really isn''t great. You know, no matter the reason, he shouldn''t have been swinging punches at a teammate."


    Hmm, Han Sen put himself in Randolph''s shoes for a moment.


    If it were him, he figured he''d probably provoke Patterson verbally first. If the guy was a thug, he wouldn''t be able to resist hitting first, and then Randolph''s response would be justified¡ªwhat the Americans would call ''standing your ground''.


    Of course, Wallace wasn''t wrong either. As the general manager, he had to approach the issue from the perspective of team unity.


    "But Zach has been through a lot. I can understand why he might have a bad temper."


    When they traded for someone branded as a ''stat-padder'', a ''troublemaker'', even a ''locker room bomb'', Wallace had clearly done a lot of homework.


    Randolph had the typical start for an American NBA star¡ªhe didn''t even know who his father was when he was born and was raised solely by his mother.


    His situation was even worse than many others because he had three younger siblings, and for a long time, they relied on welfare to get by.


    When Randolph was young, he had only one pair of jeans, which he wore so often that they became stiff with dirt. But he never washed them¡ªnot because he was dirty, but because he had no other pants to wear. His classmates even gave him a nickname, ''Hard Shell'', because of it.


    Eventually, when he couldn''t stand it anymore, he went to Walmart to steal a pair of pants and got caught red-handed. He ended up in juvenile detention for a month.


    Imagine that environment¡ªa single mother working multiple jobs to take care of four children. What kind of education could those kids get, aside from simply ''surviving''?


    Wallace''s next story was one Han Sen had heard from other black NBA players: joining gangs, getting involved in drug deals, and street fights.


    If it weren''t for basketball, they''d probably have been found dead in some street corner one day.


    That''s the reality for many poor African Americans in the U.S.


    From Rudy Gay''s warning to Conley''s description to Wallace''s account, it was like puzzle pieces coming together to reveal the full picture of Randolph.


    By the time breakfast was over, Han Sen knew how he was going to resolve things between him and Randolph.


    ---


    Before practice started, he had Conley arrange a meeting with Randolph.


    After practice, Conley brought them to a nearby caf¨¦.


    Randolph seemed uneasy since he hadn''t known Conley had also invited Han Sen.


    As they sat down in the caf¨¦, Han Sen wasted no time. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a folded piece of paper, and slid it across the table toward Randolph.


    Randolph eyed it cautiously before picking it up, clearly a bit uneasy. As he scanned the document, his expression quickly shifted from confusion to surprise.


    It was the agreement between Han Sen and the Cavaliers. Randolph stared at it for a moment before looking up at Han Sen.


    "That''s right," Han Sen said, leaning back in his chair. "I wasn''t just traded here. I chose Memphis."


    Randolph furrowed his brow, still trying to process it. Conley, who was sitting beside them, peeked over at the paper and was just as stunned.


    "Zach, you know why I chose Memphis?" Han Sen asked, his tone calm but direct.


    Randolph shook his head slowly.


    "Because of you."


    Randolph looked at him, confused. "Me?"


    "Yeah," Han Sen nodded. "Before I got here, all I heard was people saying you were just a stat-chaser, a guy who put up numbers but didn''t make a real impact. But we''ve played against each other, Zach. I know you''re more than that. I''ve seen what you can do, and I know you''re someone who can actually change the game."


    Randolph''s expression softened. It was clear he wasn''t expecting that.


    "They just couldn''t see past their biases," Han Sen continued. "They painted you as the guy they wanted you to be. But that''s their problem, not yours."


    Randolph didn''t say anything, but there was a flicker of recognition in his eyes.


    Han Sen leaned in, making sure Randolph was really listening. "I get it, man. I''ve been there too. They tried to put me in a box too. Said I wasn''t good enough, even after I helped take down Boston in the playoffs. But I know what it''s like to be underestimated."


    The two locked eyes for a moment, and Han Sen could see it¡ªthe connection.


    "Look, Zach. I came here for one reason. From day one, I''ve said it: I''m here to win a championship in Memphis."


    Randolph shifted in his seat, a skeptical look crossing his face. "A championship? Us?" He couldn''t help but scoff a little, thinking it was just more big talk.


    "Yeah, us," Han Sen said, his voice firm. "I''m not here to pad stats or just make noise. I''m here to win. And I know you are too."


    Randolph raised an eyebrow, still unsure. "You really think we''re better than Cleveland? They had the best record last season."


    Han Sen shrugged. "Records don''t mean a thing when your best player can''t hit a jumper and spends more time playing hero than actually improving his game. LeBron''s chasing stats, man, not championships. That''s why they lost. That''s why they''ll keep losing."


    Randolph didn''t have an argument for that. He''d seen it happen with his own eyes.


    Han Sen leaned forward, putting his hand out. "Zach, let''s do this. Let''s win a championship and prove all those people wrong. Show them what we''re really about."


    Randolph looked at Han Sen''s outstretched hand. For a moment, it was like the years of doubt, frustration, and disrespect melted away. He wasn''t just a stat-padder. He wasn''t just a troubled player passed from team to team. He was someone who still had something to prove.


    With a determined nod, Randolph clasped Han Sen''s hand. "Let''s do it," he said, conviction in his voice. "Let''s win that championship."


    Han Sen grinned, knowing he''d reached him. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Randolph stood up, adjusting his headband with a smile. "Come on, man, I know a place with some good food. My treat."


    As they left the caf¨¦, Randolph threw his arm around Han Sen''s shoulder, the tension between them gone.


    Watching from behind, Conley couldn''t help but smile. Han Sen wasn''t just a great player¡ªhe was a real leader.

 Chapter 120: Shot on Goal.

    Chapter 120: Shot on Goal.(TL/n: Last Chapter for today. Hopefully it makes up for the missed update..)


    Before the game against the Lakers, Han Sen sat down for an exclusive interview with TNT''s Khalil.


    This season, with LeBron James struggling in Miami, Khalil, known for being both a ''Han fan'' and a ''LeBron critic'', had seen a meteoric rise in popularity. His articles were generating more traffic than any other on TNT''s site.


    "You''ve said before that Kobe isn''t the best player in the league. Do you still believe that?"


    "Yes, I stand by it."


    "Why? Kobe led the Lakers to back-to-back championships. Surely he deserves everyone''s respect."


    "I respect Kobe, but if I hadn''t been injured last season, I believe we would have won the title."


    "What would Kobe need to do for you to acknowledge he''s the best in the league?"


    "If he leads the Lakers to a three-peat this season, I''ll call him the best."


    "And do you think he can do it?"


    "No."


    "Why not? Do you think they can''t beat the Heat''s Big Three?"


    "No, I don''t even think they''ll make it to the Finals."


    ...


    This interview set off a firestorm immediately upon release. After two straight titles, Kobe still wasn''t getting recognition, and Han Sen had the audacity to claim the Lakers wouldn''t even make the Finals. Kobe fans were furious.


    "I remember before the Christmas game last year, Han said Kobe wasn''t the best, and then the Cavaliers got stomped by the Lakers! Trust me, the Grizzlies are about to get obliterated!"


    "He''s running his mouth just because he''s got a decent record now¡ªwhat a perfect example of a ''clown jumping around''!"


    "Last season, everyone said Kobe couldn''t defend the title, but he shut them all up. That''s Kobe!"


    "Who in the West can beat the Lakers? The Spurs, who always get schooled by Kobe? The Thunder with their young punks? The fading Suns? It''s not gonna be ''soft'' Nowitzki and his Mavs, right?"


    "The only thing standing between the Lakers and the title is the Heat''s Big Three. Honestly, I don''t even think the Heat can get past the Bulls. LeBron''s gonna miss another Finals!"


    "With that shaky Heat lineup? The Lakers are cruising to a dynasty this year, and I can''t wait to see you eat your words!"


    ...


    During the Grizzlies'' final practice before game day, Han Sen was pulled aside by coach Hollins.


    "You say you want to bring a championship to Memphis. Fine, I won''t argue with that. But stop making comments that will piss off Kobe before the game. You won''t like the consequences of riling him up, just like you wouldn''t with MJ."


    Hollins had witnessed Jordan''s reign as a player, and now as a coach, he had seen Kobe carry the torch. He knew all too well the dangers of antagonizing such competitors.


    Han Sen furrowed his brow. He wasn''t going to comment on Jordan, but he''d faced Kobe before. Hollins'' words felt like they were undermining the team''s morale. If you go into a game fearing your opponent, you''ve already lost half the battle. Hollins couldn''t hit hard inside the team while staying timid outside.


    "I''ll shut him down," Han Sen promised, pounding his chest.


    "I''m telling you not to make the same mistake again," Hollins emphasized.


    "I said I''ll shut him down, Coach," Han Sen repeated firmly.


    Hollins, visibly frustrated, was about to say more when assistant coach Joerger intervened.


    "Lionel, he''s only 22," Joerger said, stepping in as a peacemaker. "Young and fiery- let him take his lumps; it''s part of the process."


    Joerger''s words seemed to calm Hollins, who gave Han Sen a stern look before storming off, probably planning to give him another lecture after the game.


    "Good luck out there," Joerger said with a smile, giving Han Sen a pat on the shoulder before following Hollins.


    "You alright? Don''t let that old man get to you," said Rudy Gay, walking up to Han and casting a disdainful glance in the direction of Hollins.


    "Rudy, just be yourself tonight," Han Sen replied, sitting down on a nearby bench.


    "Huh?" Gay was confused but sat down next to him.


    "I''m locking down Kobe tonight," Han continued. In a high-stakes game like this, energy is finite¡ªyou can either give your all on offense or defense, not both. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Trust me, Ron isn''t the same as he used to be," Han Sen said, turning to Gay with full confidence.


    Ron Artest''s stats had plummeted this season, and his speed was lagging significantly. Gay had room to shine against someone slower than him.


    Gay, feeling the trust, was suddenly pumped.


    Though he''d enjoyed dominating weaker teams lately, a high-intensity game like this excited him even more.


    That night, the FedEx Forum was packed to the brim with excited fans.


    The Grizzlies were having a great season, much like the Cavaliers of old. Despite being in a small market, they had no trouble filling their arena.


    During pre-game warmups, Han Sen was getting some shots up when Kobe approached him.


    Gay, noticing Kobe''s approach, moved to Han Sen''s side, standing tall and staring at Kobe.


    "You crossed the line," Kobe said, ignoring Gay and addressing Han directly.


    Just like before, Kobe wasn''t interested in being called the best in the league, but Han Sen''s comment about the Lakers not making it struck a nerve.


    "You know better than me what''s going on with the Lakers," Han Sen replied calmly.


    "That''s none of your concern. It''s not polite to comment on someone else''s team," Kobe said, frowning.


    "I thought we were on good terms, so I gave you a heads-up," Han Sen shrugged.


    Gay scratched his head, still unclear about the relationship between the two.


    Kobe shot Han Sen a cold glare before turning and walking back to the half-court line.


    "Don''t worry, I''ve got your back," Gay said, still unsure of what had transpired but firmly standing by Han Sen.


    "No need. I''ve got this," Han Sen replied. Artest had maintained his three-point shooting but had slowed down significantly, and letting him shoot might be risky.


    Han Sen glanced at his [Hater System].


    The system showed 1.84 million hater points.


    The sheer number of Kobe fans was staggering. All that was left was for Han Sen to make the final shot, figuratively speaking, during tonight''s game.


    As warmups ended and the starting lineups were announced, the game began:


    The Lakers: Fisher, Kobe, Artest, Pau Gasol, Bynum.


    The Grizzlies: Conley, Han, Gay, Randolph, Marc Gasol.


    Marc Gasol won the opening tip against his older brother, and the Grizzlies had first possession.


    Randolph posted up Bynum on the block, using a pump fake and a spin move to score off the glass, putting the Grizzlies on the board first.


    On the other end, Kobe didn''t force the issue, letting Pau Gasol initiate from the high post.


    Artest''s layup attempt was blocked cleanly by Marc Gasol, and the Grizzlies launched a fast break, with Gay finishing emphatically at the other end.


    Five minutes in, the Grizzlies were up 8-2, and the crowd was roaring with excitement.


    Han Sen''s claim that the Lakers couldn''t form a dynasty wasn''t just based on his foresight as a time traveler; he had observed their decline starting last season. Kobe had dragged the team to a title last year, but now, with two championships under their belt, the hunger to win had diminished for most of the roster.


    Bynum and Artest, in particular, had seen significant drops in their performance.


    Kobe, sensing trouble, called for the ball and posted up Han Sen.


    The crowd started to get riled up.


    Just like when the Cavaliers faced the Celtics in the playoffs, Han Sen''s pregame comments, whether right or wrong, had at least given the Grizzlies a psychological edge.


    Han Sen was laser-focused on Kobe, not worrying about anyone else.


    The Grizzlies'' defense was strong, especially in the paint, with Marc and Randolph able to match up with the Lakers'' twin towers, so Han Sen wasn''t concerned about Kobe driving and dishing.


    Sure enough, after sizing up his options and seeing none, Kobe opted for a baseline fadeaway.


    His movements were as sharp as ever, nearly identical to last season''s. Kobe was still able to perform at an elite level, a testament to his rigorous training.


    However, while Kobe''s offense remained consistent, Han Sen''s defense had improved.


    With his talents, especially his enhanced physicality from the [Iron Body], Han Sen was able to keep up with Kobe''s pace.


    Kobe was forced into a difficult fadeaway to avoid Han Sen''s contest.


    Clang!


    The shot hit the rim and bounced out. Randolph grabbed the rebound.


    As Kobe landed, he glanced at Han Sen, surprise flashing in his eyes.


    In just one offseason, Han''s defense had improved significantly.


    He''d heard about Tim Grover training him, but even Kobe had taken a year to see tangible results from working with Grover.


    Was Han Sen''s greatest talent his ability to learn?


    Back then, it seemed like Han Sen couldn''t find anything else to brag about, but now his words are looking more and more like the truth.


    Randolph continued to post up. This time, his shot was off due to Bynum''s intense defense, but he still managed to tip the ball back, and during his second attempt, Bynum fouled him.


    Randolph was really aggressive tonight.


    He made both free throws, bringing the score to 10-2.


    Kobe continued his one-on-one play against Han Sen, this time opting to back him down.


    After a few strong backdowns, Han Sen kept his distance while still defending closely, and as Kobe turned and shot a fadeaway, Han Sen jumped to contest it.


    Kobe''s shot barely cleared Han Sen''s fingertips.


    Clang!


    Another brick.


    It was clear his touch was off tonight.


    Back on the other end, Randolph posted up again, forcing the Lakers to collapse on defense. Randolph kicked the ball out to Gay, who blew by Artest and attacked Bynum without hesitation, drawing Bynum''s second foul of the night.


    The Lakers had to substitute Bynum with Odom.


    Gay made both free throws, and the Grizzlies led 12-2.


    In just half a quarter, the Grizzlies had already built a double-digit lead, and one of the Lakers'' twin towers had fallen.


    Han Sen''s earlier statement about the Lakers not making the Finals was spot-on, as they were looking more and more like a paper tiger.


    In a critical moment, Odom, fresh off the bench, cut to the basket, receiving a pass from Kobe for a dunk.


    Odom was the only Laker whose performance had improved this season. He was now the third-leading scorer behind Kobe and Pau, even being a strong contender for Sixth Man of the Year.


    According to TMZ, his wife, Khlo¨¦ Kardashian, had devised new poker strategies to reward him for good performances, which had reportedly been quite effective.


    The Grizzlies missed their next shot, and on the other end, Odom finished another dunk off a Kobe assist.


    Besides his individual performance, Odom''s quick movements on offense were also giving Randolph a hard time.


    Gay missed a layup after beating Artest, and Odom grabbed the defensive rebound.


    Kobe brought the ball up again, keeping an eye on Odom.


    Though Kobe wasn''t a natural playmaker, #24 was happy to share the ball, especially with teammates who were hot.


    "I bet you miss this shot, Kobe. $500,000." Han Sen''s voice cuts through the noise.


    Han Sen''s been riling up Kobe fans to rake in hater points. He didn''t have to stir up this beef before the game. He could''ve let it simmer, especially if the Grizzlies win¡ªit would''ve hit harder.


    But he chose to provoke Kobe before the game, specifically targeting what Kobe cared about, to force Kobe into a one-on-one duel with him.


    This was the key to victory that Han Sen had figured out after playing the Lakers twice last season.


    But with Odom on the court, Kobe was leaning into playmaking, so Han Sen had to ''set things right''.


    Sure enough, Kobe stopped passing.


    If you can''t get riled up by a rookie''s trash talk, you aren''t Kobe¡ªyou''re LeBron.


    But what Han Sen didn''t see coming? Kobe calling for a Gasol screen.


    What are you, channeling LeBron now?


    Randolph wasn''t fast enough to switch on the screen, so Han Sen had to rush over.


    Even though Han Sen quickly fought through the screen, Kobe and Gasol''s chemistry was so good that Kobe still got a brief moment to shoot.


    For others, this might not have been an opportunity, but for Kobe, it was.


    Han Sen flew in to contest, but the pressure wasn''t as intense as on the previous two shots.


    Swish!


    Kobe nailed it.


    Instantly, Han Sen saw his hater points jump by 2,000.


    Although Kobe had missed two shots before, this make was enough to send the Kobe fans into a frenzy.


    Han Sen had been right in his pregame prediction. Thanks to his extreme trash talk, even though the game wasn''t in LA, countless Kobe fans were glued to their TVs, waiting for him to mess up.


    He''d missed one defensive play, and that was enough to make them lose their minds.


    "$500,000," Kobe said to Han Sen.


    Usually, Kobe wouldn''t take such talk seriously, but Han Sen had hit a nerve with his pregame comments.


    Han Sen smirked. "Funny thing, VC still owes me 500k from the last time we bet. You can go collect from him."


    +10 hater points.


    A number flashed in Han Sen''s system.


    Those 2,000 points had appeared gradually, but this sudden jump clearly came from Kobe.


    Randolph drew a foul from Odom in the post and made both free throws.


    On the next Lakers possession, Kobe signaled for everyone to clear out.


    He respected Han Sen¡ªbut right now? He''s pissed.


    Kobe went back to backing down Han, but this time, he reset his pivot foot with a quick hop step.


    This move, borrowed from Hakeem Olajuwon''s ''Dream Shake'', helped him create space from Han.


    But Han, with his improved athleticism, recovered and jumped to contest the shot.


    Kobe adjusted midair, avoiding the block and releasing the shot before landing.


    His core strength was truly something to marvel at.


    Swish!


    As the ball went through the net, the crowd gasped.


    Han Sen had to admit, this was why the mid-range shot was lethal.


    No matter how good your defense is, if someone has a strong mid-range game, there''s nothing you can do.


    That shot earned Han Sen another 3,000 hater points.


    It seemed the more difficult Kobe''s shots were, the more riled up his fans got.


    "Your defense has gotten better, but it''s still not enough," Kobe said coldly after making two consecutive shots.


    "Oh yeah? I don''t believe you¡ªunless you drop 30 on me," Han Sen scoffed.


    +10 hater points.


    Thirty points?! Who the hell does Han think he''s talking to?


    Kobe wanted to rip Han Sen''s mouth off.


    Han Sen just shrugged and went to inbound the ball.


    On the Grizzlies'' next possession, Gay hit a mid-range jumper after shaking off Artest, keeping the Grizzlies up by 8.


    Kobe brought the ball up the court, facing Han Sen directly.


    Han Sen gave it his full attention.


    He wasn''t sure if his earlier strategy was working, but it didn''t matter. As long as he locked down Kobe, things would work out.


    Kobe didn''t back down this time but instead faced up and drove.


    Han Sen kept up with him step for step. He didn''t know any fancy footwork like the ''puppy steps'', but his enhanced athleticism gave him great lateral movement.


    Kobe''s over-aggressiveness worked against him now since Han didn''t have to worry about Kobe passing the ball.


    Finally, Kobe got to the free-throw line, but Han Sen had forced him to a stop.


    Kobe pulled out his signature move: a contested jumper over the defender.


    Fake once, fake twice, and then a fadeaway.


    When it came to mid-range shooting, Kobe wasn''t as good as Jordan, but his ability to shoot over defenders was unmatched in history.


    But Han Sen, focused and locked in, timed his jump perfectly and blocked Kobe''s shot.


    The ball didn''t even hit the rim¡ªit went out of bounds.


    The Lakers retained possession, but the arena was buzzing with excitement.


    Han Sen had just blocked Kobe in a one-on-one situation!


    This time, Han Sen didn''t see a +10 hater points notification, but his total hater points skyrocketed by 5,000!


    If Kobe''s made shots could get his fans so hyped, blocking Kobe made them rage even harder.


    Han Sen was having the time of his life in this game!


    It was the most engaged he had felt all season.


    No matter how well he defended Kobe, his hater points kept climbing.


    So he focused solely on dueling Kobe, leaving everything else behind.


    By the end of the first quarter, Kobe had scored 12 points, but he only made 4 of 11 shots, missing 7 of them.


    Last season, Han Sen could only wear Kobe down, but with his [Iron Body] upgrade, he could now limit Kobe''s effectiveness.


    But the bigger deal was that Han Sen had already racked up over 20,000 hater points in just one quarter, bringing his total to 1.86 million.


    At this rate, he could unlock his mid-range talent before the game was over!


    However, in the second quarter, Kobe suddenly changed.


    Whether it was Phil Jackson''s advice or something Kobe realized during his time on the bench, he started facilitating more in the second quarter.


    Bynum got more opportunities in the post, and Artest got more chances with the ball outside. Both were playing better than in the first quarter.


    A dying camel is still bigger than a horse. The Lakers may have been struggling because their roster hadn''t changed much, but that stability also gave them a solid foundation.


    At halftime, the Grizzlies led 54-50.


    The Grizzlies are still ahead, but their lead is slowly being chipped away.


    However, more frustrating than the game itself for Han Sen is the change in his hater points.


    Because Kobe isn''t attacking much, his hater points are growing very slowly.


    It seems like he popped the champagne way too early. Now, he feels like the national soccer team of a certain country¡ªnot only unable to score, but not even getting the chance to take a shot.


    ---


    After the break, Han Sen adjusts his mindset and starts cranking up the trash talk against Kobe.


    ''You can change your ways, but not your nature.'' Han Sen can''t believe it¡ªthere''s no way Kobe can turn into LeBron, right?


    "You afraid to keep shooting because you don''t want to top the all-time brick list?"


    "They say your All-Defensive Team selections are overrated. I gotta say, they''re absolutely right."


    "I''ve never seen L.A. at 4 a.m., but I know what Memphis looks like at that hour, and it''s nothing to brag about,"


    "LeBron is a better player than you."


    "Shaq told me, without him, you''d just be Allen Iverson at best."


    Finally, when Han Sen brought up Shaq, Kobe''s face changed. He switched back to isolation mode.


    And from the look on Kobe''s face, it seemed like he was ready to tear Han Sen apart.


    Han Sen regretted it a little.


    Regretted not mentioning Shaq earlier.


    Thinking back to the times Shaq roasted Kobe in Cleveland, Han Sen should''ve used it sooner.


    The game turned back into a one-on-one showdown between Kobe and Han Sen.


    Kobe''s moves were sharper than before, and he wasn''t holding back, even throwing elbows.


    All that respect Kobe might''ve had left for Han Sen? Gone. He was playing for blood.


    Han, with no injury concerns, gave it everything on defense.


    And watching his hater points soar? That only made him more pumped.


    This epic duel on both ends had the crowd glued to their seats. These tickets were worth every penny tonight!


    From the third quarter to the fourth, Kobe and Han Sen went at it. With 5 minutes left, the Grizzlies still led 91-81.


    Han Sen''s strategy was working perfectly.


    And his hater points had reached 1.89 million!


    By this point, Kobe had lost his mind. Winning didn''t matter to him anymore. He just wanted to take down Han.


    Kobe made a hard crossover and accelerated for a drive.


    Smack!


    But with all that energy drained, his movements were slowing down, and Han Sen timed it perfectly, cleanly swiping the ball for a steal.


    Heart racing, Han Sen bolted down the court like he had rockets strapped to his feet, leaving every Laker in the dust.


    Then, he threw down a thunderous tomahawk slam.


    As he landed, Han Sen shook his iconic #77 jersey, and the FedExForum erupted into chaos.


    And right then, Han Sen''s hater points broke 1.9 million!

 Chapter 121: The Classical Master.

    Chapter 121: The Classical Master.Score: 97-85


    The Memphis Grizzlies ultimately defeated the Los Angeles Lakers at home.


    Post-game stats show Kobe Bryant shot 14 of 35, missing 21 shots, but still scored 41 points with 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 turnovers.


    Lamar Odom scored 15 points, and no other Laker scored in double digits.


    For the Grizzlies, Zach Randolph shined with 28 points on 10 of 13 shooting, along with 13 rebounds and 4 assists, delivering an All-Star level performance.


    Rudy Gay had 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 blocks (a career-high), while Marc Gasol added 10 points and 9 rebounds. Mike Conley contributed with 13 points and 9 assists.


    Han Sen primarily focused on defending Kobe Bryant throughout the game, scoring 11 points on 5 of 11 shooting, while also adding 4 rebounds and 3 steals.


    After the game, Han Sen and Randolph attended the post-game press conference together.


    "Defense was the key to our victory tonight. Han''s defense on Kobe set the tone for the game," said Randolph with a big smile while adjusting his headband.


    Ever since their previous meeting at the caf¨¦, Randolph had taken a liking to Han Sen.


    "We all know the Lakers have a strong frontcourt, but Zach dominated them. Tonight, he looked like ''The Big Shaq'' O''Neal," Han Sen complimented Randolph generously.


    The two were hyping each other up for the media.


    "Han, you only scored 11 points tonight, well below your season average. Does that bother you?" an ESPN reporter asked.


    "If the team doesn''t win, what''s the point of scoring 30?" Han Sen responded with a smile.


    He had seen plenty of games in Cleveland where a certain someone scored a lot, but the team still lost.


    "Does beating the Lakers tonight mean the Grizzlies are now championship contenders?" the reporter asked, clearly setting a trap.


    "No," Han Sen shook his head. "Before the season started, I said our goal is to win the championship."


    Leaving the press conference, Coach Hollins seemed like he wanted to say something to Han Sen, but ended up walking away in silence.


    It was clear he was speechless about Han Sen''s big mouth.


    "Good job," assistant coach Joerger patted Han Sen on the shoulder and went to follow Hollins.


    After taking a shower, Han Sen went home and immediately entered his System Space.


    He had defended Kobe well in the first half, but in the second half, Kobe found his rhythm and hit some difficult shots. It wasn''t that Han Sen''s defense worsened, it''s just that Kobe''s mid-range shooting was nearly impossible to defend once he got hot.


    But after tonight, that would no longer be Kobe''s exclusive strength. Han Sen could have it too!


    Han Sen accessed the system and found a mid-range talent upgrade, redeeming [Classical Master].


    [Classical Master]: Greatly enhances core strength and body coordination, while significantly improving mid-range shooting touch.


    Just like [Iron Body], this talent came with substantial improvements.


    Additionally, this talent overlapped with the [Giant Slayer] in terms of body coordination.


    This meant if he trained [Classical Master] to its peak, his floater game would also improve.


    Killing two birds with one stone, Han Sen knew he needed to train as soon as possible to reach the peak quickly.


    He didn''t waste any time. Despite just finishing a game and being physically tired, he was too excited and went straight to the training facility to practice.


    Though his training regimen was already intense, tonight he felt an unrelenting energy, fueled by the image of Kobe hitting those mid-range shots over him.


    Even though he had just begun training, he could already feel his shots becoming smoother and more effortless.


    [Classical Master] was truly a powerful talent.


    ---


    Time quickly passed, and it was now late December.


    The NBA season was two months in, and Stan had updated his power rankings.


    Due to his bold ranking of the Miami Heat and his quick corrections when making mistakes, Stan''s rankings had rapidly gained credibility among fans.


    In this edition, the Chicago Bulls remained at the top.


    In the official MVP race standings, Derrick Rose topped the list for the first time.


    The Miami Heat had climbed back to second place after a slow 9-8 start. Over the past month, they won 15 of their 16 games.


    Coach Erik Spoelstra wasn''t lying when he said there''d be changes. After the famous two-man talk, the Heat adjusted their game plan significantly.


    Dwyane Wade was cutting more without the ball and posting up more frequently, while Chris Bosh shifted to shooting more mid-range shots from 16 feet, spacing the floor for the team. LeBron James was handling the ball more and playing the role of a facilitator.


    These changes led to LeBron''s efficiency improving significantly as he returned to his comfort zone.


    Stan also wised up after getting criticized twice. He started adding his own analysis to explain controversial team rankings.


    He didn''t rank the Heat first because their recent success was largely due to an easy schedule. Of their 16 opponents, only 4 were playoff teams, inflating their record.


    The San Antonio Spurs climbed to third place.


    Despite their aging roster, the Spurs led the Western Conference, proving once again that ''Texas three illusions'' never fail.


    The Boston Celtics ranked fourth.


    The Los Angeles Lakers dropped to fifth after losing to the Grizzlies earlier in December and getting blown out by the Heat on Christmas. Their struggles in high-profile games hinted at a deeper problem.


    The Grizzlies'' ranking rose to sixth, following wins against championship contenders like the Lakers, Magic, and Bulls.


    The Dallas Mavericks fell to seventh.


    ---


    As the All-Star voting opened, Shaquille O''Neal had just become the oldest player since 1986 to post a 25-point, 11-rebound game in late November against the Nets. However, an Achilles injury sidelined him soon after.


    At the same time, the annual All-Star voting kicked off, and Han Sen was one of four Grizzlies players in contention.


    Compared to his time with the Cavaliers, Han Sen''s performance this season¡ª19.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2.3 steals (2nd in the league), 48.5% field goal shooting, and 41.2% from three¡ªmade him a much more deserving candidate.


    Shortly after voting began, his girlfriend Swift publicly endorsed him on social media.


    Since being caught together at a hotel, Swift had confirmed their relationship to the media, making her campaign for Han Sen legitimate.


    A week later, the first round of All-Star voting results were in.


    Han Sen ranked second among Western Conference guards, just behind Kobe Bryant.


    If the All-Star game were held today, Han Sen would be the starting guard for the West.


    This result instantly placed Han Sen in the media spotlight.


    In a Western Conference loaded with high-profile guards like Steve Nash, Deron Williams, Jason Kidd, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, Han Sen''s high ranking raised eyebrows¡ªespecially since Chris Paul, widely considered the best point guard, had immense popularity in the U.S.


    Critics voiced their frustration:


    "Letting fans vote for All-Stars? This is rigged!"


    "This is another challenge to the legitimacy of the All-Star voting system! Those fans don''t even watch the All-Star game!"


    "What makes you better than Chris Paul? Is it because you''re taller? Better looking? Or just more popular with women?"


    ---


    Amidst the backlash, Han Sen gained a new wave of [hater points].


    Naturally, reporters asked him about the fan voting and his girlfriend''s involvement.


    "Is there a problem with my girlfriend campaigning for me? If you have the ability, go get yourself a girlfriend to do the same," Han Sen quipped, leaving the reporter speechless.


    After all, All-Star voting was a game of influence. Even Zaza Pachulia once rallied an entire country to vote for him.


    If someone had enough clout to get the U.S. president to campaign for them, why not?


    ---


    By early January, the Grizzlies were preparing to face the Spurs on the road, their first matchup of the season.


    The Spurs'' surprising performance made them special for Han Sen. The worst game of his career had come at the hands of the Spurs.


    With the All-Star game putting him in the spotlight, Han Sen knew that if he had another poor game against the Spurs, he''d be heavily criticized.


    But instead of worrying about the hate, Han Sen focused on proving himself.


    His intense training over the past month had already improved his mid-range game, even if he hadn''t hit his peak yet.


    The Spurs were the perfect team to test his progress. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ---


    On game day, the Spurs held their regular open practice.


    After practice, Coach Gregg Popovich spoke to reporters. Since the team''s core trio (Duncan, Parker, Ginobili) avoided interviews, Pop usually handled the media.


    Aside from the game itself, reporters were eager to ask about Han Sen''s All-Star campaign, which had been generating buzz.


    "What do you think of Han''s off-court fan voting campaign?"


    "Han who?" Popovich replied, feigning ignorance.


    After the reporter clarified, Popovich acted as if he had just remembered. "Oh, that Han. You know, I''m an old man without a phone, so I haven''t paid much attention to that."


    "If it''s true, then there''s no problem. But I won''t be voting for him because I have two guys on my side who are more deserving of being selected."


    That night, at the AT&T Center, the arena was about 80% full.


    Although the Spurs consistently performed well and even won multiple championships, their attendance was never particularly high.


    This mostly had to do with their style of play. You rarely saw dunks in their games, and on top of that, they were a small-market team, so having high attendance would be a miracle.


    However, tonight''s game had a pretty decent turnout, largely thanks to the recent hype around Han Sen.


    During the pre-game warmup, the cameras frequently focused on Han.


    Whether Popovich was paying attention to Han Sen was unclear, but the Spurs clearly had their eyes on him.


    After all, as Popovich mentioned, the Spurs'' two guards were in direct competition with Han Sen for All-Star votes.


    After warming up for a bit, Han Sen sat down to rest on the sidelines. Randolph sat next to him, draped an arm around his shoulder, and pointed at the LED screen showing their images, talking about how ''popular'' he was at that moment.


    Han Sen simply smiled and looked at Conley warming up on the court. Then he became curious about something.


    "Zach, why did you choose number 50?"


    "That''s related to my high school coach," Randolph was happy to share his story.


    "Back then, I was tall and big. Coach Smedley wanted me to join the team, so he took me out for a meal. I ate 50 chicken legs."


    Han Sen was stunned, not expecting such an interesting story.


    "What a shame."


    "What?"


    "You should''ve eaten five more chicken legs."


    Randolph didn''t get it at first.


    Han Sen pointed at his own jersey, then pointed at Randolph''s.


    55 chicken legs, 55 jersey number, the Grizzlies'' starting lineup would have all double numbers.


    Randolph finally understood and burst out laughing.


    Despite being caught in the midst of media controversy and constantly in the spotlight, Han Sen''s composure was incredibly steady.


    After the opening ceremony, the starting lineups were announced:


    Grizzlies: Conley, Han, Gay, Randolph, Gasol


    Spurs: Tony Parker, George Hill, Richard Jefferson, Tim Duncan, DeJuan Blair


    The improvement in the Spurs'' record this season was mainly due to changes in their rotation. Ginobili, after many years, was back in the starting lineup and playing exceptionally well.


    However, tonight, Popovich had Ginobili coming off the bench again and started Hill instead.


    Duncan won the tip for the Spurs, and they got the first offensive opportunity.


    Parker ran a pick-and-roll with Duncan and scored a floater over Randolph.


    Randolph wasn''t good at defending pick-and-rolls, and Parker-Duncan''s pick-and-roll was a deadly weapon for the Spurs.


    On the other end, Hill played front defense on Han Sen, denying him easy touches, even preventing him from getting into position at the three-point line to initiate plays.


    It wasn''t just Hill. Parker, guarding Conley, positioned himself to block Conley''s passing lane to Han Sen as well.


    Popovich might''ve claimed not to care much about Han Sen before the game, but this defense was clearly treating him as the Grizzlies'' key perimeter player.


    No wonder Pop is considered the GOAT of game planning.


    Conley lobbed the ball to Randolph, then looped around to take Parker with him.


    Randolph isolated Blair in the post. Although Blair was only 6''7" (2.01m), he had both the bulk and the speed to defend Randolph.


    Randolph''s shot missed, but he quickly grabbed the rebound and scored on the putback.


    One thing that had been overlooked was that in the first round of All-Star voting, Randolph was only ranked sixth among Western Conference forwards, while Pau Gasol was ranked second.


    In terms of performance, the two had been similar throughout the season. Randolph''s lower ranking was simply because Gasol played for the more high-profile Lakers, which had clearly left Randolph with a chip on his shoulder.


    After five minutes in the first quarter, the score was 10-4, with the Grizzlies leading.


    Parker and Duncan''s pick-and-roll was causing problems, but Hollins made in-game adjustments, having Gasol sag off Blair to cover the paint, and it worked well.


    However, the Spurs had no answer for Randolph.


    Blair could match up with Randolph physically, but his height disadvantage meant Randolph was overpowering him on defense.


    Popovich had no choice but to assign Duncan to guard Randolph, but once Randolph got going, he scored over Duncan and even drew a foul.


    Randolph was a low-post beast¡ªonce he got hot, it was hard for anyone to stop him.


    With no other option, Popovich stood up and brought in Antonio McDyess to replace Blair and made defensive adjustments.


    The Spurs unveiled their most reliable weapon: the 2-1-2 zone defense.


    -End of Chapter-


    Translator''s note:


    For those unfamiliar, the ''Texas Three Illusions'' refers to common misconceptions or ''illusions'' about three of the NBA teams based in Texas: the San Antonio Spurs, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Houston Rockets. The phrase typically highlights how these teams often defy expectations, especially in terms of their performances and strategies.


    The three ''illusions'' are:


    1. Spurs'' Age: The San Antonio Spurs are often seen as an "old" team because of their long-standing core players like Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Gin¨®bili (during their dominant years). Despite being considered past their prime, the Spurs frequently perform at a high level, especially under the leadership of coach Gregg Popovich. The "illusion" here is that their age will slow them down, but in reality, their system and teamwork keep them competitive.


    2. Mavericks'' Inconsistency: The Dallas Mavericks can appear inconsistent during regular seasons, but when playoff time comes, they often step up, especially in their championship-winning season (2011) led by Dirk Nowitzki. The "illusion" is that their regular-season struggles reflect their overall ability, but they often exceed expectations in the postseason.


    3. Rockets'' "Small Ball" Offense: The Houston Rockets, particularly in the Daryl Morey and James Harden era, embraced an analytics-driven approach that heavily relied on three-point shooting and playing with smaller lineups. The ''illusion'' is that this unconventional style wouldn''t succeed against bigger, more traditional teams. However, they consistently made deep playoff runs by capitalizing on this strategy.


    The term emphasizes how these Texas teams often surprise the basketball world by defying traditional expectations, especially when it comes to age, inconsistency, or unconventional tactics.

 Chapter 122: Han’s Happy Zone Defense.

    Chapter 122: Han''s Happy Zone Defense.Starting in 2001, when the NBA allowed zone defense, it began to show its charm.


    The Kings relied on zone defense to play toe-to-toe with the Lakers, almost reaching the Finals at one point.


    The Spurs are also one of the best teams at employing it.


    The most common zone defenses are the 2-3 and 3-2 setups¡ªone focusing on interior defense, the other on perimeter defense.


    Han Sen had already seen these defenses a lot during his NCAA days, not just from opponents but also from his own team at Barry University.


    The 2-2-1 zone is essentially a variant of the 2-3 zone, with the main difference being the center''s positioning.


    This relates to a rules issue: in the NCAA and international play, there''s no defensive three-second rule, so the center can camp under the basket.


    But not in the NBA, where centers often have to position themselves outside the three-second zone, resulting in what looks like a 2-1-2 formation.


    Therefore, this zone''s essence is similar to the 2-3 zone¡ªprimarily designed to limit the opponent''s interior offense.


    With Randolph playing dominantly, this defensive adjustment made sense.


    On the Grizzlies'' next possession, with Randolph double-teamed by Duncan and McDyess and forced to pass out, the ball eventually landed in Gay''s hands, whose three-pointer missed.


    Although Gay''s three-point percentage was a career-high this season, like LeBron, he was more accurate when left wide open.


    But the Spurs'' zone defense was well-refined, rarely allowing wide-open shots.


    Duncan grabbed the defensive rebound, and the Spurs launched a fast break, with ''The French Speedster'' Tony Parker blowing past Conley for a fast-break layup.


    The crowd erupted in cheers as the Spurs'' defensive adjustment immediately paid off.


    Coach Popovich sat back on the bench, turning to chat with assistant coach Budenholzer.


    The 2-1-2 zone not only limits interior scoring but also has the advantage of setting up quick transitions for fast breaks, especially with a player like Parker, against the Grizzlies'' twin-tower lineup.


    Of course, every zone defense has its weaknesses. The biggest flaw of the 2-1-2 zone is vulnerability to mid-to-long-range shooting, but that wasn''t the Grizzlies'' strong suit.


    In fact, the only real threat from outside was Han Sen''s shooting, which is why Popovich had already assigned George Hill to stick close to him.


    So, while Randolph was playing great, it wasn''t enough to win the game for the Grizzlies.


    However, while Popovich was looking away, Han gave Conley a signal.


    As the Grizzlies advanced the ball to the frontcourt, Conley continued to indicate for Randolph to post up on the strong side, while at the same time, Han set up an off-ball screen with Marc Gasol on the weak side.


    Hill closely followed Han Sen, as per Popovich''s pre-game instructions, to prevent Han''s three-point shots and drives, focusing primarily on the three-point threat now.


    The 2-1-2 zone also effectively limits penetration, meaning if Han Sen entered the paint, he''d be immediately surrounded.


    Hill''s defense was tough, and he executed well. Noticing Han wasn''t calling for the ball at the three-point line but instead moving towards the free-throw line, Hill abandoned the screen and rushed forward to block Han''s step-back three.


    As Han reached the free-throw line, Conley''s pass came right on time.


    Seeing this, Duncan instinctively stepped back.


    In that moment, the 2-1-2 zone morphed into a 2-3 zone, demonstrating its flexibility.


    To break a 2-3 zone, the ideal setup is a 1-3-1 formation, which requires a big man capable of hitting mid-range shots to pull the center out of the paint.


    But Han wasn''t a big man; his strength was driving and floaters, so Duncan''s retreat was the correct move¡ªexcept...


    Han Sen had already jumped for a mid-range shot the moment Duncan stepped back.


    By the time Duncan reacted, it was too late to contest Han''s shot effectively.


    Swish!


    Han Sen''s mid-range jumper went in cleanly.


    The crisp sound brought Popovich''s attention back to the court.


    He hadn''t noticed what happened earlier and had to watch the replay on the big screen to figure it out.


    Han Sen shooting mid-range?


    Although Han wasn''t without a mid-range game, it was still surprising to see him confidently take and make that shot in such a high-level contest.


    On the next Spurs possession, Parker continued to run pick-and-rolls with Duncan. When Randolph stepped up to defend, Parker spun like a top, slipping past Gasol and banking in a layup.


    Parker was in excellent form tonight as well.


    The score was 12-8.


    Both defensive teams had now turned the game into an offensive shootout, electrifying the atmosphere in the arena.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The fans began chanting to encourage the home team.


    The Spurs stuck to their defensive strategy, with Hill still denying Han Sen three-point opportunities. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But this time, Duncan showed his agility, rushing out to contest when Han caught the ball near the free-throw line.


    Han Sen responded by using a quick crossover to slip past Duncan. Seeing McDyess coming over to help, Han passed the ball to the open Randolph.


    Han Sen''s pass wasn''t perfect¡ªit was a little off-target.


    But Randolph''s agility and long reach allowed him to recover the ball, and he took a step before slamming it home with both hands.


    The crowd went wild, and the Grizzlies'' bench exploded with excitement, with even Coach Hollins pumping his fist.


    A fun fact: Randolph is one of the All-Star power forwards who dunks the least. He dunks half as much as Dirk Nowitzki in a season.


    After the dunk, Randolph and Han Sen slapped hands with force, with Randolph''s bobbing head making him look like a giant black bear.


    The Grizzlies'' momentum surged instantly.


    "Tim, don''t chase outside!" Popovich stood up and yelled instructions to Duncan.


    Compared to shooting, Han Sen''s driving was the bigger threat.


    With the Grizzlies'' momentum rising, their defense also improved rapidly.


    Parker passed to Duncan, but his shot was contested by Gasol and missed, with Randolph securing the rebound.


    Randolph immediately passed to Han Sen, who was sprinting down for a fast break, but Hill quickly fouled to stop the play.


    As one of the perennial contenders in the Western Conference, the Spurs excelled in using their experience and attention to detail.


    The game returned to half-court play.


    Hill tried to prevent Han Sen from running pick-and-rolls with Gasol, but Gasol''s size was too much to handle, and Hill couldn''t succeed.


    However, Parker had already shifted towards the free-throw line, cutting off Conley''s passing lane.


    Conley made a quick decision, lobbing the ball inside to Randolph.


    Randolph''s quick shot missed, but he grabbed the offensive rebound again, feasting in the Spurs'' paint after dominating the Lakers.


    With Duncan rotating over, Randolph had no good second-chance opportunity.


    So, he passed the ball back to Han Sen, who was still at the free-throw line.


    Zone defense involves more defenders than attackers in the area, making it effective at shutting down an opponent''s offensive focal point, but it''s naturally slow in rotations.


    The Spurs'' rotations were fast, but Han Sen still found himself momentarily open after receiving the pass.


    Opportunities like this disappear in an instant, especially against a team like the Spurs, where any hesitation means a lost chance.


    But Han Sen seized the moment, releasing his shot before Jefferson could close out, just like Kobe used to.


    Swish!


    Han Sen''s mid-range jumper pierced the net again, causing a stir in the arena.


    Even Popovich jumped up from the bench this time.


    The previous possession didn''t say much, as that was almost a wide-open shot, but this time, Han Sen showed skills that brought another player to Popovich''s mind.


    Here''s a fun fact: since 1996, when Popovich began coaching the Spurs, only a handful of players have ever scored 40+ points against them.


    Super scorers like Wade, McGrady, and Durant have yet to do it.


    Even Nowitzki has only done it once.


    But Kobe did it five times.


    It''s not that his scoring ability was vastly superior, but his technical style was a tough match for the Spurs.


    Initially, the Spurs'' defense relied heavily on Duncan. But after Duncan''s injuries, they began to depend more on zone defenses.


    But this zone defense earned a nickname from some fans: ''Kobe''s Happy Zone.''


    Especially when the Lakers'' inside game was strong, the Lakers'' inside-out offense left Popovich helpless against Kobe''s mid-to-long-range shooting ability.


    Whether it was during the Shaq-Kobe era or the current Lakers, it was hard to limit Kobe with just one defender, and this became more evident after Bowen retired.


    Tonight, there was no Kobe, but there was Han, who was producing a similar effect.


    This left Popovich frustrated.


    Ultimately, even the GOAT-level tactician, Popovich, just like when he faced Kobe, couldn''t find an effective way to counter Han Sen.


    Han''s offensive skills might not be as comprehensive as Kobe''s, but his ability to combine drives and shots made him hard to stop.


    By the nine-minute mark in the first quarter, the score was 20-12, with the Grizzlies leading by eight points.


    Han Sen went 4-for-4 from mid-range, scoring 8 points in the quarter.


    At this point, both teams began to rotate their lineups, with Han Sen taking a rest and Ginobili entering the game.


    Ginobili is one of the most unique players in NBA history, as he''s likely the only All-Star-level player who spent most of his career coming off the bench.


    There are many reasons for this, but the biggest factor is the Spurs'' team structure.


    With a backcourt duo of Parker and Ginobili, no one could defend the opponent''s perimeter offensive threats, so Ginobili had to make sacrifices.


    This season, due to a lack of elite perimeter defenders, Ginobili has been forced to step up.


    Before Ginobili entered the game, Popovich pulled him aside for a few words.


    The Spurs'' starters couldn''t gain the upper hand, so they had to rely on Ginobili''s performance during the second unit''s rotation to make up for the deficit.


    Ginobili did not disappoint. As soon as he came in, he used a pick-and-roll with Splitter to drive into the paint, weaving past Haddadi for a layup.


    On the next play, the Spurs defended a Grizzlies possession, and once again, it was Ginobili. He drove to the basket, then threw a behind-the-back pass to the weak-side corner where Gary Neal was waiting, and Neal drained the three-pointer.


    The crowd erupted in cheers.


    Duncan may be the strongest player in the ''Big Three,'' but the most exciting to watch is still the ''Manu.''


    As an Argentinian, you may not play well, but you must play with flair.


    The score was 20-17, and the Spurs quickly closed the gap.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The crowd started chanting, urging their team on.


    Han Sen was just thinking about asking Coach Hollins to let him guard Ginobili.


    Boom!


    Suddenly, there was a loud thud on the court.


    Rudy Gay charged into the Spurs'' paint and delivered a thunderous one-handed dunk!


    Han Sen started to rise from the bench but instead pumped his fist in celebration once he saw the play.


    Not only him, but the entire Grizzlies bench jumped up in excitement.


    Before they could sit down, Gay made another huge defensive play by blocking Neal''s three-point attempt, sending the ball flying into the stands.


    Han Sen grabbed his towel and started waving it in celebration.


    In truth, Gay''s overall skills were no weaker than Ginobili''s.


    After the block, Gay was also pumped, and as he was running back on defense, he high-fived Han Sen, who was waving the towel on the sideline.


    The Spurs came up empty on their next possession, and on the last play of the quarter, Gay hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer over Danny Green''s defense.


    He was on fire, playing like he was unstoppable!


    Popovich put his hand on his head, clearly frustrated.


    The starters didn''t get it done, and now the bench couldn''t either. It was going to be a tough night for the Spurs.


    At halftime, the Grizzlies led the Spurs 45-38.


    Although the gap wasn''t too large, the momentum was clearly with the Grizzlies.


    Randolph finished the half with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Han Sen also scored 14 points, making them the ''Memphis version of the Shaq and Kobe duo.''


    During the halftime break, Popovich was interviewed by a reporter.


    "Did you make any defensive adjustments for Han?" Han Sen was the center of attention, especially after his strong first half. It was a question no one could avoid.


    "No." Popovich''s answer was just one word.


    The second half began with the Grizzlies on offense.


    The Spurs immediately set up a 2-1-2 zone defense.


    Whether or not Popovich had adjusted for Han Sen''s defense was unclear, but it was obvious that he wasn''t going to allow Randolph to dominate the paint any longer.


    Conley saw this and quickly called a new play.


    Han Sen used a screen from Marc Gasol on the weak side to get open, but this time Hill changed his defensive approach. He fought through the screen and cut off Han Sen''s mid-range shot.


    So much for ''no adjustments'' ¡ª Popovich''s words couldn''t be trusted!


    Han Sen found an opening at the three-point line, but Conley''s pass came a bit late. By the time Han Sen got the ball, Hill had already fought through the screen and was closing in fast.


    Han Sen raised his hand to shoot, and Hill lunged at him.


    Han was the Grizzlies'' most reliable three-point shooter, and he could make tough shots. If Hill was late, Han would certainly sink it.


    But just as Hill was about to close in, Han Sen faked the shot, dribbled to the right, and exploded past him.


    Hill could only watch helplessly as Han Sen blew by.


    Duncan rushed out to help, but wary of Han''s ability to drive, he couldn''t commit fully.


    As Han Sen reached the free-throw line, he stopped abruptly and rose for a jump shot.


    Thanks to his [Giant Slayer] talent, Han Sen had excellent stop-and-pop ability, and his [Classic Master] talent gave him great core strength and body control.


    His stop was so smooth it was like watching a perfectly choreographed move.


    For a brief moment, Popovich saw number 77 and thought of number 24.


    Han Sen released the ball in midair with a picture-perfect form.


    Swish!


    The ball hit nothing but net.


    In that moment, the ''Kobe Happy Zone Defense'' had officially transformed into the ''Han Happy Zone Defense.''

 Chapter 123: Injured.

    Chapter 123: Injured.Han Sen continued his shooting rhythm from the first half, hitting two more mid-range shots. This forced Coach Popovich to abandon the zone defense. However, this freed up Randolph in the low post.


    Popovich anxiously paced the sidelines, feeling as if he had two poisons in his hand, unsure of which one to drink.


    By the end of the third quarter, the score was 81¨C67, with the Grizzlies expanding their lead to 14 points. It was starting to look like a repeat of their game against the Heat, where the fourth quarter would be garbage time.


    At a crucial moment, Ginobili stepped up.


    As the saying goes, ''In easy times, he''s a sports car, in adversity, a monk, and in desperate times, the demon blade that slays all.''


    Ginobili came off the bench, sinking a difficult three-pointer, then followed it up with a steal and an and-one layup.


    Before the third quarter ended, under his lead, the Spurs had clawed the score back to within single digits.


    Popovich finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    At the start of the fourth quarter, Han Sen volunteered to Coach Hollins to go on and guard Ginobili, but Hollins refused this time.


    Han Sen had ignored instructions before, and Hollins'' attitude toward him had clearly changed.


    With no other choice, Han Sen turned to Rudy Gay for a chat.


    "Show that old guy what''s up," Han Sen said, glancing toward Popovich on the other side.


    Gay nodded firmly, though his gaze was directed toward Hollins.


    As soon as Gay got back on the court, he attacked the Spurs'' interior and threw down a fierce dunk.


    The Spurs had been doubted before the season started for a reason. Aside from age, they lacked a perimeter defender like Bruce Bowen from the past.


    This meant they couldn''t stop either Han Sen or Gay from initiating their drives, putting immense pressure on the Spurs'' interior defense. If Duncan were younger, it wouldn''t be a problem, but even he had aged.


    Ginobili continued to excel, driving for a layup and drawing a foul on Haddadi.


    The Grizzlies'' bench wasn''t particularly strong either, which was why Ginobili had been able to bring the Spurs back into the game.


    But right after Ginobili hit both free throws, Gay crossed Green and hit a smooth mid-range jumper.


    At this point, Danny Green was still a second-year player who had been cut by the Bulls after his rookie season. He couldn''t stop Gay.


    What was even funnier was Gay flexing his arms in celebration toward the Grizzlies'' bench after the shot.


    Only then did Han Sen realize Gay might have misunderstood his earlier words.


    But the effect was the same. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Gay''s strong performance helped the Grizzlies stabilize their lead, and with the margin still in double digits, their chances of winning looked promising.


    The crowd was buzzing.


    It was just a regular-season game, but because of the All-Star voting situation, it had gained more attention than usual.


    Han Sen''s performance had been unstoppable. If the Grizzlies won, it would help Han silence his critics.


    Especially since Popovich had intentionally downplayed Han Sen before the game, making him the first target for embarrassment.


    The Spurs called a timeout.


    When the game resumed, the Spurs made a lineup change, with James Anderson replacing Green.


    Anderson, the Spurs'' 20th overall pick that year, hadn''t seen much playing time before.


    He was smaller than Green but quicker.


    This suited Popovich''s strategy, given that Green hadn''t been able to guard effectively.


    But what happened next took everyone by surprise.


    While defending Gay, Anderson made a blatant dirty play, leading with his shoulder. Gay, unable to dodge in time, was knocked to the ground.


    Chaos erupted on the court. West immediately pushed Anderson, and several Spurs players rushed in, but as soon as James Johnson stood up, they all backed off.


    Gay returned to the bench, where the team doctors checked his injury.


    Gay looked in obvious pain, and after an initial examination, the doctor shook his head.


    It was clearly not a minor injury, and Gay wouldn''t be returning tonight.


    "Damn it! That old guy!" Han Sen cursed out loud.


    Hollins turned, noticing Han Sen''s angry glare toward the other side.


    Having played his rookie season in the East, Han Sen had forgotten just how dirty Popovich could be.


    Not only dirty but sneaky¡ªlike when Horry body-checked Nash into the scorer''s table, a widely known incident.


    That one happened in the playoffs, which could be somewhat understandable, but Bowen''s foot under Vince Carter? That was just nasty.


    The Raptors and Spurs weren''t even in the same conference, with no real rivalry between them.


    But this was Popovich. He loved using small-time players to go after opponents'' key players.


    It was hard to retaliate because if you targeted their smaller players, it would just be a trade-off that favored the Spurs.


    So, how do you respond? Go after the ''Big Three''? Or perhaps... directly after Popovich?


    The former was difficult; the Grizzlies didn''t have the type of small-time enforcers the Spurs did. If Han Sen personally went after them, it would still lead to a trade-off.


    The latter was even harder. Popovich was a coach, and as a player, it would be unrealistic to go after him.


    Was it really impossible?


    Suddenly, a memory flashed through Han Sen''s mind.


    It was from a playoff game between the Suns and Timberwolves, a memory from just before he traveled to this new world. It left a deep impression.


    After the timeout, Han Sen was subbed back in.


    With Gay injured, the Grizzlies needed Han Sen to maintain the lead.


    As Han took to the court, he noticed Anderson had already been replaced by Green.


    This confirmed that Popovich had pulled a dirty move.


    On the next play, Han Sen got the ball from West and called for an isolation.


    With Neal being too small, Green was switched onto him.


    But just like Gay, Green couldn''t guard Han Sen. The difference was that against Gay, Green couldn''t handle the physicality, whereas against Han, he couldn''t keep up with the speed.


    After blowing past Green, Han Sen executed a tricky Eurostep and hammered down a powerful dunk over Splitter.


    He hung on the rim for a moment before dropping to the floor, clearly venting his emotions.


    No, not just venting¡ªthis was pure frustration.


    Because after landing, Han Sen didn''t celebrate as usual. Instead, he walked toward the Spurs'' bench and said to Popovich, "Are you sure you don''t want to put your bad boy back in?"


    Popovich turned his head, pretending not to hear.


    Han didn''t press further. That wasn''t his goal.


    On defense, Han Sen now focused on guarding Ginobili.


    Ginobili''s offensive style was unpredictable, so Han Sen focused on denying him the ball.


    Ginobili tried to run off the ball, but Han stuck to him like glue, not giving an inch.


    Neal passed to Blair in the post, but Haddadi blocked the shot.


    While Haddadi lacked mobility, his height was a factor.


    West grabbed the rebound and threw it ahead to Han Sen, who had already taken off down the court.


    Han caught the ball and finished the fast break with a one-handed slam.


    After the dunk, he once again approached the Spurs'' bench, this time spreading his arms toward Popovich.


    The crowd erupted in boos.


    Han Sen''s provocation was clear. Popovich was a respected coach, and this repeated taunting showed zero respect.


    "Han, focus on the game!" Hollins shouted as Han Sen jogged back on defense.


    Han Sen frowned. Hollins was all tough on his own players but passive toward others. Gay had been taken out, and he hadn''t said a word, but now he was yelling?


    Ginobili finally got the ball this time and drove toward Han Sen with a snake dribble.


    But as Ginobili pushed off for his second step, Han Sen timed his body position perfectly, forcing Ginobili to lose balance and stripping the ball cleanly.


    The snake move was essentially a Eurostep, similar to Han Sen''s own style, so he knew how to defend it.


    Han Sen controlled the ball and sped forward on the fast break. After glancing at the Spurs'' bench, he chose the right side for the drive, deliberately slowing his pace.


    This gave the Spurs a chance to recover, and Neal hustled back to defend him.


    The crowd roared in approval.


    Han Sen had been too arrogant earlier, and they were glad to see Neal hustle back.


    West was also trailing down the middle, covered by Green. As Han Sen crossed midcourt, he slowed down, seemingly stalling the fast break.


    But then, in a move no one expected, Han Sen suddenly accelerated toward Neal, as if attempting to force his way past.


    Neal, caught off guard, couldn''t react in time and was sent stumbling out of bounds.


    As fate would have it, Neal collided with Popovich, who had been standing near the scorer''s table.


    The two crashed together, and Neal''s knee hit Popovich''s knee, sending the coach to the floor.


    Neal quickly turned to help Popovich up, but the damage was done. Even with the assistance of nearby players and fans, Popovich was clearly in pain, clutching his knee.


    The game was paused, and a stretcher was brought out.


    The stadium''s big screen replayed the collision, showing that Han Sen''s abrupt move had caused the unfortunate accident.


    Popovich was helped onto the stretcher and carried off the court, receiving applause from the crowd.


    It''s not uncommon for players to leave the game due to injury, but a head coach? That''s almost unheard of in NBA history.


    With Popovich out, Budenholzer, the lead assistant coach, took over the game.


    Both teams gradually brought back their main players for the final decisive moments.


    The problem Popovich couldn''t solve, Budenholzer couldn''t either.


    He ultimately chose between two bad options and stuck with a zone defense.


    Han Sen silently gave a thumbs-up to this future Hawks coach and NBA Coach of the Year, then continued enjoying his ''happy zone defense'' time.


    In the final quarter, Han Sen scored another 14 points.


    Under his leadership, the Grizzlies defeated the Spurs 102¨C96 and secured the win.


    Post-game stats showed Parker led the Spurs with 30 points and 9 assists, Ginobili had 16 points and 5 assists, and Duncan had 13 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks.


    For the Grizzlies, Randolph recorded a massive double-double with 24 points and 21 rebounds, while Han Sen scored 41 points, becoming yet another player to score 40+ points against the Spurs. Gay had 15 points and 5 rebounds before exiting with an injury.


    At the post-game press conference, Han Sen and Randolph appeared together.


    "You shot 11 out of 13 from mid-range tonight, how did you manage that?"


    While Randolph''s ''20+20'' performance was impressive, the key to the game was Han Sen breaking through the Spurs'' zone defense.


    "You''d have to ask the Spurs'' coaching staff that one. I have no idea why they left me open in mid-range. Do I have a bad mid-range shot or something?"


    Han Sen''s response left the reporter sweating. Didn''t he know his mid-range wasn''t always that great?


    But the reporter couldn''t refute him¡ªafter all, Han Sen was incredibly accurate tonight, so could anyone really say he was bad?


    "Did you ''intentionally'' knock down Popovich?" asked a reporter from San Antonio.


    "Why would you even think that?" Han Sen replied with a serious expression.


    "Because twice before that, you made provocative gestures toward Popovich," the reporter revealed.


    "I was just trying to get him to sub in James Anderson. That guy intentionally hurt Rudy. I wanted revenge for Rudy," Han Sen said, filled with righteous indignation.


    "That was just an accident," the reporter explained.


    "You can review the footage. I told Popovich to sub in Anderson, and that''s why I made those gestures at him," Han Sen repeated. "As for Rudy''s injury being an accident... why is mine considered ''intentional''? Do you have any proof? Be careful or I might sue you for slander!"


    The reporter was left speechless since Han Sen hadn''t even made direct physical contact with Popovich.


    At that point, Hollins took the microphone: "No player would intentionally harm the opposing coach. That''s never happened before¡ªit was just an accident."


    After leaving the press conference, Randolph put his arm around Han Sen''s shoulders.


    "You''re ruthless." Han Sen''s wordplay fooled the reporters and even Hollins, but it couldn''t fool him¡ªRandolph had grown up on the streets, after all.


    And his comment wasn''t just a passing remark, because Randolph wouldn''t have dared to do what Han Sen did.


    "It was just an accident," Han Sen smiled, though he''d never admit it to anyone.


    Randolph didn''t press further. He just laughed and pulled Han closer to him.


    It wasn''t that Randolph didn''t like to talk to people off the court¡ªhis Grizzlies teammates were just too civilized, and he couldn''t connect with them.


    But now, there was someone even more ruthless than he was, and they shared something in common in a sense.


    Randolph once fought Patterson for his teammate, and Han Sen went after Popovich for Gay.


    This was his kind of guy¡ªsomeone he could really trust.


    ...


    After the game, Popovich was diagnosed with a torn right patellar tendon, requiring surgery and at least a three-month recovery.


    People were used to hearing about players missing time due to injuries, but a head coach suffering such a severe injury was unprecedented.


    With this news, Han Sen, already under scrutiny because of All-Star voting controversy, was pushed back into the spotlight.


    However, this time, most people didn''t believe Han Sen did it on purpose.


    After all, Han didn''t directly hit Popovich. Expecting him to ''strike from a distance'' would be too much.


    Some people even thought Han Sen did the right thing, as Anderson had previously injured Gay, and the Spurs had done things like this too often. Many fans who had long-standing grudges against the Spurs voiced their support for Han Sen.


    "Whether intentional or not, this is karma for the Spurs¡ªkarma never fails."


    Of course, there were also many who believed Han Sen did it on purpose, with most of them being Spurs fans.


    "That chink is the dirtiest player in NBA history. He should be banned for life!"


    Some extreme Spurs fans even made such statements.


    Before this incident, Han Sen''s [hater points] had already reached over 300,000 due to the All-Star voting controversy. After this, it soared past 400,000.


    No matter what, the grudge between him and the Spurs was set in stone after this night.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 124: All-Star Voting King.

    Chapter 124: All-Star Voting King."Scarlett, I want to drink your bathwater!"


    On January 17th, at the 68th Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel in Hollywood, Kevin Durant got excited and posted this statement on social media after seeing Scarlett Johansson arrive in a deep V-neck dress.


    This immediately sparked endless jokes and ridicule.


    After playing Black Widow in ''Iron Man 2'' last year, Scarlett''s popularity skyrocketed, and she was named America''s sexiest woman. Durant, a rising star in the NBA, reacted like a typical fanboy.


    Not long after, Scarlett Johansson responded on social media.


    "If you win the 2011 NBA championship, I don''t mind letting you drink my bathwater."


    At 26 years old, Scarlett wasn''t phased at all¡ªthis was small talk for an American actress.


    Durant, on the other hand, was beyond thrilled. The national goddess responded to him so quickly¡ªthere had to be something between them!


    ...


    "Three times max tonight," Taylor warned, leaning against Han Sen in her cozy New York penthouse. She felt his strong arms wrap around her as she glanced up, a mix of affection and a little exasperation in her eyes.


    The Grizzlies were in town for their game against the Knicks, and with Taylor having no early engagements the next day, the couple finally had some precious time alone. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and sparks flew every time they were together.


    "I''m serious, Han. Last time, I could barely move for a week," she said, her lips curving into a playful smile as she tried to set boundaries.


    Han Sen''s hand, however, didn''t seem to be paying attention to her words. Taylor laughed softly, shaking her head. He just couldn''t help himself. His energy was... relentless.


    "Okay, okay," Han Sen nodded, though his mischievous grin said otherwise.


    Later, as they lay tangled up together, Taylor shot him a frustrated look. "You said you''d keep it to three!" Her voice had that playful tone, but she was visibly spent.


    Han Sen, leaning back against the pillows, shrugged with a sheepish grin. "I did. But, I mean, you didn''t say how intense they could be."


    He had held back a lot, but the [Classical Master] had significantly boosted his core strength.


    Taylor rolled her eyes. "I swear, you''re going to drive me insane." She lightly swatted his chest but cuddled closer, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. It was impossible to stay mad at him, especially with the way he made her feel.


    "Well, I can''t help it," Han Sen chuckled, glancing at her affectionately. "The way you look when you''re focused... It''s intoxicating." His hand gently traced patterns on her skin.


    Taylor''s face softened, letting out a deep, satisfied sigh. "You''re impossible."


    After a peaceful silence, she propped herself up on her elbow, her gaze serious but with that playful glint she always had. "I''ve got a concert next week. I want you to come."


    Han Sen looked at her, raising a brow. "Yeah? You sure you want me to be there?"


    Taylor leaned in, brushing her lips softly against his before whispering, "Actually... I was thinking maybe we could use it to get you some more votes. Make sure you get that All-Star starter spot." She grinned.


    The second round of All-Star voting results had already been released. Han Sen had been pushed down to third place by Chris Paul.


    Their votes had been close, and after Han offended Spurs fans earlier, they shifted their votes to Paul, knowing that Parker and Ginobili had little chance of starting, all to prevent him from becoming a Western Conference All-Star starter.


    This was also due to the backlash from Han skipping the 2010 FIBA World Championship.


    With the national team only making it to the round of 16, the media praised the effort of the team and the federation while labeling him as selfish.


    The media in his home country had since given him the cold shoulder, with news coverage of him being limited or even outright negative.


    Since the Grizzlies weren''t the Cavaliers and Han wasn''t LeBron James, it was hard for fans to follow him unless they actively searched for news.


    Fan groups? They were nothing compared to the power of the media.


    This near-blackout approach was the most damaging.


    After all, he was playing overseas, and there was still a figurative wall between China and the U.S.


    As for the haters, after realizing that their efforts to vote Han into the All-Star starting lineup last time had backfired, they weren''t keen to repeat that mistake.


    So while there were still votes coming in from his home country, it wasn''t a massive movement, and combined with the NBA''s new adjustment to Chinese voting ratios, Han was overtaken.


    "Deal," Han Sen smirked, pulling her in for a kiss. She truly did think a lot about him.


    When it came to basketball-related matters, he was never shy.


    Besides, if he had already clapped back at the reporters before, he would only go harder if given the chance.


    As her hand slid up his chest, she suddenly pulled back, narrowing her eyes suspiciously. "What are you doing now?"


    "I haven''t taken a shower yet..."


    "No worries, let''s take one together," Han Sen''s grin widened.


    Taylor laughed, shaking her head in disbelief.


    ...


    A week later, Swift held a fan appreciation concert in New York.


    Though it was a small concert, and the venue had been moved to the comparatively tiny Madison Square Garden, it still sold out completely.


    Thanks to the success of her ''Fearless'' world tour with 118 performances, Swift''s popularity skyrocketed, solidifying her as a top-tier artist.


    As the lights dimmed, Han sat in the VIP box, taking in the electric atmosphere. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Though they had been together for over two months, this was the first time he had attended one of her concerts in person. Actually, it was the first concert he had ever attended in both his lifetimes.


    There was something magical about seeing her on stage, under the bright lights, captivating the entire audience with every note.


    She shone with a glow that was impossible to look away from.


    The setlist built up to a crescendo, song after song driving the crowd wild. Then, the opening chords of Love Story rang out, sending the audience into a frenzy.


    Taylor''s voice echoed through the venue, the lyrics carrying a story that felt personal and real.


    Han took a deep breath and left the VIP box, making his way to the stage. He had rehearsed this moment, but now that it was happening, his pulse raced with excitement.


    As Taylor reached the chorus¡ª"It''s a love story, baby, just say yes"¡ªthe music abruptly stopped, catching everyone off guard. A hush fell over the crowd.


    Then, in an instant, a spotlight found Han as he stood at the edge of the stage.


    Gasps and whispers rippled through the audience as his face appeared on the massive LED screens, handsome and clear, no longer just a figure in paparazzi photos but a real person, right there with them.


    But surprisingly, his Hater System didn''t react much.


    It seemed that the fans at this concert were die-hard Swifties.


    Han began walking toward Taylor, each step met with louder cheers and applause. The fans could feel the anticipation, the romance in the air.


    As he reached the center of the stage, Taylor extended her hand, and he took it, their fingers interlacing as if it were the most natural thing in the world.


    Standing together, with the stage lights glowing around them like a halo, the moment seemed to stretch on forever. It was as if, for those few seconds, they were the only two people in the entire arena.


    With a smile that could light up the darkest room, Taylor raised her microphone to her lips.


    "I have a promise to make," she said, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "If Han gets voted as an NBA All-Star starter, I''ll perform at the halftime show."


    The crowd erupted, and Han turned to her in surprise, a genuine, unguarded expression on his face.


    She hadn''t told him about this plan¡ªit was a spontaneous act of love, a gesture so very her: unpredictable, bold, and full of heart.


    He leaned in and kissed her, and the arena seemed to hold its breath, captivated by the connection between them.


    The lights dimmed, and the music swelled back in, bringing Love Story to a climactic finish. As the last notes faded, the cheers of the audience roared back to life, louder than ever.


    In that moment, as they stood hand in hand, Han knew this night would be remembered as one of the most romantic gestures he had ever experienced.


    And he could feel it¡ªno matter how many votes came in from Spurs fans or anyone else, this was going to change everything.


    Taylor had just given him the ultimate assist, and with her by his side, there was no doubt he would be in the All-Star lineup.


    ...


    Two days later, the third round of All-Star voting results were announced, and Han Sen''s votes had already surpassed Paul''s, trailing just behind Kobe.


    If it weren''t for the changes in the over-seas voting systems, Han Sen might have even overtaken Kobe.


    However, at this time, the Grizzlies received some bad news.


    Gay had dislocated his shoulder after being hit by Anderson.


    There were two treatment options for this injury: conservative treatment or surgery.


    Surgery would require a recovery period of 4-6 months, which would mean Gay''s season was over.


    Gay initially hoped to recover through conservative treatment, especially since the Grizzlies were having a strong season and he was on the verge of making his first career playoff appearance.


    However, his recovery wasn''t going well, and after more than half a month with little progress, he was ultimately forced to undergo surgery.


    After Gay''s adjustment to his playing style this season, his importance to the Grizzlies was undeniable.


    Losing him suddenly was a significant blow to the team.


    Han Sen was furious when he heard the news.


    "Damn it, don''t let me see the Spurs in the playoffs, or I''ll take them down!"


    Gay''s season-ending injury also caught the Grizzlies'' management off guard.


    They had no choice but to target the trade market in search of potential deals.


    Hollins was troubled as well; the Grizzlies already had few scoring options, and with the scoring ability of their bench players, it would be tough to fill the gap.


    Until management could figure out a trade, he had no choice but to follow the previous strategy and have Sam Young step in.


    Young was a lower-tier version of Gay. His ball-handling wasn''t great, his coordination wasn''t the best, and he lacked a consistent three-point shot. However, he did have a decent mid-range game and played defense with energy.


    On this rest day, Han Sen was working on his mid-range shooting.


    After a round of shooting, he sat down at the sideline to rest.


    It had been over a month since he obtained the [Classical Master] talent, and his training progress had reached expectations, but it still didn''t feel fast enough.


    When he trained his three-point shot, it took the whole summer. At this rate, he might not get there before the end of the season.


    It seemed that he would need to ask West to be his training partner again soon.


    From previous training sessions, he learned that practicing under defensive pressure always produced better results.


    After training ended, he returned to the locker room and, after showering, was surprised to find Tony Allen there.


    Judging by Allen''s sweaty appearance, he had just finished a strength workout.


    Allen had joined the Grizzlies with him last summer, but because of their past experiences and competition for the same position, they hadn''t really talked much.


    But now that he saw Allen, Han Sen had an idea.


    After all, when it came to defensive skills, Allen was much better than West.


    He rummaged through his locker and found an unopened MP3 player.


    "Tony," Han Sen called out with a smile, walking over to Allen.


    Allen looked a bit surprised by Han''s sudden friendliness, unsure how to respond.


    "I endorsed this Walkman brand recently, and they sent me some products. I''m not much of a music guy, so it''s just sitting there going to waste," Han Sen explained, holding out the Walkman.


    The endorsement Thomas had arranged for Han Sen was with a local Memphis company, not a major brand, but the product was well-made and stylish.


    Most NBA players have a love for music, and Allen was probably no exception.


    Han Sen thought he had a chance, so he sat down next to Allen.


    "I''m training right now, but I''m missing a partner. Would you be interested in joining?"


    "Sure."


    He had planned to say more, figuring the Walkman would be a good icebreaker.


    He didn''t expect Allen to agree so quickly.


    But it was good news; there was no need to ask more questions. Han grinned and handed the device to Allen.


    However, Allen''s response caught him off guard.


    "I''m not really into music either."


    So, it turned out Allen was in the minority.


    "Then why did you agree?" Han Sen asked curiously.


    "I want more playing time. I want to make it into the starting lineup," he said firmly.


    Gay''s injury was bad news for the Grizzlies, but for Allen, it was an opportunity.


    Though, in theory, Gay''s replacement would be a small forward like Sam Young.


    But Han Sen was 6''7" (2.01 meters) in shoes, weighing 215 pounds (98 kg), so he could swing to the small forward position.


    Han Sen certainly couldn''t decide who started, but training with him could help Allen refine his defense and improve his game.


    So, they had a common goal.


    Han handed the Walkman to Allen and said, "See you tomorrow."


    Allen''s defensive skills were well-known; he was aware of that even last season.


    His problem was his offensive game, which was so weak that teams often treated it like 4-on-5 basketball, making him a ''backup option'' for most coaches.


    The Grizzlies signed him as a backup for Han Sen, too.


    Since Han Sen had stayed healthy, Hollins had no reason to rely on a backup with limited offensive skills.


    But that wasn''t Han Sen''s concern. He wasn''t LeBron James, managing teammates'' playing time.


    All he needed was for Allen to agree to train with him.


    Once Allen joined the training sessions, Han Sen could clearly feel the improvement.


    In on-ball defense, Allen was absolutely elite.


    It wasn''t just about technique; Allen seemed to have endless energy on defense. His focus and confidence impressed Han Sen.


    This was something Han hadn''t understood before, or perhaps Gay''s injury truly was a chance for Allen.


    ---


    By late January, the fourth and final round of All-Star voting results were announced.


    Kobe led with 2.38 million votes, making him the top vote-getter.


    Han Sen secured 2.18 million votes, right behind Kobe, outpacing Howard (2.09 million) and James (2.05 million) to become the runner-up.


    This meant he would be joining Kobe as the starting backcourt for the Western Conference.


    Notably, he became the first player in NBA history to start the All-Star Game for different conferences in his first two seasons.


    ---


    East Starters: Rose, Wade, James, Stoudemire, Howard


    East Reserves: Rondo, Ray Allen, Pierce, Garnett, Bosh, Joe Johnson, Horford


    East Coach: Thibodeau


    West Starters: Kobe, Han Sen, Durant, Anthony, Yao


    West Reserves: Paul, Deron Williams, Ginobili, Gasol, Duncan, Nowitzki, Griffin


    West Coach: Popovich


    Author''s Note: Gay missing the season is based on historical events. When the Grizzlies completed the eighth-seed upset, he wasn''t playing.

 Chapter 125: The Ultimate Dunk Package.

    Chapter 125: The Ultimate Dunk Package.Although it was somewhat expected, Han Sen still faced a lot of skepticism when he was voted as a starter.


    After all, his large vote count came largely from his fanbase, which raised questions about the legitimacy of his selection.


    During a media interview, Han Sen was inevitably asked about this.


    "Do you think the result was unfair?" The reporter''s question was direct.


    "Yes," Han Sen''s response shocked everyone.


    As the reporter tried to figure out what he was up to, he continued, clearly upset:


    "Why wasn''t Zach selected? He''s been better than Pau Gasol this season, and Blake Griffin plays for a team at the bottom of the Western Conference. That''s what''s truly unfair."


    Since Rudy Gay''s injury, the Grizzlies'' performance had dipped, but they were still the fifth seed in the West.


    If Han Sen hadn''t had outside support, he likely wouldn''t have even made the reserves. In other words, for a team ranked fifth in the West to have no All-Star representation ¡ª that was the real injustice.


    Han Sen wasn''t just deflecting the question, though. This season was Zach Randolph''s best shot at making the All-Star team, and he''d never been selected before.


    Not long after this interview, the criticism of Han Sen''s selection started to die down.


    It wasn''t because of his answer, but because Swift announced on social media that she would be performing during the NBA All-Star halftime show. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This meant that the fans who voted for Han Sen would indeed tune in to watch the game!


    Even the NBA''s official website shared this news, making Han Sen''s selection a subtle promotional win for the league.


    After dealing with the reporters, Han Sen stopped worrying about the All-Star game.


    His focus remained on his training with Allen.


    With Gay out for the season, Han Sen knew he would need to shoulder more of the offensive load, so he had to improve quickly.


    The Grizzlies might still be fifth in the West for now, but the Western Conference was so competitive that a losing streak could drop them out of the playoffs entirely.


    After practice one day, Han Sen and Tony Allen sat on the sidelines to rest.


    Although they hadn''t interacted much before, training together had naturally brought them closer.


    "Tony, have you ever tried to change your shooting form?" With their friendship growing, Han Sen started to show more concern for Allen''s game.


    After all, they were both named Allen ¡ª but unlike Ray Allen, Tony wasn''t exactly a sharpshooter. He could at least try to hit open shots, so the team wouldn''t have to play 4-on-5 offensively.


    Han Sen had noticed that Allen''s shooting form was odd ¡ª he brought the ball way behind his head, making it look like he was throwing a shot put.


    "I missed my chance," Allen admitted, surprising Han Sen.


    "After I tore my knee ligaments in 2007, I knew I wouldn''t get back to where I was. I tried to change my form, but it was too late."


    "You tore your ligaments?" Han Sen was shocked.


    A torn ligament is a devastating injury for any player.


    It wasn''t something Han Sen knew about ¡ª not because he had forgotten, but because players like Tony Allen weren''t on his radar much. All he really knew about Allen was that he was an elite defender.


    "When I was young, I had no limits. I thought there was some superstar button inside me. Reality hit me hard."


    Allen''s eyes were full of emotion as he reflected on his career.


    Before Jimmy Butler came along, Tony Allen was one of the league''s iconic underdog stories.


    Struggling academically, he started playing at Butler County Community College before transferring to Oklahoma State University.


    In his senior year, he averaged 16 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.1 steals, leading his team to the Final Four, becoming his own version of Jordan.


    But since he lacked ball-handling skills and wasn''t tall enough for a shooting guard in the modern game, he never stood out.


    If it hadn''t been for Doc Rivers, he might not have even been a first-round pick.


    Even after being selected by the Celtics in the first round, Rivers primarily used him as a "defensive specialist," and his minutes were limited.


    He thought he wouldn''t get his shot ¡ª until he faced the Lakers. In just 8 minutes against Kobe, he fouled out, almost setting an NBA record for the fastest disqualification. That''s when he realized there was no ''superstar button''.


    It was after that season, during the summer, that he gave up on his dreams of superstardom and began to focus on training: defense, rebounding, fast breaks. He honed the skills he was good at until they became exceptional.


    Then he had his breakout moment ¡ª a 30-point game against the Nuggets, followed by six straight games with 20+ points.


    Han Sen was surprised. If someone had told him before he traveled back in time that Tony Allen could score 20+ points in six consecutive games, he would have thought they were playing NBA 2K.


    "I remember that game against the Magic. The commentator called me ''Little D-Wade.''"


    Allen''s face lit up as he recalled one of the highlights of his career.


    But his expression quickly turned pained, likely as he remembered what happened afterward.


    In a dead-ball situation, Allen attempted a completely unnecessary dunk, and as a result, he twisted his left knee.


    What he thought was a minor injury turned out to be a torn ligament.


    While the injury didn''t end his career, it severely diminished his athleticism: his lateral quickness, jumping ability, and explosiveness were all drastically reduced.


    "I tried to develop a jump shot, but after that, I couldn''t jump high or fast. Adjusting my shooting form wouldn''t have helped."


    So it wasn''t that Allen didn''t want to develop a jump shot ¡ª he simply couldn''t anymore, so he had to make defense his specialty.


    After finishing practice, Han Sen returned home and opened up his System Space.


    Allen''s story reminded him a bit of his own ¡ª they both had breakout moments, only to suffer injuries.


    The difference was that Allen''s injury was more severe, and he didn''t have the Hater System to exchange for the [Iron Body] talent. He was forced to adapt his game.


    That wasn''t why Han Sen opened the system, though.


    Allen''s struggles with developing his shot had given Han Sen an idea.


    His mid-range game was on fire against the Spurs, but it had noticeably declined in the games since.


    He had assumed that his [Classical Master] talent hadn''t reached its peak, limiting his performance.


    But now he wondered if his physical attributes were also part of the problem.


    A good shooter needs accuracy, but being able to jump high is important too.


    If Allen hadn''t been injured, or if he had been taller, he might have been able to transform into a 3-and-D player.


    The higher the release point, the less likely a shooter is to be contested, making it easier to get off a clean shot.


    Aside from tall players like Durant, great mid-range shooters like Jordan, Kobe, and McGrady all had impressive leaping ability.


    So, if Han Sen exchanged for a talent that improved his jumping ability, would the [Classical Master] talent perform even better once it peaked?


    Han Sen began browsing through the system''s available talents.


    He had accumulated over 400,000 hater points, close to 500,000.


    That wasn''t enough for a Tier 1 talent, but it was more than enough for Tier 2.


    His eyes quickly landed on a 300,000-point Tier 2 dunking talent.


    "The Ultimate Dunk Package (Minus the Tomahawk)."


    The name seemed a bit ridiculous, but...


    The description made sense.


    "Increases jumping ability, hang time, and body flexibility."


    Why does LeBron James favor the tomahawk dunk so much?


    Because his body flexibility limits his ability to execute more complex dunks.


    It''s hard to imagine LeBron pulling off a 360-degree between-the-legs dunk.


    Han Sen didn''t hesitate long before making the purchase.


    After redeeming it, for the first time, he had two talents that hadn''t yet reached their potential.


    He was going to be busy in the coming weeks.


    ...


    While Han Sen was focused on training, the All-Star talk hadn''t died down.


    In fact, the reason why the criticism against him had lessened wasn''t just because Swift would be performing at the All-Star game, but also because someone else was taking the heat for him.


    That person was Yao Ming.


    Yao had only played five games for the Rockets this season before being sidelined with an injury, averaging 18.2 minutes, 10.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.


    Because he hadn''t officially been ruled out for the season, the Rockets still included him on their roster.


    As a result, Yao was voted in as the Western Conference''s starting center.


    Right after he was selected, the Rockets announced that Yao would miss the 2011 All-Star Game.


    It was hard not to focus attention on this situation.


    Of course, this didn''t have much to do with the Grizzlies, until the league recently announced the replacements for injured All-Stars.


    Popovich was still recovering from an injury and couldn''t coach, so Lakers coach Phil Jackson would take his place.


    As for Yao''s replacement, it was Thunder''s Russell Westbrook.


    This decision stirred up a lot of frustration.


    While Westbrook had been great this season and deserved to be selected, replacing an injured center with a guard felt like blatant bias against Zach Randolph ¡ª a move that didn''t even bother to pretend otherwise.


    It wasn''t hard to understand why though, as Stern had always been strict with players who had a ''history''.


    However, when Han Sen heard the news, he immediately took to social media to express his support for Randolph.


    "Zach dominates the paint every night. In my mind, he''s an All-Star player, and his exclusion is just unacceptable."


    During games, Han Sen also created more opportunities for Randolph, showing his support for his frontcourt teammate through his actions.


    But that wasn''t the end of it.


    After Han Sen''s tweet, Griffin made some comments about him.


    "How do you feel about Han Sen saying that both Randolph and he deserved to be All-Stars over you?" a reporter asked Griffin ¡ª clearly a loaded question.


    "If he weren''t Swift''s boyfriend, not only would he not be a starter, he wouldn''t even be at the All-Star game," Griffin replied, fearless as always.


    Many people may have forgotten, but Griffin and Han Sen entered the league in the same year, and Griffin had been compared to Han Sen during summer league because of the infamous ''No. 77'' comment from fans.


    But now, despite being the No. 1 overall pick, Griffin''s spotlight had been completely stolen by Han Sen.


    Han Sen''s comment about Randolph was purely factual and wasn''t aimed at Griffin, but now it had become personal.


    Surprisingly, Han Sen didn''t get angry over Griffin''s blunt remarks. After all, besides the All-Star game, Han Sen would also be participating in the Rookie Challenge.


    This brought up a peculiar NBA rule: whether a player is classified as a rookie or a sophomore is based on their actual playing record in the NBA.


    If a player didn''t play during their rookie season due to injury, they were still considered a rookie, eligible to join the rookie team for the All-Star game and even compete for the Rookie of the Year award.


    This rule naturally sparked huge controversy. Even though a player might not have played, they still trained with the team and learned the game, which seemed unfair to other rookies.


    But fairness wasn''t the issue here ¡ª the important thing was that Han Sen was representing the sophomore team, while Griffin represented the rookie team. They would be teammates in the All-Star game, but rivals in the Rookie Challenge.


    Time flew, and soon it was February 20th.


    The 60th NBA All-Star Game kicked off in Los Angeles.


    This was the fifth time Los Angeles had hosted the All-Star Game, surpassing New York as the city with the most All-Star events.


    There was no surprise here ¡ª hosting in the most glamorous city in America was always profitable.


    Han Sen''s point was also valid because Griffin''s selection was partly influenced by the location.


    Even though the Clippers were third from the bottom in the Western Conference, they shared the same arena as the Lakers!


    Staples Center ¡ª a name that evoked images of the Lakers, but the Clippers also played there, and Griffin was the Clippers'' rising star.


    So, when Han Sen arrived in Los Angeles, he wasn''t exactly warmly received.


    Before the All-Star game, there was a celebrity game, and when Han Sen was spotted by the cameras, the Los Angeles crowd gave him a chorus of boos.


    Any normal rookie would have been rattled by that.


    But Han Sen just smiled and joked about how the boos were too quiet, which only further provoked the Los Angeles fans.


    To make matters worse, Han Sen had previously made remarks questioning whether Kobe was still the best player in the league and doubting the Lakers'' chances of making the Finals. So he wasn''t exactly popular in L.A. to begin with.


    Now, having already alienated the fans in Boston, he was working on becoming an even bigger ''villain'' in Los Angeles.


    After the celebrity game came the Rookie Challenge, both games being held at the same venue.


    Usually, these two games were just appetizers for the main All-Star event, but thanks to Han Sen''s antics, by the time the Rookie Challenge was about to start, the arena had filled up with many more fans.


    These fans weren''t suddenly appearing in L.A., of course. The All-Star weekend included a ''Fan Carnival'' held outside Staples Center, with various events like shooting contests, dunking activities, height comparisons with players, and meet-and-greets with NBA stars.


    So when something interesting happened inside the arena, a quick call and the fans poured in.


    Han Sen welcomed the scene.


    Last year, the rookie team had beaten the sophomore team, ending the sophomore''s seven-year winning streak dating back to 2002.


    Was it because that sophomore team was weak?


    Clearly not, as the 2008 draft class wasn''t lacking talent, with players like Rose, Westbrook, and Love.


    If it wasn''t that the sophomores were weak, then the rookies must have been strong.


    And now, last year''s rookie team was this year''s sophomore team.


    As Han Sen warmed up, he greeted his teammates.


    Curry, Harden, DeRozan, Ibaka, Jrue Holiday, Taj Gibson, Brandon Jennings, DeJuan Blair (and Tyreke Evans).


    So, who were the rookies?

 Chapter 126: The Real All-Star.

    Chapter 126: The Real All-Star.The opponents weren''t pushovers.


    After warm-ups, both teams'' starting lineups were revealed:


    - Rookie Team: John Wall, Wesley Johnson, Landry Fields, Blake Griffin, DeMarcus Cousins


    - Sophomore Team: Steph Curry, James Harden, Han Sen, Serge Ibaka, DeJuan Blair


    The starting lineups made it clear: the Sophomore team had a stronger perimeter, while the Rookie team had a stronger frontcourt.


    Cousins won the jump ball for the Rookie team, and the game officially began.


    Cheers from the fans started to erupt.


    Thanks to Han Sen, the Rookie team had essentially become the home team for the Los Angeles crowd.


    Unlike the All-Star Game, where it''s more of a show, these were rookies eager to prove themselves, so they were playing for real.


    Wall, with the ball, swiftly blew past Curry.


    Like Mike Conley, Wall was a textbook point guard, but unlike Conley, Wall had a rare level of athleticism for someone of his archetype.


    His explosiveness was overwhelming, and Curry couldn''t keep up with his pace.


    With a quick burst, Wall drove into the lane, drew defenders, and delivered a perfect pass to Cousins, who finished with a two-handed slam.


    After the dunk, Cousins and Wall high-fived, showing their natural chemistry as former Kentucky teammates.


    On the Sophomore team''s first offensive play, Harden drove past Johnson but was blocked at the rim by Griffin.


    Harden had a rough time on the Thunder, still coming off the bench despite being a high draft pick. His selection for the Rising Stars Challenge only came after Tyreke Evans was injured.


    Clearly, he wanted to prove himself, but the Rookie team''s interior defense made it hard.


    The Rookie team grabbed the rebound, and Wall pushed the ball with lightning speed.


    Griffin instinctively followed, ready for the fast break.


    Wall sprinted down the court and then threw the ball off the backboard. Griffin, trailing, leaped up and caught it for a thunderous alley-oop dunk.


    The Staples Center erupted.


    Griffin''s athleticism had earned him the nickname ''The White Beast'' from some fans.


    4¨C0.


    The Rookie team opened with unstoppable momentum.


    The camera then focused on Han Sen, capturing the moment perfectly.


    Han Sen didn''t disappoint. As soon as he reached the frontcourt, he called for the ball.


    Curry willingly passed it to him and motioned for the strong side to clear out.


    It wasn''t because Curry and Han Sen had some close bond, but because Han Sen was the only player on their team who had proven himself on the big playoff stage.


    Matched up against him was Fields, a properly sized small forward. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Han Sen faked a three-pointer, causing Fields to step forward, then quickly drove to the right.


    Fields wasn''t very fast laterally, so he had to go all out to keep up with Han Sen.


    But at the 16-foot mark, Han Sen abruptly stopped, and Fields couldn''t brake in time, sliding past him.


    With Fields beaten, Han Sen opted for a pull-up jumper instead of driving to the basket like Harden.


    The Rookie team''s two big men could only watch.


    Swish!


    Han Sen''s shot hit nothing but net.


    The crowd was buzzing.


    Even on the Sophomore team''s bench, assistant coach Carmelo Anthony was impressed. The rookie who had dared to challenge him in last year''s All-Star Game had already developed a consistent mid-range shot?


    Wall once again breezed past Curry, whose defense was practically non-existent.


    It was like a domino effect: Blair was forced to help, Wall dished the ball, and Cousins scored again inside.


    Some fragmented memories surfaced in Han Sen''s mind. He vaguely remembered that this year, Wall would break the assist record for the Rising Stars Challenge, leading his team to a win and earning MVP honors.


    So, he had been wrong in his pregame assumptions¡ªthis Rookie team was stronger than the Sophomore team. Not only was their frontcourt dominant, but their backcourt was also formidable.


    Curry and Harden might become superstars in the future, but right now, they were just inexperienced youngsters.


    "Steph, sag off him a bit," Han Sen advised Curry, who nodded.


    When they got to the frontcourt, Curry immediately passed the ball to Han Sen and moved to the weak side to create space.


    Han Sen held the ball in one hand, scanning the defense. He noticed Griffin''s positioning had shifted outward, clearly preparing to help and block any shot attempts.


    Without hesitation, Han Sen drove, once again beating Fields.


    As he reached the free-throw line, Griffin lunged to help.


    Han Sen glanced at the rim, and Griffin leaped to contest.


    This was the difference between having a reliable mid-range shot and not. One simple move could bait a defender into making a mistake.


    With Griffin in the air, Han Sen continued his drive.


    At this moment, Cousins was boxed out by Blair and couldn''t help.


    But instead of going for a regular dunk, Han Sen lobbed the ball off the backboard.


    It bounced back, and Han Sen jumped up, grabbed it, and slammed it down with both hands.


    Boom!


    Han Sen had just pulled off a self-pass alley-oop!


    The crowd was going wild.


    "Han really holds grudges!" Barkley laughed from the commentary booth.


    The self-pass alley-oop was reminiscent of Tracy McGrady, a move typically used to beat a defender, but Han Sen did it with no one in front of him, clearly in response to Griffin''s off-the-backboard alley-oop earlier.


    And it was confirmed.


    After landing, Han Sen glanced back at Griffin and shook his head.


    The taunt was unmistakable.


    Griffin called for the ball in the high post.


    He wasn''t just a dunker¡ªthere was no way he could put up 20+ points and 10 rebounds a game just by dunking. Even as a rookie, his post-up game was among the best.


    However, his defender was Ibaka, known for his defense.


    Although Griffin managed to spin past Ibaka, his shot was brutally blocked by the latter.


    Griffin was clearly rushing things. Forget about anything else; Ibaka had a significantly longer wingspan.


    Ibaka grabbed the ball, turned, and saw Han Sen already sprinting past the three-point line.


    From Cleveland, always at the forefront of a fast break.


    Ibaka threw a long pass, and Han Sen caught it, blazing down the court.


    The crowd was buzzing with anticipation.


    Han Sen leaped in the paint, twisted mid-air, and brought the ball down for a windmill dunk.


    The same dunk he did against the Heat.


    But this time, it was even more graceful and powerful, thanks to his recently unlocked [All Dunk Pack Except Tomahawk] talent, which enhanced both his height and style.


    Boom!


    When Han Sen finished the windmill dunk, the crowd finally erupted in full cheers.


    "Oh my God, he should be in the dunk contest!" Barkley was ecstatic in the booth.


    In an All-Star game, regardless of the event, it was all about the show.


    Han Sen''s series of dunks perfectly captured the essence of the All-Star atmosphere.


    And with his performance, the Rookie team''s early momentum seemed to have dissipated.


    As Han Sen jogged back on defense, he looked at Griffin and wagged his finger, shaking it back and forth.


    It was a clear escalation from his earlier headshake, blatantly saying Griffin wasn''t good enough.


    The camera caught the gesture, displaying it on the arena''s LED screen, causing a frenzy among the fans.


    Han Sen wasn''t treating the Rising Stars Challenge like an All-Star game at all¡ªhe was directly targeting Griffin.


    Griffin couldn''t stand it. How could anyone endure this in their own home arena?


    He called for the ball in the post again, this time using his strength to muscle Ibaka, giving the latter no chance to contest.


    But just as Griffin spun past Ibaka to shoot¡ª


    Smack!


    Han Sen swooped in with a help defense steal, swatting the ball right out of Griffin''s hands!


    After the steal, Han Sen immediately flung the ball to Harden beyond the three-point line.


    Though Harden''s fast-break awareness wasn''t quite as sharp as Han Sen''s, playing with Westbrook on the Thunder had trained him well.


    But Wall''s speed was unbelievable, and he chased down Harden.


    Harden reached the frontcourt with no clear shot, so he tossed the ball over his head.


    Even though Harden was coming off the bench for the Thunder, he was still the team''s primary playmaker.


    A figure leaped into the air.


    It was Han Sen, who had sprinted to catch up.


    He caught Harden''s pass mid-air, hung there for a moment...


    Boom!


    ...and slammed the ball down hard.


    Han Sen was having the time of his life dunking today!


    8-6.


    The Sophomore team had taken the lead.


    Han Sen high-fived Harden as they got back on defense. The Sophomore team was clearly starting to find their rhythm.


    Fans familiar with Han Sen knew that his trash talk and taunts were never just emotional outbursts.


    Whether it was against Paul Pierce, LeBron James, or Kobe Bryant, Han Sen always had a clear purpose.


    The same applied to Griffin.


    Wall''s speed was a problem¡ªHan Sen couldn''t guarantee he could keep up with him all the time.


    The best way to handle that? Disrupt the Rookie team''s offense by getting the ball out of Wall''s hands.


    And the easiest way to do that was to provoke Griffin.


    From the way Griffin had answered reporters'' questions, it was clear that the young star had a fiery temperament.


    By the nine-minute mark of the first quarter, the Sophomore team was leading 26¨C18.


    At this point, both teams rotated their players, and Han Sen took a break.


    The Rookie team had a significant advantage in the paint, but it was clear they weren''t fully utilizing it.


    On the other hand, the Sophomore team was thriving under Han Sen''s leadership. He had scored 12 points and even dished out 2 assists, leading the team with confidence.


    During the bench rotation between the first and second quarters, the Rookie team managed to stay within striking distance thanks to the play of backup center Greg Monroe.


    It had to be said¡ªthe Rookie team''s frontcourt was indeed strong. Even putting aside their skill, they were much bigger in size compared to the Sophomore team.


    By the time the starters returned in the second quarter, the score was 40¨C34.


    Once the starters were back, the Sophomore team''s coach, Lawrence Frank, made his move.


    Frank wasn''t very famous. He had been the head coach in New Jersey for seven years, but his biggest accomplishment was only winning Coach of the Month.


    It wasn''t until this season, when Tom Thibodeau left for Chicago and Frank took over as Boston''s lead assistant, that he started getting noticed.


    He looked like a spitting image of Jeff Van Gundy¡ªshort stature, pale skin.


    But because of his humble beginnings, he had put in more effort into learning, which made him more adaptable than Van Gundy, who tended to be inflexible.


    Frank set up a 2-1-2 zone defense for the Sophomore team and swapped out Blair for the more mobile Taj Gibson.


    This change caused the Rookie team''s offense to stagnate.


    The Rookie team''s strength was their inside game, and they could dominate in one-on-one situations. But with Ibaka and Gibson as mobile defenders in a zone, they could easily provide help defense, which severely limited the Rookie team''s performance.


    And more importantly, the Rookie team didn''t have a Kobe or a Han Sen. Wall, though fast, didn''t have the mid-range ability to break through the zone defense.


    Then, the game turned into a fast-break showcase for the Sophomore team.


    The Rookie team couldn''t score, and with their twin towers lineup, their transition defense couldn''t keep up.


    Han Sen, the fast-break maestro, benefitted greatly from this.


    By halftime, the Sophomore team had extended their lead to double digits, 58¨C48.


    Han Sen scored 21 points in the first half, the highest of the game.


    "He is the real All-Star!" Barkley couldn''t contain his excitement in the commentary booth once again.


    This statement cemented his status as a diehard fan of Han Sen, especially since Han''s selection as an All-Star starter had been highly controversial.


    But now, no one could say Barkley was overhyping. Han Sen''s performance in the Rising Stars Challenge, especially against other young players, clearly put him on a different level.


    And what about Griffin?


    With only 7 points and 4 rebounds by halftime, he was completely overshadowed by Han Sen.


    During halftime, there was a sudden stir in the stands.


    It was because a late arrival had drawn attention.


    As Taylor Swift appeared with a bucket of popcorn, she quickly became the focus of the arena.


    As Han''s girlfriend, and set to perform at the All-Star Game, she was certainly catching eyes during this year''s All-Star festivities.


    When the second half began, the Rookie team made tactical adjustments, also switching to a 2-1-2 zone defense.


    This surprising move came from their head coach, Mike Budenholzer.


    From Budenholzer''s perspective, it was a change in strategy, no longer relying on half-court offense and focusing on defense first.


    After all, if they could stop the Sophomore team''s offense, and with Wall''s speed, their fast-break potential was even greater than the Sophomore team''s.


    Upon seeing this, Han Sen almost wanted to hug Budenholzer''s head and kiss him.


    Back when they played the Spurs, Budenholzer had already helped him out once. Now, in the Rising Stars Challenge, he was doing it again. He was even better to Han than Mike Malone.


    The Sophomore team had the first possession in the second half. Han Sen drove to the free-throw line and pulled up for a mid-range jumper.


    Of course, Budenholzer wasn''t clueless¡ªhe had Griffin playing at the center position in the zone defense, as Griffin was more mobile than Cousins.


    Griffin immediately rushed to contest the shot.


    But Griffin had his own weaknesses¡ªhe was short.


    Although Han Sen wasn''t as tall as Griffin, his standing reach was greater. This meant that when both jumped at the same time, Griffin would have a hard time blocking Han Sen.


    And it should be noted that Han Sen had just unlocked his dunking talent. Although it still required time to master, he was already jumping higher and faster than before.


    Swish!


    Han Sen hit the mid-range shot right in Griffin''s face.


    In the stands, Swift excitedly threw away her popcorn and jumped up to dance on the spot.


    The cameras, already focused on her, captured the moment perfectly, and it was displayed on the LED screen for everyone to see.


    The crowd erupted in cheers. One of the reasons Swift had such widespread popularity across the U.S., besides her singing talent, was her down-to-earth personality.


    Han blew a kiss to Swift with a wave of his hand.


    Then, he turned around, smiling as he looked at Griffin, whose face was puffed up in anger.


    Look, not only am I more like an All-Star than you, but I also have a superstar girlfriend.


    And you? What do you have besides being short?

 Chapter 127 - 2011 NBA Trade Deadline.

    Chapter 127: 2011 NBA Trade Deadline.The ''Han Happy Zone Defense'' reappeared, with Han Sen scoring another 20 points in the second half, totaling 41 points for the game.


    What a coincidence it must have been¡ªHan Sen dropped two 41-point games back-to-back on Budenholzer, and that''s something he probably won''t forget for the rest of his life.


    Under Han Sen''s leadership, the sophomore team avenged last year''s loss by defeating the rookie team 118-106.


    In terms of stats, for the rookie team: John Wall had 16 points and 16 assists, DeMarcus Cousins put up 28 points and 11 rebounds, Blake Griffin had 14 points and 7 rebounds, and Greg Monroe added 14 points and 6 rebounds.


    For the sophomore team: Han Sen had 41 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists; James Harden posted 18 points and 7 assists; Stephen Curry recorded 13 points and 10 assists; and DeMar DeRozan scored 15 points.


    Unsurprisingly, Han Sen was named the Rookie Game MVP.


    After receiving the trophy, Han Sen gave his acceptance speech.


    "Thanks to my teammates, our opponents, and all the fans in the arena."


    It was like his grandstanding moment, met with cheers all around.


    The scene was very similar to last year''s Three-Point Contest, where no one believed in him, but he proved himself with raw talent.


    "I know some people questioned my spot in the All-Star Game," Han Sen continued to fan the flames.


    "But I just want to say, guys, I got 2.18 million votes, not 700,000 (Griffin''s final vote count)."


    Immediately, the cheers turned to boos.


    Han Sen ignored it and, once the noise died down, continued speaking.


    "I know this might sting a little, but here''s the truth: not only am I an All-Star starter, but I''m also the MVP."


    He spread his hands wide, watching as his Hater System numbers skyrocketed.


    This rookie game served a dual purpose¡ªsilencing Griffin and increasing his hater points. A win-win.


    The second day of All-Star Weekend featured individual events, which Han Sen didn''t participate in but watched from the stands with Swift.


    That day was packed with excitement. Curry won the Skills Challenge, claiming his first All-Star trophy.


    Then, in the Three-Point Contest, the Heat''s James Jones unexpectedly took home the championship.


    When the final results came out, Charles Barkley dropped a classic line: "You might not find a video tape in LeBron''s team, but you''ll definitely find a Three-Point Champion."


    Barkley''s comment went viral, cementing his irreplaceable status at TNT; otherwise, he might have been fired.


    But the spotlight wasn''t on Jones¡ªit was on Kevin Durant.


    This league superstar, who had been roasted on social media for saying he''d drink bathwater, scored just six points in the Three-Point Contest preliminaries.


    Jordan holds the record for the lowest score ever (5 points).


    Durant''s performance was close, making him a ''second-place GOAT'' in this context.


    Han Sen had heard about Durant''s low score, but seeing it live was a whole different experience. He couldn''t stop laughing.


    Jordan wasn''t prepared back then and was out of rhythm, but Durant had clearly practiced. Yet, he just couldn''t hit his shots. Han Sen joked to himself, wondering if Durant had activated a Hater System of his own this year.


    After the Three-Point Contest, it was time for the Dunk Contest finale.


    During the preparation, the arena played the NBA''s classic ''Kiss Cam.''


    Han Sen and Swift were singled out by a photographer, and they confidently shared a kiss, making this moment one of the highlights of this year''s All-Star Weekend.


    Han Sen wasn''t even done enjoying it, as that kiss earned him tens of thousands of hater points.


    Although his relationship with Swift was already public and widely accepted by her fans after the concert, she still had plenty of haters. Their relationship had essentially become a power duo.


    In the Dunk Contest, JaVale McGee and Blake Griffin faced off in a thrilling final.


    McGee''s jaw-dropping dunks, like dunking two balls into one hoop and another with both hands at once, were sensational. But in the end, Griffin won by jumping over a Kia, taking home the Dunk Contest trophy, marking the end of the individual events.


    When the results were announced, Han Sen took to social media, posting:


    "JaVale McGee deserved the Dunk Contest championship more than Griffin."


    During his time in the Eastern Conference, he had turned Paul Pierce into his main rival and ''hater moderator.'' But now that he was in the West and facing Pierce less frequently, he needed a new target. Griffin seemed like a good fit.


    After all, Han Sen was speaking the truth: if Griffin wasn''t white and a local star from Los Angeles, there was no way his short arms would have earned him the trophy. Just ask Aaron Gordon.


    The final day of All-Star Weekend brought the main event: the All-Star Game, where Han Sen had a notable appearance.


    Unlike last year in Dallas, this year''s All-Star Game was dominated by Kobe Bryant.


    As the back-to-back NBA champion, playing in Los Angeles with Phil Jackson coaching, there was no question that Kobe would be the MVP if the West won.


    And win they did, with Kobe dropping 37 points, 14 rebounds (10 offensive), 3 assists, and 3 steals to lead the team and secure his fourth All-Star MVP title.


    Han Sen played more minutes and took more shots than last year, finishing with 15 points, the fourth-highest on the West after Kobe, Durant, and Pau Gasol.


    But this was still his happiest day of All-Star Weekend.


    Swift''s concert had been a huge success, and although Han Sen had been worried about her performance, she wowed everyone with her choice of song: ''Change,'' a track about overcoming challenges that had previously been used for the U.S. Olympic team.


    After the All-Star Game, Han Sen and the rest of the players had a rare few days off.


    These days coincided with the most active period of the NBA trade market, with the trade deadline looming.


    This year, Han Sen was more focused on the trade market than ever before, especially after last year''s memorable Cleveland trade for Antawn Jamison.


    However, when it came to the Memphis Grizzlies, he had no clue what they''d do in the trade market. He hadn''t paid much attention to them in his past life, and most fans didn''t either.


    But now that Rudy Gay was out for the season, it was crucial for the Grizzlies to make a move. Unfortunately, they didn''t have many valuable trade assets, making this a tough challenge for GM Chris Wallace.


    This year''s trade market was one of the biggest in the last decade, featuring stars like Carmelo Anthony, Deron Williams, and Gerald Wallace¡ªall franchise players.


    Other notable names included Jeff Green, Baron Davis, and Mo Williams.


    While training, Han Sen kept refreshing the news and saw a flurry of major trades.


    Carmelo Anthony was the first big move, as the top-five league superstar finally parted ways with the Nuggets and headed to New York to team up with Amar''e Stoudemire.


    Shortly after, Deron Williams was traded to the New Jersey Nets.


    This came in the wake of the legendary Jazz coach Jerry Sloan''s sudden resignation, rumored to have been caused by a fallout with Williams.


    Williams'' departure seemed inevitable after that incident.


    These two major trades were good news for the Grizzlies, as losing their stars caused a significant drop in competitiveness for both the Nuggets and the Jazz.


    However, the Thunder''s trade with the Celtics was bad news for Memphis.


    The Thunder traded Jeff Green for the Celtics'' starting center, Kendrick Perkins.


    Han Sen knew Perkins'' low-post defense well, and this trade was a far bigger boost for the Thunder than it seemed on paper.


    Then Han Sen saw the Grizzlies'' own trade news.


    Memphis sent Delonte West, DeMarre Carroll, and a future first-round pick to the Rockets in exchange for Shane Battier.


    The Grizzlies also participated in a trade between the Wizards and Hawks, sending Dant¨¦ Cunningham to Atlanta and receiving Jordan Crawford, who was originally set to go to Washington.


    Reports indicated that Battier''s desire to return to Memphis played a key role in the deal.


    Battier had been Memphis'' sixth overall pick in 2001 but was traded to the Rockets in pursuit of a championship. His good relationships with both the Rockets and Grizzlies'' front offices helped facilitate the trade.


    These trades created a chain reaction.


    Since Battier''s contract was over $7 million, the Grizzlies had to send out West to balance the salaries.


    With West gone, they needed to find a replacement and, due to limited trade assets, ended up choosing Crawford, a rookie known more for his scoring than his defense.


    Crawford, Atlanta''s 27th overall pick this year, had seen limited playing time, appearing in just 16 games and averaging only 10 minutes, 4.2 points, and 1.8 rebounds per game.


    The Hawks'' decision to trade Crawford was influenced by LeBron James.


    Han Sen''s viral moment had led to a PR push from Nike, which, ironically, led to a backlash against Crawford, who had once dunked on LeBron during a scrimmage.


    Some LeBron fans even accused Crawford of leaking the video to TMZ to gain attention and more playing time with the Hawks.


    Crawford had done nothing wrong, but the Hawks had little interest in developing him, opting to avoid further trouble.


    Upon seeing the news, Han Sen immediately left the training facility and drove to West''s home.


    When Han Sen arrived, West was walking his dog in the yard, looking in a good mood.


    "Han, what brings you here?" He greeted him with a smile, indicating he probably hadn''t seen the news about his trade yet.


    This was normal¡ªNBA players often find out they''ve been traded by watching the news, especially role players.


    "Nothing much, just wanted to play 2K. Couldn''t find anyone, figured you might be home," Han Sen replied with a smile.


    West looked at Han Sen, puzzled. "You play 2K in training gear, all sweaty?" But he didn''t think much of it. After putting the dog in its cage, he invited Han Sen inside.


    The two quickly started playing 2K.


    "What''s up with you today? You''re playing terribly," West asked after a while, noticing that Han Sen seemed distracted.


    Han Sen was about to explain when West''s phone rang. He was going to ignore it but hesitated when he saw it was his agent. He signaled to Han Sen to pause the game and stepped outside to take the call.


    Getting a call from your agent on the trade deadline usually means you know what''s coming.


    Han Sen waited for a long time but didn''t see West return. He went outside and found West sitting on the porch, his head buried in his knees.


    When Han Sen approached, he realized West was crying.


    This outcome was truly cruel for West.


    He had changed his jersey number this season, ready for a fresh start, and had been performing well with the Grizzlies. But before the season even ended, he was discarded again.


    Han Sen patted him on the shoulder.


    The phrase ''players are commodities'' was harsh but true. Even after his stellar playoff performance last season, the Cavaliers still traded him without a second thought.


    The only difference was that Han Sen had the power to choose where he went, thanks to his contract.


    Han Sen didn''t say anything. He knew that in moments like this, no words could offer real comfort. He simply sat next to him in silence.


    After a long time, West''s emotions began to settle.


    "I have a suggestion," Han finally said, having been distracted earlier because he was trying to come up with an idea for West.


    West looked at him, confused.


    "You could seek a buyout and join a team that has a shot at making the playoffs."


    After the NBA trade deadline, there''s still a buyout deadline.


    If it weren''t for the Cavaliers'' tricky moves last year that led to the ''Big Z Clause,'' Han Sen would have suggested West return to Memphis in a month.


    But now, this was the best advice he could offer.


    West''s contract was part of the problem. This was his contract year, which is why the Rockets, despite having Lowry and Brooks, took on his deal.


    Because an expiring contract frees up cap space in the summer.


    However, joining the Rockets wouldn''t necessarily give West many opportunities, and with Yao Ming injured, the Rockets were unlikely to make the playoffs. This would rob West of a crucial stage to showcase his skills, which would hurt his chances of landing a new contract in the summer.


    In contrast, joining a playoff-bound team was the smarter move.


    Han Sen already had a team in mind¡ªthe Celtics.


    Despite the drama between West and the Celtics when they were with the Cavaliers, West started his career with Boston.


    Plus, the Celtics had just traded Nate Robinson to the Thunder to match salaries, so they had an open spot.


    West pondered this for a moment before nodding and saying, "Okay, I''ll go to Dallas."


    Huh?


    Han Sen was stunned. Why the Mavericks?


    "Because of Shaq?" That was Han Sen''s first guess.


    "No," West shook his head. While both he and Shaq were close to Han Sen, he didn''t have much of a relationship with O''Neal. "Caron Butler is out for the season, so I can get a chance there." S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    West''s reasoning left Han Sen speechless.


    He had forgotten about Butler''s season-ending injury.


    It wasn''t just the Grizzlies who had suffered major injuries this season.

 Chapter 128: Unfinished Business.

    Chapter 128: Unfinished Business.Two days after the trade deadline passed, Han Sen met the team''s two new additions in the locker room.


    Shane Battier was much bigger than he imagined, with impressively broad shoulders.


    It was easy to see why his nickname was ''Batman.''


    The nickname originally came from his name, as ''Battier'' sounds like ''Batter.'' But when he spread his arms, the width truly gave off a bat-like vibe.


    What stood out even more than his physique, though, was his expression.


    Not many people can leave an impression just by their facial expressions, but with Battier, you couldn''t help but notice.


    If Randolph''s constant scowl made you think of a ticking time bomb, always on the verge of exploding, Battier''s face was like calm water. You looked at him and just knew¡ªyou could rely on him.


    In his college days at Duke, Battier had another nickname: ''The President.''


    It''s hard to imagine how much charisma a player needs to earn such a title.


    Battier was drafted by the Grizzlies in 2001 but left the team in 2006. The longest-tenured player on the current roster, Rudy Gay, was ironically part of the trade package for Battier.


    So, while Battier had a long history with the Grizzlies, none of his former teammates were around anymore.


    But as soon as he stepped into the locker room, guys like Conley, Tony Allen, and even Randolph greeted him with smiles and jokes.


    Apparently, they all had some good memories from playing against him, even if they hadn''t played with him before.


    "Shane, you can have my spot," Conley offered as Battier moved toward the locker previously occupied by David West.


    "Thanks, Mike, but I''m used to my old spot. It feels more like home," Battier politely declined. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Smooth move. Conley''s locker was in a prime spot, symbolizing his status on the team. Accepting the offer could''ve embarrassed Conley, but rejecting it might''ve come off as disrespectful.


    With one simple reply, Battier managed to keep Conley''s pride intact while sticking to his own preference.


    "Han, you gave me some tough matchups in our last game," Battier said with a smile as he settled into the locker next to Han Sen''s.


    Han grinned back. "Your defense wasn''t a walk in the park for me either."


    "Yao talks about you a lot, you know."


    "Yao Ming?" Han was a bit surprised. He hadn''t spent much time with the national team, so he didn''t expect Yao to mention him often.


    "Yeah. He''s always praising you, saying you''re the future face of Eastern basketball for the next decade."


    "He really said that?"


    Battier nodded. "He also said you''d surpass him one day."


    If Han didn''t know Battier was American, he''d think he was sent by the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) to butter him up.


    Still, hearing Yao Ming held him in such high regard was a shock.


    After all, Han''s path was different from players like Yi Jianlian and Wang Zhizhi.


    Han was totally outside the system¡ªhe hadn''t played in the CBA, and he''d never represented the national team.


    It made sense that he didn''t have the same familiarity with people like Yao Ming.


    Had the Basketball Association invited him to play in last summer''s World Championship, things might have been different, but there are no ''what ifs'' in life.


    The thought also brought Han back to memories of Yao Ming''s later years after retirement ¡ª a man with ideas but unable to implement many of them, ultimately receiving more criticism than praise as president of the Basketball Association.


    "I figured he''d be more upset I haven''t played for the national team," Han joked.


    "Nah, he''s genuinely impressed by you."


    As their conversation deepened, Han and Battier covered everything from basketball to table tennis. They even made plans to play a match sometime.


    Their chat only ended when Coach Joerger came in to call the team to practice. As Han stood up, he realized they''d been talking for a long time without him even noticing.


    No wonder they called him ''The President''¡ªthe guy could make anyone feel comfortable.


    As they stood up, Han also noticed the other new addition who had been mostly ignored ¡ª Crawford, who seemed thin, especially next to Randolph, making him look like a kid by comparison.


    His body language screamed that he wasn''t feeling great, probably because he wasn''t getting much attention. But hey, who''s going to care about a fringe player?


    During the scrimmage, Coach Hollins immediately slotted Battier into the starting lineup.


    It wasn''t a surprise¡ªBattier had always been a starter, and the team had given up a lot to get him. A Sixth Man, a first-round pick, and a young player for a guy with only half a season left on his contract?


    There was no way the Grizzlies paid that much just for a bench player, especially since Sam Young was only filling in for the injured Gay.


    Naturally, this upset two people: Young, who did nothing wrong but lost his starting spot anyway, and Tony Allen, who''d worked his tail off but still couldn''t break into the starting lineup.


    It was like a regular office job¡ªnothing killed morale faster than someone parachuting in to take the spot you''d been working for.


    After the scrimmage, Han saw Battier talking to Coach Hollins on the sidelines. They spoke for a while, and by the end, Hollins seemed convinced.


    When practice wrapped up, Hollins announced the game plan. Surprisingly, Young was still in the starting lineup.


    Many of the players instinctively turned to look at Battier. Clearly, Han wasn''t the only one who had seen the exchange between Battier and Hollins.


    It was obvious: Battier had given up his starting spot.


    As soon as Hollins left, Young, who had been visibly downcast during practice, excitedly went over to talk to Battier.


    Even Tony Allen later approached him, and the two started working out some defensive drills together.


    Something about it felt off to Han. The NBA was ultra-competitive, and here was Battier willingly giving up a starting spot.


    It was rare¡ªVince Carter only let Jordan have his All-Star starting spot because he was pressured into it.


    And Battier was still a solid 3-and-D player. Starting him would benefit the team more.


    Back at home after practice, Han Sen asked Rondo to get him a ping pong table.


    When he''d visited Rudy Gay''s house earlier, he thought about setting up a boxing ring. But there wasn''t enough space where he was renting, and Battier''s mention of table tennis seemed like a good alternative.


    After all, in the eyes of foreigners, every Chinese person knew kung fu and could play ping-pong. While kung fu was mostly a myth, table tennis was a different story.


    Han had played plenty of makeshift matches on desks with books for nets during his school days, so the idea brought back good memories.


    But when the table arrived, Han realized there was a problem¡ª ping-pong required two people.


    2K? No problem. Ping-pong? He needed a partner.


    So he quickly called Battier over.


    Once they started playing, Han realized Battier had some skill, and they went back and forth in a competitive match.


    After the game, as they sat resting, Han couldn''t resist asking, "Why did you give up the starting spot yesterday?"


    It wasn''t an age thing. Battier had started for the Rockets this season.


    Battier paused, then smiled. "Han, do you think my career has been successful?"


    Han was taken aback by the question. Battier''s career wasn''t over yet, but at 32, he was definitely nearing the end. Still, he hadn''t expected this kind of self-reflection.


    "If we''re talking championships, no. But in terms of respect around the league? Absolutely," Han said honestly.


    Battier wasn''t a star, but to come to a new team and instantly earn this kind of respect? That was a success.


    "No, I''m a complete failure," Battier said, catching Han off guard.


    "Come on, that''s too harsh. Plenty of guys never win a ring."


    "Did you ever look into the Grizzlies'' history after you joined the team?" Battier asked another question.


    Han Sen shook his head. He knew the Grizzlies had made the playoffs a few times but never won a title or even reached the Western Conference Finals.


    But he still didn''t understand why Battier was bringing all this up. Han''s initial question was simply about why Battier gave up the starting spot.


    "The Grizzlies made the playoffs three times while I was here. Starting in my third year with the team and continuing until the year before I left."


    "Isn''t that pretty successful?"


    Even though the achievement wasn''t quite what Han had imagined¡ªit felt like expecting a 100 and finding out you only scored 60¡ªmaking the playoffs three years in a row still seemed like a success.


    "Do you know what it feels like to make the playoffs three times in a row, only to get swept all three times?" Battier asked with a bitter smile.


    Wait, what? Han was genuinely caught off guard. He vaguely remembered Pau Gasol being on the Grizzlies back then too.


    How could they have been swept each time? Weren''t people always comparing Gasol to Wade in terms of all-star leadership?


    It was only then that Han fully understood why reporters reacted so strongly when he said he wanted to win a championship with the Grizzlies.


    This wasn''t about whether the team had ever made the Finals or the Western Conference Finals¡ªthey hadn''t even won a single playoff game.


    "Helping the team win a playoff game¡ªthat''s my unfinished business. That''s why I came back to Memphis," Battier continued.


    Han realized Battier''s words aligned perfectly with his actions. It also explained why he had given up the starting role.


    The Grizzlies were currently ranked fifth in the West, on the right track, and if Battier came in and immediately took someone''s starting spot, it would inevitably create tension within the team.


    Battier was willing to make sacrifices for the sake of winning.


    "But I still think you starting would be better for the team," Han said, unsure if it was the best move, especially since the current starter was Young, not Gay.


    "Han, my legs aren''t as fast as they used to be. If I''m up against guys like Kobe or Durant, they''ll blow past me with just a simple crossover, and that''ll force you to exert more energy on defense. I can still guard them when it counts, but starting? That''s not the best option."


    Battier had clearly thought things through.


    Han was no longer just a role player like he was during his time with the Cavaliers¡ªhe was now the core of the Grizzlies'' perimeter defense.


    Player stamina was limited, and while Han''s defense was outstanding, it wasn''t realistic to expect him to deliver elite offense and defense all game long.


    So, the team''s small forward needed to focus more on defense, allowing Han to save his energy for offense, especially at the start of the game.


    If Han used up too much energy on defense early on, it would affect his offensive rhythm throughout the game.


    That''s why starting with Young or Allen was a better fit than Battier.


    "Oh, by the way," Battier added, shifting the conversation, "I heard from Tony that you two have been training together, and that you''ve been working on your mid-range shot?"


    Han nodded.


    "I can help too. I might not be as quick as Tony, and my hands aren''t as fast, but I''ve got a lot of experience defending the mid-range."


    Battier certainly had the right to make that offer. His two signature defensive moves were drawing offensive fouls and contesting shots¡ªespecially mid-range ones.


    "That''ll take up a lot of your time."


    "It''s not a waste. Helping you improve is helping the team improve, and that helps me finish what I started."


    The logic was clear.


    But Han could sense there was something different about Battier.


    When he heard the words ''unfinished business,'' Han''s mind immediately flashed to LeBron''s ''Homecoming'' narrative.


    LeBron returned to Cleveland after seeing the team accumulate talent, aiming to lead them to a championship and fulfill his own dream.


    But Battier? He was constantly sacrificing and working hard for his unfinished business.


    Both players wanted to win, but LeBron seemed to do it more for himself, while Battier, despite appearances, was doing it more for the team.


    "Shane, maybe you should aim higher," Han said, an idea suddenly popping into his mind.


    "Hmm?" Now it was Battier''s turn to be confused.


    "Why stop at winning a playoff game? You should join me in bringing Memphis a championship."


    That''s right, Han remembered Battier had won two championships later in his career with the Miami Heat.


    But now that Battier was back in Memphis, how could he let him go off to the Heat again?

 Chapter 129: Everything is Ready.

    Chapter 129: Everything is Ready."Championship? Us?" Battier''s reaction was just like Randolph''s earlier.


    No, he might even be more realistic.


    After all, going from winning one playoff game to contending for a championship is quite a leap.


    But Han Sen''s next words to Battier were very different from what he had told Randolph.


    "Who do you think is most likely to make it to the Finals from the East this year?"


    "Miami," Battier responded quickly after only a brief pause.


    The Eastern Conference contenders this year were the Bulls, Heat, Celtics, and Magic.


    The Celtics were getting too old, the Magic weren''t much of a threat anymore, and the Bulls were too young.


    In comparison, though the Heat had some chemistry issues, the playoffs are the stage for superstars, and in that regard, they already had the edge.


    "Do you think we stand a chance against the Heat if we meet them in the Finals?"


    "Yes." This time, Battier didn''t hesitate at all.


    There was definitely something to the idea of a bad matchup. Everyone said the Lakers countered the Heat, but honestly, the Grizzlies were a nightmare matchup for Miami.


    It wasn''t just a chance¡ªthey had a pretty good shot.


    "We''ve already beaten the Spurs, Lakers, and Mavs this season. We''ve got a chance against all of them, so making it out of the West isn''t impossible."


    Battier looked at Han Sen, nodding slightly. "You make a good point."


    "But Rudy..." Battier trailed off, thinking of Rudy Gay.


    If Gay hadn''t gotten injured, the Grizzlies would have an even better shot.


    "We can win without Rudy," Han said, locking eyes with Battier. "Besides, does your unfinished business only matter for one season?"


    Rudy was out for the season, not his career.


    Battier looked back at Han Sen, reading between the lines. Smart as he was, he knew what Han was implying¡ªthis was about staying with the team.


    "Han, you know... you''re the second person to make me feel like you can really do it," Battier said, giving Han a rare compliment, though not a direct answer.


    The first person, of course, had been Yao Ming.


    Yao was truly admirable, especially two years ago when he made his incredible comeback.


    Anyone who played on that Rockets team had the same admiration for Yao that Willis Reed''s Knicks teammates had for him.


    "Trust your gut, Shane." Han wasn''t pushing for an answer yet.


    He knew that if they made a deep playoff run this season, even if they didn''t win the championship, as long as they went far enough, Battier would see the Grizzlies as a legitimate contender and want to stay.


    After all, if you could fight for your dream in the place where it all started, who would want to leave?


    And if he stayed, he might become even stronger than the version of Battier Han Sen knew because he would have more motivation.


    ...


    One day later, the Grizzlies hosted the Thunder in a game at home.


    Both teams made significant moves at the trade deadline, and this game would serve as a test of how successful those trades were.


    As the game began, the intensity quickly escalated.


    The addition of Perkins immediately boosted the Thunder''s interior strength by a level.


    With him and Ibaka¡ªone excelling at defending the post, the other at help defense¡ªthe Grizzlies'' usual inside advantage over the Thunder was significantly reduced.


    On the other hand, the pressure on the Grizzlies inside and out didn''t ease at all.


    Especially Kevin Durant.


    Before, with Gay on the court, the Grizzlies could somewhat contain him with their athleticism, but Young''s defense was practically non-existent against KD.


    Coach Hollins had no choice but to bring Battier in early.


    However, Battier''s effect on Durant wasn''t much better either.


    Though he could limit Durant''s shooting to some extent, Battier simply couldn''t keep up with him on the drive.


    To put it vividly, Battier earned Durant''s respect, but that was all.


    In the end, Hollins chose to switch Han Sen to guard Durant instead of putting Tony Allen on him.


    After all, Allen was only 6''4" (1.93m), and Durant''s official height of 6''10" (2.08m)¡ªwhich was probably more like 6''11" (2.11m)¡ªmade such a matchup seem disastrous.


    Han Sen performed excellently. His improved athleticism helped him limit Kobe''s performance in previous games, and he was able to similarly disrupt Durant.


    But by the end of the first quarter, the Grizzlies were trailing the Thunder 12-20.


    Randolph and Han Sen were now the Grizzlies'' core offensive players, one inside, one outside, but both struggled offensively, so it was hard for the team not to fall behind.


    During the bench rotation, with the starters resting, Hollins put Jordan Crawford into the game.


    Crawford had few opportunities with the Hawks before, and since he''d just joined the team, Hollins giving him a spot in the rotation over Ish Smith was a real opportunity.


    And Crawford did not disappoint.


    He hit a three-pointer from the outside after receiving a pass from Marc Gasol.


    Shortly after, after the Grizzlies forced a turnover, Crawford drove on a fast break and made an acrobatic layup over Westbrook''s chase-down block.


    This instantly ignited the FedExForum crowd, and even Han Sen was impressed.


    During this time, Han Sen started paying close attention to this new, often-overlooked teammate.


    Aside from the infamous ''tape incident,'' Han Sen didn''t know much about Crawford.


    Or perhaps because his name was also Crawford, and since they were both slim guards, Han Sen often found himself associating him with Jamal Crawford, or instinctively thinking they were similar players.


    But after watching him for a while, Han Sen realized that wasn''t the case.


    Jamal Crawford, known to fans as ''JCrossover'', excelled at ball-handling, easily breaking down defenders with crossovers.


    Jordan Crawford, on the other hand, was mediocre at handling the ball. In the last possession of the first quarter, he couldn''t even shake off Eric Maynor.


    However, his spot-up shooting was impressive¡ªbetter than "JCrossover''s."


    Moreover, his athleticism was more explosive, despite his lean frame. His leaping ability and hang time were top-tier.


    After observing him, Han Sen understood why the Hawks had drafted him but hadn''t developed him.


    They drafted him for his athletic potential but didn''t develop him because, standing only 6''4" (1.93m), his ball-handling wasn''t good enough, and his height wasn''t ideal.


    He was a jack of all trades, master of none.


    However, Tony Allen had transformed himself into a defensive player, while Crawford seemed to be putting his skill points into offense.


    Such players were a great fit for China''s CBA.


    But in fairness, Crawford seemed to fit the current Grizzlies quite well too. After Gay''s season-ending injury, the Grizzlies'' bench lacked a scorer.


    He would need to be paired with Marc Gasol, though, because his ball-handling wasn''t strong enough to be the primary ball-handler.


    This became obvious in the second quarter when Gasol sat down.


    After a failed attempt at dribbling past his defender, resulting in a steal, Coach Hollins promptly benched him.


    In his 6 minutes on the court, Crawford had 7 points but also committed 2 turnovers and 2 fouls. His strengths and weaknesses were clear, but overall, his performance was good.


    Once the starters returned, the game remained neck and neck.


    By halftime, the Grizzlies were down 52-58 to the Thunder.


    As it turned out, Battier knew his basketball well¡ªfocusing Han Sen on defense did indeed diminish his offensive impact.


    While the Grizzlies had beaten the Lakers, that win came from dominating the paint. With Randolph unable to dominate inside like before, the Grizzlies were forced into a passive situation.


    In the second half, Durant remained unstoppable.


    Just like he showed during summer workouts with Han Sen in Memphis, Durant had become a top 10, if not top 5, superstar in the league.


    Young was like air in front of him.


    Hollins had no choice but to try Tony Allen.


    This became the turning point of the game.


    Allen''s defense frustrated Durant.


    Despite a significant height disadvantage, Allen relentlessly attacked Durant''s lower body, making it tough for him to maintain his offensive rhythm while holding the ball.


    If Durant wasn''t careful, Allen would strip the ball from him.


    And not just with the ball¡ªwhen Durant tried to move without it, Allen shadowed him like a ghost.


    While Allen''s height limited his ability to defend players one-on-one, Durant was tall but dribbled with a high center of gravity, which allowed Allen to contain him.


    On the other hand, Allen struggled more against Kobe''s smoother, lower dribble.


    Defense relies on physical gifts, and that applies to every player. Allen had already suffered a torn ligament, which had diminished his athleticism.


    But Allen has one defensive ability that even Han Sen can''t match: navigating around screens.


    He can slip through them with just a quick move, a skill that requires not only great speed but also exceptional defensive awareness.


    In this aspect, he''s nearly unmatched in NBA history.


    With Durant limited, the Thunder''s offensive efficiency began to drop.


    And with Allen guarding Durant, Han Sen was freed up.


    Although it sometimes felt like the Grizzlies were playing 4-on-5 offensively, Han Sen had developed a mid-range game, allowing him to pull up from around the free-throw line before the defense could collapse on him.


    These adjustments helped the Grizzlies secure a 112-106 victory over the Thunder, winning this critical ''trade test'' game.


    Battier wasn''t on the floor in the final moments, but he was constantly cheering for his teammates from the sidelines.


    You could see the excitement on his face¡ªhe truly understood what Han Sen had told him before.


    Even without Rudy Gay, the Grizzlies still had a shot at making it out of the West.


    After all, they had already beaten all the contending teams.


    Following the Grizzlies-Thunder game, the league hit the final key date of the season: the buyout deadline.


    Unlike the trade deadline, the buyout deadline doesn''t mean players can no longer be bought out after this date.


    Instead, it means that only players bought out before this date are eligible to play in the playoffs. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was a busy day.


    For example, Mike Bibby reached a buyout agreement with the Wizards and was expected to sign with the Heat.


    Corey Brewer, after reaching a buyout with the Knicks, signed a 3-year, 7 million dollar deal with the Mavericks.


    Delonte West had already been bought out earlier and joined Dallas, so he wasn''t part of that day''s news.


    Most of the players bought out were either veterans or capable players who hadn''t had much opportunity, and they usually chose teams with championship aspirations.


    The Grizzlies also made a move that day, signing veteran Jason ''White Chocolate'' Williams, who had reached a buyout with the Magic.


    This buyout was different from the others because the Magic themselves were contenders.


    To put it simply, Williams'' motivation was similar to Battier''s.


    As a former Grizzly, Williams had helped the team make the playoffs between 2003 and 2005, only to be swept.


    Previously, the Grizzlies had sent away three players for two in return, leaving a gap in the roster.


    After trading away West, they were missing a playmaker.


    After the buyout deadline passed, the Grizzlies went on a solid run until mid-March, maintaining the fifth seed in the West without further slippage.


    However, during this period, there were some internal issues, primarily involving Jordan Crawford.


    Crawford had performed well in his debut against the Thunder, but after the team acquired Jason Williams, he found himself benched.


    If you paid close enough attention, you could figure out why. Coach Hollins prioritized discipline, and in that Thunder game, Crawford had gone rogue.


    Naturally, Crawford was unhappy. And with his somewhat confrontational personality, he ended up in a heated argument with Williams during practice.


    Conley tried to step in but wasn''t able to calm things down. Essentially, Crawford was venting his frustration in this way.


    Hollins was furious, and if the buyout deadline hadn''t passed, Crawford might have been let go by the team right then and there.


    In the end, it was Battier who stepped in, first breaking up the argument, then having a long talk with Hollins.


    Magically, in the next game against the Hornets, Crawford was back in the rotation and played well, scoring 14 points off the bench, the most among the reserves, helping the team win.


    Even Han Sen was surprised by how it all played out.


    He couldn''t help but talk to Battier afterward, and Battier said something that stuck with him:


    "Everyone who makes it to the NBA has a skill they''re good at. If you can find the right spot for them, they can contribute."


    It made sense. Whether it was Crawford or Williams, both were valuable to the Grizzlies at that moment.


    What truly amazed Han Sen, though, was Battier himself.


    Not only could he resolve conflicts that even Conley couldn''t, but he could also communicate effectively with the coaching staff.


    For Hollins to actually take a player''s advice was unheard of, given his personality.


    It made Han Sen think of one word: locker room leader.


    This kind of role requires a person who can maintain good relationships with both teammates and coaches while having a strong enough reputation in the league so that when they step up to resolve issues, others listen.


    Conley had the potential, but he was still too young.


    Battier fit the role perfectly.


    Now, the Grizzlies really seemed like they were ready for anything.


    By late March, there were just a few weeks left in the NBA season.


    During this period, the Grizzlies made some adjustments.


    After his strong performance against the Thunder, Tony Allen replaced Young as a starter, and Han Sen moved from his familiar shooting guard position to small forward.


    With Battier around, the lineup change didn''t cause any disruption within the team.


    And thanks to him, Han Sen had enjoyed nearly a month of combined training sessions with both Allen and Battier. His mid-range game had improved rapidly, and he had already reached a bottleneck in his progress toward mastering the [Classical Master] talent.


    Then, on March 23, the Grizzlies were set to face the Miami Heat for the second time this season.

 Chapter 130: Let Daddy Teach You.

    Chapter 130: Let Daddy Teach You.The Miami Heat were not in a good state.


    Back in December, they had won 15 out of 16 games, and then carried that momentum into January by making it 21 wins out of 22 games.


    However, they hit a rough patch afterward, suffering four straight losses and losing five of their next six games.


    During that slump, fans were praising their opponents, particularly because four of the five teams the Heat lost to were playoff contenders.


    The Heat earned a reputation for playing well against weaker teams but faltering against strong competition¡ªa concerning pattern for a supposed championship contender.


    After that, the Heat bounced back with eight consecutive wins and managed to win 11 out of their next 12 games. This time, six of those victories were against playoff-bound teams.


    Then came another dip: a five-game losing streak, followed by a quick three-game win streak.


    The takeaway from these stats is that while the Heat were not a weak team, their biggest issue was inconsistency. At times, they looked like they had worked out their chemistry, but then they''d turn around and seem like they hadn''t improved at all.


    Still, in terms of overall performance, the Heat were a stronger team than the Grizzlies, sitting second in the Eastern Conference and riding a winning streak.


    As the season neared its end, fan interest in the regular season was waning, and this rematch between the Heat and the Grizzlies became a prime focus for the league''s marketing.


    Could the Heat avenge their earlier loss and regain their dignity? Or would the Grizzlies complete a regular-season sweep and become the first team to knock down Miami''s "Big Three" twice in one season?


    This time, the matchup would take place in Memphis.


    The day before leaving for Memphis, LeBron James was relaxing at home when Rich Paul stopped by.


    LeBron''s team was large, but the core group was just four people: himself, his personal assistant Randy Mims, his business advisor Maverick Carter, and later addition Rich Paul, who acted as the team''s marketing director.


    Together, they were known as the ''Four Horsemen.''


    In 2006, they formed a marketing company called LRMR, which was named after their initials.


    When Paul arrived, LeBron sat up, eyeing the bag of white powder in Paul''s hand with curiosity.


    "King, this is some new stuff," Paul said as he sat down beside LeBron, using the nickname LeBron liked.


    Paul explained the contents of the bag. It wasn''t cocaine but rather a new type of drug he had gotten from a pharmaceutical company.


    It was said to have effects similar to performance-enhancing substances but wouldn''t be detected in drug tests because of its unique composition.


    LeBron didn''t seem particularly surprised. In the U.S., the pharmaceutical industry was advanced, and drugs were rampant in sports.


    The NBA had drug testing, of course, but as long as the substances couldn''t be detected, they weren''t technically illegal.


    Otherwise, how did you think all those chiseled jaws came about? And why did so many NBA players look like old men the moment they retired?


    Back in January, Derrick Rose almost caused a scandal when he spoke a bit too honestly about the use of drugs in the league.


    "If a 1 means no drugs and a 10 means everyone''s juiced, then the NBA right now is at a 7."


    That was his original comment, but after facing pressure, Rose backtracked and claimed he had been misled, allowing the situation to cool down.


    LeBron raised an eyebrow. "Side effects?"


    "According to the information so far, there are no major side effects, but it can''t be used too frequently."


    This new drug wouldn''t show up in tests, didn''t have any obvious side effects for Black people, and didn''t require long-term use. It was like popping a performance pill just to be fierce for one night.


    Paul knew how important this game was for LeBron, especially since Han Sen was now also playing as a small forward.


    During the season opener, in the few times LeBron and Han had directly faced off, Han had embarrassed him.


    Going head-to-head again...


    LeBron took the bag, sniffed it, but then put it down. "Nah, too risky," he said. "New drugs like this... who knows what the long-term effects are."


    LeBron didn''t need it anyway. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Despite the Heat''s ups and downs, his own form had been improving. His scoring average for the season, at 26.7 points per game, was his lowest in recent years, but his shooting percentages¡ªboth field goals and three-pointers¡ªwere career highs.


    His lower scoring was simply a result of fewer touches, but his efficiency was improving.


    LeBron felt confident that he wouldn''t be embarrassed by Han Sen again, especially since the Heat had adjusted their lineup to include veteran Ilgauskas as a starter. He could easily use pick-and-rolls to deal with Han Sen this time.


    In the season opener, LeBron had been thrown off by Han''s trash talk, and he hadn''t realized sooner that using pick-and-rolls didn''t make him weak¡ªit was one of basketball''s greatest strategies!


    Jerry Sloan had built a legendary career off of it, and it had taken the Utah Jazz to multiple Finals appearances.


    Besides, the Heat had also signed Mike Bibby, who had been shooting 44.1% from three with the Hawks before joining Miami. This added a new dimension to their offense, far beyond what Arroyo or Chalmers had offered at the start of the season.


    So, he didn''t need any new drugs.


    Seeing LeBron''s resolute decision, Paul put the bag away, understanding that LeBron had it under control.


    "You''re right, King. You don''t need anything extra. You''ve got this."


    Paul had a keen sense for reading the situation. Though he had joined LeBron''s inner circle later than the others, his influence had risen quickly. He didn''t throw the drug away, though¡ªafter all, no one knew what the future might bring.


    ...


    On March 24, the Heat and Grizzlies game tipped off at the FedExForum.


    The arena, which could seat 19,000 people, was packed.


    Even without the league''s promotion, Memphis fans were fired up about the Heat game.


    After all, the Grizzlies had been the first team to beat the Miami Heat''s peak Big Three, making them the first team to ''crack the shell of the crab.''


    Or more accurately, they were the first team to force the Heat into garbage time.


    And that was on the road. Now, with the game back in Memphis, the fans were ready to give the Heat a warm ''welcome.''


    During warm-ups, the broadcast cut between shots of Han Sen and LeBron.


    In theory, the Heat''s leader was Dwyane Wade, but that''s not how things worked. LeBron always got the spotlight.


    Wade and Bosh were the foundation, but the Heat''s ceiling depended on LeBron.


    Unlike the season opener, there was no interaction between the two players before the game this time, but both had expressions of eager anticipation.


    LeBron clearly wanted to restore his pride in this game, while Han Sen was curious to see how strong he had become after reaching the peak of his [Classical Master] talent.


    After warm-ups, the starting lineups were announced.


    Heat: Bibby, Wade, LeBron, Bosh, Ilgauskas


    Grizzlies: Conley, Tony Allen, Han Sen, Randolph, Marc Gasol


    Ilgauskas won the tip, and the Heat started on offense.


    This time, LeBron wasn''t the primary ball handler to start the game; Wade initiated a low-post play in the paint.


    Allen''s low-post defense was mediocre, and while he tried to pressure Wade by swiping at the ball, Wade spun smoothly toward the free-throw line and hit a floater.


    Wade''s low-post abilities were severely underrated.


    The only reason he didn''t use them more often was that he wasn''t a full-sized shooting guard and was frequently at a height disadvantage. But Allen was about his size.


    On the other end, Randolph received the ball in the post and immediately drew a double team.


    With Allen in the starting lineup, the Grizzlies'' offensive spacing had shrunk.


    Under the pressure of the double team, Randolph tried a baseline fadeaway that missed.


    Ilgauskas grabbed the rebound, and the Heat pushed the ball in transition.


    Wade lobbed it into the air, and LeBron followed up with an alley-oop dunk¡ªanother ''LeBron-Wade connection.''


    The crowd roared.


    4-0.


    Unlike the season opener, this time, it was the Heat who took early control.


    The biggest reason for this change was the differences in both teams'' lineups.


    The Heat''s starting lineup had better spacing, while the Grizzlies'' offensive spacing worsened.


    Plus, the Heat''s fast-break ability had greatly improved after some time to build chemistry.


    If the Grizzlies couldn''t maintain a high shooting percentage, their two big men would be forced to constantly run back and forth.


    At this point, Han Sen exchanged a few words with Conley, asking him to feed the ball to Randolph.


    Once they got to the frontcourt, he also signaled Tony Allen to come over for a pick-and-roll.


    Allen was a bit confused, but he trusted that Han Sen had a good reason for doing this.


    The Grizzlies continued their low-post strategy, and at the same time, Han Sen on the weak side started running an off-ball screen with Allen.


    Randolph was double-teamed in the post as usual, but Han Sen''s presence outside the arc pulled some defensive attention from the Heat. That allowed Allen to cut smoothly to the basket.


    Randolph saw this and passed the ball directly to Allen, who quickly laid it up for two points.


    Even though Allen wasn''t much of a shooter or ball handler, he could certainly make those easy cuts to the basket.


    More importantly, once the weak side was in motion, even the Heat''s fast defensive rotations couldn''t stop both the double-team and prevent open players.


    On the way back on defense, Allen high-fived Han Sen, clearly pumped up.


    When the Heat had the ball again, Wade went back to his low-post isolation. Seeing this, Han Sen started ''chatting'' with LeBron.


    "So, the King of Cleveland comes to Miami and turns into Pippen? Can''t even touch the ball?"


    Han Sen was using his experience from trash-talking Kobe before, bringing out the big guns right away.


    LeBron''s face... Well, it''s hard to tell with someone that dark, but you could see the tension¡ªhis fists clenched.


    Just when you thought Han Sen''s trash talk in the opening game was brutal enough, turns out that was just the warm-up!


    In the meantime, Wade hit a quick turnaround fadeaway near the baseline.


    Allen was defending more tightly than before but still couldn''t stop Wade. If this continued, Wade might really blow him up.


    On the Grizzlies'' next possession, Han Sen ran the pick-and-roll with Allen again.


    One of Han Sen''s key reasons for using Allen in the pick-and-roll was to force a switch and get LeBron in front of him.


    That''s right, even though Han Sen was playing small forward, the Heat had Wade guarding him.


    This time, Wade stuck with Allen, and Randolph passed the ball to Han Sen outside.


    LeBron''s switch was noticeably slow.


    Maybe he thought Wade would get around Allen''s screen.


    Han Sen caught the pass, shot the three¡ªclean, like a knife through butter.


    After the shot, Han Sen didn''t look at LeBron but turned to the Heat''s bench, throwing his hands up at Coach Spoelstra:


    "Do you guys not practice switching defenses?"


    LeBron was nearby, and though his expression didn''t change, he probably felt just like Kobe did before, wanting to tear Han Sen''s annoying mouth off.


    But obviously, he couldn''t do that, and Han Sen wasn''t about to stop either.


    After all, Han Sen knew very well that the ''Chosen One'' would never stoop to trading trash talk with ordinary mortals like him.


    On the Heat''s next possession, Wade went for another low-post isolation, but this time Han Sen sagged into the paint, and as Wade glanced around, Allen jumped in for a clean steal.


    Just as Han Sen had observed in practice, Allen had extremely high defensive awareness. He might not always stop you, but if you slipped up, he''d pounce on the opportunity.


    The Grizzlies ran a fast break, and Han Sen''s layup drew a foul from LeBron.


    "They say DW''s a ''shorter Jordan,'' but you know what? You''re the real Pippen¡ªtall, but still just Pippen," Han Sen sneered at LeBron as he walked to the free-throw line.


    Han Sen knocked down both free throws, scoring five straight points to give the Grizzlies a 7-6 lead.


    On the next possession, LeBron called for the ball at the three-point line.


    After receiving the pass and with the other players clearing out, he didn''t even wait for Han Sen to start talking. He signaled to Bosh for a pick-and-roll.


    It wasn''t that LeBron was completely rattled by Han Sen''s trash talk, but he knew Han Sen was going to stick to him defensively all night¡ªjust like in the opening game, when Han Sen followed him during the bench rotations too.


    There was no avoiding the one-on-one battle.


    So instead of waiting for a situation where he had to take Han Sen, he decided to go at him now.


    Plus, as Coach Spoelstra had pointed out in the pre-game briefing, the Grizzlies had a defensive weakness.


    Randolph was poor at defending the pick-and-roll.


    Bosh set a solid screen, and Han Sen took a moment to get around it, giving LeBron a brief opportunity for a mid-range shot.


    But LeBron, as expected, didn''t pull up. Instead, he used the opening to accelerate and drive hard to the basket.


    His steps were full of momentum, but unfortunately, despite his quick burst and impressive drive, Randolph was like a brick wall standing between him and the rim.


    LeBron ran into the wall. No whistle from the ref.


    The play ended with LeBron losing balance and awkwardly throwing up a reverse shot that almost missed the rim entirely.


    Han Sen, who had been trailing behind, couldn''t help but laugh at the sight.


    LeBron''s lack of finesse in finishing was really showing. If only he had a decent floater, he wouldn''t be so reliant on brute force.


    Randolph grabbed the defensive rebound.


    Once they pushed it upcourt, Han Sen signaled to Conley for the ball.


    Tonight, Randolph had gone to the low post twice, and the Heat had aggressively double-teamed both times. It was clear that Spoelstra''s defensive focus was on the interior.


    This was the perfect time to stretch the defense a little from the perimeter.


    Han Sen caught the ball, smiled, and glanced at LeBron.


    "Come on, let Daddy show you how to run a pick-and-roll!" Han Sen said, signaling for Marc Gasol to set the screen.


    -End of the Chapter-


    TL/n: I''m testing the footnotes option in this Chapter. Let me know if you guys can see it.


    Also, sorry for the inconsistent updates. GOT''s got me hooked..


    edit: Removed footnotes since it doesn''t show up in the app. Also edited out some unnecessary parts.

 Chapter 131: Something to Prove.

    Chapter 131: Something to Prove.(TL/n: I''ve edited the last Chapter to remove some unnecessary parts.)


    Marc Gasol''s pick-and-roll was solid, and as LeBron James tried to slip past, he couldn''t quite make it.


    By the time he fought his way through, Han Sen had already released a mid-range shot right in front of him.


    Swish!


    The basketball went through the net cleanly.


    After reaching the peak of his [Classical Master] talent, shots like these felt effortless to Han Sen. He knew it was going in the moment it left his hands.


    "Got that?" Han Sen turned to James after landing.


    He was genuinely teaching LeBron, because for a pick-and-roll to be effective, the ball handler must have a strong ability to finish the play.


    Tony Parker and Dwyane Wade were great at floaters, using the pick-and-roll to drive and finish; Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant had excellent jump shots, capitalizing on the space created by the pick.


    Even Parker, Wade, and classic pick-and-roll duos like John Stockton and Deron Williams had solid mid-range jumpers.


    In fact, you could argue that mastering the mid-range is the key to unlocking the full potential of the pick-and-roll.


    When the game gets intense, lanes for drives and passes are often blocked. But after the screen, there''s almost always a brief opportunity for a mid-range shot.


    "Oh, right. I almost forgot¡ªyou haven''t developed your shot in seven years."


    It wasn''t just about the three-pointer; LeBron''s mid-range shooting percentage wasn''t great either.


    Han Sen left LeBron fuming as he walked back to the half-court.


    You''d think someone with a mouth would know how to talk trash, but apparently not everyone can. The so-called ''Chosen One'' was really chained down by that title.


    But just then, Han Sen remembered something important: LeBron might not be great at trash talk, but he was good at hurting people.


    Why the ''Chosen One'' didn''t trash talk but could still hurt people? Han Sen didn''t know.


    He did have Popovich to thank, though, for giving him a heads-up about this kind of thing.


    LeBron stopped handling the ball after that.


    Wade cut without the ball, received a pass from Bibby, and made a difficult hanging layup over Marc Gasol.


    The Heat''s Big Three hadn''t fully clicked yet, but Wade''s knee-burning efforts this season had significantly improved his ability to make clutch shots.


    Zach Randolph missed a hook shot on a low-post move toward the free-throw line, but Ilgauskas, despite being weaker physically, was tall enough to disrupt Randolph.


    However, Randolph was quick to grab the offensive rebound with his long arms and, while re-positioning against Ilgauskas, spotted Han Sen cutting in from the three-point line. He threw the ball to him.


    Han Sen caught it just as Wade flew over to help and tried to block the shot.


    Han Sen, facing Wade, stopped abruptly and released a floater over Wade''s outstretched fingers, and the ball dropped cleanly into the hoop.


    Just as he had predicted earlier, his floater ability had improved significantly after reaching the peak of [Classical Master].


    Wade, having failed to stop him, looked at Han Sen with a strange expression.


    He remembered when Han Sen first entered the league and trained with him in Miami.


    ''Aren''t you afraid I''ll surpass you if I learn from you?''


    Though Han Sen still wasn''t quite on Wade''s level yet, his scoring ability had improved dramatically since then.


    Randolph, adjusting his headband as he ran back on defense, excitedly high-fived Han Sen.


    He hadn''t scored yet tonight, but he already had three assists, two of which were to Han.


    Randolph had hit double figures in points and rebounds before, even managing a 20-point, 20-rebound game. But he had never reached double figures in assists¡ªmaybe tonight he could experience that.


    The Heat''s offense saw Bosh nail a 16-foot jumper after receiving a pass from Wade.


    It was clear that both Wade and Bosh had adjusted well to the new roles assigned to them by Spoelstra.


    With the score at 11-10, the game was tight.


    Randolph didn''t return to the low post to call for the ball. Instead, he signaled Conley to give the ball to Han Sen and then moved over for the pick-and-roll.


    Han Sen was hot tonight, and Randolph wanted to show his teammate some love.


    Randolph''s wide frame was even more solid than Gasol''s, and Wade was completely blocked.


    Randolph could also hit mid-range shots consistently, so Wade didn''t dare leave him to double Han Sen.


    With that small gap from the pick-and-roll, Han Sen took another mid-range shot.


    Bosh charged over quickly to contest it, using his long arms and speed.


    But Han adjusted his release angle mid-air, avoiding Bosh''s block, and made the shot.


    This one was noticeably harder than the last, but the ball arced high and dropped through the net once again!


    Aside from his hot shooting tonight, Han Sen''s mid-range softness had significantly improved after maxing out [Classical Master].


    It was as smooth as a shampoo commercial¡ªsoft and silky.


    The shot sent the crowd into cheers.


    It''s important to note that a city''s population and its basketball market aren''t the same thing.


    Memphis has more people than Cleveland, meaning its basketball market potential is larger. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Previously, the small market was due to the team''s poor performance and unexciting style of play, similar to the Spurs.


    But Han Sen was different. Just his beautiful mid-range shots were worth the price of admission for the fans.


    Jordan and Kobe were beloved by so many fans not just because they played well, but because they played beautifully.


    When the Heat''s offense failed on the next possession, the crowd erupted in chants from the Memphis fans.


    Most teams'' fans would chant something like "Go, Team!" but in Memphis, they had a unique chant:


    "Whoop that trick!"


    The Memphis spirit was real, and it fit the situation perfectly.


    You''re the Big Three at your peak? Well, we''re going to whoop the Big Three at their peak!


    Han Sen continued running pick-and-rolls with Randolph, but this time, Bosh was even more decisive in his defense.


    Han Sen switched gears, speeding past Bosh toward the basket.


    The combination of drive and shot was the true weapon of a scorer.


    As Han Sen blew past Bosh and charged into the paint, LeBron came over to help, charging in like a freight train.


    Han Sen knew LeBron''s blocking ability, so he didn''t continue his drive. Instead, he stopped abruptly for another floater.


    But just then, Han Sen noticed that LeBron wasn''t stopping either¡ªhe was still flying forward, seemingly out of control.


    LeBron had a reputation for executing perfect timing. He wouldn''t strike immediately after contact, but would wait, giving the impression that the situation had passed before hitting you out of nowhere.


    Han Sen could make the shot on his own, but if he did, he would likely get ''accidentally'' knocked to the floor by LeBron.


    LeBron''s frame was massive, and even though Han Sen had enhanced his own physique, there was still a good chance he could get injured.


    Seeing this, Han Sen still went ahead with the shot, but at the same time, he braced himself, pulling back his body and raising his golden right foot.


    LeBron saw this and looked terrified, because the angle of Han Sen''s foot was aimed right at his groin.


    He wanted to pull back, but at that point, it was too late to stop his momentum.


    Bang!


    To the fans'' surprise, LeBron and Han Sen collided, and both fell hard to the floor.


    Han Sen, having braced for impact, rolled backward several steps after hitting the ground and ended up tumbling into the front-row seats.


    A quick-thinking fan reached out and caught him.


    LeBron''s impact had been strong, but when the camera panned over to him, everyone saw LeBron curled up on the ground, clearly in pain.


    The fans were confused. How was Han Sen, the one who got hit, seemingly fine, while LeBron, the one who made the hit, looked like he was the one in trouble?


    Was he faking it to get the ref''s sympathy?


    The game paused for an injury timeout as the Heat''s medical staff checked on LeBron, while Han Sen got up with the help of the fans, walking back to the bench as if nothing had happened.


    "Focus on the game, don''t get into too much conflict with LeBron," Coach Hollins came over to remind him.


    Han Sen gave Hollins a look that said, Are you serious? If he didn''t provoke LeBron, was he supposed to just let Wade bully Allen in the post?


    "Lionel is just worried about you getting hurt," Coach Joerger chimed in.


    "Got it," Han Sen responded, leaving Hollins to exchange frowning glances with Joerger as he sat down on the bench.


    Sometimes, Han Sen really couldn''t understand what Hollins was so scared of.


    Kobe blowing out the Grizzlies was one thing; was he really worried that LeBron would mess with the Grizzlies'' management?


    The arena''s LED screen began to replay the incident from the last play.


    It turns out that Han Sen, while trying to avoid a collision with LeBron, lost his balance and accidentally kicked the latter in the groin.


    The replay showed that LeBron tried to dodge, but it was too late in the heat of the moment.


    It definitely looked painful.


    LeBron stayed down for a few minutes before finally getting up, and was substituted out by Coach Spoelstra to rest.


    The referees determined that Han Sen''s action was unintentional, so there was no technical foul or even an offensive foul called. It was quite a dramatic result.


    At the 9-minute mark in the first quarter, the score was 22-20, with the Grizzlies holding a narrow lead.


    It was clear that the Heat had improved significantly compared to their season opener.


    Both teams began rotating players, with Han Sen heading to the bench to rest.


    LeBron also returned to the game after his brief rest.


    At this point, the lineups were:


    Grizzlies: Jordan Crawford, Sam Young, Shane Battier, James Johnson, Marc Gasol


    Heat: Mario Chalmers, Mike Miller, LeBron James, James Jones, Udonis Haslem


    The Heat''s next possession saw Jones receiving a drive-and-kick pass from LeBron, sinking a three-pointer to give the Heat the lead.


    Although the Heat''s lineup was relatively "small," the spacing was excellent, a perfect setup Spoelstra designed to optimize LeBron''s game.


    However, small lineups come with drawbacks, as Crawford took a pass from Gasol and immediately attacked the paint, finishing with a layup.


    The Heat, limited by the salaries of their Big Three, had role players who were on lower contracts and couldn''t convert opportunities as consistently as players like Curry or Thompson.


    On the next possession, Miller missed an open three.


    Gasol grabbed the defensive rebound, and the Grizzlies executed a fast break.


    Crawford took the ball coast to coast, finishing with a two-handed dunk!


    The FedEx Forum exploded with excitement.


    The Grizzlies'' bench was ecstatic, with Han Sen standing up to applaud Crawford.


    Now, Han Sen better understood what Battier had meant before.


    Some players chase near or even triple-double averages to prove they''re team players, but that requires dominating the ball and, in a way, draining the energy of their teammates.


    True team players, like Battier, focus on elevating everyone around them.


    At the end of the first quarter, the Grizzlies led 26-23.


    As the second quarter began, the Heat kept their lineup intact while the Grizzlies continued rotating, with Jason Williams subbing in for Marc Gasol.


    Neither team had a true center on the court now.


    This gave LeBron an opening, as he drove past Young, attacked the paint, and threw down a signature tomahawk dunk over Johnson.


    After the dunk, LeBron faced the camera and struck his signature bicep flex celebration.


    You had to admit, his athleticism was out of this world. Despite what happened earlier, it seemed the groin kick wasn''t affecting him at all.


    On the Grizzlies'' side, the offense still ran through Crawford.


    Using a Battier screen, Crawford found himself mismatched against Jones and blew past him with one quick step.


    Though his ball-handling wasn''t elite, his athleticism and first-step quickness were exceptional.


    Once he beat Jones, Johnson boxed out Haslem, leaving Crawford a clear path to the basket.


    Crawford took off, soaring for a one-handed slam.


    But just then, a figure came flying in from the side.


    LeBron!


    Time may heal all wounds, and LeBron''s earlier incident with Han Sen had faded from public discussion, but LeBron hadn''t forgotten the young Crawford who had dunked on him years ago.


    Sure, that wasn''t a proper dunk; Crawford had caught him off guard.


    He couldn''t get back at Han Sen, but he sure wasn''t about to let this little role player get away with it again.


    But he had underestimated Crawford.


    While Crawford''s earlier dunk may have been unexpected, it wasn''t his ceiling. Two years had passed, and Crawford had been training in the NBA, unlocking more of his athletic potential.


    Seeing LeBron flying in for the block, Crawford didn''t flinch. He sped up his movements in mid-air, turning his body slightly.


    Boom!


    He hammered the ball into the rim with one hand, angled to avoid LeBron.


    LeBron flew past him, reduced to nothing more than a perfect backdrop.


    The arena fell silent for a moment¡ªmost fans didn''t even process what had happened.


    But the next second, the FedEx Forum erupted in cheers.


    Crawford had dunked on LeBron!


    Again!


    And this time, it wasn''t in practice¡ªit was on the court!


    Crawford, face flushed, landed and pounded his chest in excitement.


    The infamous ''Dunkgate'' had brought him harsh criticism from the outside world, and the recent resurfacing of the incident had made things even worse for him.


    That was why he had come to the Grizzlies with something to prove, why he''d been acting out.


    Nothing could top what had just happened in this moment!


    Han Sen also leapt to his feet, waving a towel for Crawford.


    When he saw LeBron closing in for the block, he thought Crawford was about to get stuffed¡ªLeBron''s chase-down blocks were legendary.


    But clearly, they had underestimated Crawford, or more accurately, his sheer competitive drive.


    Every NBA player sees himself as the Jordan of his own story.


    And Crawford''s dunk would no doubt be trending again soon.

 Chapter 132: The End of the 2010-2011 Regular Season.

    Chapter 132: The End of the 2010-2011 Regular Season.Off-camera, LeBron James wasn''t angry but rather frustrated.


    No one knew the real reason for his frustration. It could have been from failing to block Crawford''s dunk, or perhaps he felt he shouldn''t have attempted it in the first place.


    After his frustration passed, in the next possession, he moved to the weak side and let Chalmers handle the ball.


    Han Sen wasn''t surprised. This was just LeBron being himself¡ªlike a long river that can find its way around a small hill even if it can''t flow straight through.


    What did surprise Han Sen, though, was how quickly LeBron admitted defeat.


    You have to remember, back when he was with the Cavaliers, even when his performances against the Celtics were subpar, LeBron would still play through injuries.


    But now, it seemed LeBron just wanted to play it safe. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Analyzing rationally, the immense pressure brought on by The Decision, combined with referees no longer favoring him, had clearly shaken his mentality.


    This was probably why the Heat''s performance had been so inconsistent.


    After all, Spoelstra had adjusted the team''s roles, making LeBron the focal point of the Heat''s offense¡ªthe engine of the team. But if the engine falters, even the best components around it can''t prevent a stall.


    Crawford''s poster dunk energized FedExForum, boosting the Grizzlies'' morale, while Chalmers'' possession ended without success.


    On the next play, Crawford, now on fire, received a pass from Williams, drove inside, and even while losing balance from contact with Haslem, made an improbable shot from a tough angle.


    That forced Spoelstra to call a timeout.


    Crawford was met with enthusiastic cheers from his teammates as he walked off the court, and even Han Sen stood up to give him a high-five.


    It had to be said that while this (Jordan) Crawford and the other (Jamal) one had different skill sets, they both carried the same ''Sixth Man'' energy.


    Just then, Han noticed something interesting on the other half of the court.


    Spoelstra was setting up plays on his whiteboard, but LeBron was sitting on the bench with his head down, not participating. In front of him was Haslem.


    Haslem, the longest-tenured Heat player, a key figure in their 2006 championship run and the team''s locker room leader, bent down, talking to LeBron, offering him words of encouragement.


    When the timeout ended, the Heat sent in Bosh, who immediately stabilized the team with an and-one over Haddadi, who had just entered the game.


    The score was tight, 34-29, with the Grizzlies leading as both teams brought their starters back in.


    The Grizzlies attacked first, and Randolph, after a quiet spell, finally scored with a strong 2+1 post move over Ilgauskas.


    After scoring, he turned to Han Sen, who made the assist, and they slapped hands with force.


    For low-post beasts like Randolph, you can slow them down for a quarter, but you can''t keep them in check for a whole game.


    After Randolph hit his free throw, the Grizzlies'' lead grew to eight points, approaching double digits.


    The Heat''s next possession saw Wade pass to LeBron, and Bibby came over, using all his strength to push Han Sen away.


    Since Bibby had been hitting his threes this season, Han followed him, leaving LeBron with a favorable mismatch.


    Randolph was the weak point in the Grizzlies'' pick-and-roll defense, but LeBron didn''t dare take the mid-range shot, so that weakness never materialized. If LeBron was going to run a pick-and-roll, he would have to overpower smaller defenders.


    Back in the Celtics days, Allen had made life tough for LeBron, and now Conley became his primary defender.


    Thanks to the Heat''s frontcourt spacing with Ilgauskas and Bosh, the strong side was wide open.


    LeBron tried to drive past Conley, but the latter''s footwork was impeccable. Though Conley wasn''t quite an all-defense level player yet, he was still a guard with enough speed to stay with LeBron.


    Unable to get past him, LeBron switched to backing Conley down.


    But that didn''t work either.


    While Conley wasn''t the strongest player, his defensive technique was excellent. He didn''t bite on LeBron''s physicality, backing off when LeBron pushed and then stepping back in to contest, leaving LeBron stuck in place after several failed attempts.


    With the back-to-the-basket five-second rule, LeBron couldn''t keep trying and had to settle for a fadeaway.


    Conley didn''t overcommit, simply raising his hands to obstruct LeBron''s view.


    LeBron''s shot looked completely off the mark, missing everything but air.


    Marc Gasol caught the ball under the rim, barely reacting in time to what had just happened.


    The crowd couldn''t hold back their laughter¡ªthis post-up was even more embarrassing than his earlier reverse layup attempt after colliding with Randolph.


    It almost seemed like LeBron was trying to provide comic relief in this otherwise intense game.


    In a way, he succeeded. Marc Gasol''s delayed reaction cost the Grizzlies a fast-break opportunity.


    Han received a pass from Randolph at the free-throw line, faked out Wade''s help defense, and hit a mid-range jumper to extend the Grizzlies'' lead to 39-29, pushing the margin to double digits.


    On the other end, Wade took over.


    After a pick-and-roll with Bosh, Wade drove hard to the basket. Allen got screened and couldn''t catch up, while Randolph was too slow, forcing Han to rotate over for help.


    Seeing this, Wade made a quick drive-and-kick pass to the wide-open LeBron on the perimeter.


    Han Sen knew he couldn''t recover in time, so he stopped his rotation and gestured to LeBron with a mocking ''be my guest'' hand motion.


    This scene left Haddadi dumbfounded, as it was the exact same move he had made during the Asian Championships in China!


    LeBron, ready to shoot, hesitated after seeing Han''s gesture.


    What happened next sent the crowd into a frenzy.


    After making the hand gesture, Han didn''t even bother defending LeBron. He turned his back, preparing to grab the rebound.


    The contrast between their actions was stark, with both of them still in the same frame. The difference in confidence couldn''t have been more apparent.


    Han Sen''s gesture would have been incredibly embarrassing if LeBron had made the three-pointer.


    But LeBron... didn''t shoot.


    He knew if he missed, Han''s taunt would go viral after the game.


    Seeing LeBron''s hesitation, Haslem''s face fell in disappointment on the Heat''s bench.


    He realized all the words of encouragement he had given LeBron were for nothing. In basketball, the team that fights harder wins. Once you show fear, you''re destined to lose.


    After LeBron drove, Han turned back, knowing exactly what would happen.


    This was the insight of a former teammate.


    Varejao had also been hesitant to shoot in the past. A captain teaches his team what he knows, after all.


    LeBron crashed into Han, who flopped backward out of bounds, and the whistle blew for an offensive foul on LeBron.


    Randolph and Conley pulled him up from the floor, and Han Sen was grinning.


    There had been a rumor floating around that last season, if Han hadn''t been injured, the Cavaliers might have won the championship.


    But Han Sen had known back then that it was unlikely. Now, he was even more certain.


    If this LeBron made it to the Finals, Kobe would''ve torn him apart.


    So, in a way, it was lucky for LeBron that the Cavaliers never made it to the Finals. A 23 vs. 24 showdown wouldn''t have ended well for him.


    One missed shot, one offensive foul¡ªneither would normally mean much over a long 48-minute game.


    But beyond the box score, these plays shifted the momentum entirely.


    It''s like two armies facing off¡ªwhen your general, or even a lieutenant, shows fear on the battlefield, how can your troops charge forward with courage?


    The Grizzlies rode this momentum to go on a run in the second quarter, taking a 51-36 lead at halftime.


    When the teams returned from the locker room, LeBron essentially disappeared, even when Wade passed him the ball. He chose to give it right back to Wade or pass to someone else.


    Wade''s relentless drives kept the Heat afloat.


    Finally, Spoelstra had seen enough and subbed LeBron out.


    But unlike the season opener, the Heat didn''t close the gap, as Wade''s energy was eventually drained, and his efficiency dropped.


    Much like in the opener, the Grizzlies were a team that, once they took the lead, it was nearly impossible to claw back against them.


    By the end of the third quarter, the Grizzlies still held a 15-point lead.


    Both teams played on for a bit in the fourth quarter without much change in the scoreline, and Spoelstra eventually subbed out his starters, waving the white flag early.


    With two minutes left in the game, LeBron walked off the court early.


    As he walked through the tunnel, a mischievous cameraman decided to put his image up on the stadium''s LED screen.


    The crowd responded with boos.


    LeBron wasn''t just a coward tonight; he was also a deserter.


    Han Sen looked up and noticed that LeBron wasn''t leaving alone¡ªthe Heat''s team doctor was with him.


    Losing the game was no surprise, but seeing the team doctor follow him out was a bit unusual.


    In the end, the Grizzlies easily defeated the Heat 105-89 at home.


    In the postgame stats, Wade scored 26 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists; Bosh had 19 points and 7 rebounds; James Jones contributed 16 points, while LeBron James finished with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists.


    For the Grizzlies, Han Sen led with 29 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists; Randolph recorded 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists (his first career triple-double); Conley added 15 points and 5 assists; and Jordan Crawford scored 13 points.


    After the game, Han Sen and Randolph attended the post-game press conference together.


    "With this win, you became the first team in the league to beat the Heat twice this season. How did you manage to do that?" The reporters first directed this question to Coach Hollins.


    "We did everything we could. We all know the kind of team we were up against, but fortunately, we managed to win the game."


    Han Sen frowned at this¡ªneither of the two games even went down to the wire, so why be so humble?


    "Han, how would you evaluate Zach''s performance tonight?" A reporter then asked Han Sen.


    "I''ve said it before¡ªZach is an All-Star player. He can do everything you need from a big man, and we''re lucky to have him."


    Although the All-Star Game had already passed, Han Sen was already campaigning for Randolph for next year''s All-Star vote.


    "What does beating the Heat twice mean for you guys?" The reporter followed up with a similar question for Han Sen.


    Does it mean we completed a sweep?


    "It doesn''t mean much; it''s just a regular-season game."


    The best way to undermine your opponent is to act like you don''t care.


    And Han Sen was being truthful¡ªat this point in the season, what really mattered to them was the upcoming playoffs.


    "You played excellent defense on LeBron tonight. What was the key to that?"


    Of course, no post-game interview would be complete without a LeBron-related question.


    This time, Han Sen didn''t deflect. He recalled LeBron walking into the tunnel after the game and, with a meaningful tone, replied:


    "I think if I''m not mistaken, he''s probably dealing with another injury."


    Right elbow? Groin? Ankle?


    Or maybe it was just one of those days when his body wasn''t feeling great.


    Who knows?


    The reporters looked puzzled¡ªLeBron had just mentioned during the Heat''s post-game conference that he was having groin issues. But Han Sen should have still been courtside giving an interview and couldn''t have heard that.


    Was it just intuition, or did this come from some unspoken connection between former teammates?


    ...


    Time flew by, and by mid-April, the 2010¨C2011 regular season had officially come to an end.


    The Chicago Bulls finished with the best record in the league at 62 wins, positioning Derrick Rose to claim his first MVP award and become the youngest MVP in history.


    The Heat finished with 58 wins. Despite a season full of ups and downs, they secured the second seed in the East heading into the playoffs.


    The ''Big Three'' averaged impressive numbers: LeBron James with 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game; Wade with 25.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks; and Bosh with 18.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.6 blocks.


    The Celtics and Magic followed with 56 and 52 wins, respectively, to claim the third and fourth seeds.


    The Hawks, Knicks, 76ers, and Pacers rounded out the Eastern Conference playoff picture in the 5th to 8th spots.


    In the Western Conference, the Spurs secured the top seed with 61 wins.


    The Mavericks were close behind with 58 wins, and the Lakers finished third, just one game behind Dallas.


    The Thunder clinched the fourth seed with 55 wins.


    The Grizzlies finished the season with 52 wins, improving by 12 wins from last season and earning the fifth seed in the West.


    Han Sen, in his second NBA season, averaged 21.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks, with shooting percentages of 47.5% from the field and 41.2% from beyond the arc.¢Ù


    After Gay''s season-ending injury, Han Sen took on more offensive responsibilities, averaging around 24 points per game in the second half of the season.


    Randolph contributed with averages of 20.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 0.8 steals. Though he started the season slowly due to injury, he rebounded to deliver All-Star-level performances.


    The Trail Blazers, Nuggets, and Hornets secured the 6th, 7th, and 8th seeds, respectively.


    The Rockets, hampered by Yao Ming''s injury, finished 9th and missed the playoffs.


    With the standings finalized, the Grizzlies'' first-round opponent was also set¡ªthey would face off against the Thunder.


    This matchup had been anticipated for a while, as the Grizzlies and Thunder had held the 4th and 5th seeds for much of the season. However, after Gay''s injury, the Grizzlies slipped to the fifth seed.


    The second half of the season became a battle between the two teams for home-court advantage in the playoffs, with the Thunder ultimately securing it due to their stronger roster on paper.


    For Han Sen, this matchup was personal¡ªhe had spent the summer in Memphis playing one-on-one against Durant, who had outperformed him.


    Now, he had a chance to redeem himself on the court.


    ¡ªBreak Line¡ª


    ¢Ù: 2010-2011 season''s top 10 scorers: 1. Durant (27.7); 2. LeBron (26.7); 3. Wade (25.6); 4. Carmelo (25.6); 5. Kobe (25.3); 6. Stoudemire (25.3); 7. Rose (25); 8. Monta Ellis (24.1); 9. Kevin Martin (23.5); 10. Nowitzki (23) ... 16. Han Sen (21.4).

 Chapter 133: The Memphis Fairy Tale.

    Chapter 133: The Memphis Fairy Tale.With the playoffs about to start, Stan naturally wouldn''t miss the chance to make his predictions. Before the season began, he released his playoff forecast, which quickly gained attention due to his rising popularity.


    Typically, teams from the upper bracket have a better chance of winning over lower-seeded teams, so upsets are where the intrigue lies.


    Stan predicted two such upsets, one from each conference, both involving the fourth and fifth-seeded matchups. He forecasted that the Hawks would eliminate the Magic and the Grizzlies would take down the Thunder.


    He accompanied these predictions with his analysis, focusing on the key factor: the interior play.


    He argued that the Magic''s frontcourt depth would suffer after losing Lewis and Gortat this season. While Howard was still dominant, he couldn''t play all 48 minutes, and the Magic would have to rely on the 6''9" Bass to fill in at center when Howard rested.


    On the other hand, the Hawks had the formidable starting duo of Horford and Josh Smith, with Pachulia and Jason Collins providing depth off the bench¡ªan apparent advantage.


    Similarly, Stan believed the Thunder''s frontcourt couldn''t handle Marc Gasol and Randolph. Though Ibaka was excellent at help defense, he couldn''t singlehandedly stop either Gasol or Randolph in the post.


    Moreover, Perkins, after tearing both his ACL and PCL, had clearly lost his explosiveness.


    Stan''s predictions were met with ridicule from fans. The Magic and Thunder, backed by stars like Howard and Durant, were fan favorites, and predicting their early exits brought out strong reactions.


    "Why do you think Superman can''t play 48 minutes? He''s a beast!"


    "We got Turkoglu back. Our car now has a driver again. We''re aiming for the championship, not a first-round exit!"


    "The Hawks are regular-season warriors. They''ve never won a playoff series. We''ll finish them off in six games."


    "The Grizzlies lost Rudy Gay, and you think they can beat a Thunder team with Durant, Westbrook, Harden, and Ibaka?"


    "Russell is the most underrated player. He''s the Most Improved Player this season, and he''s better than Han. We still have KD, so how can we lose?"


    "Perkins is constantly underestimated. He''s the final piece of the Thunder''s championship puzzle!"


    On April 16th, the playoffs officially began, with the 1st vs. 8th and 4th vs. 5th matchups in both conferences taking center stage.


    And, as fate would have it, the Eastern Conference started with an upset.


    Howard played for 46 minutes, shooting 14 of 22 from the free-throw line, and racked up an astounding 46 points, 19 rebounds, and 8 turnovers, but the Magic still lost 93-103 to the Hawks. Jameer Nelson added 27 points, but no other Magic player scored in double digits.


    In contrast, five Hawks players hit double figures, with Joe Johnson leading the starters with 25 points, and Jamal Crawford scoring 26 off the bench.


    Shortly after the Magic-Hawks game ended, the Thunder-Grizzlies game kicked off in Oklahoma City. With Stan already getting one upset right, this game garnered even more attention.


    The packed Ford Center buzzed with excitement, with fans holding up signs like "We want Scarlett''s bathwater," a cheeky nod to the championship.


    The Thunder, formerly the Seattle SuperSonics, were only in their third season in Oklahoma. Their first season was spent rebuilding, the second saw them win 50 games and make the playoffs, and now in their third year, they finished first in the Northwest Division.


    (TL/n: The Northwest Division is one of the three divisions in the Western Conference of the NBA. The division consists of five teams: the Denver Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Portland Trail Blazers and the Utah Jazz.)


    With a bright future ahead, the fans'' enthusiasm reached a fever pitch.


    During pre-game warmups, Han Sen was encouraging Tony Allen.


    In the previous game against the Heat, Allen had been tasked with guarding Wade and even got a steal, but his overall performance left room for doubt. Some had begun calling for Shane Battier to start over him.


    However, Han Sen, being a time-traveler, knew that Allen''s reputation would be built on guarding Durant.


    "You''ve done it once. Just do it again," Han Sen reassured him, referring to a regular-season game where Allen had a key defensive stretch against Durant.


    Allen nodded, but it was clear he was feeling some nerves. During his time with the Celtics, he was never a key player, especially not in the playoffs.


    Now, he was not only starting but had to guard Durant, one of the league''s biggest stars. Even the most confident player would feel the pressure.


    "Don''t worry about it, I''ve got your back," Han Sen said, patting Allen on the shoulder. After all, Han Sen was also known for his defense on Durant.


    "Won''t be necessary, I''m here too," Battier chimed in with a smile, joining the conversation. The Grizzlies had three capable Durant defenders, ensuring that even if Durant caught fire, they could rotate and tire him out.


    As warmups concluded and the pre-game ceremony began, the Oklahoma City fans continued to show their passion. The Thunder''s ''Big Four'' (Durant, Westbrook, Harden, and Ibaka) were still on rookie contracts, making them one of the most promising young teams and a major fan favorite.


    The starting lineups were announced:


    - Grizzlies: Conley, Tony Allen, Han Sen, Randolph, Gasol


    - Thunder: Westbrook, Sefolosha, Durant, Ibaka, Perkins


    With Marc Gasol winning the tip, the highly anticipated Game 1 of the series was underway.


    The Grizzlies'' style had shifted since the beginning of the season. While they still fed the ball to Randolph in the post, it was now Conley, not Han Sen, who facilitated.


    This adjustment allowed Han Sen to be more involved in off-ball plays.


    As Han Sen and Gasol moved, it became clear that the Thunder were focusing their defense on Han Sen.


    Last season, when Han Sen was with the Cavaliers, Scott Brooks had left a strong impression on him, which was no surprise considering Brooks was named Coach of the Year.


    However, basketball is a five-on-five game, and by prioritizing Han Sen, the Thunder left Randolph with opportunities in the low post.


    Randolph drove to the basket and scored with a turnaround shot from the free-throw line, overpowering Perkins.


    Randolph scored the first points for the Grizzlies, and on the other end, Durant received the ball at the high post for an isolation play.


    Stan predicted upsets in both the Thunder vs. Grizzlies and Magic vs. Hawks series for a reason. These matchups were essentially team vs. superstar showdowns.


    It was clear Stan believed in team play over individual stars.


    The Thunder fans started to boo.


    Although Allen had performed well against Durant during the regular season, that was just a small sample from the long season and didn''t attract much attention.


    At this moment, Allen, who was a head shorter than Durant, seemed to be an easy matchup for him.


    Durant caught the ball, turned to face the basket, and quickly pulled up for a mid-range shot.


    But just as he lifted the ball, Allen swiped at it.


    While Allen didn''t manage to strip the ball, Durant''s shooting rhythm was clearly disrupted, and the ball clanged off the rim.


    Randolph grabbed the defensive rebound, and the Thunder''s first offensive attempt came up empty.


    The Grizzlies didn''t immediately push for a fast break; Hollins'' pre-game strategy, as usual, focused on a half-court grind.


    The ball went back to Randolph, who this time missed a turnaround shot off the backboard as Perkins held firm with his solid defense.


    However, Randolph grabbed the offensive rebound right over Perkins'' head and scored on the putback.


    In theory, Perkins was one of the league''s best low-post defenders, which was likely why Brooks felt comfortable leaving him to guard Randolph one-on-one.


    But in reality, Perkins'' explosiveness had declined significantly after his injuries. If not for that, the Celtics wouldn''t have traded him, especially since he had been so effective against players like LeBron and Dwight Howard in the East.


    Durant, now back on offense, decided not to go for another isolation post-up.


    While he didn''t isolate this time, he ran a pick-and-roll with Ibaka.


    Allen excelled at navigating off-ball screens, but Durant caught the ball and shot immediately, completely disregarding Allen''s defense.


    This wasn''t the same as during the regular season. It was obvious that Allen had forced Durant into some uncomfortable moments before, but that only made Durant evolve faster.


    Allen didn''t have time to strip the ball, so he could only jump to contest, but his effort wasn''t enough.


    Swish!


    The net snapped cleanly as Durant broke the Thunder''s scoring drought.


    The beauty of the mid-range jumper was on full display.


    Both teams started with back-and-forth exchanges.


    As the Grizzlies advanced the ball, Han Sen noticed the Thunder continued to focus their defense on him.


    Was Brooks really giving him so much respect, or just underestimating Randolph?


    Seeing how persistent the Thunder were, Han Sen felt more comfortable playing a decoy role.


    Randolph was in excellent form tonight, dominating Perkins in the low post. If this kept up, the Grizzlies had a good chance.


    And so, the game seemed to settle into a rhythm: Randolph scored in the paint, and Durant responded from the perimeter. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although there were some minor adjustments¡ªlike Brooks sending Ibaka to help on defense¡ªRandolph showed his playmaking ability by passing to Gasol, who attacked the rim quickly and scored.


    Allen also began fronting Durant to limit his touches, a defensive specialty of his. The Thunder endured a scoring drought for a while, but it ended when Brooks brought Harden into the game.


    Overall, the game had turned into a battle of inside vs. outside offense, thanks to the strategic moves by both coaches.


    However, no matter how much Durant could score, outside shooting was always less efficient than inside scoring.


    By the end of the first quarter, the Grizzlies led with their starters, but once the reserves came in, the Thunder closed the gap.


    Jordan Crawford had scoring ability, but as a rookie in the playoffs, he wasn''t as reliable as Rudy Gay.


    Gay''s absence for the Grizzlies became apparent at this moment.


    On the other hand, the Thunder had second-year Harden, whose talent and experience were far superior.


    With Harden leading the charge, the Thunder tied the game again by the time the starters returned in the second quarter.


    As Han Sen returned to the court, he thought Brooks might make adjustments, but to his surprise, the Thunder continued to lock in on him.


    Now Han Sen was certain¡ªBrooks wasn''t underestimating Randolph; he just had a lot of respect for him, treating him like he was Kobe on defense!


    Because both coaches stuck to their plans, the score continued to alternate as the game remained tight.


    In the final minute of the fourth quarter, the Grizzlies led 104¨C102.


    The Thunder had possession, and Durant isolated in the high post for a classic one-on-one play.


    He had already scored 33 points on 10-of-21 shooting, despite 4 turnovers, showing his superstar status even against the relentless defense of Allen and Battier.


    This time, Durant opted for a post-up play.


    His post game wasn''t like Kobe''s or LeBron''s. He didn''t rely on physical contact but aimed to create more shooting space.


    And he succeeded. Allen couldn''t do much to contest.


    But just as Durant was about to shoot, another figure suddenly flew in to contest¡ªHan Sen, who had promised to have Allen''s back!


    Clank!


    Durant''s shot missed under the pressure, and Gasol secured the crucial rebound.


    With 30 seconds left in the game, the Grizzlies still led by two and had possession.


    Durant cursed under his breath as Hollins called a timeout.


    After the timeout, Hollins subbed Battier in for Allen.


    Randolph established position in the low post again, but this time, the Thunder collapsed to help.


    Down by 2, the Thunder knew they needed a stop to have any hope of winning, and Brooks wasn''t going to let Randolph score easily.


    Randolph kicked the ball out to Conley, who then passed it to Han Sen.


    As soon as Han Sen caught the ball, Durant switched onto him.


    From the look in Durant''s eyes, it was clear he was eager for this defensive assignment.


    He had beaten Han Sen all summer last year and was full of confidence.


    Han Sen crossed him over with a quick move...


    Durant''s advantage was his height and wingspan, not his foot speed.


    But Han was immediately met with help defense from Sefolosha. Brooks had subbed him in for Harden during the timeout for his defensive prowess.


    Sefolosha''s help defense was timely and precise, a masterclass in defensive positioning.


    But Han Sen, without hesitation, flung the ball toward the strong-side corner.


    That was Battier''s usual spot, and Han Sen knew he would be there without even looking.


    The pass was a bit low, but thankfully it wasn''t aimed at his feet. Battier bent down and grabbed the ball.


    Sefolosha tried to recover, but Battier''s release was lightning-quick.


    The fans in the arena held their breath..


    The ball had a perfect arc.


    Swish!


    No surprises¡ªBattier nailed the corner three before Sefolosha could close out.


    107¨C102.


    Battier, unusually excited, ran over and bumped chests with Han Sen in celebration after Brooks called a timeout.


    With just 10 seconds left, the Thunder trailed by 5, and the game was practically over.


    And indeed, after the timeout, Durant''s desperation three missed, and Randolph grabbed the rebound and held on tightly, sealing the game.


    The Grizzlies'' players erupted in celebration, and Han Sen finally understood what Battier had been talking about¡ªthis was Memphis'' first-ever playoff victory in franchise history.


    At the post-game press conference, Randolph, Han Sen, and Battier sat together.


    Though it was a bit crowded with the extra chair, neither Randolph nor Han Sen complained. In fact, they let Battier take the center seat.


    The first questions were directed at Randolph, who had an outstanding performance with 34 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.


    "This is how we play. We give our all on defense every possession, and on offense, we attack their paint relentlessly."


    In addition to Randolph, Gasol had an impressive night as well, with 20 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks.


    To put it simply, the Grizzlies'' twin towers dominated the Thunder''s interior.


    After the reporters finished questioning Randolph, they turned to Han Sen.


    "In your first playoff game with the Cavaliers, you scored 33 points, but tonight you only contributed 15 for the Grizzlies. What are your thoughts on that?" It was obvious this was an ESPN reporter.


    "You can skip these kinds of questions next time," Han Sen replied bluntly, but still gave one last answer, "My goal is to help the team win, not to chase stats."


    "Next question," he said, signaling that the ESPN reporter could sit down.


    "Why did you decide to pass the ball in the final moments?" an NBC reporter asked.


    Han Sen glanced at the reporter and thought, The ''B'' in NBC feels unnecessary here.


    Memories of his time with the Cavaliers suddenly flashed through his mind, especially of an old teammate. Maybe that''s why this question hit a little closer to home.


    There''s a saying in the NBA: You always learn something from great players.


    "Shane once told me that he came back to Memphis to help this team win a playoff game, and I believed him," Han Sen said, his tone serious.


    Nearby, Battier had been smiling, but his expression shifted, and his eyes welled up.


    He hadn''t expected Han to not only remember their conversation but also create the moment for him to fulfill it.


    "Shane, we know you used to play for the Grizzlies, and it''s unfortunate you didn''t get that playoff win back then. Now, having helped the team achieve it, how does that feel? And how would you describe Han''s pass at the end?" the reporter asked Battier next.


    Battier, clearly emotional, wiped at his eyes, trying to regain his composure.


    "Han just wants to win. Everything he does is about winning. I know people sometimes criticize him for not passing enough, but every move he makes is to get the win," Battier said, voice steady despite the emotions.


    It was true¡ªHan Sen hadn''t even realized that he probably had the fewest assists of any star player in the league.


    Compared to him, even Durant could be considered a playmaking genius.


    From Han''s perspective, it made sense.


    The Grizzlies'' strategy revolved around the bigs, and Han knew his passes weren''t as sharp, which could lead to turnovers.


    So, he often chose to finish plays himself. But from the outside, people just saw a player who didn''t pass much.


    "Tonight, the defense was all over him. He put everything into defense and drawing attention, and he did that perfectly."


    Battier continued to praise Han, recognizing that, given Han''s skill set, he could have easily driven to the basket on that last play.


    Even if he didn''t make the shot, with his finishing ability, Han probably would''ve drawn a foul.


    At that point, being up by 4 or 5 points wouldn''t have made much difference.


    "But then, you saw it¡ªHan passed the ball to me. Maybe he doesn''t pass often, but he knew I was there. Maybe he didn''t even see me, but he still passed it to me..."


    Battier paused, smiling as he recalled the moment, then added with a chuckle, "Han passed it to me! And I knocked down the three."


    His comment brought laughter from the room, as reporters could imagine Battier''s surprise when the ball came his way.


    "That three-pointer was an incredible moment for me, like something out of a fairy tale," Battier said. "But now... now I think I''m not satisfied with just helping this team win one playoff game."


    Battier''s final words drew a round of applause, and even Han Sen joined in, knowing that Battier''s heart now fully belonged to Memphis.


    -End of Chapter-


    TL/n: I''ve been rushing Chapters recently and as a result, the quality dipped noticeably. Then there''s the inconsistent updates.


    So, I''ve decided to focus on this completely, and set aside GOT for now. There are 100 more Chapters and it should take me a week or so to catch up if I''m serious.

 Chapter 134: I’ll Lead You to Victory.

    Chapter 134: I''ll Lead You to Victory.After the press conference ended, Battier gave Han Sen a ''Batman'' hug and whispered thanks in his ear.


    No matter how many compliments were said in front of the reporters, none could compare to this one in person.


    "Save the thanks for later. Like you said, winning just one playoff game isn''t nearly enough," Han Sen smiled and patted Battier on the shoulder after they parted.


    Memphis fans were celebrating their victory wildly after the game, but on social media, Stan was already being hyped up.


    Successfully predicting two playoff upsets even earned him the nickname ''Octopus.'' (TL/n: Paul, the octopus, who correctly predicted the 2010 FIFA World Cup.)


    Of course, it was still too early to say Stan was a legend, as the series had seven games, and this was only the beginning.


    Two days later, the second game of the Grizzlies vs. Thunder series resumed.


    Brooks demonstrated his ability to adjust in this game. The Thunder collapsed their defense into the paint, significantly weakening the Grizzlies'' inside game.


    In contrast, after the success of the first game, Hollins stuck to his strategy, doing everything possible to get the ball to the paint.


    As a result, Randolph shot 5-for-16 and only scored 15 points with 9 rebounds, and the Grizzlies lost the game 92-106.


    With their inside play struggling, the Grizzlies'' transition game also suffered. Harden, who only scored 8 points in the previous game, exploded for 21 in this one.


    Stan''s analytical predictions were accurate, but he seemed to have overlooked the difference in coaching abilities between the two head coaches.


    After two games, the league announced the winners of the first batch of season awards: Sixth Man of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Coach of the Year.


    Coach of the Year was unsurprising. After leading a fringe playoff team to the top of the league, Thibodeau was almost unanimously chosen.


    The Sixth Man of the Year went to Lamar Odom, boosted by the ''Kardashian effect'', marking his first time receiving this honor despite being known as one of the league''s top sixth men.


    It wasn''t that he had his best season, but the competition for the award wasn''t particularly fierce this year.


    The competition for Most Improved Player, however, was the fiercest, with Kevin Love, Westbrook, and Han Sen all in the running.


    - Last season, Love averaged 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, while this season, he put up 20.2 points, 15.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.


    - Westbrook averaged 16 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1.3 steals last season, increasing to 21.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.9 steals this season.


    - Han Sen averaged 13.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 2.1 steals last season, jumping to 21.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.3 steals this season.


    Ultimately, Han''s team success and his statistical improvement helped him edge out Love and Westbrook to win the Most Improved Player award.


    During the training session after receiving the award, Han Sen''s teammates congratulated him.


    Although this award wasn''t the most prestigious, beating out Love and Westbrook made it one of the highest-caliber Most Improved Player awards in history.


    Yet Han Sen wasn''t feeling particularly happy¡ªnot because of any supposed ''curse'' of the award, which was just a stereotype¡ªbut because of the Grizzlies'' current playoff predicament.


    Brooks had always been considered a ''nanny-type'' coach, much like Brown. But the difference between the two in terms of tactical skills was stark.


    Or you could say the biggest difference between Brooks and other defensive coaches like Brown and Hollins was his ability to adapt on the fly. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If Hollins stubbornly stuck to his inside strategy, the Grizzlies could very well exit in the first round.


    Plus, Hollins was a stickler for obedience, or you might call it stubbornness.


    Back when they played the Lakers, Han Sen had already clashed with him over defending Kobe. If Joerger hadn''t mediated, they might have ended up in a full-blown argument.


    Strong-arming Hollins was not an option.


    Before practice started, Han Sen approached Battier, hoping he could convince Hollins. Battier was the only team member Han Sen knew who had successfully persuaded Hollins before.


    However, when practice began, the Grizzlies'' drills still focused on low-post tactics.


    During the session, Battier told Han Sen the result: Hollins firmly believed that controlling the paint was the key to winning basketball games.


    This was very much in line with reality. Otherwise, the Grizzlies wouldn''t be the only team in the league still running a traditional low-post offense with a twin-tower setup.


    It wasn''t just confidence from winning the first game; it was Hollins'' entire tactical foundation¡ªwhat his NBA career was built on.


    At that moment, Han Sen recalled what Conley had once said: Hollins had served as an interim coach twice before, but both times he wasn''t retained¡ªthere was a reason for that.


    Game 3 of the series saw both teams return to Memphis for battle.


    The FedEx Forum was packed and livelier than ever.


    Even though they lost Game 2, with the series tied 1-1, the Grizzlies had already stolen home-court advantage from the Thunder.


    And Randolph was unlikely to shoot 5-for-16 again, so the Grizzlies still held an inside advantage and remained the more likely team to advance.


    Many fans in the arena held up signs saying things like "I want to drink Scarlett''s bathwater" and "How about Swift''s bathwater?" Someone even brought a "Whoop that trick" flag.


    You could feel the passion of the Memphis fans; the shame of the past wasn''t just felt by players like Battier and Jason Williams¡ªfans felt it even more deeply.


    After all, the Grizzlies hadn''t made the playoffs since then.


    After the opening ceremony, both teams'' starting lineups were announced.


    - Thunder: Westbrook, Sefolosha, Durant, Ibaka, Perkins.


    - Grizzlies: Conley, Tony Allen, Han Sen, Randolph, Marc Gasol.


    With Gasol winning the tip-off for the Grizzlies, the game officially began.


    Randolph called for the ball in the low post against Perkins. Sefolosha collapsed in to help, but Randolph spun to the baseline and hit a fadeaway jumper.


    The FedEx Forum erupted in cheers.


    That''s right, Randolph wouldn''t continue his poor shooting from the previous game.


    The Grizzlies stuck to their strategy, but the Thunder adjusted again. This time, Durant didn''t go for isolation right away but let Westbrook drive to the basket.


    He exploded past Conley with a lightning-quick move, got into the paint, and finished a layup over Gasol.


    His speed was unreal.


    When John Wall dazzled fans at the rookie game, everyone was amazed, but Westbrook was even faster than Wall.


    His speed was Olympic-level, so fast that he could probably compete in the 100-meter dash.


    On the other end, Randolph continued to post up.


    But this time, the help defense came from Ibaka instead of Sefolosha.


    Ibaka''s help defense, which shone during the rookie game, was far more disruptive than Sefolosha''s.


    Ibaka also adjusted, focusing on using his long arms to block Randolph''s passing lane to Gasol.


    Randolph was forced into a tough fadeaway, and the ball bounced off the rim.


    Ibaka used his quick bounce to grab the rebound, and the Thunder immediately launched a fast break.


    When Westbrook caught the ball, his speed was so fast that even the cameras couldn''t keep up. The screen blurred as he sprinted down the court.


    By the time the camera caught up, Westbrook was already soaring in the Grizzlies'' backcourt, pulling off a powerful tomahawk slam.


    After landing, Westbrook''s veins bulged as he let out a roar, and the crowd buzzed with excitement.


    Playing on the road, the momentum had been with the Grizzlies, but Westbrook''s passionate display snatched it away.


    Five minutes into the game, the Thunder had taken control and led 10-4.


    Randolph''s touch was clearly better than last game¡ªhe not only hit the opening basket but also knocked down both his free throws.


    But Brooks'' pregame adjustments were even more effective.


    When Randolph used his post moves to get to the basket, Sefolosha would simply foul him, sending him to the line rather than letting him score.


    This strategy was clearly aimed at disrupting Randolph''s rhythm.


    Although Randolph hit both free throws, he missed his next shot.


    Seeing this, Hollins called Battier off the bench to sub in.


    The idea behind the substitution was to create more spacing by replacing Allen with Battier, allowing Randolph to avoid double teams.


    However, when Brooks saw this change, he quickly made adjustments, instructing Sefolosha to stay home while Ibaka continued to help on defense.


    Randolph tried to pass to Gasol on the baseline, but Ibaka''s long arms disrupted the play.


    With little time left on the shot clock, the Grizzlies'' possession ended with nothing.


    "They need to find a way to get the ball into Han Sen''s hands more," Barkley remarked from the commentator''s booth.


    The game reminded him of basketball from the previous century¡ªthe Grizzlies were playing far too rigidly.


    As he spoke, Durant crossed over Battier and smoothly hit a mid-range jumper.


    In the previous two games, Durant had decent scoring numbers, but Tony Allen, who was known as his defensive kryptonite, had held him to just 10-for-22 shooting in one game and 8-for-18 in another, along with forcing three turnovers. Durant''s performance had clearly been impacted.


    However, going up against Battier, it was different. Battier himself admitted that he no longer had the speed to keep up with Durant. When Durant had full energy, Battier''s defense was noticeably less effective than Allen''s.


    On the Grizzlies'' next possession, Han Sen''s off-ball movement drew a foul from the Thunder.


    At that point, a substitution occurred. Harden entered the game, replacing Sefolosha.


    This was a clear signal. In the previous game, the Thunder had built their lead by tightening their defense and using Harden to push the pace in transition.


    Now, the situation was even more favorable for the Thunder, and Brooks was making moves to seal the game early.


    At that moment, Han quickly called his teammates together for a brief ''huddle''.


    ...


    The tension on the court was palpable, the Grizzlies down by a few crucial points, and the roar of the Memphis crowd was growing restless.


    Sweat dripped from everyone''s faces, and the pressure felt heavier with every passing second.


    Han looked each of his teammates dead in the eye, his voice low but filled with intensity. "Listen up, we''re not losing like this," he began, his words cutting through the noise like a blade.


    "They''ve adjusted. They''ve figured out our plays, and if we keep feeding the post like this, we''re going home early."


    Since Game 2, Brooks had made adjustments that had lowered the defensive pressure on Han Sen significantly.


    Randolph clenched his fists, his frustration evident. He had been double-teamed in the post and was clearly struggling over the last two games.


    Gasol nodded, wiping his forehead. Battier stayed silent, his veteran eyes watching Han closely.


    Even Conley, the team''s point guard, shifted uneasily, glancing toward the bench, knowing that their coach, Hollins, wouldn''t easily stray from the low-post offense that defined the Grizzlies'' identity.


    Han saw Conley''s hesitation, and with a commanding tone, he stepped forward. "Forget the playbook. Forget the plan. If we keep doing what they expect, we''re done."


    Conley''s gaze met his, uncertain but searching for something¡ªconfidence, belief. Han Sen didn''t blink.


    "Give me the ball," Han said, his voice rising with the kind of conviction that made you believe he had already seen the future.


    "I don''t care about the double teams, the traps, or their rotations. I''ve been here before. We''ve been here before."


    Randolph stared at him, the weight of the series heavy on his shoulders. Gasol opened his mouth to speak but then closed it, trusting Han''s resolve more than any game plan.


    "We''re not out of this yet," Han Sen said, his voice building, like thunder before a storm. "But we need to change everything right now. The ball goes through me. I''ll take the hits. I''ll take the pressure. Just get me the damn ball."


    The arena''s noise felt distant, almost muted for a moment. Han Sen''s words hung in the air like a promise.


    "You give me the ball," he repeated, louder now, his eyes burning with a fire none of them had seen before. "And I''ll lead us to win this thing. Right here. Right now."


    For a second, no one spoke. It was as if time had frozen, waiting for someone to break the spell.


    Hearing something like that from a second-year player would normally make you think they were being arrogant.


    But coming from Han, it didn''t feel that way.


    It wasn''t because Han had a big mouth¡ªit was because he had done it before.


    He was the ''Celtics Killer'' and ''Scoreboard Terminator''. No one thought he was just talking big.


    Then, one by one, they nodded. Randolph. Gasol. Conley. Even Battier, who had seen it all, placed his trust in Han Sen.


    As they broke the huddle, Han grabbed Conley''s arm and pulled him back for a final word. "Don''t look at the bench. Don''t second-guess. We''re winning this together. We''re taking this game back."


    Conley nodded, the doubt in his eyes fading.


    They stepped back onto the court, the roar of the crowd crashing down like waves, and Han Sen''s words echoed in their minds: "I''ll lead us to victory."

 Chapter 135: Challenging The Head Coach.

    Chapter 135: Challenging The Head Coach.Although Conley came from the ''traditional'' school of point guards, where following the coach''s directives is paramount, he wasn''t as stubborn as someone like Hollins.


    He understood the current situation the team faced.


    Even though Hollins was a coach with real authority, he was still an NBA coach.


    If this were the NCAA, Gay would never have dared to act out like he did. But in the NBA, he was willing to challenge Hollins, and Hollins wasn''t in a position to do much about it.


    This is the key difference¡ªNBA coaches and players essentially operate in a partnership.


    When a team performs poorly and loses, the first one to shoulder the blame is often the coach.


    So as long as it worked and got them back in the game, Hollins wasn''t likely to say much.


    Just after they wrapped up their ''little meeting'', the Thunder made substitutions, and the referees signaled for the inbound play.


    Battier passed it in from the sideline, Conley got the ball, and Randolph posted up. The Thunder''s defense collapsed early, and everything looked the same as before.


    But then, off the weak side, Han Sen made a move, using a screen from Marc Gasol to get to the free-throw line.


    Harden got completely stuck on the screen, and Conley''s pass landed right on target. Han Sen took the shot from mid-range without hesitation.


    Although this was a tactical adjustment, it wasn''t unfamiliar¡ªthey had run these plays before, so the execution felt smooth.


    The Thunder were caught off guard by this sudden change, and even though Ibaka rushed over with all his might, Han Sen leaped higher than expected, leaving Ibaka with no chance to contest.


    He could only fly past Han Sen as he released the shot.


    Swish!


    Han Sen''s mid-range jumper hit nothing but net.


    The arena erupted in a wave of cheers.


    This was the first field goal the Grizzlies had made in over five minutes since the game started!


    Hollins stood up, looking at Han Sen as he retreated on defense, his gaze full of questions.


    Han acted like he didn''t notice.


    Hollins then looked at Conley, who was genuinely locked in on Westbrook and didn''t see him.


    Hollins felt his authority being challenged, but he had no outlet to express his frustration.


    At that moment, the crowd erupted with Memphis fans chanting for defense, and the Grizzlies'' momentum surged.


    Someone on the bench was holding back laughter.


    Even though Gay couldn''t play, as he was in recovery, he was still traveling with the team.


    To him, Hollins'' insistence on obedience was a joke. He might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but he knew that a coach''s authority is built on winning, not on imposing rigid rules.


    The Thunder continued to pass the ball to Durant, who once again drove past Battier.


    This time, though, Battier scrambled back and used a hand-in-the-face technique to disrupt Durant''s pull-up shot, causing the ball to miss.


    Randolph grabbed the defensive rebound, and Conley pushed the ball up the court, settling the team into their half-court offense again.


    This time, the ball went into Randolph in the post. It looked like a typical post-up play, but Randolph was surveying the defense.


    Seeing Ibaka coming to help, Randolph decisively whipped the ball to the free-throw line, where Han Sen had just used another screen from Gasol to get open.


    Poor Harden was once again completely blocked by the big Gasol, and with his less-than-stellar lateral movement, he had no answer for a screen this big.


    But this time, Ibaka was ready, and he quickly closed in on Han Sen.


    Han Sen faked a mid-range jumper, causing Ibaka to jump.


    It wasn''t that Ibaka was prone to jumping, but Han Sen''s earlier jumper had been so high that reacting late wasn''t an option.


    But Ibaka was a savvy player¡ªhe jumped without fully committing, ready to recover in case of a drive. When he saw Han Sen put the ball on the floor, he turned to help.


    However, Han Sen''s speed was faster than Ibaka had anticipated. He drove past Ibaka and before Perkins could rotate, Han Sen soared for a layup, scoring smoothly.


    The arena exploded with cheers once again.


    This scene wasn''t unfamiliar¡ªthe Grizzlies had used similar strategies against the Spurs before.


    "Lionel Hollins made the right choice!" Barkley exclaimed from the commentary booth, seemingly validating his earlier insights.


    But as the camera cut to Hollins, his face was flushed red.


    The team was playing a strategy completely different from what he had planned before the game, but given their comeback momentum, he couldn''t call a timeout.


    The reality was, despite being a veteran coach with the Grizzlies, Hollins didn''t have enough clout in the league.


    If it were someone like Jerry Sloan or Gregg Popovich, a coach of that stature could bench a player for not following orders without a second thought.


    In other words, Hollins needed the Grizzlies more than they needed him.


    If they fired him for losing, it would be hard for him to find another head coaching job.


    Hollins sat back on the bench, still flushed with frustration, while Brooks on the other side was visibly restless.


    Brooks had subbed in Harden to spark a counterattack, but instead, Han Sen was exploiting the mismatches on defense.


    Brooks shouted some instructions to Harden.


    When the Thunder reached their frontcourt, Harden signaled for a new play.


    Durant received the ball after running a screen with Ibaka, but his shot, challenged by Gasol, was off the mark. Randolph secured the rebound and quickly handed it to Conley.


    Conley instinctively looked for Han Sen, their fast-break specialist, but noticed that Han Sen wasn''t running the break.


    In fact, when Han Sen caught Conley''s eye, he motioned to slow it down.


    During their "little meeting," he had suggested tactical changes, but that didn''t mean overturning the Grizzlies'' game plan completely. They still had to capitalize on their strengths in the half-court offense.


    This approach foiled Brooks'' plans, but on the court, Westbrook switched onto Han Sen, recognizing that he was better at fighting through screens than Harden.


    Han Sen received the ball and was immediately pressured by Westbrook.


    Using a triple-threat stance, Han Sen made a feint and then raised the ball for a shot.


    Westbrook, shorter than Han Sen, couldn''t effectively contest it. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Westbrook''s reaction time was top-notch. He leapt the moment Han Sen moved.


    What he didn''t expect was that Han Sen was faking it, waiting for Westbrook to start descending before taking a real jump.


    The referee''s whistle blew, signaling a shooting foul by Westbrook for entering Han Sen''s cylinder.


    Han Sen had drawn the foul.


    Westbrook held his head in disbelief, while Han Sen nodded toward the free-throw line.


    Westbrook, still lacking experience at this point in his career, was, in simpler terms, a bit of a hothead.


    Brooks seemed lost as he watched Han Sen step to the line.


    As last season''s Coach of the Year, Brooks had thoroughly studied the Grizzlies'' top scorer before the series began.


    He not only reviewed the Grizzlies'' game film but also looked back at Han Sen''s performance with the Cavaliers last season.


    Han Sen''s playoff series against the Celtics had left Brooks in awe, which is why he devised a comprehensive defensive scheme for Game 1.


    However, when Hollins ignored his own playbook and hammered the Thunder''s interior defense, Brooks was forced to shift his defensive focus in Game 2, only to have Hollins double down on pounding the paint. Naturally, the momentum swung back.


    Brooks realized then that he had overestimated Hollins'' tactical rigidity, so he adjusted his approach for tonight.


    And initially, it seemed like his call to pack the paint was paying off.


    But what he didn''t anticipate was another tactical shift from the Grizzlies.


    So, had he underestimated Hollins after all?


    Han Sen sank both free throws, putting together a personal 6-0 run to close the gap to 10-12.


    Durant came up clutch, drilling a pull-up jumper over Battier''s outstretched hand.


    On the following possession, Randolph muscled his way through Perkins in the post, drawing the foul on a spin move and converting the and-one.


    With Han Sen pulling attention away on the weak side, the Thunder couldn''t risk doubling the post so easily.


    So, when Randolph stepped to the line, he not only high-fived Conley, who fed him the ball but also chest-bumped Han Sen, who walked to his side of the line.


    After Randolph sank the free throw, the Grizzlies closed within a single point, and the game reached a standstill.


    With around 10 minutes left in the first quarter, both teams began rotating their lineups.


    Han Sen took a seat on the bench.


    He exchanged a look with Hollins, ready for some confrontation, but even after Han Sen sat down, Hollins made no move, which left Han Sen somewhat disappointed. But he also realized that Hollins only appeared to be tough.


    On the court, Brooks opted for a tight rotation.


    In Han Sen''s two minutes off the court, Harden and Westbrook led the Thunder to build a 5-point lead.


    Harden had averaged 26.9 minutes per game this season, putting up 12.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals. Although he didn''t win Sixth Man of the Year, his efficiency had significantly improved from his rookie season.


    In this year''s All-Star Rookie Challenge, he was a late addition, but his performance was second only to Han Sen among the sophomore team players.


    This shows he definitely has the talent; it''s just that the competition within the Thunder is much tougher compared to other teams.


    His 21-point performance in the last game wasn''t a fluke, and one could even argue that his 8 points in Game 1 were the fluke.


    During the break between the first and second quarters, Han Sen approached Hollins and asked to be put in to guard Harden.


    Harden''s ball-handling is excellent, and when he''s on the floor, he''s the primary ball-handler.


    Allen is good at guarding pure scorers, but struggles against players of Harden''s style.


    And it''s clear from the first quarter''s scoreline that despite tactical adjustments, the Grizzlies hadn''t managed to open up a substantial lead.


    This Thunder team, while not yet at its peak, was already capable of contending for a championship.¢Ù


    The Grizzlies'' win in Game 1 had elements of Brooks'' strategic miscalculations, and winning again wouldn''t be as easy as imagined.


    If the Thunder managed to widen the gap at the start of the second quarter, it would be incredibly tough for the Grizzlies to come back.


    Hollins instinctively wanted to reject the request, still harboring frustration. He realized that Randolph and Conley, his long-time players, wouldn''t defy his orders.


    Only Han Sen would, and with his history, Hollins couldn''t help but remember how the team''s on-court strategy shifted right after Han Sen held that ''huddle'' with his teammates.


    He couldn''t afford to let this insubordination grow, or he would lose control of the team.


    But before he could speak, Damon chimed in, "Lionel, I think this is a good call. We need to keep the score tight."


    Hollins was just about to silence him when Joerger turned to Han Sen and asked, "Are you okay with your stamina?"


    Han Sen shook his head.


    Since gaining the [Iron Body] talent, his body''s resilience to fatigue had increased, allowing him to stay on the court longer.


    Especially after Gay''s injury, Han Sen''s playing time had inevitably increased, and after half a season, his stamina had improved as well.


    But more importantly, compared to worrying about stamina, the immediate concern was the score. If the gap widened early, conserving energy would be meaningless.


    Hollins was stunned. Both of his assistant coaches didn''t see anything wrong with Han Sen''s request.


    "Lionel, let Han go in. We need him," Dave Joerger, the defensive coach, added, fully aware that only Han Sen could effectively limit Harden.


    It was clear that while Joerger and Damon were focused on winning the game, Hollins was more concerned with maintaining his control over the team.


    "Coach, trust Han. He can do it," Battier interjected, "I can buy him a few minutes of rest in the second quarter."


    Unlike the assistant coaches, Battier was driven to win for his own ''unfinished business''.


    At this point, Hollins had no choice. The most influential voices on the team had backed Han Sen.


    Reluctantly, he nodded and, without much enthusiasm, handed the tactics board to Joerger before retreating to the bench.


    He never expected that the player who once helped him deal with Gay''s issues would now be his biggest headache.


    As expected, Han Sen successfully limited Harden after re-entering the game.


    Han Sen''s size was bigger than Harden''s, his speed matched well, and he had ample defensive experience. Harden struggled to organize the offense effectively.


    Watching the game unfold, Hollins felt even more frustrated.


    Just then, Joerger sat down beside him.


    "Lionel, Han doesn''t have anything against you," Joerger started, always the peacemaker.


    Hollins turned towards him, puzzled.


    "Do you remember that game in Cleveland when Zach lost his temper?"


    Hollins stayed silent, still unclear about what had happened back then.


    "One day, I was chatting with Chris Wallace, and he mentioned that shortly after the Cleveland game, Han approached him, asking a lot about Zach. Then, in the following game against the Lakers, Zach had his season-high performance. I believe Han and Zach must have had a conversation."


    Joerger was much more adept at handling interpersonal relationships than Hollins.


    Hollins seemed to be lost in thought. He knew about Han Sen and Gay''s earlier conflict, but Han Sen and Randolph had none.


    Just then, Joerger, watching Han Sen intercept Harden and sprint towards the other end of the court, remarked, "I think he was serious about what he said when he first got here."


    "Serious about what?" Hollins asked, unable to recall.


    "He wants to bring a championship to this city. He wants to win."


    Han Sen finished with a powerful double-clutch slam and celebrated with his signature number 77 gesture.


    ¡ªEnd of Chapter¡ª


    ¢Ù: The Thunder reached the Western Conference Finals in the 2010-2011 season, losing 1-4 to the eventual champion Mavericks.

 Chapter 136: Twice Struck Down.

    Chapter 136: Twice Struck Down.After the Grizzlies adjusted their tactics, both teams went back and forth, with the score gap never exceeding 5 points.


    At halftime, the Grizzlies led by a narrow 53-51 margin. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Coming into the second half, the Grizzlies, driven by their home-court advantage and Randolph''s dominance in the paint, pushed the lead to 8 points.


    However, Westbrook and Durant quickly led a counterattack, seizing the lead.


    In a crucial moment, Han Sen stepped up, hitting two consecutive mid-range shots to stabilize the team, and the game returned to a deadlock.


    The fans at the arena were watching with bated breath.


    "Is this really just the first round? This feels like a Western Conference Finals!"


    But it was Barkley''s remark that best captured the moment:


    "This is the Wild West!"


    Last year, the eighth seed in the West had 50 wins, and though the Nuggets and Jazz have weakened after losing their stars this season, this series featured the fourth and fifth seeds in the West.


    In theory, both of these teams had the strength to reach the conference finals, but the playoff format forced them to clash in the first round.


    With just a minute left in regulation, the score was tied at 91-91, resetting the game.


    The Thunder had just used their last timeout and the players returned to the court.


    Every player on the court looked intensely hyped.


    In theory, after nearly 48 minutes of such a high-intensity game, the extended minutes should have drained their energy.


    But clearly, both sides were running on adrenaline, enjoying this fierce, evenly matched battle.


    Durant was on the weak side, exhausted after being guarded by Allen and Battier all night.


    Harden had the ball on the strong side, seemingly preparing to run a pick-and-roll with Ibaka, but Westbrook suddenly cut inside like lightning.


    Conley couldn''t keep up with his speed.


    Harden immediately delivered a bounce pass, and Westbrook drove in with a floater over Marc Gasol.


    Gasol couldn''t match Westbrook''s speed and hit his wrist.


    The ref''s whistle blew, and the ball banked off the backboard into the net.


    It was an and-one!


    Westbrook roared to the sideline after seeing the ball drop.


    The crowd went wild.


    His passion sometimes got the best of him, but at moments like this, it was an endless source of energy.


    However, his free throw was a bit stiff, bouncing off the back rim and into Marc Gasol''s hands.


    The Grizzlies called a timeout.


    The fans anxiously stared at the clock.


    There were only 40 seconds left, and this next possession for the Grizzlies was crucial.


    Coach Hollins drew up a play for Han Sen on the whiteboard.


    Despite Coach Joerger''s earlier words easing his mind, Hollins was still unhappy with Han Sen''s challenge to his authority.


    But grudges aside, winning was just as important to him.


    Coming back from the timeout, the game resumed.


    "Whoop that trick!"


    The Grizzlies'' rallying cry echoed through the arena.


    Han Sen received the ball on the perimeter, and Conley signaled for the floor to spread.


    Westbrook was now guarding Han Sen.


    It wasn''t the ideal matchup for the Thunder, but it was the best option.


    The Thunder had no more timeouts in regulation, so without a dead ball, they couldn''t make substitutions. Keeping Harden on the floor was more valuable than putting in Thabo Sefolosha.


    "I won''t fall for it again!" Westbrook kept trash-talking Han Sen.


    It was clear he was still hung up on the foul Han Sen drew from him earlier.


    Han Sen ignored him and studied the Thunder''s defensive positioning.


    As his scoring ability improved, his main weaknesses became more apparent: ball handling and passing.


    Even though he''d been training those aspects, and Grover had worked on lowering his dribbling stance, his ceiling was limited by his physical gifts.


    Especially passing. He could move the ball, but the accuracy was lacking, leading to potential turnovers.


    So if double-teamed, his only option was to force a tough shot, which hurt his efficiency.


    Fortunately, Hollins had subbed in Battier at small forward, making the Thunder hesitant to double-team him.


    "Oh, really?"


    After throwing that rhetorical question back at Westbrook, Han Sen quickly drove past him.


    Westbrook was momentarily stunned, but he was fast enough to recover and regain his defensive position.


    But right then, Han Sen abruptly stopped and pulled up for a mid-range jumper.


    Or rather, upon seeing the Thunder''s defensive alignment, he had already made this choice.


    Westbrook paid for his momentary lapse; his jump was noticeably late, and with a height disadvantage, all he could do was desperately raise his arms.


    But that height wasn''t enough for Han Sen.


    He calmly released his shot in mid-air.


    The ball spun towards the basket under the flash of the cameras.


    "Swish!"


    It dropped cleanly.


    "That was a cheap shot!" Westbrook grumbled in frustration.


    "You should''ve made that free throw," Han Sen replied coolly before retreating to the half-court.


    Westbrook felt a pang in his chest.


    What a way to deliver the most hurtful words in the calmest tone.


    If he had made that free throw, the Grizzlies would''ve been forced to play for a three-pointer, which is much easier to defend.


    With 23 seconds left, Harden dribbled up and ran down the clock.


    The Thunder had a chance to win the game in regulation with the shot clock now under 24 seconds.


    With about 10 seconds remaining, Harden got the ball to Durant.


    In crunch time, Durant was the only man for this shot.


    Battier instinctively took half a step back, knowing he had slower footwork.


    But Durant, seeing this, opted for a surprise pull-up three!


    This caught everyone off guard, even Thunder coach Scott Brooks, who had planned for Durant to drive for a mid-range shot.


    After all, Durant''s three-point shooting had been cold, going 0-for-4 so far.


    Driving would not only give him a higher-percentage shot but also kill more clock, leaving little time for the Grizzlies to respond.


    Durant''s decision, if it missed, would hand the Grizzlies a chance to win.


    But the fans'' hearts collectively sank.


    Superstars like Durant and Kobe don''t need rhythm; they only need one shot.


    Swish!


    The fear became reality as Durant''s three-pointer went in.


    With just 7 seconds left, Durant put the Thunder up 96-93!


    Durant pounded his chest and roared in triumph.


    The home fans looked on in despair.


    The Grizzlies had no timeouts left, and advancing the ball from the backcourt to hit a game-tying three seemed almost impossible.


    Battier inbounded to Conley, who sped down the court. Seeing Han Sen calling for the ball, he passed it to him immediately.


    Westbrook nearly got the steal, but Han Sen reacted quickly to regain control.


    With 4 seconds remaining, Han Sen was a meter outside the three-point line.


    He took a step forward.


    Westbrook recovered and got in front of him. Han Sen jumped; he had no other choice.


    Westbrook jumped at the same time, raising his hands without fouling.


    It looked like a vertical duel, but Han Sen, with the height advantage, managed to shoot over him.


    It wasn''t a drawn-up play, just a contested shot.


    But Han Sen had taken enough last-second shots with the Cavaliers last season to stay composed.


    The ball reached its peak as the backboard''s red lights came on.


    Every fan held their breath.


    Was this the Grizzlies'' defeat, or would they force overtime?


    The ball''s arc looked perfect.


    It seemed destined to go in!


    Swish!


    "He does it again!"


    As the net swished and Barkley''s excited shout rang out, Han Sen''s clutch three-pointer tied the game!


    The game was headed to overtime!


    The Thunder players were stunned¡ªhow did that go in?


    The Grizzlies'' bench erupted in celebration¡ªhow did that go in?


    The Grizzlies on the court swarmed Han Sen, screaming in excitement.


    No timeouts left, no drawn-up play¡ªwhat a miraculous shot!


    Han Sen stayed calm, giving high-fives to his teammates before heading to the bench.


    This wasn''t the end; there was still overtime to play.


    On the bench, Hollins went over strategies while fatigue began creeping into Han Sen''s body.


    He wasn''t the only one; his teammates felt it too.


    It was like running a marathon¡ªwhile you''re running, you don''t feel the exhaustion, but the moment you stop, every cell in your body screams for rest.


    Especially in a game like this, with intensity beyond a typical match.


    Overtime began, and Marc Gasol won the jump ball for the Grizzlies.


    Han Sen''s first shot in overtime rimmed out.


    He could feel his shooting touch slipping with the fatigue.


    But at least he wasn''t alone.


    Durant also missed his shot against Tony Allen.


    The first three minutes of overtime felt like an homage to Kobe, with both teams missing shot after shot.


    It wasn''t until the third minute that Randolph finally broke the scoring drought with a strong post move against Perkins.


    It was like a breath of fresh air, as both sides started regaining their shooting touch.


    Randolph''s clutch post play gave the Grizzlies a 102-100 lead with 50 seconds left.


    Durant''s isolation shot against Allen missed the mark.


    His legs looked heavy, and his shooting touch was fading.


    Randolph secured the crucial rebound, and the Grizzlies called a timeout.


    With just 30 seconds left on the clock, the Grizzlies were on the brink of victory. All they needed was one steady possession to seal the game.


    Coming out of the timeout, it was the same plan¡ªget the ball to Han Sen. Conley dribbled at the top, bleeding the clock down. With about 10 seconds left, he made his move.


    He passed it to Han Sen, but out of nowhere, like a flash of lightning, Westbrook darted in and snatched the ball!


    Conley chased him down, desperate to stop Westbrook, but instead, he fouled him.


    Westbrook nailed the layup, took the hit, and screamed to the rafters as the ball dropped in.


    He was playing with a fierceness that even overshadowed Durant, and his point total reflected it.


    He made the free throw.


    With only 10 seconds remaining, the Thunder now led 103-102.


    Hollins immediately signaled for the Grizzlies'' final timeout in overtime.


    As both teams moved to their benches, Westbrook turned and shouted at Han Sen, "You''re not more deserving than me!"


    He was talking about the Most Improved Player Award.


    The Thunder had a better record, Westbrook''s stats were more versatile, and he had that Nike contract. In his mind, he was the rightful winner.


    When it came to chasing glory and numbers, LeBron was number one¡ªhe was number two.


    That explained his burning hunger to win this game.


    "My bad," Conley muttered, sinking into the bench with his head in his hands.


    He blamed himself. If only he had delivered the ball to Han Sen securely, Conley was sure Han could have finished the game.


    "It''s alright," Han Sen responded with a reassuring smile.


    "I shouldn''t have fouled. That was just stupid," Conley continued, his voice full of regret.


    If he hadn''t fouled, they might''ve at least forced another tie. His mind had gone blank in the heat of the moment.


    "We''ve got 10 seconds left. We''ve still got the inbound play and a chance," Han Sen said, giving Conley''s head a firm pat.


    During the chase, Han Sen had actually shouted not to foul, but this wasn''t the time to dwell on that.


    Conley nodded, grateful they were only down by one. If it had been a three-point deficit, Han Sen wouldn''t have had the freedom to look for an open shot.


    Coming out of the timeout, Battier replaced Allen.


    The crowd was already on its feet.


    Though the Grizzlies had won Game 1, that was on the road. They hadn''t yet broken their home curse.


    Now it was a frontcourt inbound, a different setup from regulation. Han Sen cut hard off a screen and received the pass.


    The rest of the Grizzlies spread the floor. Sefolosha rushed to help on defense, but Han Sen''s quick fake pass froze him in his tracks.


    The Thunder didn''t want a repeat of Battier''s Game 1 dagger.


    Meanwhile, Marc Gasol shifted out to the three-point line. Unlike Randolph, Gasol wasn''t just a solid screener¡ªhe was mobile too.


    After setting the screen, Gasol immediately rolled to the basket.


    This made it impossible for the Thunder to switch defenders, as a roll by Gasol could end the game just as easily as a three.


    With Durant''s energy visibly fading, the Thunder couldn''t afford a mistake.


    Westbrook sprinted around the screen, scrambling to contest Han Sen.


    But he didn''t expect what happened next¡ªbefore he could close in, Han Sen had already pulled up for a three!


    Down by one, Han Sen chose to go for the win with a three-pointer!


    It was a daring decision, riskier than Durant''s attempt, but it was the best opportunity in front of him.


    Driving for a two would draw heavy defense and might even end in a missed shot or a turnover. Taking the three was the bolder move, but it was there for the taking.


    And like Durant, Han''s stamina was fading fast. If he got a chance to finish the game, he had to take it.


    He released the shot just before Westbrook could contest it.


    The arena held its breath.


    Han Sen''s decision was bold, but it wasn''t reckless. A drive would''ve given him a chance to draw a foul, but this three? It was a pure gamble on his touch.


    But this was the same Han Sen who had drained a miracle three at the end of regulation. Could he do it again?


    The shot had rhythm and confidence.


    The timeout had given Han some recovery, and this time, the defensive pressure was much lower than during his last clutch attempt.


    Underneath the basket, Randolph and a sprinting Gasol were fighting tooth and nail to box out their defenders for a potential rebound.


    But Perkins and Ibaka were holding their ground, exerting every ounce of strength to deny the Grizzlies a second chance.


    The ball sailed through the air, reaching its apex before beginning its descent.


    Boom!


    Barkley couldn''t contain himself.


    Swish!


    The net snapped crisply as the ball dropped through.


    Han Sen''s dagger three¡ªgood!


    After the ball went in, Han turned to Westbrook, who arrived just a second too late, and spread his arms wide:


    "What was that you were saying?"


    The FedExForum exploded.


    The Grizzlies'' bench erupted into chaos. Coach Joerger grabbed the nearest assistant in a bear hug, shouting with all his might.


    In regulation, Han had tied the game with a miracle three, and in overtime, he sank the game-winner.


    Han Sen hadn''t just killed the Thunder once¡ªhe''d killed them twice!

 Chapter 137: The Creed of the Grizzlies.

    Chapter 137: The Creed of the Grizzlies.The game wasn''t over yet.


    Han Sen''s confident three-pointer gave the Grizzlies a crucial lead, but it also left the Thunder with 5.8 seconds¡ªenough time for a potential counter-killer.


    Victory or defeat hinged on this final play.


    Hollins mapped out a defensive strategy, focusing on double-teaming Durant¡ªa tactic he was well-versed in. As the Thunder emerged from their timeout, Brooks subbed in Daequan Cook for Perkins.


    The Thunder''s final lineup: Westbrook, Harden, Cook, Durant, and Ibaka.


    It looked like an extra shooter had been added, but Han Sen noticed something and grabbed Conley before returning to the court. Their frequent communication paid off; they exchanged a few crucial words in seconds.


    Thunder possession. Harden inbounded from the sideline.


    Durant, using an Ibaka screen, cut out¡ªstandard motion.


    But instead of receiving the pass, Durant set a screen for Westbrook, who drove hard to the basket.


    Harden, faking a pass to Durant, quickly redirected the ball toward the hoop.


    It was a clever, unexpected play¡ªprioritizing an inside shot over a high-risk three-pointer.


    Given Westbrook''s form and their two-point deficit, it made sense. A successful drive would force overtime, with Westbrook''s power almost guaranteeing a foul and a shot at the line.


    But the ball never reached Westbrook. Conley intercepted the pass!


    Conley read the play and executed a perfect steal. He instantly saw Han Sen already dashing beyond the three-point line and hurled the ball forward. Han Sen sprinted, not for a fast break, but to evade the Thunder''s last-gasp pursuit.


    The steal happened so quickly that the Thunder players were momentarily stunned. By the time they reacted, it was too late. The best-chasing option, Westbrook, had been on a hard cut and had to brake to turn around.


    As the buzzer sounded, the Grizzlies defeated the Thunder 105-103 in overtime, securing their first home victory in franchise playoff history!


    Han Sen tossed the ball into the air and ran to the scorer''s table. Seeing this, Barkley jumped to his feet in the commentary booth.


    "Here we go, it''s coming¡ªthe Scorer''s Table King!"


    Han Sen leaped onto the table, pointing down at the court, shouting:


    "This is our house!"


    The arena erupted. Unlike his Cleveland days when he said "my," this time he said "our." Tonight wasn''t just his victory¡ªit was a triumph of team basketball.


    The crowd at FedExForum began to chant in unison:


    "Whoop that trick!"


    With the fans'' chants echoing and Han Sen raising his fists triumphantly, it was a victory that belonged to the people of Memphis.


    ---


    Press Conference:


    Han Sen and Conley sat down together at the post-game press conference. Han Sen had scored 35 points, with 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Conley contributed 18 points and 8 assists.


    A reporter broke the silence: "You passed up the final shot in Game 1, but tonight you nailed clutch threes in both regulation and overtime. What changed?"


    Han Sen glanced at the NBC reporter and thought about having them kicked out next time for these dumb questions. As a team leader, given a chance to win the game, who wouldn''t take it?


    "I''m not LeBron, and I''m not Kobe," Han answered, leaning into controversy.


    The room buzzed with murmurs¡ªHan''s response took shots at both.


    Another question: "The Grizzlies started off slow but turned it around. Did the coaching staff make adjustments?"


    Han Sen shot a look that said, "You should ask Hollins." He signaled the clueless reporter to sit down.


    TNT''s reporter chimed in, "We noticed you exchanged words with Conley before the last play. What did you discuss?"


    "Mike made an unbelievable read. He might be the smartest guy on the court," Han said, effortlessly shifting the praise.


    Conley, a bit embarrassed, leaned into the mic. "Actually, Han saw the play coming. I just did what I could."


    Han Sen had suggested Brooks might design a play for Westbrook to cut in, given the substitution of Perkins. Conley agreed, realizing that dropping a key rebounder hinted at creating space inside.


    Han''s compliment wasn''t far off; Conley not only intercepted the pass cleanly but also launched the ball without giving the Thunder a chance to foul.


    "Han said he''d lead us to victory, and you saw what happened," Conley added, prompting the reporters to scramble for their notes.


    "Westbrook scored 40 points tonight. How do you rate his performance?" the next reporter asked.


    Han Sen''s eyes lit up.


    "Man, I see Russell differently," he said with a sly grin. "People think this is KD''s team, but I think Russell is underestimated. He can energize his teammates and lead a franchise."


    The press lapped up Han''s comments, and Khalil capitalized on the momentum, launching a PR blitz.


    ---


    Postgame Headlines:


    "Han Sen Strucks Down the Thunder Twice!"


    "No. 77 Shines, KD in the Shadows!"


    "I''ll Lead You to Victory!"


    "God Wore Number 0, Then Han Sen Beat Him."


    Back at home, Han video-called Swift, who was busy with her new single. As they chatted, the Hater System fed him a steady stream of +1.5 hate points. He checked social media and found plenty of new haters attacking him:


    "You don''t get it! KD''s selflessness is supporting his teammates!"


    "People don''t appreciate KD''s greatness. You''re just obsessed with his mistakes."


    "Han is not on KD''s level. One-on-one, KD would crush him¡ªhe''s just got better teammates."


    Han Sen scrolled through the comments and couldn''t help but chuckle.


    All he did was make a little remark in a press conference, and Durant lost his cool like that? Classic.


    But this kind of reaction was exactly what he was hoping for.


    Although the Grizzlies held a 2-1 lead, the two teams were so evenly matched that any internal drama could tip the scales.


    Two days later, the Grizzlies hosted the Thunder again.


    It was another nail-biter. But in crunch time, the little details became game-changers.


    Durant decided to go one-on-one in the final moments, but after getting hounded by Tony Allen and Shane Battier all night, his efficiency took a hit.


    Han Sen''s attempt to stir things up between Durant and Westbrook wasn''t enough to cause outright drama, but it definitely left a mark.


    Especially with Durant''s tendency to be so *real*, those burner account comments reflected his true feelings, affecting his decision-making when it mattered most.


    On the other side, the Grizzlies kept playing their team-first style of basketball.


    Han Sen wasn''t shooting well, so he stayed on the weak side, drawing attention and creating opportunities for Randolph and Marc Gasol down low.


    In the end, Randolph and Gasol combined for a monster game: 50 points and 31 boards. The Grizzlies took the win, 101-93, going up 3-1 and looking good to advance.


    Earlier that day, the Hawks had edged out the Magic 88-85 to take a 3-1 lead in their series as well. Upsets were brewing in both conferences, and Coach Stan was getting some serious praise.


    The next game would be in Oklahoma City, but before that, the Grizzlies held a routine practice back in Memphis.


    The focus was the same as always: working on low-post sets. The only difference was Rudy Gay doing some light biking on the sidelines.


    Even though he couldn''t play, he needed to stay in shape. And with his recovery going well, he was doing some off-ball drills too.


    Midway through practice, they took a break, and Gay hopped off the bike to walk over to Han Sen.


    "Why are we still drilling this stuff when we never play this way?" Gay grumbled.


    Han Sen was about to respond when they both heard a cough.


    Coach Hollins had been sitting behind them the whole time.


    "Man, you''re really riding a thin line here," Han Sen whispered, giving Gay a light pat on the shoulder. "Maybe just stick to the bike, huh?"


    Two days later, the Thunder, backs against the wall, took Game 5 at home, beating the Grizzlies 111-102.


    Durant only took 17 shots, making 11 and finishing with 26 points. It wasn''t an overly aggressive game from him, but Westbrook and Harden both dropped 20+ points, and even Ibaka chipped in 15.


    Thunder had been playing iso-heavy all series, but in this game, they played team basketball and it worked.


    That result also exposed the nonsense behind Durant''s burner account rant¡ªbecause when it came to depth, the only team that could outmatch these Thunder were the Heat.


    Game 6 shifted back to Memphis. The Grizzlies still held the series lead, but with the Thunder holding home-court advantage, losing at home would push them into a tough Game 7 in OKC.


    Coach Hollins had a choice to make, and he doubled down on his instincts: pound the ball inside.


    Ignoring the players'' reactions, he even tried a Popovich-style full lineup change to send a message.


    It backfired.


    The Grizzlies put up their worst performance of the series, like trying to hammer through a steel wall, and ended up losing 71-99.


    Now, it was Game 7, and the Grizzlies'' spirits had hit rock bottom after such a crushing defeat.


    This was clear the next day on the team''s flight to Oklahoma City. Despite the GM Chris Wallace flying with them, the plane was eerily silent.


    When they landed, Hollins tried to inject urgency by immediately organizing a practice. But he soon noticed Han Sen was absent.


    He was about to blow up when Assistant Coach Joerger quickly intervened, whispering that Han Sen had already reported feeling unwell and had cleared it with him.


    "Why didn''t anyone come to me?" Hollins barked, feeling disrespected.


    "Should I check in with him?" Joerger asked cautiously.


    "Forget it. Let''s just start practice," Hollins snapped, turning his attention back to the court.


    Not long after, Hollins'' phone rang. After a brief call, he handed the reins to Joerger and took a cab back to the hotel.


    It was Wallace on the line, and when Hollins opened the door to his room, he found not just Wallace, but Han Sen too¡ªlooking anything but sick.


    Hollins had seen this coming.


    Before he could lay into Han Sen, Wallace jumped in. "Lionel, I think it''s time you two have an honest conversation."


    Han Sen wasn''t physically sick. He just wasn''t willing to go down like this against the Thunder.


    And he knew Hollins wouldn''t change his approach, so if Shane Battier''s attempts to mediate didn''t work, he had to go for a more direct strategy.


    Hollins was the head coach, but he wasn''t LeBron-level influential, someone who could shape front-office decisions.


    This fact had become painfully obvious after Game 3.


    Reluctantly, Hollins took a seat across from Han Sen, even though it was clear he wasn''t happy about it.


    "Before we start," Wallace said, "let''s keep this civil. I don''t want to see any shouting. That''s pointless."


    Wallace didn''t leave after that, but took a seat in the middle, like a referee in a boxing ring.


    "Sticking to this inside-only strategy isn''t going to beat the Thunder," Han Sen said bluntly. "Game 1 was an outlier. Game 2, Game 3, even Game 6 proved the point."


    "We lost Game 5 too," Hollins shot back. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes, and credit to the Thunder for playing well in Game 5. But it was just one game. Games 3 and 4 proved that only a balanced attack can win."


    "Can you guarantee a win in Game 7?" Hollins retorted.


    "No one can guarantee victory. But I do know that sticking to your plan gives us zero chance."


    "Why do you think you''re in a position to say that? I''ve been in this league for 20 years," Hollins said, growing irritated.


    "Only the weak lean on their resumes," Han Sen replied, fed up with Hollins'' tough-on-players, soft-on-opponents style.


    "Watch your mouth!" Hollins yelled, slamming his hand on the table.


    "No, you watch yours," Han Sen shot back, standing up to face him. "Blowing a 3-1 lead in the first round? If that happens, do you really think you''re keeping your job?"


    "Lionel!" Wallace cut in, shooting Hollins a warning glance.


    Hollins turned bright red but grudgingly sat back down.


    "Han, you need to be respectful," Wallace cautioned. "Lionel is still the head coach."


    Trading for Han Sen had come with a fair warning from Danny Ferry about Han''s strong-willed personality. And now Wallace was seeing it firsthand.


    Hollins stayed silent, knowing Han Sen had hit a nerve. A 52-win season, breaking the Grizzlies'' playoff curse¡ªthose were all feathers in his cap. But blowing a 3-1 lead would erase it all.


    He wasn''t Doc Rivers, with a championship to shield him from the fallout.


    "I''ve never believed we were worse than the Thunder. Even without Rudy, we took a 3-1 lead. Even with Game 7 on the road, I still believe we can win."


    Seeing that Hollins wasn''t responding, Han Sen added a bold suggestion:


    "If you''re afraid of losing Game 7, you can always claim you''re feeling unwell and let Dave coach the game."


    Hollins'' face turned beet red, understanding exactly why Han Sen had skipped practice and what he was implying now.


    He glanced at Wallace, expecting him to shut Han Sen down, but Wallace seemed intrigued by the idea.


    "I''m not sick!" Hollins finally blurted out. "And I''m not going to sit out and watch someone else take credit!"


    If the team won without him, how could he stay in Memphis? Winning isn''t the problem¡ªwinning without him is!


    "Then change the strategy," Han Sen replied with a shrug. "It''s your call."


    Hollins, cornered, begrudgingly agreed. "Fine. We''ll go back to the balanced attack."


    Han Sen gave a satisfied nod, having expected this outcome. Hollins, as tough as he looked, was only tough on the surface.


    After Han Sen left, Hollins lingered to chat with Wallace.


    "Chris, why are you backing a player who won''t follow orders?" Hollins asked, frustrated.


    Han had only been with the team for a season, but he and Lionel had worked together for over three years now¡ªthey were old friends.


    "Lionel, Han just wants to win," Wallace said.


    Lionel furrowed his brow. This was the third person to tell him that¡ªfirst Battier, then Joerger, and now Wallace.


    "He''s actually been cutting you some slack," Wallace continued, realizing just how rough Lionel was at handling relationships.


    "Cutting me slack?" Lionel thought he misheard.


    "By Game 3, he already had the locker room behind him. If he really wanted to go against you, he could''ve turned this into players vs. coach, but he didn''t. Not because he couldn''t, but because he knew it would break the team, and the season would be over."


    In these tight series, even a hint of internal conflict could be fatal. OKC''s Game 4 already proved that.


    Lionel still looked unconvinced. "Why are you so sure he can pull it off?" he asked, unable to let go of the loss in Game 5.


    Wallace chuckled. "You know, I asked him that same question when he came to me."


    Lionel stared, waiting for the answer.


    "He said, ''When two warriors meet on a narrow path, it''s the fearless who rise. Even when the odds seem stacked against you, you draw your sword anyway¡ª because even if you fall you make damn sure your ghost will haunt them every step of their lives.''"


    Wallace turned, half-smiling. "What do you think? Should we put that on the wall of the locker room, like San Antonio''s ''101 Strikes''?"


    But Lionel wasn''t listening. He was frozen, replaying Han''s words in his mind.

 Chapter 138: Fearless.

    Chapter 138: Fearless.Before the intense Game 7 showdown between the Thunder and the Grizzlies, the other first-round series had already concluded:


    Bulls 4-1 Pacers, Heat 4-1 Wizards, Celtics 4-0 Knicks, Spurs 4-2 Hornets, Mavericks 4-1 Nuggets, Lakers 4-2 Blazers.


    The only upset? Hawks 4-2 Magic, just as Stan predicted.


    Now all eyes were on this Game 7, a pivotal battle that could solidify Stan''s reputation off the court.


    For the Grizzlies, this was their most high-profile moment since the franchise''s inception.


    Pundits weighed in on the game''s outcome.


    Besides a few like Stan and Barkley, most believed in the Thunder''s comeback. With home-court advantage, surging momentum, and the stars aligning, the Thunder seemed primed to turn the tables.


    In contrast, the Grizzlies weren''t known for explosive play; losing Game 6 was seen as a death sentence.


    "Who can save Memphis? Maybe only Michael Jordan, but they don''t have a No. 23 on their roster," quipped the famous commentator Stephen A. Smith, venting his frustration after the Knicks'' sweep.


    "I know tonight will be our toughest challenge since the playoffs began."


    In the locker room before the game, Han Sen gathered his teammates for a pregame speech.


    It was his first time doing so. He never had to in Cleveland, where LeBron took charge, or in Memphis, with Battier as the locker room leader.


    But tonight, Han knew he had to step up, aware of the uphill battle ahead.


    "Look, I ain''t gonna sugarcoat it¡ªtonight''s gonna be hell. This is the toughest battle we''ve faced all season.


    "But here''s the deal: tough times? They make us stronger."


    "Real strength doesn''t come from easy wins. It comes from clawing our way through the fire, fighting when every damn thing is stacked against us."


    "You want to be a champion? You want to leave your mark? Then you''ve got to take these moments and make them yours."


    "So don''t look at this as a problem¡ªsee it as our shot to show everyone who we are. Get out there and fight like it''s your last damn game. Hit hard, push harder, and let''s send these guys packing."


    Han Sen wasn''t used to giving speeches, but the impact was clear¡ªeveryone nodded or held back their emotions. It was working.


    He scanned the room one last time and shouted the Grizzlies'' rally cry:


    "Now, let''s go out there and wreck ''em!"


    The team echoed him before charging out of the locker room.


    At the Ford Center, the arena was packed, fans buzzing like a summer heatwave.


    A year ago, the Thunder had been eliminated in the first round by the Lakers. But now, they were one step away from their first postseason victory in OKC.


    All they needed was to beat the opponent they demolished in the last game. A win would make them the ninth team in NBA history to come back from a 1-3 deficit.


    As the Grizzlies entered the arena, they were momentarily stunned by the roar of OKC''s fans.


    Han Sen''s words weren''t exaggerated. Without the right mindset, the intimidation could make a player''s legs buckle.


    Han Sen''s eyes roamed the crowd until he found what he was looking for¡ªa fan in a blue Grizzlies #77 jersey stood out against the sea of white.


    Swift had paused her songwriting to be there, cheering for him in OKC.


    He walked over and exchanged a few words with her, the moment captured on the arena''s LED screens, causing a stir in the crowd.


    Durant, who had been warming up, looked up at the commotion and saw the scene.


    His eye twitched involuntarily.


    He wanted Scarlett, but Han Sen was out here flaunting his romance with Swift.


    How maddening!


    After the warm-ups, the game moved to the opening ceremony.


    The crowd let loose with explosive cheers that could rattle even the most composed opponent.


    The starting lineups were announced:


    Grizzlies: Conley, Han Sen, Battier, Randolph, Gasol


    Thunder: Westbrook, Sefolosha, Durant, Ibaka, Perkins


    The Grizzlies had made a lineup adjustment¡ªBattier was starting for the first time since joining the team.


    Durant saw this and felt a surge of excitement. Allen had stifled him earlier, but tonight he could finally play freely.


    Yep, knock the Grizzlies out and send Han Sen home to cry in Swift''s arms!


    The ball was tipped, and Ibaka secured possession for the Thunder.


    Durant took the ball at the high post, ready to back down Battier and attack one-on-one.


    The OKC crowd was already cheering, their energy boundless and infectious.


    Durant turned, knowing Battier''s defense was tough to shoot over, but he believed driving was the way to go.


    A quick crossover to his right, but when he pulled up, Han Sen rotated over.


    Forcing Durant to rush his shot.


    Clang!


    Durant''s timing was off, and the ball bounced off the rim.


    Gasol grabbed the defensive rebound.


    The Thunder''s transition defense was quick, but the Grizzlies didn''t rush their offense.


    Randolph established position in the post.


    It looked like the Grizzlies were running their usual sets, but subtle changes were noticeable.


    Randolph angled his body towards the free-throw line, allowing for better court vision.


    The Thunder collapsed to help, and Randolph quickly passed to Han Sen, who had used a screen from Gasol to move to the free-throw line.


    But the Thunder''s energy was high, and Durant immediately closed out on Han Sen.


    Without hesitation, Han Sen faked the shot, drove past Durant, and attacked the paint.


    Ibaka was back in position, but Han Sen didn''t seem to be aiming for a layup.


    With a sudden burst, Han Sen launched himself into the air.


    Boom!


    Before Ibaka could recover, Han Sen threw down a powerful one-handed slam.


    The crowd was stunned, and the Grizzlies'' bench erupted in celebration, towels waving wildly.


    "OKC! OKC!"


    But the fans had endless energy, and they resumed their loud chants for the Thunder.


    Durant called for the ball again and decided to post up Battier, turning for a fadeaway jumper.


    This shot would avoid Han Sen''s double team, but Battier''s hand was in his face.


    Swish!


    Durant displayed his elite shooting touch, unaffected by Battier''s contest.


    The Grizzlies went back to their offense, once again feeding Randolph in the post as Han Sen moved off the ball.


    Han Sen wasn''t fixated on holding the ball. He sought the most efficient way to play.


    Now, with his passing still developing, his movement without the ball was his best bet. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Thunder had learned to watch for him at the free-throw line, so Han Sen faked a cut and reversed to the weak-side corner.


    Randolph passed to Gasol at the high post, who then dished it to Han Sen.


    Han caught the ball in space, but Ibaka lunged at him.


    Instead of forcing a contested shot, Han Sen faked and drove right.


    Perkins had rotated to the paint.


    The Thunder''s defense was in full gear tonight.


    Seeing this, Han Sen stopped for a mid-range jumper.


    Thanks to [Iron Body], this taxing move barely affected him.


    Swish!


    Han Sen started the game with 4 points.


    Pretty words are easy to say. Even LeBron said plenty back in Cleveland. The key is following words with action.


    From defense to offense, Han Sen backed up his words.


    It was like two armies meeting on the battlefield, with the general charging first. Victory wasn''t guaranteed, but the troops were inspired.


    Westbrook''s drive to the basket was blocked by Gasol.


    On the next possession, Randolph''s shot was denied by Perkins, and his second-chance attempt was blocked by Ibaka. Perkins secured the defensive rebound.


    The scramble for the ball sent Randolph and Ibaka crashing to the floor.


    Both teams were bringing the intensity expected in a Game 7.


    At this level of play, every point was crucial.


    The Thunder went back to Durant.


    This time, he faced up and drove away from Han Sen''s help, pulling up for a jumper over Conley and Battier.


    Swish!


    Durant scored again!


    The Ford Center erupted.


    Durant was the face of the Thunder, the heart of Oklahoma City.


    As possession changed, Brooks frantically waved his hands on the sidelines, showing his knack for adjustments.


    Perkins started fronting Randolph in defense.


    Conley tried to lob a pass down low, but Westbrook was bouncing in front of him like a Ninja Turtle.


    Playing at home, the Thunder turned up their defensive energy, eating up over half of the Grizzlies'' shot clock, leaving their plays stifled.


    Han Sen moved up to receive the ball, with Thunder defenders trying to disrupt him. By the time he finally got the ball, only 8 seconds were left on the clock.


    In these tight situations, Han Sen remained calm¡ªhe''d seen it all during his early days with the Cavaliers.


    He called for a pick from Gasol, used the screen, then kept a low dribble as he bypassed Ibaka and accelerated toward the basket, leaping up in the paint.


    Perkins couldn''t get back in time, but Westbrook had somehow slipped into the paint, jumping high to meet Han Sen.


    G3 was over a week ago, and what fans mostly remembered was Han''s clutch three-pointer in double OT.


    Few realized that both threes were shot right over Westbrook!


    Most people would take months to recover from that humiliation, but Westbrook was here, ready to reclaim his pride.


    Han was a bit surprised to see him, but his move never faltered.


    The two collided in midair, and then¡ª


    Boom!


    He slammed the ball in, posterizing Westbrook with a one-handed dunk!


    Before facing Miami in March, he had nearly maxed out his [Classical Master] talent and then spent his training focusing on perfecting [All Dunk Pack Except Tomahawk].


    Although he hadn''t reached mastery, he was close enough.


    After the collision, Westbrook, thrown off balance, crashed into the photographers. Han held onto the rim briefly before letting go, barely regaining his footing after landing.


    One standing, one sprawled¡ªthere was no doubt about the result of their duel.


    The crowd went wild.


    Did Han Sen really just dunk on the notoriously athletic Westbrook like that?


    The Grizzlies bench went even wilder.


    Players waved towels in the air, and Jordan Crawford jumped up, holding his head, in disbelief.


    This dunk was even more electrifying than his famous one over LeBron in the regular season.


    The front-row reaction from Swift was also priceless; her mouth dropped open in shock.


    Could it be that Han''s explosiveness had improved again?


    With momentum building for the Grizzlies, Westbrook''s next drive was denied, with Randolph grabbing the board.


    Han Sen glanced at the scoreboard as he ran upcourt.


    6-4.


    The Grizzlies had held up in this opening stretch.


    It mattered, because with OKC at home in G7, letting them go on an early run would make a comeback tough.


    That''s why he attacked the rim hard right from the start¡ªit burned energy, but the Grizzlies needed to match the Thunder''s intensity.


    So far, it was working.


    But this was still OKC''s home court, and tonight was anything but typical.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The Thunder fans erupted, a wall of sound pressing down on the Grizzlies.


    The Thunder''s early edge had briefly waned, but the fans'' cheers lifted them again.


    Randolph struggled to shake off Perkins and get open.


    Frustrated, he elbowed Perkins, and the ref called an offensive foul.


    The arena exploded in cheers.


    Han quickly pulled Randolph aside, saying just one thing: "Set a screen, and I''ll get him for you!"


    Durant then drew a foul on Gasol with a drive and hit both free throws, tying the score again.


    The LED scoreboard displayed the player stats: Han with 6 points, Durant with 6 points.


    No one expected G7 to start like this.


    But Han Sen and Durant knew¡ªit was like a continuation of their summer one-on-ones.


    G7. One game to decide it all.


    As Conley brought the ball up, he signaled for a play and then passed to Han Sen.


    Randolph moved to the top for a screen, letting Han switch onto Perkins, whose lateral movement wasn''t as strong as Ibaka''s.


    But the Thunder were sharp tonight, and Ibaka and Perkins had already communicated, completing the switch.


    Still, it left Han a slight opening.


    After a quick dribble, Han stopped for a mid-range jumper.


    Ibaka, fired up, lunged forward, leaping nearly in unison with him.


    The crowd buzzed with excitement. This was Ibaka, one of the league''s elite shot-blockers, who even LeBron tried to avoid.


    But Han wasn''t fazed. He raised his arm swiftly, releasing the shot at its peak.


    The ball barely cleared Ibaka''s fingertips.


    Clap!


    Ibaka''s attempted block struck Han''s hand.


    The sideline ref''s whistle immediately sounded.


    As he watched the spinning ball, a smirk crept onto his face.


    Swish!


    The ball sank cleanly through the net.


    Ibaka, after landing and seeing the ball go in, held his head in frustration.


    The Ford Center was buzzing with energy.


    Dunking over Westbrook, swishing a jumper over Ibaka¡ªHan Sen''s performance tonight was unreal.


    He wasn''t just trying to win¡ªhe was sending a message.


    Off the court, Hollins watched in awe. Han''s play brought to mind one phrase:


    "When warriors clash, the fearless prevail!"


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 139: Facing Destiny.

    Chapter 139: Facing Destiny.During the first quarter, Han Sen and Durant went head-to-head, with Durant scoring 15 and Han Sen right behind him with 14.


    It was a spectacle of both players showcasing their scoring prowess, leaving the Oklahoma City crowd in awe.


    Durant, having secured the scoring title once again this season, had cemented his place among the top five players in the league.


    But for Han Sen to keep pace like this? It was unexpected.


    When Han Sen got subbed out for a break, he sat on the bench, catching his breath.


    The intensity of tonight''s game was the highest of the series. With Randolph restricted from getting the ball, Han Sen had to take on more offensive responsibility, increasing his fatigue.


    In just those two minutes while Han Sen rested, the game shifted.


    Memphis'' bench wasn''t particularly strong, while OKC had Harden, who consistently bridged the gap with his offensive spark.


    By the end of the first quarter, OKC led 30-24.


    In a 48-minute game, every moment counts.


    This is also why Miami fell short of expectations this season¡ªtheir big three struggled to create advantages from the start, leading to frequent deficits.


    The only solution? Extend the minutes of the big three.


    After a short two-minute rest, Han Sen was back in at the start of the second quarter alongside Marc Gasol.


    Gasol had been performing well this series, particularly since Haddadi and Crawford weren''t much help at this level of competition.


    Right off the bat, Han Sen drove to the basket on a feed from Gasol. Harden didn''t force it on the next play, instead opting to facilitate.


    Westbrook''s attempt to drive was blocked by Gasol. Although overshadowed by Randolph, Gasol''s role on the team was also indispensable.


    Back on offense, Han Sen returned the favor with an assist to Gasol, keeping the Grizzlies steady.


    When the starters came back in, the game was tied again.


    Randolph got into a rhythm down low, scoring consistently, and Westbrook responded with a steal and a ferocious dunk, igniting the home crowd.


    By halftime, the score was tied at 58.


    The intensity felt more like an NBA Finals game than a Conference Finals one.


    Han Sen scored 22 points in the first half¡ªa career playoff high¡ªbut at the cost of significant energy expenditure.


    During the halftime break, he was completely drained.


    When the second half began, Han Sen and Durant both shifted their strategies to play more as decoys, aware that high-intensity isolation plays would only lead to exhaustion down the stretch.


    The third quarter became a battle between Randolph and Westbrook. Randolph had the upper hand, but when Brooks put Harden back in, the momentum shifted again.


    The camera panned to Rudy Gay, suited up on the sidelines. His absence was felt even more in this tightly contested game.


    By the end of the third, OKC was up 82-75.


    After another brief two-minute rest, Han Sen was back on the floor to start the fourth quarter.


    The Grizzlies began closing the gap, but it came at the cost of Han Sen''s energy. He couldn''t afford to sit this quarter out.


    With seven minutes left, the game was tied at 86.


    A well-rested Durant returned and immediately drained a contested three and drew a foul on a drive, putting OKC up 93-88 with five minutes remaining.


    Han Sen was drenched in sweat, and Coach Hollins called a long timeout on Joerger''s advice.


    Han Sen, sitting on the bench, wiped his face with a towel and took a swig of water offered by Haddadi.


    After a deep breath, he glanced up at the scoreboard. He had prepared himself mentally for the intensity of this game better than anyone else on the team.


    Yet, no amount of preparation could fully brace him for this harsh reality.


    OKC was the mountain standing in front of him, and Durant was the more gifted opponent. With Gay out and Hollins being stubborn, this felt like destiny.


    Nobody would blame him. He had already done all he could. Who would criticize a second-year player for holding his own against a top-five player in the league?


    Han Sen''s eyes gradually hardened. "There''s no such thing as a noble defeat," he thought.


    In sports, victory is the only glory.


    If this is his destiny, he would face it head-on.


    He handed the water bottle back to Haddadi and stood up. Despite the timeout not fully restoring his energy, his fighting spirit was unshaken.


    The game resumed, entering its final, decisive phase.


    Han Sen received the ball, shook off Harden, and pulled up for a mid-range shot over Ibaka.


    Ibaka had been beaten by Han Sen before, so this time he opted to just contest the shot visually.


    Swish!


    Han Sen nailed it over the contest, and the crowd stirred. After just one timeout, he was back!


    However, Durant answered with a turnaround jumper over Tony Allen¡ªdemonstrating why he was a top-five player.


    Even Allen couldn''t stop him when he was fully rested.


    "Defense! Defense!" chanted the OKC fans, their energy swelling like a tidal wave. Han Sen''s gaze remained unwavering.


    "A sand dune is what crumbles easily, not a mountain," he thought.


    Brooks directed the Thunder to start denying Han Sen the ball.


    Conley couldn''t find an opening to pass, so he dumped it down to Randolph, who struggled against the double team and missed under Ibaka''s flying contest.


    As Ibaka turned to grab the rebound, Han Sen soared in from the weak side for a thunderous putback slam. The crowd was stunned.


    The camera zoomed in on Han Sen, who stumbled slightly upon landing, clearly showing signs of fatigue.


    But in the next moment, he performed his signature celebration, shaking his jersey No. 77.


    It sent chills down everyone''s spine. This version of Han Sen was terrifying¡ªa presence beyond just skill.


    The Grizzlies felt it too. On the next defensive possession, Durant spun towards the basket, but Gasol''s help defense blocked his path, and Allen timed his steal perfectly.


    Memphis pushed the pace, with Han Sen and Conley leading a fast break.


    With Westbrook draped over him, Han Sen dished it to Conley, who finished with a two-handed slam. The crowd was speechless; since when did Conley dunk like this?


    Clearly, Han Sen''s aura was lifting everyone.


    Memphis was trailing 94-95, but momentum had swung in their favor.


    Westbrook tried to drive to regain control but fumbled the ball under Gasol''s pressure. The arena was buzzing with anticipation. Memphis had a chance to take the lead.


    But this was OKC''s home court. The fans rallied again, roaring in unison.


    Han Sen was still being denied the ball, and Randolph was pushed out of the paint by Perkins.


    Conley and Gasol executed a pick-and-roll, but Westbrook''s quick help defense forced Gasol to hold the ball high.


    He saw Han Sen slipping free from Harden and cut to the basket. Gasol threaded the pass, and Han Sen took off.


    Ibaka didn''t jump, instead opting to close in with his arms raised.


    Han Sen''s counter? A difficult, floating shot like Antawn Jamison''s signature move.


    Ibaka turned mid-air to contest, but Han Sen''s drifting release kept the ball just out of reach. The ball sailed in a gentle arc...


    Swish!


    Memphis had taken the lead 96-95.


    Han Sen fell to the floor after the shot. The crowd was in awe; he seemed capable of anything.


    Swift, in the stands, covered her mouth with her hand in disbelief. What makes a man most attractive? Achieving the impossible.


    In this moment, Han Sen was like her on stage, radiating brilliance.


    Randolph and Conley quickly helped Han Sen to his feet.


    Randolph laughed and ruffled his hair. Han Sen once called me ''The Big Diesel,'' but right now, he''s more like Kobe.


    With the lead now in their favor, the pressure was on OKC.


    Durant came off a screen, faked his defender, and drained a step-back jumper, retaking the lead for OKC.


    As Durant roared toward Han Sen, he seemed to be saying, "You couldn''t beat me in practice, and you won''t beat me now!"


    Randolph drew a foul and nailed both free throws, putting Memphis up 98-97 with two and a half minutes left.


    "This is the most exciting playoff game of the year!" Barkley exclaimed. As if on cue, the camera zoomed in to show Han Sen switching onto Durant.


    They had been dueling all night, but now they were directly facing off.


    Han Sen couldn''t help but jab, "I''ve got a spare fishing rod at home."


    Durant looked puzzled.


    "I could lend it to you this summer for fishing."


    Durant''s expression turned to rage.


    He aggressively posted up Han Sen, spinning and yelling, "You can''t guard me!"


    He drove right, but as soon as the ball hit the floor, Han Sen swiped at it. Though he couldn''t steal it, the deflection disrupted Durant''s rhythm.


    Durant recovered but was forced into a tough turnaround fadeaway under Han Sen''s tight defense. The shot clanked off the rim.


    Han Sen couldn''t guard Durant during summer workouts, but he was a fast learner.


    Training with Allen had taught him that disrupting Durant''s rhythm was more effective than just contesting his shot.


    Memphis transitioned quickly with Han Sen leading the charge. He caught a long outlet pass from Gasol and sprinted full court.


    Seeing Westbrook closing in, he slowed and took three long steps to finish with a soft layup.


    100-97!


    With two minutes left in the game, the Grizzlies led the Thunder by three points. OKC called a timeout. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Kevin, don''t listen to what that guy''s saying. He''s just trying to mess with your rhythm!" Brooks shouted into Durant''s ear during the break.


    Brooks knew exactly what kind of player Han Sen was, ever since his days with the Cavaliers.


    And Brooks'' words hit home. For the young Thunder squad, having a coach like Brooks was more like having a guardian, in the best sense of the word.


    After the timeout, Durant caught the ball beyond the arc and fired without hesitation, the shot hitting its mark.


    This gave Durant 42 points for the night, setting a new career-high for him in the playoffs.


    The Ford Center erupted.


    100-100! The two teams were back to square one.


    On the next possession, Han Sen''s shot missed, and Randolph''s put-back attempt was disrupted, with Perkins securing a critical rebound.


    "OKC! OKC!"


    The crowd burst into deafening chants of support.


    Durant faced off with Han Sen at the other end, and this time, he initiated the trash talk. "Your trash talk doesn''t work on me anymore, so save your breath."


    Han Sen, slightly taken aback, still grinned and replied, "Taylor knows a lot of celebrities. If you ever need it, I could have her get you some of Scarlett''s bathwater."

 Chapter 140: They’ve Got 77.

    Chapter 140: They¡¯ve Got 77."F***!" Durant cursed loudly.


    How could there be someone so infuriating as Han Sen in this world? Even more annoying than those haters he faced on social media!


    Brooks'' earlier reminder was completely tossed aside; right now, all Durant wanted was to tear Han apart.


    Just like he''d done countless times last summer.


    That last play was just an accident, and he refused to believe he couldn''t handle Han Sen.


    He signaled for the ball, then waved for isolation.


    Brooks could only watch in resignation. Still, it was Kevin Durant, after all, and there wasn''t much else he could do but trust in his superstar.


    This time, Durant was more cautious with his offense¡ªsmart, but not reckless.


    He tried to draw Han into a steal with his dribble, hoping to create an opening, but Han didn''t bite.


    Maybe their battles last summer taught Han how to read whether Durant was actually attacking or just faking.


    Failing to fool Han, Durant made a quick move to his left. Han followed, both racing toward the free-throw line.


    Durant stopped on a dime and pulled up for a jumper. But because he was wary of Han''s quick hands, his motion was a bit slower.


    As he jumped, he realized Han had already beaten him off the ground!


    Durant wasn''t Kobe; he didn''t have that mid-air body control to adjust his shot. He could only lean back and release early.


    But he underestimated Han''s bounce.


    Or more accurately, he was judging him based on last summer. This was a different Han now¡ªa Han with the talent for dunking.


    Smack!


    To everyone''s shock, Han blocked Durant head-on!


    Durant¡ªKevin Durant¡ªgot blocked!


    Sure, there was a bit of anticipation involved, but Han''s athleticism was on full display. Not only did he block it, but Han also controlled the ball in the air.


    Upon landing, he crossed over Durant with a swift move. Durant chased hard, but Han, carrying the ball, was faster.


    They raced down the court, one after the other.


    Han, with every ounce of strength left, soared up and delivered a two-handed, reverse dunk, slamming the ball through the hoop.


    Durant''s desperate block attempt only skimmed over Han''s head.


    The entire Ford Center erupted into chaos.


    That play was a major momentum killer.


    Han felt drained when he landed, his legs weak and his body empty.


    Yet his spirit had never been more exhilarated. At that moment, as he dunked, it felt like he''d overcome a towering peak.


    That mountain still loomed large, but it was now behind him.


    102-100. The Grizzlies had a crucial 2-point lead with a minute left on the clock.


    The arena fell into a tense silence.


    It was Game 7, down to the wire, and the Thunder had held the lead for most of the game before being overtaken. Fans could barely breathe.


    "OKC! OKC!"


    The crowd''s chants persisted, but this time, you could hear a tremor in their voices.


    Han had achieved his goal¡ªhe''d put fear into the hearts of Oklahoma City''s fans.


    Durant demanded the ball in the post again, refusing to back down.


    But this time, Han opted to front him.


    Despite the brilliance of his previous defensive play, it wasn''t realistic to expect he''d stop Durant every time.


    The best move now was to deny him the ball altogether.


    Durant tried to spin around, but Han wouldn''t let him. The off-ball battle was intense.


    Finally, the ref blew the whistle¡ªHan got called for a foul.


    In reality, both players were doing the same thing, but this was the Thunder''s home court, and Durant was the star.


    The fans collectively exhaled in relief.


    Hollins argued heatedly with the ref, but the call stood.


    "Oh, so you''re just like LeBron¡ªneeding the refs to survive in this league," Han mocked, throwing Durant a contemptuous glance.


    "Shut up!" Durant shot back angrily. "Don''t compare me to that guy!"


    For the players, LeBron''s Decision had done more damage among them than with fans. But with Nike backing him, most players were silent, just like those who''d been on the Cavs.


    Durant, however, was a rare exception.


    "Then prove it and miss the free throw!" Han taunted, his face full of disdain.


    If Han wasn''t someone from the future, he might''ve actually believed Durant was more righteous than LeBron.


    Durant grunted.


    Of course, he wasn''t going to miss intentionally; only an idiot would fall for that kind of trash talk.


    Yet he missed his first free throw.


    Han had successfully messed with his head.


    Durant shook his head and shoulders vigorously before sinking the second shot.


    40 seconds left, Grizzlies still up by 1.


    The arena exploded again with deafening defense chants.


    If the Thunder could just get this stop, the win would still be within their grasp.


    Conley calmly crossed half-court, waiting out the clock¡ªa familiar sight from Game 3. But this time, with 10 seconds left, he handed the ball off to Han.


    Durant was guarding him.


    Despite being a league superstar, Durant was only in his fourth NBA season. He was still young and full of fire.


    Han had stopped him, and Durant wanted to return the favor.


    On the court, there were ten players.


    In the stands, twenty thousand fans.


    But in this moment, it was as if everyone else disappeared, leaving just these two.


    They were back on that Memphis training court last summer.


    Just the two of them¡ªone play to decide it all.


    Han held the ball in one hand, faked three times, then drove to his right.


    Durant''s footwork wasn''t as quick, but his focus kept him in front of Han.


    Han couldn''t drive to the rim.


    But he didn''t need to. After two steps, he stopped and pulled up for a mid-range jumper.


    Mid-range was his strongest weapon now, and more importantly, he was out of energy to attack the basket.


    Durant halted himself as well, jumping nearly at the same moment as Han.


    It was almost a mirror of Han''s earlier block on Durant, but with Durant''s longer wingspan adding to his defensive pressure.


    Han saw Durant''s determined expression¡ªDurant''s raw talent made even a quick release unlikely to get past him. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The crowd''s cheers erupted; Durant had stopped Han!


    But those cheers turned into gasps.


    They saw Kobe¡ªno, they saw Han¡ªadjust in mid-air, evading Durant''s outstretched arm with an incredible, acrobatic shot!


    Thanks to his newly enhanced core strength, even Swift was intimidated by it. And core strength was the key to executing such high-difficulty moves.


    From there, all that was left was Han''s delicate touch.


    The ball sailed past Durant.


    Eyes wide, Durant turned to see the ball arc through the air.


    Swish!


    The clean sound of the net snapping was like the hammer of a judge.


    Destiny? Just another stepping stone on the path to legend.


    104-101!


    20 seconds left, and the Grizzlies now had a 3-point lead.


    Brooks called a timeout.


    "Oh my God!" Barkley was losing it.


    It wasn''t just Han''s impossible shot¡ªit was the string of plays in the clutch.


    Or maybe, it was his entire fourth quarter. Han had played the whole period without a break!


    The LED screen flashed Han''s stats for the night: 14-for-27 shooting, 3-for-9 from three, 11-of-12 free throws, 42 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 turnovers, 3 steals, 1 block, and 4 fouls¡ªa new career-high for playoff scoring.


    This performance was on par with Durant''s.


    Barkley recalled what Stephen A. Smith had said and couldn''t help laughing out loud:


    "Memphis doesn''t have #23, but they''ve got #77!"


    "Achoo!"


    Han sneezed on the bench, interrupting Hollins'' strategy discussion.


    Han signaled for him to continue.


    Hollins'' defensive tactics were on point¡ªhe emphasized limiting Durant''s touches.


    Compared to the Grizzlies'' final possession, this was easier to defend, as OKC''s only reliable shooter from beyond the arc was Durant.


    Sefolosha had been decent this series, but he wasn''t Shane Battier, the kind of player who could nail a clutch three.


    As for Westbrook, trusting him is about as reliable as believing I''m the first Emperor of China.


    In Game 1, when the Grizzlies were up by 5 points and almost had the game in the bag, this was exactly why.


    Coming out of the timeout, the Thunder ran a clear play for Durant. Down by 3, Brooks didn''t have much room for creativity.


    The Grizzlies'' defense made it tough for Durant to receive the ball.


    With a 5-second inbound limit approaching, Westbrook had to pass to Ibaka and then move to get the ball back himself.


    20 seconds was plenty of time¡ªif Durant didn''t get the ball the first time, they could try again.


    But then, an irritating voice rang out on the court:


    "Leave him open! He''s got no three-point range!"


    Han had pulled a low-level move.


    Just like earlier, when he pressured Durant at the line.


    Conley nodded and left Westbrook a full meter of space.


    At that moment, Westbrook''s inner turmoil mirrored Durant''s earlier.


    But unlike Durant, who had self-control, he was all fire and adrenaline.


    When he saw Durant still couldn''t break free, Westbrook turned and took the shot!


    "Don''t shoot! Russell, don''t shoot!" Brooks yelled out, but it was too late.


    The ball soared straight toward the hoop.


    Clang!


    It hit the front rim and bounced out!


    Randolph secured the defensive rebound.


    Ibaka had no choice but to foul Randolph on the spot, sending him to the free-throw line.


    There were only 9 seconds left in the game.


    Brooks'' face showed a hint of despair.


    The light in Durant''s eyes had completely faded.


    Still, he walked over to Westbrook and pulled his head into his chest to console him.


    Despite the high expectations from the outside, this was only their second trip to the playoffs.


    Randolph began his free throws.


    OKC fans, with their already hoarse voices, frantically tried to distract him.


    Randolph sank both shots.


    Here''s an interesting fact: the last time Randolph was in the playoffs was in the 2002-03 season, when his free-throw percentage in the regular season was 75%, but it shot up to 89% in the playoffs.


    This season, he had the same 75% regular-season average, but up until now in the playoffs, it was 88%.


    Clearly, he wasn''t just padding stats. He just needed the big stage.


    With Randolph hitting both free throws, the game was essentially over.


    OKC fans finally deflated like a punctured ball.


    Despite having home court, the momentum, and even Durant putting up a career-high performance, they still lost this game!


    The Grizzlies'' bench had already started celebrating.


    Han Sen was greeted like a hero.


    "There are still 9 seconds left. Remember Miller scored 8 points in 9 seconds," Han Sen remained calm.


    Coach Joerger discreetly gave Han Sen a thumbs-up.


    After the timeout, the final 9 seconds played out without any change in the score. Durant''s deep three-pointer missed the rim, and Marc Gasol secured the rebound and held it high. The Thunder didn''t bother to foul.


    The Grizzlies finally began their wild celebration.


    Han Sen was in the center, shouting and cheering.


    Even though he was already exhausted, it was like a surge of endless energy hit him, and he raised his right hand, shouting in triumph.


    The path to advancing was tougher than expected, but in the end, they still won!


    And just like he said before the game, this win marked their transformation.


    After the Grizzlies'' brief celebration, the two teams met for the postgame handshake.


    Westbrook skipped Han Sen during the handshake.


    Han was momentarily stunned, then just shook his head with a smile.


    Those two on the Thunder were probably the most genuine personalities in the NBA.


    "Training together this summer?" Han Sen smiled and asked Durant during their handshake.


    That earned him an eye roll from Durant.


    Didn''t look like that training was going to happen.


    "I''m sorry..."


    Han Sen tried to say more, but Durant quickly slipped away.


    What a shame.


    He wanted to apologize for making Durant miss out on his celebratory bathwater since Scarlett had said he just needed to win the 2011 championship.


    He could only shake his head in resignation.


    But he had other plans for this summer anyway.


    Because unless something unexpected happened, the NBA lockout was coming.


    In the post-game press conference, Han Sen and Randolph attended together.


    In this game, besides Han Sen, Randolph''s performance was just as crucial to the Grizzlies'' win.


    Looking at the raw numbers alone, Han Sen and Durant essentially canceled each other out, while Randolph''s 22 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists were on another level compared to Westbrook''s 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists.


    "Han is the strongest teammate I''ve ever had since joining the NBA, man. He''s absolutely the strongest. All I gotta do is stand there and watch him score," Randolph laughed while adjusting his headband, happy as a kid.


    Here''s the question: Why do LeBron''s teammates always seem to turn against him in the end, but Kobe''s teammates rarely did?


    Because ball control and shot selection are two different concepts.


    If you had to choose between barely touching the ball all game and only getting shots off when you do, or getting the ball in your hands with fewer chances to shoot, which would feel more comfortable?


    The answer is obvious. Most role players are aware that their job is to give the ball to the strongest guy on the team to finish, but the key is making sure they feel involved, not just responsible.


    One of the goals of basketball tactics is to get more players involved on the court to keep them engaged.


    Even though Randolph didn''t score as much as Han Sen, many of the Grizzlies'' plays started through him, giving him just as much involvement as Han Sen.


    "Not trying to hype it up, but I don''t think Zach''s that far off from TD. He should be in the discussion for the top three power forwards in the league, and he''s absolutely a thousand percent underrated," Han Sen said, generously praising Randolph when asked about his performance.


    "Speaking of TD, your next opponent is the Spurs. Any thoughts?" a reporter pressed Han Sen.


    "That''s the matchup I''ve been wanting the most," Han Sen said with a determined look in his eyes.

 Chapter 141: I Did It On Purpose.

    Chapter 141: I Did It On Purpose.Beating the Thunder¡ªwas that enough?


    Obviously not.


    Even though the Thunder are strong, it was still just the first round.


    To take this team far, the conference semifinals aren''t enough for Han Sen.


    After the press conference, Han drove Swift out for a cruise.


    Oklahoma City isn''t a coastal town, but its mild year-round climate makes it perfect for nighttime drives.


    Besides, Han was in high spirits¡ªnot just because his team advanced, but because after all those dunks tonight, his [All-Dunks-Except-the-Tomahawk Package] had finally reached its limit!


    Double joy¡ªlife was good.


    This time, Han wasn''t driving Swift''s car; he had Rondo rent a convertible.


    While cruising, Swift leaned against the seat, staring quietly out the window.


    "Got a song stuck in your head?" Han guessed. He''d heard her talking about writing a single earlier, but nothing had come of it yet.


    "I don''t really want to write, but it''s hard to ignore people who love you pushing you to do it," Swift chuckled.


    She had just finished a world tour last summer and released her new single, Mean, in March. She was already a hardworking artist.


    But being a top artist is like being a writer with demanding readers; they never stop pushing.


    Just like Swift said, they push you because they care, and that''s what makes it tough.


    She could ignore the haters, but not her fans.


    "Well, if you''re stuck, I could try helping you brainstorm," Han offered, glancing over with a teasing smile. "I got a few ideas up my sleeve."


    As someone from another time, Han still remembered quite a few songs¡ªespecially after subscribing to Swift''s music service.


    Stealing someone else''s song wouldn''t be cool, but giving Swift her own song back? That shouldn''t count, right?


    "Han," she called out.


    Han stopped the car and turned to her. Swift pulled him in for a deep kiss.


    When they pulled away, she pressed her forehead against his, "I know you want to help, but I''ve got this."


    Her reaction was honest; after all, who asks a basketball player to write a song?


    Han realized he''d overstepped and dropped the topic. Even if he did give her a song, she''d probably suspect he copied it from somewhere.


    Scenes like that only work in novels.


    After the drive, they headed to their hotel.


    While Swift took a shower, Han joined her with a cheeky grin.


    "Aren''t you tired?" Swift raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting his sudden entrance.


    She had been courtside, watching Han play his heart out in the most intense game she''d ever seen.


    Not to mention, Han was the offensive focal point¡ªshe felt tired just watching him.


    Han stepped into the shower and pulled the glass door shut. "Nope," he said, wrapping his arms around her waist. "This is just part of the cool-down routine."


    "Your routine is exhausting," Swift replied, shaking her head but not pulling away.


    "Well, the shower is one of the best places to find inspiration," Han said with a smirk, as he leaned in.


    Swift sighed, exasperated but clearly amused. "You''re unbelievable."


    As she found herself pressed against the glass, the image in her mind was that of Han dunking over Westbrook with one hand.


    Ah, the boundless energy of an athlete.


    ...


    The next day, Han woke up to a message from Thomas.


    The ''HS Terminator Edition 1'' sneakers sold like hotcakes last night.


    After that exhilarating Game 7 and securing Memphis'' first-ever playoff series win, Han''s popularity surged.


    This phenomenon perfectly proved the saying: "Even gold in the trash will shine."


    Swift was still fast asleep after last night''s events. Han got up, grabbed a cigar and lighter from the nightstand, and stepped out onto the balcony.


    He''d been on edge with all the close games, but now he could finally relax.


    Sitting on the balcony with his cigar, Han started to catch up on league news.


    The first thing he checked was the ongoing playoff matchups.


    While the Grizzlies and Thunder were battling in Game 7, the other matchups had already completed their first games.


    The Hawks continued their Cinderella run, defeating the Bulls 103-95. They looked like they might keep the upsets coming.


    The Heat won 99-90 against the Celtics. The game wasn''t as close as the score suggests, as the Heat led by 14 points entering the fourth quarter.


    Wade dropped 38 points, James Jones scored 25, LeBron had 22 points, 6 boards, and 5 assists, while Bosh finished with 7 points and 12 boards.


    Han watched the game highlights and noticed a big change in the Heat¡ªa complete shift in strategy.


    Previously, Spoelstra tried to adjust the offense, aiming to improve their half-court sets.


    When those attempts failed, he switched gears, focusing on defense.


    He reinstated Joel Anthony as the starting center, utilizing various zone defenses to maximize Wade and LeBron''s defensive range and gain early momentum through high-pressure defense.


    Spoelstra clearly knew his stuff, but this strategy wasn''t entirely new.


    Coach K used the same approach with the Redeem Team to bring the US back to the top.


    But such a strategy requires star players, and only the Heat have that luxury right now.


    In the final series, the Mavericks faced the Lakers.


    Contrary to expectations, the heavily criticized Mavericks pulled off a narrow 96-94 win over the Lakers.


    Kobe went 14 of 29 from the field for 36 points, but only Gasol and Odom joined him in double figures, while five Mavericks scored in double digits.


    Han scrolled through social media, seeing Kobe fans discussing the game.


    "The Lakers just had an off night from three. They only made five total, and Kobe hit four of them. This won''t happen again."


    "The Mavericks just overachieved. Dirk will choke next game¡ªyou know why he''s called soft? He''s never won!"


    "Relax, it''s just one game. The Lakers will still win this series 4-1."


    When Han saw that last line, he slapped his knee, realizing he missed a marketing opportunity.


    This was the infamous "Lakers'' 5-4 comeback over the Mavericks" series!


    He''d been so wrapped up in his own intense games that he forgot such crucial moments.


    But remembering his previous remarks, Han knew this was a golden opportunity to farm Kobe fans'' hate.


    He quickly put down the cigar and fired off a social media post.


    "I said it before: this Lakers team isn''t making the Finals. I''m predicting a Mavericks sweep."


    Immediately after posting, he received a wave of backlash from Kobe fans, which only increased.


    Honestly, if Han weren''t from the future, he''d probably have believed the Lakers could still pull off a comeback before they went down 0-3.


    After all, even a dying camel is bigger than a horse. The Mavericks'' past playoff failures didn''t exactly inspire confidence, especially with Caron Butler out for the season.


    So yeah, his comment was sure to draw hate. And with similar remarks before, Kobe fans were used to hating on him.


    Watching his hate points soar, Han couldn''t wait for the next season.


    As he kept making a name for himself, opponents would keep targeting him, so the next goal had to be upgrading his ball-handling or passing skills.


    "Keep it coming, haters!"


    Han continued browsing social media until he saw that the league had just handed out an award.


    Not the MVP¡ªthat had already been awarded during the first round.


    LeBron lost Stern''s love this year, and the GOAT of vote-getting stumbled against Rose.


    And it wasn''t just a little stumble.


    LeBron received only four first-place votes and finished with a 16.59% vote share, even lower than Howard''s 20.44%.


    By comparison, Rose dominated with 113 first-place votes, winning decisively with 37.57%.


    The award in question was Rookie of the Year.


    Blake Griffin, with his season averages of 22.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, won convincingly.


    Back at the All-Star Game, Han had planned to make the young Griffin his second major hater.


    So naturally, he couldn''t miss this chance.


    "John Wall should be the Rookie of the Year. Griffin stole the award as a second-year player."


    Han sent out his second post, giving Kobe fans more fuel to hate him. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    No, not just Kobe fans¡ªGriffin fans too.


    That 20-10 stat line was something only five players in history had achieved: Shaq, Mourning, Duncan, and Brand¡ªall big names.


    And with his explosive playstyle, Griffin had already garnered a strong homegrown fanbase.


    Now Han was getting hated on by a ''mixed double''.


    Or maybe even a triple.


    After all, he''d just eliminated the Thunder, and some of their fans were also coming at him.


    Oh, what a wonderful morning!


    Later that afternoon, after a single day of rest in Memphis, Han joined his team on a trip to San Antonio.


    As a lower-seeded team, the Grizzlies had to start all their series on the road.


    The matchup against the Spurs was no exception.


    When they arrived at the hotel in San Antonio, Han noticed a few fans¡ªone of whom seemed familiar.


    It wasn''t the person that looked familiar, but the jersey.


    "Fxck Han Sen"


    Last season, when he was still with the Cavs, he''d seen similar reactions in Boston.


    Except now, the "LBJ" on those jerseys had been replaced with his name.


    In Chinese, no less.


    They really put in the effort.


    Han gave them the finger. The fan was stunned, clearly not expecting an NBA player to be so direct.


    But Han wasn''t holding back¡ªthis series against the Spurs was personal.


    The Spurs fans were sure he''d ruined Popovich''s career, but Han still hadn''t settled the score over Gay''s season-ending injury!


    If Gay had been able to play, even with Hollins'' poor decisions, the Grizzlies would''ve likely swept the Thunder instead of taking it to seven games.


    So now, Han was ready to let his game do the talking.


    While Han Sen was fired up on one end, the Spurs'' reaction was unexpectedly calm.


    On the same day the Grizzlies arrived in San Antonio, the Spurs held their regular open practice.


    During the routine post-practice interviews, Popovich was asked about Han Sen.


    This was the same Popovich who had been sidelined for three months after Han ''accidentally'' knocked into him.


    The same Popovich who, last time, had asked, ''Who is Han?''


    But now, his tone couldn''t be more different.


    "Han is really phenomenal. He''s one of the best perimeter players I''ve ever seen. His shooting is just godly. I honestly don''t know how to describe him. If I had to, I''d say he''s the next Kobe."


    When these words reached Han Sen''s ears, his initial reaction was like that time on the plane when he heard LeBron call him ''my good brother''¡ªhe didn''t buy it.


    But on second thought, he understood.


    Besides being known for his sneaky moves, Popovich was also famous for giving backhanded compliments before big games¡ªhis ''jinxes'' rivaled Charles Barkley''s.


    You could tell from how he compared Han Sen to Kobe.


    Sure, Kobe was a nightmare for the Spurs, but he also bricked a lot of shots.


    When Kobe''s mid-range game wasn''t working, the Spurs were in for an easy win.


    So, when it came time for the Grizzlies'' open practice later that afternoon, Han Sen decided to return the favor.


    "I said it last season, and I''ll say it again¡ªTD is the best player in the league. He''s as underrated now as he was then because of his humility. This season, he should definitely get more MVP votes than LeBron."


    After all, the Spurs'' 61 wins were higher than the Heat''s 58. If Derrick Rose could win MVP, why couldn''t Duncan finish ahead of LeBron?


    Han Sen''s words were meant as a jinx, but unexpectedly, they gained Duncan even more support on social media.


    Fans rallied, feeling it was unfair Duncan didn''t even receive a single second-place vote.


    But Han Sen didn''t care about that. Being humble had its downsides, but it also had its perks.


    If he remembered correctly, the Spurs got bounced in the first round this year.


    Yet no one really used that to criticize Duncan. If that had happened to LeBron or Kobe, the backlash would''ve been unimaginable.


    It''s all double standards. Let''s be real¡ªDuncan''s championships benefited from Popovich''s shady tactics too.


    The next night, the Spurs and Grizzlies faced off in the conference semifinals at the AT&T Center.


    This arena, built in 2002, could hold over 18,000 fans, and tonight, it was packed to the brim.


    Even Peter Holt, the Spurs owner, was in the stands.


    He should thank Han Sen for helping him sell all those extra tickets¡ªtypically, the Spurs'' playoff games had plenty of empty seats.


    During warm-ups, Han Sen made a few shots and then walked towards the Spurs'' side of the court.


    Popovich was standing near half-court, arms crossed, watching the action.


    It wasn''t until Han was almost in front of him that Popovich noticed.


    Han Sen was all smiles, looking completely friendly.


    Popovich was taken aback, and the Spurs players who had been watching quickly turned their focus back to warming up.


    They preferred to believe that Han Sen hadn''t meant to knock into Popovich back then.


    After all, both coaches had praised each other pre-game, so it seemed like all was good now.


    As for the fans'' reactions, well¡ªdoes it have anything to do with the players?


    Popovich didn''t know what Han Sen wanted, but he believed in the old saying: Don''t hit a smiling face. So, he responded with a friendly expression.


    Han Sen subtly adjusted to find the right camera angle¡ªthanks to LeBron, he had a good sense of where the cameras would be during warm-ups.


    Unlike LeBron, though, Han Sen positioned himself with his back to the camera.


    Once he found the right spot, he kept smiling at Popovich and then spoke.


    "I did it on purpose."


    It was a simple, cryptic statement, but Popovich understood instantly.


    Han Sen was admitting that he intentionally collided with Gary Neal, causing his patellar tear in the regular season.


    Han Sen was still smiling, but it made Popovich feel a chill down his spine.


    Popovich didn''t fear Han Sen for hitting him¡ªno, it was how Han did it that scared him.


    It was a blatant threat.


    If Popovich dared to play dirty again, Han could do it again, maybe even more extremely, while still making it look unintentional.


    Popovich felt his anger rising. He wanted to snap back with, ''Well, I took out Gay on purpose too!''


    But the words were stuck in his throat.


    He chickened out, realizing that Han Sen was the first player in NBA history bold enough to confront a coach like this, threatening him so openly!


    When assistant coach Budenholzer walked over, Han Sen even smiled and nodded at him, like he was just here for a friendly chat.


    How could you not be terrified of a guy like this?

 Chapter 142: Kick ‘Em When They’re Down.

    Chapter 142: Kick ¡®Em When They¡¯re Down.After giving Budenholzer a friendly nod, Han Sen turned back towards the Grizzlies'' half.


    "What were you doing over there?" asked Rudy Gay, dressed sharply in a suit, as Han returned to the bench.


    "Nothing much. Just gave him some friendly advice."


    "You trying to scare him? Aren''t you afraid he''ll retaliate?"


    "He wouldn''t dare."


    "How can you be so sure?"


    Gay''s blunt question caught Han off guard. Sometimes straightforwardness can hit you hard.


    "Well, it''ll be interesting to find out," Han replied with a grin.


    Game 1 played out without much drama, with the Grizzlies taking the win against the Spurs, 101 to 93. Randolph dominated in the low post, and Han hit mid-range shots with consistency.


    It turned out that the jinx Han joked about earlier was just a stereotype, much like the "Most Improved Player" award he knew so well. If you could win games by jinxing alone, who would need to practice basketball?


    But Duncan really did underperform. What Han said before the game seemed like a jinx, yet Duncan, troubled by plantar fasciitis, was having the worst season of his career, averaging 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game in the regular season.


    Those numbers would never get MVP votes. Especially since his injury had worsened towards the end of the season, forcing the Spurs into a six-game series with the Hornets in the first round.


    Even Coach Popovich seemed intimidated by Han''s words and didn''t dare to stir up trouble during the game. However, he dropped a bombshell during the post-game press conference.


    Since Han''s pre-game move was so unusual, a reporter asked about his interaction with Popovich.


    "He told me he injured me on purpose," said Popovich, sparking a major controversy.


    This was a big deal because Han had already been accused of injuring Popovich on purpose in the past. Now, to confront him directly? It was outright audacious!


    When it was time for the Grizzlies'' press conference, all eyes turned to Han. But he was ready.


    "He really said that?" Han responded with a look of disbelief when questioned by a reporter.


    "You know, Popovich is a legend in this league, one of the coaches I respect the most. I approached him to apologize, even though the incident was unintentional on my part. It''s always weighed on me to see him injured like that."


    Han delivered his words with such sincerity that even the reporters seemed moved.


    "But if he truly believes I did it on purpose," Han continues, shaking his head slightly, "there''s probably nothing I can say that''ll change his mind. After all, I''m just a young player trying to make a name in this league."


    His series of moves left the reporters confused. Han appeared to be the wronged party.


    Considering the Spurs had just lost, Popovich''s statement started to sound like sour grapes.


    Some people even began scouring the game footage for any lip-reading evidence of what Han might have said.


    But with the limited camera angles of the era and the lack of short video platforms or widespread mobile recording, there was no direct footage to corroborate either side''s claims.


    Ultimately, the truth remained uncertain.


    Yet for Spurs fans, there was no doubt in their minds that Popovich was telling the truth. To them, he was as significant as Duncan¡ªa guiding figure of the Spurs'' dynasty.


    Why would a man of his reputation falsely accuse a young player?


    So, as Game 2 approached, the crowd was littered with signs ''greeting'' Han with all sorts of creative messages, with the most popular one being a simple and blunt: "Fxck Han Sen."


    During the warm-up, Popovich gathered his players and, with anger in his voice, commanded, "Knock the stuffing out of them!"


    Han''s shameless attitude in the press conference had clearly pissed him off.


    When Han Sen stepped on the court, he was met with a chorus of loud boos.


    Han Sen frowned.


    He noticed that his hater points hadn''t increased much.


    What''s going on, Spurs fans? Just booing, but not really hating?


    Is Popovich not influential enough in your hearts, or did my performance against the Thunder leave too good an impression?


    Following the opening ceremony, both teams'' starting lineups were announced:


    Grizzlies: Conley, Tony Allen, Han Sen, Randolph, Marc Gasol


    Spurs: Parker, Ginobili, Jefferson, Antonio McDyess, Duncan


    In Game 1, Popovich had started Blair and Hill but, seeing that didn''t work, he switched up the lineup.


    Marc Gasol won the tip-off against Duncan, giving the Grizzlies the first possession.


    Randolph, relentless in the low post, powered his way through McDyess and scored.


    So did Han Sen really hype up Randolph in his post-game interview?


    For a big man, consistency is everything. That''s why Duncan is regarded as the greatest power forward in history.


    Randolph has only had one off-game in the entire playoffs so far, in Game 2 of the first round, showing consistency on par with Duncan.


    Parker responded with a floater off a pick-and-roll with Duncan.


    Being the youngest of the Spurs'' ''Big Three'', Parker was also in the best shape among them.


    Randolph went back to work in the low post, but with McDyess failing to front him, Duncan came over to help.


    Han Sen exchanged a look with Marc Gasol, who understood immediately and set a screen.


    Han used the screen to find an open spot, and Randolph delivered a quick pass.


    This is what it means to evolve after a seven-game war against the Thunder¡ªthe chemistry requires nothing but a glance.


    Han took the shot.


    Ginobili rushed over to contest it, but that level of defense didn''t faze Han much.


    The ball had a clean trajectory but somehow rattled out!


    Duncan secured the rebound, and the Spurs launched a fast break. Parker spun past Conley and finished with a layup.


    The arena erupted with cheers from the San Antonio fans.


    Popovich stood up, pumping his fist towards Ginobili.


    Randolph tried his luck in the post again, but the Spurs'' defense collapsed on him, forcing a miss.


    Back on the other end, Parker''s aggressive drive earned Randolph a foul, and then sank both free throws.


    "Defense! Defense!" Spurs fans started chanting, trying to build momentum.


    This time, Han used a screen to get open at the three-point line.


    Randolph passed out of the double-team, and Han faked out the rotating Jefferson before taking a three.


    "Clang!"


    Another brick.


    The Spurs capitalized again, with Parker speeding down the court and dishing it off to Gin¨®bili for the finish.


    2-8.


    The Spurs were off to a perfect start.


    Popovich''s smirk was beginning to show.


    Though his attempt at a reverse psychology speech didn''t work last game, it seemed Han''s lies had now incurred divine punishment.


    Han was off his game, and if the Spurs could just neutralize Randolph, this win seemed within reach.


    Seeing the situation deteriorating, Coach Hollins called a timeout.


    The rhythm on those two shots was definitely right, and the feel on the release was good too.


    Looks like I''ve got an off night.


    During the timeout, Hollins was ready to make adjustments, but he looked towards Han first.


    Han''s clutch performance against the Thunder in Game 7 had changed a lot of things, including how Hollins viewed him.


    Even if Hollins wasn''t a people person, he could tell Han''s stock had risen significantly with the management.


    "Sub in Shane," Han suggested when Hollins looked his way.


    Tony Allen was in the starting lineup to guard Ginobili, but tonight the Spurs'' offense revolved around Parker and Duncan''s pick-and-roll.


    And right now, they needed more offense than defense.


    Coming out of the timeout, the Grizzlies swapped Allen for Battier, while Popovich set up a 2-1-2 zone defense.


    Popovich was a master strategist¡ªhe knew Han''s shooting was off and aimed to exploit it.


    Conley called for a 1-3-1 offensive set, with Gasol at the free-throw line pulling Duncan away from the paint.


    Once Randolph got position down low, Gasol fed him the ball.


    Randolph pivoted towards the baseline for a turnaround jumper, but McDyess contested it perfectly, forcing another miss.


    Duncan boxed out for the defensive rebound, but as he reached up, he suddenly felt a shadow loom over him.


    Boom!


    To everyone''s astonishment, Han slipped past Gin¨®bili, crashed the boards, and delivered a monstrous putback dunk over Duncan!


    When finesse fails, attack the rim!


    The impact sent Duncan stumbling out of bounds. Han hung on the rim for a moment, his right arm bulging with veins before he dropped back to the floor.


    The crowd erupted with boos.


    Han had the audacity to sneak attack Duncan from behind!


    If it were a face-to-face challenge, Duncan would''ve swatted him with a block!


    Han, ever cheeky, placed his hand behind his ear as he looked towards the stands, signaling the crowd to speak up.


    With that gesture and his smug expression, he was practically begging for a beating.


    Sure enough, the boos gradually morphed into something else.


    "Fxck Han Sen!"


    Spurs fans weren''t content just putting it on their shirts anymore!


    Han grinned, satisfied.


    Finally, his hater points were ticking up!


    Han''s putback seemed to energize the Grizzlies.


    Parker''s next drive was blocked by Marc Gasol and Conley, who had sandwiched him in the paint.


    With Duncan off his game, the Grizzlies could focus more on defensive help.


    Gasol grabbed the rebound and passed it to Conley, who slowed the pace as they crossed half-court.


    The Grizzlies continued to attack the zone, with Gasol again receiving the ball at the free-throw line.


    Han set a pick for Battier, then cut towards the corner while Han rolled to the rim. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In response to the Grizzlies'' need for more offense, Popovich had inserted Ginobili into the starting lineup, but Ginobili''s defense wasn''t strong enough to fight through screens, forcing him to follow Battier out to the corner.


    Seeing the opportunity, Marc dished the ball to Han, who faced off against Jefferson.


    Han pulled a mid-range pump fake, baiting Jefferson into the air.


    Just because Han had missed a couple of shots, did Spurs players think they could leave him wide open?


    Wake up¡ªthis is Han, not LeBron!


    Or to put it another way, even if that was Kobe in Han''s place, you don''t just leave him open. Kobe once tore apart the Spurs'' zone, and even with Pop''s schemes, defenders would jump on instinct.


    Though Jefferson was known for his athleticism, even after two knee surgeries in his Nets days, he still relied on it to catch up with Han.


    And thanks to the zone, Duncan had already collapsed into the paint.


    Han made a quick stop and threw another pump fake.


    As Jefferson tried to recover, Han leaned into him, drawing a foul. Two free throws coming up.


    Players known for their athleticism really do love to jump.


    More boos erupted from the stands.


    Han''s so shameless¡ªif he''s not shooting, he''s either sneaking around or baiting for fouls!


    When Han stepped to the free-throw line, that familiar chant filled the arena again.


    "Fxck Han Sen!"


    You could really feel how ''loved'' Han was in San Antonio.


    Amid the sea of insults, Han hit one out of two free throws. His shooting touch was clearly off tonight.


    Fortunately, Randolph grabbed the offensive board!


    Despite standing just 6''9", Randolph had a 7''4" wingspan and top-tier rebounding instincts. He was the best offensive rebounder in the league, second only to Dwight Howard.


    Randolph quickly spotted Han cutting to the rim and whipped a pass over.


    Han caught it and exploded off the floor like a spring.


    After maxing out his dunking talent, he was basically a springboard at this point.


    Duncan was waiting in the paint, extending his long arms to challenge him.


    Duncan''s natural gifts were even scarier than Randolph''s¡ªstanding at 6''11" with a 7''5" wingspan.


    But Han wasn''t dumb enough to take on Duncan head-on.


    Instead, he shifted his body mid-air, gliding past Duncan''s outstretched arms...


    Boom!


    Han slammed the ball through the hoop with his right hand!


    The AT&T Center fell silent.


    This time, Han didn''t sneak up on Duncan¡ªhe had genuinely dunked on him!


    As he landed, Han let out a deep breath.


    As expected, Duncan, struggling with plantar fasciitis, felt like he had been hit with a debuff in a video game¡ªhis reactions had slowed down.


    This was truly like hitting someone when they''re down.

 Chapter 143: Mayor of San Antonio.

    Chapter 143: Mayor of San Antonio.After the posterizing dunk, Han Sen finally understood why the Spurs got knocked out by the Grizzlies in that infamous 8th seed upset.


    It wasn''t just a matter of tactics. Didn''t Parker and Duncan''s pick-and-roll counter Randolph?


    In later playoff series, didn''t the Spurs consistently dominate the Grizzlies?


    At the end of the day, it was because Duncan just wasn''t the same this year.


    Some Spurs fans loved hyping up Popovich, calling him the true soul of the team.


    But the truth is, once Duncan retired, Pop fell off. His coaching seemed stiff on the FIBA stage too.


    Bottom line: Duncan was the true core of the Spurs. When your core is compromised, no way the team stays dominant.


    Han Sen''s shooting was off tonight.


    Although he managed to score by attacking the rim, the core issue was that his poor shooting limited his ability to create spacing on the weak side for Randolph, making it tough for him to operate in the low post.


    In a way, their inside-outside play, combined with the Grizzlies'' half-court style, resembled a weakened version of the ''Shaq-Kobe'' duo.


    Meanwhile, even though Duncan was struggling, Parker and Ginobili were in good form. Especially Parker, who was tearing up Randolph with his pick-and-roll.


    By halftime, the score was 50 to 48, with the Grizzlies leading by just 2 points.


    This half showed what it meant to be ''a camel, even dead, is bigger than a horse.'' Even with Duncan''s struggles, the Spurs were still the West''s top regular-season team.


    During the break, Han Sen didn''t head back to the locker room with his teammates. Instead, he got permission from Coach Hollins to stay on the court.


    Usually, shooting touch doesn''t swing drastically in a single game¡ªit''s either hot or cold.


    But Han Sen was trying to change that narrative by doing some dribbling drills and simple floaters to increase his wrist flexibility.


    Shooting, simply put, comes down to that final flick of the wrist, as long as the shooting rhythm isn''t off.


    After about ten minutes of this, Han sat back on the bench, closed his eyes, and focused on resting.


    Missing his first two shots drove him to attack the basket more, which was the right choice, but it also dented his shooting confidence.


    Kobe once said he''d rather go 0 for 20 than 0 for 9¡ªa seemingly extreme statement, but one that underscored his unbreakable confidence.


    Han needed to get back to that mindset.


    After resting for five minutes, with five minutes left before the second half, Conley and Battier returned to the court early.


    Han Sen got up and called Conley over to be his ballboy.


    He took a few three-pointers, still not quite feeling it.


    But on the next few, he made five in a row.


    By then, players from both teams had already come back onto the court.


    This scene caught Popovich''s eye, and his expression visibly changed.


    In the second half, the Grizzlies made a key adjustment, starting Battier in place of Tony Allen.


    The Spurs attacked first, Parker driving into the lane and dishing it to McDyess, who nailed a mid-range jumper to tie the game.


    The crowd erupted in cheers.


    For the Spurs, losing Game 1 had a significant impact¡ªnot just because they lost home-court advantage, but because of how they lost.


    Han and Randolph played well, but neither went off for an explosive scoring night. It was like the Grizzlies had just beaten them with a basic attack.


    So, in this game, the Spurs not only wanted to win but regain their momentum.


    They came out in the second half with a 2-1-2 zone, trying to seize the moment.


    The Grizzlies kept breaking down the zone, with Marc Gasol handling the ball at the top of the key, Randolph posting up, and Han and Battier running pick-and-rolls.


    The difference this time was that Han called for the ball.


    When Marc passed it to him, Han didn''t hesitate.


    Jefferson didn''t jump, wary of Han''s fake shot into a drive¡ªsomething he fell for in the first half. But Han pulled up immediately, and by the time Jefferson reacted, it was too late.


    Knees bent, jumping; arms extended, wrist flicked.


    Thanks to [Iron Body] and the constant grind, which helped him push past his natural limits, Han''s form was crisp and precise.


    The ball spun gracefully in mid-air, almost like a ballet.


    Swish!


    Han''s mid-range jumper hit nothing but net to start the half.


    Popovich coughed nervously, and the arena buzzed with unease.


    For San Antonio fans, this was not a good sign.


    Duncan managed to score on the next possession, taking a pass from Parker and finishing at the rim, keeping the Spurs within striking distance. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Back on offense, Conley looked to feed the post, but Randolph shook his head, signaling to swing the ball to the weak side.


    One shot wasn''t enough to tell the whole story¡ªRandolph wanted to see if Han Sen had truly regained his touch.


    Han took the pass, and after his teammates cleared out, he ran a pick-and-roll with Marc.


    Ginobili tried to fight through the screen, but Han blew past him and met Jefferson at the rim.


    This time, Jefferson stepped up to contest, but Han executed a perfect euro step, leaving Jefferson flat-footed.


    Jefferson desperately tried to recover, but Han leaned in with his hip, blocking him off and smoothly tossing up a floater over Duncan''s outstretched arms.


    Parker wasn''t the only one who could master the floater, and Han''s release point was higher.


    With plantar fasciitis weighing him down like an anchor, Duncan couldn''t elevate in time.


    Swish!


    Another clean bucket!


    Before Han could celebrate, Randolph was already hyped, running over to rub Han''s head.


    Duncan stared wide-eyed at Randolph, looking like he''d lost something precious.


    Everyone knew now¡ªafter those 20 minutes of halftime adjustments, Han Sen had found his rhythm.


    For the San Antonio faithful, there was no worse news.


    No, scratch that¡ªthere was something worse. Memphis knew it too.


    If Han Sen had found his groove, the Grizzlies were back in the comfortable rhythm of Game 1.


    The Grizzlies'' defense noticeably picked up.


    Ginobili''s next drive ended in a block by Marc.


    With his confidence back, Han Sen darted down the court on the fast break.


    Marc grabbed the rebound and launched a long outlet pass to Han.


    Parker was chasing hard, but Han shielded his position, and once they crossed half-court, he kicked into a second burst of speed.


    Parker tried to strip the ball, but Han was ready for it. He leapt at the perfect moment, lifting the ball with his left hand.


    The crowd started to stir.


    Han was getting serious air.


    And then, the buzz turned into gasps.


    Han switched the ball between his legs mid-flight!


    He was going for a between-the-legs dunk!


    Boom!


    Han slammed it home with his right hand, rocking the AT&T Center into dead silence once again.


    In the first half, it was like Han''s poor shooting had him under a spell, but now, that spell was broken.


    The San Antonio crowd suddenly remembered¡ªthis was the guy who could drop 40 on their heads!


    Han landed, taking a deep breath and feeling the rush.


    He''d wanted to try this dunk against the Heat, but between-the-legs dunks, with the switch, are among the toughest in-game dunks.


    At the time, he just didn''t have the skills.


    Now, he could pull it off¡ªand at the perfect stage.


    To the San Antonio fans: I''m on fire!


    Seeing the crowd still stunned, Han waved his hands, inviting some noise.


    The fans couldn''t hold back anymore.


    This was San Antonio, not Memphis!


    The boos erupted.


    But this round of boos felt scattered, a sign that Han''s show-stopping dunk had drained the energy out of the building.


    The Grizzlies went on to win the third quarter 30 to 17, taking a 15-point lead heading into the fourth.


    For two half-court-focused teams, that margin pretty much turned the final period into garbage time.


    Surprisingly, the Grizzlies'' starters didn''t sit until the last two minutes.


    Whatever Popovich''s plans to humiliate the Grizzlies, they clearly hadn''t heard about them¡ªbut they had their own reasons to play to the end.


    The Spurs fans were furious but helpless¡ªthere''s no rule against beating an opponent to a pulp.


    In the end, the Grizzlies won 108 to 83, taking a commanding 2-0 series lead.


    More importantly, the Spurs had lost both games at home, making a comeback even harder.


    Just as Han Sen predicted, after that grueling seven-game series against the Thunder, the Grizzlies had transformed.


    After the game, both teams lined up for the post-game handshake.


    That''s when Duncan pulled Han aside and shared some encouraging words.


    Duncan was as humble and low-key as his game and always supportive of the younger players.


    Years ago, he told LeBron, "The future is yours," and he genuinely meant it.


    Of course, that line became a meme later.


    Their exchange was projected on the jumbotron, with Barkley in the booth talking about the symbolic "passing of the torch."


    But then, the crowd''s murmuring grew louder, and a familiar chant took over:


    "Fxck Han Sen!"


    This was the third time tonight that this chant echoed, but it was clearly different from the previous two.


    Han Sen had been through something similar back when he was with the Cavaliers, when Cleveland fans shouted "Who is your daddy?" at the Celtics.


    Although the situations were different, at their core, both were outlets for emotional release.


    After getting pummeled by the Grizzlies, the fans of San Antonio could only vent their emotions this way.


    When the handshake line was over, the chants hadn''t stopped, and Han Sen was in the mood for something more.


    Instead of leaving the court with his teammates, he turned around, placed his left hand behind his back, and with a flower-like gesture of his right hand at his chest, gracefully bowed to the Spurs fans.


    After rising, Han Sen left the arena without a backward glance, leaving the relentless chanting behind him.


    During the post-game press conference, Han Sen appeared alongside Randolph.


    Naturally, the reporters directed their first questions to Han Sen.


    "You didn''t seem to have your shooting touch in the first half, but you found it in the second. What changed in between?"


    "Maybe I just switched to a better hoop?"


    His response brought laughter from the crowd¡ªstill as humorous as ever.


    "You pulled off a poster dunk on TD during the game. How did you manage that?"


    "I know TD has been dealing with plantar fasciitis this season. While he hasn''t made a big deal of it like others might, I hope he recovers soon so I can truly posterize him."


    The first part of Han Sen''s answer left the reporters confused, but the latter half brought them back to the familiar tone.


    "It seemed like the fans had some unpleasant things to say about you tonight. Any comments on that?"


    "What more can I say? Goodnight, San Antonio."


    Social media was buzzing that night.


    "Fxck Han Sen" surged to the top of trending topics. It was rare to see fans this "passionate" towards a star player.


    It was something that hadn''t been seen since the days of Jordan''s greatest rivals.


    And Han Sen''s mocking bow only added fuel to the fire, turning it into a viral moment.


    This didn''t net Han Sen a significant boost in hater points, but it did earn him a fair number of new followers overnight.


    After all, if the Celtics are the league''s most hated team, the Spurs are right behind them.


    And Han Sen? He''s the one player capable of breaking both Celtics and Spurs fans'' defenses.


    Such a player is irresistibly magnetic.


    Of course, tonight''s buzz wasn''t just because of "Fxck Han Sen," although he was a part of it.


    In another game that ended the same night, the Mavericks rallied with a 32-20 fourth quarter to defeat the Lakers 98-92.


    That put them up 3-0 in the series.


    It sounds unbelievable, but even now, the media and die-hard Kobe fans still believe the Lakers can pull off a 4-3 comeback.


    This thing, which he thought was just a running joke, was now unfolding right in front of his eyes.


    It just goes to show that sometimes, people only believe what they want to believe.


    Han Sen wasn''t about to let this opportunity pass him by. Already at the center of attention, he posted on social media that night:


    "I bet the Lakers get swept 0-4. 500k on it. Anyone want to take the bet?"


    This wave of schadenfreude really had the Kobe fans gnashing their teeth.


    And surprisingly, some people actually wanted to take him up on it.


    One of them was none other than the ultimate Kobe fan, Hollywood legend Jack Nicholson, who accepted the challenge.


    This turned Han Sen''s post into yet another viral moment.


    It seemed like once the Lakers finished their series, Han Sen would rake in quite a few hater points.


    As of now, his hater points had already accumulated over 500,000.


    At this rate, he might be able to unlock an elite-level dribbling or passing talent by the summer.


    After Game 2, there were two days off between games.


    And in those two days, something even more interesting happened.


    It happened to coincide with the San Antonio mayoral election, where someone cast a vote for Han Sen!


    This cheeky vote earned Han Sen a new title: "Mayor of San Antonio, Fxck Han Sen."


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 144: Returning the Favor.

    Chapter 144: Returning the Favor.Two days later, the Grizzlies and Spurs shifted their series back to Memphis for the next game.


    In a surprising turn of events, the Spurs claimed a 110-103 victory on the road.


    It wasn''t due to a poor performance from Han Sen or Randolph; the Grizzlies'' scoreline made that clear.


    The key was Duncan.


    After two games in the series, Duncan was underperforming due to his plantar fasciitis.


    But on this night, he switched up his game, aggressively demanding the ball in the low post and quickly drawing a defensive foul on Marc Gasol.


    Taking advantage of Gasol''s foul trouble, Duncan fearlessly attacked the paint again and again.


    While Duncan''s plantar fasciitis wasn''t magically cured in two days, his eyes radiated an undeniable hunger to win.


    As a seasoned veteran, Duncan knew exactly what a 0-3 deficit meant. In NBA history, no team has ever come back from 0-3.


    So, this was do-or-die for the Spurs: lose and go home, or win and stay alive.


    With Duncan''s 30 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 assists, the Spurs cut the series deficit to 2-1.


    Such a performance during Duncan''s peak would have been ordinary, but playing like this while injured was truly moving.


    "There''s a ''superstar button'' inside TD''s body¡ªthough it''s a bit rusty, when he pushes it with all his might, he can still make it work," Han Sen acknowledged Duncan''s effort after the game.


    "Do you think that button will change the series?"


    "No, we won''t let him press it twice."


    Han Sen''s words were polite, but everyone knew Duncan couldn''t replicate that performance again.


    Duncan''s Game 3 effort was great, much like his entire career, but barring surprises, the Grizzlies were still the favorites to advance in this series.


    Meanwhile, on the same day, the Mavericks swept the Lakers 4-0, shocking the league.


    Han Sen''s account saw an extra 2 million dollars, thanks to a bet that was paid up. He also received a brand-new Ferrari from Shaq as a gift.


    The stars of the Lakers-Mavs series were Dirk Nowitzki and Kobe, but Shaq''s role shouldn''t be overlooked.


    Even as a bench player now, eliminating¡ªno, sweeping¡ªKobe brought Shaq immense satisfaction.


    The car also reminded Han Sen that if the Grizzlies could beat the Spurs, he''d face Shaq and David West in the Western Conference Finals.


    On May 9th, at the FedEx Forum.


    The arena, with its capacity of over 18,000, was packed to the rafters. The place was flooded with signs saying "Fxck Popovich."


    These signs had shown up in Game 3, and Grizzlies fans were determined to repay the treatment Han Sen got in San Antonio with interest.


    Losing one game to the Spurs was no big deal; everyone knew the state of Duncan''s body at this point.


    After the pre-game ceremony, both teams announced their starting lineups.


    Spurs: Parker, Ginobili, Jefferson, McDyess, Duncan.


    Grizzlies: Conley, Han Sen, Battier, Randolph, Gasol.


    McDyess won the tip-off for the Spurs.


    Right from the start, Duncan didn''t demand the ball in the low post like in the previous game; instead, he ran a standard pick-and-roll with Parker.


    The Grizzlies opted to collapse on the pick-and-roll, and Parker kicked it back out to Duncan, whose mid-range bank shot clanked off the rim.


    On the other end, the Grizzlies didn''t look to exploit Randolph early. Instead, Han Sen came off a screen and hit a mid-range jumper. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Throughout this series, and whenever playing the Spurs, Han Sen''s mid-range game served as the Grizzlies'' barometer.


    If he was off, even with Duncan struggling, the teams would be evenly matched.


    But if he was on, the Grizzlies would gain an edge.


    Swish!


    Han Sen''s jumper was smooth as silk, and the FedEx Forum erupted in cheers.


    It was shaping up to be a good night.


    After five minutes, the score was 10-4, with the Grizzlies leading.


    Though it was still early, Han Sen''s previous words about Duncan not being able to replicate his Game 3 performance seemed prophetic.


    Even Randolph wasn''t having his best shooting night.


    But that wasn''t surprising¡ªRandolph was steady, but you couldn''t expect him to play like a machine every night.


    Fortunately, Han Sen was on fire. He blew past Jefferson and hit another mid-range jumper, further widening the gap.


    At this point, Jefferson was completely outmatched against Han Sen¡ªany mismatch was essentially a free bucket.


    Popovich called a timeout and subbed in DeJuan Blair for McDyess.


    Right after the timeout, Randolph and Blair got into a scuffle under the basket, and the refs blew their whistles in warning.


    A couple of possessions later, Randolph threw an elbow that knocked Blair to the ground, earning an offensive foul.


    The replay showed Blair grabbing Randolph''s arm first with a sneaky move.


    Han Sen glanced at Popovich and immediately understood what was happening.


    While retreating on defense, he pulled Randolph aside:


    "Zach, they know they''re losing, so they''re trying to bait you to mess things up. Stay cool¡ªwe''re about to win."


    With Han Sen''s warning, Popovich avoided targeting Randolph directly, but he had other tricks up his sleeve.


    Randolph''s temper was their entry point, especially on a night when he was struggling with his shot.


    However, after Han Sen''s reminder, Randolph quickly regained his composure.


    Randolph trusted Han completely after their series against the Thunder.


    On the next offensive possession, Han Sen fed Randolph the ball in the post.


    Blair kept up his dirty tricks, but Randolph powered through him, scoring an and-one. Shaking his head in celebration, he and Han Sen slapped hands hard.


    Han Sen then shot a look at Popovich and smiled upon seeing the coach''s look of frustration.


    There was no way to keep Randolph down forever¡ªan interior player finding rhythm was easier than an outside shooter.


    In a critical moment, Ginobili drained a three, keeping the Spurs within reach.


    Ginobili, the Spurs'' second-leading scorer in the regular season behind Parker, was a versatile player who thrived in any role¡ªstarter or bench.


    Sensing the shift, Han Sen adjusted his game, signaling Randolph to come up for a high screen.


    Ginobili''s strength was his offense; his weakness was his defense.


    Randolph''s screen completely sealed Ginobili off, allowing Han Sen to switch onto Duncan.


    Duncan''s feet were still stuck to the floor, but Ginobili was closing in fast, looking to double-team Han Sen.


    Seeing this, Han opted to pass.


    He rarely passed, but it didn''t mean he couldn''t, especially when the double-team left Randolph wide open.


    The pass was a bit low, but Randolph, with his long arms, snagged it.


    Randolph then drove to the basket.


    His shot had been off all night, but the closer he got to the rim, the better his chances.


    Ginobili retreated into the paint, positioning his body sideways.


    Randolph saw it and went up for a crafty step-through layup.


    Despite his size, Randolph was surprisingly agile.


    But in the next instant, he lost his balance mid-air and crashed to the floor.


    Everything happened too quickly¡ªHan Sen, who was busy boxing out Duncan, didn''t notice what had transpired.


    In the blink of an eye, Randolph flipped over, grabbed Ginobili, and took him down in a street-style tackle.


    Both teams rushed in.


    The refs'' whistles pierced the air, and it took several players to restrain Randolph.


    Meanwhile, Ginobili lay on the floor, grimacing in pain.


    The game was halted for an official review.


    As Han Sen watched the replay on the big screen, he saw what went down.


    Ginobili had lifted his hips ever so slightly as Randolph went up, causing him to lose his balance in mid-air.


    If this had been Griffin, with his explosive jumping, he would''ve been seriously injured.


    After seeing what really happened, Han Sen''s expression darkened.


    Had his warning to Popovich expired?


    It didn''t seem like it. Popovich''s style was to target role players while protecting his stars¡ªit wasn''t like him to sacrifice a key player like this.


    Especially considering Popovich''s earlier expression of resignation; it didn''t seem faked.


    Then Han remembered a few things¡ªone of them from this season.


    Among the Spurs'' Big Three, Duncan and Parker played clean games. Ginobili, however, was a different story.


    Aside from his flashy style, Ginobili had a history of dirty plays¡ªthough his reputation was overshadowed by guys like Bowen and Horry.


    This season, Ginobili had stepped under a long-distance Aaron Brooks'' jump shot, costing Brooks his season.


    Brooks had just won the Most Improved Player award the previous season with 19.6 points per game.


    His downfall wasn''t a ''curse''¡ªit was Ginobili''s foot.


    After reviewing the play, the refs assessed Ginobili with a technical foul, and Randolph with a flagrant, ejecting him from the game.


    The crowd erupted with chants of "Referee Sucks!" while coach Lionel Hollins argued with the officials, to no avail.


    Han Sen glanced across the court, seeing Ginobili back on his feet, listening intently to Popovich''s instructions like nothing happened.


    His face hardened, and a sharp glint appeared in his eyes.


    He turned to Randolph, who was preparing to leave the court, and pulled him close:


    "Go find a spot to watch the game live."


    Randolph wasn''t sure what Han Sen meant by that, but he nodded anyway.


    After the technical timeout, both teams took their free throws following the rule of two shots and possession exchange, meaning each side got two free throws, and possession was neutralized, leaving it as the Grizzlies'' ball.


    First up were the Grizzlies, and Han Sen made both free throws.


    On the Spurs'' side, it was Ginobili''s turn.


    As soon as he stepped to the line, a wave of boos rained down from the stands.


    Han Sen wasn''t the only one who had seen the replay.


    Amidst the boos, Ginobili calmly sank both free throws, seemingly unfazed.


    But the dynamics on the court shifted dramatically.


    The Grizzlies'' success against the Spurs had hinged on their dual-core setup with Han Sen and Randolph.


    When Han Sen was off, Randolph''s solo effort could hold the Spurs to a stalemate.


    But now, with Randolph ejected, Han Sen was facing an uphill battle leading the team alone.


    And that was exactly what unfolded¡ªHan Sen received the ball, and the Spurs immediately double-teamed him.


    Popovich knew Han Sen''s passing wasn''t his strongest suit.


    But what no one anticipated was Han Sen bursting past the double-team with a sudden explosive acceleration.


    Charging into the paint, he soared over Blair and slammed the ball into the basket.


    In mid-air, Han Sen''s knee bent slightly, causing Blair to be sent flying out of bounds.


    The dunk ignited the crowd, and the Grizzlies fans erupted in deafening cheers.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Randolph had made his way to the first-floor caf¨¦ of the arena, where a group of Grizzlies fans who couldn''t get tickets had gathered around a TV to watch the game.


    When Randolph arrived, the fans cheered, just in time to catch Han Sen dunking over Blair.


    Seeing this, Randolph grinned, squeezing into the group of fans and sitting down, raising his fist toward the TV.


    So, this was why Han Sen wanted him to find a place to watch live¡ªwas he planning to settle the score with all those guys, one by one?


    ...


    Fueled by the home crowd''s roars, the Grizzlies played with intense defensive energy, effectively shutting down the Parker-Duncan pick-and-roll.


    With no opportunities there, Parker dribbled back to the three-point line and passed to Ginobili.


    With Duncan hindered by injuries, Ginobili was the Spurs'' best option for creating plays.


    But guarding him was Han Sen.


    Ginobili attempted to drive past Han Sen, but Han''s exceptional lateral movement blocked him every time.


    And Han''s defensive focus was at its peak¡ªhe was practically glued to Ginobili.


    With no other choice, Ginobili resorted to one of his signature moves: a step-back three after a forward lunge.


    There''s a reason why Harden''s scouting comparison was Ginobili¡ªthis move that Harden would later master had long been Ginobili''s weapon of choice.


    Han Sen lunged forward in a desperate attempt to block, but it seemed a bit too late.


    Ginobili got his shot off before Han Sen could contest.


    But in the next second, instead of turning sideways to avoid him, Han Sen crashed straight into Ginobili.


    Both players lost their balance in mid-air, with Ginobili on the bottom and Han Sen on top as they fell to the floor.


    Conley quickly helped Han Sen up, who seemed relatively unscathed.


    Ginobili, however, wasn''t so lucky.


    He remained on the floor, clutching his waist in pain.


    He had landed directly on his lower back, and Han Sen''s fall had added a second impact.


    The referee blew the whistle to stop the game.


    This time, it wasn''t because of a conflict, but due to the unexpected turn of events.


    The game went into another technical timeout, with the Grizzlies'' players returning to their bench while the Spurs gathered around the fallen Ginobili.


    ...


    In the caf¨¦, the TV was replaying the recent play.


    The sudden twist caught the Grizzlies fans off guard, leaving them momentarily stunned.


    Randolph, however, stood up, his face flushed with excitement.


    So, this was the real reason Han wanted him to find a place to watch the game live!


    If Ginobili could play dirty, why couldn''t Han?


    After all, Han Sen had the guts to go after Popovich himself.


    Besides, the Grizzlies still had a score to settle over Rudy Gay.


    Popovich was still lively on the sidelines, but Gay had been sidelined for the rest of the season, missing his first career playoff run.


    This was just about returning the favor!


    (TL/n: Edited a paragraph in the previous Chapter, thanks @nevershe.


    I''m extremely grateful to everyone sharing their thoughts in the comments. You guys raise the quality of this translation.)

 Chapter 145: The Boomerang.

    Chapter 145: The Boomerang.Manu Ginobili was the last one to leave the court on a stretcher. He couldn''t even stand up.


    While Han Sen was explaining to the referees, he was surprisingly smooth with his words.


    "He pushed me before I could step back, so when I lunged forward, I overcommitted, and it was too late to pull back," Han said.


    Why was his explanation so smooth? Well, remember that game against the Heat when LeBron did the same thing to him?


    If LeBron borrowed that move, it must''ve been battle-tested.


    Unsurprisingly, the referees handed Han a technical foul, the same punishment Ginobili received earlier. Both fouls were judged as unintentional but having dangerous tendencies.


    After the call, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich was visibly agitated. He ran to the sideline shouting, "He did it on purpose! He did it on purpose!"


    Popovich was dead certain because Han had approached him before Game 1 and mentioned, "The one who plays dirty has it coming."


    But Popovich''s protests went unheard by the referees, just as Lionel Hollins'' complaints about Ginobili''s actions earlier were ignored.


    When the game resumed, Ginobili''s exit was a noticeable blow to the Spurs.


    With Duncan not in peak form, the team leaned heavily on Tony Parker. However, the Grizzlies were also feeling the sting.


    With Zach Randolph ejected, their inside presence had taken a significant hit, forcing Han to take on more ball-handling duties.


    Popovich''s strategy of double-teaming Han was relentless, especially highlighting Han''s weaker passing game.


    Duncan started to regain his form, too, scoring frequently from under the basket.


    While Johnson didn''t have the size to match up, and Marc Gasol still appeared a bit green in Duncan''s shadow, the absence of Randolph affected not just offense but also the Grizzlies'' interior defense.


    After about 10 minutes in the first quarter, the score was 21-15 in favor of the Spurs. Han and the rest of the starters were subbed out to catch their breath.


    With Ginobili out, the Spurs'' bench lacked depth to extend the lead, but the Grizzlies, dealing with their own depleted roster, couldn''t close the gap either.


    Without Randolph, their bench was even thinner in the paint.


    At that moment, the game felt like watching two underperforming teams trade weak punches. Han was deep in thought as he watched the action unfold.


    Technically, losing this game wouldn''t be the end of the world for the Grizzlies. Randolph was only ejected, while Ginobili''s injury seemed season-ending.


    But the future is always full of variables.


    After observing for a while, Han gathered Marc Gasol and Mike Conley for a quick huddle.


    Hollins noticed this from the sidelines, glanced over, but didn''t intervene.


    The Grizzlies'' struggle was rooted in their offense, and without Randolph, there wasn''t a clear way forward.


    Four minutes into the second quarter, both teams gradually reintroduced their starters. The score was 28-20.


    The Grizzlies took possession.


    Han opted not to handle the ball, instead running a pick-and-roll with Gasol.


    McDyess, caught in Han''s movement, lost his bearings, while Conley delivered a perfect pass to Han.


    Without hesitation, Han launched a three-pointer.


    Swish!


    Han''s hot shooting hand was the Grizzlies'' key advantage on offense. He''d been on fire since the start of the game.


    Rather than forcing Han to play on-ball, it made more sense to create opportunities for him through set plays.


    These new off-ball plays didn''t just involve screens but shifted focus from the paint to the perimeter¡ªa fresh approach.


    Memphis fans were re-energized by Han''s three-pointer, and the "Defense! Defense!" chants grew louder.


    This defensive energy spilled over to the court, as Gasol shut down Parker''s drive and even disrupted Duncan''s put-back, securing the rebound.


    Gasol gave it everything he had, and after securing the board, he immediately raised the ball, looking upcourt.


    Han and Conley were already streaking down the court.


    This was the second key advantage Han had identified during that huddle.


    Without the ''Twin Towers'', Memphis was quicker in transition¡ªmore suited for a running game.


    Despite being known for their half-court game, the Grizzlies were, at heart, a young team capable of running and jumping.


    The Spurs, on the other hand, were anchored by an aging Duncan, who was dealing with plantar fasciitis and couldn''t afford to run.


    McDyess was old, and Blair was slow; only the Spurs'' perimeter players could keep up.


    Gasol''s long outlet pass reached Conley, who drew the defense before slipping it to Han.


    Han''s smooth finger roll brought the score to 30-25.


    Popovich looked restless but stayed on the sidelines, calling for Parker to slow the tempo.


    But under the relentless Memphis crowd''s "Defense!" chants, the Grizzlies'' defense was airtight.


    Duncan received the ball in the post but struggled under increasing defensive pressure, missing a bank shot and nearly stumbling as he landed.


    He was clearly drained after his previous heroics.


    The Grizzlies quickly broke out into another fast break.


    Han, running down the sideline, drew Parker''s attention, allowing Conley to score on a layup.


    30-29! The FedExForum erupted.


    The Grizzlies were suddenly like a bear running at cheetah speed, surprising everyone with their tempo.


    Popovich called a timeout, clearly rattled.


    "Lionel Hollins is a genius!" Barkley exclaimed from the announcer''s booth. "Switching from a half-court team to a running game like that? That''s genius!"


    The broadcast then cut to Hollins, who looked flush¡ªhe hadn''t done anything!


    After the timeout, the Spurs replaced McDyess with Danny Green, opting to stretch the floor to counter Memphis'' defense and fast breaks.


    Parker managed to draw a foul on Gasol and went to the free-throw line, but only hit one of two.


    The Spurs shifted back into their half-court setup.


    Popovich signaled for tighter defense on Han''s off-ball movement.


    Han ran a pick but couldn''t get an opening, so Conley fed the ball to Gasol at the elbow, who handed it off to Han while screening George Hill.


    Han, now playing decisively without Randolph, took the handoff and pulled up for a mid-range jumper.


    Swish!


    He was on fire tonight.


    Tied at 31, the Grizzlies had rallied all the way back!


    On the other end, Parker dished to Jefferson in the corner, but his three-pointer clanked off the rim.


    Gasol grabbed the board, raising the ball to find an outlet, but this time, the Spurs'' smaller lineup retreated quickly, preventing a fast break.


    Back in half-court mode, the Spurs continued to shadow Han closely, but he broke free with a backdoor cut off a screen. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Duncan lunged out to contest, but Han gave a quick pump fake and drove straight to the rim.


    Jefferson, looking like he was wondering, Why is it always me? leapt to challenge Han but ended up as another highlight-reel victim.


    Bang!


    Whistle!


    Han hammered it home over Jefferson, drawing the foul in the process!


    The crowd was losing their minds.


    After Randolph''s ejection, most people had written the Grizzlies off. They weren''t playing the Cavs here; this was the Spurs!


    But now, with the score tied and momentum firmly on their side, Memphis fans were buzzing with disbelief.


    As Han stepped to the free-throw line, the crowd started chanting, "MVP! MVP!"


    That was the first time Han had heard such a unified MVP chant in Memphis¡ªnot even during the Game 7 against OKC.


    For these fans, MVP wasn''t just about stats or a 27-7-7 average.


    It was about carrying a team in adversity, like LeBron in Cleveland. That was the definition of an MVP.


    Han, adjusting his emotions, made the free throw, and the arena roared.


    In response, Green hit a crucial three-pointer off a Parker assist, momentarily quieting the crowd.


    But Conley answered back with a three of his own, capitalizing on Han''s gravity to find an open shot.


    Han''s performance was electric, but the Grizzlies'' supporting cast wasn''t far behind. The game''s momentum had clearly swung in Memphis'' favor.


    Ultimately, the Grizzlies closed out the game 99-91, securing a win despite Randolph''s ejection.


    In the post-game stats, Parker led the Spurs with 23 points and 4 assists. Duncan had 16 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks, while Jefferson and George Hill both chipped in 12 points each.


    For the Grizzlies, Conley had 15 points and 10 assists, Gasol had 12 points, 13 boards, and 3 blocks, and Battier added 8 points.


    Han was on fire, scoring 36 points on 15-of-22 shooting, with 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, and 4 turnovers¡ªa true MVP performance.


    ---


    Press Conference:


    "He did it on purpose. His actions are criminal, and he should be put in jail!" ¢Ù


    The visiting team''s press conference came first, and Coach Popovich was visibly agitated when he spoke about Ginobili''s injury caused by Han Sen.


    Just moments ago, Pop received the devastating news that Ginobili was out for the season due to a serious injury, one that might even jeopardize his career.


    And for Pop, Ginobili wasn''t just another player; he was his favorite. Even Duncan played within Pop''s system, but Manu was the exception.


    After the visitor''s conference ended, it was the home team''s turn to face the press.


    Han Sen and Mike Conley stepped up to the podium together.


    "How did you lead the team to victory after Randolph got ejected?" Naturally, Han was the focus of the reporters'' questions.


    "It wasn''t me¡ªit was us. Mike (Conley) organized the team, and Marc (Gasol) anchored our defense in the paint. I just hit those shots. We played exceptional team basketball."


    Han wasn''t being modest. Without Conley and Gasol, the Grizzlies'' defensive transitions wouldn''t have worked tonight.


    "Fans chanted MVP for you tonight. What was going through your mind?"


    "It was special, and I was moved. I think we''re in a bit of a honeymoon phase," Han said, hitting the mark perfectly with his metaphor.


    "Now you''re up 3-1 against the Spurs. Not many people thought you''d get this far. Did you ever think this was possible?"


    "I did, because I said before, this is the matchup I wanted most."


    "Are you worried about the team facing a situation like the first round again?" a reporter pressed.


    "No. I have to give my respects to KD and the Thunder. They taught us how to handle those situations."


    Meanwhile, at Hefner Lake, Durant sneezed while fishing.


    "What do you have to say about the incident in the game?" Finally, a San Antonio reporter couldn''t wait any longer, directly addressing the Ginobili injury.


    All eyes turned to Han Sen, more interested in the series of events in the first quarter than the outcome of the game.


    Especially since Popovich had been so visibly emotional earlier in that very seat.


    "I have reason to believe it wasn''t an accident," Han''s reply sent the room into a frenzy.


    It took them a moment to process.


    "We were up 2-0, and in Game 2, we beat them by 25 points. Everyone knows they''re not on our level, and they knew it too. They had to try something, or they were going home. So, what did you see? They tried to provoke and hurt Zach, just like they did to the Phoenix Suns back in the day."


    Only after Han continued did they realize he was talking about Randolph''s near injury.


    "But Randolph didn''t actually get hurt," a reporter countered.


    "Do you know what attempted murder is?" Han let out a cold chuckle.


    Attempted crimes aren''t crimes? Maybe you need a legal lecture.


    "But you hurt Manu, and according to what we''ve heard, he''s out for the season due to a back injury."


    Is that so? Well, that''s some good news.


    "That was an accident. I just couldn''t control my body, just like when James Anderson was defending Rudy Gay. I was just clumsy."


    Han repeated the exact excuse Spurs fans had used to defend Anderson when he injured Gay.


    "But wasn''t it because Manu hurt Randolph, and you were taking revenge?"


    The reporter tried to call Han out, pointing out that Han was the type to tell Pop directly, "I did it on purpose."


    "What did you just say?" Han seemed amused by the question.


    "I mean, Manu didn''t intend to, but you thought he did, so you took deliberate revenge," the reporter hurriedly clarified.


    "Do you know Aaron Brooks?" Han suddenly countered.


    "When Ginobili undercut Brooks, you all said it wasn''t intentional. When he tried to hurt Zach, you said it wasn''t intentional. So what is he in your eyes¡ªa lily-white saint who can do no wrong?"


    Han mocked with a smile before the reporter could respond.


    "If the standard is ''hurting the Spurs is intentional, hurting others is accidental,'' then yeah, I did it on purpose. I deliberately crashed into Popovich, and I intentionally took Ginobili out. Yup, that''s exactly it."


    ¡ª End of Chapter ¡ª


    ¢Ù: "I believe player injuries are a common occurrence in games. Stepping on someone else''s foot and getting hurt happens all the time.


    Not long ago, Jefferson (Nets) stepped on Shaq''s foot, and Josh Howard (Mavs) stepped on Pietrus'' foot and got a sprain.


    Why isn''t the league warning Shaq and Pietrus, but constantly going after Bowen?


    Should Bowen really be the scapegoat just because he allegedly causes injuries more frequently?" ¡ª Excerpt from Popovich''s original defense of Bowen.

 Chapter 146: Are You Cheating?

    Chapter 146: Are You Cheating?The controversy surrounding Ginobili''s incident blew up, with Spurs'' reporters leveraging their journalism skills by cherry-picking Han Sen''s words: "I intentionally bumped into Popovich and took out Ginobili. Yes, that''s exactly what I did," causing an uproar.


    Under pressure, the league announced an investigation.


    However, this move sparked strong protests from the Grizzlies.


    Their reasoning was simple: The league couldn''t have double standards. If they were going to investigate, then they should also look into Anderson''s hit on Rudy Gay and Ginobili''s attempt to hurt Randolph.


    No, they should go all the way back and examine Bowen stepping on Carter''s foot and Horry knocking Nash down.


    It was a chain reaction waiting to happen, so the league''s investigation eventually fizzled out. They settled on a symbolic $20,000 fine for Han Sen for his statements.


    The Grizzlies continued to file complaints with the league, maintaining that Han Sen''s comments were justified. The league chose to ignore it.


    Then, the next day, the league announced their decision: Randolph was suspended for one game for his slam on Ginobili.


    Back in the ''70s and ''80s, a move like that wouldn''t even make it to the highlight reel. If you didn''t get into at least one brawl, you couldn''t call yourself an NBA player.


    However, that was why the NBA had a rough image back then. After all, if people wanted real fights, they''d watch boxing, not basketball.


    When Stern took over, he dedicated himself to improving this image.


    The "Malice at the Palace" incident became a turning point, with severe penalties for major incidents from then on.


    One of the most significant was the 2006 brawl at Madison Square Garden. Anthony got suspended for 15 games just for throwing a punch at the Knicks'' Mardy Collins.


    Considering it''s the playoffs, a one-game suspension for Randolph was pretty lenient.


    "Han, next time something like this happens, let me handle it," James Johnson said to Han Sen after the league''s punishment was announced.


    Han Sen wasn''t exactly like Bruce Bowen; even Bowen couldn''t always avoid being labeled intentional.


    Once it was confirmed that a move was deliberate, suspension was inevitable.


    If he were to be suspended, it would be disastrous for the Grizzlies. So Han had no reason to reject Johnson''s offer.


    It reminded him of a historical strategy in which a nation vowed not to be the first to use nuclear weapons¡ªit was all about deterrence.


    And Johnson was the Grizzlies'' "nuclear weapon."


    One day later, the Grizzlies faced the Spurs in Game 5 at San Antonio.


    This time, Han Sen didn''t catch fire. Those hot-hand moments are rare for anyone.


    Even though the Spurs were without Ginobili, they managed to scrape together a 93-87 victory in a last-ditch effort at home.


    But everyone knew it was just their final struggle.


    When the series returned to Memphis for Game 6, Randolph was back in full force. Full of pent-up anger, he utterly demolished the Spurs'' interior defense.


    He dropped 31 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, setting a new career-high for points in the playoffs.


    Duncan, already exhausted and nearing the end of his prime, couldn''t hold Randolph off, managing only 6 points and 7 rebounds in his worst playoff performance ever.


    "TD might want to consider retiring," Barkley remarked from the commentator''s booth.


    With a 4-2 victory, the Grizzlies eliminated the Spurs and advanced to the Western Conference Finals.


    They would now face their final obstacle in the West: the Dallas Mavericks, who had just swept the Lakers in a shocking upset.


    Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference semifinals had also wrapped up.


    The Hawks, unable to maintain their Cinderella run, lost 4-2 to the Bulls after winning Game 1.


    Rose erupted for a career-high 44 points in Game 3, but it was Chicago''s defense that shone, holding the Hawks to under 90 points in four of the six games.


    Likewise, the Heat, with stellar defense, dispatched the Celtics 4-1 to meet the Bulls in the Eastern Finals.


    LeBron and Wade had both averaged over 25 points per game through the first two rounds, consistently delivering stellar performances.


    At this point, the league also announced its final award for the season: the All-NBA teams.


    The Grizzlies enjoyed a windfall, with Han Sen earning a spot on both the All-Defensive Second Team and the All-NBA Third Team.


    Randolph also claimed his first-ever All-NBA Third Team selection.


    Awards like these are often influenced by media hype¡ªwherever there''s buzz, recognition follows.


    This year, the biggest talking points revolved around Anthony missing the All-NBA Third Team and LeBron continuing to make both First Teams.


    Despite Anthony''s solid performance with both the Nuggets and the Knicks, where he shot a career-high 42.4% from three, he was left out.


    As for LeBron, whose performance had declined somewhat on both ends, many argued that Wade deserved the spot.


    But it''s a media vote, after all.


    LeBron''s fans had their own justifications, claiming that Wade still had to compete with Kobe at the same position.


    "All-NBA teams without positions? Well, then my guy LeBron''s stats in scoring, rebounding, and assists are going to edge you out."


    "Wade''s sacrificing? You think LeBron isn''t? His shot attempts are at a career-low!"


    As for Bosh not making it?


    Who cared, anyway?


    As the Grizzlies prepared for the Western Finals against the Mavericks, Han Sen and the team arrived in Dallas a day before the game.


    Upon arriving, Han Sen was invited over to Shaq''s place.


    "You''re not trying to get me drunk, are you?" Han Sen joked when he saw Shaq pull out some drinks.


    Shaq chuckled and swapped them for non-alcoholic options.


    "You were right back then. This team has shown a quality I''ve never seen in my entire career," Shaq said, offering a drink as a gesture of gratitude.


    "I''m surprised to hear that from you," Han Sen replied with a hint of surprise.


    Han Sen''s impression of that year''s Mavericks was mostly tied to their Finals battle with the Heat, which gave birth to memes like "eight points in the fourth" and others.


    As for the rest, he hadn''t paid much attention; otherwise, he wouldn''t have overlooked their iconic 5-game comeback series.


    "Thanks to Kobe and his Lakers, this team underwent a remarkable transformation," Shaq laughed, taking a jab at Kobe as always.


    There was something familiar about that sentiment.


    According to Shaq, the Mavericks hadn''t started the playoffs as dominantly as one might think.


    They went up 2-0 in the first round but nearly blew a 25-point third-quarter lead in Game 3. Their morale nearly crumbled. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It wasn''t until Coach Carlisle adjusted their strategy to focus on defense that they managed to advance to the second round.


    Even then, Shaq admitted, neither he nor anyone else expected much from them.


    Then, in Game 1 against the Lakers, they faced a 16-point third-quarter deficit¡ªsame court, same score, just with reversed roles.


    "Are you ready to get eliminated, or are you going to make one last stand like we did against Denver?" Carlisle''s exact words from that pivotal moment.


    The Mavericks had no "next year." Forget about Dirk''s age; both Chandler and Kidd''s contracts were expiring that summer. This was their "last" chance.


    Thus, the Mavericks went full beast mode, knocking out the defending champions.


    "After that game, I saw what you meant¡ªthey got that championship heart," Shaq said, always the storyteller.


    Indeed, a massive comeback can boost a team''s spirit, especially one involving such a big deficit.


    To be fair, the Mavericks were never weak. From 2000 until now, they had never won fewer than 50 games in a season.


    They were also consistently one of the top spenders in luxury tax in the league.


    But there was always a feeling they were missing something. This year, it seemed they''d found it.


    "Funny enough, after our Game 7 against the Thunder, we found that something too," Han Sen said with a grin.


    "I didn''t expect you guys to make it this far. I thought we''d be facing OKC in the West Finals," Shaq admitted.


    "But still, it''s wild seeing you, me, Delonte, and LeBron all in the Conference Finals again. Makes you think."


    The group once united now scattered¡ªtogether they were a mess, apart they''re stars.


    Not surprising at all. Wherever LeBron played, his teammates rarely saw much ball time, limiting their flashy stats.


    But when it came to taking the blame or defending, they were front and center. No wonder they got better after leaving.


    "I won''t be holding back," Han Sen said as he raised his glass towards Shaq.


    "Me neither. This is my ''last chance'' too," Shaq replied, raising his own.


    Clink


    ...


    American Airlines Center was buzzing, the Dallas fans on fire with excitement.


    The arena was a sea of blue.


    Shaquille O''Neal hadn''t told the full story the night before.


    The Mavericks had turned the tide against the Lakers more than once in this series¡ªin Game 3, they had come from behind to win.


    In that supposed ''5¨C4 comeback'', the Lakers'' confidence had already crumbled, especially after losing two out of three games.


    By the end, they lost to the Mavericks by 36 points in the final game.


    Dallas fans knew how special their team was this year; their passion was undeniable and genuine.


    Nowitzki had come to Dallas in 1998 and had transformed the team into a Western Conference powerhouse by 2000.


    Twelve years later, not only had he aged, but so had the Mavericks fans.


    There was something extraordinary in the air tonight. If there was a phrase for it, it would be: "Old soldiers never die."


    After warm-ups, the pre-game ceremony began, and the starting lineups were announced:


    Grizzlies: Conley, Hansen, Battier, Randolph, and Gasol.


    Mavericks: Kidd, West, Marion, Nowitzki, and Chandler.


    Following the introductions, there were three minutes left for final preparations.


    After Coach Hollins laid out the opening plays, Han gathered the team and said, "They''re just a bunch of old guys out there. Let''s show them some of our energy and speed!"


    With Nowitzki at 32, Marion at 33, and Kidd at 38, it wasn''t an exaggeration. Hansen''s words hit home.


    As they took the court, Hansen shared a quick embrace with Delonte West, who''d joined the Mavericks after a buyout and unexpectedly found himself starting.


    The crowd roared as Chandler won the tip-off against Gasol, giving the Mavericks the first possession.


    The Mavericks set up in half-court offense, with Nowitzki receiving the ball on the right low post, defended by Gasol.


    Though Gasol wasn''t particularly quick, his height and wingspan posed a challenge, making it difficult for Nowitzki to get a clean look.


    Nowitzki caught the pass, pivoted, holding the ball in triple-threat position, faking a drive, and suddenly rose for a jumper.


    Gasol''s reaction was a touch slow, but he still managed to contest the shot with his length.


    Swish!


    Despite the pressure, Nowitzki nailed the shot.


    "Marc, don''t worry¡ªhe can''t keep making those all night," Han Sen encouraged Gasol.


    Gasol nodded. It was just one shot.


    Back on offense, Randolph tried to work the low post against Chandler but found it tough to gain an advantage.


    Though heavier, Randolph couldn''t overpower Chandler, whose combination of height, wingspan, and quickness made him formidable.


    Randolph''s spin shot was contested and missed.


    Kidd quickly moved to push a fast break but pulled back to set up in half-court when no opportunity emerged.


    Again, the ball went to Nowitzki, this time on the left high post.


    Nowitzki faced up, drawing Conley''s help as he spun toward the free-throw line.


    Just as Gasol anticipated a pass, Nowitzki spun baseline, took three strides to the hoop, and slammed it home with both hands.


    Randolph tried to help, but Chandler held him off firmly.


    The American Airlines Center erupted.


    Nowitzki was in prime form, his offensive hunger obvious.


    Han Sen started moving without the ball, receiving a pass from Randolph at the free-throw line, accelerating to the paint, and floated a shot over Chandler.


    Swish!


    The ball dropped cleanly.


    Han gave Chandler a glance. He''d just attacked the weakness in Nowitzki''s footwork, but Chandler''s own quickness almost spoiled the shot¡ªit had taken raw talent and willpower to score.


    When O''Neal had been in the starting lineup, the Mavericks'' interior defense had been vulnerable, particularly against shooting teams.


    But after O''Neal''s injury and Chandler''s promotion, the Mavericks'' defensive structure solidified.


    Kidd moved the ball up and once more went to Nowitzki on the left high post.


    This time, Gasol stayed close, denying him a comfortable shooting rhythm.


    Nowitzki posted up, spun toward the free-throw line, and this time, instead of driving, he stepped back into a fadeaway.


    Gasol struggled to keep up, and as Nowitzki executed his signature one-legged fade, Gasol''s closeout came too late.


    Swish!


    Another perfect shot.


    Nowitzki''s shooting was on fire tonight.


    What a dirty move!


    Han Sen had moved to help, but Nowitzki had spun baseline, and Han couldn''t close fast enough.


    From close range, he could clearly see the mechanics of Nowitzki''s one-legged fadeaway.


    It was a brutal move. The only way to contest it effectively was to take a risky, sideways approach¡ªany other angle was futile.


    The Grizzlies attacked again. Han Sen drove into the lane and saw Chandler closing in. He dished the ball out to Randolph, but his pass was slightly off.


    Randolph recovered, only for Nowitzki to meet him with a double-team. Randolph pushed through, drawing a foul from Nowitzki.


    Han high-fived Randolph.


    As the playoffs wore on, Han found himself leaning toward upgrading his passing ability.


    It wasn''t just about making the pass; it was about precision.


    In high-stakes games, a fraction of a second could be the difference between a scoring chance and a missed opportunity.


    Randolph made both free throws, keeping the game close.


    Back on defense, Kidd passed to Nowitzki on the right low post.


    Nowitzki faced up as he had earlier, and this time Gasol stayed balanced, keeping his defensive stance.


    Nowitzki rose for another jumper, Gasol contesting hard, forcing him to increase the arc on his shot.


    Swish!


    Nowitzki was 4-for-4 to start the game.


    Gasol looked visibly frustrated as the ball swished through the net.


    Han Sen was equally stunned.


    Gasol''s defense had been flawless; Nowitzki was playing like he had cheat codes activated!


    -End of Chapter-


    All-NBA selections for this AU:


    All-NBA First Team: Derrick Rose, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Dwight Howard


    All-NBA Second Team: Russell Westbrook, Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, Amar''e Stoudemire


    All-NBA Third Team: Chris Paul, Manu Ginobili, Han Sen, LaMarcus Aldridge, Zach Randolph


    All-Defensive First Team: Rajon Rondo, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard


    All-Defensive Second Team: Chris Paul, Andre Iguodala, Han Sen, Joakim Noah, Tyson Chandle

 Chapter 147: Rising to the Challenge.

    Chapter 147: Rising to the Challenge.Han Sen''s mid-range shot missed, and Chandler grabbed the rebound.


    The Mavericks finally didn''t pass to Nowitzki but instead had Kidd set up a play from the perimeter.


    West moved without the ball, Marion cut sharply to the basket, and Kidd threaded the pass through defenders to Marion, who took off and laid it in.


    At 38, Kidd posed no scoring threat, but his passing skills were razor-sharp; he was aging like fine wine.


    4 to 10.


    With Nowitzki''s lead, the Mavericks opened perfectly.


    Randolph finally muscled in a basket over Chandler in the post.


    But right back, it was Nowitzki again, slipping into the lane on a sudden cut, shaking off Gasol after receiving Kidd''s pass for a layup.


    After failing to catch up, Gasol punched the padding in frustration under the basket.


    He was truly getting mentally beaten.


    "We all know some nights belong to certain players, and tonight, without a doubt, is Dirk''s night," Barkley remarked from the commentary booth.


    Though the game had only just begun, Nowitzki''s performance was explosive.


    Hollins immediately called a timeout.


    After calling the timeout, he turned around and called Johnson from the bench.


    Clearly, Randolph couldn''t handle Nowitzki. Johnson was worth a shot.


    As the timeout ended, Han Sen glanced up at the scoreboard.


    6 to 12.


    The gap wasn''t huge, but the momentum was fully on the Mavericks'' side.


    Nowitzki''s performance reminded him of his own heated performance in Game 4 against the Spurs.


    But unlike him, Nowitzki had a fuller offensive arsenal, more polished techniques, and, in his zone, was virtually unstoppable.


    For the Grizzlies, it felt like a hellish start.


    As Gasol''s frustration showed, performances like this could shatter a player''s mentality.


    Especially if the Grizzlies couldn''t answer, the Mavericks could easily run away with the series.


    Yes, the Lakers had aged, but had they really fallen below the Nuggets?


    The blown 16-point lead in Game 1 set the tone for that whole series.


    The Grizzlies'' situation was different from the Lakers'' but equally challenging.


    Coming back from the timeout, Han Sen kept moving without the ball.


    Randolph struggling with Chandler''s tight positioning, immediately passed the ball over.


    Han Sen caught it, accelerated past Nowitzki''s help defense, and drove to the basket.


    Chandler moved to meet him.


    Han Sen didn''t hesitate with a floater or layup. Instead, he jumped up, trying to dunk over Chandler.


    Chandler didn''t back down, hands up to contest.


    Han Sen aimed to recreate his flashy side-step dunk over Duncan, but Chandler reacted quicker than Duncan, challenging without the ''verticality rule'' to save him.


    Chandler leaned slightly in the air, adding interference.


    Han Sen slammed the ball toward the rim over Chandler''s hand.


    Bang!


    The ball, affected by the defense, missed, but the baseline referee blew the whistle, signaling a foul on Chandler.


    The crowd buzzed with energy.


    Though the dunk hadn''t gone in, the momentum of the play was undeniable.


    The Grizzlies had been on the verge of defeat from Nowitzki''s dominance, but this reignited their spirit.


    Han Sen stepped to the free-throw line.


    The crowd erupted with jeers.


    Though the Mavericks didn''t have the same rivalry with the Grizzlies as with the Spurs, neither side wanted to bow out at the Conference Finals.


    Just as Han Sen expected, this wasn''t only a last shot for this Mavericks team but a last chance for many Dallas fans. Their desire to win was intense.


    Amid the crowd''s interference, Han Sen calmly sank both free throws.


    Though he wasn''t on fire, he was steady in crucial moments.


    On defense, the Grizzlies'' morale returned, and their effort increased.


    Johnson took the assignment of fronting Nowitzki. He wasn''t as tall or long as Gasol but more agile.


    Nowitzki, showing his experience, maneuvered to receive the ball, drawing a foul from Johnson as they tangled.


    After the sideline inbound, Johnson became more cautious with his defense.


    Nowitzki then faked a shot, drawing Johnson into the air and securing two free throws.


    Just one possession in, Johnson had two fouls.


    Han Sen glanced at Nowitzki, thinking he looked more and more like a sly fox.


    Hollins, however, stayed calm, signaling Johnson not to worry.


    His instructions during the timeout were clear: if they could stop him, great; if not, then use fouls to disrupt Nowitzki''s rhythm.


    He''d borrowed the tactic Brooks had used on Randolph.


    Nowitzki hit both free throws, nothing but net.


    Of the Mavericks'' 14 points, Nowitzki had already scored 12.


    The crowd was thrilled.


    Even they hadn''t seen Nowitzki play like this before.


    It seemed destined to be a career night for him.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The chants quickly erupted, as if to drown the Grizzlies.


    Randolph''s post-up against Chandler still wasn''t working, so he passed it back to Conley to reset the play.


    Han Sen signaled to Battier, then quickly cut to the basket and called for the ball.


    Conley found the window and passed to him.


    In the series against the Spurs, Randolph missed nearly two games, which was a huge loss for the Grizzlies but also forced them to develop new plays.


    Han Sen drove to the basket, Chandler ready to collapse the paint.


    Randolph followed, crowding the space. Passing was tricky, so Han Sen went up aggressively against Chandler.


    Chandler jumped to block.


    But Han Sen was fearless, pulling a gliding layup mid-air to avoid Chandler, then releasing the ball for a mid-range shot.


    The difficulty was high, but with his core strength, he completed the shot.


    The ball sailed past Chandler and swished through the net!


    The price, of course, was that Han Sen, overly focused on his release, slipped and fell backward as he landed.


    The crowd fell silent.


    He''d tried to dunk over Chandler and followed with a high-difficulty layup, unfazed by Nowitzki''s brilliance, playing even more assertively.


    Conley and Randolph rushed over to help him up.


    Only they could understand it, having seen this version of Han Sen in the Game 7 battle against the Thunder.


    Their opponent''s strength didn''t intimidate him; it only fueled his courage and fighting spirit.


    And that spirit, just like before, infected his teammates.


    Nowitzki attempted another cut, but this time Randolph disrupted his shot.


    Nowitzki finally missed his first shot of the night.


    Randolph grabbed the defensive rebound, and when the Grizzlies advanced to half-court, he didn''t go to the low post but instead signaled Conley to pass the ball to Han Sen, then moved over to set a screen for him.


    After the pick-and-roll, Han Sen ended up with Chandler as his mismatch. He faked a shot, then crossed over and sped past him.


    Chandler may be quick, but mostly as a help defender¡ªone-on-one against a perimeter player is a different story.


    Once again, Han Sen isn''t LeBron, but his combination of drives and shots makes it hard for big men to defend him on a switch.


    Just as Han Sen got past Chandler, Marion rushed over for help defense.


    This Mavericks team''s defensive strength is underrated, with Kidd, Marion, and Chandler forming a defensive trio.


    Seeing Marion''s approach, Han Sen jumped, evaded Marion in mid-air with a body twist, then glided to the other side of the rim for a reverse layup.


    Each of his shots is getting harder and harder.


    However, this one was just too difficult¡ªthe ball bounced off the rim and out.


    Marion quickly tried to grab the rebound.


    But Han Sen, with his quicker jump, had already taken off to tip it back in before Marion could get his hands on it.


    Han Sen was younger and jumped much higher; Marion''s hand only managed to hit Han Sen''s hand.


    The ref blew the whistle, but Han Sen didn''t stop.


    Despite his wrist being hit, his fingertips nudged the ball, and out of habit, he managed to tip it back up.


    The basketball seemed almost enchanted as it dropped smoothly through the hoop.


    Han Sen rebounded his own miss and completed the three-point play!


    After making the free throw, he scored seven points in a row.


    The score was now 13 to 14.


    The crowd buzzed with excitement.


    Han Sen''s stretch of play was inspiring, single-handedly pulling the Grizzlies back from the brink of collapse.


    The camera showed Han Sen retreating on defense, his gaze unshakable.


    So what if they can''t stop Nowitzki?


    As long as they can keep scoring, they can stay in it!


    Han Sen''s offensive energy lifted the Grizzlies'' morale, and despite Nowitzki''s hot hand, they fought the Mavericks evenly during the first quarter.


    With about ten minutes left in the first quarter, the Mavericks led only 22 to 20 as both teams began rotating players.


    But for the Grizzlies, the real challenge was just beginning.


    It became evident in the first play after the substitutions.


    O''Neal demanded the ball in the post, easily bulldozed Haddadi out of bounds, then dunked with both hands.


    Playing off the bench had a major perk for O''Neal: he could avoid tougher matchups.


    Although he had lost some power due to past injuries, he still had more than enough for Haddadi.


    This rotation period was the toughest for the Grizzlies.


    Fortunately, on the next possession, Crawford received a pass from Williams, lost Terry, and drove to the basket, slipping past O''Neal for a layup to answer.


    However, the Mavericks'' bench firepower was intense.


    With O''Neal drawing a double-team in the post, he passed it out to Terry, who drilled a three and followed up with his signature jet-plane celebration.


    After all, it wasn''t just Nowitzki who was sweeping the Lakers.


    Terry was averaging 19.8 points off the bench, including 3.3 three-pointers per game at a jaw-dropping 68.4% accuracy.


    The crowd erupted with cheers.


    Though Caron Butler was sidelined for the season, as was Gay for the Grizzlies, the Mavericks'' depth was far superior.


    But before the cheers died down, Crawford received a pass from Haddadi outside, faked Terry, and fired a three.


    Swish!


    Another perfect shot!


    The Grizzlies'' bench exploded, with Han Sen jumping up excitedly.


    After two playoff rounds, Crawford was finally finding his stride!


    Just as Han Sen had told O''Neal, the Grizzlies had found what they needed from their series against the Thunder.


    Crawford''s breakthrough was an unlikely event; as a rookie, he didn''t have much power on this stage.


    But that''s the charm of a sixth-man role¡ªcoming through in unexpected moments.


    Thanks to Crawford''s surprise performance, the Grizzlies weren''t falling too far behind during this rotation phase.


    When the starters returned, the Grizzlies were only down 30 to 33.


    Back in the game, the Mavericks'' next possession saw Nowitzki receiving the ball on the right side.


    This time, Gasol had learned his lesson, raising his right hand to obstruct Nowitzki''s view, while his left guarded against Nowitzki driving. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing this, Nowitzki faked a drive, jab-stepped to create space, then suddenly pulled up for a fadeaway.


    Gasol lunged forward, but the ball still floated above his reach...


    Swish!


    Another clean bucket!


    The arena erupted instantly.


    A short break hadn''t cooled down Nowitzki''s shooting.


    This was terrible news for the Grizzlies.


    The crowd''s cheers filled the air.


    With the energy boost, Randolph''s post-up attempt was also shut down.


    And Kidd, securing the rebound, suddenly picked up the pace.


    As he quickly advanced, and before either team fully set up, he slipped a pass to Nowitzki trailing behind.


    Nowitzki took three strides towards the hoop, angled his body to evade Gasol''s block, and banked the shot in.


    The baseline ref''s whistle blew¡ªit was a three-point play again!


    Nowitzki pumped his fist, then turned to high-five Kidd, who had set him up.


    That''s the beauty of a true playmaker.


    Kidd didn''t need much possession time, but every pass found the most open teammate.


    Nowitzki made the free throw, scoring another five straight points as the second quarter began, without missing a shot.


    The German tank was unstoppable tonight.


    The score was now 30 to 38.


    The Grizzlies were quickly down by eight.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    Dallas fans'' chants filled the arena, eager to bury the Grizzlies'' hopes right here.


    At this moment, Han Sen signaled Gasol, and the two ran a pick-and-roll.


    However, Gasol was frustrated by Nowitzki''s hot hand, and the screen didn''t fully shield West.


    When Han Sen received the ball and prepared to shoot, West had already closed in on him.


    Knowing Han Sen''s shooting prowess, West lunged aggressively.


    Han Sen, however, used this to his advantage.


    With a convincing fake, he got West to bite, then dribbled left to create space, shooting a three just as Nowitzki rushed over to contest.


    Swish!


    Another perfect shot!


    The crowd''s chant was silenced once again by Han Sen!


    The Grizzlies'' bench waved their towels in excitement.


    You have your German tank; we have our San Antonio Mayor. Let''s see who''s afraid of who!

 Chapter 148: Desperation.

    Chapter 148: Desperation.At halftime, the Mavericks led the Grizzlies 55-48.


    Nowitzki had scored 21 points in the first half, shooting 8-of-9 from the field and making all five free throws. He only missed one shot.


    Han Sen, meanwhile, scored 18 points in the first half, going head-to-head with Nowitzki in the latter parts of both the first and second quarters to keep the score close.


    Without Han''s performance, the Grizzlies would''ve crumbled under Nowitzki''s insane first-half showing.


    In the second half, Han Sen immediately attacked the paint and drew a shooting foul on Nowitzki, heading to the free-throw line.


    Down in the score, Han needed to focus on attacking the inside to guarantee points.


    But on the next possession, Nowitzki''s low-post play drew a double-team, allowing him to pass the ball to Jason Kidd at the top of the arc.


    Kidd swung it to the corner where Shawn Marion drained a three-pointer.


    Nowitzki, despite being a scorer, was also a capable playmaker. Though not as good as Garnett, he was more than adequate, especially with Kidd orchestrating.


    Kidd not only moved the ball quickly but also developed a reliable three-point shot after joining Dallas, shooting at a 40% clip¡ªsomething defenses couldn''t ignore.


    This left the Grizzlies'' defense in a tough spot. They couldn''t defend Nowitzki one-on-one, but doubling him left open shooters.


    Han Sen, however, responded by taking the ball outside and faking a pick-and-roll with Marc Gasol, before stepping back and draining a three-pointer, answering right back.


    You could feel Han''s poise in clutch moments tonight.


    As the game continued, Grizzlies'' coach Lionel Hollins directed the defense to abandon double-teaming Nowitzki, opting to foul him immediately whenever he got a clear shot opportunity.


    This strategy made sense in theory, given Nowitzki''s unreal shooting rhythm tonight. Rather than allowing him open looks, it was better to send him to the free-throw line.


    But Nowitzki turned this strategy on its head, hitting 14 free throws in the third quarter alone. Counting the first half, he was now 19-for-19 from the line!


    That meant Nowitzki had attempted 28 shots overall and made 27.


    Even Hollins and Han Sen had never seen anything like this.


    Nowitzki was on another level tonight.


    Despite Nowitzki''s dominance, the Grizzlies didn''t let the Mavericks extend the lead, thanks to Han''s relentless attacks on the inside to draw fouls.


    Heading into the fourth quarter, the Mavericks led 80-72.


    Nowitzki had 36 points through three quarters, while Han Sen had scored 26.


    But it was in the start of the fourth quarter, with the bench units in, that the Mavericks widened the gap.


    Though Jamal Crawford was still performing well, the Mavericks'' bench was just too strong, with contributions from the likes of Shaquille O''Neal, Jason Terry, and J.J. Barea.


    Barea, standing just 5''10" with his shoes on, was lightning-quick and a threat from beyond the arc. Defending him was much harder than it seemed.


    Earlier, Crawford''s hot hand had helped the Grizzlies stay in the game, but expecting him to sustain that was unrealistic.


    The Grizzlies had no choice but to bring Han and Gasol back in early.


    In response, the Mavericks brought Nowitzki back in as well. Han glanced at the scoreboard:


    90-78.


    After Gasol hit a mid-range shot to cut the deficit to 10, Han communicated with Gasol before switching onto Nowitzki.


    The Grizzlies had already tried using Gasol, Johnson, and even Tony Allen to guard Nowitzki, all without success.


    Han wasn''t supposed to be able to guard him either, but given the circumstances, he had no choice but to try.


    Nowitzki was surprised to see Han defending him but quickly called for the ball.


    Remembering how Allen had defended his lower body earlier, Nowitzki caught the ball with his back to the basket, raising it above his head to prevent Han from stripping it.


    Han positioned himself to prevent both Nowitzki''s drive and his signature fadeaway jumper.


    Nowitzki dribbled once before spinning into a one-legged fadeaway.


    Han lunged to contest, disrupting Nowitzki''s shot and forcing him to arc it higher than usual. The ball still managed to find the backboard and drop in.


    "God just put on a #41 jersey!" ESPN''s Jeff Van Gundy exclaimed from the commentary booth.


    Despite being defended perfectly, Nowitzki had banked it in. This defied all logic.


    Back on offense, Han called for a pick-and-roll with Johnson, forcing a switch onto Nowitzki.


    The Mavericks rotated to adjust, but Han saw an opening and pulled up for a mid-range jumper.


    Swish!


    The crowd in the American Airlines Center buzzed with energy.


    This was yet another moment where Han Sen came to the Grizzlies'' rescue!


    The fans now understood why it was the Grizzlies, not the Thunder, facing them in this series.


    This second-year player might not have Kevin Durant''s raw scoring ability, but his presence on the court was unmatched.


    Han continued guarding Nowitzki in the post, using his physicality to disrupt his shooting rhythm, much like he had done against Durant.


    Though Nowitzki''s game resembled Durant''s, the difference was that one was a big man and the other a perimeter player, forcing Han to adjust his center of gravity to defend the post.


    After two bumps, Nowitzki spun for another fadeaway. This time, Han anticipated it perfectly, using his agility and athleticism to lunge from the side and contest the shot.


    Nowitzki once again had to elevate the arc of his shot to avoid Han''s hand.


    By this point, Han was the most effective Grizzlies defender against Nowitzki.


    The ball sailed over Han''s fingertips, tracing a high parabolic arc.


    Clang!


    The ball hit the front rim, bounced off the backboard, and finally bounced twice on the rim before falling in.


    "Damn it!"


    Han cursed under his breath. He finally understood what it meant to be "divinely assisted."


    Nowitzki wasn''t invincible, but tonight, his form and luck were on a ridiculous level.


    Hollins called a timeout and sent the starters back in.


    In the fourth quarter, Han scored 12 points, matching Nowitzki''s output.


    However, the hole the Grizzlies dug themselves earlier was too deep, and they ultimately fell to the Mavericks 121-112.


    After the game, the stats showed Han with a team-high 38 points. Randolph contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds, Conley had 18 points and 6 assists, Gasol added 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks, and Crawford finished with 12 points.


    Nowitzki, on the other hand, had a playoff career-high 48 points, shooting 12-of-15 from the field and an astonishing 24-of-24 from the free-throw line. Terry scored 24, Barea 21, and Kidd recorded 11 assists.


    After the game, Han could be seen talking with Gasol, offering words of encouragement.


    The Grizzlies had thrown everything they had at Nowitzki, but most of the defensive load had fallen on Gasol, who tried every possible approach yet still couldn''t stop him.


    The most symbolic moment came in the fourth quarter when Gasol did everything he could, only for Nowitzki to casually drain a fadeaway jumper over him.


    Gasol''s spirit was crushed.


    "We tried every method, but we couldn''t stop him. We were helpless," Hollins candidly admitted to reporters.


    None of the reporters thought he was weak for saying this because even Van Gundy had said something equally dramatic: "I salute his toughness. I''m naming my firstborn Dirk!"


    Nowitzki''s performance was changing people''s perceptions of him as a soft player.


    "Yes, we were helpless. I''ve been in this league a long time, and I''ve never seen a show like this," admitted Randolph, clearly in awe of Nowitzki.


    A reporter then asked Han Sen, "How do you view Dirk''s performance tonight?"


    "I should''ve defended him sooner. If I had realized that earlier, things might have been different," Han answered, offering a different take from Hollins and Randolph.


    While Han was also impressed by Nowitzki''s performance, he didn''t think it was an impossible task.


    A journalist followed up, "I''m curious, with Dirk playing that incredibly, how did you keep your confidence in the game? I mean, most people might say, ''Well, it''s his night, let''s just focus on winning the next game.''"


    All eyes turned to Han.


    "I can accept losing, but I''ll never accept giving up," Han said firmly.


    Nobody can win forever, but losing and giving up are two different things.


    The reporters could finally see Han''s intense competitive nature.


    Perhaps they should''ve known this from last season''s playoffs when Han played for the Cavaliers and sacrificed his entire season fighting for them.


    Only, with LeBron still on that Cavs team, Han''s efforts didn''t receive much coverage.


    "They played better tonight, but that doesn''t mean they''ll be better every night. We still have an equal shot," Han added.


    The Mavericks were stronger than the Thunder or Spurs the Grizzlies had faced before, but no one knew the outcome until the series reached its end.


    After the Grizzlies wrapped up their press conference, Nowitzki and Terry took the stage.


    "His performance was unbelievable. The resilience he showed on the court made me feel like we wouldn''t be able to pull out the win," Nowitzki said when asked about the toughest challenges he faced tonight.


    He took the opportunity to bring up Han Sen and was full of praise.


    "To be honest, I don''t think his performance tonight was any worse than mine.


    The only difference is that I have teammates like Jason (Terry) and JJ (Barea) by my side, and together, we managed to beat them."


    A reporter then seized the moment to ask, "After winning Game 1, do you think the Mavs will sweep the Grizzlies just like against the Lakers?"


    "No, no, no. It''s definitely different," Nowitzki quickly shook his head.


    "They are on the same level as us. We''ll need to give it our all every night if we want to win, and that''s exactly what we''ll do."


    Two days later, the Grizzlies and Mavericks faced off in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals in Dallas.


    The Grizzlies made a strategic adjustment, starting Tony Allen in place of Shane Battier.


    The goal was to have Han Sen match up against Nowitzki from the start.


    Han Sen put everything on the line, and it paid off.


    During Nowitzki''s prime years, figuring out how to guard him became a key focus for every team.


    A player who could score inside and out, handle the ball, play off-ball, and facilitate with perfect footwork and shooting, was essentially a walking cheat code in this era.


    That question was partially answered during a Rockets-Mavericks playoff series.


    Although the Rockets were eventually eliminated, McGrady''s defense against Nowitzki was highly effective. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nowitzki''s biggest weakness was his lack of strength, so large, physical wing defenders could make things difficult for him.


    And with Nowitzki unable to get into a rhythm, the Mavericks'' offense was clearly stifled in the first five minutes.


    Zach Randolph, a star in his own right, showcased his ability to adjust in Game 2.


    He used his shooting touch and footwork to take on Chandler, with significantly improved efficiency, giving the Grizzlies an early advantage.


    However, when the Mavericks subbed in Terry, the momentum of the game began to shift.


    In the "history" Han Sen knew, many fans claimed the Mavericks'' 2011 championship was won with a "single star." But that wasn''t accurate.


    Terry averaged 17.5 points and 3.2 assists in that playoff run, increasing to 18 points and 3.2 assists in the Finals.


    Meanwhile, Nowitzki averaged 27.7 points and 8.1 rebounds in the playoffs, and 26 points and 9.7 rebounds in the Finals.


    If that was considered a "single-star" championship, then Jordan must''ve had countless single-star titles.


    From a performance standpoint, whenever Nowitzki struggled through the first three quarters of the Finals, it was Terry who kept the game close, acting as the clear number two option.


    But like the Lakers'' 4-1 Finals win over the Magic that Han knew, the league needed a focal point for its narrative, so Terry''s contributions were downplayed.


    Meanwhile, Nowitzki demonstrated his superstar adaptability.


    He used screens and off-ball movement to draw defenders and create opportunities for Terry, which kept the Mavericks competitive with the Grizzlies through the starting lineup minutes.


    But as the game entered the bench rotation phase, the Grizzlies quickly fell behind.


    Crawford wasn''t able to step up this time. You can hope that a player with Sixth-Man potential might emerge as a surprise hero on a given night, but expecting a rookie to do so consistently is unrealistic.


    From the starting minutes of both games, it was clear that the Grizzlies'' starters weren''t inferior to the Mavericks''. But the Mavericks'' bench was on another level.


    This was evident in the Thunder series too; even if the Grizzlies gained an early advantage, the Thunder would close the gap during the bench rotations.


    (TL/n: Dang, missing Rudy Gay a lot rn.)


    The Mavericks'' lineup was better balanced, and their core players were performing at a higher level.


    Without the Grizzlies establishing a strong lead during the starters'' minutes, the game played out differently.


    This crucial gap led to the Grizzlies'' 87-96 loss in Game 2.


    Despite Han Sen holding Nowitzki to just 18 points¡ªa dramatic drop from his previous performances and arguably his worst game of the playoffs¡ªTerry scored 18, Marion added 13, Kidd 13, and Barea 11, giving the Mavericks five double-digit scorers.


    Nowitzki wasn''t just being polite after Game 1. The Mavericks, like the Grizzlies, were fundamentally playing team basketball.


    But Han Sen expended a significant amount of energy focusing on defending Nowitzki, and he ended up with only 15 points himself.


    He merely neutralized Nowitzki in Game 2.


    Besides him and Randolph, only Conley managed to score in double figures for the Grizzlies, which wasn''t nearly enough to secure a win.


    Now down 0-2, the Grizzlies found themselves facing a situation they hadn''t experienced before in the playoffs.


    Just like the Spurs faced against them earlier, the Grizzlies were now on the brink of elimination at 0-2.


    If they lost again, they''d be staring at a 0-3 hole, and their backs were against the wall.

 Chapter 149: Staggered Shifts.

    Chapter 149: Staggered Shifts.The day after losing Game 2, the Grizzlies flew back to Memphis.


    This would be their most challenging stretch yet. The idea of making a comeback seemed even harder than their previous Game 7 battles.


    You could sense it in the players'' mood when they returned. Despite staying dedicated in practice, the drop in morale was visibly clear.


    It was understandable. The Grizzlies had practically played all their cards in the first two games.


    In reality, getting this far with this roster had already exceeded almost everyone''s expectations¡ªmanagement''s included.


    To be blunt, you could see from Wallace''s attitude when Han Sen first joined the team that making the playoffs was the primary goal.


    As for the championship? Han Sen was the only one daring enough to even think about it.


    So the roster wasn''t built with that in mind, or they wouldn''t have left the bench so lacking¡ªespecially at the center position.


    Having Haddadi as your backup center on a contending team was almost comical.


    After practice, Han Sen pulled Randolph aside.


    "Zach, I need more from you."


    Randolph was a bit confused at first, but like when he nodded before exiting Game 4 against the Spurs, he nodded again.


    Was there any way left for the Grizzlies to turn things around?


    Yes, but only one.


    They had to extend their starters'' minutes. Doing so would minimize the minutes the bench played, thus reducing the team''s vulnerabilities during rotations.


    However, this was a massive physical challenge, especially in the playoffs.


    The intensity wasn''t comparable to the regular season. It was also a desperate move¡ªplaying a full series like this could feel like a death wish.


    But at this point, the Grizzlies had no other options.


    After talking with Randolph, Han Sen approached Hollins and shared his idea.


    Hollins couldn''t refuse¡ªnot because of Han Sen''s status on the team, but because Hollins was completely out of his depth at this stage.


    As he''d admitted in an earlier interview, he was at a loss for what to do.


    Expecting a defense-oriented coach built on a twin-tower system to make adjustments on a Western Conference Finals stage was a stretch, to say the least.


    When they were playing the Thunder, it was stubbornness. But after Randolph got ejected, what Hollins showed was more helplessness.


    So, when someone tossed him a lifeline, he clung to it with everything he had.


    The next day, on game day, the Grizzlies'' spirit looked visibly better during their open practice in front of the media.


    It wasn''t all for show. Hollins made changes, and even if they didn''t work, at least they had a direction now.


    After scoring 38 points in Game 1 and locking down Nowitzki in Game 2, Han Sen became the media''s main focus.


    "Are you confident about tonight''s game?"


    "Absolutely," Han Sen''s confidence was palpable.


    "Have you made any adjustments?"


    "Of course, but that''s not the point."


    "Then what is?" a reporter asked, curiosity piqued.


    "Because it''s our home court."


    That night at the FedEx Forum, the place was packed to capacity.


    You could see signs everywhere bearing the phrase "This is our home court," and the atmosphere was electrifying, showing just how much Han Sen''s words had rallied the fans.


    People had almost forgotten Han Sen''s jump onto the Cleveland scorer''s table, but his leap onto the Memphis table after beating the Thunder in Game 3 remained fresh in everyone''s minds.


    After the opening ceremony, the starting lineups were announced:


    Mavericks: Kidd, West, Marion, Nowitzki, Chandler.


    Grizzlies: Conley, Han Sen, Battier, Randolph, Gasol.


    After the lineup shuffle in Game 2, the Grizzlies reverted to their original starting lineup.


    This move sent a clear message¡ªthey wouldn''t rely on Han Sen to guard Nowitzki this time. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Indeed, when Chandler won the tip-off for the Mavericks and Nowitzki settled in the low post, Gasol was back guarding him.


    Nowitzki, not holding back, immediately hit a signature fadeaway. Despite looking the same as his Game 1 shots, this one clanked off the rim under Gasol''s contest.


    It proved Nowitzki''s Game 1 performance had been an outlier¡ªhe couldn''t sustain that level of play with a defender in his face.


    "Nice work, Marc!" Han Sen gave Gasol immediate positive feedback.


    Nowitzki missing one shot didn''t mean he was off, but building Gasol''s confidence was crucial. They didn''t need to shut down Dirk completely¡ªjust limit his effectiveness.


    On the next play, Randolph went to work against Chandler in the post. After missing his initial shot, he grabbed the offensive rebound, drawing a foul on the second attempt.


    In these two games, Randolph had shown everything he had against Chandler. But now, his aggression was noticeably higher.


    This was part of what he had promised Han Sen¡ª"more."


    And it wasn''t just this.


    After Nowitzki faked a shot, blew by Gasol, and finished at the rim with a smooth layup, Randolph responded with a post-up spin and a soft hook off the glass.


    Through two possessions, Han Sen stayed out of the offense, occupying the weak side for spacing. This was what he meant by needing "more" from Randolph.


    The game plan was clear: the primary scoring option was Randolph, while Han Sen conserved his energy.


    And why save energy? To dominate the bench minutes, of course.


    You couldn''t extend everyone''s minutes¡ªit''d leave them gassed in crunch time.


    Plus, the bench minutes often turned into chaotic scrambles, a bad fit for a heavy big like Randolph.


    With around seven minutes left in the first quarter, Tony Allen subbed in for Han Sen. A couple of minutes later, as the teams rotated, Han Sen re-entered the game.


    "I got this," he said, exchanging a high-five with Randolph at the scorer''s table.


    Han Sen glanced at the scoreboard. Thanks to Randolph''s dominance inside, the Grizzlies trailed the Mavericks by just two points, 16-18.


    It felt ironic because, in a sense, he was now playing the role he once wanted Rudy Gay to play for the Grizzlies.


    He was taking his turn on the court during the staggered rotations.


    Of course, seeing who Dallas had subbed in, Han Sen knew his job wouldn''t be easy.


    On the floor for the Mavericks: Barea, Terry, Peja Stojakovic, Marion, and Shaquille O''Neal.


    For the Grizzlies: Conley, Tony Allen, Han Sen, Johnson, and Haddadi.


    This was barely "staggered shifts" at all.


    Dallas started with O''Neal in the post against Haddadi.


    Johnson collapsed in to help, forcing O''Neal to kick the ball out to Marion, who drew Han Sen over, then dished to Peja.


    Peja''s three-pointer swished through, extending Dallas''s lead to five.


    At this point, Peja had become a vital cog for Dallas after joining mid-season.


    Despite his rocky start, he had been an invaluable scoring punch off the bench during the playoffs.


    Back on offense, Han Sen ran a pick-and-roll with Haddadi and punished O''Neal with a clean mid-range jumper.


    Despite Dallas''s strong lineup, they had exploitable weak points, and Han Sen wasted no time targeting them.


    O''Neal shook his head in frustration.


    The guy who once saved him from being dragged out to the perimeter in Cleveland was now the one dragging him there.


    O''Neal retaliated by going hard at Haddadi, who committed a foul to stop him.


    Han Sen gave Haddadi a supportive pat, then exchanged a few words.


    O''Neal hit one of two free throws, and Haddadi secured the rebound.


    Holding the ball high, Haddadi glanced upcourt¡ªHan Sen had already taken off beyond the three-point line.


    Game 4 against the Spurs proved that the Grizzlies could still run without the twin towers, and Han Sen was carrying that lesson over.


    The key was having Haddadi''s passing skills.


    Despite his limitations, Haddadi stayed in the NBA due to two things: his size and his court vision.


    With a quarterback-style pass, Han Sen caught the ball and charged down the court.


    Barea was hot on his heels, catching up by the time Han Sen crossed the three-point line.


    This guy was fast.


    Sensing Barea''s pursuit, Han Sen shielded him off while moving into the paint and launched into a Euro step, dodging Barea''s attempted steal before leaping for a two-handed slam.


    The FedEx Forum erupted as Han Sen celebrated with his signature No. 77 jersey gesture.


    In theory, Han Sen should have been conserving energy tonight. But sometimes, making a statement mattered just as much.


    "Defense! Defense!" the crowd chanted.


    Sure enough, the dunk fired up the home fans. In the next defensive stand, Haddadi used every ounce of strength he had to contest O''Neal''s shot successfully.


    Unfortunately, the ref blew the whistle, calling a foul.


    The crowd booed loudly.


    Han Sen patted Haddadi''s back, encouraging him.


    Against O''Neal, the strategy was simple¡ªkeep fouling him. If you could tire him out first, then it was a win.


    And sending O''Neal to the line also kept Dallas''s other weapons off the scoreboard.


    The chorus of boos grew louder.


    O''Neal, however, kept his cool, hitting one of two free throws.


    As long as he wasn''t missing both, it was par for the course.


    On the next possession, Han Sen attacked O''Neal in a pick-and-roll.


    Just like he said in their earlier conversation, he was giving it everything he had.


    But in the midst of Rick Carlisle''s shouting, the Mavs showcased their defensive mobility.


    After the pick-and-roll, Han Sen was immediately met by Marion''s help defense.


    And his pump fake didn''t fool Marion at all.


    Johnson isn''t a threat from the outside, and with Shaq already in the paint for the Mavs, he''s basically a non-factor offensively.


    Han Sen decided to take the contested shot over Marion.


    Marion reacted fast too, jumping up right away to contest.


    The two met mid-air, but in the end, the younger Han Sen got the better of him, releasing the shot right in Marion''s face.


    It looked like Kobe, but the finish was all Jordan.


    Swish!


    The ball dropped clean through the net.


    The FedExForum erupted once again.


    Hitting such a tough shot does as much for morale as a poster dunk.


    And that''s the right way to rise to the occasion¡ªif I''m on the court at this moment, it''s to score. It doesn''t matter if it''s a simple bucket or a highlight.


    22 to 23.


    With Han Sen scoring six straight points, the deficit was now just a single point.


    It seemed like Hollins had caught on, yelling at Haddadi to commit a foul immediately.


    Shaq reluctantly went back to the free-throw line.


    Only 20 seconds remained in the first quarter.


    Hollins clearly wanted to flip the score before the end of the quarter.


    The crowd noise surged, but Shaq calmly sank both free throws despite the distractions.


    After hitting the second one, Shaq pumped his fist in excitement.


    Han Sen had held nothing back, and now neither was Shaq.


    Hollins called a timeout.


    "Coach, put me in!" Marc Gasol volunteered.


    Han Sen''s words of encouragement earlier hadn''t had much effect on his defense, but seeing Han Sen''s play lit a fire in his young heart.


    Hollins agreed. Even though Gasol hadn''t been playing great in this series, his screens were still a step above Haddadi''s.


    After the timeout, the Grizzlies'' strategy was simple¡ªgive Han Sen the ball and let him take the shot.


    Hollins drew up a play for a three-pointer.


    Han Sen came off Gasol''s screen, received the pass from Conley, and saw Shaq rushing out to contest.


    Han Sen made a quick move and took a step forward, but Marion was also closing in fast, so he decided to lob it inside.


    After the screen, Gasol had cut to the basket, and with Shaq out of position, he had a clear opportunity.


    It wasn''t a difficult pass¡ªjust needed to lob it up toward the rim.


    With his height and wingspan, Gasol caught Han Sen''s pass cleanly.


    Terry, in desperation, grabbed Gasol''s arm to commit the foul.


    Terry''s foul was decisive, but Gasol''s finish was even more so. Despite losing his balance, he managed to put the ball up.


    The whistle blew, and the ball rolled in.


    An and-one!


    Gasol roared to the sky after the bucket.


    Han Sen came over and gave him a hard high-five.


    Because he could feel it¡ªafter that shot, the heart Gasol lost in Game 1 to Nowitzki was beating again."

 Chapter 150: He’s The Monkey King.

    Chapter 150: He''s The Monkey King."Beautiful! That was a perfect shot!"


    Far across the ocean, Zhang Weiping at the commentary desk for CCTV-5 shouted with excitement.


    Despite the Basketball Association''s efforts to block Han Sen from media coverage, once the Grizzlies made it to the Western Conference Finals, the blackout lost its effect.


    When the playoffs reach the Conference Finals, broadcasting is mandatory.


    Han Sen''s Game 1 performance had already changed many people''s opinions. While his haters didn''t grow much, his fanbase was exploding.


    Especially with Yao Ming nearing retirement, it was hard for the Grizzlies not to become the home team for Chinese fans.


    So even a commentator with strong biases like Zhang Weiping was gaining favor again.


    After all, Zhang Weiping was the same guy who was left stunned for a whole year after Han Sen declared at the draft, "The Cavaliers need me too much."


    His bias wasn''t exactly subtle.


    During this bench rotation, Han Sen and Marc Gasol''s performance not only helped the Grizzlies retake the lead but also gave them an advantage.


    By the time the starters returned, the Grizzlies were up 30-26.


    On the Mavericks'' next possession, Nowitzki received the ball in the high post. After his teammates cleared out, he turned and hit a one-legged fadeaway over Marc Gasol.


    Swish!


    Despite the heavy contest, Nowitzki''s fadeaway went in. He was back!


    "Man, Nowitzki''s been something else this year. He''s really playing like the Silver-Horned King [1], controlling the winds and rain," Zhang Weiping exclaimed.


    But Han Sen answered right away with a mid-range jumper off a pick-and-roll.


    "Look at that! Han Sen is just on another level¡ª one-on-one, nobody can stop him!"


    "Han Sen hasn''t sat out this entire quarter," added Yang Jian, the play-by-play commentator.


    Carlisle, noticing Han''s fatigue, set up a 2-1-2 zone defense to limit Randolph''s effectiveness, forcing Han to stay on the floor.


    Unlike Hollins, who was just running standard plays, Carlisle was a true tactical master.


    Han played the entire quarter, leading the Grizzlies to a 47-45 halftime lead.


    He broke his personal playoff record with 23 points at halftime, but the cost was clear¡ªhis jersey was drenched, and he was visibly exhausted.


    "Han Sen is giving it his all!" Zhang Weiping commented with admiration.


    When the second half began, Carlisle stuck with the 2-1-2 zone.


    Hollins finally adjusted, moving Marc Gasol to the high post to create a high-low game with Randolph.


    Randolph''s strong inside presence paid off, especially with Chandler in foul trouble, making him hesitant to be as aggressive on defense.


    Both teams stayed neck-and-neck throughout the third quarter, and Han didn''t get a chance to rest.


    By the end of the quarter, he had played 26 consecutive minutes. Coming off the court, he was visibly gassed.


    To start the fourth, Han took a brief break, while the Grizzlies implemented a hack-a-Shaq strategy.


    But seeing it was working, Carlisle quickly benched O''Neal.


    Even without O''Neal, the Mavericks had depth with Terry, Barea, and even Peja.


    Recognizing this, Hollins brought his entire starting lineup back on the floor.


    He knew the Grizzlies couldn''t afford to lose this game. The two teams went back and forth until the five-minute mark, tied at 90.


    During a Mavericks timeout, they set up a clever play.


    Nowitzki set an off-ball screen for West, forcing a switch so he could post up Han Sen.


    "This is a great opportunity¡ªHan guarding Nowitzki is just too easy for him," Zhang Weiping remarked with a grin.


    "But the Mavericks are trying to wear Han out," Yang Jian quickly pointed out.


    Zhang Weiping''s commentary was often focused on the obvious, while Yang Jian was more analytical.


    "Carlisle''s a crafty one!" Zhang Weiping said in realization.


    Carlisle was indeed trying to exhaust Han. Despite Han''s nearly depleted energy, his defense on Nowitzki remained solid.


    When Nowitzki attempted his signature fadeaway, Han even got a hand on the ball.


    But this season, Nowitzki was playing out of his mind¡ªhe adjusted mid-air and still made the shot.


    This kind of basket could crush a defender''s confidence. Han pulled his jersey to his mouth, pretending to taste the salt for an energy boost¡ªit wasn''t real, but it sure got him pumped.


    The Mavericks set up their 2-1-2 defense again. Carlisle''s strategy was clear: prioritize defending Randolph and wear down Han.


    Unable to get an opening inside, Han received a handoff from Marc Gasol and dribbled to the foul line, pulling up for a jumper over Marion.


    Swish!


    The FedEx Forum erupted in cheers.


    Even without special camera angles, Han''s slower movements revealed his fatigue, but his shots kept falling.


    It wasn''t about stamina at this point¡ªit was pure willpower, honed by endless hours of practice.


    "Defense! Defense!" the crowd roared.


    Hollins signaled Gasol not to switch on Nowitzki.


    However, this adjustment left an opening, and Nowitzki banked in another mid-range shot.


    This season, Nowitzki wasn''t just good¡ªhe was otherworldly.


    Han Sen continued to move without the ball, and when he received it this time, he saw Marion rushing at him.


    Han made a quick crossover, drove to the lane, and stopped on a dime, drawing Chandler into the air before dishing it to Randolph.


    Randolph barely managed to catch the awkward pass before the referee''s whistle blew. Chandler had collided with Han, earning his fifth foul.


    If not for Chandler catching himself before falling, Han might have taken a much harder hit.


    Randolph and Battier rushed over to help Han up, but when they realized he wasn''t getting up, they understood¡ªHan was squeezing every second of rest he could from the floor. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Only when the ref approached did they finally pull Han up.


    With the foul limit reached, Han went to the free-throw line and nailed both shots, tying the game at 94.


    On the next play, Nowitzki posted up Han again. This time, Han gestured to Gasol to switch.


    Instead of waiting for Nowitzki''s move, Han initiated contact.


    When Nowitzki leaned in for the ball, Han subtly pulled back, causing the tired star to lose his balance.


    Han pounced and stole the pass from Kidd, triggering an eruption from the crowd.


    Zhang Weiping shouted, "Han Sen steals it! Let''s go!"


    Returning on offense, Randolph muscled his way to the basket for a score, taking advantage of Chandler''s caution due to foul trouble.


    96-94.


    With three minutes left, the Grizzlies had the lead!


    Han Sen took a deep breath, glancing at the clock. Three minutes. Just three more minutes.


    Bending over with his hands on his knees, Han inhaled deeply before straightening up, determination in his eyes.


    Even if Nowitzki was playing like a god, Han was determined to drag him down to earth.


    As Nowitzki backed him down on the next play, Han didn''t let him get comfortable.


    Despite a near-perfect fadeaway, Han leapt with unexpected force, forcing Nowitzki to adjust. The ball clanged off the rim.


    Marc Gasol secured the crucial rebound. Han''s prediction was right¡ªif they were to win, they needed to stop Nowitzki in crunch time.


    The FedEx Forum rang out with the fans'' iconic chant, "Whoop that trick!"


    The atmosphere was electric.


    Randolph received the ball in the post again, but this time the Mavericks collapsed on him.


    He kicked it out to Gasol, who took a jumper from the free-throw line, just a bit heavy¡ªbouncing off the back rim.


    Chandler had collapsed under the basket, but Han, anticipating the play, tipped the ball gently into the net.


    He no longer had the energy for a putback dunk, but a tip-in was all he needed.


    "Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful! That''s Han Sen!" Zhang Weiping yelled, almost standing up from excitement.


    98-94.


    The Grizzlies were gaining momentum!


    Carlisle stood up to signal his team. Kidd orchestrated the next play, setting up a beautiful pick-and-roll that freed Nowitzki for a layup.


    After scoring, Nowitzki high-fived Kidd.


    This veteran duo of Kidd and Nowitzki, with a combined age of over 70, still had ice in their veins in crunch time.


    The lead was cut to two points with just two minutes remaining.


    Randolph posted up and drew Chandler''s sixth foul, fouling him out of the game.


    This was great news for the Grizzlies.


    However, Randolph was exhausted and only made one out of two free throws.


    One and a half minutes remaining, and still a one-possession difference.


    Kidd advanced the ball to the frontcourt and signaled for a play.


    The Mavericks went for a three-point strategy this time.


    After Chandler fouled out, the Mavericks didn''t bring in O''Neal.


    Instead, they subbed in their third big man, Ian Mahinmi, likely to avoid a hack-a-Shaq scenario.


    But Mahinmi was no match for Randolph in the post. The Mavericks had to roll the dice.


    Terry received the ball off a screen from Nowitzki, but Marc Gasol closed in decisively, heavily contesting Terry''s shot.


    Clank!


    The ball bounced off the rim!


    Randolph pulled down the crucial rebound.


    The Grizzlies didn''t call a timeout.


    Once they reached the frontcourt, Conley fed the ball to Randolph in the post.


    The Mavericks'' defense collapsed inward.


    Right then, Randolph spotted Han Sen.


    Or maybe Han Sen had anticipated the Mavericks'' defensive strategy, executing a pick-and-roll with Marc Gasol and running to the perimeter for a three-point look.


    Randolph flung the ball out to him.


    Han Sen caught it and immediately rose for the three.


    Nowitzki didn''t hesitate. He lunged with everything he had. He knew if Han Sen sank this three, the game would be over.


    Han Sen didn''t back down. He released the shot, right over Nowitzki.


    Smack!


    Nowitzki''s block attempt hit Han Sen''s hand.


    Exhausted, Han Sen lost his balance in the air, crashing hard to the floor.


    But before he hit the ground, he saw the ball swish through the hoop.


    Swish!


    The crisp sound echoed, and FedExForum erupted into a frenzy.


    102 to 96!


    With just 45 seconds left, the Grizzlies took a 6-point lead.


    And on top of that, Han Sen had a free throw coming!


    Game over!


    "Hey! You''re supposed to be some big bad Silver Horn King, right? Well, our Han Sen? He''s the Monkey King [2]!" commentator Zhang Weiping joyfully exclaimed, like an excited child.


    -End of Chapter-


    Translator''s note:


    Didn''t convert the references since it''s a Chinese commentary. So let me briefly explain them:


    [1] Silver Horn King: This is a reference to a character from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. The Silver Horn King, along with his brother the Golden Horn King, is a demon that the Monkey King (Sun Wukong) faces during his journey.


    The demons are powerful, but ultimately, Sun Wukong outsmarts and defeats them.


    In this context, Zhang Weiping''s remark is a playful way of saying that Han Sen (who embodies the spirit of Sun Wukong) overcame a strong and seemingly formidable opponent, Nowitzki.


    [2] Sun Wukong (Monkey King): This is the main character in Journey to the West, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature.


    Sun Wukong is known for his incredible strength, agility, intelligence, and magical abilities. Referring to Han Sen as the Monkey King is a way of highlighting his skill, bravery, and the fact that he seems to defy odds with a sense of audacity.

 Chapter 151: Nobody Will Want to Face Us.

    Chapter 151: Nobody Will Want to Face Us.Han Sen was quickly pulled up by his teammates this time.


    After standing up, he let out a long breath, and then smiled.


    He had used up all his energy, but this outcome made it all worth it!


    Han Sen stepped up to the free-throw line.


    "MVP! MVP!"


    The familiar chants echoed through the arena once again.


    Han Sen had already scored 39 points, second only to his performance in the first-round Game 7 against the Thunder.


    But tonight, it wasn''t just about the numbers. He played for 44 minutes, the most out of all the players from both teams.


    Especially in the latter half of the fourth quarter, when he was running on fumes, he still managed to give the Grizzlies the edge. This was even more valuable than the points he scored.


    MVP, leader¡ªhe deserved all these titles.


    Swish!


    Amid the fans'' chants, Han Sen calmly sank the free throw, sealing the game''s outcome.


    The final score was locked at 105-101. Although Terry hit a last-minute three-pointer, there wasn''t enough time left to change anything.


    After the game, the stats showed Han Sen with 40 points, Randolph with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists, Marc Gasol with 17 points and 9 rebounds, and Conley with 11 points and 5 assists.


    Nowitzki had 29 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Terry scored 15, Kidd had 13, and Barea added 11.


    As the game ended, the home crowd erupted in cheers, with fans waving signs that read, "This is our home court."


    This comeback from a desperate situation kept the Grizzlies'' hope alive and reignited their confidence.


    However, Han Sen was now sitting on the bench, completely drained.


    It wasn''t until the post-game handshake that Randolph pulled him up from his seat.


    "You played great, and you deserved this win," Nowitzki said, impressed by Han Sen''s performance that night.


    "But next game, I''ll bring my best," he added.


    "See you then," Han Sen replied with a smile.


    He knew Nowitzki would play better in the next game, but after such a battle, the Grizzlies'' spirits were lifted.


    A win at home again?


    Why not!


    "The Monkey King Takes Down the Silver Horn King"


    Back at home, because of Zhang Weiping''s commentary, Basketball Pioneer used that phrase as their front-page headline.


    It was so fitting, and it made perfect sense.


    Everyone could see that the Mavericks had the better and stronger roster in this series.


    But Han Sen''s performance in Game 3, especially his relentless effort until the end, resembled that of the legendary Monkey King.


    "Han has already had two 40-point games in these playoffs, and he''s averaging 31 points per game in this series against the Mavericks! And we must remember, Han is only in his second year!"


    In TNT''s latest program, Charles Barkley went on a praise spree.


    Nowitzki''s playoff performance this year was unbelievable, but it couldn''t overshadow Han Sen''s brilliance.


    "I bet there are some people in Cleveland who can''t sleep right now because they gave away the team''s future with their own hands," Barkley added, taking a jab at the Cavaliers'' management.


    Even though most media were focused on the Heat vs. Bulls series¡ªgiven the drama of Miami''s Big Three vs. Chicago''s rise¡ªHan Sen''s efforts earned him attention on his own terms.


    In this year''s playoffs, he had truly made a name for himself.


    After a two-day break, Game 4 between the Mavericks and Grizzlies continued in Memphis.


    With momentum from the previous game, the Grizzlies came out with aggressive defense right from the start.


    The sudden increase in defensive intensity seemed to throw the Mavericks off their rhythm.


    The Grizzlies outscored them 26-15 in the first quarter.


    The fans saw firsthand what a young and spirited team looks like.


    However, things changed in the second quarter.


    The Grizzlies, having pushed themselves hard in the first, ran into stamina issues in the second quarter.


    Fortunately, the Grizzlies'' trademark resilience held them together, and they maintained a 51-46 lead at halftime.


    With the Mavericks starting their comeback efforts early, not only Han Sen but also Marc Gasol had to play the entire first half.


    Then came the third quarter, and after the halftime break, the Grizzlies once again used their defense to create an advantage.


    At one point, their starting lineup led the Mavericks by as much as 15 points.


    The two teams started rotating players, and Han Sen finally got a chance to rest.


    But barely a moment after sitting down, he had to get back in, as the Mavericks, led by Terry and Barea, launched a furious comeback.


    By the time the fourth quarter arrived, the Mavericks had already closed the gap to single digits.


    At that point, the Grizzlies'' fatigue was clearly becoming an issue.


    Ultimately, they lost the game.


    This game was a learning experience for the entire Grizzlies team.


    It was all about the finer details of energy management.


    Young teams often struggle with pacing themselves due to over-excitement at the start.


    Even Han Sen, despite being a time-traveller, was caught off guard by this, as some lessons require real experience.


    In reality, it was supposed to be the coach''s responsibility to manage this, but Hollins didn''t seem to have the ability to handle it either.


    Of course, this was also because the Mavericks were, as Shaq put it, the best team at staging comebacks this season.


    After being reversed, trailing 1-3, and having Game 5 on the road, the Grizzlies'' season seemed to be over.


    Just like the Lakers, whose morale collapsed under similar circumstances, getting swept and losing by 36 in their final game.


    But this Grizzlies team, just like Han Sen said after Game 1, might lose, but they would never give up.


    This spirit was evident in every game of this series. Although they had both wins and losses, they never let the game slip into garbage time.


    And because of this, they pulled off an unexpected victory in Game 5.


    Even though they didn''t open with a big lead like in Game 4, they remained in a deadlock with the Mavericks throughout.


    Or rather, they learned from Game 4''s mistakes and didn''t burn all their energy too early.


    This deadlock, or rather this dogfight, eventually allowed them to find their opportunity.


    Despite their lack of depth and stamina issues in the fourth quarter, Han Sen and Randolph put together a crucial run in the middle of the fourth quarter, allowing them to secure a 106-100 win over the Mavericks and bring the series to 2-3.


    "This team deserves everyone''s respect!" This time it wasn''t Barkley, but ESPN''s veteran and legendary commentator Mike Breen, who voiced his admiration.


    Due to their lack of depth and experience, the Grizzlies were at a disadvantage against the Mavericks, but on the court, they played toe-to-toe with them.


    In Game 6 of the series, the two teams returned to Memphis.


    The Grizzlies'' strategy didn''t change much from the previous game, but Nowitzki entered an unstoppable mode again.


    Perhaps only Han Sen''s words from the Spurs series could explain Nowitzki''s form this season.


    "He has a super button inside him, and it didn''t rust like Duncan''s. It allows him to press it every so often."


    By the end of the third quarter, Nowitzki had already scored 30 points, helping the Mavericks build a double-digit lead.


    But the Grizzlies once again displayed their resilience, bringing their starters back early. Amid the continuous cheers from the home fans, they fought back fiercely in the fourth quarter.


    Han Sen scored 12 points in the final quarter, including a game-tying three-pointer near the end, pushing the game into overtime.


    However, in overtime, the Grizzlies'' extended minutes took their toll.


    Nowitzki scored 9 points in overtime, dominating the period.


    With six seconds left in overtime and the Grizzlies trailing the Mavericks by seven, Coach Hollins chose to pull out his starters.


    The arena filled with applause and cheers.


    Although they unfortunately fell short against the Mavericks, every game they played, including tonight''s, was praiseworthy.


    Because not once did they try to give up.


    This team had built a culture of courage and resilience.


    That was the true mark of a successful team.


    Han Sen gazed at the court, unwilling to accept the outcome.


    If he could be just a bit stronger, the Grizzlies might have won the championship this year.


    Beep!


    The final buzzer sounded, and the Grizzlies players began to rise.


    Han Sen also stood up.


    Suddenly, cheers erupted.


    "Whoop that trick!"


    Han Sen looked up to find himself on the LED screen.


    "Whoop that trick" has two meanings.


    The first is what the fans shouted most often: "Beat them."


    But at this moment, it clearly wasn''t that. Instead, it meant, "Well done."


    Why did they start chanting when Han appeared on the LED screen?


    Because the person who established this culture for the team was Han Sen!


    Before Han Sen came, the Grizzlies hadn''t made the playoffs in four years.


    But once he arrived, he led the Grizzlies to break through obstacles all the way to the Western Conference Finals, making franchise history!


    Now no one thought Han Sen''s earlier promise to bring a championship to the Grizzlies was a joke anymore, because he made people see that hope for real.


    Plus, this Grizzlies squad is so young.


    The Thunder next door are a young powerhouse, but so are the Grizzlies!


    During the post-game handshakes, Nowitzki took the initiative to give Han Sen a hug this time.


    "You were the biggest problem for us this year," said Nowitzki, with genuine admiration.


    He originally thought facing the Lakers would be their toughest challenge, but the Lakers crumbled far too easily.


    But the resilience the Grizzlies showed? It kept Nowitzki on his toes the entire time.


    "You''re speaking too soon," Han Sen replied, reminding him.


    Before their series even ended, the Heat had already swept the Bulls 4-1, advancing to the Finals.


    "You know, what doesn''t kill you makes you stronger," Nowitzki said with a meaningful tone.


    "I''m looking forward to it," Han Sen replied, curious to see what a rematch with the same opponents from last year would bring.


    After the handshake, Han Sen and Randolph attended the post-game press conference together.


    ...


    As Han Sen stepped into the press conference room, the weight of the loss hung heavy in the air. He sat down next to Zach Randolph, nodding slightly to acknowledge the reporters.


    A reporter broke the silence. "Han, you averaged 28 points, 4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.2 steals in this series. That''s a hell of a stat line, especially for a sophomore. If you had to grade your own performance, what would it be?"


    Han leaned back, staring at the ceiling for a second before shaking his head. "Man, when you lose, stats don''t mean a damn thing," he replied flatly. It was clear he was in a bad mood and not interested in self-praise.


    The reporter wasn''t giving up. "If it''s out of 10, I''d say you deserve a 9. A strong showing, even in defeat." sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "There''s no such thing as a ''good loss,''" Han countered, his voice firm. "We didn''t get it done. That''s what matters." He gave a nod towards the next question, ready to move on.


    Another reporter from ESPN jumped in. "Do you think losing Rudy Gay was the key factor in the series?"


    "Nope," Han replied immediately. "Injuries can''t be an excuse. Never. We didn''t execute like we should have, especially in Game 4. That''s on us, not on who wasn''t on the court."


    "During the regular season, you guys swept the Heat. If you had made it to the Finals, there was a real chance at winning it all. Does that add to the disappointment?"


    For the first time, a flicker of emotion crossed Han''s face. He took a moment before answering. "Would''ve, could''ve, should''ve¡ªnone of that matters, ''cause we didn''t beat Dallas. It''s that simple."


    The room fell silent as he continued, lifting his head, eyes locked in. "But this is only our first season together. We''re coming back. And next season, no team''s gonna want to face us."


    ...


    After returning to the locker room to embrace his teammates and say their goodbyes, Han Sen''s second season officially came to an end.


    Despite the regret, there was no time to dwell on the past.


    He needed to plan for the summer.


    During the playoffs, Chris Rondo and Henry Thomas had both reached out to him, confirming what he suspected: a league-wide lockout was almost inevitable this summer.


    This was bad news for most people, but for Han Sen, it was an opportunity.


    It meant more time to train.


    And he already had a plan for how to spend this long summer.


    From what he knew, many players would go overseas or join other leagues like the Drew League to stay in shape during the lockout.


    Han Sen wasn''t interested in that; it was a waste of time with little payoff.


    His idea was more like what Wade did in the past: rent a gym, and gather some players to train together.


    Before this season, he didn''t have the influence to do that. But after this playoff run, he had it now.


    Plus, with the lockout, players couldn''t use their team''s training facilities, making it easier to gather people.


    He''d even figured out how to cover the costs.


    UA (Under Armour) had the funds, and it wasn''t just a waste of money¡ªit was a solid investment.


    Selling documentaries, promoting sneakers among players¡ªthese were all profitable ventures.


    UA''s biggest challenge right now was finding more potential endorsers. One spokesperson wasn''t enough.


    But before all that, Han Sen had Rondo get him some front-row tickets for the Finals.


    Even though he couldn''t make it there himself, he wanted to witness what might be the most dramatic Finals in NBA history in person.

 Chapter 152: No-Look Pass.

    Chapter 152: No-Look Pass.Before heading to Miami, Han Sen had one thing in mind: he needed to stir up some heat.


    The season had ended, and he needed more hater points to unlock a new tier-one talent.


    So, he opened up social media and posted:


    "The Mavericks are going to beat the Heat and win their first-ever championship. They''ll finish it in six games."


    Prior to this, ESPN had conducted a survey, with the Heat overwhelmingly favored to win.


    Even Stan, after the Grizzlies got eliminated, predicted that the Heat would take the title. There was plenty of reason for this belief since the Heat had exceeded expectations in the playoffs.


    Initially, people thought the Heat would struggle in the postseason after a tough regular season.


    But with strong defense, they took down both the Celtics and Bulls, each with a 4-1 series win.


    These weren''t easy wins, either¡ªBoston was only two games behind the Heat, while Chicago had the league''s best record.


    In particular, against the Bulls, after losing the first game, the Heat tightened up their defense and swept the next four games clean.


    This playoff run had fully prepared the Heat for the Finals.


    On the other hand, although the Mavericks swept the Lakers in a thrilling series, they were taken to six games by the Grizzlies, even without Rudy Gay.


    And even worse, Nowitzki injured a tendon in his left hand during that battle. Plus, with home-court advantage, the Heat had everything in their favor.


    After posting his prediction, Han waited to reap his hater points. With the media backing the Heat, his contrarian take was bound to draw some hate.


    But things didn''t go exactly as planned.


    Instead of hate, Han saw his follower count explode. It was as if people were saying, "I might just be a random fan, but if you''re dissing LeBron, we''re friends."


    At first, Han didn''t get it, but after thinking about it, he started to understand. He had failed to differentiate between "the media" and "the fans."


    It was just like the world he came from, where political correctness was rampant in Hollywood.


    Movies and games had to align with certain standards, or the mainstream media would drag them, and even demand "protection fees."


    Under this kind of pressure, if a movie or game managed to defy the odds and come out solid, fans would go nuts.


    It''s the same situation now. Nike influenced the media, and the media backed the Heat.


    But fans? They hadn''t forgotten "The Decision."


    The Heat had turned into the league''s biggest villains, and in this era, "superteam stacking" wasn''t admired¡ªit was despised.


    The beauty of basketball lies in competition, not who''s more cunning or who takes shortcuts.


    Sure, it''s within the rules, but just like laws and morality, fans have their own bottom line.


    They might not be able to challenge the media, but they have the freedom to choose where their support goes.


    With this realization, Han knew if he truly wanted to rack up hater points, he should''ve predicted a Heat sweep over the Mavericks.


    But this kind of stance leaves no room for backtracking. Still, gaining so many new fans wasn''t a bad trade-off.


    The Finals'' first game would be in Miami. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Han flew to Miami, but he wasn''t alone. Swift had released her new single at the end of April and now finally had some downtime.


    Han planned to enjoy himself after a grueling season, so bringing Swift along made sense¡ªthey could watch the Finals and vacation in Miami.


    On Game 1 night, Han and Swift showed up courtside at the American Airlines Arena, drawing cheers from the crowd.


    Swift''s popularity was at an all-time high, and after his playoff performances, Han had officially entered the realm of NBA stars. Together, they were a power couple.


    Before the game, Han chatted with Nowitzki, inquiring about his injured finger. Nowitzki had on a specially designed finger brace.


    "I don''t shoot with my left hand anyway," Nowitzki replied optimistically.


    Han could only wish him luck. Although Nowitzki wasn''t a lefty, an injury to his supporting hand would still mess with his shooting touch.


    The game began, and as expected, Nowitzki struggled early on, missing several shots. The Heat capitalized, running up a lead with their fast-break game.


    Han couldn''t help but admire Spoelstra''s coaching adjustments¡ªthis wasn''t the same Heat team that struggled in the regular season.


    But once the Mavericks'' bench hit the court, the momentum shifted. Their bench was deep, with Shaquille O''Neal and J.J. Barea giving the Heat all kinds of trouble.


    It was reminiscent of the Grizzlies-Thunder series: the Heat dominated with their starters, but the Mavs'' bench closed the gap.


    After three quarters, the Heat led 75-71.


    At the start of the fourth, things changed again.


    Dwyane Wade, in peak form, put on a clinic. O''Neal looked out of his depth as Wade exploited his old teammate.


    The Heat went on a run, and with seven minutes left, Wade drained a three to put the Heat up by 15. The familiar scoreline twisted Han''s gut.


    Then, in a timeout, LeBron and Wade started celebrating right in front of the Mavericks'' bench, chest-bumping and even breaking into a little dance.


    They thought they had this game in the bag. And that''s when everything shifted.


    After the timeout, Nowitzki came back in, and the Mavericks started their comeback.


    Double-teamed, Nowitzki found Kidd for an open three.


    The Heat were in a 2-1-2 zone, and LeBron got caught pointing fingers at Chalmers.


    Next, Terry nailed a jumper, and Marion followed with a fast-break layup.


    An 8-2 run prompted Spoelstra to call a timeout, but the Heat still couldn''t score.


    It wasn''t that the Heat forgot how to play¡ªthey just couldn''t stop the Mavs'' offensive surge.


    Once Dallas forced them into a half-court game, the Heat reverted to their regular-season struggles.


    And Carlisle wasn''t letting Wade beat them. They smothered him with double teams, aggressive help defense, and tight ball-denial.


    Wade was neutralized, forcing the ball into LeBron and Bosh''s hands, which was a disaster.


    LeBron missed fadeaways. Bosh turned it over in the post. LeBron bricked two threes in a row.


    Then, Nowitzki nailed a layup, capping off a 17-2 run that tied the game with a minute left.


    The American Airlines Arena fell dead silent. The Mavs were once again the kings of playoff comebacks.


    Spoelstra called another timeout, but it didn''t help.


    Wade finally got an open look but missed, his rhythm gone after being denied touches for so long.


    Back down the court, Nowitzki drained a three off a Kidd assist, effectively sealing the game.


    With just seconds left, the Heat''s last hope, Chalmers, hit a corner three off a LeBron drive, tying the game once more.


    Han couldn''t help but laugh. The scenes were all too familiar to him.


    With 25 seconds left, Nowitzki caught the ball at a 45-degree angle, spun around Bosh, and laid it in past LeBron''s help defense, just like he had against the Grizzlies.


    There were 3.6 seconds left. The Heat were out of timeouts.


    Wade''s last-chance heave clanged off the rim, and the Mavericks completed yet another epic comeback, taking Game 1 of the Finals 95-93.


    Post-game stats showed Wade''s impressive 36 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. LeBron had 20 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals but also 5 turnovers. Bosh was ice-cold with 4 of 16 shooting for 12 points and 8 rebounds.


    Nowitzki led the Mavs with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Marion and Terry added 20 and 16 points respectively.


    Han felt like his trip to Miami was more than worth it.


    The Finals were proving to be one of the most dramatic in years, and the memories of LeBron and Wade mocking Nowitzki were even richer now.


    Back at the hotel, Han took Swift on sightseeing trips during the day and practiced basketball at night, focusing on post-ups and off-ball movement.


    Two days later, Game 2 rolled around. Swift stayed back at the hotel to rest, while Han attended the game.


    It played out similarly to Game 1, with Nowitzki struggling early, and the Heat''s starters gaining an advantage.


    Spoelstra made adjustments earlier, staggering LeBron''s minutes and hacking O''Neal to disrupt the Mavs'' rhythm.


    But once the starters returned, the game shifted again, with Nowitzki finding his touch earlier this time. He dropped 12 points in the third, pushing the Mavs ahead.


    The Miami crowd was tense¡ªthey knew losing both home games would be a death sentence.


    Thankfully for them, they had Wade.


    Just like in Game 1, he carried the Heat in the final quarter, driving relentlessly and flipping the lead back in their favor.


    The last three minutes were a slugfest, with both teams struggling to score.


    With a minute left, Wade made a tough floater to give Miami a two-point lead.


    But then, Nowitzki, despite being double-teamed, drained a fadeaway to tie the game¡ªsecuring his 34th point of the night.


    In the last 20 seconds, the game was tied once again.


    It was a similar situation, except this time, the Heat had possession.


    LeBron drove to the basket, and Wade exerted all his effort to keep Nowitzki locked down.


    LeBron dished the ball to Bosh, who sank a clutch mid-range shot to seal the game.


    Bosh redeemed himself, and Miami avoided the sweep that Han Sen had feared.


    It must be said¡ªMiami owes Wade a massive thank you.


    Wade dropped 36 points in Game 1 and 29 in Game 2, averaging 32.5 points over the two games¡ªnumbers reminiscent of his 2006 Finals performance.


    On the other hand, LeBron only put up 20 points in the first game and 17 in the second, averaging 18 points¡ªa performance that had truly turned him into Pippen.


    This left Han Sen even more intrigued about the next games.


    The Finals still followed the 2-3-2 format, meaning the rest of the games would be in Dallas.


    Han Sen left Miami¡ªnot due to the schedule, but because Swift had suddenly wanted to head back and work on her music.


    So Han Sen went back too, but instead of going to Dallas, he returned to Memphis.


    The lockout wouldn''t start until July, after the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) expired, so he wasn''t in a rush to start training camp.


    After watching the first two games of the Finals, Han Sen had a new idea for using his talent points.


    Passing was crucial for him, but it wasn''t something that required a top-tier talent.


    His current focus was on becoming a scorer like Wade, not a primary playmaker like LeBron.


    Part of this was due to the Grizzlies'' team-oriented style.


    While he needed to be capable of one-on-one plays, he didn''t require an elite-tier talent for that.


    On the other hand, if he altered the Grizzlies'' style and became the central playmaker, it might not be the best choice.


    That''s because being a primary ball-handler not only takes a lot of effort, but it can also wear out teammates and limit the team''s ceiling.


    In other words, when it came to passing talent, "good enough" was all he needed.


    So there was no need to wait.


    He currently had 600,000 Hater Points, which was more than enough to exchange for a second-tier passing talent.


    Moreover, after making the exchange, he could continue accumulating points since talents required training to reach their peak.


    By mid-season¡ªor maybe even before the season started, thanks to the lockout¡ªhe could aim for a chance to get a top-tier ball-handling talent.


    Having elite ball-handling would greatly enhance his offensive threat, just like Wade had demonstrated in the Finals.


    With this in mind, Han Sen found a passing talent within the second tier that cost 230,000 points:


    [No-Look Pass without Ball Fakes]: Enhances finger coordination and flexibility, improves passing vision.


    ¡ªEnd of Chapter¡ª


    Author''s note: Injuries to existing players will follow historical accuracy.


    Translator''s note:


    2011 NBA Labor Dispute: In 2011, the National Basketball Association (NBA) initiated a lockout of its players following the expiration of the 2005 collective bargaining agreement (CBA).


    The lockout lasted 161 days, beginning on July 1, 2011 and ending on December 8, 2011.


    It was the fourth lockout in the history of the NBA, and the second labor stoppage resulting in a cancellation of


    games, shortening each team''s 2011-12 season from 82 games to 66.

 Chapter 153: Fairy Tail.

    Chapter 153: Fairy Tail.(TL/n: Realised not many might remember the ''2011 NBA Labor Dispute.'' Included a brief explanation in the previous Chapter''s footnotes.)


    Pass training required assistance, so Han Sen called Grover over to Memphis.


    Grover wasn''t surprised that Han Sen started special training so early.


    After spending a season with him, he knew Han Sen''s competitive spirit was the strongest he''d ever seen.


    Besides Grover, Han also contacted someone else: Jason Williams.


    From the last two seasons, Han had learned that the talents provided by his system were like fertile soil¡ªit was up to him to decide what would grow in it.


    For example, after getting the floater talent, he learned the drifting floater from Jamison. And when he received a defensive talent, he studied how to guard Durant from Tony Allen.


    Passing was the same.


    For tactical passing, accuracy is key¡ªlike how LeBron and Draymond Green excel in this area. But for non-tactical passing, creativity is needed in addition to talent.


    Williams, nicknamed "White Chocolate," may not have the best passes in history, but he undoubtedly had the most creative (and flashy) ones.


    So in terms of creativity, no one could compare to him.


    Williams had announced his retirement again on social media after last season. However, he wasn''t leaving the Grizzlies completely. He was joining the coaching staff to help develop young players.


    In a way, Han was getting guidance from his future coach in advance.


    As Han began his summer training, the NBA Finals were still ongoing.


    Naturally, Han kept an eye on the games, but this time he could only watch the live broadcasts.


    He called Rondo over, set up the snacks, and before the game started, they made a friendly bet: $500.


    Rondo bet on the Heat.


    He provided a thorough analysis.


    He believed that Game 1 was an accident caused by the Heat underestimating the Mavericks. After securing the second home game, the Heat had already stifled the Mavs'' momentum.


    Nowitzki was still struggling with his injured finger, and his performance was visibly affected.


    And with Wade in red-hot form, as long as the Heat didn''t underestimate their opponents, they should have no problem taking the game.


    "You make a good point, but I''m still backing the Mavs," Han replied without giving an explanation. Instead, he took to social media and posted:


    "I''m betting LeBron scores under 10 points tonight. $500,000. Anyone wanna take the bet?"


    From the time he posted it until just before the game, only Kanye West took him up on the offer.


    It seemed LeBron''s fans loved him, but when it came to putting money on their King, few were willing.


    However, Han''s hater points surged.


    "You''re talking nonsense! Even if LeBron plays with one hand, he''ll still score in double figures!"


    "Open your eyes and watch carefully! LeBron just had an off night the first two games. He''s dropping 30+ tonight!"


    "You''re just a number-one hater looking for reasons to hate. Get ready to hand Kanye your money!"


    ...


    Nike''s influence was impressive. Even though the die-hard LeBron fans couldn''t contribute more hater points, James still managed to gain a good number of new fans this season despite all the criticism.


    Han put down his phone as the game started.


    Wade opened with an and-one, and Bosh followed with a mid-range jumper from the top of the key.


    This game was off to an even better start for the Heat than the previous two.


    Wade was still in great form, and Bosh had found his rhythm again.


    But on the Mavericks'' side, Nowitzki continued to struggle with his shot, and Kidd couldn''t find his range from three.


    The Mavs looked like they were falling apart at the start.


    However, things changed when Carlisle adjusted the lineup and brought in Terry early.


    The Mavs'' screen quality was top-notch, and Terry''s off-ball movement was fast. He came in and hit a three-pointer right away.


    More importantly, his off-ball movement created a lot of defensive pressure for the Heat, opening up opportunities for Dallas to cut to the basket.


    With Nowitzki and Marion scoring on backdoor cuts, the Mavs stabilized their position on the court.


    Still, thanks to their early advantage, the Heat maintained a lead going into the second unit''s minutes.


    However, in this period, not only did the Mavs take the lead, but they also extended it.


    Shaquille O''Neal went off!


    After limited performances in the first two Finals games, O''Neal finally found his rhythm in Game 3.


    He bulldozed Joel Anthony in the low post, scoring repeatedly.


    And when Spoelstra resorted to the Hack-a-Shaq strategy, O''Neal responded by making both free throws.


    His hunger for a fifth championship ring was fully on display tonight.


    "Where''s LeBron?" Rondo asked, hitting the heart of the matter.


    Just after he asked, LeBron appeared.


    The Heat continued to foul Shaq, and this time, the foul came from LeBron.


    So, LeBron was on the court!


    This is the difference between watching live and being at the game.


    At the arena, you can focus on a specific player, but with a broadcast, you''re stuck following the camera angles.


    Now Rondo was even more confused.


    Wade and Bosh were on fire during the starters'' minutes, so LeBron''s lack of aggression made sense then.


    But the second-unit minutes were supposed to be where LeBron thrived¡ªthe time when Spoelstra specifically left him on the floor.


    Instead, LeBron had been almost invisible. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "That''s why I believe the Mavs will win," Han chuckled.


    "Why?" Rondo still couldn''t wrap his head around it.


    "If you were Nike''s main guy, and you won as the number two, how would Nike market you?" Han''s question left Rondo stunned.


    He couldn''t imagine it. But the feeling of wrongness was strong.


    It would be like if Pippen had been Nike''s main guy while Jordan led the dynasty...


    At that point, it wouldn''t just be about winning championships; it''d be a question of Nike''s brand image.


    And Nike couldn''t just switch their main guy, given the endorsement contracts.


    So what seemed unlikely now made perfect sense: "If it''s not Finals MVP, I don''t want the championship."


    It reminded Han of his negotiations with Ferry¡ªbeing "The Chosen One" was a shackle around LeBron''s neck.


    He appeared to be in control, but every step he took was dictated by forces beyond him.


    This is the inevitable outcome when you''re pushed into a position you don''t have the ability to fill.


    "Are we being too conspiratorial?" Rondo understood but still found it hard to believe a pro player would do something like that.


    "Let''s keep watching."


    As they continued watching, Rondo became more convinced Han was right.


    By the time the game entered the fourth quarter, LeBron had only taken eight shots and had scored six points...


    It defied common sense.


    In the regular season, the Grizzlies had given LeBron a tough time, yet he still managed to score in double figures, taking advantage of mismatched minutes.


    But now, it wasn''t even a matter of scoring; LeBron wasn''t even trying. When he got the ball, he either passed to Wade or drove and kicked it out.


    His lack of aggression was alarming.


    The Heat lost the game 83-89.


    Nowitzki didn''t perform as well as the previous game, going 8-for-19 with 24 points, while Terry scored 17, Marion had 16, and Shaq added 13.


    Wade''s 32 points and Bosh''s 24 were all for nothing, and LeBron went 3-for-11 with just eight points.


    Despite some differences from what Han knew, the inevitable happened: the power was relinquished.


    On social media, old and new LeBron fans alike had vanished.


    "If LeBron had just scored the same as last game, the Heat would''ve won," Rondo grudgingly handed over $500.


    Han grinned and shook the money. "Dinner''s on me."


    Rondo''s expression tightened. Though he accepted the loss, it still felt weird.


    All LeBron''s fault!


    "Does LeBron really not want to win?" Rondo couldn''t help but ask as he stood up.


    "Of course he wants to win¡ªand he wants that Finals MVP too. Wanna bet? I bet LeBron takes more shots than DW in the next game."


    "I''ll pass. I need to save some money," Rondo muttered.


    Han laughed and patted his shoulder. See? Understanding LeBron was simple!


    On their way to dinner, Kanye West wired over the 500k.


    Han sent the money along with a screenshot to Swift.


    Consider it a little interest from West for that infamous mic-grab incident.


    Game 3 might have ended, but the fun wasn''t over.


    After the game, the Heat''s entire roster predictably came to LeBron''s defense.


    Wade said LeBron was just off his game. Riley said LeBron hurt his hand after Game 1 and had been playing through it. Spoelstra took the blame, claiming a strategic misstep.


    After the previous "tape-gate," this response was all too reasonable.


    And as for LeBron?


    He disappeared¡ªdidn''t even show up for the post-game press conference.


    A day later, he posted on social media:


    "Now or never."


    It was clear: succeed or perish trying.


    And Rondo really did save money.


    Wade still led the Heat in scoring, but he only took 12 shots, finishing with 23 points.


    Bosh also took 12 shots and scored 19 points.


    LeBron, on the other hand, took 19 shots and ended up with a triple-double of 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.


    That had Han Sen cracking up.


    To be fair, he only knew those iconic memes, but he couldn''t remember the details of the game that clearly.


    All that stuff he said to Rondo? Just some casual words.


    But turns out, he got it all right.


    The opportunity was there, ripe for the picking, but LeBron couldn''t do it. He didn''t have what it took, you know?


    And come on, when Wade''s playing almost like it''s 2006, yet the Heat are still barely even with the Mavs, you already know.


    Even with Nowitzki hurt, these Mavs were way stronger than what those analysts gave them credit for.


    103 to 115.


    The Heat lost, clean and clear.


    Han Sen knew then that the Finals were already over.


    Two days later, LeBron finally led the Heat in scoring, putting up a team-high 21 points.


    But the Heat lost again, 95 to 108, and suffered a gentleman''s sweep at the hands of the Mavs, losing the series 1-4.


    The game itself wasn''t much of a surprise, but there was one moment that had Han Sen almost spitting out his drink.


    LeBron tried posting up.


    But it wasn''t against Barea like he imagined; it was Delonte West.


    And just like that, LeBron couldn''t move him...


    Unlike Barea, who just held his ground, West used more technique.


    As a former teammate, West knew LeBron''s game inside out.


    But that moment? A single line from social media trolls could capture it perfectly: ''Fatherly love like a mountain.''


    Nowitzki took the championship trophy on camera, holding back tears, though his eyes were red.


    It was the Mavericks'' first title in the franchise''s 40-year history, but more importantly, Dirk got his revenge.


    A lot of people remember Wade leading the Heat to the 2006 championship, but many forget that they defeated the Mavericks.


    Up 2-0, then losing 2-4¡ª that was the lowest point of Nowitzki''s career.


    Every year since then, he fought hard, only to be blocked from the Finals by the wild, wild West.


    But this time, he made it back and defeated the very team that once defeated him.


    It wasn''t just like a fairytale¡ªit was a fairytale.


    The one crying the hardest was West.


    For him, this wasn''t just a fairytale; it was redemption.


    He had redeemed himself.


    For every tear, there was a smile.


    The biggest grin? Shaq''s.


    If you handed him a phone right now, the first call he''d make would be to Kobe.


    "Now I''ve got five, too!"


    Seeing that, Han Sen had a gut feeling that next season''s Kobe would be terrifying.


    But there was someone even happier than Shaq: team owner Mark Cuban.


    Year after year of paying luxury tax without getting a title, Cuban was on the brink of giving up¡ªonly to finally win it all.


    As the championship trophy passed from player to player on the Mavericks, Han Sen watched all those familiar faces on camera.


    Even as a former rival, he couldn''t help but clap for them.


    In the history he knew, this was the most respected championship, and now it was even more so.


    Because it was full of so many stories.


    It wasn''t just Cuban, or Nowitzki, or Shaq, or West.


    There was also Kidd, the legendary point guard, who finally won his first championship at 38.


    And Marion, one of the "Three Musketeers" from the run-and-gun Suns, who finally got to live his dream.


    There was Chandler, the most underrated big man and former second overall pick, who finally proved his worth.


    And Peja, Terry, Barea...


    Even Carlisle.


    Carlisle wasn''t a nobody before coming to the Mavericks.


    In his first year with the Pistons, he led them to 50 wins, only to have Larry Brown take the credit.


    Then, with the Pacers, he got them to 61 wins in his first season, but the next year was ruined by the "Malice at the Palace."


    He had the talent, but luck was never on his side.


    After three years in Dallas, he finally proved himself.


    This was an opponent worthy of respect.


    After watching the award ceremony, Han Sen felt his motivation surge.


    Because no matter how much you respect others, nothing beats being the one standing on that podium.


    After the Western Conference Finals heartbreak this season, he was determined to break through the West next season.


    He headed to the gym immediately that night.


    But before he could start training, his phone rang.


    It was a call from Delonte West.


    Shaq was probably still busy, but West got in touch with Han Sen right away.


    He was calling to thank him. If it weren''t for Han''s advice, West would still be stressing about next season''s contract.


    "Don''t thank me. Going to Dallas was your choice," Han Sen replied.


    He was right¡ªHan Sen only suggested the buyout, but West chose the Mavericks on his own.


    "What''s next for you?" Han Sen asked, genuinely concerned.


    Because of the Zydrunas Ilgauskas clause, West still couldn''t return to the Grizzlies for another year.


    "I''m planning to stay. They''re ready to offer me a new contract."


    "That''s great news," Han Sen said sincerely, feeling happy for West.


    In Han Sen''s memories, when West ended up homeless, it was Mark Cuban who helped him out.


    Staying in Dallas was undoubtedly the best option for him.


    "It''s not just me. Tyson and Jason, even Shaq¡ªthey''re all planning to stay. We''re ready to make another run."


    But West''s next words left Han Sen stunned.


    This wasn''t how it was supposed to go!


    ¡ªEnd of Chapter¡ª


    Author''s note: Williams, the Heat''s starting point guard in 2006, retired in 2008, but came out of retirement in 2009 with the Magic.

 Chapter 154: Life Isn’t Always Fair.

    Chapter 154: Life Isn¡¯t Always Fair.He remembered that the Mavericks disbanded right after winning the championship.


    One reason was the team''s age; even if they kept the original roster, it would have been difficult to defend the title.


    The other reason was related to salary issues.


    Even though Cuban was willing to invest in the team, there were still limits to everything.


    This was also tied to the lockout that year. When it ended, the new agreement introduced a new luxury tax system.


    In simple terms, the old system fined teams by a set amount based on how much they exceeded the cap, but under the new rules, the fines increased progressively, nearly doubling in some cases.¢Ù


    Oh, and he remembered another reason why Cuban didn''t keep the roster together: he was eyeing the 2012 free-agent market, where both Dwight Howard and Deron Williams might become available.


    So, was this Cuban making empty promises to the players before the new deal was finalized? Or was it just wishful thinking on the players'' part?


    Han Sen thought it was more likely the latter. Even if the new labor agreement hadn''t been reached yet, an owner like Cuban would have had a pretty good idea of where things were headed.


    After finishing his call with West, Grover showed up, and they quickly got to training.


    By the time he was completely exhausted, Han Sen sat down on the sidelines to rest.


    He picked up his phone and saw a missed call and a message from Shaq.


    Opening the message, it was a thank-you note, and Shaq mentioned wanting to invite him to a yacht party over the summer.


    He was genuinely grateful. Without him, Shaq wouldn''t have secured his fifth championship.


    Han called Shaq back, and they chatted for a while.


    During the call, Shaq also confirmed his plan to play one more year.


    Shaq''s contract with the Mavericks was for two years, with a player option for the second year.


    Even though Shaq was dealing with numerous injuries, having Chandler to hold down the front lines made it easier for him to come off the bench.


    "Don''t rush it. You''re only in your third year. Michael hadn''t even made it past the first round in his third year," Grover consoled Han Sen.


    Han just smiled without responding.


    But Kobe won a championship in his fourth year, and as for Jordan, that''s just grinding on a bad team.


    "Tim, do you think the Mavericks will keep their current roster?"


    "Why wouldn''t they?"


    Grover''s answer surprised Han Sen, and his explanation made him realize some "history" was changing. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Their biggest challenge in the playoffs came when facing you guys. A team like that deserves another shot."


    In the "history" Han knew, the Mavericks had pulled off an upset to win the Finals.


    But now, things were different. If you looked at the Mavericks'' playoff journey this year: 4-1 against the Nuggets, 4-0 against the Lakers, 4-2 against the Grizzlies, and 4-1 against the Heat.


    While it wasn''t as dominant as the Shaq-Kobe Lakers, Grover''s point was clear: the Mavericks had a chance to run it back.


    And on top of that, the Mavericks achieved this while missing their starting shooting guard, Caron Butler.


    Just like how Grizzlies fans were excited about Gay''s return, the Mavericks with Butler back were worth watching too.


    As for the luxury tax, it wasn''t as exaggerated as it seemed. The key was Cuban''s perspective.


    So, was this a butterfly effect caused by his presence?


    If that was the case, it wasn''t necessarily a bad thing for him.


    After all, losing to the Mavericks this year had left him with a bitter taste.


    If the Mavericks disbanded, he wouldn''t even have a shot at revenge.


    But now, he did.


    The thought of it instantly recharged Han Sen''s exhausted body.


    He called out to Grover to continue training.


    That night was destined to be anything but ordinary.


    While Han Sen and Grover were doing extra drills, social media was exploding.


    Not everyone was rooting for the Mavericks to win, but them beating the peak Heat Big Three wasn''t just inspiring¡ªit was electrifying.


    But amidst the celebration of the Mavericks'' championship, the mockery of LeBron hit its peak this year.


    It wasn''t because of the infamous "taking my talents to South Beach" or other memes. It was because of what LeBron said at the post-game press conference.


    A reporter asked him, "After losing in the Finals, a lot of people are happy. Does that bother you?"


    "Not at all. At the end of the day, those people who want to see me fail, they''ll wake up tomorrow and still have the same life they had today. They still have the same personal problems. I''ll continue to live the way I want to and do the things I love. My family and I will still be happy. Those people might be happy for a few days or a few months because of my failure, but they have to go back to their own harsh reality."


    That was LeBron''s response, essentially turning his online critics into offline targets.


    "When Michael lost to Detroit, he said: ''I got beat up, and I wanted to dull the pain. I wanted revenge.'' When Kobe lost to Boston, he said: ''I''m the number one loser.'' When Han lost to Dallas, he said, ''No one wants to face us next season.'' When LeBron... what the hell did you just say?"


    "I seriously don''t know what''s going on in LeBron''s head. Was he taken over by aliens?"


    "Is this surprising? Every other LeBron statement you''ve seen was written by his PR team. This time, they didn''t have time to script it. This is his real thought process."


    "See, this is why education is important. The league limiting high school players from entering the NBA was the right call."


    "Come on, you guys are being too harsh. Miami lost because of chemistry issues. Do you really think the Mavericks can beat them again next year?"


    "I''m not sure about Dallas, but I genuinely think Memphis can. They reached the Western Conference Finals without Gay, and their style counters Miami''s. If they meet, the result could be insane."


    "Hey guys, I found what Han said after losing to UNC back in his NCAA days: ''There are no eternal winners in this world. Most of the time, people are losers. Learning how to deal with failure is just as important as winning.'' Now that''s a real role model!"


    "Alright, I''m switching to Team Han. This guy''s just too cool. I''m off to buy a pair of UA shoes!"


    But it wasn''t just on social media.


    Due to the time difference, when CCTV-5''s sports news aired the next day, the host''s remarks sent Chinese fans into a frenzy.


    "Typically, the fourth quarter is the measure of a superstar, and in this regard, LeBron has faced endless criticism. When the most disappointed king still hasn''t found his crown, shouldn''t he be searching for Han Sen in the fourth quarter instead?"¢Ú


    When Han Sen woke up after training, he found his social media had gained tens of thousands of new followers overnight.


    What the heck happened?


    He opened his social media, pieced together the situation, and couldn''t help but laugh at the CCTV broadcast.


    Due to his past experience as LeBron''s teammate, the fans naturally shifted from mocking LeBron to praising him, seamlessly switching gears.


    But he wanted haters, not fans.


    However, it was then that he remembered LeBron''s infamous "The Decision."


    If he pulled a similar stunt, he''d rack up enough hater points to get that dribbling upgrade.


    With this thought, he opened his social media.


    But then his hand paused.


    No angle came to mind.


    In the past, he could have just posted, "The Heat lost, but LeBron didn''t." But this time, there wasn''t a single thing to praise about LeBron''s Finals performance.


    After racking his brain, Han Sen finally managed to come up with something.


    "LeBron is only 26 years old, and he''s already been to the Finals twice. He deserves respect."


    After posting that, Han Sen tossed his phone aside and went back to training.


    When he came back, he checked his hater system and saw that his hater points had increased a bit, but not much.


    And when he reopened social media, he felt helpless.


    "Look at what Han Sen said. That''s what you call educated speech."


    "If being a runner-up is an honor, should Baylor and The Logo be in the top ten of all time?"¢Û


    "Pat Riley, consider trading LeBron for Han. As a D-Wade fan, I just can''t accept LeBron dragging him down like this."


    "Wallace: Do I look like a fool?"


    ...


    Man, these people really aren''t happy with their lives!


    But Han Sen also realized it was tough to get hater points off LeBron''s situation right now.


    Seeing this, Han Sen decided to play his trump card.


    The next day, fans woke up to a bombshell on Han Sen''s social media.


    "I''m a better than LeBron!"


    Classic Han Sen, but he went further. Under this post, he pinned a comment where ''someone'' laid out his case in a very mathematical way:


    Given:


    1. The Heat are universally recognized as a stronger team than the Grizzlies.


    2. Against the same opponent, the Mavericks, the Heat lost 1-4, while the Grizzlies lost 2-4.


    3. In 5 games against the Mavericks, LeBron averaged 17.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.7 steals. In 6 games against the Mavs, Han Sen averaged 28 points, 4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.2 steals.


    Conclusion: Han Sen > LeBron.


    It wasn''t just social media. Right around the same time, Khalil published an article titled, "If You Replace LeBron with Han, the Heat Would Have Won the Championship," which added fuel to the fire.


    This sparked a massive debate.


    LeBron had started the season as the league''s official number one player, while Han Sen was ranked outside the top 100.


    There wasn''t supposed to be any comparison between the two, but after this year''s playoffs, it was hard to deny Han outplayed LeBron.


    When Han Sen woke up and saw his hater points skyrocketing, he grinned.


    "You''re using one series to make this comparison? You''re just hating for the sake of it. No matter how poorly LeBron plays, he''s still way out of your league."


    "A guy who couldn''t even reach the Finals mocking a guy who did?"


    "I''m done with this! Han''s just a second-year player. He''d probably piss his pants in the Finals!"


    "You have no idea how hard it is to perform under that kind of pressure. LeBron''s struggles in the Finals were all because of the relentless media criticism."


    "Always clout-chasing the King, huh? If you''ve got what it takes, make it to the Finals and beat the Heat! If not, shut up and sit down!"


    "Even though I hate to admit it, if the Heat had Han this year, they probably would''ve won."


    ...


    A few days later, the Mavericks held a massive victory parade.


    Han Sen showed up¡ªnot to share in the joy of their championship but to reinforce his own hunger to win.


    The streets of Dallas were packed. This was undoubtedly the most iconic day in the city''s sports history.


    Han felt a growing anticipation, hoping to bring a similar celebration to Memphis.


    Like Dallas, Memphis was one of the few franchises still without a championship.


    During the final speeches of the parade, Mark Cuban took the stage.


    He talked about all the challenges the team faced over the past year, and then he closed with the team''s new rallying cry:


    "Let''s do it again!"


    This caught Han off guard but also confirmed what Grover had told him earlier.


    Cuban really wanted another run.


    This made Han even more excited for the new season.


    ...


    The old CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) was set to expire on July 1st, but before that, the first major event of the 2011¨C2012 season had arrived: the 2011 NBA Draft, held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.


    This draft was a signal of the transition to Brooklyn. Until the Nets'' new arena was completed, the draft would be held at their current home.


    After finishing last in the East and second-to-last in the entire league, the Cavaliers won the lottery and secured the number one pick.


    The Timberwolves, who finished dead last, landed the second pick, while the Jazz got lucky with the third pick.


    As for the Grizzlies, they finished last season with the eighth-best record in the league, giving them the 22nd pick.


    Han Sen wasn''t part of this year''s draft, but it still had an impact on him.


    Why? Because of the Cavaliers.


    "Who will the Cavaliers pick?" was the most obvious question of this draft.


    The overwhelming favorite to go first was Kyrie Irving.


    Even though Irving only played 11 games in college, he averaged 17.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, shooting 59% from the field and 45% from three.


    With a flashy playing style, elite handles, a reliable shot, and aesthetic offense, Irving was the perfect modern guard and the most marketable top pick since LeBron.


    That''s why, when Cavaliers GM Chris Grant was asked during the draft whether Han Sen''s playoff performance made them feel they had missed out, he gave a firm response:


    "No, because we already have our future."


    Grant believed Irving could be a player like LeBron and lead the Cavaliers to a new era.


    After finishing his workout, Han Sen caught up on the draft news.


    When he saw Grant''s comments, he felt nothing. Han knew better than anyone what kind of leader Irving would be.


    He mainly paid attention to the Grizzlies'' picks.


    Besides the 22nd pick, the Grizzlies also had the 52nd pick.


    There were no surprises with the 22nd pick: the Grizzlies selected Kenneth Faried, a power forward from Morehead State University.


    As for the 52nd pick, the Grizzlies didn''t make a selection but instead made a trade.


    They sent Sam Young and the 52nd pick to Portland in exchange for center Joel Przybilla.


    With Shane Battier likely staying next season, Young had no place on the team anymore, so his trade was expected.


    By addressing both their frontcourt needs through the draft and a trade, it was clear the Grizzlies'' front office had championship aspirations after last season''s run to the Western Conference Finals.


    ¡ªEnd of Chapter¡ª


    ¢Ù: The 2011 CBA luxury tax: 1.5 times for amounts over $5M, 1.75 times for $5-10M, 2.5 times for $10-15M, 3.25 times for $15-20M, and an additional 0.5 times for every $5M above $20M.


    If a team exceeds the tax threshold 4 times in 5 years, all rates increase by 1x. For instance, if the Lakers exceed the cap by $19M, they previously paid $19M. Under the new rules, it would be $44.68M or $64.58M if they trigger the repeater tax.


    ¢Ú: LeBron scored a total of 11 points in the 4th quarter over 5 Finals games. In Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, Han scored 12 points in the 4th quarter alone.


    ¢Û: Elgin Baylor and Jerry West hold the NBA record for the most runner-up finishes, with 8 each.

 Chapter 155: You’re My Idol.

    Chapter 155: You¡¯re My Idol.That day, after training, Han Sen finished showering and was changing clothes in the locker room when Damon brought in Faried.


    Faried had dark skin, long cornrows, bulging muscles, and a jasmine-like fragrance that filled the air as he entered¡ªfitting the typical image of an NBA player.


    Faried wasn''t considered a star historically, but Han Sen had some impression of him.


    Faried mostly played for the Denver Nuggets and was known for his explosive athleticism, earning him the badass nickname, ''The Manimal.''


    Seeing Han Sen, Damon brought Faried over to greet him. Faried smiled warmly and seemed likable.


    However, when Damon took him to his assigned locker, Faried frowned, "I want a different spot."


    Several fringe players had left the Grizzlies after last season, leaving several empty lockers. Faried was assigned one next to Randolph.


    It was similar to Han Sen''s early days with the Cavaliers, where rookies were often placed to serve the team''s veterans. But it seemed Faried wasn''t too happy about it.


    This familiar scene made Han Sen chuckle. This guy didn''t seem as obedient as he looked¡ªkind of like himself back in the day, with a bit of a rebellious streak.


    Not that Han Sen cared; he wasn''t the type to have rookies carry his bags. After changing, he left the locker room.


    The draft had been at the end of June, and July 1st was fast approaching.


    Rondo had already rented out a gym, UA had set up the cameramen, and Han Sen''s training camp was just waiting for the lockout to officially begin.


    Since there hadn''t been clear news about the lockout yet, there weren''t many players confirmed to join his summer training.


    So far, the people Han Sen invited included Cunningham, West, Battier, James Johnson, and Tony Allen¡ªmostly old comrades.


    But he wasn''t in a rush. Once the lockout was official, the situation would change entirely.


    Time flew by, and on July 1st, after a final three-hour negotiation failed, the league officially announced the lockout.


    During the lockout, players wouldn''t receive salaries, teams couldn''t negotiate, sign, or trade players.


    Players also couldn''t use team training facilities, and teams couldn''t hold any summer camps, exhibitions, meetings, or coaching sessions.


    In short, for NBA players, a lockout meant unemployment.


    That day, Han Sen received a lot of calls. Curry and Harden both said they were coming to Memphis to train. Faried also showed up. Durant... well, he still refused to come.


    But there was one unexpected guest: Kyrie Irving, the so-called "future of the Cavaliers" according to Grant.


    How did Irving hear about Han Sen''s training camp?


    Well, it was through Curry''s younger brother, Seth Curry¡ªthe same guy who got thoroughly thrashed during Han Sen''s Charlotte tryouts.


    Last season at Duke, Seth was Irving''s backup, and the two were close.


    Han Sen''s first impression of Irving was that he was sharp-looking, especially with his short buzz cut and neighborly vibe.


    He curious about Irving''s arrival.


    With Grant putting out those statements, even if Irving didn''t hold any hostility towards him, he should at least keep his distance.


    But not only did Irving show up, he was looking at Han Sen with a bright-eyed, admiring gaze, which made Han Sen a bit uncomfortable. They''d had no prior interactions.


    But, since he was already here, and they needed a tenth man for a full-court game, Han Sen didn''t need to call anyone else.


    After some warm-ups, the ''Handsome Training Camp'' officially kicked off. UA had their cameras set up on the sidelines. They divided into two teams:


    Team A: Curry, West, Han, Cunningham, and Faried.


    Team B: Irving, Tony Allen, Harden, Battier, and James Johnson.


    Rondo was acting as a temporary referee this time, not a cameraman.


    Faried won the jump ball for Team A. Han Sen didn''t call for the ball, signaling Curry to take the lead.


    Curry and Cunningham ran a pick-and-roll, and Curry pulled up for a three-pointer.


    Swish!


    He drained it effortlessly.


    While Curry hadn''t made a name for himself yet, he had shot an incredible 44% from three-point range in his first two years, firmly establishing his place in the league.


    Then, Irving returned the favor by shaking off Curry and nailing a three-pointer of his own. This kid had quite the competitive streak.


    Curry attempted a drive but was disrupted by Allen, and Johnson grabbed the defensive rebound, sparking a fast break for Team B.


    On the break, Irving did a behind-the-back dribble to blow past West, then drove to the rim and attempted a reverse layup against Han''s chase-down block.


    Although he missed, his elite ball-handling skills were on full display.


    West responded with a mid-range jumper over Harden.


    On the other end, Irving ignored Harden''s call for the ball, drove past Curry again, and used a pump fake to get Faried off his feet before spinning for a layup.


    Irving had scored Team B''s first five points, showing no signs of rookie jitters.


    Team A advanced again, and Han Sen started to hold the ball.


    He ran a pick-and-roll with Cunningham, drew the double team, and passed it back to Cunningham.


    The pass had the right angle but was slightly soft, causing Cunningham to reach forward to catch it.


    That slight delay gave Battier enough time to close out, and Cunningham''s contested shot ended up as an airball.


    Seeing this, Han shook his head.


    Passing is the hardest skill to improve on your own. A slight miscue can be the difference between a good opportunity and a lost one.


    And practice games could somewhat replicate real game conditions.


    Irving continued to hold the ball on the next possession, this time using a spin move to get past Curry and attacking Han Sen again.


    But this time, Han read the play perfectly and swatted Irving''s layup attempt away.


    Team B inbounded the ball to Harden, who ran a pick-and-roll with Johnson, got the switch against Faried, and knocked down a step-back jumper.


    Team B took the lead.


    Han Sen called for another pick-and-roll, looking to improve his passing.


    He found Cunningham again, but this time the pass was spot on, and Cunningham quickly caught and scored.


    Having played two years in the NBA, his release speed had improved significantly.


    Cunningham gave Han a high-five on defense. Despite their time together in Cleveland, their usual connection involved Cunningham setting screens and Han Sen finishing.


    This new dynamic felt like unlocking a new move with a partner¡ªsame people, totally different vibe.


    Then Irving called for a pick-and-roll with Harden to switch onto Han Sen. Everyone on the court was stunned, except Han, who wasn''t surprised.


    Irving''s competitive spirit was evident from his earlier response to Curry''s three-pointer. Getting blocked was just fuel to his fire. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Irving executed a perfect dribble move to shake Han and then hit a fadeaway mid-range jumper to avoid Han Sen''s contest. His performance was impressive.


    Even the camera crew on the sidelines couldn''t help but gasp. Irving had scored 7 of Team B''s 9 points.


    It was just a practice game, but his performance was stealing the show. After scoring, Irving did a ''gun-cleaning'' celebration right in Han Sen''s face.


    Seeing this, Cunningham knew Irving had messed up.


    Sure enough, Han Sen called for a pick from Curry, got the switch onto Irving, signaled for isolation, and with no fancy moves, just a quick crossover and burst to the rim, dunked viciously over Johnson.


    On defense, Han Sen switched onto Irving, ramping up the intensity.


    Irving couldn''t get past Han Sen''s aggressive defense, and when he tried to pass, Han Sen intercepted it, leading to a fast break and another windmill slam.


    Team A ultimately crushed Team B, 26 to 14, with Han Sen scoring 14 points¡ªmore than half. Everyone watching realized one thing: Don''t piss off Han, or it won''t end well.


    Yet, Han Sen wasn''t happy. He had come here to work on passing, and Irving had derailed that plan.


    He couldn''t help but think of Irving''s nickname: ''The Wizard.'' Not just for his elite handles and scoring, but for how he seemed to throw a wrench into everything.


    After a brief rest, they divided into teams again. Harden refused to play with Irving, claiming he barely touched the ball.


    The teams swapped Curry and Irving, and Irving immediately hit a pull-up jumper over Harden.


    Han Sen quickly understood why Harden didn''t want to team up with Irving¡ªnot because he was selfish, but because his passing was terrible.


    Sometimes he wanted to pass, but by the time he thought of it, the opportunity was long gone. Yet he insisted on holding the ball and showing off.


    Han Sen now fully grasped why, despite Irving''s obvious talent, his leadership skills were historically terrible. He was made to be a second option¡ªmaking him the lead was a disaster.


    After two quarters, they all sat down for a break. Kyrie sat down next to Han, holding his iPhone 4. He had come over to grab a photo with Han.


    Unlike earlier on the court when Han was calling for the ball and got ignored, Kyrie now had an expression of admiration in his eyes, just like when they first met.


    Han couldn''t help but think, This dude''s got split personalities or what?


    After they snapped a photo, Han couldn''t hold back his curiosity. "Why''d you come over here? I heard Derrick''s training with Kobe."


    After the lockout, the rookies had it rough¡ªno salaries, no official places to train, and not even summer league to show what they got.


    So most of them tried to find someone to train with, like Derrick Williams, the second pick that year.


    Han figured Kyrie would''ve been all over training with Kobe too, considering the guy was a big fan.


    And nope, Han definitely wasn''t asking this because Kyrie interrupted his passing drills.


    Kyrie scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed, reminding Han that he was still just 19. "Because, man, I really look up to you."


    Han was genuinely taken aback.


    Me? His idol? Usually that title was reserved for legends like Kobe or Wade, or at the very least someone with LeBron''s level of fame.


    And it wasn''t just about achievements or fame; there was also an age gap that didn''t line up.


    Han had only been in the league two years longer than Kyrie and was just three years older.


    "When I was in high school, I heard about how you went head-to-head with LeBron," Kyrie explained, excitement creeping into his voice. "And, of course, I watched that playoff series. Your will to win, your fight against fate¡ªI loved that."


    Now it all made sense to Han¡ªKyrie had a natural rebellious streak. It wasn''t just a personality thing either; Kyrie''s drive and scoring mentality were weirdly similar to his.


    So if LeBron ever returned to the Cavs, Kyrie going against him seemed inevitable. After all, his idol did it first...


    Han was amused and a bit speechless, wondering how Grant would react to this news.


    But now, telling Kyrie to go train with Kobe would sound like a rejection, and he couldn''t exactly shove him away after being called an idol.


    "Kyrie," Han said, "scoring''s great, but if you want to be a real winner, you''ve gotta learn to share the ball. Like I do out there."


    Was Han trying to help Kyrie improve? Not really. He just wanted to get back to his training in peace.


    But hey, an idol''s words should carry some weight, right?


    Irving nodded like he got it... and then, when practice resumed, he went right back to being his usual self.


    Brain: Got it. Hands and feet: Ignore that.


    Han eventually decided to keep Irving as his opponent throughout the training.


    As for Harden not being happy about always being his teammate¡ªwell, too bad.


    A few days later, Curry left the training camp.


    Not because he couldn''t stand Irving, but because of lingering ankle issues from last season. He had already planned to have surgery this summer.


    Curry''s departure didn''t disrupt the training camp, since Han had already received a call from Wade before that.


    Wade hadn''t gathered enough people for his own training camp this year, so he came straight to Han.


    When Han saw Wade, he greeted him with a big hug.


    Han was always grateful to Wade. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have tried to persuade him last summer during their little intel-gathering meeting.


    Naturally, they ended up talking about the Finals that had just ended.


    The calculated plan to shift power, Wade''s perfect start in his second Finals, and the somber conclusion.


    Even after being stripped of some authority, Wade still averaged 28 points in the Finals.


    It should''ve been the season that elevated Wade''s legacy, but LeBron had ruined it.


    "So what are your plans for next season?" Han asked, filled with curiosity.


    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 156: Start of 2011-12 Regular Season.

    Chapter 156: Start of 2011-12 Regular Season.Wade pressed his lips together, saying nothing, but he''d already made his stance clear.


    What else could he do?


    "So that''s it? You''re just gonna let him take the top spot? They set you up, man, and you''re ready to just roll over and give up your spot as the franchise player?"


    Han Sen couldn''t help but feel frustrated for Wade.


    Getting tricked in plain sight and then giving up the top spot on the team¡ªanyone would be fuming.


    Wade let out a weary chuckle. "Do I have another option, though? I hold my ground, and LeBron slacks off. Heat goes from championship contender to a mess waiting to happen."


    "That''s if you cave. He''s got a bad game¡ªwhat, he''s gonna drop 8 points every night?"


    Wade froze, caught off guard by the bluntness.


    "And who''s saying LeBron can''t be traded? He''s got no no-trade clause," Han pointed out. "Come on, man. Why can''t you be the one calling the shots around here?"


    Han Sen only dared say this because Wade was a friend who''d helped him a lot; otherwise, it could easily come off as instigating trouble.


    The way he saw it, Wade was there first, alongside Bosh. They didn''t ask for the big three; it just happened.


    But if they didn''t click, changes weren''t impossible. And if Riley had to pick? Wade knew he''d pick him.


    Besides, LeBron''s value on the trade market was undeniable, and Riley could probably get something solid for him.


    "Or don''t even take it to Riley. Just stand your ground. Sooner or later, LeBron''s team will get the hint and ask for a trade themselves. The ''Chosen One'' can''t go title-less and play second fiddle. Nike would throw a fit before they''d let that happen."


    "I already told you¡ªwe don''t have an option," Wade shook his head.


    LeBron had made that big statement about winning "not seven..." championships. If they bailed after one bad season, they''d be a laughingstock.


    "Wake up! He has no way out, not you." Han Sen couldn''t understand why Wade was tying his fate to the others like this.


    Was it really a case of an outsider seeing more clearly than those in the middle?


    "Do you realize that if you give in now, when your contract''s up, they might just trade you?" Han Sen pressed.


    It wasn''t just because he knew how things would play out.


    The NBA was a business, after all.


    If your stats drop and your performance wanes, why would they pay you a max contract? Because of your sacrifices?


    In a league driven by money, those sacrifices might be worth a few pennies.


    That''s exactly why LeBron''s so obsessed with stats; numbers are cash to him.


    Wade sighed. "Someone''s gotta sacrifice for the title, Han. It''s how Shaq made way for me."


    "Why can''t it be LeBron? Just because he''s too shameless to back down?"


    If it were anyone but Wade, he wouldn''t even bother wasting this many words.


    Wade didn''t reply, and Han read the look on his face. He understood LeBron, alright¡ªNike wasn''t going to let LeBron step back.


    Han sighed, leaning back. "You want it? You fight for it. But if you don''t¡ªdon''t act surprised if you get the short end of the stick."


    If Wade wasn''t going to fight for himself, there was no point in pushing.


    Thinking about what Wade would go through in the future, Han Sen couldn''t help but feel it was a bit deserved.


    Sacrifice isn''t the issue, but it depends on who it''s for.


    Sacrificing for someone who openly manipulates you? That''s like falling for a con artist¡ªyou''re bound to get sold out eventually.


    ---


    With Wade joining, the quality of the training camp games improved significantly, and Han Sen''s passing drills saw faster progress.


    During this time, Han Sen also started to like Kenneth Faried more and more.


    The guy could really jump, making alley-oop passes effortless for Han Sen.


    If Faried was near the hoop, Han could lob it up without even looking, and Faried would be there.


    Meanwhile, the continued NBA lockout was stirring real anxiety among players.


    The last lockout had been in 1998, thirteen years ago, so only a few players had experienced one, leaving most unprepared.


    With ongoing negative reports from labor talks, players were starting to feel more pessimistic.


    Some even began exploring overseas options¡ªnot just to stay in shape, but also because basketball has a limited shelf life, and missing out on peak earning years could be costly.


    Rumors were flying around.


    Like Garnett possibly heading to Turkey, or Kobe to China''s CBA.


    At this time, Thomas came to Han Sen with an offer from a Chinese CBA team.


    Because Han was from China, they even included an "NBA opt-out clause," allowing him to return if the NBA season resumed.


    Thomas saw it as an opportunity.


    After Han''s performance in the Western Conference Finals, his popularity in the U.S. had grown, but in China, it had exploded.


    Han Sen declined.


    His reason was simple: quality of play.


    The CBA''s level was too low. Playing there would be like heading to a street court.


    Besides, he was currently focused on his passing drills, and there was no better place for it than the training camp.


    There was also another reason he didn''t say out loud: he knew the Chinese CBA players too well. If a foreign player does well, it''s expected.


    But him being one of their own? There''d be plenty waiting to take him down in a game.


    People don''t just want others to suffer; they can''t stand it when someone they know is doing too well.


    Time continued moving forward. The first episode of UA''s footage from Han Sen''s camp was released, sparking fan discussions.


    As Han predicted, during this dead period, fans were hungry for any news.


    Unexpectedly, the first episode''s main focus became Kyrie Irving.


    His performance against the NBA pros surprised everyone.


    "He''s already locked in for Rookie of the Year."


    And what stood out even more than his skills? Irving went to Han Sen''s camp!


    Grant''s comments were backfiring.


    Fans began to question Irving''s social awareness since he''d openly defied his team''s GM.


    Either way, Han Sen''s training camp had attracted significant attention during the lockout.


    ---


    While that was making waves, the Drew League was also gaining attention.


    Some stars unwilling to go overseas and with no other place to play had turned to this well-known streetball league.


    The advantage of the Drew League over lower-tier leagues (like the U.S. minor league) was that players weren''t locked to one team and could switch it up.


    Han Sen even received an invite from Kobe.


    Han declined, saying those show-style games weren''t much help for him.


    Harden, however, accepted Kobe''s invite and left the camp.


    This didn''t impact Han''s camp since Rudy Gay, fully recovered from his injury, joined not long after.


    He brought Jordan Crawford along.


    Han didn''t know when, but Gay and Crawford had become close¡ªmaybe they were both part of the "Anti-Hollins Team"?


    Regardless, with Gay, Crawford, and Faried, Han''s alley-oops were a breeze.


    Forget Memphis''s grind style; this was becoming Lob City!


    ---


    By October, the training camp had wrapped up.


    Three months of intense practice had brought Han''s [No-Look Passing] skill to a bottleneck.


    He was eager for the new season to start.


    But the lockout talks continued, and no one knew when it would end.


    So, Han spent his time playing with Swift and working with UA on a promotional tour in China.


    It was his first time returning since going pro, and he had his doubts¡ªChina had no shortage of his haters.


    But when he arrived, the airport was packed with fans holding up signs and chanting his name. It caught him off guard.


    Seeing those fans clinging to fences or climbing trees to catch a glimpse, he couldn''t deny the passion they had for basketball.


    At one event, during the fan Q&A, someone asked about the upcoming season.


    "Can the Grizzlies make it to the Finals?"


    After reaching the Western Conference Finals last year, making it to the Finals seemed like the natural next step.


    With no chance to declare his goals in a press conference, Han took this moment with his fans.


    "I promised last summer to bring a title to Memphis. Next season¡ªit''s time."


    ---


    When Han returned stateside, UA approached him to terminate his old contract.


    They were offering him a new 6-year, $66 million deal.


    Not because they were losing money, but because Han''s original contract no longer matched his value, and they didn''t want to risk losing him once it expired.


    Han''s initial UA contract had been generous¡ªtied with Curry for the top rookie deal of the 2009 class. But Han''s rise had been rapid.


    Just look at Curry, still a second option in Golden State, while Han had led his team to the Western Conference Finals.


    UA saw the need to lock him down early, especially after seeing Irving''s camp performance and wanting to poach him from Nike.


    But Nike hit Irving with a four-year, $32 million mega deal. UA had to back off.


    Han accepted UA''s offer after negotiating a four-year, $44 million term instead.


    With that, his sneaker income pushed him into the millionaire club.


    By mid-October, the usual preseason was on, but the lockout hadn''t ended.


    The compressed schedule meant a higher risk of injury, so Han, with Grover''s help, resumed conditioning.


    He would cut his weight to 96 kg and lower his body fat percentage.


    The purpose of these adjustments is to reduce his physical strain, ensuring he can maintain more consistent playing time on the court while minimizing injury risks.


    In short, compared to last season, he will be both lighter and more durable.


    This won''t be an overnight change¡ªit''ll take him about one to two months to achieve.


    By November, after Thanksgiving, the league and the players, under immense pressure, finally reached a new agreement on November 26 after a marathon 15-hour negotiation.


    The agreement was lengthy, but the main outcome was a redistribution of the financial "pie," allowing both the owners and NBA stars to earn more under the new terms.


    It also introduced changes to some clauses, two of which are particularly noteworthy.


    First, the duration and increases on long-term contracts were shortened, but with larger percentage raises, thereby enhancing the importance of Bird rights.


    Second, there was a significant increase in the luxury tax, along with the introduction of a "super" luxury tax.


    These two changes would have a profound impact on the upcoming free-agent market.


    Of course, the new season is shortened, and key dates will change.


    For example, the new season officially begins on December 8.


    Unlike previous years, preseason, signing, and trading will all start at the same time. Free agency runs until the 15th, and the regular season kicks off on the 25th.


    Usually, these activities take place over the summer, but now they''ve been compressed into a short 17-day span, especially with just seven days for the free-agent market¡ªa huge test for team GMs.


    The Grizzlies are under quite a bit of pressure too.


    Among the core Grizzlies players, Gay is in his second year on a new contract, while Randolph re-signed for four years at $71 million last season.


    But Conley and Gasol both need to renew this season after their standout playoff performances last year, so their contracts won''t come cheap.


    Even Battier''s contract is up for negotiation.


    The 2011¨C2012 season officially began on December 8. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    On the very first day, two blockbuster news items shook the league.


    It wasn''t free-agent signings¡ªit was trades.


    First, Chris Paul formally requested a trade from the Hornets, and shortly after, Dwight Howard also submitted a trade request to the Magic.


    Two of the league''s top five stars requesting trades simultaneously would be a massive shock any offseason.


    Both players shared one key factor: "contract leverage."


    Their contracts were set to expire in the summer of 2013, but both had player options in the final year.


    This meant that if their teams didn''t agree to a trade now, they risked losing them for nothing next summer.


    But Han Sen didn''t really pay much attention to all this.


    According to what he knew of history, Dwight would likely stay with the Magic as "Dwight Loyalty," and Chris Paul would end up with the Clippers to form "Lob City."


    His main concern was the team''s contract extensions.


    He''d already made it clear that he expected the Grizzlies'' management to re-sign everyone; it would be embarrassing if they didn''t.


    However, before any news came in about Conley and the others, another piece of news arrived:


    Hollins had been fired.

 Chapter 157: Toppling Dominoes.

    Chapter 157: Toppling Dominoes.The dismissal of Hollins was justified, as his performance in last season''s playoffs had shown him to be both stubborn and incompetent.


    Stubbornness alone isn''t a dealbreaker; many renowned coaches have this flaw, as their previous success often makes it hard for them to adapt to changes in the game.


    But incompetence¡ªbeing thoroughly outmatched by coaches like Popovich and Carlisle¡ªwas deadly.


    When a team sets its sights on a championship, it''s almost inevitable that the coach will be let go. After all, in the NBA, coaches come much cheaper than players.


    What surprised Han Sen was the timing.


    If the front office had realized Hollins'' flaws by the end of the playoffs, they should have dismissed him right afterward, allowing them time to find a replacement.


    If they still wanted to evaluate him, the decision could have been delayed until the season had progressed a bit.


    But with the lockout barely lifted and the season yet to start, firing him now felt like a case of "executing the general on the eve of battle."


    Or... could it be that some big-name coach had already agreed to come on board with the Grizzlies? Phil Jackson? Jerry Sloan?


    Either of these legendary coaches could return at any moment. Mike Brown and Larry Brown were also available.


    But even those big names would need time to implement a new system, and with a shortened season, time was tight.


    Since the Grizzlies hadn''t announced a new head coach, Han Sen decided to chat with Damon about it.


    After their talk, he realized the situation wasn''t what he''d initially thought. Hollins'' dismissal was tied not only to the playoffs but also to Conley''s contract renewal.


    Gasol''s renewal had gone smoothly. Although Nowitzki dominated him in their matchup with the Mavericks, that version of Nowitzki was unstoppable against almost anyone.


    Gasol had shone against the Thunder and the Spurs, drawing offers from teams like the Knicks and the Rockets.


    A top-tier center, or one with top-tier potential, is highly valuable in this era.


    And since Gasol was a restricted free agent ¢Ù, matching any offer was the Grizzlies'' obvious move, resulting in a hefty four-year, $58 million deal.


    The issue was Conley.


    The Grizzlies only offered him a five-year, $40 million contract (with an additional $5 million in hard-to-achieve bonuses).


    This was an obvious lowball offer, as Conley''s performance last season justified a contract worth at least $10 million a year.


    As for why Hollins was fighting for Conley, Han Sen had some insights from his conversations with him.


    As the fourth overall pick in the 2007 draft, Conley had initially started for the Grizzlies, but in his second year, Coach Marc Iavaroni replaced him with Lowry.


    It was Hollins who reinstated him as a starter, so in a way, Hollins was Conley''s mentor. It was unsurprising he wanted to secure a deal for him.


    But Hollins failed to see his own precarious position with the front office, and now he had paid the price.


    This reminded Han Sen of the lowball offer the Grizzlies had made to Gay. Could it be that this was their standard operating procedure?


    It wouldn''t be too surprising for a small-market team, especially with the new CBA imposing harsher luxury tax penalties, pushing owners to consider their finances more carefully.


    But what does that have to do with the players?


    The Grizzlies reached the Western Conference Finals last season, proving they could contend for a championship.


    Even just on a merit basis, Conley should have received a generous offer. Players work hard to earn better contracts, after all.


    Even from a team-building perspective, shouldn''t they be willing to spend more to chase a title?


    The Mavericks didn''t have a star-studded lineup last season, but they still paid $19 million in luxury taxes.


    Paying luxury tax doesn''t guarantee a title, but trying to win it all while avoiding it is unrealistic¡ªunless you luck out on rookie deals.


    Let''s not forget, Han Sen thought, that the Thunder sacrificed their title chances by refusing to pay Harden an extra $4 million, resulting in a barren trophy cabinet.


    Han Sen decided to take his concerns to Wallace directly.


    "We need Mike," Han Sen made his stance clear.


    Conley, like Gasol, was on a rookie contract, and if another team offered a higher bid and the Grizzlies didn''t match it, Conley would be gone.


    This wasn''t like when LeBron was trying to get Varejao a better deal; this was about whether Conley would stay with the team.


    Conley may not have superstar potential due to his limited athleticism, but you couldn''t find many steady, high-IQ point guards like him in the league.


    The Grizzlies'' limited cap space, with big contracts for Gay, Randolph, and Gasol, made it nearly impossible to sign a guard of Conley''s caliber if he left.


    Letting him go would weaken the team''s strength and disrupt locker room stability.


    Wallace didn''t expect Han Sen to confront him so directly, though he understood the importance of keeping the core roster intact.


    "We''ll do our best to keep him," he assured.


    From his response, Han Sen could tell this wasn''t entirely Wallace''s decision. This was likely coming from higher up in management¡ªor rather, owner Michael Heisley.


    Later that day, Han Sen received a call from Shaquille O''Neal.


    Shaq had decided to retire.


    Like Peja, he might have been able to maintain his conditioning if there hadn''t been a lockout, but the layoff took its toll on him.


    This was no surprise, as we''d seen with "Reign Man" Kemp, whose career essentially ended after the 1998 lockout.


    Lockouts test players'' discipline, and Shaq was never known for his discipline¡ªespecially after winning his fifth ring.


    As for where he''d go post-retirement?


    "I''m taking my talents to TNT, joining Barkley and Kenny Smith to form the ultimate Big Three," Shaq said over the phone.


    Shaq had always held a bit of a grudge against LeBron for not winning that fifth ring in Cleveland, so while he''d already outshone LeBron last season by winning another title, we could expect a steady stream of jabs from him on the broadcast.


    Shaq''s retirement felt sudden, but it reminded Han Sen of the compressed free-agency market.


    Cuban had said he''d "do it again" with the roster, but several months later, the situation was much different, especially with Nowitzki injured in a German national team game.


    Would the Mavericks keep their championship roster?


    While the answer was still up in the air, rumors about Chris Paul were swirling.


    The Magic were trying to convince Howard to stay, but the Hornets were doing no such thing with Paul.


    It wasn''t an issue of trade value but rather the Hornets'' ownership status.


    With their owner, George Shinn, unable to manage the team due to cancer, the team was up for sale.


    The league stepped in to manage the team temporarily, meaning that David Stern, not a dedicated owner, was overseeing operations.


    Stern wouldn''t play the part of a desperate owner pleading with Paul to stay. Paul''s trade was inevitable; the only question was where he''d go.


    Three trade rumors had already been shot down.


    First was the Celtics'' offer to trade Rajon Rondo for Paul. Stern had no reason to approve, as swapping Paul for Rondo would lower the Hornets'' appeal.


    Next was the Warriors'' offer of Curry and the 11th pick, Klay Thompson, for Paul.


    While better than the Celtics'' proposal, Stern still rejected it; Curry''s value wasn''t yet on par with Paul''s, and Klay was an unproven rookie.


    Besides, Curry''s injury concerns hurt his value.


    By now, Stern''s criteria were clear: the Hornets needed young talent and draft picks for a rebuild.


    Lastly, the Clippers offered a package of young players led by Gordon and draft picks, which Stern also declined.


    This left Han Sen puzzled.


    While he couldn''t remember every trade, he knew Paul had ended up with the Clippers.


    But soon, news clarified the situation.


    The Hornets had agreed to a three-team trade with the Lakers and Rockets.


    Pau Gasol was to head to Houston, Chris Paul to the Lakers, and the Hornets would receive Lamar Odom, young players, and draft picks.


    Han Sen remembered what came next: Stern''s infamous veto for "basketball reasons."


    As acting owner, Stern''s decisions were subject to the other 29 owners, and if more than 18 opposed, he''d be forced to comply.


    As expected, the Lakers and Hornets reached an agreement, but the trade was vetoed due to opposition from the owners.


    So the Hornets turned back to the Clippers, whose offer was ultimately accepted.


    By December 10, the free agency market was in full swing.


    The Grizzlies finally matched the Knicks'' offer, re-signing Conley to a five-year, $50 million deal (with a $5 million bonus).


    Simultaneously, they re-signed Battier on a three-year, $12 million contract.


    Although delayed, the Grizzlies managed to secure their core.


    The Grizzlies didn''t land a big-name coach¡ªin fact, it seemed they hadn''t intended to. They promoted Dave Joerger as head coach, with Damon as his lead assistant.


    This decision was unsurprising for Han Sen; it was the most budget-friendly, least disruptive option for the team.


    Around this time, Stern''s "basketball reasons" hit the news.


    Lakers fans¡ªespecially Kobe fans¡ªprotested strongly.


    The Hornets'' front office had already accepted the trade offer, only for Stern to veto it with a flimsy excuse.


    This could have been Kobe''s last real chance at a sixth title to surpass Jordan. A bit of thought would reveal that this decision was likely influenced by other team owners.


    Analysts on social media pointed out a key point: Was a Kobe-Paul duo powerful? Certainly, but not enough to terrify other teams, given that the Lakers would be giving up Gasol and Odom in the trade.


    The real issue was the free-agent market of 2012. Even if the Magic held onto Dwight Howard this season, Howard could become a free agent in 2012.


    The Lakers, while over the cap, could use Andrew Bynum as trade bait to form a super-trio of Paul, Kobe, and Howard¡ªa terrifying combination.


    With three of the league''s top five players, it would be even stronger than Miami''s Big Three.


    If Miami''s Big Three already intimidated the league''s other owners, then adding a super-trio on the Lakers would leave everyone else with little hope.


    So, things seemed to be unfolding just as Han Sen expected.


    But the next day, something unexpected happened.


    Upon learning he was trade bait, Odom asked the Lakers for a trade, but at this point, the Mavericks didn''t want him.


    Though delayed, Cuban made his move, extending contracts for Barea and Delonte West, showing his determination to keep the team intact.


    He also engaged in active negotiations with Tyson Chandler and Caron Butler.


    And then, Kobe spoke out.


    Kobe rarely involved himself in front-office decisions, with his only prior request for a trade to strengthen the roster coming in 2007.


    Now, driven by Shaq''s fifth ring, he made his second request.


    The immediate result was that the Lakers upped their trade package, replacing Gasol with Bynum.


    This change set off a domino effect, leading to a series of alterations.


    Gasol, while valuable, was 31 and showing signs of decline. Bynum, at 23, had a promising future, especially as the Rockets had a reputation for developing centers.


    With the Lakers offering Bynum, the Rockets were willing to increase their offer.


    The biggest change in their offer was swapping Goran Dragic for Kyle Lowry. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lowry had joined the Rockets in the 2008-09 season, and after Aaron Brooks'' injury last season, he quickly claimed the starting role, averaging 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.7 assists.


    Known as the "mini tank" for his strength, shooting, and playmaking, Lowry was highly regarded in the league.


    To put it simply, Dragic was still just a backup-level player at this point, lacking physicality. This roster tweak quickly elevated the Rockets'' trade offer to Stern''s satisfaction.


    Most importantly, by trading Bynum, the Lakers lost the main piece they''d use to acquire Howard. In terms of trade value, Gasol lagged behind Bynum.


    With Bynum, the Lakers could pursue Howard. But with Gasol, already 32, it''d be almost impossible to draw the Magic into a deal¡ªeven bringing in a third party would be challenging.


    This effectively killed the chances of a Kobe-Paul-Howard lineup forming the following season.


    So, on December 15, the last day of free agency, a four-team trade took place that shocked even Han Sen.


    The Hornets traded Chris Paul and Emeka Okafor, receiving Scola, Kevin Martin, Lowry, Nate Robinson, the Rockets'' 2012 first-round pick, the Lakers'' 2012 first-round pick, and a future second-rounder from the Thunder.


    The Rockets traded Scola, Martin, Lowry, Jordan Hill, and a 2012 first-round pick, receiving Bynum and Odom.


    The Thunder traded Nate Robinson and a future second-round pick, receiving Derek Fisher.


    The Lakers traded Bynum, Odom, Fisher, and their 2012 first-round pick, receiving Paul, Okafor, and Jordan Hill.


    ¡ªEnd of Chapter¡ª


    ¢Ù Restricted free agents: Players whose teams have the right of first refusal after their rookie contracts, allowing them to match any offer from other teams within a specified timeframe.

 Chapter 158: Reunion.

    Chapter 158: Reunion.After the dust settled on the trade, Chris Paul, now in Los Angeles, couldn''t hide his excitement and posted on social media: "It''s our turn!"


    But that post quickly turned into a battleground for Kobe and LeBron fans, and the comments were nothing short of entertaining.


    "Kobe''s the weakest superstar ever, first clinging to Shaq, then to Gasol, and now he''s latching onto Paul!"


    "The Lakers are the league''s cancer, first trading for Gasol with a bunch of scraps, and now they get Paul the same way! It''s like only they deserve championships!"


    "Oh, but didn''t you all say Bynum and Odom were the Lakers'' Big Three, their ''Four Horsemen''? Now they''re just scraps? And Odom was Sixth Man of the Year last season!"


    "You guys complain about LeBron teaming up, but this is an even bigger team-up. Paul is better than Wade, Gasol is better than Bosh, and they even have Okafor. Hah."


    "Exactly. At least we formed a team with free agents, while the Lakers rely on robbery trades. Shameless!"


    "It''s Kobe, Mr. One Team One City. When the team starts struggling, he threatens to leave until the management breaks the bank. I''m not stooping to that."


    "Oh, look at these fans twisting facts. As if LeBron''s got a clean record, go check Gilbert''s open letter!"


    "So, nobody''s got clean hands here, so let''s drop the act¡ªeveryone''s teaming up at their peak."


    "Yeah, you all really think you''re something, comparing yourselves to Jordan, thinking it makes you second all-time. Turning every normal trade into ''teaming up'' just so you feel better."


    ...


    Han Sen was stunned when he saw this. This wasn''t the "history" he knew¡ªChris Paul and Kobe had actually teamed up!


    A trio of Paul, Kobe, and Gasol wasn''t as extreme as Paul, Kobe, and Howard would''ve been, but it was still outrageous.


    Then there was Okafor, the center who had once won Rookie of the Year over Dwight Howard. Though his skills had slipped with age, he was still formidable.


    To be frank, after this trade, the Lakers'' roster, on paper, was at least on par with, if not stronger than, the Heat''s Big Three.


    No wonder LeBron''s fans were so stirred up online. They had written off last season''s loss as a fluke, but now they''d have to contend with this new juggernaut in LA.


    Han hadn''t expected that his casual advice to Shaq to join the Mavericks would set off such a massive chain reaction.


    It felt like one of those stories where an offhand encounter leads to world-altering events.


    But after the shock wore off, Han wasn''t frustrated¡ªhe was thrilled.


    As Nowitzki had once said, what doesn''t kill you makes you stronger.


    And for Han, this Lakers team was a prime opportunity to rack up hater points.


    If he could take down this Lakers squad, he wouldn''t even need to say a word; Kobe fans would be all over him.


    "Do you have any idea what you''ve done? You''ve ruined our leader''s last shot at surpassing Jordan!"


    Just imagining it was exciting.


    Besides, this Lakers team clearly had weaknesses. Their combined salaries for Kobe, Paul, Gasol, and Okafor alone would exceed the salary cap.


    That meant their bench couldn''t be that strong. Their best option was a mini-mid-level exception, and if they failed to sign the right players, they''d face rotation issues like last season''s Grizzlies.


    In fact, their issues might be even worse¡ªgiven the tight schedule of the new season, even one injury would heavily impact their performance.


    So the Grizzlies would definitely have a chance against the Lakers.


    After he pulled himself away from the flood of news, Han checked in on the Mavericks.


    Chandler had signed a five-year, $70 million deal with the Mavericks, matching the annual salary the Knicks offered but with an extra team option year.


    The Mavs also chose not to re-sign Caron Butler, who signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the Clippers.


    Salary issues aside, Butler and Marion hadn''t gotten along last season due to overlapping play styles.


    To fill the gap left by Butler, the Mavs used their mini-mid-level to sign Vince Carter to a three-year, $9 million deal.


    They also traded Haywood and a 2012 first-round pick to the Wizards for Andray Blatche.


    Despite the Wizards'' poor standing last season, Blatche had put up a career-high 16.8 points per game.


    Han respected Cuban for these moves.


    After Paul''s trade to the Lakers, the most logical step for Cuban would have been to throw out his championship speech, clear cap space, and prepare for the 2012 free agent market.


    But maybe this was just Cuban''s style. The Lakers'' move may have only stoked his competitive fire.


    In fact, the Lakers'' new roster had likely recharged the Mavericks'' motivation to defend their title.


    With Fisher joining the Thunder, an ageless Spurs team, the emerging Blake Griffin, and the high-flying Nuggets, the grueling competition in the Western Conference was back.


    Whoever survived the West this season would have to fight tooth and nail.


    As the date shifted to December 24th¡ªthe day before the season''s official start and the NBA''s Christmas Day games¡ªStan ''The Octopus'' released his season-opening power rankings.


    This year''s list was more precise than ever:


    1. Lakers


    The top point guard and shooting guard in the league form the strongest backcourt duo ever, with the Lakers'' frontcourt remaining solid. Their only enemy? Themselves.


    Predicted Starting Lineup: Paul, Kobe, Artest, Gasol, Okafor


    Bench: Steve Blake, Mike Dunleavy (mini-mid-level), Matt Barnes, Jordan Hill, Troy Murphy


    2. Heat


    James bulked up to 265 pounds (120 kg) over the summer; he''ll be a true "tank," likely spending more time at power forward.


    Predicted Starting Lineup: Chalmers, Wade, James, Bosh, Joel Anthony


    Bench: Norris Cole, Mike Miller, James Jones, Josh McRoberts (mini-mid-level), Haslem


    3. Grizzlies


    With Rudy Gay returning, the Grizzlies retained their core, and they''ll surprise everyone this season.


    Predicted Starting Lineup: Conley, Han Sen, Gay, Randolph, Marc Gasol


    Bench: Jordan Crawford, Tony Allen, Battier, James Johnson, Przybilla


    4. Mavericks


    Dallas has kept its core, but their hunger for a championship is the real question. Will they end up like the 2006-07 Heat?


    Predicted Starting Lineup: Kidd, West, Marion, Nowitzki, Chandler


    Bench: Barea, Terry, Carter, Blatche, Mahinmi


    5. Bulls


    6. Thunder


    7. Spurs


    8. Celtics


    However precise Stan''s rankings were, criticism was inevitable.


    Fans'' main gripe was the Grizzlies being ranked third.


    "The Grizzlies lost to the Mavs last season, but he''s got them ahead of the defending champs."


    ...


    "People are really high on us!"


    Before the Grizzlies'' practice started, Gay sat down next to Han, grinning ear to ear.


    It was hard not to be excited; he''d never been on such a highly-ranked team before, and it almost didn''t feel real.


    "That''s not necessarily good. It just means our opponents will take us more seriously," Battier interjected, cooling the mood.


    "Shane, you''re too uptight. I''m back this season; there''s no way Dallas can touch us." Gay was practically itching for the season to start.


    Battier just smiled, not saying anything further.


    "Regardless, we''ve only got one goal this season," Han said, looking up at a newly mounted plaque with an inscription:


    "When two warriors meet on a narrow path, it''s the fearless who rise. Even when the odds seem stacked against you, you draw your sword anyway¡ª because even if you fall you make damn sure your ghost will haunt them every step of their lives."


    It was something Han had once told Wallace, now enshrined as the locker room''s motto.


    It was fitting. No matter the expectations or challenges, they''d press forward fearlessly.


    Training was about to start, and the players left the locker room for the court.


    Stern had lined up a few marquee matchups for the season opener: Heat vs. Mavs, Lakers vs. Bulls.


    The Grizzlies would also play tomorrow, facing off against the Spurs. Their rivalry with San Antonio ran even deeper than Heat vs. Mavs.


    Despite that, the Grizzlies'' training atmosphere was relaxed this season.


    Joerger''s coaching approach, while still emphasizing defense, was less high-pressure than Hollins''s style.


    He engaged in more communication, making sure players understood his expectations, and his naturally cheerful demeanor made him easy to listen to.


    Joerger''s style alone would suffice. In the NBA, communication skills were a coach''s strongest tool; Phil Jackson''s success largely came from handling stars well.


    The Grizzlies even added a veteran presence to steady the locker room¡ªMike Bibby, who was also a former Grizzly.


    Right now, Bibby was chatting with Jason Williams, who had become an assistant coach for the team.


    These two had careers deeply intertwined¡ªthey both played for the Grizzlies, and Bibby was traded to the Kings for Williams back in the day.


    Later, they both ended up with the Heat. The difference was, Williams won a championship with Wade, while Bibby, last season, fell short with the Heat''s Big Three.


    Han Sen then looked over at Randolph, who was still doing rehab training on the sidelines.


    The team atmosphere wasn''t an issue; the only worry was Randolph.


    Randolph''s known for being a bit lazy¡ªif he wasn''t, he wouldn''t carry so much extra weight.


    After this lockout, his weight was way off the charts when he first returned.


    Last offseason, he was a little over the mark, too, but nothing like this, and there was a lot more time back then to work it off.


    Now, with the weight and the upcoming intense schedule, he''s at a high risk for injuries.


    Thinking about it, Han Sen got up and talked to Joerger for a bit.


    Joerger''s communication was always a two-way street, and, in simple terms, he listened.


    "I''ll keep his minutes limited at the start of the season."


    Han Sen voiced his concerns, and Joerger responded with a solution.


    The work the management did during the draft paid off, and this season, the Grizzlies have much better depth in the frontcourt, giving them more options.


    On the 25th, the Grizzlies arrived in San Antonio by plane.


    Stepping off the plane, Han Sen, as the "mayor" of San Antonio, was greeted by San Antonio locals on both sides of the path.


    The locals waved their "Fxck Han Sen" signs enthusiastically.


    This, of course, has a lot to do with Ginobili; his back injury took half a year to heal and still wasn''t fully recovered.


    Han Sen''s "I did it" comment back then meant this kind of "welcome" was fully expected.


    "These people are too damn smug," Gay muttered, visibly annoyed.


    "Relax, we''ll beat them hard tonight," Randolph leaned in, grinning.


    Gay stepped back, grimacing a bit, but still nodded.


    These dirty players¡ªthey were the reason he missed his first-ever playoff run, maybe even his first title shot.


    They need to pay. And pay hard.


    That night, AT&T Center was packed.


    Peter Holt ought to thank Han Sen¡ªwho knows how much extra ticket revenue he''d brought in.


    There were way more "Fxck Han Sen" signs here than at the airport.


    When Han Sen showed up, he felt his hater points start stacking up right away.


    Ahh, this was the feeling.


    Entering with a hate-filled buff¡ªhow could he not love San Antonio?


    During warm-ups, Han Sen glanced over to the Spurs'' side.


    He spotted Duncan doing standing windmills right off the bat. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then his gaze landed on Leonard.


    Hard not to notice him¡ªthe guy stood there, face like Duncan''s, dead serious.


    This year, the Spurs had traded George Hill for the Pacers'' 15th pick and selected Leonard.


    It was like the Lakers trading Divac for the Hornets'' 13th pick years ago¡ªa stroke of genius.


    Too bad his status in the league wasn''t there yet; otherwise, he could''ve done something epic like that himself.


    With warm-ups over, Han Sen soaked in the boos from the opening ceremony and joined the starters.


    The Grizzlies'' regular starting five took the floor. The Spurs had Parker and Danny Green on the perimeter, Jefferson and Duncan at forward, and Blair at center.


    Other than Green, they were all familiar faces in the lineup.


    As he stepped onto the court, Han Sen couldn''t help but rub his hands together and bounce in place a few times.


    After more than half a year, this reunion was long overdue¡ªit really was thrilling!

 Chapter 159: He Can’t Pass.

    Chapter 159: He Can''t Pass.Marc Gasol won the jump ball over Duncan, and the Grizzlies took the first offense.


    Although Hollins had left, Joerger hadn''t had enough time to build a new system, so the Grizzlies'' playstyle was pretty much the same as last season.


    They started with Randolph in the low post, Blair defending, and Duncan helping on defense. At first glance, it looked just like last season.


    But once Randolph began attacking, things changed.


    Duncan''s help defense was noticeably faster than last season, while Randolph, having gained weight, had slowed down.


    The result was that Randolph couldn''t make a move quickly enough to attack, and when he wanted to pass, Duncan blocked his view.


    He ended up forcing a turnaround hook toward the baseline, but the shot missed.


    The Spurs launched a fast break, and Parker sped down the court like a bullet.


    But as Parker was going for a quick layup, Han Sen appeared out of nowhere, swooping in from behind to pin his shot against the glass.


    Once Han Sen grabbed the rebound, the stadium erupted with boos.


    He just grinned.


    What did you think he was bouncing around for before the game? Just too hyped up, so he had to let off some steam!


    Han Sen pushed the ball up the court and handed it to Conley.


    Conley called a play, and Han Sen ran a pick-and-roll with Marc Gasol, executing an off-ball play.


    But as soon as he got the ball, Duncan was already there to help on defense; he didn''t look like he was glued to the floor anymore.


    It seemed that this lockout had been a blessing in disguise for Duncan, giving him the time to finally heal his plantar fasciitis.


    Han Sen didn''t attack Duncan directly. Instead, he waited for the right moment and hit the floor with a pass to Randolph.


    Creating a mutual threat with Randolph was the key to breaking down the Spurs. If Randolph couldn''t get going, it''d affect Han''s offense too.


    Randolph got a one-on-one chance after catching the ball and spun toward the free throw line.


    But his speed really had dropped. By the time he turned to force his way to the basket, Jefferson had already collapsed down to the paint.


    Randolph''s final shot, under pressure, missed the rim. Two failed attempts to open the scoring.


    Popovich couldn''t help but smirk when he saw this.


    Before the game, reporters had asked him about the Grizzlies being ranked third in the power rankings while the Spurs were only seventh.


    "They don''t know basketball at all."


    That was his answer.


    And it was all based on his experience.


    These media folks see the NBA like a manager game, treating players like stat sheets.


    But players are people, and people''s form fluctuates.


    This season''s Duncan was a completely different player from last season.


    So, naturally, this season''s Spurs are a completely different team too.


    As for the Grizzlies... Randolph''s condition was an unexpected surprise.


    With one leg hobbled, the Grizzlies would need more than just Han Sen to take down the Spurs.


    Duncan received a pass from Parker at the 45-degree angle and banked it in, putting the Spurs on the board.


    Spurs fans erupted in cheers.


    They might not break down the game like Popovich, but they could still read the situation on the court.


    Conley called another play, and the ball found its way to Han Sen.


    Since Randolph couldn''t get it going in the post, Han Sen would have to tear through the Spurs'' defense himself.


    Popovich stood up and signaled a defensive play.


    Han Sen received the ball, and this time he drove left, dodging Duncan''s first step.


    Blair, who''d already been burned once, was hesitant to help, while Jefferson on the weak side collapsed early to help out.


    With Pop''s call, the Spurs had adjusted their defense and started putting intense pressure on Han Sen.


    Han Sen''s finishing ability was strong, but his passing? Not so much, and he knew it.


    As the double-team closed in, a cold glint flashed in his eyes.


    Tonight''s game would be a little payback for Ginobili.


    From now on, every Grizzlies-Spurs match would be about crushing the opponent, like he said last season: beating the crap out of them!


    But just as Pop''s smirk grew wider, his face froze.


    Han Sen had made a pass!


    And it wasn''t just any pass¡ªit landed precisely in Randolph''s hands, right under the basket.


    With no one in front of him, Randolph banked it in with ease.


    Having missed his previous shots, Randolph lit up after scoring, finding Han Sen to give him a big high-five on the way back.


    Had Han Sen developed his passing game over the summer?


    Popovich couldn''t see how Han had made that pass, but he quickly shook his head.


    He could believe Han developing a new offensive skill during a months-long lockout.


    But expecting a player who''d only had a couple of assists in his first two years to suddenly know how to pass?


    No way. He''d sooner believe LeBron had developed a three-point shot.


    So, that must have been a fluke.


    Settling back into his seat, he told himself he was just too fixated on Han.


    With Randolph''s current condition, the Grizzlies had no chance of winning tonight.


    Parker drove inside for a floater over Randolph, and the Spurs were off to a good offensive start.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The Spurs fans chanted along with the DJ, rallying behind the home team.


    It was the season opener, and they wanted to bury the Grizzlies from the start.


    Conley called the same play again, and this time Han drove left, leaving Duncan behind.


    Blair, still wary, didn''t close in, while Jefferson moved to help.


    Following Pop''s call, they kept the pressure up.


    Han Sen''s drive stayed strong, but as soon as the double-team came, the ball was gone!


    Pop''s eyes narrowed as he stood up, focused on Han to see how he''d gotten rid of it.


    Han, with his eyes on the rim, faked out Duncan and Jefferson, but his hand slipped the ball toward the corner.


    A no-look pass!


    Popovich was stunned.


    Especially when he saw Gay catch the ball right at chest height, letting him immediately fire off a shot.


    The thing Pop thought impossible was happening right in front of him.


    Swish!


    Gay pumped his fists after sinking the shot.


    Having been sidelined since last January, the feeling of coming back and immediately scoring was electrifying.


    As they got back on defense, Gay found Han Sen for another big high-five.


    Han Sen had two assists already tonight.


    Popovich finally snapped out of it.


    He looked at Han Sen and felt a chill down his spine.


    Not because of Han''s intimidation this time, but because of the change.


    If Han had only drawn defenders in the air before kicking it out, he wouldn''t have been surprised. But a no-look pass meant he was confident in his ability to pass.


    It was just one summer¡ªgranted, a long summer due to the lockout¡ªbut still unbelievable.


    The Grizzlies'' morale rose after a few consecutive buckets.


    Duncan''s low-post spin shot was thwarted by Marc Gasol''s help defense.


    On the other end, Han Sen took the ball, and Randolph came up from the post to set a pick.


    Han Sen broke past Blair and went straight to the rim.


    Duncan was already there, arms wide.


    Han turned his head toward Marc Gasol, tricking Duncan into looking as well.


    The no-look pass from earlier had already rattled Duncan.


    The next moment, Han Sen leapt at the basket.


    Using a mix of moves, fakes, and his versatile approach, he caught Duncan off guard.


    Duncan was ready and extended his arm.


    This was Duncan at 34 years old, free from injuries. Scoring in front of him wasn''t easy.


    But Han Sen adjusted mid-air, extending his arm beneath Duncan''s, and deftly banked the ball in with a scoop layup.


    The shot difficulty was high, but it hit the board perfectly, and then straight through the net.


    With the boost from his talent, [No-Look Pass], Han Sen''s coordination and agility were enhanced, adding precision to his finishing on shots like that.


    Han turned and spread his hands toward the Spurs'' bench as he jogged back.


    Pop''s face turned green with frustration. Han was taking every chance to stick it to him.


    Han smirked, loving the way Pop looked so bothered but couldn''t do a thing about it.


    "Oh, so you''re the king of adjustments, right? Where''s that legendary strategy now?"


    He couldn''t help but laugh, especially since he''d never bought into the hype around Popovich being a coaching genius.


    Popovich only became famous thanks to Duncan. What qualifications does he have to be mentioned with the greats?


    Meanwhile, Duncan executed a low-post move, spun, and banked in another hook shot.


    7-6


    Spurs down by just one.


    After a few plays, Han Sen moved to the weak side to catch a breather.


    Rudy Gay received a pass and made a drive, but couldn''t get past Duncan''s help defense, so he dished it back to Han.


    Han launched into a second drive, and when Duncan came over to help, Han exchanged a glance with Gay.


    Rudy might not be a genius on the court, but after two months in Han''s training camp, the chemistry was there.


    That look was all he needed, and Gay darted to the basket.


    Han faked a drive before tossing a high lob. Gay rose to the occasion, reaching out with his long arms... S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Boom!


    A thunderous alley-oop finish that sent the whole arena into a frenzy.


    This kind of play wasn''t an option in last season''s playoffs when the Grizzlies faced the Spurs without Gay.


    But the real difference? Han Sen.


    Last season, Han was already a threat with his scoring and shooting, and that alone gave the Spurs headaches.


    Now he''s a playmaker too!


    Popovich''s expression darkened, but he held his tongue.


    His game plan wasn''t wrong, but the problem was, the Grizzlies had more than just Randolph going for them.


    Sure, Randolph''s not as dominant, but with Gay back and Han leveling up, the Grizzlies are a whole new beast.


    Especially Han Sen¡ªhe''s a different animal now.


    Landing after the dunk, Gay was pumped, yelling out in excitement.


    Popovich signaled a timeout.


    Gay ran straight to Han, and they celebrated with a chest bump.


    At the end of the first quarter, the Grizzlies led 24-20.


    Randolph wasn''t quite himself, and coach Joerger subbed him out early, but with Han''s leadership, the Grizzlies had the game flowing.


    As the second quarter started, Han rested on the bench. With Gay back in the lineup, he didn''t need to stagger shifts like in last year''s playoffs.


    Lineups on the floor:


    Spurs: TJ Ford, Ginobili, James Anderson, Matt Bonner, Tiago Splitter


    Grizzlies: Jordan Crawford, Tony Allen, Rudy Gay, Shane Battier, Joel Przybilla


    Ginobili missed a drive with his Euro step.


    Allen''s defense was on point, and Ginobili''s explosive power seemed diminished¡ªa worn-out back has its toll, and the Euro step demands explosiveness.


    Back on offense, Gay saw Anderson guarding him and his eyes lit up.


    With a quick signal, he called for an isolation to take Anderson in the post.


    While Gay''s post game isn''t exactly polished, it''s enough to handle Anderson. He drove him low, then spun towards the free throw line to break away.


    One meter from the hoop, he pulled the ball high with both hands and took off.


    Splitter, briefly held by Przybilla, rushed back only to become the background of Gay''s highlight.


    Gay glided in, dodging Splitter mid-air, and threw down a powerful two-handed slam.


    Bam!


    The arena roared with excitement.


    Tonight, Gay was someone else entirely.


    Usually, he''d settle for a step-back jumper, but tonight he delivered a jaw-dropping alley-oop and a soaring dunk over an opponent.


    To those who knew Gay, it was impressive. To those who didn''t, he might as well be Vince Carter.


    The Grizzlies bench went wild, and even Han was waving his towel in the air.


    It seemed like fans had forgotten how lethal Gay could be when not constantly in staggered lineups.


    And if Duncan''s a bit too much for him to handle, at least he''s got Splitter to vent on.


    Adding fuel to the fire, Gay had an old grudge against the Spurs, and tonight he was bringing everything he had.


    Right as Han was thinking about it, Gay helped on defense with a massive block on Ford.


    Moments later, Gay muscled his way past Anderson, LeBron-style, drawing the foul and hitting the layup for an and-one.


    As the ball dropped through the net, Gay unleashed a string of expletives in Anderson''s direction, but the ref gave him a warning whistle, cutting it short.


    Han burst out laughing on the sidelines.


    He knew he wasn''t wrong calling Popovich overrated earlier.


    Putting Anderson on the court just because Gay was getting a little too fired up? Popovich practically handed him a rage buff.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 160: Took an Arrow to the Knee.

    Chapter 160: Took an Arrow to the Knee.During this stretch with the bench squad, Gay played like a man possessed, single-handedly blowing up the Spurs.


    Once the starters returned, the Grizzlies kept up the momentum, outscoring the Spurs 29¨C16 in the second quarter and leading by 17 points at halftime.


    AT&T Center, which had been buzzing at the start, fell silent by the end of the half.


    By the time play resumed, there were noticeably fewer fans in the stands. Those who came for an entertaining game decided the suffering wasn''t worth it.


    Still, the Spurs didn''t give up.


    They came back after halftime, executing with precision, and outscored the Grizzlies 29¨C22 in the third quarter, cutting the lead to 10.


    Then Gay returned, immediately scoring on Anderson.


    Popovich, seeing this, finally substituted in Leonard for Anderson. This was Leonard''s debut for the Spurs in the regular season.


    True to expectations, Leonard immediately stole the ball from Gay.


    Even as a rookie, his physical gifts were off the charts, especially with those massive hands that could practically palm a size-F cup¡ªmaking him a defensive nightmare.


    Gay, with his slower first step, found himself getting locked up.


    Han Sen noticed and stood up, signaling for Gay to draw a foul on Leonard before Gay got back on defense.


    It worked like a charm.


    Gay drew consecutive fouls on Leonard, which had Popovich storming over to the scorer''s table, loudly protesting.


    Leonard, being a rookie, was still inexperienced and didn''t fully understand the refs'' calls.


    Typically, rookies adapt during summer league, but the 2011 draft class didn''t get that luxury.


    As the Grizzlies pulled away again, the audience looked increasingly numb. Who would''ve thought they''d see the day where Gay would dominate them?


    In the end, the Grizzlies won on the road, beating the Spurs 95¨C82 to open the season with a win.


    The post-game stats read as follows: for the Spurs, Parker had 20 points and 6 assists, Duncan recorded 18 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Ginobili scored 13 points.


    For the Grizzlies, Gay had 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals, Han Sen contributed 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, Gasol had 11 points and 10 rebounds, Conley scored 11 points with 6 assists, and Randolph added 10 points with 6 rebounds.


    "They had 30 free throws while we only had 15¡ªthis isn''t how the fouls should go in a normal game," Popovich complained, clearly frustrated.


    Everyone who watched the game could see that the Grizzlies attacked the paint more aggressively, especially Gay, who alone had 13 free throws.


    But it''s not like Popovich could just say he wasn''t prepared for Han Sen and Gay or outright admit that they couldn''t beat the Grizzlies, right?


    People need excuses for their failures.


    Of course, his "excuse" cost him $25,000.


    The post-game press conference for the Grizzlies, meanwhile, had a much lighter tone.


    "Getting back on the court felt amazing; it''s like I''ve been on a year-long drought and finally let it all out," Gay joked, sparking laughter all around, while Han Sen could only shake his head, holding back a laugh.


    "Han, tonight you dished out seven assists, a career-high for you. How''d you manage that?" After Gay''s remarks, reporters turned their attention to Han Sen.


    "Really? My assists are that low?" Han''s quip brought another round of laughter.


    "I gotta thank my teammates for that one¡ªthey were on fire, turning every pass I threw into a bucket."


    Now that is what we call humble!


    "Zach struggled a bit tonight; are you concerned about his performance?" Of course, an ESPN reporter couldn''t let it slide without a serious question.


    "We have to learn to be content. If Zach had also gone off tonight, we would''ve won by over 20, and then someone would accuse us of committing a crime," Han joked, making the reporters laugh again.


    "A big win against the Spurs to open the season. You guys look even better than last year. Is your team aiming for the Finals this season?" Khalil, standing up, asked.


    "No, we''re gunning for the championship. No one''s stopping us."


    The media hadn''t taken his words seriously when he''d said something similar at East High, so now that the season''s started, he needed to make it official.


    Lakers, Heat, season just beginning? Forget all that¡ªthis is the energy they needed.


    And, of course, those precious hater points.


    After the game, Han Sen checked out news on the other two games.


    The Lakers beat the Bulls 100¨C88, with Kobe scoring 28 points on 12-of-23 shooting and Chris Paul adding 18 points and 13 assists.


    The Heat topped the Mavericks 105¨C99, with LeBron putting up 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, Wade adding 24 points, and Bosh recording 13 points and a single rebound.


    It seemed they were starting the season strong.


    After the opening win, the Grizzlies went on to beat the Rockets and the Kings, racking up three consecutive victories to start the season.


    With the next two games against weaker teams, the Grizzlies focused on getting Randolph back in rhythm.


    Randolph scored 18 in one game and 21 in another, showing clear improvement.


    Over these three games, Han Sen averaged six assists per game.


    The feeling was strange; sometimes, he found that setting up teammates was more satisfying than scoring himself.


    Is this that fabled joy of passing?


    Building on their early-season success, the Grizzlies then defeated the Thunder 98¨C95 at home, extending their winning streak.


    Randolph continued his impressive play, with 24 points and 12 rebounds.


    "No one can stop us," Randolph said, brimming with confidence at the post-game press conference.


    After the Thunder, it was time for a back-to-back at home against the Bulls.


    That''s when disaster struck.


    In a scramble for a rebound, JJ Hickson collided knees with Randolph, forcing him to leave the game.


    Randolph walked off under his own power, and the Grizzlies didn''t initially think much of it.


    The initial diagnosis was a medial collateral ligament bruise, requiring only a short recovery.


    But worse news followed; an MRI showed that Randolph''s injury was more severe than expected¡ªa torn ligament in his right knee.


    Although surgery wasn''t necessary, Randolph was expected to miss 6¨C8 weeks.


    Randolph had already missed most of the 2004¨C05 season due to a knee injury, and his weight issues seemed to have caught up with him again.


    The Grizzlies would have to face two months without Randolph.


    This was a massive blow to the team, considering how much of their offense was centered around Randolph''s post play.


    When the news reached Joerger, he looked visibly upset.


    In the NBA, there are lots of assistant coaches but only 30 head coaches.


    Being named an NBA head coach was a good thing, but the timing was terrible.


    He was hired right before the season started, so there was no time to adjust the team''s system, and now, only five games in, he''d lost his offensive anchor.


    He was perhaps the unluckiest head coach of all.


    And with the Grizzlies'' Eastern Conference road trip about to start, their first opponent would be the Heat.


    Last season, the Grizzlies'' dominance over the Heat was largely based on their size advantage.


    Without Randolph, it would be even harder to beat them¡ªjust look at how they''d struggled against the Spurs in last season''s playoffs without him.


    Joerger and Damon exchanged a look and, in unison, spoke Han Sen''s name.


    Han Sen had been passing more this season, which opened up a different set of possibilities for the Grizzlies.


    After the Grizzlies arrived in Miami, Han Sen didn''t go back to Barry University¡ªmost of his old teammates had graduated.


    Instead, he sent Chris Rondo to deliver tickets to any Barry University players who wanted to attend.


    Meanwhile, he hit the American Airlines Arena for extra shooting practice.


    He''d worried about Randolph''s weight causing an injury before the season and had even discussed it with Joerger.


    Joerger had limited Randolph''s minutes, giving him time to gradually improve his conditioning. But the injury came anyway.


    And it was a complete freak accident¡ªan arrow to the knee.


    And this was a lockout season, so two months later, it would be late March, just a month before the playoffs.


    How much Randolph could recover by then was anyone''s guess.


    But looking on the bright side, at least Randolph could return, unlike Gay last season.


    After a couple of rounds of practice, Damon approached Han Sen.


    They sat down, and Damon explained the coaching staff''s plan.


    The gist: Han Sen would have to handle more ball-handling duties.


    Han Sen nodded calmly.


    This was a case of plans not surviving contact with reality.


    He hadn''t chosen talents for a primary ball-handler role, but the team''s changes were forcing him to adapt.


    But he knew it was the only option.


    Not just with the Grizzlies¡ªeven in the league, there were few big men who could dominate in the post like Randolph.


    "You''re taking this better than I expected. You''ve matured," Damon remarked.


    Han Sen chuckled to himself. These past two years had been far more intense than anything he''d experienced in his last life combined.


    Going through all of that really had a way of making a person grow fast.


    And over these two seasons¡ªespecially last season¡ªhe''d come to understand what it really takes to chase a championship.


    The truth is, there are very few championships won without serious obstacles. Most champions have to overcome huge challenges to reach the top.


    Just because you say you''re hungry for the title doesn''t mean others aren''t. And if you say you have to win, well, who''s willing to lose?


    Look at last season''s Mavericks. They took on injuries, age, and all the criticism thrown their way before they finally climbed to the top.


    Even the Lakers of the past two seasons¡ªthink about all the pressure Kobe endured after that loss in 2008, and then carrying the team through a season when most of his teammates'' performances dropped.


    When was that ever easy?


    Bottom line: chasing a championship is like a pilgrimage. Only by enduring all the hardships can you finally grasp the ultimate truth¡ªthe title.


    Right now, Han Sen was treating Randolph''s injury as just another test on that path.


    "Coach, work with me on my passing."


    Han Sen got to his feet.


    Might as well, since he was already here.


    ...


    If there was anyone in the league more thrilled at the start of this new season, it had to be LeBron James.


    The season opener¡ªa sweet revenge win over the Mavs¡ªhad led to a five-game win streak.


    Wins, stats, team standing¡ªeverything he wanted, he had it.


    He was walking like he was gliding, feeling like a king all over again.


    And, as if the universe was smiling on him, he was about to face the Grizzlies, one of his biggest rivals, when¡ªsurprise! Randolph was out with an injury.


    LeBron laughed out loud.


    At that moment, he finally understood what it felt like to be the chosen one.


    At the public practice session the day before the game, he was glowing with confidence.


    When a reporter asked him if he thought they could beat the Grizzlies, he couldn''t hold back his excitement. "Of course, a thousand percent, I can''t think of a single reason we''d lose this game."


    And when the reporter brought up Han Sen''s recent comments about winning a championship, he gave a knowing, older-brother sort of nod.


    "I get where he''s coming from. I used to think like that when I was younger too. But winning a championship is a lot harder than he might realize. As a former teammate, all I can do is wish him luck."


    ...


    "Han, LeBron sent you his regards again," Rudy Gay said to Han Sen with a smirk after their training session.


    This time, the tone was playful, knowing the history between them.


    "Seems he''s in good spirits," Han replied with a smile.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll lock him down," Rudy said confidently, patting his chest.


    "Watch out for his low-post moves," Han reminded him.


    He hadn''t watched the game film from opening night, but he''d definitely studied the Heat''s strategies in preparation.


    LeBron was playing at a high level this season, and it wasn''t just because Wade had given up some of his ball-handling duties and tactical standing; LeBron''s playing style had changed considerably as well.


    Rudy was strong in physical play, but LeBron had almost 10 kilograms on him now and could bulldoze his way through.


    "Relax, with that back-down game of his, I''ve got him covered," Rudy said confidently.


    Han didn''t add anything. Without Randolph, he''d need to focus more on offense and wouldn''t be able to switch onto LeBron as much.


    He could only hope Rudy stepped up.


    That night, the American Airlines Arena was packed to the rafters, and Miami fans were buzzing with excitement.


    There were all kinds of signs in the crowd, some of them very eye-catching, like one that read, "We are the Avengers."


    Marvel''s popularity was sky-high, especially with the "Avengers" movie set to release this May. The synergy was strong.


    Han couldn''t help but smile when he saw it.


    So they failed once, and now they''re the heroes? If that''s the case, does that make the Grizzlies¡ªthe team that swept them last season¡ªthe villains?


    Then he spotted a group of fans wearing Grizzlies jerseys with his number 77¡ªalumni from Barry University.


    Most of the faces were unfamiliar, but they all lit up when they saw him, clearly excited.


    It seemed that although his original teammates had graduated, his impact on the Barry University basketball team was still going strong.


    After all, he was the only NBA player they''d ever produced, and now, he''d become a star.


    He waved to his former schoolmates, then turned his attention back to those Avengers-themed signs.


    Well, tonight, let''s see what it feels like to play the villain.


    --- S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Author''s Note: Last season, after Ginobili''s injury in the playoffs, Coach Popovich had criticized Han Sen, accusing him of foul play and calling it criminal.

 Chapter 161: The Grizzly King.

    Chapter 161: The Grizzly King.The camera kept cutting to Han Sen even during warmups. Without Randolph, he was clearly the biggest threat to the Miami Heat tonight.


    After the opening ceremony, the starting lineups were announced:


    Grizzlies: Conley, Han, Gay, James Johnson, Marc Gasol


    Heat: Chalmers, Wade, LeBron James, McRoberts, Bosh


    James did his usual chalk toss at the scorer''s table and struck a pose for the cameras, feeling confident.


    Right before tip-off, Han Sen leaned in to share a few words with Marc Gasol.


    Gasol won the tip, and the game began. Conley set up the offense, and Han Sen and Gasol moved off the ball.


    As soon as Han Sen caught it, the Heat double-teamed him.


    Without Randolph, the Heat didn''t hold back on doubling Han. They were confident in their small lineup''s speed and rotations.


    Han Sen crossed Bosh, then, right before getting trapped, whipped a no-look bounce pass to the weak side.


    Gasol didn''t stay put after the pick¡ªhe cut to the weak side, caught the pass, and threw down a powerful two-handed dunk.


    The Heat''s rotations were left in the dust.


    On the next possession, the Heat went straight to James in the post against Gay. Last season, this was Wade''s role, but he had passed it over to LeBron.


    With Bosh and McRoberts spacing the floor, James had plenty of room to operate. He backed Gay down, spun at the free-throw line, and scored as Gay struggled to keep up.


    After last season''s Finals loss, James had gone to Houston over the summer to learn from Olajuwon, just like Kobe did years before.


    Although he wasn''t as smooth as Kobe, his power and size made his post game formidable. Gay quickly understood why Han Sen had given him a heads-up earlier.


    The Grizzlies ran the same play again. This time, the Heat switched up their defense, with James rotating to cover Han.


    Han blew past him, and with Bosh forced to step up, he lobbed the ball inside. Gasol caught it and went up for a layup, but Wade rotated over for a block attempt.


    Just then, Gasol switched to a dunk, powering the ball into the hoop while drawing a foul from Wade. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The crowd erupted as Gasol celebrated with a pumped fist and a strong high-five with Han.


    The past playoffs had toughened Gasol. After battling with Nowitzki, he had emerged forged and sharpened, now embodying the spirit of the "White Bear" of Memphis.


    Gasol made the free throw, putting the Grizzlies up 5-2. The crowd hadn''t expected Memphis to start strong without Randolph.


    Coach Spoelstra rubbed his chin, reconsidering his small lineup.


    He had banked on Randolph''s absence leaving the Grizzlies without a real inside threat, but Gasol was proving him wrong.


    Still, Spo didn''t switch; he wasn''t convinced that Gasol was on Randolph''s level yet, and the Heat''s strength wasn''t in half-court play but in forcing a transition game.


    The Heat continued targeting LeBron in the post, but this time, Coach Joerger signaled Gay to front him.


    Chalmers had no good passing angle, so he swung it to Wade, who attacked the basket, threading a pass to James.


    Using his size, LeBron quickly turned, sealed Gay, and scored at the rim again. This season, LeBron was shooting a career-high 55%, leading all small forwards.


    These last couple of plays showed why: LeBron''s game has shifted to a power forward style.


    In other words, he''s using a power forward''s body and play style to dominate small forwards who match up with him.


    But if you defend him with a power forward, he has an advantage on the drive.


    So, whether in the post or at the top of the key, paired with the Heat''s small-ball lineup, he''s incredibly efficient.


    Back on offense, Han orchestrated another play.


    After a screen from Gasol, he drew Bosh out and dropped a pinpoint pass to Gasol, who attempted a close-range shot but was fiercely contested.


    The Heat launched a lightning-fast defensive counterattack, racing to the frontcourt in the blink of an eye.


    LeBron flew in for a layup on the fast break, and Conley tried to grab him, but couldn''t hold him back¡ªLeBron scored with an and-1.


    The Heat took the lead.


    After the bucket, LeBron flexed his biceps at the camera. With his added weight, he looked like a tank.


    When he stepped up to the free-throw line, chants of "MVP" echoed around the arena.


    LeBron tried to hold his focus, but his free throw was overcooked and bounced off the rim.


    Still, he retreated on defense with a smile. He''d scored the Heat''s first six points, and he looked like he was on top of the world.


    Seeing this, Han Sen called for an isolation. The Heat''s speed on the break was lethal, so Memphis had to control the pace.


    Once Conley passed him the ball and everyone cleared out, Han Sen signaled Gay to come for a pick-and-roll.


    Gay screened Wade, leaving Han Sen with a one-on-one against LeBron.


    With his slower lateral speed from bulking up, LeBron was struggling defensively, as Han''s earlier drives had shown. But James was up for the challenge.


    Han squared up, hand palming the ball in a triple-threat position. With the Heat wary of his passing, no one rotated to help.


    This season, Han Sen had developed a reliable passing game, so he finally had a true triple-threat: drive, shoot, or pass, rather than the classic two options.


    Setting up from the triple threat, Han Sen chose a right-hand drive.


    LeBron followed closely, but Han Sen hadn''t even gone full speed, letting LeBron keep up¡ªonly to quickly pull back left in the next moment, creating an almost comical amount of space between them.


    Swish!


    Han Sen''s mid-range jumper was clean.


    The Grizzlies took back the lead. Even without Randolph, they played with last season''s grit.


    LeBron posted up low again, and McRoberts delivered a smooth bounce pass inside.


    Johnson collapsed on defense, so LeBron passed it back to McRoberts, who drained a three from the outside.


    When LeBron played confidently, his passing also became more decisive.


    In the "history" Han Sen remembered, the Heat ran this small-ball lineup to steamroll the league and secure back-to-back championships.


    The only difference was that McRoberts had replaced Battier in the lineup.


    This former high school star from Duke, like Battier, brought an excellent skill set and, after entering the NBA, developed a reliable three-point shot, making him a perfect fit for the Heat.


    Han Sen brought the ball up again.


    Erik Spoelstra stood up and gestured for a play.


    When Han Sen ran another pick-and-roll with Gay, Wade fought through the screen to prevent the switch.


    It was clear Spoelstra was trying to protect LeBron.


    But LeBron waved Wade off and took on the defensive assignment against Han Sen directly.


    Han Sen, of course, wasn''t about to pass up this gift-wrapped chance.


    Again, he set up from the triple threat and drove left.


    This time, he exploded more fully, and LeBron struggled to keep up with his pace.


    Then, in the next moment, Han Sen pulled the ball to the right.


    LeBron''s mind tried to keep up, but his body lagged; his feet were all over the place, and he ended up stumbling and falling.


    The crowd erupted.


    Han Sen hit another mid-range jumper.


    After scoring, Han Sen smiled at the fallen LeBron and tapped his temple with his index finger.


    Anyone who''s tried a quick muscle bulk-up knows that if you gain too much in a short time, it''s like even your brain bulks up.


    It''s that "I can take on the world" illusion.


    On the next possession, LeBron posted up again, but this time with Battier as his defender instead of Gay.


    Battier might be lighter, but his defensive skills were leagues ahead of Gay''s.


    Faced with this more robust defense, LeBron''s post moves looked clumsy again.


    Finally, he elbowed Battier down, who was called for a defensive foul.


    Lying on the floor, Battier looked baffled, getting up to explain to the ref and even mimicking LeBron''s elbow motion, but the ref didn''t elaborate much.


    LeBron shook his hands off and strode to the free-throw line, confident as ever.


    This season, part of his swagger came from the whistles coming back his way.


    After all, Stern''s also in the business¡ªpunishing LeBron for one season was enough. They weren''t about to sour their relationship with Nike.


    "Guess I owe KD an apology," Han Sen called out from the side of the free-throw line, turning to LeBron.


    LeBron, puzzled by this out-of-the-blue remark, furrowed his brows.


    "I told him he needed the refs to succeed. He clapped back, saying, ''Don''t compare me to LeBron.'' Looks like he was right."


    LeBron clenched his teeth¡ªHan''s trash talk was relentless.


    Clank!


    His first free throw bounced off.


    "Damn! KD''s got you beat¡ªat least he makes these."


    Clank!


    The second free throw missed too.


    "Don''t worry, man. You''re still killing it from three this season."


    It''s funny¡ªdespite the weight gain boosting his three-point percentage to a career high, LeBron''s free throws this season were the lowest they''d been in recent years.


    With two missed free throws, it was practically a turnover.


    Marc Gasol grabbed the rebound, giving the Grizzlies a chance to tie or take the lead.


    Han Sen held the ball again and set up another pick-and-roll with Battier.


    LeBron rushed out to contest.


    For the third time, Han Sen got right past him.


    LeBron''s weight gain didn''t just make him look slow¡ªhe was genuinely sluggish.


    Seeing McRoberts as the help defender, Han Sen lobbed the ball into the air.


    Gay was already cutting toward the basket, soaring up to meet the pass.


    Boom!


    It was a Han-Gay alley-oop!


    Gay swung around on the rim, landing and bumping chests with Han Sen in celebration.


    Gay''s play style had subtly shifted this season, probably without him even noticing.


    Han Sen''s proposal¡ªto make more off-ball cuts and focus on movement¡ªwas now a central part of his starting role.


    After all, given the choice, who wouldn''t prefer easy buckets over high-difficulty shots?


    It''s like trying an alternate route for the first time¡ªyou never go back after experiencing the benefits.


    And all of this hinged on Han Sen''s improved passing.


    Unlike Conley or Marc Gasol, Han Sen posed a massive individual scoring threat.


    So, if Han Sen could get the ball out under pressure, he''d almost always find an easy bucket.


    Tied at 14.


    The Grizzlies had evened the score again!


    The crowd buzzed with excitement.


    The arena''s LED screen flashed Han Sen''s stats for the night.


    In 7 minutes, he''d gone 2-for-3, scoring 4 points with 4 assists.


    The new king of the Grizzlies had arrived!

 Chapter 162: Can’t Save You Now.

    Chapter 162: Can¡¯t Save You Now.Spoelstra shook his head helplessly, mirroring Popovich''s earlier frustration.


    Han Sen wasn''t just passing the ball now¡ªhe was gladly dishing it out, making double teams ineffective against him.


    But one-on-one? Han Sen went straight at LeBron every time.


    The Heat kept control since the Grizzlies, missing Randolph, lacked their usual inside dominance and couldn''t force Miami back into a regular lineup.


    The teams seemed evenly matched.


    Indeed, despite some disruption from Battier on James''s post-up game, LeBron could still set up pick-and-rolls and took advantage of Rudy Gay.


    Both sides traded baskets, with the lead going back and forth.


    When the substitutes took the floor, Han Sen took a rest, leaving Gay to lead the Grizzlies.


    Meanwhile, LeBron stayed on the court without showing a hint of exhaustion.


    This was strange, but it made sense since LeBron''s style had changed¡ªfewer energy-draining drives, more post-up mismatches, avoiding heavy body contact.


    Gay looked like an SUV meeting a tank, clearly outmatched.


    By the end of the first quarter, the Heat led 28-22.


    Han Sen suited up for the start of the second.


    After last season''s playoffs, he was no stranger to the staggered sub strategy.


    Faried, the Grizzlies'' rookie 22nd pick, joined him on the court for his regular-season debut.


    The lineup:


    Heat: Norris Cole, Mike Miller, James Jones, LeBron James, Udonis Haslem


    Grizzlies: Jordan Crawford, Tony Allen, Han Sen, James Johnson, Kenneth Faried


    LeBron posted up Crawford, drawing the double team before dishing it out to Miller, whose shot clanged off the rim thanks to Han''s timely contest.


    This Heat lineup was even more aggressive than their starters, basically running a "one-star-four-shooters" scheme, while the Grizzlies were in a more defensive setup.


    Johnson grabbed the defensive board, immediately swinging it to Han.


    Han grabbed the ball and sprinted down the court, blew past Cole, and dunked with one hand.


    The Heat''s fast breaks were lethal, but Han''s drive was just as quick.


    LeBron continued to attack Crawford, quickly spinning out of the double team and slipping into the paint.


    He squared up against Faried, ready to show off with a trademark tomahawk dunk, the kind that rookies usually freeze in awe of.


    But he quickly realized his mistake¡ªFaried didn''t flinch; instead, he went up, even higher.


    LeBron tried to evade, but Faried pressed on, hand chasing the ball relentlessly.


    With no shot option, LeBron landed and took another step for a layup.


    The refs didn''t call it.


    Joerger was spinning his fingers in the air, shouting for a travel.


    Conley and Battier were also miming calls, but the refs let it go¡ªjust another perk for Nike''s golden boy.


    LeBron, thinking he''d scored, smirked. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then¡ªBAM!


    The arena gasped as Faried smacked the ball off the glass from behind.


    Faried was more than just a leaper; his speed was something else.


    In the locker room, it was clear he had grit, maybe even a chip on his shoulder.


    With the Grizzlies'' deep frontcourt, he hadn''t cracked the rotation until Randolph''s injury gave him this shot. Now, he was ready to prove himself.


    Faried wasn''t here to worry about LeBron''s travel¡ªhe was here to send a message.


    With LeBron still recovering from the block, Faried grabbed the board and tossed it to Han, who whipped it out to Crawford beyond the three-point line.


    Crawford glided down for an impressive layup, only to see it spin out.


    But moments later, fans gasped as a figure leapt out of nowhere for a follow-up dunk.


    It was Faried again, like he''d teleported across the court!


    Even Han had to nod in approval, watching Faried sprint down the floor at breakneck speed. ''Not bad, Manimal,'' he thought.


    Spoelstra had to put Wade in, taking LeBron off to cool things down.


    The Grizzlies'' back-to-back fast breaks stung¡ªbeating Miami at their own game.


    With Wade fresh and focused, the Heat stabilized.


    Just before halftime, Conley''s buzzer-beating three put the Grizzlies up 51-50.


    Before the game, LeBron said the Heat "don''t know how to lose," but the Grizzlies landed the first blow.


    Han Sen had 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists at the half, setting a new personal assist record.


    In the second half, Spoelstra didn''t adjust the lineup but altered the defense, allowing Han some isolation.


    Clearly, Han''s playmaking forced them into a change.


    Han''s first three-pointer missed¡ªhis shot wasn''t falling from deep tonight.


    So he drove inside more.


    Miami''s small-ball lineup couldn''t match up, and he slipped past Bosh for an explosive dunk.


    His off-season conditioning was paying off; leaner and faster, his drives were lethal.


    Though he only added 1 assist in the third, he dropped 12 points.


    By the end of the third quarter, the game was tied at 76.


    To open the fourth, Han took a break on the bench.


    The camera showed his stats: 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists on 10-for-18 shooting. If his three-point shot was on, he''d already be over 30.


    But it was his leadership that kept the Grizzlies on equal footing with Miami.


    Four minutes into the fourth, Wade led the Heat on a run.


    When the starters returned, Miami was up 86-80.


    Han drove in, saw no double team, and scored with a floater.


    Wade returned with a slick move of his own, banking it in.


    The game turned into a shootout between Han and Wade, the score gap holding at 5 points.


    Han felt something heavy in his chest.


    Not because of the score¡ªbut Wade.


    It was crunch time, and the Heat''s offense suddenly became all Wade.


    It felt like LeBron was holding back, letting Wade do the heavy lifting to close it out.


    Han, as Wade''s friend, couldn''t shake his frustration.


    With two and a half minutes left, Miami led 100-94.


    Grizzlies'' ball, Han set a screen, then darted around for a pull-up jumper over LeBron.


    "Remember what I said back in Cleveland?" Han called out. "I called you the most complete player, man. I didn''t mean playin'' like Pippen."


    On defense, he switched to guard LeBron, continuing his jab: "How''d anyone buy that? You''re desperate to be compared to Michael!"


    LeBron''s face turned red, like a wound was exposed.


    But instead of taking the ball, he left it to Wade.


    With all the Finals drama in his past, LeBron''s skin had grown thicker.


    Wade''s drive came up short, blocked by Han.


    Han took it back upcourt, targeting LeBron with another jumper. "Mike''d lose his lunch if he knew you called him your idol."


    LeBron stayed quiet, immune to the taunts.


    Wade cut inside, nearly stumbling from a hard foul, drawing free throws to keep Miami up by 4.


    Miami adjusted, double-teaming Han again.


    Han found Marc Gasol, then cut inside and Gasol handed it right back.


    Han took off, dunking with one hand, looking down on LeBron. "Your ''All-Defense'' title''s a joke, man. My grandma''s faster than you!"


    Spoelstra called a timeout with a minute left, the Heat up 102-100.


    Han sat on the bench until Rudy Gay pulled him up, pointing to the Heat''s side.


    Han looked up, realizing the Heat bench was in chaos!


    LeBron was yelling at Spoelstra, and Haslem tried to intervene, only to get brushed off, causing a confrontation.


    Han''s trash talk had struck a nerve after all.


    When play resumed, LeBron held the ball.


    Exactly as Han anticipated.


    After asserting his dominance over Wade, this was just like Cleveland again.


    Han switched onto LeBron, who opted to post up.


    He matched LeBron''s strength, then slyly gave him a bit of room¡ªenough for a steal.


    Han bolted for a fast break, Wade in pursuit, but Han sealed it with a thunderous dunk.


    With 30 seconds left, the score was tied at 102!


    Spoelstra called another timeout.


    This time, there was no arguing on the Heat''s bench. LeBron was breathing heavily, but everything was dead quiet.


    Coming back from the timeout, the Heat spread the floor.


    Wade had the ball for an iso play, facing Han Sen''s defense. He executed a tough spin move and tossed up a high-arcing floater.


    The ball flew over Han Sen''s fingertips, kissed off the glass, and dropped into the net.


    Wade had nailed that high-difficulty shot, leaving only 10 seconds on the clock.


    The American Airlines Arena erupted.


    Seeing the shot go in, LeBron, exhilarated, rushed over to Wade and celebrated with an intense chest bump.


    If they lost this game, LeBron would''ve been the one taking the blame, especially after bragging pre-game that he "couldn''t see a way to lose."


    But Wade had just changed everything.


    "LeBron and Wade join forces to take down the Grizzlies." Windhorst could hardly wait to write that headline.


    Joerger was about to call a timeout, but Han Sen waved him off.


    The Grizzlies inbounded from the backcourt, and Han pushed the ball up fast, advancing into the frontcourt.


    No one saw it coming¡ªthe Heat scrambled into a rushed transition defense, with everyone grabbing the nearest player.


    This sudden move put LeBron right in front of Han.


    With Miami''s defense spread out and unprepared, LeBron had no help, forced into a one-on-one with Han.


    Han dribbled quickly to the right side, just beyond the three-point line, and faked a drive before stepping back for a pull-up three.


    With five seconds left, down by two, this choice felt reckless.


    But Han took the shot anyway.


    The fans held their breath, hearts pounding.


    It was a wild shot, but this was Han Sen, the finisher LeBron had handpicked.


    LeBron couldn''t have predicted it, and only managed to lunge forward, barely disrupting Han''s view.


    The ball sailed over LeBron''s head, arching toward the hoop.


    Perfect rhythm.


    Solid backspin.


    Laser-straight trajectory.


    Despite the stop-and-shoot, that shot was as steady as a bullet train!


    Swish!


    The ball cut through the hoop like a missile.


    The American Airlines Arena fell silent, turning into the Miami Public Library.


    And the worst part? The Heat were out of timeouts, leaving LeBron to hastily toss the ball to Wade in the backcourt.


    Wade dashed across half-court and fired a desperation three over Han.


    But under Han''s pressure, it veered way off, not even touching the rim.


    As the buzzer sounded, it was over.


    105 to 104, the Grizzlies took the win!


    Landing back on his feet, Han exhaled everything he''d been holding back, looking straight at Wade and then shouting to LeBron just a few feet away:


    "D-Wade can''t save you!"

 Chapter 163: I Knew You Were Trouble.

    Chapter 163: I Knew You Were Trouble.Wade felt totally rattled. He wanted to say something to Han Sen, but Han didn''t even glance his way, just turned around and walked off. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The fans hadn''t even processed what had just happened.


    With no timeout from the Grizzlies at the end, everything happened too fast.


    The camera cut to Han Sen, and his expression was beyond words¡ªhe really had led the team to take down the Heat without Randolph!


    And especially in that fourth quarter, he single-handedly scored 14 points, including 9 straight in the clutch.


    The Heat had absolutely no answer.


    "Han''s actions speak for themselves. He''s the guy changing this Grizzlies team," the home commentator couldn''t help but sigh, watching Han''s confident walk-off.


    At the post-game press conference, Han Sen and Marc Gasol took the podium together.


    They were the night''s heroes: Han racked up 40 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists, and 2 steals, while Marc Gasol posted 20 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks.


    "I don''t know how to put it, but I think I''m playing along greatness," Marc said, shaking his head with a smile.


    Han''s last shot caught everyone off guard¡ªnot just the Heat but even his own team. Especially Gasol, a European player trained by coaches to take "good" shots.


    Han''s shot was unconventional, but it won them the game.


    "People used to know Marc as Pau''s younger brother, but today, they should remember his name for what he did on that court," Han couldn''t help but give his teammate props, noting that Marc had grabbed 6 of his 13 rebounds on the offensive end.


    Then a reporter chimed in, "This was your first 40+10 performance. Do you think it''s related to Randolph being out?"


    "Definitely. Zach''s absence means a lot to us, so Marc, myself¡ªeveryone has to step up," Han replied.


    "LeBron said before the game that he couldn''t see a reason to lose. What do you think was the key to beating the Heat?" asked a TNT reporter.


    "LeBron."


    "LeBron?" The reporter looked puzzled¡ªJames had led the Heat with 31 points.


    "If your team''s leader scores only 2 points in the fourth, you won''t win. Being the leader means more than just the glory and stats. It''s about responsibility."


    Another reporter asked Coach Joerger, "Why didn''t you call a timeout on that last play?"


    "I was actually planning to, but Han signaled me off."


    "Did you know he''d take that shot?"


    "No, but when your best player has that level of confidence, you trust it. Han knew what he was doing out there."


    A reporter then turned to Han, "So, what happened on that final play?"


    "I saw LeBron in front of me."


    Han''s straightforward answer sent ripples through the room. It was clear Han was calling out LeBron!


    But the next part had them even more stunned.


    "Before that shot, I''d already scored on LeBron three times in a row. So, when I saw him in front of me, I knew I had to take my chance."


    Listen to that. Who even says that?


    But he had a point, and no one could argue.


    "Any advice for LeBron as a former teammate?" an ESPN reporter asked.


    "What can I say? Good luck," Han said with a smile.


    ---


    "Tonight! I''m calling it! God gave Michael the number 23, and He left the other 77 for Han Sen, the new King of Memphis!" Shaq went full hype mode on TNT.


    "No one''s saving you, LeBron! DWade? No. Spoelstra? Nope. Not a soul!" Shaq''s eyes widened dramatically as Barkley looked on in shock.


    "Those are my lines!" Barkley muttered, only half-joking.


    "Well, I''ve dreamed of being a guard myself," Barkley smirked, playing along. "Dribbling from half-court, nailing a three, and throwing my hands up in celebration."


    At that moment, Shaq pulled a giant shoe out from under the table, the same size as his head.


    He held it up to the camera, then pulled an antenna out of the toe.


    It wasn''t just a shoe¡ªit was a phone.


    Shaq punched in a few numbers and held it to his ear.


    "Hey, David? Put the Grizzlies against the Heat in the Finals. I promise, ratings will be insane!"


    Stern, of course, didn''t actually answer Shaq''s "call," but the league did follow up by increasing the Grizzlies'' nationally televised games.


    It wasn''t just Han''s performance driving this¡ªit was the team''s dynamic after Randolph''s injury, shifting from a low-post-heavy style to something far more watchable and competitive.


    And of course, the drama factor helped.


    The fourth quarter of this Grizzlies-Heat game had higher viewership than previous matchups like Heat-Mavs or Lakers-Bulls.


    And the next addition to the Grizzlies'' national TV schedule? A late January showdown with the Cavs.


    Meanwhile, news resurfaced of Irving''s summer training camp with Han Sen, perfectly timed to build hype for that game.


    But for the Grizzlies, that was over two weeks away. Right now, they were focused on the games at hand.


    As the Grizzlies'' go-to guy, Han was adjusting well. Their early-season hot streak had cooled a bit, but they were still comfortably in the top half of the West.


    But with a shortened season and an intense schedule, the mental and physical toll was real.


    ...


    While visiting New York, Han Sen finally had the chance to see Swift again.


    Since their last vacation in Miami, Swift had suddenly become much busier, and their meetups had become less frequent.


    Even when they did meet, Swift often had to catch a flight and couldn''t stay the night, which left Han Sen feeling a bit unfulfilled.


    He wanted to make up for that now that he was finally in New York.


    But to his surprise, after they shared a lovely night, Swift brought up breaking up with him.


    The announcement was so sudden that Han Sen even wondered if he had somehow been replaced.


    "I''ll try to make more time to be with you," Han Sen said, thinking maybe his busy game schedule had made Swift feel neglected.


    "It''s not that. If it were, we wouldn''t have gotten together in the first place," Swift shook her head.


    "Then what is it? Did you fall for someone else?" Han Sen asked directly, understanding that they really had been spending less time together.


    "Of course not, I still love you, it''s just..." she trailed off.


    "Just say it; I can handle it," Han Sen encouraged her. As a time-traveler, he wasn''t overly surprised by the idea of breaking up with Swift. Still, he didn''t want it to end without clarity.


    Swift hesitated, then admitted, "I... I can''t keep up!"


    "??"


    Han Sen''s face was a classic Nick Young''s meme of confusion.


    "Ever since we got together, you''ve been everything I imagined¡ªand even more so¡ªbut in that one aspect, you''re just too much. I feel like I''m constantly getting worn out."


    She let out a long sigh after sharing this, clearly relieved.


    Han Sen wasn''t doing anything wrong, and they got along well. She now understood why her friends didn''t date athletes¡ªthey''re not for the faint-hearted.


    Han Sen could only laugh helplessly.


    What could he say? Was he the first person in history to be dumped for that reason? It seemed like if she were a bit older, maybe it wouldn''t be an issue.


    After all, he had tried to hold back, so it''d be hard to change unless they stopped being intimate entirely¡ªwhich didn''t seem feasible in an adult relationship, especially with his lifestyle as an athlete.


    Han took a deep breath, then gave her a supportive smile. "I get it. And no hard feelings. We had a good run."


    They hugged, laughing a bit at the weirdness of it all. "Thanks for understanding," she said, her eyes soft with gratitude.


    As Han left New York, he felt grateful for what they''d had¡ªand even more, for how easy they''d made the goodbye.


    He didn''t dwell on it; life''s too short to get hung up on one person. Besides, his packed game schedule left little time to think about relationships.


    ...


    As his role in the team grew, so did the intensity of the defense against him.


    One-on-one pressure and double-teams weren''t enough anymore; teams started sending defensive specialists to mark him or were tiring him out with rotation tactics, much like the treatment given to superstars like Kobe or Durant.


    He could still score with screens, off-ball movement, or sheer strength, but the physical toll was building up.


    It made him think more about how to play smarter, rather than harder. Improving his ball-handling skills was now essential.


    He''d initially planned to save his hater points to buy a Tier 1 skill, but now he was considering unlocking a Tier 2 early.


    However, the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 was night and day.


    Just as he was mulling this over, a couple of weeks flew by.


    Then, half a month later, something unexpected happened. One morning, Han Sen woke up to find his [hater points] skyrocketing


    He almost thought it was a glitch in the system.


    When he checked social media, he found that his feed was flooded with criticism from Swift''s fans. It turned out she''d released a new song, titled I Knew You Were Trouble.


    This song, with its catchy blend of country and electronic sounds, was an instant hit.


    Han Sen knew this song well; it had been one of his most-played tracks back in his QQ Music days.


    But in his memory, this song wasn''t supposed to release this soon. And besides, the lyrics didn''t match his character.


    The song describes a good girl falling for a bad boy who ultimately breaks her heart. Han Sen didn''t see himself as a bad guy, aside from maybe being a big mouth.


    The increase in his [hater points] was due to fans'' assumptions.


    With his busy season, he and Swift hadn''t been seen together publicly for a while. So, fans naturally assumed he had broken her heart.


    Han Sen found it both funny and frustrating, as he didn''t want to clear things up¡ªespecially with his [hater points] climbing fast.


    In less than a week, his points approached the million mark.


    In response, Swift confirmed that they''d broken up amicably and denied the rumors that Han Sen had left her.


    Did the fans believe her? No. They just thought Swift was too kind and was defending him.


    Finally, Swift acknowledged that the song was inspired by their relationship but explained that she''d exaggerated Han''s ''bad side'' in the lyrics.


    To convince fans she was telling the truth, she even explained that the breakup was because she couldn''t keep up with Han''s, let''s say, stamina.


    With that, Han Sen''s [hater points] stopped climbing, capping at around 1.2 million.


    However, his Facebook following suddenly started to surge with curious fans who just wanted to see what all the fuss was about.


    TMZ reported on Swift''s clarification in a typically sensationalist way: Swift''s new song inspired by Han Sen, but not because he''s bad in a moral sense, more in the ahem physical sense.


    The situation caught Han Sen off-guard. He wasn''t the first person to date and break up with Swift, but he might be the first to attract so much attention over it.


    Now, going forward, female fans at games would probably look at him a little differently.


    It''s possible that Rondo''s joke would come true¡ªif he went to sign autographs, his pockets might end up full of phone numbers.

 Chapter 164: Uncle Drew.

    Chapter 164: Uncle Drew.(TL/n: Didn''t have access to my computer the entire weekend so couldn''t do anything. Just got back home, so hopefully I''ll be back to the usual schedule starting tomorrow. I should have informed you guys there would be no updates this weekend, my bad...)


    At this moment, Han Sen wasn''t paying much attention to other matters. After surpassing a million [hater points], he finally unlocked the Tier 1 ball-handling talent.


    This was the talent he truly found useful.


    Within the hater system, the Tier 2 talent is called [Not Just Crossovers], while the Tier 1 talent is [Uncle Drew] ¢Ù.


    Kyrie Irving: Didn''t see that coming!


    It was a classic case of karma.


    When Irving joined Han''s training camp before, Han had poked fun at his flashy moves. Now, it seemed Han was ready to admit that Irving had been right.


    In terms of ball-handling, both Irving and Iverson are top-notch, but Irving has a slight edge in finesse.


    [Uncle Drew]: Significantly improves agility, coordination, ball feel, and ball-handling skills.


    After unlocking the talent, Han eagerly headed to the practice facility.


    Surprisingly, he found Conley and Gay already there, practicing intensely.


    It was already past 9 p.m.


    They seemed equally surprised to see Han, and after chatting for a while, Han learned that they had been doing extra practice for some time now.


    Their motivation came from Han''s words at the post-game press conference: "We all need to do more."


    Marc Gasol had stepped up as a leader, and Han had become the team''s core. They knew they needed to step up, too.


    Their extra practice focused on three-pointers.


    With Han handling the ball more, the greater their threat from the perimeter, the harder it would be for opponents to double-team Han.


    The Grizzlies could benefit greatly from this. Both of them had decent three-point percentages this season, around 36%, but they hadn''t been shooting a high volume.


    If they could increase their attempts or push their accuracy to around 40%, it would be beneficial both now and when Randolph returned from injury.


    After their conversation, Grover arrived, and Han began his ball-handling training with Grover''s assistance.


    Just before starting, Han glanced back at Conley and Gay, who were still working on their threes.


    When he first joined the Grizzlies, the team environment had been tense, with constant competition.


    Now, players were motivated and training on their own. With this atmosphere, no Big Three or "best backcourt in history" could shake them.


    ---


    Time flew by, and it was now late January.


    Due to the shortened season, this year''s All-Star game would be held later than usual, and voting had only opened a week earlier.


    The results of the first round of voting were out, and Han was leading Kobe as the top vote-getter in the West, with a small margin between him and Howard in the East.


    Howard''s high vote count was partly due to this year''s All-Star game being held in Orlando.


    But for Han, his popularity had surged since his China tour last summer. With Yao Ming''s retirement, Han had inherited his fan base.


    Unless Stern declared the Chinese votes invalid, it seemed inevitable that Han would secure his first All-Star vote leader title this year.


    Even though winning the top vote wouldn''t add much to his hater points, his performance this season, leading the Grizzlies to maintain a top-four position in the West despite Randolph''s injury, spoke volumes.


    So far this season, Han was averaging 22.8 points (sixth in the league), 4.6 rebounds, 6.5 assists (tenth in the league), and 2 steals (third in the league), making him a contender for MVP.


    Around this time, the Grizzlies were preparing for an away game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, their first matchup of the season.


    This was also their second nationally televised game in January.


    With Han possibly becoming the All-Star vote leader, this game was drawing attention.


    Then, before the game, an interview with Irving made this matchup even more buzzworthy.


    During a public training session, the Cavaliers'' young star, known for his flashy play, was immediately surrounded by reporters after practice.


    Most questions focused on the Grizzlies game and Han Sen.


    "Why did you join Han''s training camp?" one reporter asked.


    "Why wouldn''t I? Was there a rule against it?" Irving shot back.


    "Do you think you have more potential than Han?" sensing Irving''s attitude, a reporter switched angles.


    During the draft, Cavaliers GM Grant had declared Irving as their future star. But with the Cavaliers still struggling, doubts were surfacing about Irving''s ability to impact the team.


    In response, Grant had reiterated his faith in Irving, comparing him to a young LeBron and calling him the best prospect they''d selected since then.


    "No." Irving''s answer shocked the reporters again.


    But what stunned them more was what he said next.


    "Han is someone I look upto, and I''ll work hard to catch up to him."


    If Irving joining Han''s training camp had raised eyebrows, this statement solidified their connection.


    After this interview, Cavaliers GM Grant, or perhaps the entire management, found themselves in an awkward spot.


    They''d passed on Han, who turned out to be a star, and now they''d chosen Irving, who idolized him!


    Going forward, they might need to do background checks before drafting players!


    ---


    "Kyrie''s got personality; I can''t help but like the guy," Gay laughed as he laced his shoes, chatting with Han before the Cavaliers'' public practice.


    "If I can help it, I''d rather keep him as a rival," Han chuckled.


    He''d already experienced the headaches of training with Irving during the summer camp.


    "So, should we take it easy on him tonight?" Gay asked, standing up.


    "No," Han said, also getting ready, "It''s not about Kyrie."


    With all the attention surrounding the game, a large number of reporters had gathered at the Grizzlies'' public practice session.


    After practice ended, the reporters prepared to interview Han, only to find he had already slipped back to the locker room.


    With no choice, they turned to Gay.


    "How do you respond to Grant saying that Irving has more potential than Han?" one reporter asked after a few initial questions.


    "Kyrie already answered that, didn''t he?" Gay seemed puzzled, having just discussed this with Han.


    "We want to know your opinion," the reporter clarified.


    "Oh, okay... Are you talking about the Most Improved Player, the one who led his team to the Western Conference Finals, or the one currently in the MVP race?" Gay responded bluntly.


    Potential? Han had been improving steadily with leaps each season; who could match that potential?


    "And, who is Grant?" he added.


    The reporters reminded him that Grant was the Cavaliers'' GM, and Gay had an "aha" moment. "Oh, him? The guy who traded Han to us? And you trust his judgment?"


    "The former GM Danny Ferry traded Han; Grant was only the assistant GM then," a reporter corrected.


    "Even so, if he had good judgment, he should''ve objected back then," Gay replied smugly.


    The reporters got it now¡ªGay was as straightforward as they come.


    "But Han is only averaging 22.8 points this season. I think Kyrie will surpass that by his third year," an ESPN reporter remarked.


    Gay looked annoyed. "Do you guys at ESPN only care about stats? Basketball is a team sport!"


    This left the reporter speechless. After all, Gay had once cared deeply about his own stats.


    But they overlooked how the environment had changed him.


    Han''s increased ball-handling with Randolph out hadn''t led to more shots for himself but to more assists.


    Meanwhile, Gay and Gasol''s scoring had increased. Naturally, Gay was going to stand by Han.


    "If he wanted to, he could score 40 points anytime," Gay said before ending the interview.


    That evening, the arena was packed.


    This had become a trend in Cleveland. Attendance might be low usually, but whenever Han returned, fans showed up in droves.


    "Kyrie, that kid''s got confidence," Gay commented as they warmed up.


    Han was curious.


    The Cavaliers weren''t strong, so the Grizzlies winning seemed likely.


    "Look at all these fans here for you. They only get one chance to see you each season, so make it worth their tickets!" Gay argued.


    Han Sen chuckled¡ªwhat kind of twisted logic was this?


    He looked up and noticed quite a few people holding signs supporting Irving. Sometimes, a player''s style of play can make fans overlook their record.


    Most of the crowd, however, held supportive signs for him, much like last season, giving off the vibe of hometown pride as if one of their own kids had made a name for themselves.


    Han Sen nodded, not entirely because of the fans, but because his new talent needed games to improve.


    Against strong teams, the focus was on winning; against weaker teams, it was the perfect opportunity to train through competition.


    Seeing this, Gay excitedly punched Han Sen''s chest. Han Sen couldn''t help but shake his head, wondering where Gay''s enthusiasm came from.


    After warm-ups, both teams went into the pregame ceremony. When Han Sen was introduced, he received the usual cheers from Cleveland fans.


    This reaction was typical for most of the players, but because it was a nationally broadcast game, it sparked a lot of discussion online.


    Despite Han Sen having left over a season ago, the fans still welcomed him warmly, showing just how deep his fanbase in Cleveland was.


    After the ceremony, the starting lineups were announced.


    Grizzlies: Conley, Han Sen, Gay, Faried, Gasol


    Cavaliers: Irving, Old Parker, Omri Casspi, Jamison, Varej?o


    Thanks to his active defense and hustle, along with Johnson''s mixed performance, Faried earned his first career start.


    Before the game officially began, there were three final minutes for preparation.


    On the Cavaliers'' bench, their new head coach, Byron Scott, was rallying the players.


    The former Lakers legend and NBA Coach of the Year was determined to carry out management''s directive to win tonight''s game.


    Though it would be tough, since it came from the management, it had to be done, no matter how hard it was.


    Jamison and Old Parker exchanged glances, thinking Scott''s plan was unrealistic.


    They remembered last season when the Cavaliers'' home game was a blowout loss to the Grizzlies, with Randolph ejected and effectively out of the game. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Scott wasn''t there then.


    And now, after a three-game losing streak, expecting them to beat the Grizzlies felt unreasonable, like everyone happily slacking off only for the boss to come in and announce a push to meet company targets.


    It was hard not to feel resistance.


    Yet one person was unusually focused¡ªIrving, who had been under heavy scrutiny for his pregame comments.


    After Scott finished speaking, he held out his hand.


    This was a signal to start a team cheer.


    Irving placed his hand on top first.


    "We''re going to win this game! We can do it!" he said, looking around.


    The teammates paused for a second.


    Irving''s earlier comments had been a bit of a downer, but now he seemed the most confident of them all.


    The contrast was clear, but his determination was contagious.


    One by one, the players stacked their hands.


    "Go Cavaliers!"


    Just then, the whistle blew, and the Cavaliers'' starters took the court after their chant.


    Han Sen, attracted by the shouting, happened to lock eyes with Irving.


    It was a familiar look, but something felt different.


    The game began with a jump ball, and Varej?o tipped it back, giving the Cavaliers the first offensive possession.


    Irving brought the ball up to the frontcourt, called Casspi over for a pick-and-roll, and then, after the screen, faced Han Sen and signaled for an isolation play.


    This instantly ignited cheers from the crowd.


    Irving knew the difference in strength between the two teams.


    If he wanted his teammates to believe they had a shot, they needed an opening play that showed confidence.


    And nothing could do that better than challenging Han Sen directly.


    -End of Chapter-


    ¢Ù It''s referring to Kyrie Irving''s popular alter ego, "Uncle Drew," a character he played in a series of Pepsi commercials that became hugely popular and even inspired a feature film.


    Uncle Drew is an old man with incredible basketball skills who schools young players on the court, showing that experience and skill can outshine youth and overconfidence.

 Chapter 165: Beatdown.

    Chapter 165: Beatdown.Irving dribbled back and forth, looking like he was just wasting time.


    But suddenly, he shifted to the right and accelerated for a breakthrough. Han Sen could sense that Irving had gotten faster since last summer.


    When a team focuses on developing a rookie, their growth is rapid.


    However, Han Sen kept up with Irving.


    Irving had impressive agility, flexibility, balance, and ball-handling skills, but his raw athleticism was average, particularly his lack of explosiveness, which made it tough for him to blow by defenders like Iverson.


    Because of that, Irving had developed elite dribbling skills.


    He was also well aware of Han Sen''s defensive prowess, so he quickly switched to a Shammgod move, feinting left and then breaking to the right.


    During this process, his hand seemed to stick to the ball like Spider-Man''s, smoothly weaving his moves together.


    The crowd began to cheer.


    As Han Sen could see, Irving''s flashy style had already earned him a lot of fans in Cleveland.


    But Han wasn''t so easy to shake off. He turned and quickly caught up, leaping just as Irving went for a layup.


    Han Sen completely blocked the angle of Irving''s left-handed layup. In mid-air, Irving switched the ball to his right hand and pulled off a tough reverse layup while gliding.


    It was a difficult shot that most players would have lost their angle on, but Irving showcased his superior balance and flexibility, nailing a jelly layup.


    The Quicken Loans Arena erupted.


    Although Irving''s recent media comments hadn''t won him any points for tact, his game was undeniably mesmerizing.


    You could feel the Cavaliers'' energy shifting.


    The players on the bench were on their feet, and Tristan Thompson, another rookie, roared excitedly with clenched fists.


    Irving had set the tone he wanted.


    The Cavs'' defensive intensity ramped up immediately.


    After Conley and Gasol''s pick-and-roll, Gasol''s shot was blocked by Varejao.


    Varejao grabbed the defensive rebound and immediately tossed the ball to Irving.


    The Cavaliers launched a fast break. Irving sprinted downcourt, and though he wasn''t the fastest, he pushed the pace relentlessly, making it hard for defenders to catch him.


    Finally, he broke free from Conley and scored with a layup.


    0¨C4.


    Irving scored the first four points, sending a strong message to the Grizzlies.


    Varejao high-fived Irving energetically on defense.


    If anyone on the Cavs wanted to win tonight, it wasn''t Coach Scott¡ªit was Varejao.


    The memory of Han Sen humiliating him last season was still fresh.


    The crowd''s cheers echoed in the arena.


    This beginning felt like a dream, filling fans with excitement.


    Conley dribbled up, signaling for a new play.


    Han Sen came off Gasol''s screen to get the ball, matched up against Varejao.


    Varejao pressed up, knowing Han Sen was a strong mid-range shooter.


    Han Sen drove past him, then finished with a right-handed glide layup over the help defender, Jamison.


    The crowd roared again, this time for Han Sen.


    Jamison looked back at Han Sen in surprise.


    Was he slower, or had Han Sen gotten faster?


    Back on offense, Irving handled the ball, calling for a Jamison pick-and-roll.


    Under Coach Joerger''s direction, the Grizzlies doubled him.


    Irving surprisingly split the double team with a push-through move.


    Although "court magician" usually described small guards, this was a fitting description for Irving here.


    But Rudy Gay had rotated to the basket, and despite Irving''s efforts to adjust his shot mid-air, Gay''s bounce and hangtime were superior, and Irving''s attempt went wide.


    Irving''s skills had improved, but his passing was still inconsistent.


    Han Sen continued running plays on offense, although this time Gasol''s screen didn''t yield a mismatch.


    Han Sen signaled for Gasol to clear out.


    Once Varejao was pulled away, Han Sen faked a shot, then quickly dribbled right before pulling back to the left for a mid-range jumper.


    Parker tried to keep up, but Han Sen''s change of direction was too fast and sharp, leaving Parker flat-footed.


    Swish!"


    Parker could only watch as the ball went through the net.


    Was Han Sen supposed to play like Irving just because he bought a talent named after his alter-ego?


    Wake up!


    That was just the talent''s name.


    Irving''s multiple moves before driving were necessary because of his lack of explosiveness.


    But Han Sen''s physical gifts made that unnecessary against defenders like Parker.


    In reality, what truly improved Han Sen was the agility, coordination, ball sense, and ball-handling ability that came with the talent.


    Though these abilities would take time to reach their peak, they''d already enhanced him, as seen from his last two scores.


    His crossovers were quicker, and his ball control allowed for greater range.


    4¨C4.


    Though Irving started strong, Han Sen quickly responded with consecutive scores.


    The Cavaliers switched things up on offense, posting up Jamison against Faried, who made a turnaround fadeaway.


    Irving was leading the young squad, and the veteran Jamison wasn''t holding back either.


    At 35, Jamison was still the primary inside option on a rebuilding Cavs team, maintaining a solid form.


    The Cavs and Grizzlies were trading blows early on.


    Conley dribbled up and handed it to Han Sen, who was in a groove.


    As they spread out the floor, Han Sen held the ball with one hand, and Parker across from him seemed tense.


    Han Sen went into a series of behind-the-back dribbles, applying mental pressure.


    When he controlled the ball with his right, he drove left.


    Parker couldn''t keep up, and Han Sen blew past him.


    This time Varejao came over to help.


    Han Sen faked right, then passed to Gasol, who dunked uncontested.


    Han Sen slapped hands with Gasol as they jogged back.


    Playing "selfishly" didn''t mean Han Sen would play solo tonight¡ªwinning was still the priority.


    Jamison tried posting up again but was shut down by Faried this time.


    However, Varejao managed a tip-in.


    6¨C8, Cavs in the lead again.


    When the Grizzlies came up, the crowd began chanting "Defense."


    The Cavs'' surprising start had people buzzing. A win against the Grizzlies would be a huge morale boost for the rebuilding team.


    Han Sen took control, and the Cavs'' help defense rotated aggressively, knowing Parker couldn''t guard him solo.


    After drawing the double team, Han Sen dished a no-look pass to Gay in the corner.


    Gay''s three-pointer was on target, showing the effects of his extra practice. However, luck was not on his side; the ball bounced back out, and Varejao secured the board.


    Irving launched a fast break, but this time Han Sen had retreated early, slowing him down.


    Irving feigned looking at his teammates as if setting up a play, only to spin and break towards the rim.


    Once Han Sen moved, Irving pulled back to the right for a step-back three.


    The crowd cheered as Irving displayed his exceptional handle.


    Han Sen leapt, but it was too late.


    Swish!


    The ball went through the net.


    6-11.


    The Cavaliers widened their lead!


    The Quicken Loans Arena was rocking.


    After a month of games, the Cavs sat at the bottom of the East, and Irving''s leadership was being questioned.


    But tonight, he was lighting up the court, showing no fear against Han Sen.


    As fans cheered, Irving did a "guns blazing" celebration towards Han.


    Watching from the Cavs'' bench, Cunningham couldn''t help but shake his head.


    What was Irving thinking?


    Last summer, Irving''s showboating had led to a blowout loss at training camp against Han Sen''s team.


    And now, he was doing it again!


    Not only Cunningham but even Han Sen hadn''t expected this.


    Some NBA celebrations are clearly provocative¡ªlike Wade''s throat slash and Reggie Miller''s choke sign.


    Mutombo''s finger wag and gestures involving "guns" also fit this category.


    When the Grizzlies came downcourt, Han Sen called for isolation.


    Sensing the tension, Coach Scott shouted for Parker to press and the help defense to be ready.


    Han Sen, unfazed, backed up Parker while holding the ball overhead.


    With a step-through fake, he shifted Parker right, then crossed over left, blowing by him.


    Varejao quickly stepped up to help, spreading his arms wide.


    Seeing this, Han Sen quickly shifted right, then pulled back to the left, and then went right again to accelerate past Varejao.


    Varejao was completely faked out, practically lifted off his feet.


    As Han drove past him, it looked as if he''d blown him away with a gust of wind.


    Then, just before Jamison could step in to help, Han Sen took flight, hammering home a tomahawk dunk.


    [All dunk pack except Tomahawk] doesn''t mean he can''t do a tomahawk; it''s just that any athlete with physical talent can pull it off.


    The crowd stirred with excitement.


    Not just for the dunk¡ªbut because Varejao...couldn''t get up!


    Han Sen looked back, expecting Varejao to be acting, but the Cavs'' medical team came over, confirming he was genuinely hurt. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a brief timeout, Varejao was helped off-court.


    The replay showed that Han Sen''s quick crossover had twisted Varejao''s ankles.


    Eventually, Varejao was helped out of the game, the first player Han Sen had broken ankles on.


    The arena buzzed with murmurs. After all, Varejao had missed most of last season with a torn ankle tendon, and this new injury could sideline him for longer.


    After the timeout, Tristan Thompson subbed in for Varejao.


    When Irving had the ball again, Han Sen switched onto him.


    "Kyrie, there won''t be a third time," Han Sen said to Irving.


    It was both a warning and a challenge.


    Even peak Irving didn''t have the ability to single-handedly take over a game, and now he was just a rookie.


    Predictably, Irving took the bait.


    The crowd began to jeer.


    Irving dribbled left and right, searching for an opening.


    But this time Han''s focus was even sharper, and Irving couldn''t find a good chance to break through.


    Finally, he used his Shammgod move again.


    But this time, Han Sen preemptively slid back.


    Seeing this, Irving again showed his top-level control, stepping back for a jump shot.


    However, he underestimated Han''s speed.


    With full focus, a lighter body, and improved agility this season, Han Sen was like a cheetah.


    Bang!


    Han jumped up and swatted Irving''s shot, sending it flying out of bounds.


    The crowd was stunned.


    Irving''s attack was skillful, but Han''s block was even more spectacular.


    The Cavaliers inbounded from the sideline. Irving ran off a screen, caught the ball, and shot from beyond the arc; he really had the guts.


    But his confidence seemed shaken after the block, and his shot ended up as an airball.


    Possession returned to the Grizzlies.


    The Grizzlies had a chance to tie the score.


    Conley passed the ball to Han, then directed the strong side to clear out.


    Parker was starting to sweat.


    Why provoke Han Sen while playing?


    The worst part? Now he was the one who had to take the hits!


    But there was no time to dwell on it, as Han made another move to drive.


    After being blown past several times, Parker instinctively took a step back.


    And in that moment, Han Sen collected the ball and rose for a shot.


    When Parker rushed forward, he couldn''t do much to stop Han.


    Swish!


    The ball went through the net in a high arc.


    11-11


    The Grizzlies tied the score.


    Scott didn''t call a timeout but signaled for a quick inbound.


    If they could score quickly, it would halt the Grizzlies'' scoring run.


    Thompson inbounded from the backcourt, and Irving turned to receive the ball.


    But as he reached out, he felt a gust of wind pass by.


    When he looked, he saw Han intercepting Thompson''s pass!


    Boom!


    With no time for the Cavaliers to react, Han Sen took a big step and threw down a two-handed behind-the-back dunk.


    After landing, Han spread his hands toward the frustrated Irving.


    This is how to celebrate.


    Seeing this, Scott quickly called a timeout.


    The arena''s LED screen displayed Han Sen''s stats for tonight: 8 minutes, 5 of 5 shooting, 1 of 1 on three-pointers, 11 points, 1 assist, 1 steal.


    The only thing ringing in the minds of the fans was Gay''s seemingly boastful words before the game:


    "He can score 40 points anytime he wants."


    -End of Chapter-


    Translator''s notes:


    The Shammgod, named after former basketball player God Shammgod who popularized it, is a slick crossover move often used to shake off defenders and create separation for a shot or drive.


    It''s a dribbling trick designed to make the defender commit in one direction while the ball handler quickly pulls the ball in the opposite direction. Here''s how it works:


    1. Push the Ball Out: With your dominant hand, push the ball slightly forward and across your body, as if you''re about to dribble in that direction.


    2. Fake with the Body: Lean and shift your body weight toward the side where you pushed the ball, making the defender think you''re going that way.


    3. Quick Pullback: Using your opposite hand, quickly reach across your body and pull the ball back in the opposite direction, ideally past the defender who committed to your fake.


    This move requires good coordination and ball-handling control since it involves a change in both direction and hand with a single dribble.


    When done correctly, the Shammgod leaves the defender off-balance, giving the player space for a drive to the basket or a clear jump shot.

 Chapter 166: Fame Attracts Trouble.

    Chapter 166: Fame Attracts Trouble.Han Sen played the entire first quarter, scoring 20 points, a personal best for points in a single quarter, while also effectively containing Kyrie Irving.


    With Jamison struggling under Faried''s tight defense, the Grizzlies turned the first quarter around after initially trailing, closing with a double-digit lead over the Cavaliers.


    Though the game seemed settled, the Cavaliers managed to keep the score close at the start of the second quarter.


    Thompson''s tough defense and offensive rebounding, along with the improved Cunningham and perimeter threat Ramon Sessions, made the Cavaliers'' bench surprisingly effective.


    Han Sen returned with six minutes left in the second quarter and continued his strong play, adding another 8 points to reach 28 by halftime.


    The Grizzlies led the Cavaliers 55-42.


    The Cavaliers were still in it, but that changed in the third quarter.


    After halftime, Irving opened with a three-pointer, sparking a Cavaliers'' rally. However, the Grizzlies responded with a 15-3 run.


    Han Sen contributed a three-pointer, two mid-range shots, and two assists during this stretch. With two minutes left in the third quarter, Han was subbed out for a break.


    The LED screen displayed his stats for the night: 15-for-22 field goals, 2-for-4 from three, 7-for-8 free throws, totaling 41 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.


    Last season, in his first return to Cleveland, Han set his career-high of 43 points; this season, he had already reached 40+ in three quarters.


    Quicken Loans Arena, where he once declared "This is my house," had become his lucky ground.


    Ultimately, the Grizzlies comfortably defeated the Cavaliers 103-87 in this nationally televised game.


    At the post-game press conference, Han Sen joined Coach Joerger.


    "How would you rate Irving''s performance tonight?" a reporter from TNT asked, noting Irving''s respectable 25 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.


    "He''s a very talented and competitive player. I enjoy playing against him on the court."


    While aggressive on the court, Han Sen was generous in his praise afterward.


    "Your offensive intensity tonight seemed high. Did that have anything to do with Gay''s comment pre-game?" The follow-up question caught Han a bit off guard.


    After practice, he had gone straight to the locker room, unaware of what Gay had said.


    "He said you could score 40 points whenever you wanted," the reporter reminded him.


    Han laughed at that.


    In the current slower-paced NBA, with fewer possessions and intense defense, scoring 40 points wasn''t as easy as it used to be.


    Yes, he could easily hit 40 against weaker teams like the Cavaliers, but against top teams like the Lakers, Spurs, or Heat, success would depend on the opponent''s defensive strategies and his own shooting form.


    Gay''s comment had hyped him up.


    "That''s right," Han nodded, fully understanding the implications and knowing he could use this opportunity to earn more [hater points].


    At that moment, Joerger took the mic and, with a smile, said, "I asked Han if he wanted to play in the fourth, but he declined. If he had, he could''ve easily scored 50 tonight."


    That was an "assist" that Hollins would never have given him.


    Though some NBA coaches lack in tactical ability, they offer emotional support that can work wonders for team morale.


    "Han Could Score 50 Anytime He Wants."


    This headline quickly trended, and Han raked in a lot of hater points.


    "Padding stats against weak teams," "Only Kobe could make such a claim," "Young, arrogant, but better not be too cocky" were some reactions.


    Han saw the reactions and shared the article on his social media.


    Though his primary focus was to max out the [Uncle Drew] talent, in this shortened season, time was limited, so he welcomed any extra [hater points].


    While sharing the news, he noticed his Facebook following had surpassed 3 million. Not quite "celebrity" status yet, but a far cry from when only his own alternate account followed him.


    Among his followers were several "big names" like Selena Gomez, Paris Hilton, and Kim Kardashian, a result of the ongoing media buzz.


    But Han didn''t read too much into these followers. After all, even he''d follow interesting stories out of curiosity.


    What caught him off guard was a private message¡ªfrom Madonna. The content was quite forward, essentially inviting him to her home to "hang out."


    Han shuddered a bit. Madonna was 53 by now, still looking to "play"?


    By February, Han''s social media post had drawn increased defensive pressure from opponents.


    Was that a bad thing for him? Not at all. Much like previous abilities, high-intensity games only accelerated his talent''s progress.


    With his new passing skills, he could toggle between scoring and passing without letting tough defense impact his game.


    Ironically, this sped up his progress.


    Additionally, two more waves of hater points rolled in.


    One wave involved Jeremy Lin.


    In late January, Lin joined the Knicks and in early February exploded onto the scene with "Linsanity."


    As the only two active Asian guards, Han and Lin were naturally compared.


    ESPN summed it up with a pointed remark: "Sometimes, NBA success is just about opportunity. Han got his in Memphis, and now Lin has his in New York. They''re no different."


    The other wave was due to Dwight Howard.


    Howard''s trade request, which had dragged on for months, ended in a near farce.


    After declaring his "loyalty," he announced he''d stay with the team through 2013 by exercising his 2012 player option.


    This was met with widespread player mockery.


    Though Han thought Howard hadn''t done anything wrong, Howard''s "loyalty" ¢Ù statement evoked memories of when Han had said, "Don''t let loyalty hurt you."


    Swift''s words were prophetic: "They''ll criticize you not because of what you do, but because they want to."


    The classic case of "More fame, more problems."


    But Han had learned that increasing his influence outside of basketball was another way to earn hater points.


    His relationship with Swift had already boosted his off-court profile, generating many hater points from her fanbase.


    Since they''d broken up, though, unless he started actively trashing Swift, he wouldn''t be able to gain any more hater points from that group.


    Yet there were many off-court opportunities¡ªsinging, for instance... but he dismissed that thought.


    Movies, however, seemed more promising.


    Many NBA stars had dabbled in film, like Shaq in Scary Movie or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar''s famous scene with Bruce Lee in Game of Death.


    And who knew? After achieving great success, starring in a Jordan-style movie might be possible.


    Han had plenty of script ideas in mind from his memories of movies.


    While Han trained and considered off-court ventures, this year''s All-Star voting results came in ¢Ú.


    Unsurprisingly, Han received 1.8 million votes, making him the top vote-getter.


    Why fewer votes this year?


    The lockout-shortened season had lowered overall interest, and the league had reweighted the votes from China, where fans pushed Marc Gasol to the starting center for the West.


    Of course, Gasol''s impressive season contributed to this as well. He averaged 16.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks, all career highs.


    Gasol thanked Han for his assist in his media interview:


    "We all know the sacrifices Han makes for the team, and my performance wouldn''t be the same without his support."


    These weren''t just polite words. Han''s playmaking had done wonders for Gasol''s numbers.


    With Conley also participating in the Skills Challenge, Han wouldn''t be alone at All-Star Weekend.


    ...


    February flew by, and just before the All-Star break, the Grizzlies had another nationally televised game against the Lakers in Los Angeles.


    The Lakers have encountered some challenges this season, the most surprising of which has been the health of their main center, Okafor.


    Aside from a few ankle injuries early in his career due to weight issues, Okafor has had high attendance in recent seasons.


    Over the past four seasons, he played full seasons in three, and in the one he didn''t, he still managed 72 games.


    But this season, now with the Lakers, he''s suffered repeated injuries to his left knee, playing intermittently.


    Furthermore, Jordan Hill''s defensive abilities have fallen short of expectations, leaving the team with significant rotation issues in the frontcourt.


    Yet, these troubles haven''t stopped the Lakers from dominating. They now sit atop the league standings.


    With Chris Paul and Pau Gasol driving the team and Kobe''s strong desire for his sixth championship, Kobe is playing at the most efficient level of his career.


    In this game, Lakers head coach Mike Brown opted for full-court, one-on-one defense on Han Sen, using Artest, Barnes, and even Kobe to mark him.


    The Grizzlies rely on a team-oriented style, and cutting off Han Sen''s connection with his teammates proved more effective than simply trying to limit his scoring.


    Brown may not excel in offensive strategy, but his defensive tactics are solid.


    The result was that Han Sen gave his all, scoring his first career 50 points.


    But the Grizzlies ultimately lost, 106-115.


    Kobe scored 41 points, Gasol contributed 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Paul added 14 points and 14 assists.


    This game was a great showcase of Han Sen''s current abilities. Even against a title contender, he can still put up 50 points when giving his all.


    But losing renders the stats meaningless, and Han Sen only said one thing after the game: "We''ll win it back."


    The two teams will meet again in March, after the All-Star Game.


    Back in Memphis, Han Sen ran into Randolph at the practice facility.


    Time had flown by, and it had already been over a month since Randolph''s injury. Randolph was now able to do some off-ball training.


    At his current recovery rate, he''ll be ready to return after the All-Star break.


    Han Sen went over to greet Randolph and practiced with him for a bit.


    Losing to the Lakers was a clear reminder that basketball is not a one-man sport.


    Although Conley, Gay, and Gasol Jr. have all improved this season, Randolph''s presence is crucial against an experienced team like the Lakers.


    It''s not that having Randolph on the court guarantees a win, but if they were to play a series, the difference between having Randolph and not having him would be substantial.


    Randolph was also eager to return.


    It''s not that Han Sen is fighting alone, but without him, the Grizzlies have been performing well. If Randolph doesn''t come back soon, he might lose his place in the team.


    "Winning is not the problem; it''s embarrassing if someone''s missing." This applies to everyone.


    On February 26, Randolph stayed in Memphis for rehab, while Han Sen, along with Marc Gasol and Conley, flew to Orlando for the All-Star Game.


    This year, Han Sen only needed to participate in the main game, so he had more free time during the first few days compared to past All-Star events.


    On the first day, aside from participating in promotional events, he spent time hanging out with Gasol and the others.


    The next day, Conley was set to participate in the Skills Challenge, so he and Gasol dressed in suits and sat in the front row, ready to watch.


    This year''s Skills Challenge was star-studded, featuring Curry, Westbrook, Wall, Rondo, Parker, and Irving, in addition to Conley. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Irving, in particular, was drawing a lot of attention after his 34 points and 9 assists in the Rookie Challenge the previous night.


    While they chatted, debating who might win, a soft voice chimed in nearby.


    "Mind if I place my bet too?"


    Han turned to see a familiar face, smiling and slipping into the seat beside him.


    It was Scarlet Johansson.


    Only moments ago, he was sure someone else was sitting there.


    Surprised but amused, he returned her smile. "Scarlett? Didn''t expect to see you here."


    She extended a hand warmly. "We''ve never met, but I''ve heard plenty about you."


    He chuckled, shaking her hand. "Good things, I hope."


    "Would I be here if they weren''t?" she replied with a playful wink.


    ---


    ¢Ù: "One of the main reasons is that I''m a very loyal person. I''ve always believed that loyalty is more important than anything else. The past few months have been tough for me, but I''m not the way many people think or describe. I am loyal; betrayal isn''t in my nature." ¡ª Howard on his decision to stay.


    ¢Ú: Western Conference Starters: Han Sen, Kobe, Durant, Griffin, Gasol


    Substitutes: Paul, Westbrook, Parker, Aldridge, Nowitzki, Love, Bynum


    Eastern Conference Starters: Rose, Wade, James, Anthony, Howard


    Substitutes: Deron, Joe Johnson, Iguodala, Pierce, Luol Deng, Bosh, Hibbert


    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 167: Friends with Benefits.

    Chapter 167: Friends with Benefits.Han Sen felt a bit awkward hearing this.


    Those who know, know.


    After shaking hands, Han Sen looked around.


    Seeing that Durant wasn''t there, he remembered Durant was participating in the three-point contest again this year to redeem himself.


    Since the skills challenge would be followed by the three-point contest, Durant was likely backstage preparing.


    Thank goodness¡ªotherwise, given their history, Durant might have gotten into a fight with him after seeing what happened.


    "Aren''t you playing today?" Scarlett proactively started a conversation with him.


    "I''m on tomorrow." Since the game hadn''t started yet, Han Sen casually chatted with her.


    When the skills challenge began, Han Sen turned his attention to the court.


    However, as he looked over, he noticed Scarlett resting her chin on her hand, looking at him, which caught him off guard.


    The skills challenge ended with Conley, in fantastic form, winning the championship by beating Parker and Irving in the final round.


    Han Sen stood up and bumped chests with Conley in celebration. Winning this title made Conley''s trip to Orlando well worth it.


    "Is he your teammate?" Scarlett asked him just as he sat down, sparking another conversation.


    Han Sen nodded, looking a bit puzzled.


    Scarlett really seemed clueless about basketball. But why would she be here if she didn''t understand it?


    If it were the All-Star game itself, he could understand since it''s a high-exposure event, but today was just a side event.


    At that moment, the lights dimmed, and the contestants for the three-point contest prepared to take the stage.


    This year''s three-point contest was less star-studded than last year''s, but with Durant¡ªespecially the Durant who had only scored six points last year¡ªthat was more than enough.


    If there was another highlight, it would be the "defending champions" Chalmers and James Jones.


    What were they defending?


    Barkley''s classic commentary from last year''s three-point contest: "The three-point champion by LeBron''s side."


    With two players sent from the Heat this year, it was clear they meant business.


    Just for that, Han Sen was rooting for Durant to knock those two down.


    Durant was the first to take the stage.


    When Durant appeared, he didn''t make any moves, yet the crowd erupted with cheers.


    Scarlett''s attention was also drawn to the court at this point.


    Then, she asked a question that nearly made Han Sen fall out of his seat.


    "Who''s that?"


    It was one thing if Scarlett didn''t follow basketball, but not knowing who Durant was felt a bit extreme.


    After all, didn''t they once have... bathwater history?


    But, on second thought, if Scarlett genuinely didn''t follow basketball, it was quite possible she didn''t recognize Durant''s face.


    It''s like interviewing someone who knows nothing about basketball. They might recognize Jordan and Kobe, but Durant? Probably never heard of him.


    Moreover, Scarlett was a busy actress, wrapped up in her own hectic schedule, with little time to pay attention to a man she found uninteresting or even dull.


    Back then, her response might have just been a bit of publicity arranged by her manager.


    Sigh, so cruel!


    Han Sen felt this reality was just too harsh for Durant.


    If Durant ever learned the truth, he''d likely feel heartbroken to the point of breathlessness.


    If Griffin had entered the dunk contest this year, he might have wanted to hide under a car.


    Well, since they''d trained together before, Han Sen decided he''d help him out a bit.


    "He''s Kevin Durant, the best small forward in the NBA."


    Look at that¡ªhe''d even ranked Durant above LeBron, showing absolute loyalty.


    However, Scarlett, who had initially been interested, frowned suddenly after hearing Han Sen''s explanation, covering her mouth with a look of visible discomfort.


    Seeing this, Han Sen knew it was game over.


    Durant, for all his clutch moments and game-winning shots, had managed to kill any chance with Scarlett the moment he said he''d drink her bathwater.


    A friend of Scarlett''s handed her a water bottle, and after she took a sip, she seemed to feel a bit better.


    "I think you''re better than him," she said with a smile.


    "Thanks." Han Sen hadn''t expected her to say that, but he couldn''t help feeling pleased.


    Just then, Durant, after smiling and waving to the audience, glanced toward the front row and spotted Han Sen and Scarlett.


    His first reaction was excitement.


    He couldn''t believe he was seeing Scarlett here!


    But his expression changed quickly.


    He saw Han and Scarlett smiling at each other, engaged in what seemed like an intimate conversation.


    The woman he couldn''t get was already connected with Han Sen without anyone noticing?


    Han Sen felt a chilling surge of animosity and, turning to see Durant''s stare, coughed dryly. This was the perfect setup for a misunderstanding.


    Then he thought: when playing against the Thunder, he had to rack his brain for trash talk to throw Durant off and make him play solo.


    But now, just chatting with Scarlett seemed to be ten times as effective.


    "I heard the Avengers is coming out this May?" Han Sen smiled and started a conversation with Scarlett, changing the subject.


    Surprised but amused, Scarlett nodded.


    Now that they were talking about Scarlett''s field of expertise, the two really hit it off.


    Durant hadn''t taken his eyes off them since he''d spotted them. When he finally took a seat with the other contestants, he ground his teeth, watching them chat happily.


    Han Sen was just a second-tier player with an endorsement from a third-rate brand like Under Armour.


    On the other hand, he was one of the league''s top five stars, Nike''s number-two ambassador.


    Why would Scarlett prefer Han over him?


    Just then, a referee came over to remind him that the competition could begin.


    Durant would be up second.


    When he took to the court, the crowd burst into cheers.


    The cheers caused Han Sen and Scarlett to pause their conversation and turn their attention to the court.


    Durant exhaled a sigh of relief.


    Tonight, he was determined to show Scarlett just how powerful he was.


    The game started, and Durant hit three shots from the first rack, looking impressive.


    Han Sen couldn''t help but nod.


    His assessment last year was correct. Durant had the skill and rhythm, but he was just unlucky last year.


    In under a minute, Durant scored a high 20 points, drawing cheers from the crowd.


    Even Han Sen couldn''t help but applaud him.


    Whatever else, Durant''s courage to come back and prove himself on this stage was commendable. That alone made him braver than LeBron.


    LeBron always said he could win a dunk contest, only to leave it as an "if" forever.


    "Are you free after this?" Scarlett leaned in, catching Han Sen''s attention.


    Han Sen turned to her, looking slightly puzzled.


    "I heard the Orlando night view is pretty amazing," she said with a small smile. "But my driver had something come up, so I was hoping you could do me a favor?"


    What kind of celebrity driver has "something come up" last minute?


    Han Sen was about to explain that he was here with Gasol.


    But before he could, Gasol, who''d been listening, quickly interjected with a grin, "Actually, Mike and I already planned to hit up the mall afterward."


    Those Spaniards sure know how to set the mood. Han Sen glanced back at Scarlett, eventually nodding his agreement.


    Meanwhile, Durant''s shooting form didn''t waver through the finals, and he wrapped things up with another solid 20 points, securing the three-point contest championship with ease.


    Arms raised, he soaked in the crowd''s cheers, practically glowing with pride.


    But as he lifted the trophy to give his acceptance speech, he noticed Han Sen and Scarlett standing up, heading toward the exit.


    The cold February air of Orlando suddenly felt like a freezing cellar.


    ...


    The temperature that night was actually around 10¡ãC (50¡ãF)¡ªchilly enough that they had to keep the car windows up while they drove aimlessly around the city.


    But Scarlett was great company, chatting easily the entire time and making sure their little tour felt anything but boring. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They only made one stop, at a cozy restaurant for dinner.


    A car with bodyguards trailed them, so safety wasn''t much of a concern, though getting photographed was inevitable.


    Scarlett didn''t seem to mind, and Han Sen didn''t either.


    After all, his plan was to rile up Durant; getting photographed just helped the cause.


    Plus, he found himself genuinely enjoying Scarlett''s company; they even shared a love for travel. She eagerly shared stories about her favorite spots across the U.S.


    After dinner, Han Sen drove her back to her hotel, where they parked in the underground garage.


    It was a Hilton, filled with luxury cars, but given it was already past 10 p.m., the place was pretty quiet.


    Being a larger business car, parking took Han Sen a moment, but once done, he felt like he''d fulfilled his favor for Scarlett.


    Once he''d parked, he was ready to get out when Scarlett suddenly stopped him.


    Just as he was about to step out, she stopped him. "Wait¡ªI have a gift for you."


    She unbuckled her seatbelt and slid smoothly over the center console toward the back seat. Han Sen instinctively turned, and his face immediately flushed.


    What had made Scarlett so iconic across America? Her figure.


    Unlike Taylor''s slender build, Scarlett had an hourglass figure with pronounced curves, exuding all things sensual.


    People called her the next Marilyn Monroe not just because of her looks but because of her seductive allure.


    And right now, in her prime, Scarlett was truly a weapon of mass destruction.


    Han Sen turned away, red-faced, while she settled herself in the back. Glancing up in the rearview mirror, she caught sight of his expression and couldn''t help laughing.


    "It''s a little stuck," she said finally, slightly out of breath. "Could you come back here and help me?"


    Han Sen swallowed, caught off guard by the atmosphere between them. He got out, then climbed into the back.


    Following her instructions, he leaned down to check under the seat¡ªonly to find nothing there.


    Just as he looked up, Scarlett leaned forward, her lips meeting his in an unexpected kiss.


    ...


    Roughly twenty minutes later, Han Sen exited the car, adjusting his clothes. Scarlett followed, wiping her lips with a satisfied smile.


    Han''s face was still flushed. That had been exhilarating, to say the least. He''d had a similar experience with Swift once, but this? This was on another level.


    After all, that other time had been somewhere secluded.


    But this was a hotel parking garage! They could even hear the occasional sound of a car pulling in or doors slamming shut nearby.


    The entire time, Scarlett had stayed quiet, stifling any sound beyond the occasional muffled breath right beside his ear.


    And, as they say, sometimes silence is more thrilling than any noise could be.


    It wasn''t just about sound either¡ªher skill was something else. If Swift was a student, then Scarlett was absolutely the teacher.


    And just then, a memory hit him: an old story he''d heard about Scarlett back in the day.


    After an Oscar ceremony, she''d supposedly had a steamy moment with Benicio in the hotel elevator, setting the entertainment world buzzing.


    Compared to that, this car encounter probably wasn''t anything.


    Naturally, Han Sen didn''t leave just yet. They got into the elevator together and headed up to her hotel room.


    It had been over a month since his breakup, and the packed game schedule had kept him too busy for anything else.


    And now, the door was wide open¡ªthere was no reason to stop here.


    More importantly, Scarlett was incredible. With a body and talent like that, he was all in.


    ...


    The next day, during the All-Star Game, Han Sen once again played a supporting role.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t get any chances¡ªnow that he was making a name for himself, his teammates were more than willing to pass him the ball.


    But after last night''s...activities, he needed to take it a bit easy.


    In the end, he played 18 minutes and scored 17 points.


    Durant, however, was unstoppable, just as he had been in the three-point contest. He was all-in offensively, shooting 14 of 25 from the field.


    As the newly crowned three-point champion, he also hit the most threes on the Western team, with three successful shots.


    He finished with 36 points, leading the West to a win over the East and securing the MVP title.


    Han Sen applauded him, as LeBron on the other team had also scored 36 points and clearly wanted the MVP too.


    The enemy of my enemy is my friend, so giving Durant some applause felt just right.


    However, Durant only shot him a death glare.


    Of course, Durant couldn''t possibly know what happened between Han Sen and Scarlett in the parking lot and hotel the previous night.


    But he''d seen TMZ''s report, showing photos of Han Sen and Scarlett out for dinner, and that was enough to set him off.


    And he really couldn''t understand Han Sen''s luck with women¡ªfirst Swift, now Scarlett. It was beyond comprehension.


    If Han Sen had gotten close to Swift through bold social media tactics, why wasn''t Durant''s even bolder approach working for him?


    Was it really just because Han Sen was better looking?


    Han Sen didn''t care what Durant was thinking. After clapping for him, he pulled out his phone and started texting Scarlett.


    He wasn''t planning on dating Scarlett, and Scarlett didn''t seem to have that in mind either.


    In essence, Scarlett and Swift were two completely different types. Swift was a romantic, with dreams of love, while Scarlett was simply a woman with certain needs.


    In fact, she wasn''t all that different from the other female celebrities who followed Han Sen on social media.


    She was just one of the few who wanted to explore her curiosity offline. And naturally, they hit it off perfectly.


    Han Sen, freshly out of a relationship, knew he didn''t have the time for another one right now.


    So why not just enjoy a casual fling? And if that person was Scarlett, it was one of the best things he could ask for.


    After the All-Star Game, Han Sen returned to Memphis.


    Randolph seemed to be in even better shape than before, and it looked like he''d be back in action after the All-Star break.


    And with that, the annual trade deadline was also just around the corner.

 Chapter 168: Trades.

    Chapter 168: Trades.This trade deadline day saw the Western Conference''s titans making moves one after another.


    First up was the Los Angeles crew. They traded away team veteran Luke Walton, along with a second-round pick, to the Nuggets to reacquire former player Ronny Turiaf.


    More precisely, this should be called a four-team trade, as it involved the Wizards, Nuggets, and Clippers in a three-team deal.


    The core of that deal was Nene, JaVale McGee, and Nick Young; Turiaf was there just to make the contracts match, and he essentially had no trade value.


    Essentially, it was a swap of unwanted contracts, but since Walton''s contract had an extra year, the Lakers had to add a draft pick.


    However, this operation was still commendable. Trading the benchwarmer Walton for a defensive-minded big man could be considered an A-grade move.


    Next up was San Antonio, led by Han Sen.


    The Spurs sent Jefferson to the Warriors in exchange for Stephen Jackson.


    On the surface, this appeared to be a swap of starting small forwards, but in reality, it was to make room for Leonard.


    Leonard had slipped out of the lottery not just because of average dynamic stats but largely because he hadn''t developed a shooting touch before the draft.


    Now, however, he had. With a season-long three-point percentage of 37.6%, he wasn''t elite, but it was definitely good enough.


    As for why Jefferson wasn''t directly relegated to the bench, the answer was that he had taken a pay cut to join the Spurs, and the team had given him a promise of a starting role.


    Jackson, on the other hand, was an ex-Spur and a member of the 2003 championship team, so it was much easier to handle the situation with him.


    Next up were the Grizzlies.


    They traded newly acquired center Przybilla, along with a 2013 first-round pick, to the 76ers to bring in 6''10" big man Marreese Speights.


    This was an insurance move in case Randolph''s comeback form wasn''t ideal.


    In the first game after the trade deadline, the Grizzlies hosted the Nuggets and won 98-89.


    Speights was inserted into the starting lineup right from his debut.


    In his debut game, he played 24 minutes, scoring 8 points on 4-of-8 shooting, grabbing 9 rebounds, and collecting 3 offensive boards¡ªoverall, a pretty solid performance.


    At the post-game press conference, Han Sen praised the team''s new addition.


    "It''s only his first game with the team, but he''s shown a high basketball IQ and professionalism, which has been a big help for us."


    Han Sen wasn''t exaggerating; his impression of Speights was mainly from his time with the Warriors, where Speights was a core part of the rotation for their 2015 championship.


    There''s actually a funny story about this.


    When Speights left the Warriors after his contract expired, many thought he was still on the team because David West, who looked and played similarly, joined them the following season.


    Both players were known for their pick-and-pop and mid-range shooting, making it easy to mix them up.


    ...


    In the upcoming games against the Pistons and Raptors, Speights maintained his impressive performance, helping the team secure a three-game winning streak.


    This streak raised fans'' anticipation for Randolph''s return even more, as Speights was, in essence, a budget version of Randolph.


    Speights had a reliable mid-range shot, but that was only one of many weapons in Randolph''s arsenal.


    Randolph''s injury was a setback for the Grizzlies, but it was a blessing in disguise, as it allowed Han Sen to grow into a core ball-handler.


    If Speights could play well alongside Han Sen, fans were excited to see what kind of chemistry Randolph and Han Sen would develop when he returned.


    However, the Grizzlies weren''t in a rush to bring Randolph back.


    It was better to have Randolph return to peak form through training than for him to rush back to regain his form in games.


    But at that moment, an unhappy voice emerged within the Grizzlies.


    During an open practice, Faried publicly expressed his dissatisfaction to reporters, saying, "I should play a more important role on the team. I should be a starter."


    After that practice session, Joerger approached Han Sen to discuss Faried''s issue.


    "I spoke with him before making the adjustment. Starting Marreese (Speights) benefits our spacing. I won''t cut his playing time," Joerger, unlike Hollins or Brown, had indeed communicated this beforehand.


    Joerger''s intention in approaching Han Sen was clear¡ªhe wanted Han to try talking to him.


    Since Randolph''s absence, Han Sen had built significant respect within the team through his performance and now held the most influence.


    Joerger had already tried sending Battier to talk to Faried, but it hadn''t worked well.


    Faried did indeed have a bit of a headstrong personality, just as Han Sen had sensed initially.


    "I''ll give it a try," Han Sen agreed.


    Faried was now a crucial part of the frontcourt rotation, playing with passion and often serving as the X-factor on certain nights.


    The game against the Heat had shown that he had the physicality and courage to play aggressively, which could be an asset against LeBron''s team.


    And because of their shared experience of getting moved around in the locker room, Han Sen felt a natural empathy toward Faried.


    In a way, what was happening now was similar to Han Sen''s experience back in Cleveland.


    Faried had worked his way into the starting lineup, only to be pulled out without doing anything wrong.


    Even though he had been coming off the bench recently, his performance was comparable to, if not better than, Speights''s, especially in rebounding and defense.


    Faried reminded Han Sen of his younger self, and now Han found himself in a position similar to LeBron''s.


    But Han Sen wasn''t the "King of Memphis" and didn''t need to act arrogant, so unlike his Cleveland days, he and Faried had never clashed.


    And it was precisely because of his Cleveland experience that Han Sen understood Faried''s actions and the potential impact on the team if this wasn''t handled properly.


    When Han Sen found Faried, he was sweating it out in the training facility.


    Faried wasn''t the most naturally talented player, or he wouldn''t have dropped to the 22nd pick, but he was definitely one of the hardest-working, both on and off the court.


    When Faried saw Han Sen, he paused, looking puzzled. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Come on, let''s play a couple of rounds," Han Sen said.


    Faried looked eager, more than ready to burn off some frustration.


    Faried''s defense was decent.


    Although his height limited him from becoming an elite inside defender, his solid mobility made him capable of guarding smaller players on the inside.


    But, after all, he was a rookie, and the person he was up against was Han Sen.


    In the first game, Han got the ball first, and Faried couldn''t stop a single shot.


    Han Sen''s skillful mix of drives and jumpshots left Faried helpless, getting beaten cleanly multiple times.


    Without a word, Han tossed the ball to Faried at the start of the second game, letting him take the first move.


    Faried put all his strength into it, but against Han, he couldn''t score at all.


    In theory, Faried had a weight and strength advantage and could score at the rim if he got there.


    The reality? He couldn''t even get close.


    It was like watching a college center trying to drive on a seasoned pro ¡ª Han was too fast, and starting from the three-point line was nothing like getting a feed near the basket.


    To make matters worse, Faried lacked the shooting ability to make Han hesitate, leaving him with no real openings.


    When the game ended, Faried was visibly deflated.


    Never mind two games ¡ª twenty would end the same way.


    "Let''s chat?" Han said, gesturing to a nearby bench.


    Faried nodded, catching his breath.


    "When I was in Cleveland, I did something similar to what you just did," Han said, handing him a bottle of water.


    Faried paused, looking at Han with surprise.


    Honestly, as long as it wasn''t someone like Rudy Gay, most players probably could have guessed why Han pulled him aside, but he hadn''t expected to hear that.


    It wasn''t until Han tapped his hand with the bottle that Faried snapped out of his daze and took it.


    "Do you regret it now?"


    "Regret? Why would I regret it? I don''t think I did anything wrong, just like I don''t think you did either."


    Although Joerger claimed to have spoken with Faried, his desire to start hadn''t been satisfied.


    Faried stopped twisting the cap, looking at Han, eyes wide.


    He hadn''t expected him to say that ¡ª for a second, he wondered if he''d misunderstood why Han had called him over.


    "Later on, I requested a trade."


    "And that''s how you ended up in Memphis?" Faried asked, taking a sip. As a rookie, he hadn''t heard much about Han''s early career.


    "Nope. They didn''t want to trade me. So I led the third team to demolish the first and second teams in practice. Then, the team gave me everything I''d asked for."


    Faried choked, coughing on his water.


    Third team beating the first and second? That sounded impossible!


    But once he caught his breath, he glanced at Han, realizing he hadn''t even broken a sweat playing him just now...


    He was a rookie, sure, but he''d never been outclassed like this before ¡ª not even against LeBron in the game against Heat.


    In that moment, he saw Han Sen in a completely new light.


    A guy bold enough to declare that the Grizzlies'' only goal was the championship in a season with superteams like the Lakers and Heat? He wasn''t an ordinary person.


    "Kenneth, the biggest difference between the NBA and the NCAA is that the NBA is a business. It''s like a jungle, and making noise won''t get you what you want. Only strength will."


    Faried seemed to be thinking.


    If Han Sen had started with that speech, he might''ve resisted, probably letting it go in one ear and out the other, but after sharing a similar experience, it was hard not to relate.


    "Kenneth, there''s only one area where you fall short of Marreese ¡ª your shooting," Han added.


    Faried wasn''t among the most gifted players, but he was certainly more promising than Speights, with a much higher ceiling.


    "But I''m better than him in every other way," Faried said, a bit defensive.


    "So why not work on the one area where you''re worse?" Han''s question hit him straight in the core.


    What Han knew of Faried''s future career came mostly from his days with the Nuggets ¡ª a fast, athletic player.


    But after that? Han hadn''t heard his name much.


    He hadn''t heard of Faried suffering any serious injuries either, which left one other possibility: he''d simply been left behind by the game.


    As the league demanded more shooting ability from its big men, players like Faried, who couldn''t shoot, had mostly been eliminated.


    Especially since Faried was an undersized big; no matter how good his defense was, he couldn''t protect the paint like Gobert.


    But if he could add a reliable jump shot ¡ª even just a mid-range one ¡ª his career might turn out very differently.


    "Don''t tell me it''s impossible. Even LeBron developed a three-pointer in Miami this season, after seven years without one."


    Faried wanted to say something, but Han''s point left him speechless.


    "Keep working at it, Kenneth!" Han clapped Faried on the shoulder as he stood up.


    "When the team decided to trade Joel, it was to make room for you. Your current skill set is better suited for the five. But if you add a jump shot, you could play both the four and five. Then, you''ll be indispensable."


    With Randolph around, Faried wouldn''t get a starting spot.


    Faried understood that. On the surface, he was fighting for a starting role, but in reality, he worried that he''d lose his spot entirely when Randolph returned.


    And Han Sen was right. If the Grizzlies had traded Johnson instead, Faried would be competing with Speights and Przybilla.


    At the four, he''d lack the shooting ability Speights had, and at the five, he''d lack Przybilla''s height. Faried would truly have no place.


    The Grizzlies had obviously considered all this, and Faried''s own performance had earned him this opportunity.


    Faried stood up, giving a firm nod of understanding.


    ...


    "I swear, Han should go straight into coaching when he retires," Joerger said to Damon as they watched Faried return to practice with renewed energy.


    Joerger had been a coach long enough to know how troublesome it could be to manage headstrong players. Yet Han had solved the issue in one shot.


    Then again, Han had only been with the Grizzlies for a little over a year, and no one dared oppose him.


    Even eccentric personalities like Gay and Randolph got along well with him.


    Those people skills were arguably more powerful than his on-court abilities.


    As someone who also valued communication, Joerger knew it could bring out the best in a team.


    "Coaching? He''s more likely to go straight to being an owner," Damon replied, knowing Han better than Joerger did.


    NBA coaches had little control, and Han wouldn''t be the type to put up with players'' egos.


    "Like Michael?" Joerger chuckled.


    ...


    A week later, the Grizzlies were set to face the Lakers again.


    After two months of recovery, Randolph was also ready to make his return in the game against the Lakers.


    "We''ll get them back."


    Thanks to Han Sen''s statement after their last game, the rematch in Memphis, now nationally televised, had garnered a lot of attention.


    Han Sen, too, was eager. After facing intense opposition, his [Uncle Drew] talent had leveled up rapidly and was nearing its peak.


    That allowed him to perform several high-difficulty moves he couldn''t pull off before.


    During the Lakers'' pregame open practice, Kobe left the court as soon as the session ended.


    Chris Paul stayed back to answer questions from the media.


    "I know Randolph will be back for this game. He wants to beat us, Han wants to beat us, every team in the West wants to beat us, but we don''t care about any of that. Our only opponent is ourselves."


    Paul looked calm when asked about Han Sen''s previous remarks.


    But when these words reached the Grizzlies'' locker room, the players felt annoyed.


    "He really thinks they''ve got it in the bag, huh?" Even Gay could hear the arrogance in Paul''s words.


    "If you''re the top team, I guess you can act like that," Randolph said, adjusting his headband.


    "And that''s only because you were injured!" Gay retorted.


    Randolph paused, ready to snap back ¡ª he''d had enough of Gay''s digs.


    "Rudy," Han interrupted, keeping the peace. Those two had about as much chemistry as "Dumb" and "Grumpy."


    "Do you remember what LeBron said before we played the Heat?"


    "I don''t see how we could lose," Gay replied, recalling it.


    "CP3 and LeBron are the best of friends," Han reminded him.


    The infamous ''Banana Boat Crew'' of the league: LeBron, Wade, Carmelo, and Chris Paul.


    Out of the four, James and Paul were closest, having been tight since high school. Wade and Carmelo had actually met LeBron through Paul.


    And James and Paul had a lot in common; they were business-minded players¡ªoften called ''smart'' players¡ªwho made a killing on and off the court.


    In fact, from what Han Sen knew of ''history,'' they were the only two who had ever turned down a championship that didn''t come with Finals MVP.


    "They''re two of a kind!" Gay sneered.


    Hearing this, Randolph sat back down. Compared to Gay, James and Paul bothered him even more.


    "So, CP3 will pay the price for his arrogance."


    Han''s words shifted the tension in the locker room, uniting the team against a common enemy.


    For all their ''smarts,'' James and Paul had a knack for saying the wrong things at the wrong time.


    If you don''t respect your opponents, don''t expect respect in return.


    And one more thing: Okafor, who was out last time, would be playing this game. Both teams would be at full strength.


    Han Sen was looking forward to seeing how his team would fare against the Lakers team that Kobe fans were already declaring champions.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 169: The Poison Duo.

    Chapter 169: The Poison Duo.The FedEx Forum was buzzing with excitement.


    Early in the season, the Grizzlies had started with an impressive four-game winning streak, the best season opener in team history, raising fans'' hopes.


    But then Randolph got injured, sidelining him for two months.


    Now, at last, Memphis fans could see their team at full strength again! Like Han Sen, they were eager to find out how a showdown with the Lakers would unfold.


    Realistically speaking, if the Grizzlies wanted a championship this season, they had to get past the Lakers.


    Hoping for another team to eliminate them didn''t fit the Grizzlies'' fighting spirit.


    In other words, only by crushing the Lakers tonight could they truly be in the championship conversation.


    This matchup had garnered high attention across the league, with TNT''s Big Three commentators on-site.


    "The last time the Grizzlies lost was without Randolph; tonight, they''re going to give the Lakers a real beating," Barkley began hyping the game.


    "But Okafor was also absent last time. The Lakers are still the stronger team on paper," countered Shaq.


    Not to be taken too seriously¡ªit was all for the show, with each playing their role.


    No one wanted to see the Lakers lose more than Shaq, but as a commentator, he had to offer a balanced view, even if his legacy was forever tied to the Lakers.


    The two then made a bet, with the loser agreeing to get a haircut like Kenny Smith''s.


    Why Kenny Smith? Well, Shaq''s ''Peak Trio'' needed all three to make an impact!


    As for Kenny Smith''s haircut, it was basically a shaved head. With his receding hairline, his bald head gleamed.


    With Barkley backing the Grizzlies and Shaq supporting the Lakers, the broadcast''s energy instantly skyrocketed.


    After their banter ended, the players wrapped up their warm-ups, and the opening ceremony began.


    The Lakers, as the visiting team, took the floor first with their usual starting five: Chris, Kobe, Metta World Peace, Pau Gasol, and Okafor.


    For anyone wondering, Metta World Peace was the name Ron Artest had changed to last September.


    Then came the Grizzlies: Conley, Han Sen, Gay, Speights, and Marc Gasol.


    This lineup left the Lakers puzzled.


    Randolph wasn''t starting! Was his return a Grizzlies smokescreen?


    But Randolph had been seen warming up.


    As the final three minutes of prep time ticked down, the starters from both teams took the court.


    The crowd was electric.


    Marc Gasol won the tip-off against his brother Pau, sending the ball to the Grizzlies'' side and kicking off the game.


    The Grizzlies opened with Marc Gasol posting up on the low block.


    This move was Joeger''s way of testing Okafor''s condition.


    Last season''s playoffs had given Marc confidence, and with Randolph absent, Marc had honed his inside game. Now, he had a solid post-up skill set.


    The duel between the two giants ended with Marc faking out Okafor and banking in a score.


    The Grizzlies took the lead.


    The crowd erupted in cheers.


    Most outsiders focused on the Grizzlies'' lineup changes, but their core players had improved since last season.


    Joeger''s strategy was paying off, too. Okafor could play, but wasn''t in top shape, as repeated injuries take a toll on any player''s form.


    Chris took the frontcourt, with Kobe drawing the Grizzlies'' defense. Chris then delivered a no-look bounce pass to Pau Gasol, who rolled to the basket off the pick.


    Pau floated a shot over Marc, banking it in.


    The Lakers'' offense showed why they were the league''s top team.


    Okafor was merely an extra boost; the synergy among their three core players was the real key.


    Marc called for the ball in the low post again, but this time, the Lakers double-teamed him¡ªexactly what the Grizzlies had hoped for.


    Han Sen and Speights set quick screens, then shifted to the free-throw line, and Marc''s pass was already there.


    Han Sen had a moment of open space.


    This was where Speights'' spacing ability helped, forcing Metta World Peace to move out.


    Han Sen caught the ball, faked out Pau Gasol with a feint, and drove past him. Kobe rushed over to help, but Han shot a mid-range jumper before he arrived.


    Swish!


    Kobe''s early jump to contest couldn''t prevent Han Sen from making the shot.


    Back on defense, Chris and Pau Gasol ran a pick-and-roll, drawing a double-team and passing to Pau at the perfect moment.


    It was a clean setup, but Marc Gasol stepped up early, cutting off Pau''s angle. Pau stayed calm, made a back pivot, and passed to the cutting Kobe, effectively blocking Marc''s recovery path.


    Kobe drove, adjusting mid-air to avoid Han Sen''s block, and banked in the shot.


    The crowd roared; fans watched intently.


    Regardless of the outcome, the game''s quality was top-notch.


    "If they meet in the playoffs, this will be one of the most thrilling series we''ll see," even the usually objective Kenny Smith from TNT marveled.


    Around six minutes in, the Lakers led 13-10.


    Okafor was less than peak form, yet the Lakers'' collective strength still outmatched the Grizzlies.


    Coach Mike Brown was also sticking to his previous strategy of cutting off Han Sen''s connection with his teammates.


    Kobe drew a foul on Speights with a driving move, giving him two free throws as the game paused.


    Just then, a short whistle blew, and the camera panned to the scorers'' table where Randolph was adjusting his headband, ready to sub in.


    A deafening cheer erupted¡ªfinally, he was back!


    It was clear now that Randolph''s bench role wasn''t a ruse; the Grizzlies simply wanted him to ease back in.


    After all, no matter how well you recover, training is different from actual gameplay.


    Randolph high-fived Speights as he came off and tapped his head in a signature move.


    Just as Han Sen had noticed before, Randolph was itching to get back on the court.


    Kobe made both free throws, widening the Lakers'' lead to five.


    Conley took it up and fed the ball to Randolph in the low post.


    Pau Gasol matched up with Randolph, but Randolph held the advantage in strength.


    Conley fed it inside and moved baseline to take Chris with him in a classic low-post setup for Randolph.


    But Chris was clever, faking to follow Conley, only to double back, timing a perfect swipe and stealing the ball from Randolph.


    The Lakers swiftly capitalized, with Kobe scoring on a fast-break layup, pushing the lead to seven.


    "The Grizzlies need to convert; they can''t let the Lakers dictate with fast breaks," Barkley said, showing some genuine concern.


    There was an element of performance, but he was right: in a game this close, small details made the difference.


    Joerger didn''t call a timeout but instead gestured a new play to Conley.


    Conley passed to Han Sen, signaling for space on the weak side.


    This time, Conley positioned himself at a 45-degree angle instead of the top of the key, preventing Chris from interrupting again.


    Han Sen took the ball, ready to assist Randolph, but rather than an immediate pass, he watched for an opening.


    The Lakers had switched Okafor onto Randolph.


    Despite their earlier defensive success, the Lakers'' interior lineup had shifted.


    The Lakers were highly detail-oriented.


    This was less about individual players and more a result of Coach Brown''s adjustments.


    Since leaving LeBron, Brown had frequently shown his defensive expertise.


    Han Sen signaled for a pick-and-roll with Randolph.


    Randolph happily complied; there was no one he''d rather work with.


    Randolph''s solid frame set a strong pick, and Han Sen found himself up against Okafor.


    Okafor''s current form couldn''t contain Han Sen on a switch, not to mention even in his best shape, he''d struggle.


    Metta World Peace had no choice but to double-team.


    Han Sen dished a no-look return pass to Randolph.


    While Brown''s strategy was to cut off Han Sen''s link with his teammates, pick-and-roll plays are hard to contain without elite defenders rotating on the fly.


    So why hadn''t Han Sen tried this with Speights earlier?


    Because while Metta couldn''t return, Chris'' help defense had arrived.


    When fans salivated over the Lakers'' offensive duo, it''s easy to forget that they formed an All-Defensive First Team combo.


    If Speights had the ball, the play would have fizzled out.


    But Randolph was different.


    Randolph went straight for a shooting motion.


    Chris had no choice but to jump; without the jump, his height alone wouldn''t contest the shot.


    But Randolph was only faking. He pulled the ball back, made a quick drive, and slipped past Chris on the opposite side.


    Chris, still in the air, had no chance to grab the ball.


    Randolph barreled into the paint, knocked off Metta, and scored while drawing a foul.


    In terms of skill, even a newly improved Marc Gasol couldn''t match Randolph.


    Randolph let out a celebratory roar at Chris, then turned to bump chests with Han Sen. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The earlier isolation play where he got stripped looked a bit clumsy, but this recent and-one helped him find his rhythm.


    It''s gotta be Han Sen.


    And it''s a newly evolved Han Sen.


    To be fair, he and Randolph ran pick-and-rolls last season too, but back then, Han''s passing ability limited them; whether it was timing or angle, the ball always seemed just slightly off, and the opportunity would slip away.


    So, last season, their pick-and-rolls were mostly about Han Sen finishing the play himself.


    But this time, Han Sen''s pass was spot-on, helping him successfully fake out Chris.


    ...


    Now both teams are making substitutions¡ªBarnes is coming in for Artest on the Lakers, while Battier replaces Gay for the Grizzlies.


    Randolph calmly makes the additional free throw, bringing the score difference back to four points.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The crowd erupts with chants.


    Chris then shows off his basketball IQ, running a pick-and-roll with Gasol to find Randolph for a mid-range shot.


    But Conley navigates around beautifully, managing to disrupt Chris'' play.


    Chris'' final shot bounces off the rim, and the rebound is secured by Marc Gasol.


    Conley brings the ball up to the front court and passes it to Han Sen, then signals for the weak side to clear out for spacing.


    This time, he even moves to a 45-degree angle rather than standing at the top of the arc, preventing Chris from interfering again.


    Han Sen and Randolph run another pick-and-roll, and Han Sen breaks through quickly.


    This time, the Lakers don''t dare double-team him, and weak-side Kobe is held back by Battier.


    Han Sen crosses Okafor with a close, in-front crossover, then springs up like a coil, finishing with a one-handed slam.


    The FedEx Forum instantly lights up.


    "The Lakers are in trouble¡ªthey''re in trouble now!" Shaquille O''Neal shouts, looking worried but with an unmistakable smile.


    The Grizzlies have cut the gap to one possession.


    Since Randolph came in off the bench, the Grizzlies have started clawing back!


    Kobe now gets into position on offense, posting up and waiting for Chris to pass him the ball to go one-on-one with Battier.


    Kobe''s post moves, combined with his shoulder fakes, turnarounds, and step-backs, make his isolation plays an art form.


    Han Sen can''t help but watch closely for a moment; although his own mid-range game is strong, his footwork and technique still have room to catch up to Kobe.


    This summer, he''ll have room to improve, especially in footwork.


    Battier jumps up, going for his signature hand-in-the-face defense.


    This move has played out countless times in the past, and Kobe is well-accustomed to Battier''s defensive style.


    However, his shot is slightly off this time, bouncing off the front rim, and Randolph grabs the rebound.


    On the next possession, Han Sen and Randolph go for another pick-and-roll.


    This time Barnes helps on defense, so Han Sen dishes it to Randolph, who quickly takes a mid-range shot before Barnes can recover.


    Swish!


    Like a clean slice.


    With Randolph finding his rhythm, he''s back to being a dominant force in the paint.


    The score is tied at 17.


    The Grizzlies have launched a 7-0 run, evening the score!


    Kobe receives the ball again and this time drives hard inside, blowing by Battier and drawing a foul on Randolph.


    Randolph''s foul was a bit rough, nearly sparking a confrontation with Kobe.


    Han Sen steps in to calm Randolph down.


    They''ve got the momentum now.


    Once the scuffle subsides, Kobe steps to the free-throw line.


    The crowd boos.


    Kobe doesn''t flinch, making both free throws to give the Lakers the lead again.


    Conley brings the ball up and hands it to Han Sen, with the familiar Grizzlies chant rising from the fans:


    "Whoop that trick!"


    Han Sen and Randolph go for another pick-and-roll, but this time they change it up.


    Previously, Randolph would roll out while Han Sen drove inside.


    But this time, after the pick, Han Sen steps back, drawing Barnes''s attention outside.


    The next second, Han Sen seizes the opening, directing a bounce pass to Randolph, who''s rolling inside.


    Randolph accelerates with the ball and challenges Pau Gasol''s help defense with a floater.


    After the earlier altercation, Pau''s defense is also a bit rough, bumping into Randolph mid-shot.


    The referee''s whistle blows, and Randolph''s unbalanced shot misses the rim.


    Randolph jumps to his feet the next moment.


    Everyone thinks he''s about to confront Pau Gasol, but instead, he taps his head a couple of times and walks directly to the free-throw line.


    He manages to keep his emotions in check.


    After a deep breath, he nails both free throws.


    Even coming off the bench, he''s already scored seven points in three minutes.


    The Grizzlies'' decision to delay his return is paying off.


    More importantly, it''s the chemistry between Han Sen and Randolph¡ªsomething they didn''t have last season or even at the beginning of this one.


    "They''re the Poison Duo!" Shaq, abandoning his usual persona, enthusiastically coins a new nickname.


    "They''re like two doses of poison; whichever one the Lakers pick, they''re done for!"

 Chapter 170: You Can Always Trust CP3.

    Chapter 170: You Can Always Trust CP3.Before coming to the Grizzlies, Randolph had been labeled as a ''team poison,'' and Han Sen was once described by LeBron''s fans as a ''cancer'' during his time with the Cavaliers.


    Shaq really does have a knack for handing out nicknames.


    Thanks to the outstanding performance of Han Sen and Randolph, the Grizzlies'' ''Poison Duo'' managed to keep pace with the Lakers during the starting lineup''s minutes.


    Han Sen was subbed out with three minutes left in the first quarter to rest, looking far more energetic than in their previous matchup.


    Randolph''s return has clearly made a big difference.


    Moreover, this change had another effect: it extended Kobe''s playing time, as he was forced to play the entire first quarter.


    When looking at salary structures, the Grizzlies benefited from a ''rookie bonus.''


    This season, Gay and Randolph are each making $15 million, while Marc and Conley are on deals under the new CBA with significant increases but lower starting salaries¡ª$13 million and $8 million, respectively, for a total of $51 million for the four players.


    In contrast, the Lakers had Kobe at $25 million, Pau Gasol at $18 million, Chris Paul at $16 million, and Okafor at $12 million, summing up to $71 million.


    This shows that, while the Lakers may not be a superteam like the Heat, their payroll is just as top-heavy, leaving little room for a strong bench.


    Although Dunleavy was a quality signing, he''s not the type to create scoring opportunities on his own.


    Meanwhile, the Grizzlies'' bench has seen a significant upgrade over last season.


    The biggest change, of course, is Gay''s return, which adds a higher level of play to their lineup stagger strategy.


    Additionally, on the front line, Speights and Faried are a huge improvement over last season''s Haddadi and Johnson.


    Faried, in particular, has become like a ''Westbrook of the paint,'' energizing his teammates with his hustle once he found his groove.


    Thus, the Lakers'' backcourt needed at least one of their stars on the floor, preferably Kobe. Without him, the Grizzlies could easily widen the score gap.


    Kobe''s form was exceptional this season, and he handled these staggered minutes with ease, which was actually a good thing for the Grizzlies since it meant the game would stay intense for four quarters.


    At halftime, the score was tied at 58.


    "We can say it now¡ªthis Grizzlies team is definitely a contender for the title this year!" Barkley popped the halftime champagne, as few teams could push the Lakers this hard.


    The intensity didn''t let up after the break.


    The Lakers capitalized on the Grizzlies missing several perimeter shots, launching an 8-2 run.


    In response, Joerger brought Randolph back in early, and the "Poison Duo" reignited the offense, taking the Grizzlies on a 9-2 run of their own.


    The heated play led to some skirmishes, causing the referees to tighten their calls.


    Fans, both in the arena and online, were getting their money''s worth tonight with this national broadcast.


    With five minutes remaining, the score was once again tied at 108.


    Han Sen ran a pick-and-roll with Randolph, who, upon receiving the pass, faced Barnes'' help defense and simply threw up a shot¡ªand it went in, giving the Grizzlies the lead.


    This was also his 20th point of the night, a strong showing for someone coming off the bench.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    Though the game was far from over, a good number of fans were already on their feet, and the noise in the arena was deafening.


    The Grizzlies ramped up their defensive intensity, and the Lakers failed to execute their plays on two consecutive possessions, forcing Chris to give the ball to Kobe.


    Kobe took the ball in isolation against Gay, pulled off a quick dribble move, stopped, spun, and took a jump shot.


    Gay didn''t lose his position on defense, but Kobe''s timing was quicker, managing to get the shot off over the defense.


    Swish!


    He scored again, marking his 36th point of the night.


    On defense, Kobe and World Peace switched assignments.


    When Han Sen ran another pick-and-roll with Randolph, Kobe used his ''puppy steps'' to get in front of Han Sen, preventing a mismatch.


    The NBA has seen, and will continue to see, many ''poison duos'' as Shaq calls them, but as long as defenders don''t get screened off, no switch is forced, and the so-called poison doesn''t even come into play.


    Kobe struck a defensive stance, preparing to face Han Sen one-on-one.


    But Han Sen didn''t rush to attack, dribbling the ball back to the three-point line and signaling a play.


    After Randolph got good position in the low post, Han Sen passed it to him.


    Kobe didn''t expect this decision from Han Sen and turned his head to check if help defense was needed in the paint.


    At that moment, he suddenly felt a gust of wind right in front of him.


    When he looked back, he saw that Han Sen had cut inside just as he turned his head!


    The timing was perfect. Kobe, fatigued from playing hard, was a step slow on his reaction, giving Han Sen a clear path.


    Randolph passed the ball back to Han Sen and also shielded Okafor.


    Pau hurriedly dashed to the paint, but by the time he got there, Han Sen was already airborne, raising the ball with his right hand and slamming it down right in his face.


    Boom!


    Before Pau could raise his hand, Han Sen threw down a vicious dunk.


    The arena erupted instantly.


    Randolph, pumped, ran over and gave Han Sen a good head rub.


    With that dunk over Pau Gasol, Han had avenged him.


    Looking back at the surprised Kobe, Han Sen grinned, "I''m not 21 anymore," a callback to their season-long trash-talk saga that even made Kobe crack a smile through his frustration. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When Kobe got the ball on the next possession, Han Sen switched onto him.


    Han Sen was not only more mature but also just as willing to take responsibility in clutch moments as ever.


    With the strong side cleared, Kobe chose to post up, shifting his feet and pulling off his signature fadeaway after a spin.


    Han Sen stayed right with him, sensing Kobe''s moves were a bit slower than before.


    Kobe''s shot, heavily contested by Han, clanged off the rim.


    Approaching 34 years old, Kobe could still play the entire game, but trying to maintain efficiency on both offense and defense in the fourth quarter was too much.


    Han Sen grabbed the ball on offense and passed it to Randolph.


    This time, he didn''t cut in, allowing Randolph to take a low-post shot against Pau''s help defense, which he missed, but Marc cleaned up with a put-back dunk.


    114-110.


    With three minutes left, the Grizzlies had pushed the lead to four points.


    The Lakers'' experience gave them an edge, but in a grueling game, the Grizzlies'' youth began to shine through.


    Han Sen started denying Kobe the ball, and with Chris forced to work with Pau in a pick-and-roll, he ended up missing a contested mid-range shot over Randolph.


    Gay jumped high to snag the defensive rebound, and the momentum clearly swung toward the Grizzlies.


    "The Grizzlies'' performance tonight makes the Lakers look old!" Shaq seemed completely unconcerned about his upcoming head shave.


    Conley brought the ball up and gave it to Han Sen, who signaled for the strong side to clear out, bringing Marc up high for a screen.


    Marc''s pick-and-roll is the best on the Grizzlies; it''s a mandatory skill for European big men.


    Kobe got screened, and Han Sen drove past Pau Gasol.


    Pau backpedaled furiously as Han Sen stopped for a mid-range jumper.


    Just as he rose, he felt someone closing in from the weak side.


    A quick glance revealed it was none other than Kobe, who had slipped past Marc''s screen.


    Kobe''s competitive spirit is truly something to admire.


    Han Sen adjusted midair, angling his shot to avoid Kobe''s block.


    Although he wasn''t used to taking shots like this, his strong core allowed him to maintain perfect form.


    The ball arced higher than usual before descending.


    Swish!


    Han Sen nailed the difficult shot!


    With his energy levels high, he still had a solid shooting touch in the final quarter.


    The crowd erupted once more.


    With that bucket, the Grizzlies'' lead was now at six, their largest of the game.


    Victory was nearly within their grasp.


    Kobe pulled his jersey up to his mouth, taking a deep breath.


    Then, he pushed the ball up court and signaled to spread out.


    With the Lakers'' lineup and the league-best record, they seemed unbeatable.


    But now, the Grizzlies were shattering that illusion.


    If they could pull this off, they''d establish themselves as the Lakers'' toughest threat in the West.


    Kobe wasn''t ready to lose.


    He chose to face up, driving to the free-throw line before executing his signature move¡ªa stop followed by a quick spin and a fadeaway jumper.


    When Han Sen jumped up to contest, Kobe still got the shot off over him, sinking it.


    The crowd was abuzz as Kobe''s basket pulled the Lakers back from the brink.


    As Han Sen landed, he grew even more determined to work on his footwork over the summer.


    Good footwork can make up for the impact of fatigue on speed.


    In the frontcourt, Han Sen ran another pick-and-roll with Marc Gasol, but this time, as he made his move, Kobe quickly returned to his defensive position.


    It all came down to footwork¡ªKobe''s ''puppy steps'' allowed him to counter the pick-and-roll effectively.


    Han Sen didn''t call for another screen but instead seized a momentary opportunity.


    No matter how well Kobe maneuvered around the screen or how nimble his footwork, he was still in motion, his center of gravity shifting.


    Han Sen exploited this, pausing the ball in his left hand and faking a shot with his right, only to suddenly change direction with a hard crossover to the right.


    A classic ''praying mantis'' move.


    Since hitting a plateau with [Uncle Drew], Han Sen had managed to pull off some dribbling moves he previously couldn''t.


    Kobe jumped to contest but, realizing the fake too late, couldn''t pull back in time.


    Han Sen blew past Kobe, driving into the lane, and Pau Gasol closing in near the basket, he executed a sudden floater.


    Swish!


    The lead returned to six points!


    With only two minutes left, the Lakers called a timeout.


    Coach Brown had noticed Kobe''s fatigue, and he was known for using timeouts strategically to help his star players recover.


    However, two minutes isn''t enough to fully regain stamina, so the Lakers turned to Chris Paul to lead the next possession.


    Chris attacked Randolph, the weak link in the Grizzlies'' defense, and this time he had a golden opportunity after the screen.


    But he still couldn''t convert!


    When Marc Gasol grabbed the defensive rebound, he saw Han Sen already sprinting past the three-point line.


    The Lakers didn''t react in time to the sudden shift, and Marc launched a long pass downcourt.


    Han Sen caught it and sprinted in transition, the crowd already roaring.


    Glancing back to confirm no one was close, he slowed down and executed a between-the-legs dunk.


    The last time Han Sen had used this dunk was against the Spurs, and it was out of frustration. This time, it was pure celebration.


    Boom!


    As the ball slammed through the hoop, the FedExForum erupted.


    The Lakers? Not so invincible after all!


    This dunk put the Grizzlies up by eight with a minute and a half left, essentially sealing the game.


    In the end, the final score settled at 121-114.


    When the game ended, the arena was in a frenzy, and the Grizzlies players were celebrating wildly.


    The Grizzlies had not only done what Han Sen had promised¡ªwin it back¡ªbut had also proven they could beat the Lakers at full strength.


    Building this level of confidence was even more valuable than the win itself!


    In the post-game stat line, Kobe had 38 points on 14 of 27 shooting, Chris Paul had 16 points and 9 assists on 7 of 14, Pau Gasol added 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Okafor had 12 points and 8 boards.


    Han Sen had 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists; Randolph contributed 20 points and 11 boards; Gay scored 18; Marc Gasol posted 14 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 assists; and Conley had 14 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals.


    ...


    At the post-game presser, Han Sen appeared alongside Randolph.


    "Feels amazing to be back out there," Randolph said, grinning.


    "The team''s been through some tough times, but getting to go to battle with these guys again? Nothing like it." He was smoother with his words than Gay, handling the press with ease.


    "Han is just on another level now," Randolph continued, looking at his teammate. "It''s like he can do whatever he wants on the court. I''m glad he''s on my side and not the other way around." This brought a few laughs from the room; the mutual respect was obvious.


    Han Sen joined in, nodding. "And Zach is still Zach. If he hadn''t gotten injured, he''d be the All-Star starter in the West, no doubt."


    "Replacing who? Well that''d be Griffin obviously¡ªhe''s just a kid who knows how to dunk," Han Sen said, not missing the opportunity to take a jab at his number-two ''hater''.


    Of course, as soon as he finished speaking, Han Sen''s [hater points] began to rise, considering the Lakers and Griffin both had loyal fans in Los Angeles.


    "What do you think was the key to your team''s victory tonight?" a reporter asked Han Sen.


    Was it Randolph''s outstanding performance? Kobe''s fatigue issues? Or perhaps something else?


    Han glanced at Randolph, then back at the reporter.


    "Chris Paul," he replied with a sly smile, leaving the room in brief confusion.


    Realizing he''d left them hanging, he explained, "You can always count on him in the clutch."


    Ah, now the reporters understood¡ªHan Sen was being sarcastic!


    After Chris'' arrogant remarks before the game, Han Sen''s response felt justified.


    Moreover, it was hard to argue with him.


    In the last five minutes, Chris'' stats were 1-for-3, with his only basket coming after the game had already been decided.


    Even though Chris excels at pick-and-rolls, which Randolph struggles against, and had Kobe drawing defensive attention, Chris'' performance under minimal pressure was still lacking.


    Had he managed to hit just one more mid-range shot to help Kobe, the game might have ended differently.


    But that''s Chris Paul. As Han Sen put it, you can always ''trust'' him.


    Han Sen, in fact, was all too familiar with Chris Paul''s tendency to falter in crunch time.


    And contrary to the popular belief that Chris'' failures were due to injuries or bad luck, even when uninjured, his performance often mysteriously declined in clutch moments.


    In the ''history'' Han Sen knew, Chris held the record for the most comeback losses among NBA stars, with his teams blowing 2-0 leads four times in the playoffs, tying Doc Rivers in this dubious honor.


    In reality, the numbers were more revealing: Chris Paul''s Game 7 record was 3-5.


    And who could forget that notorious playoff game, where his team suffered a 58-point loss to the Nuggets while he had just 4 points, 6 assists, and 6 turnovers?


    So it''s not really a case of constant bad luck, but more of a survivor''s bias. Chris'' shortcomings ultimately stem from a lack of mental toughness.


    Without that mental fortitude, he hesitates in critical moments; even when he does take the shot, his hand trembles instinctively.


    At the end of the day, Paul''s still missing that one chance¡ªthe chance to have a teammate like LeBron.


    ''It worked for me, and it might just be what he needs.''

 Chapter 171: The End of 2011-2012 Regular Season.

    Chapter 171: The End of 2011-2012 Regular Season.The game between the Grizzlies and Lakers was over, but the conversation surrounding it was far from finished.


    Though Kobe said post-game, "The Grizzlies gave us a good wake-up call," and praised Han Sen''s performance in the clutch, the heated nature of the game and Han Sen''s open ridicule of Chris Paul after the match quickly intensified the feud between the two teams, fueled largely by the massive Lakers fan base.


    Whatever Chris Paul had said before the game now seemed irrelevant.


    However, one important point was that the Grizzlies'' performance had created a sense of urgency for the Lakers.


    While the outcome of a single regular season game doesn''t decide much, everyone knew this was Randolph''s first game back, and he was still coming off the bench.


    As Randolph continued to recover, the Grizzlies might indeed pose a serious threat to the Lakers.


    On the latest episode of TNT, Shaquille O''Neal appeared with his head shaved bald, and the camera zoomed in to catch the shine on his head, contrasting with Kenny Smith''s deadpan expression next to him, creating an explosive comedic effect.


    "I love the Lakers, but they let me down. Now, I just have one thing to say: Memphis for the championship," Shaq declared.


    The most surprising part was when Shaq tore off his Lakers No. 34 jersey to reveal a Grizzlies No. 34 jersey underneath.


    Shaq had always been a born showman, and this prank added a new item to his post-retirement collection of rainbow-colored jerseys.


    But his joke only added fuel to the fire, making the Grizzlies-Lakers feud even more intense.


    After the Lakers game, Coach Joerger put Randolph back in the starting lineup.


    However, Randolph''s performance wasn''t as stellar as expected.


    Theoretically, if he could put up 20 points off the bench, he should have easily returned to his dominant form from last season as a starter.


    But in reality, Randolph''s performance was inconsistent.


    His injury, a torn ligament, was the culprit.


    Fans are familiar with this type of injury because many players have experienced significant declines or even faded out of the NBA entirely because of it.


    There are two ways to treat this injury: one is surgery to repair the torn ligament, and the other is a combination of rest and medication for natural recovery.


    Randolph opted for conservative treatment because his tear was minor.


    But after two months, he could only just return to play. His game on the court was nothing like last season.


    It''s like Tim Duncan''s plantar fasciitis, which took an entire lockout summer to heal.


    So, expecting Randolph to return to his previous form this season was unrealistic.


    To put it more concretely, Randolph was only at about 70% of his potential.


    Against the Lakers, he and Han Sen''s pick-and-roll caught the Lakers off guard.


    Even so, this version of Randolph was still stronger than Speights and Faried.


    As demonstrated in the Lakers game, his pick-and-roll with Han Sen could yield impressive results, and that was enough.


    Despite Randolph''s ups and downs, the Grizzlies'' form was indeed on the rise as the season wound down.


    Han Sen''s evolution, the improvement of Marc Gasol and Conley, Gay''s steady performance, and the bolstered front line¡ªall these were obvious upgrades.


    Randolph''s return was like the final piece of the puzzle, allowing the Grizzlies to show their claws and fangs, flexing their muscles in the NBA jungle.


    In the final month of the season, they went 10-2 and capped it off with an impressive six-game winning streak.


    On April 26, the 2011¨C2012 shortened season ended over two weeks later than usual.


    In the Eastern Conference, the Bulls finished first with a 50-16 record, topping the Heat''s Big Three for the second season in a row.


    The Heat came in second with a 46-20 record. The Pacers were third with 42 wins, followed by the Celtics at fourth with 39 wins, and the Hawks at fifth with 40 wins.


    The Magic were sixth with 37 wins.


    The Knicks and 76ers placed seventh and eighth, respectively.


    Despite the Heat not leading the East, the media, led by ESPN, had already started a campaign for LeBron''s MVP award mid-season.


    They touted how LeBron carried the team while Wade was injured, how he led them despite lackluster performances from the role players, and how his stats were comprehensive and efficient.


    Did this work?


    In the ''history'' Han Sen knew, these narratives helped LeBron secure the MVP even though the Heat''s Big Three only managed the fourth-best record in the league.


    But now, it wasn''t enough.


    The Lakers finished first in the league with a 55-11 record, and Kobe, playing with the highest efficiency of his career, was all but guaranteed his second MVP trophy.


    The Spurs followed with a 50-win record, finishing second in the West.


    The Thunder placed third with 47 wins.


    The Grizzlies ended up in fourth with a 46-win record.


    In his third season, Han Sen averaged 23.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 2 steals, and 0.8 blocks, with a field goal percentage of 48.5% and a three-point percentage of 40.6%.


    Looking at the Grizzlies'' early and late-season performances, if Randolph hadn''t been injured, they could have easily finished third or even second.


    But injuries are part of the season, just like the Lakers'' record might have been even better if Okafor had stayed healthy.


    This year''s Western Conference was brutal, with every team facing a tough battle to advance.


    The Mavericks ranked fifth with 43 wins, followed by the Clippers in sixth with 39 wins.


    The Nuggets and Jazz claimed the seventh and eighth spots, while the Rockets missed the playoffs by just one game, finishing ninth.


    "If Zack hadn''t been injured, we wouldn''t be in this mess," Gay couldn''t help but complain to Han Sen in the Grizzlies'' locker room once the final rankings were released.


    Aside from being in great form, the Grizzlies had been aiming to climb to third because facing the Mavericks in the first round would be far better than facing the Clippers.


    Moreover, even if they beat the Mavericks, they''d have to face the Lakers in the next round.


    Unfortunately, the Thunder''s strong finish dashed those hopes.


    "This isn''t a bad thing," Han Sen replied, seeing things more optimistically.


    They would have to face the Lakers this season one way or another. Going against the Mavericks first could help them find their rhythm.


    Although the Mavericks were in the lower bracket, they were just as strong as any top-bracket team.


    In fact, their lower ranking was due to Nowitzki''s early-season struggles with injuries.


    If they couldn''t beat the Mavericks, then a championship wouldn''t be realistic.


    Facing the Mavericks again in the playoffs was something Han Sen wanted.


    After all, when he learned from Delonte West that the Mavericks wanted to ''make another run,'' he''d wanted to face them again.


    Gay sighed; it seemed like nothing could make Han Sen worry.


    "Let''s focus on celebrating instead," Han Sen said, gathering his teammates.


    "Celebrate?" Gay looked puzzled. Celebrate going up against the Mavericks?


    ---


    Coach Joerger was on his way to the practice facility, a worried look on his face.


    The final standings were a concern not only for the Grizzlies players but for him as well.


    First-round against the Mavericks, second-round against the Lakers, then potentially Thunder or Spurs¡ªthis was a historically tough path.


    The only team with a harder route might be their opponent, the Mavericks.


    Just as he had sensed from the beginning, he was one unlucky coach.


    When he arrived at the practice facility, he found no players in sight, prompting him to turn to Damon in confusion.


    "I already called them," Damon explained.


    As they wondered, Han Sen suddenly came running into the facility, looking panicked.


    "Coach, something''s wrong!"


    Seeing Han Sen''s alarmed expression, Joerger''s heart sank. He had never seen Han Sen look so rattled.


    "Rudy and Zack are fighting in the locker room!" Han Sen exclaimed, breathless.


    Joerger''s face changed instantly, and he dashed toward the locker room without hesitation.


    Rudy and Randolph had never been on great terms, but they rarely had open conflicts, especially since Han Sen joined the team.


    But now, they were fighting¡ªand Han Sen had come to inform him. This must be serious.


    Sure enough, before reaching the locker room, he heard chaotic noises from inside.


    "Coach, take it easy!" Han Sen shouted, chasing after him.


    The locker room door was open, and Joerger burst in.


    Then, he got soaked.


    There was no fight at all; instead, he was greeted by a champagne shower from all directions.


    The players laughed heartily as they doused him, including Randolph and Gay, who were supposedly fighting.


    Only then did he realize he''d been tricked.


    Every year after the regular season ends and before the playoffs start, the league announces the first batch of season awards.


    Despite the condensed season, the awards were still on schedule.


    Joerger had been named the NBA Coach of the Year.


    In theory, the award should go to the coach of the top team, but it often goes to teams that exceed expectations. Fans sometimes joke it''s a ''Most Improved Coach'' award.


    This season, Shaq, as a commentator, remarked that even his grandmother could have coached the Lakers to first place, so while Coach Mike Brown was the theoretical favorite, he was the least likely to win.


    In contrast, even though the Grizzlies haven''t made the biggest improvement in their record, their star player Randolph was injured at the start of the season, which threw the lineup into disarray.


    There''s another important point: Coach Joerger is a young coach.


    Looking back at previous Coach of the Year awards, you''ll find a surprising trend: these awards are often given to young coaches to help boost their resumes. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That''s exactly what Han Sen meant by ''celebrating.''


    He even took the initiative to make it happen, keeping it a surprise from Damon.


    When Han Sen and Damon arrived at the door, they saw Joerger, the "victim" of their plan.


    From the way the players cooperated, it''s clear that Joerger is well-loved by his team.


    "You could totally go to Hollywood to be an actor," Damon joked, relieved after the prank.


    "Really?" As it happens, Han Sen has plans to appear in a movie this summer to increase his off-court influence.


    After the champagne shower ended, Han Sen smiled and walked in.


    When Joerger saw Han Sen, he pointed at him with a grin. Han had really fooled him; his freshly cleaned suit was ruined.


    But after all the commotion, the worried look on Joerger''s face had faded.


    It also reminded him of something Han Sen had said at the end of last season.


    Taking a towel from Battier, Joerger wiped his face and began, "I know some of you are worried about the upcoming playoffs."


    The players, who had been laughing moments ago, grew serious.


    Having a little fun doesn''t make the problems go away.


    Joerger continued, "But right now, the ones who should really be worried are the Dallas Mavericks. They''re afraid of repeating Miami''s fate in 2007, getting eliminated in the first round.


    The Lakers should be worried too. If they lose to us in the semifinals, they''ll have to answer for building a super team that can''t make it to the conference finals.


    And the Spurs and Thunder are concerned as well because both were defeated by us last season."


    With that, a new look appeared in the Grizzlies players'' eyes¡ªgone were the worries and anxiety, replaced with an eager, excited energy.


    Han Sen was a little surprised, but quickly understood and gave Joerger a discreet thumbs-up.


    Joerger may not be a ''motivational guru'' like Rivers, but as a coach with strong communication skills, he definitely knows how to rally the team.


    The moment Joerger started talking, you could tell he knew what he was doing!


    Joerger then pointed to the locker room''s motto.


    The players looked up, and every time they saw it, it reminded them of their playoff experience last season.


    Then, Joerger said the words he had been thinking from the start:


    "Like Han said last season: This year, nobody wants to face us!"


    As soon as he finished, the players couldn''t contain their excitement and cheered.


    Joerger extended his hand, and the players followed suit, each placing a hand above his.


    Together, they shouted the Grizzlies'' classic slogan: "Whoop that trick!"


    Their spirits were high, and their eyes set on Texas!


    After the chant, the players jogged out of the locker room.


    Watching the departing players, Joerger couldn''t help but smile at their enthusiasm.


    But he quickly realized one thing¡ªhis suit was still wet; what was he going to do about that?


    ¡ªEnd of Chapter¡ª


    Notes:


    1. In the 2011-2012 season (in reality), Randolph played only 28 games due to injury, starting 8, and averaged 11.6 points, 8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. In the playoffs, he played in 7 games, averaging 13.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 0.9 assists.


    2. In the NBA, both the Eastern and Western Conferences have three divisions. The Eastern''s three divisions are the Atlantic, Central, and Southeast. The Western''s three divisions are the Northwest, Pacific, and Southwest. Each division has 5 teams.


    3. Each division leader is ranked in the top four, but playoff home-court advantage is still based on win-loss records. Memphis Grizzlies is in the Southwest division along with Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, New Orleans Pelicans, and San Antonio Spurs.


    4. 2011-2012 Scoring Leaders (in the novel): Kobe Bryant (28.5), Kevin Durant (28), LeBron James (27.1), Kevin Love (26), Russell Westbrook (23.6), Han Sen (23.2), Carmelo Anthony (22.6), Dirk Nowitzki (22.5), Dwyane Wade (22.1), LaMarcus Aldridge (21.7).

 Chapter 172: I’m Cheating Now.

    Chapter 172: I''m Cheating Now.For the Grizzlies, things are different from last year''s playoffs; this year, they have home-court advantage in the first round, so the game will start in Memphis, sparing them the hassle of travel.


    On game day, fans had already gathered outside the FedExForum early, excited to experience the first home-court advantage in franchise history.


    Han Sen arrived at the arena for warm-ups over an hour before the game, and thousands of fans were already in the seats.


    His shots felt on point, and it seemed like everything he threw was going in. After finishing his warm-up, he didn''t head straight back to the locker room but instead took a break on the sidelines.


    At that moment, he heard a young fan calling out behind him. Turning around, he saw a kid holding a jersey in the stands, hoping for an autograph.


    Han Sen walked over with a smile, which instantly set off a wave of excitement among the fans in that section. One by one, they started reaching out, hoping to get his signature on whatever they could.


    After signing a few autographs, Han Sen noticed the young fan getting pushed to the back, so he took off his sneakers, signed them, and motioned for the fans to let the kid come up.


    When the young fan finally reached the front, he was visibly thrilled. "Han, are we going to win?" he asked, unable to contain his excitement as he held onto the signed sneakers.


    All the other fans turned their eyes toward him as well. Many of them were there in the arena last season to witness the Grizzlies being eliminated by the Mavericks.


    Last year was acceptable¡ªthey''d made it to the Western Conference Finals, and Rudy Gay was out¡ªbut now they were healthy and facing the same opponent in the first round. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Another loss would be unbearable.


    "Of course, we''re going to win," Han replied with a confident smile.


    About twenty minutes before tip-off, both teams'' players had gathered on the court.


    The Mavericks looked relaxed and at ease, chatting and joking around, with Dirk Nowitzki even lobbing an alley-oop to Vince Carter, who showed off with a dunk.


    Some have compared this Mavericks team to the 2007 Heat, but it''s clear that this Mavericks team is stronger in both skill and mindset.


    After the warm-up ended, the arena was set for the introduction.


    The visiting Mavericks were announced first: Kidd, West, Marion, Nowitzki, and Chandler.


    The Grizzlies, as the home team, came out next, with Han Sen appearing last, shaking his No. 77 jersey to a thunderous eruption of cheers from the crowd.


    Over the course of this season, Han Sen had solidified himself as the indisputable core of the Grizzlies.


    The Grizzlies'' starting lineup: Conley, Han Sen, Gay, Randolph, and Gasol.


    ...


    Chandler tipped the ball back to the Mavericks'' side, officially starting the game.


    Nowitzki set up in the high post and called for the ball to isolate against Gasol.


    He turned, went into his signature one-legged fadeaway, and it felt as though time had transported everyone back to last year''s playoffs, like nothing had changed.


    No, there was a change¡ªwhen Nowitzki jumped, Gasol lunged forward to pressure his shot.


    Nowitzki''s attempt clanked off the rim, met with cheers from the fans. The Mavericks might have kept their strength from last season, but the Grizzlies had made significant strides.


    Randolph called for the ball in the low post, and Conley passed it in, staying outside to stretch the floor, confident in his own shooting.


    However, the Mavericks stayed put, allowing Randolph and Chandler to go one-on-one. After a series of spins, Randolph missed his shot as well.


    Last season, Randolph relied on skill to outplay Chandler in the post, but he wasn''t in the same form this year.


    The opening possessions saw both teams missing their shots. At the other end, Marion set a screen for Nowitzki, who cut off the ball and received Kidd''s pass to soar in for the score.


    Expecting Nowitzki to replicate last year''s stellar performance wasn''t realistic, as he had only reached that level once in eleven playoff appearances.


    Still, superstars have a solid base performance you can''t completely shut down.


    The Mavericks drew first blood.


    Conley adjusted the play, and Han Sen moved off the ball to receive a pass.


    West fought through Gasol''s screen to stick with Han Sen, but Han Sen disregarded him, pulling up for a mid-range shot.


    Swish!


    Han Sen knocked down the shot despite West''s solid defense.


    It was a testament to West''s defense that he was still starting over Carter, but it only highlighted Han Sen''s determination to win tonight.


    Nowitzki and Marion continued their pick-and-roll, but this time they switched directions after the screen, with Nowitzki moving out and Marion cutting in.


    Kidd passed the ball to Marion, who escaped Gasol''s defense and attracted Randolph before dishing it to Chandler for a thunderous slam.


    The Mavericks'' championship experience was on full display in the opening exchanges. As commentator Mike Breen remarked, "Don''t underestimate the heart of a champion."


    This line, originally from Tomjanovich, has become an iconic NBA quote, though few know its origin.


    In their second championship year, the Rockets were written off due to injuries, but they fought back to defend their title against all odds.


    The Mavericks now found themselves in a similar position, and if underestimated, history might indeed repeat itself.


    Back on offense, Conley directed the play, and Han Sen worked his way into a switch against Nowitzki.


    With a quick move, Han Sen blew past him, and as Marion rotated over, Han Sen whipped a no-look pass to Gay in the corner, who drained the three.


    A strong work ethic doesn''t yield immediate results, but consistent effort always pays off eventually.


    The Grizzlies took a 5-4 lead.


    The Mavericks kept up the pressure, but Gay''s defense forced Nowitzki to miss a three-pointer.


    Chandler secured the offensive rebound, but his follow-up was swatted away by Gasol, who then corralled the board.


    Conley ran a pick-and-roll with Gasol, who then dished to Randolph, only for Chandler to intervene again. He held down the defense, guarding two players in one play.


    After the championship, Chandler finally started to get recognition, and he remained in peak form, even becoming a top candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.


    Both teams were showcasing elite defense.


    Randolph''s shot bounced off the rim, but before Chandler could secure the rebound, Han Sen flew in to slam it back in over him.


    The arena exploded in cheers, with the display of sheer power electrifying the crowd.


    The camera zoomed in on Han Sen, who held onto the rim for a moment before landing with a calm, resolute expression.


    "Defense! Defense!" The fans chanted, fired up by Han Sen''s momentum-boosting slam.


    Nowitzki attempted another post-up, but Conley smartly double-teamed him mid-move.


    Though Nowitzki was capable of playmaking, he wasn''t as adept at breaking up the offensive rhythm with quick passes.


    He was forced into a tough baseline fadeaway, and the ball bounced out, with Gasol snagging the rebound.


    Conley pushed it up and passed to Han Sen, signaling for Randolph to set a screen. After shaking off West, Han Sen pulled up for a smooth jumper, adding another two points to the tally.


    9-4


    The arena''s LED screen showed Han Sen''s stats: 3-for-3 from the field, with 6 points and 1 assist.


    Aside from Gay''s three-pointer, all of the Grizzlies'' points had come from Han Sen.


    Even Gay''s three-pointer was set up by Han''s assist.


    In other words, every Grizzlies'' scoring play was connected to him!


    In that moment, everyone, even those not in the arena, could feel Han''s determination to win this game.


    No, it was his resolve to conquer the Mavericks, the team that had once defeated them!


    The Mavericks finally scored again, thanks to Nowitzki, who drove inside and drew a foul on Marc Gasol.


    Stepping to the free-throw line, Nowitzki sank both shots amid the crowd''s attempts to distract him.


    Last season, Nowitzki went an unbelievable 24-for-24 at the free-throw line against the Grizzlies in Game 1, but it''s no surprise since he''s the most accurate free-throw shooter among NBA big men in history.


    His free-throw percentage this season was 89.5%, and nearly 90% for his career.


    Giving him free throws is almost like gifting him points¡ªthis phrase perfectly fits the ''German Tank.''


    During the dead-ball time, Carlisle subbed in Barea for West.


    Kidd now switched to defending Han Sen, trying to prevent him from receiving the ball.


    Besides skill and mentality, the Mavericks had a wealth of experience.


    And they had Carlisle, a tactical mastermind, putting in Barea to speed up the pace and target the Grizzlies'' twin towers before they could get back on defense.


    Conley set up a play, but Randolph still couldn''t find a good opportunity in the low post.


    When the ball returned to Conley''s hands, more than half of the Grizzlies'' shot clock had expired.


    The Mavericks'' adjustment was already working. Conley understood Carlisle''s plan, so he didn''t rush to shoot.


    Fortunately, Han Sen used a screen with Gay to shake off Kidd.


    With just six seconds left in the shot clock, Han Sen finally received the ball.


    Now Marion was guarding him, and Chandler inside was ready to help.


    Han Sen didn''t hesitate, nor did he have time to. He faked a drive, making Marion shift his weight backward, then quickly stepped back behind the three-point line.


    Then, without a moment''s hesitation, he took the shot.


    Marion, though a forward, couldn''t close in fast enough, so his contest barely impacted Han Sen.


    The ball arched through the air.


    Swish!


    Another bucket!


    In less than half a quarter, Han Sen already had 9 points!


    The cheers in the arena were unstoppable by now.


    Tonight, Han Sen wasn''t just determined; he was on fire.


    Or perhaps it was his fierce determination that made him so hot-handed.


    The Mavericks attacked again, with Barea setting a screen for Nowitzki and cutting inside.


    Barea received the ball and, despite Gasol''s attempt to block, scored with a high-banked shot.


    8 to 12¡ªthe Mavericks were still keeping it close.


    This time, Conley handed the ball to Han Sen and signaled for everyone to clear out.


    Han Sen didn''t call for a screen.


    If he called for one, the Mavericks would definitely double-team him, and Kidd was the one defending him.


    Although Kidd had great defensive instincts, he was 38 years old, and his legs just couldn''t move as fast as before.


    Kidd knew this well, so he kept pressuring Han Sen.


    Han Sen didn''t have a strong post game yet, so he simply held the ball in his right hand, lifted it high, and used his body to press against Kidd.


    Aside from his speed, his size was an advantage too.


    After securing position against Kidd, he used his body to shield and threatened with a triple-threat position, then quickly dribbled right to drive past him.


    As the weak side help defense approached, Han Sen crossed to the left and immediately stepped back for a jump shot.


    Kidd, using his experience, anticipated Han Sen''s move and shifted left, jumping almost simultaneously with him.


    But Kidd''s age showed, and his jump only reached Han Sen''s front elbow.


    Whack!


    A crisp slap on the arm, and the ref''s whistle sounded.


    However, Kidd''s experience showed again¡ªhe increased the force of his slap to disrupt Han Sen''s shooting form.


    Han Sen''s release point was noticeably higher.


    The ball bounced off the backboard.


    But even after the rebound, it still dropped through the net!


    It ended up as an and-1!


    Han Sen, playing as if possessed!


    The FedEx Forum was now in a complete frenzy.


    Han was briefly stunned as he watched the ball go in, but then smiled, relieved. Luck is a part of skill too.


    The Mavericks players, however, had mixed feelings.


    Especially Carlisle on the sideline, who couldn''t help but shake his head.


    Since they were long-time rivals, the scene was all too familiar.


    Last season, when the two teams met in the Western Conference Finals, a similar scene had played out.


    Only back then, the unstoppable player had been Nowitzki, and now it was Han Sen.


    Perhaps this is the power of belief.


    Last season, Nowitzki knew it was his one chance, so he played decisively and confidently.


    This season, Han Sen''s determination to avenge the Mavericks and bring a championship to Memphis was equally unwavering.

 Chapter 173: Payback.

    Chapter 173: Payback.Carlisle called a timeout.


    After the timeout, Terry subbed in for Kidd, and the Grizzlies brought in Battier to replace Gay.


    Han Sen hit his free throw, and Nowitzki responded with his signature one-legged fadeaway, leaving the score at 10-15.


    At this point, Marion was assigned to guard Han Sen.


    It looked like Carlisle was planning to rotate defenders on Han Sen to wear him down.


    But as soon as Han Sen got the ball, Barea immediately double-teamed him.


    Han Sen passed to Conley, who was quickly double-teamed by Terry.


    Though Terry''s defense wasn''t as strong as Kidd''s, his footwork was much faster.


    Meanwhile, Marion stretched his arms out to deny Han Sen the ball.


    Carlisle''s real intent now became clear: he wasn''t trying to rotate defenders on Han Sen but rather to force him to give up the ball.


    Conley ended up passing to Randolph, who missed his shot against Chandler in the low post.


    Chandler grabbed the defensive rebound, and the Mavericks quickly launched a fast break, with Barea catching the ball and speeding down the court for a layup.


    Han Sen was double-teamed again after receiving the ball. He attempted to break through but couldn''t, ultimately passing it back to Conley.


    Right now, Han Sen''s one-on-one skills were strong, but scoring under a double-team was another challenge entirely.


    Without exceptional speed to break through or outstanding footwork and technique for a tough shot, passing was the only option.


    After passing, Han Sen tried to shake off his defenders without the ball. However, Marion was glued to him, and Barea actively disrupted Conley''s passing lane toward Han Sen.


    Having faced the Grizzlies for the second consecutive season, Carlisle''s preparation for Han Sen was notably thorough.


    This time, Conley took a quick shot from beyond the arc.


    However, the Mavericks rotated defensively with impressive speed, and Terry''s flying contest caused Conley''s shot to clang off the rim.


    The Mavericks launched another fast break. Once again, Barea received the pass, powered through Conley, and banked it in.


    After last season''s finals, people discussed LeBron, Nowitzki, and even Terry, but Wade praised Barea highly after the game.


    "I know he wouldn''t be Finals MVP, but his impact on the game was unmatched. We couldn''t contain him," Wade had said.


    14-15.


    With a few defensive stops and fast breaks, the Mavericks had closed the gap to one point.


    Now it was the Grizzlies'' turn to call a timeout.


    During the break, Damon held the board to set up a play.


    Joerger managed the defense while Damon handled the offense, and the two worked seamlessly together.


    After the timeout, the Grizzlies managed to get the ball to Han Sen, but with a new twist: he received the ball on the strong side while the weak side ran an off-ball play.


    The Mavericks double-teamed Han Sen again, and he passed to the weak side, where Randolph took a mid-range shot and scored, keeping the Grizzlies'' lead intact.


    Damon''s adjustment proved successful. Double-teaming inevitably left someone open, and positioning Randolph on the weak side made it harder to cover.


    Of course, this setup relied on Han Sen''s improved passing ability. If this were last season, he wouldn''t have been able to make this play.


    Barea tried to score at the basket, with Conley in hot pursuit, but his layup attempt was blocked by Marc Gasol.


    Barea''s threat was significantly reduced in a half-court set.


    Marc Gasol grabbed the rebound, and Conley pushed the ball up the court.


    The Grizzlies ran the same play, but this time, the Mavericks hesitated to double-team.


    Han Sen held the ball single-handedly, observing the defense. Although he wasn''t double-teamed, his positioning indicated he could be at any moment.


    He focused on Marion, crossing over, pausing with his left hand, faking a shot, then quickly changing direction to the right.


    With a crossover move, Marion jumped, falling for Han Sen''s fake.


    Han Sen, whose shot was on fire tonight, couldn''t resist taking the shot.


    After beating Marion, he stopped and took a mid-range shot before the help defense could close in.


    Swish!


    The ball smoothly dropped through the hoop.


    Tonight, Han Sen seemed to be automatic¡ªevery shot was going in.


    14-19.


    After this basket, the lead extended to five points.


    In a key moment, Nowitzki responded with a low-post turnaround to keep the Mavericks within reach.


    Back on defense, a slight miscommunication by the Mavericks gave Han Sen a brief opening after catching the ball.


    He didn''t waste the chance, sinking another three-pointer.


    Swish!


    The ball slipped through the net as if it had a homing device.


    The camera focused on Carlisle, who shook his head in resignation.


    Giving Han Sen even a sliver of space proved fatal.


    The FedEx Forum erupted with cheers.


    The arena''s LED screen displayed Han Sen''s stats for the night.


    7-for-7 from the field, 1-for-1 from the line, 17 points, and 2 assists.


    A perfect showing!


    The camera panned to a young fan sitting on his father''s shoulders, beaming with excitement and waving Han Sen''s UA sneakers.


    "We can all feel Han''s determination to win this game," remarked commentator Breen.


    The Mavericks'' only consolation was that substitution time was fast approaching.


    With two minutes left in the quarter, Han Sen subbed out for a rest.


    Though he was red-hot, Joerger knew this was a four-quarter game, and the Mavericks weren''t going to go down easily tonight.


    Of course, Joerger could make this call with confidence, given the Grizzlies'' strong bench.


    The Grizzlies proved him right.


    Last season in the Western Conference Finals, both Han Sen and Randolph were in top form, but the team lost due to the Mavericks'' superior bench depth.


    This year, however, the Grizzlies'' second unit included Crawford, Battier, Gay, Speights, and Faried, with Tony Allen and James Johnson yet to come in.


    Hollins: Why didn''t I get to coach this loaded squad!


    With such a strong bench, Han Sen could comfortably rest without being run ragged by the fourth quarter like last season.


    At halftime, the Grizzlies led the Mavericks 54-46.


    Han Sen had gone 12-for-14 from the field, including 3-for-4 from three, with a perfect 3-for-3 at the line, totaling 30 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists.


    Carlisle had tried everything, but nothing could stop Han Sen from scoring.


    "God gave Michael 23; Han took the remaining 77," remarked Breen, echoing Shaq''s earlier sentiments.


    Han Sen''s infamous quote had once made him a target of ridicule, but it had since become his trademark.


    It turns out, it''s not just about talking big¡ªit''s about backing it up.


    In the second half, Han Sen returned and hit a contested mid-range jumper over Nowitzki, showing no drop-off in his touch.


    Carlisle was at a loss.


    In the next possession, as Han Sen prepared to shoot, Marion outright pulled Han Sen down to prevent him from shooting.


    The Hack-a-Han tactic had begun.


    Carlisle was desperate.


    Last season, the Grizzlies resorted to fouling Nowitzki to cool his hot streak, only to see him drain 24 consecutive free throws in a legendary game.


    While Carlisle was far more strategic than Hollins, Han Sen''s incredible shooting forced him to try anything.


    And unlike Nowitzki, Han Sen, as a guard, doesn''t need to establish position inside to start scoring; he''s even more explosive when he catches fire.


    As Han Sen went to the line, the arena erupted with chants of "MVP!"


    Though Kobe was the favorite for season MVP, Han Sen was their MVP.


    Han Sen kept his rhythm, sinking both free throws.


    He continued to be fouled and made his free throws consistently.


    Hollins: Only now do you realize Carlisle and I are on the same level!


    Of course, Carlisle didn''t want to resort to fouling, as the Mavericks were already limiting Han Sen''s touches.


    But the Grizzlies'' team-focused playstyle shone. All four other players could pass well, getting the ball to Han Sen despite the defense.


    After Han Sen''s fourth trip to the line, Gay joked, "Han, you''re now ''Dirk Han.''"


    Gay''s comment, meant to reflect Han''s treatment similar to Nowitzki''s, almost caused a scuffle, as Terry thought Gay was mocking Dirk and angrily shoved him from behind.


    This flare-up nearly caused an altercation, but it also exposed how rattled the Mavericks had become.


    Terry received a technical foul, gifting the Grizzlies a free throw and possession.


    This incident only served to successfully anger the Grizzlies.


    Han Sen sank all three free throws in a row.


    The Grizzlies inbounded, and Han Sen broke through, pulling off a classic ''Han-Gay alley-oop'' with Gay slamming the ball over Nowitzki, igniting FedExForum into a frenzy.


    The Grizzlies outscored the Mavericks 30-20 in the third quarter and led by 18 points going into the fourth.


    Nowitzki returned at the start of the fourth quarter, leading a desperate comeback for the Mavericks alongside Barea.


    But Joerger quickly substituted Han Sen back in.


    Han Sen stabilized the situation by scoring a mid-range jumper over Barea, then made a defensive steal against Carter.


    Finally, he broke through, faking out Carter and setting up Faried for a powerful alley-oop dunk. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This is Han''s night!" Breen said, as the Mavericks'' comeback was successfully halted.


    With three minutes remaining and the Mavericks still trailing by 15, Coach Carlisle decided to throw in the towel.


    At that moment, the FedEx Forum erupted with the deafening chants of Memphis fans.


    "Whoop that trick!"


    A familiar scene, though the last time was in encouragement for a defeated home team, whereas this time, it was in celebration of the home team''s triumph.


    That young boy, along with so many fans, had felt the tension leading up to this game.


    But at this moment, their worries vanished.


    Dallas was no longer their bogeyman but rather a stepping stone on their path to glory!


    The Grizzlies finally won 112-97 at home, securing a victory in their playoff opener.


    In terms of stats, Nowitzki made 10 of 25 shots and went 13-for-13 from the line, finishing with 34 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.


    Chandler had 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks; Terry scored 11 points but hit only 4 of 12 shots; Carter went 3-for-10 with 8 points, and Kidd had 4 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists.


    Han Sen shot 17-for-22 from the field, made 3 of 6 three-pointers, and went 14-for-15 from the line, scoring 51 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals¡ªa new playoff and career high.


    Gay added 15 points, Conley had 13 points and 10 assists, Randolph had 11 points and 8 rebounds, and Marc Gasol finished with 8 points and 10 rebounds.


    ...


    In the post-game press conference, the Mavericks, as the visiting team, were interviewed first.


    "We tried everything, but ultimately, we were powerless to stop him," Carlisle said helplessly.


    History often repeats itself: what happened to the Grizzlies last season is now happening to the Mavericks.


    "I know why he played like that tonight. His desire for a championship surpasses anyone else''s; we''ve got to find that same urgency," Nowitzki explained, understanding Han Sen.


    He paused thoughtfully, adding, "This wasn''t just a night where he got hot. We''re going to have to match that intensity, or we could be done for."


    If the Mavericks'' other players didn''t heed Nowitzki''s words and respond with urgency, they could face the same fate as the 2007 Heat, getting swept out of the playoffs.


    Han Sen then joined Joerger at the press conference.


    "Congratulations on a career-high 51 points, Han! That''s incredible, especially in the playoffs. Any thoughts on the achievement?" It was clear that the Grizzlies wanted Han Sen to bask in the spotlight alone tonight.


    "We wanted this win badly. After last season''s loss to them, we felt like we had something to prove," Han said with a smile.


    "So, from the start, we pushed hard on defense and tried to bring our best. As for the 51 points? That''s just a blessing. But what really matters is that we won. That''s what''s important."


    The smile on Han''s face was genuine. Despite his pre-game confidence with that young fan, nobody truly knew how tonight''s game would play out against the reigning champs.


    "Has tonight''s game set the tone for the series? Do you think you''ll finally exact revenge on the Mavericks?" an ESPN reporter asked.


    "No, the Mavericks are defending champions," Han replied calmly.


    "They''re a proven team. If we think we''ve already settled the score after one game, we''re asking to lose. This is just the beginning. We''re staying focused."


    "Are you concerned about the next game? We know it''s hard to replicate tonight''s kind of shooting performance," the reporter pressed, fishing for a headline.


    "Look, I''m a regular-season guy averaging 23 points," Han answered with a grin, drawing laughter from the room.


    Though it sounded humble, Han Sen''s 51-point playoff game was something even LeBron James and Kevin Durant hadn''t achieved yet.


    "Tonight I happened to score a lot. Next game, it might be Rudy, or Zach..." Han paused and then, with a smirk, added, "or maybe even Jordan."


    More laughter filled the room. The Grizzlies also had their own ''Jordan'' (Jordan Crawford).


    But Han''s message was clear: this wasn''t just his night; it was the team''s. They were a unit, and they didn''t need any single player to carry them to victory.

 Chapter 174: Sacrifice.

    Chapter 174: Sacrifice."51 Points in Playoffs: Han Surpasses LBJ and KD"


    After Game 1, Khalil published a striking article on TNT that generated significant buzz.


    Not only did this article earn Han Sen a massive amount of hater points, but his social media was also flooded with criticism, even with Durant joining in.


    Fans, including many anonymous accounts¡ªsome that Han Sen had never even seen before¡ªcame at him en masse, filling his feed with comments, many posted in the middle of the night.


    It all started when Han Sen connected with Scarlett. Durant then blocked him entirely and continued to add fuel to the fire whenever their teams faced off, intensifying Han''s hater points.


    But this was no longer just about Scarlett; it had become a matter of pride.


    Imagine you admire a celebrity, unaware if she''s dating anyone, and then suddenly you learn that a co-worker has won her over.


    It''s crushing! Durant, being a sensitive type, took it particularly hard.


    Khalil''s article mainly targeted LeBron, with whom Han Sen''s rivalry had become public, but Durant, with a smaller fanbase, was also mentioned in passing.


    The outcome of the article greatly intensified the tension between Han Sen and Durant. If the two were to meet in the playoffs, it would surely be a fierce showdown.


    Of course, that''s looking ahead, as such a meeting would only be possible in the conference finals.


    ... Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Two days later, the Grizzlies hosted the Mavericks for Game 2.


    This time, Carlisle implemented a highly focused strategy to deny Han any shots or easy ball access.


    In a way, Han Sen was experiencing the ''Jordan Rules'' treatment, forcing the other four Grizzlies to step up if they wanted to win.


    Carlisle''s strategy was spot on. The Grizzlies struggled, especially as Randolph couldn''t overpower Chandler, leaving the team without a reliable offensive anchor.


    By halftime, the Grizzlies trailed 52-44, flipping the dynamic of Game 1.


    This Mavericks team was vastly different from the 2007 Heat.


    Made up mainly of veterans, they had neither lost their hunger after winning the title, nor were there the usual conflicts over playing time, contracts, or status.


    This resilience wasn''t just due to the players but was shaped by their environment.


    Without the Lakers as a looming threat, Cuban''s decision to keep the roster intact might not have had the same effect.


    But with the Lakers'' presence, Cuban''s choice appeared bold, giving the Mavericks additional motivation to compete.


    After all, if the owner showed such commitment, the players had every reason to give it their all again.


    Their offseason moves were equally noteworthy, like letting go of Butler who had clashed with Marion, and bringing in Carter to maintain a competitive atmosphere within the team


    At halftime, Joerger tried motivating the team with a tactical pep talk, but it wasn''t as effective as he hoped. He even muttered, "If only Lionel were still here."


    Being close to Hollins, he felt the former coach might know how to handle such tense moments better, since Hollins had championship experience as a player.


    ...


    When the door finally closed behind the coach, Han took a deep breath, looked around at his teammates, and stood up.


    "Guys," he began, drawing everyone''s attention, "do you know why I didn''t shoot more during the regular season?"


    The players looked at each other, surprised¡ªthis wasn''t something he''d ever talked about.


    Han continued, "Back in Cleveland, I learned that taking all the shots, putting up big numbers¡ªthat''s just personal glory. It doesn''t win games."


    A murmur went through the room, but Han kept going.


    "Look, you can''t expect a guy to come out swinging in the playoffs if he hasn''t had touches, no rhythm, no role all season. We''re not machines. We need those reps to stay sharp."


    Now, the room was silent, everyone locked in. For the first time, guys like Gay and Gasol were seeing what Han''s sacrifices had really been about.


    They''d noticed his unselfish play before, but now they understood the bigger picture.


    "Look where it got us," Han said, nodding. "We finished the season as the best team. So we don''t need anyone to tell us how to win.


    We''ve just gotta keep doing what we know we can do, and we''ll walk out of here with a W."


    Gasol clenched his fists and gave a nod, while Gay broke into a grin. The energy in the room shifted as Han''s words sank in.


    They didn''t need ''championship DNA.'' After all, the Mavericks didn''t have it last season. They just needed to believe in themselves.


    ...


    As the second half started, the Mavericks continued their defensive focus on Han.


    But on the very first possession, Gasol beat Nowitzki in the low post, drew a foul on Chandler while going for the basket, and made the play.


    Han then blocked a layup by Nowitzki on defense, and Conley drained a three-pointer off a Gasol pass.


    The Grizzlies opened the half with a 5-0 run.


    The Mavericks began to falter. Their defensive rotations left gaps that the Grizzlies exploited, steadily narrowing the lead.


    Carlisle noticed the shift, but by the time he called a timeout, it was already too late¡ªthe Grizzlies had surged ahead.


    Both commentators and coaches were amazed. The same players were on the floor, yet their confidence and decisiveness had transformed the game.


    Carlisle''s focus on Han created openings for others, since the team had developed an over-reliance on him in Game 1, almost believing they couldn''t score without him.


    But now, by passing quickly and shooting confidently, the Grizzlies'' offense flowed smoothly.


    By the end of the third quarter, the commentators finally saw the key: the Grizzlies were playing with confidence, capitalizing on Carlisle''s defense against Han.


    Ultimately, Han''s willingness to share the ball and make sacrifices was the true catalyst for their cohesive play.


    Carlisle realized his mistake in the fourth quarter but couldn''t stop the Grizzlies.


    The Grizzlies had five players in double figures, while only Nowitzki and Terry managed it for the Mavericks.


    The Grizzlies scored 56 points in the second half to the Mavericks'' 42, securing a 100-94 victory and a 2-0 series lead.


    Han''s words from the press conference afterward were modest, "We don''t need any one player to score big; we''re a team."


    Back in the locker room, Han was ambushed with champagne, celebrating their reversal of fortunes with the teammates he trusted.


    With arms wide, Han embraced the celebration. To him, they didn''t need ''championship DNA''¡ªthey had their own winning identity.


    ...


    In Game 3, the Mavericks fought hard at home.


    Han scored a clutch shot over Marion, but Nowitzki hit a high-arcing three-pointer to win the game, cutting the Grizzlies'' series lead to 2-1.


    But even after the close loss, the Grizzlies weren''t fazed, having found their winning formula.


    In Game 4, the Grizzlies dominated, wrapping up the game in three quarters and securing a comfortable victory for a 3-1 series lead.


    Heading back to Dallas, Nowitzki made a public vow to fight on, but it seemed hollow against the backdrop of a near-certain elimination.


    Dallas had considered deliberately dropping to the sixth seed to avoid Memphis'' tougher, team-oriented style, but circumstances hadn''t allowed it.


    The Mavericks had lost a mental edge by even considering such a move.


    In Game 5, despite a fierce start led by Nowitzki, Han found his rhythm again, scoring 40 points and leading the Grizzlies to a narrow 101-98 win, ending the series 4-1.


    As the final buzzer sounded, Nowitzki hugged Han, his red-rimmed eyes showing how much he had wanted to defend the title. Yet he congratulated Han and the Grizzlies, recognizing they deserved the victory.


    The FedExForum erupted as Memphis fans celebrated. Gay, barely containing his excitement, nearly climbed into Han''s arms.


    The Grizzlies had learned so much in this series.


    They now had what they needed to face the next, seemingly invincible opponent.

 Chapter 175: Duel.

    Chapter 175: Duel.Before the playoffs began, ''Octopus'' Stan made his usual first-round predictions.


    This year, he called for two upsets, both in the Eastern Conference, predicting the 76ers would topple the Bulls and the Hawks would eliminate the Celtics.


    In the West, the Grizzlies and Mavericks matchup was the most uncertain, with Stan predicting the Grizzlies would ultimately come out on top, even foreseeing a Game 7 showdown.


    However, his predictions were a bit off this year¡ªthe Celtics knocked out the Hawks, and the Grizzlies won more easily than expected.


    Yet Stan retained his status as a top analyst by correctly predicting an eighth-seed upset for the fourth time in history!


    He noted that Rose''s lingering injury risk could easily resurface in the playoffs, and sure enough, in Game 1, with the outcome already decided, Rose stayed on the court and ended up out for the season.


    Thibodeau''s system was built around Rose, and with him gone, it was like the 2001 Sixers losing Iverson¡ªit transformed into an entirely different team.


    After this, fans swarmed Stan''s social media, urging him to predict the Grizzlies-Lakers Western Conference Semifinals.


    Stan didn''t hesitate¡ªhe boldly predicted the Grizzlies would knock out the Lakers! His social media exploded with reactions.


    The Lakers were this season''s top title contenders, with even more buzz than the Heat''s Big Three. Predicting the Lakers to lose in the semifinals? Outrageous!


    However, many fans supported Stan, some even bringing up the Heat. With the Bulls upset in the first round, the Heat had no significant challengers in the East.


    Even though the first round had just concluded, LeBron''s fans were already eyeing potential Finals opponents.


    When asked if they''d rather face the Lakers or the Grizzlies, they naturally replied: ''Neither.''


    The Lakers were formidable, both on paper and in actual strength. As for the Grizzlies? Believe it or not, since forming the Big Three, the Heat had never beaten them.


    "You know, it''s just that our playstyles clash."


    As for the Western teams, the Spurs and Thunder had a better chance of beating the Grizzlies than the Lakers did.


    For Heat fans, the ideal scenario was for the Grizzlies to knock out the Lakers, then have the Spurs or Thunder eliminate the Grizzlies, and finally, for the Heat to face either of those teams in the Finals for a clean championship path.


    But LeBron fans were still a minority compared to Kobe fans, and Stan''s prediction received a ton of criticism.


    Especially since the league had just announced the second batch of awards, including the regular-season MVP.


    Kobe won his second MVP trophy with near-unanimous support, receiving 121 out of 123 first-place votes, for a vote share of almost 40%.


    Despite ESPN''s efforts, LeBron ended up with only around 16% of the votes.


    Media friends didn''t overlook LeBron, but the Lakers'' record was just too good, and Kobe''s stats outshone his.


    No one could justify voting for LeBron just because he had a couple more assists. For Carmelo, maybe, given his lack of fan support and poor public image¡ªbut for Kobe?


    Unexpectedly, Han Sen garnered 5.8% of the votes.


    While it may seem small, this placed him fourth among all players who received votes, behind only Kobe, LeBron, and Durant.


    Despite the Grizzlies finishing fourth in the West, their record tied with the Heat for fifth in the league.


    Rose''s low appearances and Parker''s mediocre stats made it reasonable for the Grizzlies'' core to rank fourth.


    Of course, this also owed a lot to Khalil''s hard work at TNT. His articles were frequent and memorable, making it hard for media folks to forget Han Sen.


    But the core MVP storyline was still centered around Kobe, who announced he would receive the trophy in the Staples Center before Game 1 of the second round instead of traveling to New York.


    It was no surprise¡ªreceiving the award at home allowed him to thank fans and inspire the team.


    During a Lakers open practice, reporters asked Chris Paul about the MVP award.


    Paul, as Kobe''s teammate and LeBron''s friend, was well-prepared.


    "Without a doubt, Kobe is the MVP. His performance this season has been incredible, and he made the game look easy. As for LeBron, we all know he''s the best player, and I think he deserves more votes."


    "Do you mean someone else got too many votes?" a reporter asked, sensing Paul''s implication¡ªafter all, the pool of votes is limited.


    "I''m not saying that, but if your stats aren''t strong and you''re only benefiting from team strength, it''s a bit unreasonable."


    Paul nearly called out Han Sen by name. After all, Han Sen only averaged 23 points, a far cry from the other three.


    The Grizzlies arrived in Los Angeles the day before the game and heard the news after landing.


    "Why is CP3 always so foul-mouthed?" Gay fumed.


    Han''s words in Game 2 of the first round had clarified the purpose of his sacrifices, which had proven effective.


    Without his sacrifices, they wouldn''t have won Game 2 and would be headed for a Game 7 slugfest with the Mavericks, just as Stan had predicted.


    But Paul took this opportunity to criticize Han. No one had even asked him if Han deserved his votes! Besides, Han''s 51-point game against the Mavericks said it all.


    Why could LeBron and Durant put up such stellar regular-season stats but falter in the playoffs? Just lack of desire?


    "Whenever I want, I could lead the league in scoring every season."


    Gay was about to bring up LeBron''s famous quote from his Cleveland days.


    "Han, take more shots, and hit them hard in the playoffs," Gay said, still fuming.


    In truth, they all knew Han was the one who could ''up his stats whenever he wanted.''


    "What did you just say?" Han turned to Gay, asking.


    "I said we''ll create more scoring chances for you," Gay replied, thinking Han hadn''t heard.


    "No, the part before that."


    "Why is CP3 always so foul-mouthed?" Gay said, scratching his head, confused about Han''s point.


    "You''re right," Han nodded.


    Paul, while similar to LeBron in some ways, wasn''t one to boast.


    "He''s trying to get me into one-on-one play," Han said, smiling.


    He saw through it immediately¡ªnot only because Paul didn''t typically talk like that but also because Han himself had used this tactic on Durant many times with success.


    "They''re afraid of us," Han added, seeing Gay''s continued confusion.


    Paul didn''t have a hater system; he wasn''t provoking for its own sake.


    Realizing this, Gay slapped his head as it dawned on him.


    Paul was using this tactic because he was wary of them.


    ...


    The next night at Staples Center, the arena was packed.


    When Han emerged from the tunnel, the cameras zoomed in on him, and boos erupted.


    Since his rookie days, after declaring Kobe ''not the best in the league,'' to his feud with Griffin, Han had riled up both sides of LA''s fanbase.


    He soaked up the boos, converting them into precious hater points.


    His pregame routine was unaffected. Meanwhile, TNT''s trio began their commentary warm-up.


    TNT held broadcasting rights for the playoffs from the second round onward, so fans missed them in the regular season and first round.


    Naturally, the main topic was "Who do you think will win tonight?"


    "Believe me, folks, the Grizzlies will definitely win tonight''s game. They''re criminally underrated!" Barkley chimed in before Shaq could jump in.


    Shaq, maintaining his persona, smiled and replied, "While the Grizzlies did great in the first round, I still think the Lakers will come out on top tonight."


    Since joining TNT, Shaq had been betting more often¡ªand wilder each time.


    Just as they finished their playful banter, the lights in the arena focused on center court for Kobe''s MVP ceremony.


    When Stern announced the MVP winner and handed Kobe the trophy, the arena erupted.


    Though Kobe had five championships, he only had one MVP, which many considered a career regret.


    As the cheers subsided, Kobe began his acceptance speech, first thanking his family, then the management, and finally, his teammates.


    "This is a team award, not an individual one. CP3, Pau, Ron¡ªI still like calling him that¡ªwithout them, we wouldn''t be the league''s top team, and I wouldn''t have had this season. This MVP is ours."


    Han applauded Kobe''s speech, feeling the respect for his rival.


    ...


    After the ceremony, both teams'' starting lineups were introduced, and the game was about to begin.


    Grizzlies: Conley, Han Sen, Gay, Randolph, Marc Gasol


    Lakers: Chris Paul, Kobe, Metta World Peace, Pau Gasol, Jordan Hill


    The Lakers swept the Jazz in the first round, but Okafor will miss Game 1 of this series due to a recurring knee injury.


    Marc Gasol won the opening tip against Pau Gasol, officially starting the game.


    The Grizzlies didn''t initially go to Han Sen, opting instead for low-post offense, which proved effective.


    With Okafor sidelined due to knee trouble, Hill was at a disadvantage against both the ''Black and White Bear.''


    This freed up Han Sen to focus his energy on guarding Kobe.


    After five minutes of play, the score was tied at 10.


    As mentioned before, the result of their first-round series against the Mavericks was that the Grizzlies had fully hit their stride.


    Paul was in good form today. With Kobe tightly guarded by Han Sen, Paul used pick-and-rolls with Hill to successfully find Randolph multiple times.


    But this was a scenario the Grizzlies could accept; they had the upper hand with their bench, so as long as they didn''t fall behind with their starters, they were fine.


    Paul quickly realized this and switched to guarding Han Sen.


    "Have you ever seen an MVP who doesn''t even touch the ball?"


    Paul is one of the league''s trash-talk kings, and as far as Han Sen knows, Paul once told Green, "Go beg Durant to come back if you guys want to win."


    Clearly, Paul''s trash talk was a continuation of the pre-game chatter, trying to provoke Han Sen into playing hero ball.


    Han Sen only smiled in response to Paul''s trash talk.


    After all, Paul was a point guard, and Han Sen didn''t regularly match up with him, so Paul didn''t know him well enough.


    Did he really think such tricks would work on him?


    Han Sen didn''t take Paul''s words to heart, but Paul assumed he hadn''t said enough.


    And so, Han Sen felt like a fly was buzzing around his ears.


    Flies don''t bite, but they sure can be annoying.


    "You''ll never win a championship, because we''ll keep beating you." S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Finally, after Paul''s relentless efforts, Han Sen responded.


    "You haven''t even touched the Western Conference Finals court, have you?" Han Sen asked politely as Paul''s face lit up.


    Paul was stunned at first, then his face turned red.


    After all, he had already been in the league for seven seasons, with his peak being the 2008 Western Conference semifinals, where they lost to the Spurs 4-3.


    Just as Paul was about to retort, Han Sen proudly patted his chest and replied:


    "I''m different. Even though I''ve only played for two years, I''ve already been there twice."


    Although he didn''t play that time with the Cavaliers, he still traveled with the team.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 176: Seeds of Discord.

    Chapter 176: Seeds of Discord."You''re only doing well because you''re on a better team!" Paul retorted.


    "Oh, so the Grizzlies are the better team?" Han Sen grinned. Funny¡ªhe remembered that before he arrived, the Grizzlies had never won a single playoff game.


    Paul turned away without a word.


    "Aww, don''t be mad." Han Sen hadn''t expected Paul to get triggered so quickly¡ªmaybe his friendship with James hadn''t toughened him up enough.


    "Want to talk about that 121-63 game?" Han asked with a smirk.


    Paul didn''t catch on at first.


    "F**k!" Once he realized, Paul lost his cool and gave Han Sen a hard shove.


    The ref blew the whistle, and Han Sen raised his hand, signaling he hadn''t made a move.


    Paul was called for a defensive foul.


    Han Sen was dissatisfied. They weren''t calling that a technical? This home court officiating was too much!


    He turned to the ref in front of Paul, saying, "Just because he''s shorter than me, not as handsome, and less popular with the ladies, doesn''t mean you have to pity him!"


    Han Sen kept up with all the trash comments his haters spewed online, so he''d picked up a few tricks.


    Paul was genuinely rattled. Han Sen hadn''t said much, but each line hit him right where it hurt.


    Paul spat out a curse, while the ref, who had intended to warn Han, turned and gave Paul a technical foul instead.


    Han Sen spread his hands towards Paul as if to say, ''See, you asked for it. You wanted to challenge me at trash talk.''


    Kobe then pulled Paul aside for a quick chat.


    "Don''t get into a war of words with that guy. It''s hard to come out on top," Kobe advised, having been in similar exchanges with Han himself. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Paul snapped back to his senses, breaking out in a cold sweat.


    He''d been trash-talking to provoke Han Sen into going one-on-one against him, but Han''s few words had thrown him off his game entirely.


    Though he prided himself on being a high-IQ player, Han Sen was turning out to be much harder to handle than he''d thought.


    By the end of the first quarter, the Grizzlies and Lakers were tied at 20.


    Han Sen had only taken two shots, scoring two points, but he added two assists and two steals.


    With a neat ''2-2-2'' stat line, he was subbed out for a rest.


    As he took his seat, he noticed something different about the Lakers'' approach. Coach Brown had kept Paul on the floor to lead the bench lineup rather than Kobe.


    It was a little unusual since Paul had been more aggressive in the first quarter, which would drain his energy faster.


    However, as a smaller player, Paul had more stamina. Instead of attacking, he was now focused on facilitating, pairing well with Dunleavy to keep the offense steady.


    The Lakers'' adjustment was sharp.


    And admittedly, Paul was in fine form tonight, excelling in both scoring and playmaking¡ªdisplaying the talent that had earned him the title of the league''s top point guard.


    Paul might be the opposing team''s star, but his skills were undeniable, even if it wasn''t yet crunch time.


    After half a season together, Coach Brown seemed to have found the Lakers'' ideal game plan.


    Shaquille O''Neal had said it himself¡ªthe Lakers were significantly stronger than they had been in the regular season.


    By halftime, the two teams were tied at 58.


    Paul had an excellent half, scoring 18 points and dishing out 5 assists.


    During the break, Coach Joerger emphasized the need to lock down Paul on defense.


    Han Sen listened carefully.


    Joerger''s strategy was to have Randolph stay inside, with weak-side help coming over to deny Paul any mid-range looks.


    The idea was sound, as Paul''s scoring primarily came off mid-range shots from pick-and-rolls with Pau Gasol.


    However, as Han Sen listened, he wondered if Joerger''s approach would be effective.


    Paul wasn''t limited to pick-and-roll mid-range shots.


    In fact, he was even more dangerous as a playmaker¡ªthat was his bread and butter.


    If they allocated too many defensive resources to Paul, it would free up Kobe and Pau, which would be an even bigger problem than letting Chris Paul score.


    Han Sen didn''t raise his concerns directly but waited until Joerger was leaving to pull him aside and share his thoughts.


    "Do you have a better idea?" Joerger was open to feedback.


    "I could give it a try," Han Sen replied. He wasn''t one to offer criticism without a solution.


    ...


    When the second half started, the Lakers adjusted their lineup, swapping Hill for Turiaf at center.


    The Lakers sacrificed some height, but Turiaf''s defense was notably stronger than Hill''s.


    The Lakers opened with the ball, and as Paul advanced to the frontcourt, he noticed that Han Sen was now guarding him.


    Just as he looked over to see who was covering Kobe, Han Sen piped up again, "I''ll allow you to pass it to Kobe."


    Paul shot Han Sen a glance. Did he really think he''d fall for such low-level trash talk?


    He''d misjudged Han in the first half, but Han was clearly underestimating him now.


    Paul passed to Kobe, and Han didn''t switch, instead sticking close to Paul to keep him from wandering freely.


    Gay was now guarding Kobe.


    Kobe tried to beat Gay off the dribble, but Gay managed to contest his shot, which clanged off the rim.


    Gay''s defense wasn''t quite at Han''s level, but with his physical gifts, it wasn''t far behind.


    From what Han knew of ''history,'' Gay had eventually transformed into a 3-and-D player with the Spurs in the later stages of his career.


    And there was another key point: Kobe hadn''t taken many shots in the first half and still needed time to find his rhythm.


    The Grizzlies'' offense remained focused inside.


    Marc Gasol posted up Turiaf, trying to exploit his height advantage.


    Han Sen ran a weak-side cut and drew Paul as a defender.


    "I''ll allow you to go one-on-one against me," Paul mimicked Han Sen''s earlier words.


    Han Sen blinked, then burst out laughing.


    When it came to trash talk, James was like a rock, but Paul had a whole arsenal of tactics.


    Marc Gasol ended up drawing a defensive foul on Turiaf, earning two free throws.


    Though Turiaf was indeed a defensive-minded center, his height disadvantage was clear. Otherwise, the Lakers wouldn''t have hesitated to pay him $4 million in the past.


    Taking advantage of the break, Han Sen sidled up to Paul.


    "That MVP speech from Kobe¡ªwasn''t it moving?" Han asked out of the blue.


    "What''s it got to do with you?" Paul replied, as competitive as ever. Though Kobe had warned him, Paul was still curious to see what Han would try.


    This time, though, it was different from before. He''d learned his lesson and wasn''t going to be easily baited again.


    "It has nothing to do with me, but it does with you," Han Sen said with a serious expression.


    Paul was puzzled.


    Meanwhile, Marc Gasol sank the first free throw.


    "If I were you, I wouldn''t go all out," Han Sen said with a wink. "You know what I mean?"


    "How would I know? I''m not a mind reader," Paul replied, still not following.


    "Right," Han Sen sighed.


    Marc Gasol was preparing for his second free throw.


    "You''re putting in all this effort, yet in the end, the MVP is Kobe''s. Even if you win the title, the Finals MVP will probably still be Kobe. What do you get out of it? Just a mention in someone else''s victory speech."


    Swish!


    Gasol sank the second free throw.


    Seeing Paul''s silence, Han Sen smirked.


    However, Paul didn''t hesitate to pass the ball to Kobe on the next possession.


    "I know you''re trying to drive a wedge between me and Kobe, but it won''t work. I just want the championship," Paul replied to Han after handing over the ball.


    "How noble of you," Han Sen said, giving Paul a thumbs-up.


    Paul frowned, visibly irritated by Han''s sarcastic tone.


    Han glanced over at Kobe, who was still guarded by Gay. With Gay sticking close, Kobe''s shots were affected, and he chose not to force a contested jumper.


    "Knock it off with the sarcasm," Paul snapped.


    Han turned back. "Aren''t you noble? I think you''re even nobler than Kobe! Back in the day, he fought Shaq for control, but now he''s lucky enough to have CP3, the Great Chris Paul, as his teammate."


    Clang!


    Kobe''s forced shot missed the mark.


    The Kobe-Paul combo was most effective when Paul set things up and Kobe played off the ball, but that required Kobe to be in rhythm.


    Han Sen''s close marking in the first half had some impact.


    The Grizzlies'' offense was still pounding it inside.


    Marc Gasol posted up again, with Han drawing defenders on the weak side.


    This time, Paul''s help defense was late, allowing Han to receive Marc''s pass and throw down a thunderous dunk.


    The Grizzlies were gaining momentum.


    Kobe pulled Paul aside again, reminding him to ignore Han''s trash talk.


    Paul nodded, though his focus was starting to waver.


    Han''s attempt to drive a wedge between them may have been obvious, but many wedge strategies worked precisely because they weren''t based on lies.


    High-level wedge strategies didn''t invent rumors; they simply emphasized existing truths at the right moment.


    Everyone knew about Kobe and Shaq''s power struggle back in the day. There was no need to verify that.


    A boomerang always returns, though it might be delayed.


    On the Lakers'' offense, Kobe began moving off the ball, and Paul passed it.


    The pass was a bit late, and Kobe struggled to receive it smoothly.


    It wasn''t intentional on Paul''s part; he was simply a bit distracted.


    Kobe''s final drive and layup attempt was blocked by Marc Gasol.


    The absence of Okafor had a significant impact on the Lakers, but with the Grizzlies'' twin towers and Randolph effectively avoiding Paul''s pick-and-roll, the paint remained solidly defended.


    On the Grizzlies'' offensive side, Han Sen received a pass from Marc Gasol on the weak side, drawing a double team. He kicked it out to Conley on the perimeter.


    Paul rushed out to defend, only to be faked out by Conley, who took one dribble and drilled the three-pointer.


    The Grizzlies started the second half with a 7-0 run against the Lakers!


    Brown called an immediate timeout.


    As Han Sen exited, Joerger joyfully reached out for a high-five.


    He hadn''t expected Han Sen''s strategy to work so effectively¡ªit really made an impact!


    Han Sen glanced over at the other side of the court, where Kobe merely patted Paul on the shoulder, saying nothing further.


    Sometimes communication between teammates isn''t entirely open; speaking too much can make people overthink.


    From this perspective, Gay was the ideal teammate, as he was straightforward and uncomplicated.


    ...


    After the timeout, Kobe took the ball up front and ran a pick-and-roll with Pau Gasol.


    Their chemistry was impeccable, with Kobe driving into the paint for a score, stabilizing the Lakers'' momentum.


    Back on defense, the Lakers set up a 2-1-2 zone to limit the Grizzlies'' twin towers in the paint.


    Seeing this, Han Sen perked up instantly.


    In the first half, he was focused on battling Kobe and didn''t take many shots, so his rhythm was off. But if they''re playing zone defense, it would be a shame not to attack.


    He received a high-post pass from Marc Gasol and confidently sank a mid-range shot from the right wing.


    This type of mid-range shot against zone defense is much easier than Kobe''s one-on-one moves.


    Brown really deserved his title as his ''mentor.''


    The crowd buzzed as the Grizzlies suddenly seized control of the game at the start of the second half.


    "The Lakers need to get CP3 more involved offensively. Kobe''s been a bit too selfish here, missing three of his last four shots!" Shaq said, anxiously giving advice to the Lakers from the commentary booth.


    "CP3''s been locked down. Han''s defense is airtight!" Barkley laughed on the side, looking smug as he was about to win yet another bet against Shaq.


    Shaq''s presence had practically turned him into an undefeated champ.


    "Nonsense! Has CP3 even tried to attack this half?" Shaq grumbled, not wanting the Lakers to win but also hoping to avoid showing up in shorts on TV, which would be quite revealing.


    Kobe continued the pick-and-roll with Pau Gasol, assisting Pau for a layup inside.


    This old Lakers duo still had it.


    But on the next play, Han Sen received a pass in mid-range, drawing the defense and passing it to Randolph in the paint, who scored with a close shot.


    The Grizzlies kept building momentum in the second half.


    Kobe demanded the ball up front, while Paul found himself in a slightly awkward role, reduced to the guy who just dribbles across half-court.


    Kobe''s choice wasn''t wrong; with Paul''s current shaky performance, the Lakers needed to close the scoring gap during the starters'' minutes or risk losing the game.


    Losing Game 1 would not only surrender home-court advantage and break their unbeaten playoff streak, but it would also give the Grizzlies a massive confidence boost, completely changing the rest of the series.


    The Lakers had to keep it close, and Kobe and Pau''s pick-and-roll was working.


    Still, after passing the ball, Paul''s frustration was evident. Being the league''s top point guard without the ball in his hands was unbearable.


    An invisible, negative cycle had begun.


    Han Sen noticed this and decided it was time to go all out.


    Yes, he had a big move up his sleeve.


    As Kobe and Gasol ran their pick-and-roll, Han Sen leaned over to Paul and spoke again.


    "If I were you, I''d take a page from my buddy LeBron and learn from his experience. In Miami, he''s already taken the ''reins'' from DW."


    "Yes, you might say Kobe is 33 and will hand over the reins to you eventually, but this is Kobe we''re talking about. He might hold on until retirement. When will that be? Age 38?"


    Just as Han Sen finished, Kobe used a smooth footwork move to beat Marc Gasol, soaring for a powerful dunk.


    Clearly, without Han Sen guarding him, Kobe was starting to find his rhythm.


    "That''s Kobe. I think he could play until he''s 40!" Kenny Smith exclaimed in amazement from the commentary booth.

 Chapter 177: Go Beyond.

    Chapter 177: Go Beyond.In the second half, Kobe scored 20 points, but the Grizzlies outscored the Lakers 46-38, ultimately winning 104-96.


    The Grizzlies dominated inside with their twin towers.


    Marc Gasol posted a double-double with 23 points and 13 rebounds, while Randolph added 19 points and 9 rebounds.


    Han Sen''s performance was unremarkable, with 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists, mostly scored in the second half like Kobe.


    The turning point came down to Chris Paul. After scoring 18 points and 5 assists in the first half, he managed only 2 points and 3 assists in the second half, along with 3 turnovers.


    Paul barely attacked once Han Sen started guarding him in the second half, but his drop in performance was puzzling.


    At the post-game press conference, the Grizzlies, as the visiting team, went first.


    Han Sen and Marc Gasol attended together.


    "This was a classic Grizzlies win. In the second half, we defeated Kobe as a team," Han Sen remarked, setting the tone for the game.


    A reporter asked a key question: "After you switched onto CP3 in the second half, his performance noticeably declined. How did you manage that?"


    "I didn''t do much," Han Sen replied. "And I think your assessment is a bit off¡ªCP3 is a great player. He knows when to get the ball to the hottest hand on the team."


    This response took many by surprise. After all, Han Sen had publicly mocked Paul during the regular season!


    But maybe it could be explained as a case of mutual respect forged through competition, since they hadn''t played in the same division before.


    Following the Grizzlies, it was time for the Lakers'' press conference.


    Unlike the Grizzlies'' relaxed atmosphere, the Lakers'' conference felt tense after the loss.


    "They kicked our butts, and I played like crap." Kobe admitted, never one to hold back on self-criticism.


    "We need to understand who we''re up against. We must cast aside all distractions and focus solely on the game; that''s the only way we can win." As he said this, Kobe glanced over at Chris Paul.


    All eyes turned to Paul, as Kobe didn''t hold back.


    Two days later, the Lakers and Grizzlies continued their series in Los Angeles.


    With Okafor''s return, the Lakers'' inside strength was boosted.


    But what drew more attention was Kobe''s intense demeanor. He kept a serious expression the entire game.


    The Lakers played with intensity and performed much better than in Game 1.


    The game came down to the final minutes, with the Lakers prevailing 112-108. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Grizzlies'' twin towers were contained, and although Han Sen scored 36 points, it wasn''t enough for a win.


    Kobe scored 32 points, while the closely watched Paul posted 18 points and 11 assists, with just 2 turnovers.


    The outcome surprised many, as it seemed Paul would rebel after Kobe''s public criticism. But considering it was Kobe speaking, Paul''s reaction made sense.


    People underestimated the power a superstar''s presence exerts.


    It''s like how Rodman, once known as a troublemaker around the league, fell in line as soon as he joined Jordan''s team.


    It wasn''t because Jordan was particularly domineering. He was simply the heart of a dynasty, and no one knew more about winning in basketball.


    Kobe now holds a status even higher than Jordan''s when Rodman joined the Bulls.


    So it''s not a matter of whether Paul wanted to push back¡ªit''s a matter of whether he dared.


    Not even LeBron would dare to play around with his power if he were on Kobe''s team.


    ...


    The TNT show aired after Game 2, becoming the talk of the fans.


    Shaquille O''Neal honored his bet by wearing boxer shorts during the segment, with a dedicated camera angle just for him.


    Unlike when Barkley kissed a donkey''s butt, Shaq fulfilled his bet with no half-measures.


    The studio erupted in laughter, with Barkley''s gloating grin especially hard to miss.


    Ever since Shaq joined TNT, he had constantly teased him about having five championships or lacking one, always giving him a hard time.


    But now, with Shaq shaving his head and taking his pants off, he finally got his revenge.


    "Let''s predict who will win Game 3," Kenny Smith said halfway through.


    With Shaq joining TNT, Smith was the happiest among the trio, as he no longer had to make bets with Barkley and could relax.


    As the saying goes, it''s all fun until you''re in the hot seat, and now Smith was often the instigator.


    "I''ve always rooted for the Grizzlies," Barkley said proudly, looking at Shaq with satisfaction.


    "I support the Grizzlies too," Shaq unexpectedly agreed, breaking his usual pattern.


    Unlike regular analysis, the TNT show ''Deep NBA'' allows a lot of flexibility, with only a loose outline, leaving Barkley and crew to riff off each other freely.


    This format contributes to the show''s success, allowing for unpredictable moments.


    Of course, this freedom only works because Barkley knows how to keep things balanced.


    And Shaq has become a perfect addition with a talent for commentary rivaling Barkley''s.


    However, now they faced an issue¡ªif both agreed, how would they keep the bet going?


    "Why don''t you two talk about what''s at stake?" Kenny Smith suggested.


    "The loser should go streaking on an LA beach!" Barkley decided, aiming for a big win.


    Shaq instinctively tightened his legs in his boxer shorts, as that was something he''d never agree to.


    "I''m fine with it, but I''m supporting the Grizzlies," Shaq reiterated.


    "So am I," Barkley doubled down on his stance.


    With the show at an impasse, Barkley and Shaq turned toward Smith, signaling that he''d have to root for the Lakers.


    Smith looked bewildered, realizing he''d been roped into this mess.


    It''s one thing to imagine Shaq or Barkley running naked, but him? That just wasn''t his style.


    "Why don''t you just bet on the series instead?" Smith coughed and proposed.


    Barkley and Shaq both turned back, their eyes on the bigger picture.


    A single game could be unpredictable, but an entire series was another matter.


    In terms of pure strength, the Lakers were stronger, which Game 2 had already demonstrated.


    "How about this¡ªlet''s up the ante. Instead of the LA beach, the loser has to go streaking on the Hollywood Walk of Fame," Barkley declared, taking the Lakers'' side.


    This was even more brutal. LA beaches are numerous, so they could easily pick a secluded spot. But the Hollywood Walk of Fame?


    That''s an iconic landmark, where privacy is impossible.


    This was clearly a provocation. If Shaq declined, he''d look weak. Even if he joined Barkley in rooting for the Lakers, Barkley would still hold the psychological edge.


    Or, perhaps, Barkley realized that the original bet was a bit much and crafted a new one to give them both an out.


    "Fine, I''m with the Grizzlies!" Shaq shot back, unable to resist Barkley''s smugness.


    "Kobe has never understood that basketball isn''t a one-man game, but his opponent, the Grizzlies, have already figured this out." Of course, when adding his reasoning, O''Neal didn''t miss the chance to throw shade at Kobe.


    This wave of comments blew up, drawing massive attention to the Lakers-Grizzlies series.


    ...


    Game 3 of the series would move to Memphis.


    After returning to Memphis, Han Sen pulled Tony Allen aside for extra practice.


    Han Sen''s [Uncle Drew] was now extremely close to its bottleneck, just needing one final push. But in matters like these, rushing things could be counterproductive¡ªit always felt just a bit out of reach.


    After training, the two sat on the sidelines to rest.


    "Han, I''m planning to leave this summer," Allen said suddenly, catching Han Sen off guard.


    But after thinking it over, Han Sen realized it wasn''t surprising Allen felt this way. With Gay returning and Battier staying on, Allen''s minutes had significantly decreased.


    In the first two games, Tony Allen averaged less than 10 minutes per game, similar to his situation in Boston.


    But unlike before, Allen was now 29 years old.


    He truly needed a change of scenery, or when his contract expired after next season, he might disappear from the NBA.


    "Have you decided where to go?"


    Allen shook his head. Unlike Han Sen, he wasn''t great at socializing. Although he''d been with the team for nearly two years, Han Sen was the only one he talked to off the court.


    "Then take your time to think about it after the season, and let me know when you''ve decided." Han Sen patted Allen''s shoulder.


    He couldn''t dictate the team''s trades, but if Allen had somewhere in mind, Wallace would likely be willing to do him a favor.


    ...


    In Game 3, the two teams were neck and neck in the first half. Kobe erupted in the second half, scoring 45 points and leading the Lakers to a 113-106 win, regaining home-court advantage.


    "Basketball isn''t a one-man game, but the team with the most points wins," Kobe remarked at the post-game press conference, clearly responding to O''Neal''s earlier comments.


    Much of what Kobe had done this season, including pushing the team to trade for Paul, stemmed from last season, when O''Neal swept him and won the championship.


    Now, O''Neal was in the commentator''s booth, still opposing him and dissing him, fueling Kobe''s intensity.


    Winning by 8, losing by 4, losing by 7¡ªthe margins in the first three games had all been single digits.


    The fact that the Grizzlies could compete like this against the Lakers was already proof of their strength.


    However, with the Grizzlies trailing 1-2, the only game they''d won was when Okafor was out, showing how strong this Lakers team was.


    Losing another game would all but seal their fate, and facing Kobe in his prime¡ªhungry, ruthless, and with something to prove¡ªwas a nightmare in itself.


    Especially with Paul rattled by Kobe, finding a psychological breakthrough would be challenging.


    Their only option now was to face them head-on.


    ...


    Before Game 4, the Grizzlies went through their pre-game training.


    Given the situation, the atmosphere in practice was somewhat tense.


    Han Sen found himself restless. Despite everything, he was missing something. Something he''d nearly reached but couldn''t quite grasp.


    He was so close to unlocking the potential he''d trained for tirelessly, but the limits of [Uncle Drew] felt infuriatingly just out of reach.


    During the full-court scrimmage, Han Sen requested to join the third team.


    This time, not out of arrogance or to get into anyone''s head, but to add a crushing level of pressure that he could use to reach beyond.


    It was effective. The Grizzlies'' starters were not pulling any punches, and Han Sen ended up losing several times in a row.


    But the intensity only ramped up as time went on.


    Han tried to drive past Gay, only to feel a jarring block as the ball ricocheted off the hardwood.


    In the next play, he fought through screens, leapt for a contested jumper, and missed. The third team trailed, and each missed shot cut through his focus like a knife.


    Yet he refused to back down. He could feel something churning within him¡ªa spark, a visceral need to let out¡ªlike it had been caged inside, waiting for this very moment.


    As they ran the court over and over, sweat dripping, bodies colliding, Han''s mind shifted.


    He wasn''t just scrimmaging; he was fighting for the survival of this season, fighting against the narrative that they were too weak, too young, too outclassed by the Lakers.


    A silence fell over the practice as he gathered the ball at the top of the key. This was it. He had to do it.


    Gay, sensing Han''s momentum, threw himself in front of him, cutting off the drive, but Han pulled back in a swift crossover.


    Gay lunged, but Han''s footwork was smoother than ever, his instincts dialed in. He faked right, then stepped back, feeling the clock tick down. He let the shot fly over Gay''s outstretched hand.


    Swish.


    A silence settled over the gym as the ball dropped cleanly through the net. The third team had finally beaten the starters.


    Han took a deep, steadying breath, as if coming up for air after holding it too long.


    He felt an exhilarating rush¡ªa breakthrough.


    Every dribble, every move, every shot felt sharper, more instinctual. He''d crossed that bottleneck, finally reaching the limit of [Uncle Drew] he''d been chasing all season.


    Across the court, Gay stared at him, his mind flashing back to the day Han Sen first joined the Grizzlies. At that time, he''d argued with Hollins over his place on the team.


    Back then, Han had also joined the third team and soundly defeated him.


    More than a season had passed, and his own status on the team seemed to have plummeted.


    But just as he thought that, a hand reached out to him. Han Sen smiled, pulling him up from the ground.


    Gay slapped his head, realizing how ridiculous his thoughts had been. Han Sen had made many sacrifices for the team, yet he''d been caught up in those trivial concerns.


    It wasn''t only Gay whose perspective shifted; the other Grizzlies players also felt a change.


    Han wasn''t just practicing; he was showing them what it meant to defy the odds, to defy Kobe, and to stare down the league''s most feared opponent without a hint of fear.


    They were also reminded of last season, when they had defeated the Thunder, a stronger team, and believed they could beat the Lakers this season.


    ...


    The next night, the FedEx Forum was packed to the rafters, the fans rallying with renewed intensity.


    Despite the unfavorable position of the team, the fans'' support was unwavering.


    The ''courage and resilience'' that the team had established last season was now deeply rooted in the fans, who believed that their team wouldn''t be easily defeated.


    As Han Sen walked out of the tunnel, fans around him shouted his name, stretching out hats, shirts, and other items for autographs.


    He looked up, his gaze landing on the young fan wearing his No. 77 jersey.


    The kid shouted, "Han, we''re going to win!"


    Han Sen smiled, giving the kid a thumbs-up and turning to the floor.


    They weren''t done. Not by a long shot.


    And with every ounce of strength he''d unlocked, he knew they could win.


    -End of Chapter-


    TL/n: Two Chapters cuz I wasted time heavily editing this Chapter. On a second thought maybe I shouldn''t have done it. I ended up making it too dramatic...

 Chapter 178: The Floor’s a Bit Slippery.

    Chapter 178: The Floor¡¯s a Bit Slippery.During the pre-game warm-up, the broadcast cut to close-ups of Han Sen and Kobe, along with their playoff stats this season.


    Kobe: averaging 31.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, with a 48% field goal percentage and 34% from three.


    Han Sen: averaging 29.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists, shooting 47.7% overall and 39.4% from three.


    In the early 2000s, the league saw an era of dominant shooting guards, but over time, the position began to decline like that of the center.


    This shift was partly due to an increase in scoring point guards who took on what was traditionally a shooting guard''s role.


    Additionally, small forwards proved to be more efficient scorers, so NBA coaches began preferring 3-and-D players at the shooting guard position.


    Han Sen stands out as the only young player with the potential to carry on the legacy of the shooting guard position.


    This showdown between top shooting guards is a rarity in the modern era.


    Over at the commentator''s table, the ''Big Three'' are already seated.


    "Shaq, we can go to Hollywood Boulevard in the early hours," Barkley said, already in celebratory mode.


    "Are you worried about embarrassing yourself if you run during the day?" Shaq retorted.


    "If you surrender now, I''ll let you take a walk on the beach instead," Barkley said, offering Shaq a way out.


    Barkley was curious about ''little Shaq'' rumours but didn''t actually want Shaq to lose face because of a bet.


    "We''ll see if you''re still talking like that after the game," Shaq said, standing firm.


    Outside of the bet, Shaq genuinely didn''t want the Lakers to win.


    Last season, he had finally achieved a ''5=5'' (equaling Kobe in rings), and he didn''t want it to be 6>5 again after just one season.


    When warm-ups ended, the opening ceremony began, and the starting lineups were announced.


    Lakers: Chris Paul, Kobe, Metta World Peace, Pau Gasol, Okafor


    Grizzlies: Conley, Han Sen, Gay, Randolph, Marc Gasol


    Both teams'' lineups were the same as in Game 2. Okafor won the tip-off, and the Lakers took the first possession.


    But unlike previous games, Kobe didn''t let his teammates start the attack. Instead, he went straight into a pindown play to get a shot opportunity.


    Paul threw a precise pass, and Kobe hit a fadeaway over Marc Gasol.


    As mentioned before, he was hitting his stride in this series.


    Back on offense, Marc Gasol took a high post position, with Randolph setting up in the low post. It looked like the Grizzlies were going to work the inside.


    But just then, Han Sen suddenly cut back, shaking off Metta World Peace.


    While LeBron''s extra weight made him look a bit like an old man, World Peace actually was.


    Marc passed the ball, and Han Sen pulled up from mid-range.


    Swish!


    It was nothing but net.


    Kobe continued his off-ball movement, and though Gay tried to trail him this time, Kobe caught the ball without hesitation, firing off another mid-range jumper that went in.


    "Kobe''s on fire!" Barkley looked at Shaq, exclaiming that with Kobe in this state, how could the Grizzlies win?


    But just as Barkley finished, Han Sen took the ball off a screen, crossed over Okafor, and made a swift drive to the basket, scoring with a smooth layup.


    "I knew it!" Shaq exclaimed with excitement.


    He''d been teammates with Han Sen and knew he wouldn''t give up so easily.


    Kobe received the ball again, but this time Gay managed to keep up with him. Still, Kobe beat him with a burst of speed, drawing a foul from Marc Gasol on his way to the hoop.


    As Kobe stepped to the free-throw line, the camera zoomed in on him.


    His eyes were fierce with intensity.


    The bloodthirst Shaq had added didn''t fade with Game 3.


    Kobe calmly made both free throws, scoring six straight to open the game.


    The crowd could feel Kobe''s determination to win, not just Barkley.


    The Grizzlies ran a high-low post play, but Randolph missed his hook shot. Marc Gasol, however, grabbed the rebound and tapped it to Han Sen.


    Pau Gasol came over to help, but Han Sen crossed him over quickly, leaving Okafor no time to rotate over as Han Sen soared for a powerful two-handed dunk.


    The arena exploded with cheers from the fans.


    The pre-game highlight reel had set the anticipation, and now Kobe and Han Sen were going head-to-head as expected.


    What was even more significant was the familiar aura emanating from Han Sen.


    With the Grizzlies backed against the wall, they needed this fearless, relentless attitude.


    Score on me? I''ll score right back.


    How good are you really if you can''t even get a lead?


    "We can''t forget that Han scored 51 points in this year''s playoffs¡ªa feat Kobe hasn''t achieved," Shaq said with a broad smile.


    Whether his ''little Shaq'' reputation survived depended on Han Sen now!


    And with his comment, Shaq slipped in an interesting fact about Kobe.


    Though Kobe had scored 81 points in a regular season game and achieved four consecutive 50+ games, his playoff career-high was only 50, scored in a 2006 game against the Suns.


    This didn''t mean Kobe was less of a scorer than Han Sen. Scoring highs depend on shooting rhythm and defensive strategies.


    Han Sen''s Game 1 performance against the Mavericks and the foul-heavy hacking tactics used by Coach Carlisle, similar to those employed by Hollins, were unique and couldn''t be replicated.


    But as it stood, Han Sen''s playoff single-game high surpassed Kobe''s by one point.


    In fact, Han Sen was one of only three active players with a 50+ point playoff game ¢Ù.


    Kobe tried another pull-up after shaking off Gay, but this time he missed.


    On the next play, World Peace finally managed to keep up with Han Sen, but Han threw a quick crossover to get past him again.


    Okafor arrived to help, but Han Sen dished it to Randolph, who banked in the close-range shot.


    Han Sen and Randolph exchanged a high-five as they got back on defense.


    On the sidelines, Lakers coach Mike Brown''s frown deepened.


    As Han Sen''s former coach, he was well-versed in his skill set, but something about Han Sen tonight felt different.


    Earlier, the mismatches weren''t as noticeable, but watching him get past World Peace so effortlessly was like watching someone glide through an empty street in the early morning.


    Was World Peace declining, or had Han Sen evolved again?


    He didn''t know, so he called Barnes up from the bench.


    Across the court, Grizzlies coach Joerger was also preparing a substitution.


    Although it wasn''t Gay''s usual rotation time, his defense on Kobe had been ineffective tonight.


    Instead of Battier, he called Tony Allen to step in.


    Gay struggled with Kobe due to his foot speed, and Battier would be even slower.


    Joerger hadn''t forgotten Tony Allen, despite his glaring offensive limitations, and chose to sacrifice some offense to counter Kobe.


    Allen hadn''t expected to go in so early tonight. Thrilled, he glanced at Han Sen on the court.


    He assumed Han Sen had secured this opportunity for him.


    Gay committed a foul defending Kobe, but it was a non-shooting foul, so Kobe didn''t get free throws.


    The substitutions were made as both teams called for a timeout.


    Allen''s presence immediately made a difference.


    Kobe had been using off-ball pindowns for open looks, exploiting Gay''s slow footwork.


    But Allen, a master of fighting through screens, made it difficult for Kobe to get easy catches.


    Paul ran a pick-and-roll with Pau Gasol and kicked it to him inside, but Marc Gasol met him at the rim for a strong block.


    Allen grabbed the loose ball, igniting the Grizzlies'' intensity.


    "Whoop that trick!"


    Fans began chanting, adding to the electrifying atmosphere.


    Conley passed the ball back to Han Sen after the block, but Barnes slipped past the screen.


    Barnes, the Lakers'' best defender after Kobe, read Han Sen''s fake shot attempt and didn''t bite, forcing Han Sen to reset and call for a clear-out.


    The two teams had been trading buckets, but the Lakers'' scoring had stalled. Could the Grizzlies build on this momentum?


    Barnes didn''t glance behind him, solely focused on containing Han, leaving rotations to his teammates.


    Han Sen drove right, and Barnes slid to stay with him.


    But Han Sen suddenly crossed over, creating space and looking as if he was going for a pull-up.


    Barnes lunged forward, knowing Han Sen could shoot from that distance.


    Han Sen, however, drove past him with explosive speed, reaching the basket.


    Okafor attempted to help, but Han Sen floated a layup over him before he could contest.


    10-6.


    The Grizzlies now had a two-possession lead.


    Cheers erupted as Han Sen''s stats appeared on the LED screen:


    4-for-4 shooting, 8 points, 1 assist.


    The numbers were familiar, recalling Game 1 of the Mavericks series.


    Could Han Sen be on another hot streak so soon?


    The answer was no.


    A closer look revealed that Kobe''s offense tonight was focused on jump shots, while Han Sen was mostly relying on drives to the basket.


    In terms of shooting touch, Kobe might actually be the better one tonight.


    This is also why Han Sen has been so intent on training [Uncle Drew] to the limit.


    After all, shooting touch is something that can be unpredictable and reliant on luck.


    One of the most famous principles in basketball is ''the closer you are to the basket, the higher the shooting percentage.''


    Compared to jump shots, drives to the basket are less dependent on shooting touch and are a more reliable way to score.


    This is why Kobe''s scoring may have slowed down, but he''s still able to produce consistently.


    ...


    Kobe posts up Allen in the frontcourt.


    Han Sen keeps scoring, so Kobe is determined to keep up.


    There''s also another reason ¨C Tony Allen is a nobody. How could he allow himself to be stopped by a no-name player?


    Kobe makes a post-up move, spins, and pulls off a quick fadeaway. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Slap!


    But before he even gets up for the shot, he feels a sudden lightness ¨C Allen has stripped the ball!


    Last season, Allen had some effective defense against Durant in the playoffs, so he''s expected to get more opportunities with the Grizzlies this year.


    However, Gay''s return changed everything, causing Allen to not only lose prominence but also be sidelined.


    But as with everything, there''s a silver lining.


    His low profile makes him less of a target for opponents, allowing him to have an impact similar to Barea''s in last year''s Finals.


    The Grizzlies are fired up, and after Allen''s steal, they execute a fast break with Conley receiving Han Sen''s pass and finishing with a layup.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The crowd erupts with deafening chants, the Grizzlies are gaining momentum!


    Kobe calls for the ball again, and Allen continues to guard him closely.


    Kobe, now in possession, turns and tries to bait Allen by holding the ball in front, but Allen doesn''t fall for it.


    Finally, Kobe makes a move to drive, but Allen sticks with him.


    Kobe fakes a pull-up, but Allen doesn''t bite.


    In the end, after several pump fakes, Kobe goes for a fadeaway jumper with Allen challenging him in the air.


    Kobe''s shot, taken under tight defense from Allen, misses the rim.


    As they scramble for the rebound, Pau Gasol tips it out of bounds, giving possession to the Grizzlies.


    Han Sen laughs and pats Allen on the head.


    Allen''s performance tonight reminds him of the 2010 Finals in ''history'' as he knows it, the series where Allen first made his name.


    Because of Han Sen''s presence, the classic Lakers-Celtics Finals never happened, so Allen missed that chance.


    But now, on a different stage, Allen is having a similar impact against Kobe.


    It turns out that talent will always shine through, no matter the circumstances.


    Han Sen is genuinely happy for Allen; whether he stays or goes, proving himself in the playoffs is essential.


    In the Grizzlies'' frontcourt, Conley looks for Han Sen again.


    Barnes is screened by Marc Gasol, and Conley makes the pass. Sensing this, Chris Paul quickly moves to guard Han Sen while Kobe switches to cover Conley.


    With Allen on the court, the Lakers have the option of leaving him open on defense.


    Just as Han Sen catches the ball and is about to make his move, Paul is already there.


    Even before reaching Han, Paul''s hand is reaching for the ball.


    It''s impossible for Paul not to be affected by Han Sen''s trash talk; under Kobe''s influence, he hesitates to react openly, but he''s clearly unsettled.


    Seeing Han Sen, the instigator, only makes him want to embarrass him.


    As the league''s active steals leader, Paul is confident in his timing for going after the ball.


    Paul''s timing is indeed perfect, catching Han Sen off guard, but just as he''s about to swipe it, Han Sen executes an impressive behind-the-back dribble, evading him!


    This move perfectly showcases his enhanced ball-handling skills Han Sen has gained from grinding out [Uncle Drew].


    At the exact moment he dodges Paul''s steal attempt, Han Sen notices that Paul, due to his aggressive approach, is about to slip.


    Without hesitation, Han Sen goes into another behind-the-back dribble, bringing the ball back to his strong hand.


    Paul attempts to go for the ball again, but with his shifting balance and unstable footing, he ends up falling backward.


    Paul fails the steal and ends up on the floor!


    The fans erupt into cheers.


    After shaking off Chris Paul, Han Sen pulls up for a mid-range shot.


    Swish!


    The ball goes through the net.


    The arena erupts!


    6-14.


    The Grizzlies are not only taking the lead, but they''re pulling away!


    Han Sen holds his shooting pose for a moment, and as he lowers his arm, he sees Chris Paul getting up from the floor, and can''t help but quip:


    "I know, the floor is a bit slippery."


    ¡ªEnd of Chapter¡ª


    ¢Ù: Han Sen, Ray Allen, Allen Iverson (not officially retired)."

 Chapter 179: See You in Memphis.

    Chapter 179: See You in Memphis."Mike Brown, do something! You''re letting Han score too much!" Barkley said, sounding a bit desperate.


    "Charles, if you surrender now, I''ll let you keep your shorts on when you go streaking," Shaq laughed.


    "There are four quarters in a game; you''re celebrating too early." Barkley seemed to have forgotten his previous smug attitude.


    "The Grizzlies have this in the bag tonight. That''s the wisdom of a five-time NBA champion."


    Barkley puffed up, clearly irritated¡ªhe couldn''t stand it when Shaq kept bringing up those five rings as if his life depended on it.


    In the next possession, Kobe Bryant finally scored, choosing the simplest play: he ran off the ball, caught it, and shot over Tony Allen''s tight defense.


    Allen was excellent at navigating screens, but even he couldn''t eliminate every gap, giving Kobe just enough space to release his shot.


    Allen''s height limited his defensive reach, turning Kobe''s attack into a direct display of talent.


    Though Allen''s defense surprised him, Kobe showcased his elite adaptability.


    When Han Sen drove with the ball next, Kobe left Allen to double-team him.


    Just as Barkley was about to praise Kobe''s move, he had to swallow his words because Han didn''t back down. He advanced, pushing the ball forward in a quick, ''split the trap'' move!


    This maneuver was risky for losing control, but Han Sen demonstrated perfect dribbling skill.


    Although the ball left his hands, he spun it just right, slipped past the double-team, and regained control.


    Such an agile move, typically seen from smaller guards, drew gasps from the audience.


    On the sideline, Brown finally realized: Han Sen had evolved!


    Okafor came to help, but Han Sen took off, passing under Okafor''s arm mid-air to a wide-open Randolph, who scored easily off the glass.


    Han Sen may not have been as explosive as in Game 1 against the Mavericks, but he was still unstoppable.


    Chris Paul then connected on a mid-range shot after a pick-and-roll with Pau Gasol.


    Next time down, with Brown signaling, Barnes gave Han Sen a big cushion, clearly forced to respect Han Sen''s drive.


    Without hesitation, Han Sen shot. Barnes'' late contest had no effect.


    Swish!


    He hadn''t taken many shots, focusing mostly on driving, but that helped him build up his shooting rhythm.


    ...


    Paul''s floater fell after a pick-and-roll, bringing him into rhythm, and when Han Sen took the ball again, Kobe switched to guard him.


    Judging by Brown''s expression, it wasn''t his idea¡ªL.A. needed Kobe''s offense more than his defense.


    Especially this early in the game, over-exerting Kobe would lead to a repeat of their regular-season game against the Grizzlies, where he ran out of steam in the final quarter.


    But Kobe had his reasons.


    If he couldn''t contain Han''s offense, the Lakers would fall behind early, potentially losing control of the game before the fourth quarter even arrived.


    The Grizzlies were on a roll, with players willing to step up, so exhausting Kobe''s stamina could shift the odds.


    Han Sen received the pass from Conley, with Kobe pressing up on defense.


    Han Sen didn''t rush to attack, holding the ball in his right hand and leaning forward.


    Though Kobe''s All-Defensive accolades were sometimes disputed, his one-on-one skills were solid.


    For Han Sen to get past him, he''d need to do it decisively.


    With an intense stare, Kobe clearly disliked Han''s one-handed ball-holding stance.


    Han Sen gave a triple-threat fake, then quickly dribbled to his right.


    Kobe matched him step for step, his footwork tight and agile, keeping close.


    Han Sen pulled back through his legs but couldn''t shake Kobe, who stayed right with him.


    This time, Han gave a slight glance at the rim while adjusting his grip on the ball, then crossed left with a ''shammgod'' move.


    Kobe didn''t jump, but his forward lean gave Han Sen just enough of an opening to blow past him.


    With the [Uncle Drew]''s potential unlocked, Han Sen executed these moves with improved speed and agility, letting him breeze by defenders like Paul and now Kobe.


    Kobe chased but couldn''t catch him, as Han Sen accelerated toward the basket, leaping over Okafor for a massive dunk.


    The FedExForum erupted.


    More thrilling than the dunk was seeing Han Sen outplay Kobe!


    From Metta World Peace to Barnes to the double-teams and finally Kobe, the Lakers had exhausted their defensive options¡ªall without success.


    Han Sen''s shooting had shown that dropping off him was a mistake, so L.A. had no clear answer for him tonight.


    But Kobe wouldn''t be Kobe if he gave up after one failed defense. His relentless pressure eventually wore down Han Sen''s efficiency, though Kobe paid the price in stamina.


    Fortunately, Chris Paul''s offense kept the Lakers within striking distance.


    In the fourth quarter, the score stood at 89-100, with the Lakers still in it.


    Both Han Sen and Kobe, drained from earlier efforts, took a back seat, leaving the closing moments to the fans'' favorite: Paul''s clutch time.


    Paul''s first shot over Randolph went in, cutting the lead to single digits.


    Pau Gasol stepped up defensively, blocking Marc Gasol''s inside attempt.


    With this sequence, the Lakers looked poised to make a run.


    The Memphis crowd erupted with defensive chants, unwilling to let victory slip away.


    In the chaos, Paul fumbled a pass meant for Pau Gasol, and it ended up in Marc Gasol''s hands instead.


    Marc led the break, with Gay charging downcourt for a tomahawk dunk.


    The Grizzlies, led by Han Sen for the first three quarters, still had energy to spare.


    That dunk deflated L.A.''s momentum.


    Then, after Chris Paul''s floater missed, Conley drew a three-point foul on Paul, converting all three free throws.


    With a few critical plays, the lead stretched to 14, and the Lakers fell.


    The Grizzlies never trailed after the three-minute mark, finishing with a 112-101 win and tying the series at 2-2.


    This was the first game in the series with a double-digit margin, and Memphis came out on top.


    Postgame stats showed Han Sen had 34 points, 5 rebounds, and 11 assists, with five Grizzlies in double figures.


    Kobe scored 32 points, and Paul had 26 points and 10 assists, but their struggles in the clutch led to the Lakers'' defeat.


    At the Lakers'' press conference, Kobe was asked about the key to the game.


    "We couldn''t contain Han. He played a great game, and we need to lock him down next time."


    Kobe knew just how influential Han was, even if his numbers didn''t match his Game 1 performance against Dallas.


    When asked about the Lakers'' fourth-quarter struggles, Kobe took the blame, interrupting the glance journalists gave to Chris Paul.


    "It''s on me. I didn''t step up in the fourth." This response contrasted sharply with his post-Game 1 remarks.


    After the Lakers, the Grizzlies held their press conference.


    Reporters noticed Han Sen wasn''t there; Tony Allen and Marc Gasol appeared instead.


    Although Han''s performance warranted him being there, he''d given the chance to Allen, who deserved the spotlight after a strong game.


    "I should have used Tony earlier. If I had, we might be up 3-1," Joerger praised him.


    "I often train with Han, and most of the time he''s on offense while I defend him. That has taught me a lot about how to guard top-level guards," Allen mentioned, actively crediting Han Sen when discussing his own defense.


    Though in reality, their training benefited Han Sen more, there was mutual growth.


    More importantly, he believed tonight''s opportunity was something Han Sen helped secure for him.


    And with Han letting him attend the press conference, it created a beautiful misunderstanding.


    This outcome wasn''t what the Lakers wanted, but it was exactly what fans were excited to see.


    With the series tied, the next game became a critical turning point. For a series this closely watched, it was bound to add even more suspense.


    Notably, this was the Grizzlies'' first time reaching such a pivotal game in a playoff series.


    Previous series had either ended 3-1 or 1-3, so they hadn''t reached this situation before.


    The same was true for Han, who, during his time with the Cavaliers, had only played in one playoff series against the Celtics, which hadn''t reached this stage.


    ...


    Two days later, the Grizzlies and Lakers moved to L.A. to resume the clash.


    From the start, the Lakers showed their adjustments.


    Kobe saved his energy for offense rather than clashing with Han on defense.


    Both teams defended fiercely, and as the game developed into a shootout, Joerger brought in Allen early.


    Before the game, ESPN had reported that Kobe spent two days watching all of Allen''s game footage. This might have been an exaggeration, but Kobe clearly put in the work.


    Yet Allen still managed to contain Kobe effectively.


    Soon, Allen was hit with two defensive fouls, disrupting his rhythm.


    Han couldn''t help but protest to the refs, pointing out that both Allen and Conley were among the cleanest defenders in the league, and the fouls called barely counted as contact.


    But the refs didn''t budge.


    It wasn''t just Allen''s fouls¡ªthe refs overlooked minor fouls against Han as well.


    The game''s officiating was clearly biased beyond the usual home calls.


    Would LeBron be the only one to benefit from the rumored ''league favoritism''?


    The answer was no.


    Dwyane Wade''s free throw surge in the 2006 Finals after Game 2, and Kobe''s average of 17+ free throws in the 2008 Western Conference Semis against the Jazz, were also clear examples.


    Even Kirilenko, who usually averaged fewer than two fouls a game, fouled out four times in that series.


    These cases mirrored LeBron''s in the 2009 series against the Magic¡ªthe only difference being that Wade and Kobe won, while LeBron didn''t.


    Controlling the whistle is one of the easiest ways to influence a game; it''s why so many games end up feeling like ''5 vs. 8.'' sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This officiating approach had been openly admitted by retired NBA referees, who revealed the league''s practice of reviewing stars'' footage to adjust ''missed'' calls in their favor.


    At this moment, if David Stern had a Finals matchup he dreamed of, it would surely be Lakers vs. Heat.


    The long-awaited ''23 vs. 24'' matchup was a storyline he''d dreamed of, and with both teams stacked, it promised explosive ratings and enormous revenue.


    In this pivotal game, the Lakers finished with a staggering 43 to 16 free throw advantage, ultimately securing a 110-100 win.


    After the game, Han Sen didn''t hold back at the press conference.


    "I don''t even know what the f**k these refs are watching, but it''s damn clear they came out with one job tonight: hand this game to the Lakers," Han spat, barely able to contain his fury. "Standards? The only standard they had was making sure we got screwed over."


    When one reporter cautiously asked how he felt going into Game 6, Han didn''t hesitate.


    "Bring it to Memphis. We''ll handle s**t on our own court."


    With that, he shoved back from the podium, ignoring the chaos of questions behind him, and stormed out without a second look.


    -End of Chapter-


    Translator''s notes:


    Split the Trap: In basketball, splitting the trap is an advanced ball-handling move used to escape a double team.


    When two defenders close in to trap the ball handler, the offensive player executes a quick, precise dribble directly between the defenders.


    This move requires excellent timing, agility, and control, as the ball handler must quickly slip through the defenders'' reach before they fully close the trap.


    The ''split'' opens up the court, allowing the player to keep the offensive momentum, often leading to a scoring opportunity or a well-positioned pass.

 Chapter 180: It’s Not About Kobe.

    Chapter 180: It¡¯s Not About Kobe.As expected, Han Sen received a $25,000 fine from the league following the game.


    But the story didn''t end there.


    The very next day Khalil published a fiery article on TNT titled, "The NBA''s Downward Spiral with Biased Officiating."


    "Dallas'' championship in the summer of 2011 gave the NBA its biggest celebration in nearly a decade. If it weren''t for the lockout, this season would''ve thrived like never before. But instead, referees are dragging the NBA into the depths. When a professional league loses its integrity, how can fans continue to love it?"


    Khalil''s article had one clear goal: to make this issue explode.


    Anyone with half a mind could see the officiating bias wasn''t just the refs'' doing but linked to the league''s inner workings. Only by raising enough noise could the situation potentially shift.


    In truth, thanks to outside hype by personalities like Barkley and O''Neal, this playoff series had already attracted massive attention.


    Shaq, furious over the calls during the game, ranted that the refs were clearly being paid by the Lakers and promised he''d call them out after.


    Shaq''s outburst was understandable; this series'' outcome was tied directly to his reputation.


    With all his years in the league, he could spot bias easily¡ªhe''d been both a benefactor and a victim of such calls before.


    Once Khalil''s article hit, it sparked a huge debate.


    "Weren''t all you Kobe fans so proud of your integrity? What happened¡ªnow the Lakers need league support to win?"


    "Sure, we accepted the loss to the Mavericks last year¡ªthey were a historic team. But LeBron carried his team to the Finals without favorable calls. Unlike you guys, he didn''t need biased whistles just to get to the conference finals."


    "Back in the day, the Lakers benefited against the Kings and Jazz. Did they complain then? No one''s clean, so let''s drop the fake act."


    Meanwhile, LeBron fans, hoping for the Grizzlies to eliminate the Lakers, were all-in on the ''enemy of my enemy is my friend'' strategy and went full throttle on social media.


    The buzz grew louder and louder.


    At the Lakers'' daily public practice, reporters began pressing the team on the officiating questions.


    While the team initially tried brushing it off, the questions eventually reached Kobe, who finally shared his stance: "Games should be decided by the players."


    Kobe, after all, wasn''t LeBron; he still had his pride.


    Not to mention, with Shaq now in the commentator''s seat and a hot new star on TNT, the possibility of needing calls to beat the Grizzlies would give Shaq enough material to roast Kobe for an entire career.


    ...


    Back in Memphis, Han Sen had his mind focused on beating the Lakers.


    The Lakers were now one game away from clinching the series, and the Grizzlies had no safety net left.


    Even with Kobe''s statement, Han Sen couldn''t predict how officiating would play out in the next game, knowing that Stern''s motivations were not necessarily Kobe''s.


    The only way to truly resolve this would be to prepare for a five-on-eight battle.


    And he had to be ready.


    Compared to Kobe, who was nearing the end of his career, the league''s real golden child was LeBron.


    Even if they somehow made it past the Lakers, Han knew facing the Heat in the Finals would bring even worse officiating challenges.


    In a way, this was just preparation for the next round.


    Embracing the ''two heads are better than one'' mindset, Han brought in Conley and Battier¡ªtwo of the team''s smartest players¡ªto strategize.


    Together, they agreed the key to beating the Lakers lay in stopping Kobe.


    In previous games, thanks to clutch plays from Chris Paul, the Lakers had shown an even deeper reliance on Kobe than expected.


    Allen, with Gay and Battier rotating, had already done an impressive job. But now, with biased calls for Kobe, things were different.


    "I''ll take Kobe," Han declared.


    Conley quickly shook his head.


    Although the Grizzlies didn''t rely on Han as heavily as the Lakers did on Kobe, in the playoffs, the gap wasn''t much different.


    "I''m still the team''s core. They''ll hesitate to make calls against me," Han argued.


    "Actually, that could work. Han could focus on defense for the first three quarters, while the rest of us handle the offense," Battier finally agreed after some thought.


    "I''m fine on stamina," Han countered, shaking his head.


    With Okafor back in form, their low-post strategies weren''t panning out as well. Initiating offense from Han would be more effective.


    Battier raised a brow in surprise.


    "We have no way back. I need to do more."


    Thanks to his teammates'' growth, Han hadn''t shouldered a full load like last season. But now, with the Grizzlies cornered, he had to step up.


    If they could just get past the Lakers, then- while the rest of the games might not be easy- at least they''d see the path forward.


    Battier and Conley nodded. Knowing Han''s determination, they realized that once he decided, he''d see it through.


    They hashed out defensive details, aware that Kobe was at the top of his game, and it''d take more than one player to stop him.


    ...


    Amidst high anticipation, Game 6 between the Grizzlies and Lakers began in Memphis two days later.


    The FedEx Forum was packed to capacity, with fans raising bold signs.


    "Officiate Fair or Don''t Bother."


    "Don''t Think You Can Get Away with It in Memphis."


    "We Know Your Names"...


    While some signs were deemed too direct and confiscated, Memphis'' fierce energy was on full display.


    Many forgot just how rowdy this city could get.


    Even during the opening ceremony, the refs and Lakers were booed loudly.


    Though it was the refs blowing the calls, the Lakers were the ones benefitting.


    After the introductions, both teams'' starting lineups were announced¡ªno changes from the previous games.


    Players stepped onto the court with steely expressions, and the tension in the air was undeniable.


    Under the crowd''s roars, Pau Gasol won the jump ball, and the game officially began.


    Kobe glanced up, surprised to see Han guarding him.


    He started with an off-ball screen, letting Paul initiate the offense.


    Paul, in great form, drove to the basket after a pick-and-roll with Pau and scored on a floater, giving the Lakers first blood.


    Han, after a screen, took the ball and blew past Metta World Peace with a quick crossover.


    He felt a distinct tug on his jersey¡ªMetta''s doing, no doubt.


    The refs didn''t call it, confirming Han''s suspicions: the officiating was indeed skewed, and Stern had little concern for the optics.


    When it came down to it, were the Grizzlies any different than the Jazz or Kings of old?


    As Han continued, Okafor stepped in to contest him at the rim.


    Han, undeterred, went up strong, and his floater found the net, with no whistle from the ref.


    By now, Han had gauged the officiating. There was bias, but it wasn''t targeting the core players directly.


    Just as he''d thought.


    Why? Simple: foul out the stars, and there''s no game to watch.


    The only exception had been in the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals, where Stern had treated LeBron like his prized favorite.


    While Chris Paul ran another pick-and-roll, passing to Pau, Pau was immediately blocked by Marc.


    Though the highlight of this series had been Han vs. Kobe, not the Gasol brothers facing off- for those who paid close attention, they''d see Marc had grown enough to hold his own against Pau.


    But the delayed whistle changed everything as Marc was called for a foul.


    Boos echoed throughout the arena.


    When Pau Gasol stepped up to the free-throw line, the stadium echoed with chants of ''Referee Sucks.''


    Ignoring the crowd, Pau hit one of two free throws.


    While the refs could ignore the fans, it was harder for the players to stay unaffected.


    The Grizzlies ran a high-low play, with Marc taking the ball at the free-throw line, spinning past Okafor to drive to the hoop. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Okafor made contact, and Marc''s shot bounced off the rim.


    The refs stayed silent, but Randolph tipped in the rebound.


    Marc didn''t protest; he simply jogged back down the court.


    After that loss in Game 5, they knew complaining was pointless. They were ready for a tough game.


    And after that bitter loss, though his teammates hadn''t voiced it like Han, they were all carrying a chip on their shoulders.


    Seeing that Kobe hadn''t asked for the ball so far, Han couldn''t resist a jab:


    "What, Shaq was right? You''re that washed up, needing calls to win?"


    Having faced Kobe enough times, Han knew his tolerance for trash talk, but also knew what would strike a nerve.


    Sure enough, Kobe''s expression darkened immediately.


    Shaq, age, and refs¡ªthe perfect storm to ignite Kobe''s pride.


    Kobe waved off the screen, signaling Chris Paul for the ball.


    Even knowing it was bait, he couldn''t let Han get the last word.


    Once he had the ball, Kobe called for isolation, the crowd booing in unison.


    Unfazed by the noise, Kobe drove left, then stepped back, pivoting for his signature fadeaway at the free-throw line.


    It was a classic move, one that had fooled Han before.


    But tonight, Han was dialed in, matching Kobe step-for-step.


    As Kobe went for the shot, Han rose and smothered it, rejecting Kobe''s shot to the crowd''s roar.


    The arena erupted.


    Han''s defense was masterful.


    And, crucially, the refs didn''t blow the whistle.


    This was all part of Han''s plan: goad Kobe into a battle, knowing the refs wouldn''t call everything.


    Back on offense, Han noticed Kobe now guarding him, clearly heated.


    If Phil Jackson were still the coach, Kobe wouldn''t get sucked into these duels so early. Like that energy-draining one with Han Sen back in Game 4.


    But Mike Brown? He''d just play along.


    The way he pampered LeBron in Cleveland, he''s now doing the same with Kobe in Los Angeles. He would never go against his superstar.


    Seeing this, Han grinned.


    Game 4 showed that if he and Kobe could cancel each other out over the first three quarters, the rest of the Grizzlies would have a strong chance to take down the Lakers in the fourth.


    So, to ensure Kobe stayed in his headspace, Han Sen also signaled for the ball.


    Cheers erupted from the crowd.


    Game 4 had shown Memphis fans something important: Han Sen now had the strength to stand toe-to-toe with Kobe.


    After Conley passed him the ball, he gestured to clear the strong side.


    The camera zoomed in on Kobe, whose eyes were filled with deadly focus.


    Han started to drive, but his attempts to get past Kobe''s defense were repeatedly thwarted. Finally, he dribbled back to the top of the key.


    Kobe''s quick footwork and intense concentration made him nearly impossible to beat.


    After successfully stopping Han Sen''s drive, Kobe started in with some trash talk: "Come on! Is that all you''ve got?"


    Han took a deep breath, pushed the ball forward with his right hand, lifted his left knee, and kicked back to plant his left foot, stepping right with a scissors move, while pulling the ball back with his left hand.


    The crowd exploded with cheers.


    This was... a Shammgod!


    With his explosive speed, Han Sen pulled it off even faster than Irving.


    And he wasn''t finished.


    Noticing Kobe''s balance was slightly off, he closed in, pulled off a left-hand behind-the-back dribble, then switched to his right, spinning past Kobe with him as the pivot point.


    Kobe was completely faked out.


    To the roar of the crowd, Han Sen drove into the paint and, just before Okafor''s help defense arrived, slammed the ball into the basket with his left hand.


    Landing, Han Sen performed his signature celebration in his number 77 jersey, and the FedEx Forum was electrified.


    Blocking Kobe on defense, outplaying him on offense¡ªHan Sen''s back-to-back plays exuded dominance.


    But beyond his performance, there was something even more crucial in Han''s message.


    5-on-8? So what?


    We can still win tonight!


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 181: Death.

    Chapter 181: Death."Defense! Defense!"


    Han Sen''s fierce offensive and defensive plays electrified the crowd, and the stadium roared with cheers.


    Kobe, undeterred, went right back at Han with his trademark back-to-the-basket move, shaking him off with a smooth up-and-under.


    But as Kobe went up for the layup, Marc Gasol stood tall in the paint, nearly blocking him a second time.


    Though Kobe avoided the block, the shot clanged off the front of the rim.


    This was all part of the defensive strategy Han and his team had discussed: guard Kobe closely on the perimeter and rely on interior help.


    It was reminiscent of how Yao Ming and Artest used to defend LeBron James years ago.


    But, Kobe wasn''t LeBron, and this approach worked partly because Kobe was visibly heated. If he''d been calm, he''d have seen Marc Gasol closing in and recognized Okafor was wide open under the basket, ready for a pass.


    However, every strategy has its downside. On the other end, a determined Kobe returned the favor by blocking Han''s shot.


    He wasn''t as ''washed up'' as Han claimed. An ''old'' Kobe wouldn''t have posted his career''s most efficient stats to win MVP, nor would he be averaging 30+ in the playoffs.


    But Han Sen didn''t back down either.


    Still, Han didn''t back down. When Kobe later drove into the paint, drawing a foul on Marc Gasol to go to the line, Han moved right next to him at the free-throw line.


    "Did VC give you the 500k?" Han asked, casually resting his hands on his knees.


    Back when Han bet he could shut down Kobe and lost, he owed Kobe $500,000. He''d told him to collect from Vince Carter, who happened to owe Han the same amount.


    More than a year had passed, and Han couldn''t help but check up.


    After all, Han knew one of life''s hardest things was collecting a debt¡ªespecially a gambling debt.


    Kobe ignored Han''s taunt... until Han made his next comment.


    "How about we bet another 500k that you''ll make this free throw?"


    Clang!


    Kobe missed the free throw.


    Han''s psychological game was unparalleled in the league. He earned a cold, piercing glare from Kobe¡ªthe exact reaction he''d been aiming for.


    Han wanted Kobe to focus on him, turning it into a grudge match for three quarters straight.


    By the end of the third quarter, the Lakers led the Grizzlies 89-86. Both Han and Kobe were resting on the bench, drained after three quarters of intense back-and-forth.


    The results spoke for themselves: Han''s strategy had paid off. A fired-up Kobe tried to handle everything himself, but the Grizzlies'' well-rounded defensive scheme kept him at bay.


    And, notably, Kobe didn''t adjust to the referees'' calls the way others might, attempting to draw fouls more subtly.


    The refs were clearly favoring the Lakers, but Kobe seemed determined to beat the Grizzlies on his own merits. This limited how much help the officials could realistically provide. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Kobe''s the only real man on the Lakers tonight," Shaq commented approvingly.


    As the fourth quarter began, Chris Paul and Rudy Gay led their respective teams.


    Unlike Kobe, Paul understood how to work with the refs and quickly drew fouls on Faried and Speights, slowly widening the Lakers'' lead.


    Coach Joerger had no choice but to send in his starters early, forcing both teams into crunch time.


    With 8 minutes remaining, the Lakers led 98-91.


    Some Grizzlies fans stood early, sensing this might be their team''s final 8 minutes of the season.


    Han came in and assisted Conley on a three-pointer, trimming the Lakers'' lead to four. Paul brought the ball up the court, only to find Han had switched onto him.


    Paul immediately called for a pick from Pau Gasol. He remembered vividly how Han had humiliated him before, and tonight, he was determined to send him home.


    But Pau''s screen wasn''t enough to contain Han. Although Han didn''t have Paul''s famed footwork, his lateral quickness and agility were on point.


    Paul darted past, charging toward the rim. Checking Han''s position over his shoulder, he went for a bank shot.


    However, he underestimated Han''s jumping speed. Just as he released the shot, Han soared up from behind him.


    Smack!


    A LeBron-esque chase-down block pinned the ball to the backboard. Han''s momentum sent Paul tumbling out of bounds.


    Han recovered the ball, but Paul lunged to grab it, fouling Han in the process. Paul stormed over to the ref, yelling in protest.


    "What about the calls we''re supposed to get?"


    How could he get bumped out of bounds without a call, yet get hit with a foul for going after the ball?


    But the ref''s response was rooted in policy: blocks are typically judged by arm contact, not leg positioning, and Paul''s hand had pushed against Han Sen''s back¡ªreferees had already shown leniency.


    Conley missed a mid-range shot off a pick-and-roll, but Marc Gasol grabbed the offensive rebound and scored on the second putback, reducing the Lakers'' lead to just a single point.


    Marc punched the air with a primal roar.


    The Grizzlies players seemed to have been transported back to Game 4, but this time, they were hungrier than ever for the win.


    Paul wasn''t giving up, and he used a burst of speed to drive past Han Sen again. Expecting Han Sen''s chase-down block, Paul stopped abruptly, hoping to draw a foul.


    But he was shocked to find himself backing into empty air.


    Han Sen saw that move coming a mile away.


    Paul''s foul-baiting attempt backfired, as he had to pass out of the awkward position to avoid a turnover, only for Conley to intercept the pass.


    Conley wasn''t one to play dirty, but he was lethal with steals, averaging 2.1 per game¡ªmore than Han Sen himself.


    The Grizzlies surged forward on the fast break, with Gay catching Conley''s pass and hammering home a tomahawk slam.


    The Grizzlies'' 4-0 run tied the game, sending FedExForum into a frenzy.


    Han Sen''s regular-season taunt to Chris Paul had become a series truth: in crunch time, you could always count on Paul!


    Though the score was tied, the Grizzlies clearly looked like the team with the better shot at winning.


    "Whoop that trick!"


    Returning from the timeout, fans chanted louder and louder.


    Kobe began running the play, and when he received Paul''s pass, he faked out Gay and took a dribble step into a pull-up jumper.


    Clang!


    The shot clanked off the rim; Kobe''s legs were visibly drained, affecting his shooting accuracy.


    Game 4 seemed to be repeating itself.


    But before the cheers could start, Kobe anticipated the bounce and darted forward, grabbing the offensive rebound and drawing a foul on Marc Gasol on the second-chance attempt.


    After the contact, Kobe lost his balance and fell, and as Paul and World Peace pulled him up, he said nothing, going straight to the line.


    The camera focused on Kobe, biting his jersey with a look of fierce determination.


    After Game 4, Kobe had said in the post-game press conference, "The loss was on me. I didn''t step up in the fourth."


    Now, facing a similar scenario, Kobe wasn''t letting that line become just words; he was stepping up.


    Releasing his jersey, he took a deep breath and hit both free throws amid relentless heckling from the crowd.


    The Lakers took the lead once more.


    Marc Gasol attacked the basket, but his shot was disrupted by Okafor, and Randolph''s putback was blocked by a retreating Kobe.


    The Lakers had defended the possession.


    Kobe then drove into the paint, only to be blocked by a helping Han Sen.


    But then the ref''s delayed whistle sounded.


    Han Sen was called for a defensive foul, and Kobe was awarded two free throws.


    Han''s ''core player'' had broken.


    Or rather, such a thing had never existed. The referees had simply chosen not to foul him out¡ªuntil now.


    At crunch time, the whistle always finds its way to the stars.


    Han Sen took a deep breath.


    He knew confronting the refs would only earn him a technical.


    Kobe''s two free throws once again extended the Lakers'' lead to 4.


    Back on offense, Han Sen initiated the play.


    Marc Gasol screened Kobe tightly, and Han Sen received the ball with a behind-the-back dribble, breaking free of Pau Gasol and stopping in the lane for a floater.


    Knowing his shot percentage would suffer due to fatigue, he drove as close as possible to the basket.


    Clang!


    His floater didn''t fall.


    Okafor reached out, ready to grab the rebound.


    Before he could secure the rebound, a figure soared up, smashing the ball back through the hoop with a thunderous putback!


    Seeing the one-handed dunker hanging on the rim, Okafor''s eyes filled with shock.


    It was Han Sen¡ªthe same guy who had just attempted the floater.


    How did he manage to do that?


    "Phew!"


    Landing, Han Sen let out a long exhale.


    This dunk had been a way to release his pent-up emotions.


    But his steps were a bit shaky afterward.


    He''d used up his last reserves of energy to jump, as he no longer had the stamina to play this way.


    But the basket had gone in, and that made it all worth it.


    As he transitioned back to defense, Han Sen switched back to guarding Kobe.


    Seeing this, Chris Paul drove toward the basket, trying to draw a foul on Marc Gasol.


    But Marc wasn''t Faried, and he''d already adjusted to the refs'' calls for tonight''s game, sidestepping early.


    As a result, Paul, lacking leverage mid-air, had to change his direct layup to a reverse, but it bounced off the rim.


    Marc Gasol grabbed the defensive rebound, ending the Lakers'' possession without a score.


    Han Sen and Randolph ran a pick-and-roll, but Randolph''s mid-range shot missed as well.


    At this stage, the physical toll on both teams was immense, making each point increasingly difficult to earn.


    At this moment, the fans realized only Kobe and Han Sen could still score on the court.


    With the game entering its final minute, Han Sen''s putback tied the game again at 101.


    The crowd''s hearts felt as if they were about to leap out of their chests.


    Paul dribbled to the frontcourt and passed to Kobe, with everyone else clearing out.


    It was Kobe and Han Sen, one-on-one at the top of the key.


    Sweat beaded on Kobe''s forehead, clearly showing his fatigue.


    But Han Sen, with his soaked jersey, wasn''t doing much better.


    Kobe began his move, opting for a face-up drive into a pull-up jumper.


    Even if he had other options, he didn''t have the energy left for more complex moves.


    This move didn''t shake Han Sen off.


    Han Sen forced him to stop dribbling.


    Kobe tried to fake, but his continuous movements only brought Han Sen closer.


    Such fake-outs were like LeBron''s ground-stare before a three-point shot¡ªonly fooling himself.


    In the end, Kobe went for his signature, high-difficulty turnaround fadeaway.


    Han Sen leaped to contest it.


    Kobe had to increase his fade angle, shooting almost at a 45-degree incline.


    The ball barely cleared Han Sen''s fingertips, nearly getting blocked again.


    As it arced high...


    Swish!


    It went through the hoop!


    The FedEx Forum erupted.


    Kobe could make even this kind of shot!


    After the shot, Kobe fell backward. As his teammates helped him up, he pulled at his jersey in celebration.


    A classic Kobe moment: tough shot, heavily contested, but it still went in!


    The Grizzlies called a timeout.


    With 40 seconds left, the Grizzlies still had a chance to tie or take the lead.


    The FedEx Forum fell silent; this next possession would decide if the Grizzlies'' season would end here.


    Some fans with weak hearts covered their faces, unable to watch.


    Last year, they had lost in Game 6 to the Mavericks. Would they lose to the Lakers the same way this year?


    As the timeout ended, the camera focused on Han Sen.


    The message was clear: besides Kobe, only Han Sen had been scoring in these last moments. He was the Grizzlies'' last hope.


    After Conley brought the ball up, he passed directly to Han Sen.


    Dribbling the ball, Han Sen waited until the strong side cleared, then gestured for Marc Gasol to come up for a high pick.


    After the screen, Han Sen stepped back, raising his hand as if preparing to shoot.


    "He''s going for the three!"


    Coach Brown yelled from the sideline. He knew Han Sen well; with a chance to take the lead, he wouldn''t settle for a two-pointer.


    Kobe and Pau Gasol both lunged toward Han Sen.


    But what no one expected was Han Sen''s quick, low bounce pass.


    The ball shot between Kobe and Pau, bouncing straight to Marc Gasol.


    Marc grabbed it and went up strong toward the basket.


    Okafor was boxed out by Randolph.


    Boom!


    With all his pent-up energy, Marc Gasol dunked it hard.


    With 28 seconds left, the Grizzlies tied the game again!


    Brown''s guess was kinda right¡ªHan Sen hadn''t gone for the two, but he had chosen to pass.


    In these past two possessions, the contrast between Kobe and Han Sen was evident.


    Kobe had relied on himself to solve every problem, while Han Sen''s eyes had always been on his teammates.


    This time, the Lakers called a timeout.


    When the game resumed, Kobe brought the ball forward himself.


    Once in the frontcourt, all the Lakers players spaced out, and Kobe and Han Sen were left one-on-one at the top.


    It was do-or-die.


    Kobe held his ground against Han Sen, running the clock down. When there were about ten seconds left, he started his move.


    He didn''t face up this time; instead, he turned to his lifelong weapon: the post-up.


    Turning to the high post, Kobe leaned on Han Sen, faked repeatedly, then spun baseline for a fadeaway.


    Han Sen followed, both players rising for the shot.


    It was a battle of height and strength in the air, and Han Sen barely tipped the ball with his fingers!


    Both players were exhausted, but Han''s youth and slight weight advantage gave him the edge.


    The shot fell short, missing the rim entirely and dropping into the crowd below.


    After a scramble, Marc Gasol secured the ball, but just as he raised it, Chris Paul reached in to poke it away.


    Paul''s hand was sore from the jab, and he didn''t get the ball. It bounced out of bounds.


    The Grizzlies'' possession.


    With 3.6 seconds left.


    Just as Coach Joerger was about to call a timeout, the referee signaled that it was frontcourt possession.


    The arena exploded.


    This wasn''t just a biased call¡ªthis was a scandalous one!


    With no ''challenge'' option yet available, the referees had plenty of room to maneuver.


    Grizzlies players were furious, and the crowd filled the arena with boos.


    The possession was crucial!


    But the referees didn''t reverse the call. They wouldn''t.


    Since the Lakers were out of timeouts, Paul quickly walked to the sideline, signaling for an inbounds play.


    "Stay on your man!" Han Sen shouted.


    This brought the Grizzlies back to focus. They were used to a 5-on-8 game; they couldn''t expect a fair call now.


    Kobe started moving, with Pau Gasol screening Han Sen.


    Paul raised his hand to pass but saw Han Sen anticipating, positioning himself on the slant.


    Paul tried to pull the ball back, but his sore finger twinged, and the pass floated out.


    "Watch out!"


    Smack!


    Amid Paul''s warning, before the ball reached Kobe''s hands, Han Sen intercepted it!


    The instant his hand touched the ball, Han Sen felt a surge of energy, driving him forward as he outpaced Kobe, who tried to chase, and Paul, rushing in from the sideline.


    The arena erupted.


    Han Sen was like an arrow, unstoppable.


    He was racing against time.


    He sprinted past half-court, reaching the front of the three-point line.


    Time wasn''t on his side to drive closer, so he attempted a last-second three-pointer.


    Momentum carried him forward, so he took a leaning, horseback-archer shot.


    The ball left his hand, spinning toward the hoop.


    Before it peaked, the red lights flashed.


    The crowd held their breath, hearts pounding.


    Because of his forward motion, he had already drifted inside the three-point line, making the shot closer than a standard three-pointer.


    Swish!


    But it flew straight through the hoop, piercing the Lakers'' hearts!

 Chapter 182: I’m Heading There Again!

    Chapter 182: I¡¯m Heading There Again!"He did it! Han did it!" Shaq leaped out of his seat in the commentary booth, unable to contain his excitement.


    His ''little Shaq'' was still alive!


    The once-silent FedEx Forum exploded in a frenzy.


    Grizzlies players charged the court, rushing towards Han Sen.


    They had won.


    Not just against the Lakers, but they''d won playing 5-on-8!


    So what if there were biased calls? So what if the Lakers kept getting the ball? We''re the ones who won in the end!


    Han Sen dashed over to the scorers'' table, taking a quick step to jump up on it.


    In front of him were the crazed Memphis fans.


    Behind him were his equally ecstatic Grizzlies teammates.


    "F**k the Lakers! F**k the refs! This is Memphis!"


    Han pointed to the ground beneath him, shouting.


    "That''s Han Sen!" Shaq shook his head in awe.


    If he were on the court, he''d grab Han''s head and give him a big, slobbering kiss.


    No, he regretted it; he should''ve played another year and joined the Grizzlies!


    After collecting himself, Han made a listening gesture with his hand.


    The crowd, momentarily hushed, erupted once again.


    Tonight, Memphis would be a city of celebration!


    When a staff member came over to remind him, Han finally hopped off the scorers'' table to shake hands with the Lakers players.


    It was then he noticed Chris Paul was nowhere to be seen.


    Did he pull a LeBron, slipping into the tunnel after losing?


    At the post-game press conference, Han became the center of attention.


    After his game-winning steal and a clutch performance under unfair calls, it was destined to be another career-defining night.


    "If the officiating''s going to be like that next game, I''m not sure we''ll even bother to play."


    But as the spotlight turned to Han, he didn''t dwell on his game-winner. Instead, he made a shocking statement.


    It went beyond mere complaints about officiating; it was a threat.


    And no one thought Han was bluffing¡ªGinobili''s injury last season proved that.


    After the presser, Han got a call from Thomas. The league office had contacted him to warn Han to watch his words.


    "I didn''t say we wouldn''t play at all; I said there was a condition," Han replied.


    "What should I tell them?" Thomas asked. In essence, Han was outright rejecting the league''s warning.


    "Just repeat what I said, word for word." The biased officiating came first, and now they didn''t want anyone speaking up?


    Han didn''t believe Stern would actually suspend him for this. If they did, he''d be ready to cover any fines his teammates faced.


    It was bound to be a sleepless night.


    According to TMZ, head referee Scott Foster was assaulted by an unknown assailant as he left the FedEx Forum.


    The attacker was shockingly professional¡ªno visible facial injuries, but Foster still ended up in the hospital.


    More reports indicated that family members of the officiating crew were receiving threatening phone calls.


    Chaos reigned in Memphis after the game.


    Khalil even published an article titled "Han Saved the NBA," unleashing criticism on the referees.


    "This was the ugliest game; the referees were insulting the players and fans. They''re the ones who should be locked up!"


    True to his goal of stirring the pot, Khalil exaggerated his points, earning Han plenty of hater points.


    But on social media, Han''s supporters clearly outnumbered his detractors. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Han''s heroic game-ending play was the quintessential display of American individualism.


    The speed and reach of the news spread quickly, and the league soon found itself struggling to control the narrative.


    Under pressure from all sides, the league released a "Last Two Minute Report" the next day, admitting the call on the final possession was a mistake.


    Although this was little more than a formality, it did show where the league stood.


    It was now likely that the obvious biased officiating wouldn''t be a factor in the upcoming Game 7.


    With the publicity stirred up, the final showdown between the Grizzlies and Lakers drew even greater attention.


    The Grizzlies players were ready.


    Although the game would be in Los Angeles, they were confident they could win.


    But just before their flight, a news report shook everyone.


    According to TMZ, an anonymous source revealed that Paul had jammed his finger in Game 6''s final moments, putting his Game 7 appearance in doubt.


    Though the report came from TMZ, a Los Angeles-based tabloid, it carried significant credibility.


    Fans who watched Game 6 knew Paul had indeed hurt his finger while trying to steal from Gasol.


    This also explained why Paul had skipped the post-game handshake.


    For the Grizzlies, this was a sudden stroke of luck.


    Though Paul had faltered in key moments, the Lakers'' foundation relied heavily on him.


    Fans online were quick to remark: "When it counts, you can always rely on Paul... to not show up!"


    On the flight to Los Angeles, the Grizzlies players couldn''t hide their excitement.


    After winning Game 6, it felt like everything was finally falling into place, making it hard to imagine losing Game 7.


    "Han, we''re so close to the championship!" Gay exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement as he sat beside Han.


    Noticing the players were getting a bit too relaxed, Coach Joerger gave a pep talk before practice in LA.


    But it didn''t have much impact¡ªthe players felt Joerger was being too strict.


    Han eventually stepped in.


    During the scrimmage, he switched over to the third team.


    He didn''t need many possessions to dominate the starters.


    The team had indeed grown a bit complacent.


    It was understandable, given the string of good news and the Grizzlies'' youth.


    After they lost, Han shouted to everyone, "Have we accomplished anything yet? Did we already win?!"


    His words felt like a bucket of cold water, and his influence clearly carried more weight than Joerger''s.


    After all, he was the one who''d built the team culture and led them to this height.


    Of course, Han''s words had the desired effect.


    Back in the locker room, Gay even came up to Han to apologize.


    Gay wasn''t one for sneaky politics.


    "Rudy, I understand how you feel, and I get everyone''s excitement..." Han began, noticing other teammates were also looking at him.


    "I just really... don''t want to lose again."


    Last year, they''d lost to the Mavericks, and people saw them as the unofficial runner-up since they''d pushed the Mavs to the limit.


    If they lost to the Lakers this year and the Lakers went on to win it all, would they just be the runner-up again?


    But there''s no second-place trophy in the NBA.


    Can you summon a championship by collecting seven second-place finishes?


    Kobe''s ''Number One Loser'' philosophy was clear¡ªonly one team wins; everyone else is just a loser.


    ...


    The following night, Game 7 tipped off in Los Angeles.


    Han spotted Scarlett courtside.


    She''d been on a promo tour for The Avengers, but with the movie now released, she''d finally found time to come.


    Apparently, she''d heard that Han had been unstoppable lately and felt she had to be there.


    But Chris Paul was still the main focus.


    Everyone wanted to know if he''d play.


    He showed up in warmups, with a protective brace on his finger¡ªthe report was no rumor.


    In Los Angeles, word travels fast, and any minor detail soon becomes common knowledge.


    Despite the injury, Paul warmed up and was listed in the starting lineup.


    Paul was hurt but determined to play.


    Seeing this, the Grizzlies players exchanged glances with Han, looking at him with a new level of respect.


    Initially, they''d been unsure if Paul would play, but now, it didn''t really matter.


    This mentality set them up for a strong performance that night.


    On the Lakers side, though Paul was playing hurt, his impact wasn''t quite like Duncan''s the previous season when he played through plantar fasciitis.


    Duncan''s size alone gave him an edge.


    Paul''s passing, however, relied heavily on his finger''s dexterity¡ªsomething Han knew from experience with his own passing skill.


    Still, the game stayed competitive thanks to Kobe and Gasol.


    The duo''s resilience in adversity commanded respect.


    They battled neck-and-neck with the Grizzlies until the fourth quarter.


    But fatigue soon became an issue for the Lakers.


    Kobe and Gasol were no longer in their primes.


    And maybe the outside assessments of the Lakers were right¡ªtheir roster couldn''t sustain the loss of any core player.


    The Grizzlies pulled away in the fourth, outscoring the Lakers 30-20 to clinch Game 7 with a final score of 106-94, winning the series 4-3.


    At the post-game press conference, Kobe sat alone.


    "Does falling short of the Conference Finals due to CP3''s injury leave you with any regrets?" an ESPN reporter asked bluntly.


    "No, losing is hard, but injuries weren''t the issue. We missed our chances in Games 4 and 6." Kobe''s words felt familiar.


    "But the fact is, CP3''s injury did change the balance," the reporter countered.


    "The Grizzlies'' Zach Randolph wasn''t at full strength either, yet they still matched us point for point. They were the better team this series, and they deserved to win."


    "We failed this time, but we''ll be back. I look forward to meeting them again next season," Kobe said before leaving.


    ...


    On the Grizzlies'' side, the press conference was much lighter.


    "Tell CP3, I''m heading to the Western Conference Finals again."


    Han Sen opened the presser with a memorable line.


    To Chinese fans, this line carried an extra layer of meaning because ''CP'' is also shorthand for ''referee'' ¨C Han''s words were a clever double entendre.


    "I love Charles Barkley, but I''m really looking forward to his performance on Dancing with the Stars."


    Han had kept up with Barkley and Shaq''s playful bet; they had helped him out in their own way.


    "Was injury the deciding factor in this series?" An ESPN reporter, as expected, asked the tough question.


    "If the officiating had been consistent, we might have wrapped up the series in Memphis." What''s $25,000 anyway? Han wasn''t worried.


    "What do you have to say about the upcoming Western Conference Finals against the Thunder?" another reporter asked.


    Before this, the Thunder had come back from a 0-2 deficit, winning four straight games to eliminate the Spurs 4-2 and advance to the Conference Finals.


    "You know, KD''s my good friend. We''ve trained together in the summer, but this is the playoffs¡ªI''ll be giving it everything I''ve got.


    If he still needs Scarlett''s bathwater, though, tell him I can help with that."


    After a grueling series against the Lakers, Han was looking forward to facing the Thunder, especially since KD was his close friend.


    After the press conference, Han went out with Scarlett.


    In Los Angeles, Scarlett knew her way around better than he did.


    They went to a private theater.


    Scarlett had brought him to watch The Avengers.


    Han hadn''t expected this, but revisiting an older movie was actually kind of fun.


    It was especially interesting to watch with one of the actors from the film right next to him, adding a unique charm to the experience.


    Partway through, Scarlett excused herself to the restroom, and when she returned, Han saw her dressed as Black Widow from the movie.


    Seeing her walk right out of the film like that was exhilarating.


    You know, Scarlett is someone who loves to seek thrills.


    ...


    "Han is just a loser who got lucky. If CP3 hadn''t gotten injured, he''d already be off fishing!"


    "KD isn''t really close with him. Han''s just a shameless guy, and KD doesn''t even want to be associated with him!"


    "Just wait, the Thunder will knock out the Grizzlies. KD will reach the Finals, and Han Sen will only be able to go home and cry!"


    Durant''s fingers flew over the keyboard as he typed furiously. Han''s post-game comments had left him livid.


    But after a while, he suddenly lost interest and stopped.


    Usually, a few of Han''s critics would show up to challenge him, but tonight, there wasn''t a single one.


    It seemed his repeated exchanges with them had finally driven them off.


    Having won his battles, he felt an unexpected sense of loneliness.


    ...


    He leaned in, his breath warm against her skin, murmuring, "The movie''s over."


    She pulled him closer, her voice soft but insistent. "No... don''t stop."


    ...

 Chapter 183: Barkley’s Walk of Fame.

    Chapter 183: Barkley¡¯s Walk of Fame.The next day, when Han Sen woke up in his hotel, he found that he''d gained tens of thousands of hater points overnight.


    Checking his social media, he realized his comments section was swamped.


    Upon closer inspection, he couldn''t help but laugh in exasperation.


    Durant, instead of sleeping, had stayed up late using a burner account to trash him.


    Didn''t he have better things to do, like finding a few friends to party with?


    However, these hater points didn''t actually come from Durant, since the system only counted one person''s points, no matter how many accounts they used.


    As a celebrity, Durant could contribute a bit more, but only to a maximum of 1.5 times the usual amount.


    Most of the hater points actually came from Kobe''s hardcore fans.


    "You ruined Kobe''s chance to surpass Jordan, you know that?!"


    Better late than never.


    If the Lakers had lost in the Conference Finals, Kobe''s fans might have accepted it. After all, Paul was either choking or on his way to choking in clutch moments.


    But being eliminated in the Conference Semifinals was something they couldn''t accept.


    "Only knows how to complain about calls," "relies on teammates in clutch time," "if it wasn''t for Paul''s injury"...


    Han Sen noticed that they were just repeating the same old stuff over and over. Compared to Durant''s comments, these were pretty unimpressive.


    At that moment, Scarlett woke up and headed to the bathroom for a shower.


    Han Sen was still scrolling, but then he heard a knock on the glass.


    Looking up, he saw Scarlett leaning against the glass door, her eyes glistened under the soft morning light, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.


    She tilted her head, gaze lingering on Han as she murmured, "Feel like joining me?" Her voice was low, inviting, and it echoed softly off the bathroom walls.


    Han Sen was no stranger to this, but unlike Swift, this time the invitation came from Scarlett herself.


    He looked back at Durant''s comments, then at Scarlett, and finally at the bathroom.


    Hmm, something about this felt a bit off.


    With a slight grin, he set his phone down and stepped forward.


    "Well," he said, voice tinged with amusement, "early bird gets the worm."


    ...


    The day after the Grizzlies'' Game 7 win over the Lakers, the latest TNT broadcast hit an all-time high viewership.


    Compared to kissing a donkey, a streaking stunt was a much bigger deal for TV.


    Fans had been waiting for almost the entire series, over a week. They were all eager to know if Barkley would honor his bet.


    At the beginning of the show, Shaq tried to offer Barkley an out. If Barkley would let Shaq dunk on him during the live broadcast, he could move his streaking location from the Walk of Fame to the beach.


    But Barkley, stubborn as ever, refused to back down.


    In the end, he agreed to head to Hollywood the next day to fulfill the bet.


    You had to hand it to Barkley ¨C he was a commentary genius, turning a simple bet into an ongoing series.


    Later in the show, they immediately started a new round of predictions.


    The Conference Finals matchups were now set: the Thunder versus the Grizzlies in the West, and the Heat against the Celtics in the East.


    In the East, there was little suspense.


    Even with Bosh sidelined, the Heat had dominated, and with Bosh returning soon, the Celtics¡ªwho''d just survived a grueling seven-game series against the 76ers¡ªwere unlikely to put up much resistance.


    The consensus was that if the Heat didn''t wrap it up in six games, it''d be a disappointment.


    In the West, things were different. The Grizzlies and Thunder had gone to seven games last year, and although Memphis now had Rudy Gay, the Thunder''s James Harden had significantly improved (winning Sixth Man of the Year).


    Predicting the winner was tough.


    In a funny turn of events, both Barkley and Shaq picked the Grizzlies, swearing they wouldn''t change their minds.


    Instead of making another bet, they started predicting the series score.


    Their guesses were pure entertainment.


    Barkley guessed 4-1, while Shaq went all the way with 4-0.


    To them, the Thunder were no match for the Grizzlies.


    Regardless of the accuracy of their predictions, they''d definitely cranked up the show''s entertainment value.


    As the TNT trio pulled in viewers with their antics, the league also announced the season''s final awards ¨C the All-NBA Teams.


    To everyone''s surprise, Han Sen not only made All-Defensive Second Team again, but also made the All-NBA First Team!


    It was unexpected not because Han Sen didn''t deserve it¡ªhe was fourth in the MVP vote¡ªbut because he wasn''t part of the Nike camp, a spot that theoretically should have gone to Chris Paul.


    But it highlighted the ''recency effect'' in media voting.


    In theory, All-NBA teams were supposed to be based on the regular season, but when voting happened during the playoffs, it was hard not to be swayed by postseason performance.


    If Paul hadn''t choked in a crucial moment, the spot would''ve been his.


    But since he and Han Sen had faced off in the same series, it was like comparing chocolate with something far less appealing.


    After seeing the results, Han Sen posted on social media.


    This time, it wasn''t to get hater points; instead, he spoke out for Marc Gasol.


    "Marc deserves to be on the All-Defensive Team."


    Even putting aside Marc''s playoff performance, his regular season averages of 9.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game should''ve secured him a spot.


    But this year''s voting results were strange overall.


    Tyson Chandler, who had already been named Defensive Player of the Year, didn''t make All-Defensive First Team.


    Meanwhile, LeBron James made both First Teams this year.


    Since Han Sen had training that afternoon, he flew back to Memphis at noon.


    In the locker room, he ran into Rudy Gay, who handed him a card.


    "A membership card?" Han Sen inspected the sleek card.


    "It''s for a new nightclub in Memphis. I''ve been there ¨C the quality is top-notch," Gay said, leaning in.


    Han Sen glanced at Gay. For someone with a wholesome image, especially with a serious girlfriend, it was surprising.


    It just proved that asking guys to control themselves was like asking them to defy nature.


    Han Sen accepted the card.


    In his years in America, he knew that refusing a gift from someone meant a loss of face.


    "Want to go tonight?" Gay followed up with an invite.


    "Rudy, we''re about to start the Conference Finals. Let''s focus on the game." Han Sen advised, still recovering from Scarlett''s ''training session.''


    Gay looked disappointed, but Han Sen had a point. They''d fought hard to beat the Lakers, and they couldn''t afford to get complacent now.


    ...


    The next day, the Grizzlies flew to Oklahoma City for Game 1.


    This time, all eyes were on Hollywood''s Walk of Fame.


    True to his word, Barkley went streaking in broad daylight.


    What''s more, he did it live, filling the Walk of Fame with people.


    When the broadcast started, everyone realized that Barkley was indeed wearing no shirt or pants, but he''d strapped a skirt of palm leaves around his waist, covering his lower body.


    Before he started, he explained his attire was inspired by Native American culture.


    This was unexpected but understandable; after all, if Barkley had really run naked down the Walk of Fame, he''d probably have to quit TNT for good.


    Still, it was quite something to watch, especially when he started running, and his weight caused the grass skirt to break apart. He had to clutch it while running, making for a hilarious sight.


    Being on the Walk of Fame, a Hollywood hot spot, his run immediately went viral.


    The media reported that Barkley''s run had given him the highest engagement of his broadcasting career.


    Who cares about hate? He''d kissed a donkey before, so he wasn''t bothered by this at all.


    Thanks to Barkley''s stunt, views on the previous TNT episode spiked, and their predictions about the Grizzlies-Thunder series trended on social media.


    Naturally, this infuriated Thunder fans.


    "Charles Barkley is a clown¡ªa guy who''s never won a championship but acts like a big shot on commentary."


    "Does Barkley even understand basketball? Isn''t TNT just paying him because he''s willing to kiss donkeys and streak down the Walk of Fame?"


    "Does he dare to bet with me? If the Grizzlies win 4-1, I''ll eat dirt upside down, but if they don''t, he has to. Does he dare?"


    It was funny that Thunder fans only criticized Barkley. Shaq''s prediction of a sweep was even bolder.


    This was the difference between having a championship ring and not.


    Though Barkley always felt Shaq lorded his titles over him unfairly, a ring for a star was like money for regular people.


    Having one changed how others viewed you.


    The discontent wasn''t just from fans; Thunder stars Westbrook and Durant commented at an open practice.


    "They''re just doing it for show," Westbrook said, his tone controlled. "They forget we beat the Spurs to make the Conference Finals."


    Despite his intensity on the court, Westbrook was surprisingly level-headed off it.


    Durant, however, was more direct.


    "They''re right about the five games, but we''ll be the ones winning in five. They don''t realize how strong we''ve become."


    Just days ago, he''d battled late into the night, and now he was ready to crush Han Sen.


    ...


    On May 28th, the Grizzlies and Thunder tipped off Game 1 of the Conference Finals at Ford Center in OKC.


    The arena was packed, a sea of blue.


    It was the Thunder''s first Conference Finals since moving to OKC, and the fans'' passion was higher than ever compared to last season.


    During the pre-game warm-ups, the camera briefly panned over to the Grizzlies.


    On screen, the Grizzlies players appeared calm and confident.


    This was a familiar sight.


    Yes, the Mavericks had shown a similar demeanor when facing the Grizzlies last year.


    Both teams shared a common trait: they had each defeated the Lakers, considered the season''s strongest team.


    For the past two seasons, the Lakers had been the ultimate ''grindstone'' for others to sharpen their championship edge.


    After conquering the Lakers, it was as if the championship aura had settled upon them.


    On the other hand, the Thunder players looked far more serious.


    Underdogs though they were, they hoped to prove the critics wrong tonight. But facing the Lakers-slaying Grizzlies, who could truly be certain of victory?


    With warm-ups finished, the arena launched into the opening ceremony, and both teams'' starting lineups were announced.


    Grizzlies: Conley, Han, Gay, Randolph, Marc Gasol


    Thunder: Westbrook, Sefolosha, Durant, Ibaka, Perkins


    Ibaka won the jump ball, giving the Thunder the first offensive opportunity.


    Durant positioned himself at the top of the arc, receiving the ball, and as his teammates spread out, he went for a direct one-on-one play.


    Compared to the Grizzlies, the Thunder were practically the opposite: a team of solo stars in constant isolation.


    Gay braced himself in a defensive stance, confident after his recent battles with Kobe.


    But Durant got past him on the drive.


    Speed was a limitation for Gay on both ends of the floor.


    Marc Gasol moved outward to help cover, and Han Sen slid in for backup.


    Unexpectedly, Durant, upon seeing Han Sen approach, passed the ball to Sefolosha.


    Sefolosha didn''t hesitate, launching a three-pointer that swished through the net.


    The Oklahoma City crowd erupted into cheers.


    The ''Swiss Army Knife'' had hit a career-high 43.7% on three-pointers this season.


    The Thunder''s progress in both record and strength this season was reminiscent of the Grizzlies, as players from each position showed growth.


    Of course, the big deal here was that Durant had passed the ball at all.


    Unlike Han Sen, Durant hadn''t developed his playmaking as much and remained an elite scorer.


    It seemed that tonight, he was pushing himself to adapt for the win.


    On the Grizzlies'' offense, Marc Gasol and Randolph played a high-low game. Ibaka instinctively sagged, giving Gasol a path to drive.


    But Ibaka''s quickness in the paint shone as he swiftly returned to contest Gasol''s shot, disrupting the Grizzlies'' first scoring attempt.


    Back on the other end, Westbrook ran a pick-and-roll with Ibaka, creating space with an explosive first step before taking a pull-up midrange shot.


    With his stiff yet effective ''zombie jump shot,'' he nailed the bucket.


    Westbrook was visibly fired up, letting out an intense roar toward the sideline.


    The Thunder had stormed to a perfect 5-0 start.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The chants reverberated around the arena, foreshadowing the Thunder''s resolve to silence the critics tonight.


    The camera zoomed in on the Grizzlies players, as if searching for signs of panic. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But it found none; the Grizzlies remained as composed as ever.


    Conley motioned for the play, with Marc Gasol setting an off-ball screen for Han Sen. Receiving the pass, Han Sen immediately drew a double-team from Sefolosha and Ibaka.


    With his postseason average at 29+ points, and a standout performance against the Lakers, it was hard for Brooks to resist throwing extra coverage at him.


    Han Sen took it in stride, smiling as he delivered a no-look bounce pass to Gasol.


    Gasol drove in again, but with Perkins coming over to help, he opted for a high lob instead.


    Randolph caught the pass and powered through Ibaka for the score.


    It was classic Grizzlies team basketball, finally breaking their scoring drought.


    As they transitioned back to defense, Han Sen and Gay shared a quick word, and Han Sen switched onto Durant.


    As Durant locked eyes with Han Sen, a brief glint of menace flashed in his gaze.


    But he quickly composed himself.


    It wasn''t just Brooks'' pep talk before the game that tempered his anger; after so many bitter losses to Han Sen, Durant had learned his lesson ¨C even a fool learns something after getting burned enough times.


    Seeing Durant''s restraint, Han Sen couldn''t resist speaking up:


    "Actually, Scarlett was planning to come tonight."


    He waited for Durant''s full attention before adding,


    "But she was too tired last night, so I let her rest back at the hotel."


    Durant''s eyes darkened with murderous intent, a phantom scythe appearing behind him.


    Han, I swear I''ll take you down!


    -End of Chapter-


    All-NBA First Team: Kobe, Han Sen, Durant, LeBron, Howard


    Second Team: Parker, Paul, Love, Griffin, Nowitzki


    Third Team: Westbrook, Rondo, Wade, Anthony, Chandler


    All-Defensive First Team: Paul, Kobe, LeBron, Ibaka, Howard


    Second Team: Rondo, Han Sen, Sefolosha, Garnett, Chandle

 Chapter 184: He Doesn’t Get It.

    Chapter 184: He Doesn''t Get It.Durant cut from the weak side to the strong side, leaping to catch the ball with his back to the basket in the low post.


    Han Sen tried to swipe the ball as Durant received it, but he couldn''t make the steal. However, he quickly adjusted and maintained a solid defensive position.


    Durant''s passing skills were still underdeveloped, but his one-on-one game, especially in the low post, had greatly improved from the previous season.


    He turned and initiated a triple-threat stance. Han Sen applied pressure to his lower body, but Durant drove left, shielding the ball and dribbling quickly past Han Sen along the baseline.


    In his unleashed state, Durant was noticeably quicker.


    Though Han Sen was beaten, he remained calm, cutting off Durant''s passing lanes and herding him toward the rim.


    In the past, Han Sen had tried to solve defensive situations on his own. But after playing the Lakers, he leaned toward cooperating with Marc Gasol on defense.


    This approach not only improved the defense''s success rate but also conserved his energy.


    Of course, this defensive method only worked against players with limited or average passing ability, and Durant fell into that category.


    Durant reached the basket, but with limited space to accelerate and facing Marc Gasol''s 7''1" frame and 7''4" wingspan, he couldn''t complete a strong finish.


    Turning to pass, he found Han Sen had cut off the passing lanes. Durant attempted a forced reverse layup over Gasol, but he wasn''t Kobe¡ªhis height became a disadvantage here.


    His shot awkwardly hit the side of the backboard, and the ball was ruled out of bounds. Durant looked frustrated; the feeling of winding up for a big play only to hit air was stifling.


    Adding to his irritation, Han Sen clapped in his face after the referee''s call. ''Is this how you treat your friends?'' Durant thought.


    The Grizzlies continued to run high-low plays.


    Marc Gasol spun past his defender and passed to Rudy Gay. Gay caught it, faked a three-pointer to get Durant to jump, dribbled in, and sank a mid-range jumper.


    The defensive disparity between the two teams was becoming evident.


    The Thunder''s defense still relied heavily on individual defenders without a mature team system.


    Westbrook and Durant''s defensive effort had waned as they took on more offensive responsibilities. Once beaten, their follow-up defense often lagged.


    On the next possession, Durant called for the ball in the low post, determined to get back at Han Sen after losses on both ends.


    But he didn''t get the chance, as Westbrook decided to take matters into his own hands, hitting a contested jump shot off a strong-side pick-and-roll.


    This time, however, his shot fell short. Aware of his miss, Westbrook quickly jumped for the offensive rebound and went up again, showing his passion for the game despite inconsistent accuracy.


    However, Gasol blocked his layup attempt off the backboard. Scoring inside against the Grizzlies was no easy task.


    Gasol secured the rebound and passed it to Conley, who immediately picked up the pace, pushing the ball forward¡ªa stark contrast from the half-court style they had under Coach Hollins.


    The Thunder were caught off guard by this quick transition.


    In the frontcourt, Gasol screened for Conley, who accelerated past Ibaka''s help defense, then passed to Randolph, who was wide open under the basket for an easy two.


    6-5.


    After the Thunder''s perfect start, the Grizzlies had returned with a 6-0 run, scoring all in open play and with assists on every bucket. And Han Sen hadn''t even scored yet!


    Team basketball might not always trump raw talent, but high-talent team basketball¡ªnow that''s terrifying.


    While the Grizzlies didn''t have S-tier talent beyond Han Sen, their S-plus-four-A lineup was proving menacing enough.


    Coach Joerger stepped to the sideline, signaling Gasol to double-team Durant preemptively. Sensing OKC''s slump, Joerger made a call to capitalize.


    Westbrook reacted quickly, passing to Ibaka, who took a mid-range shot.


    Good look, but Gasol''s closeout threw him off, and the shot clanged off the rim.


    The ball bounced long, and Ibaka secured it again, passing back to Westbrook, who turned and launched another pull-up jumper.


    Clang!


    Another miss.


    Gasol took yet another defensive board, and the Grizzlies hit the fast break again.


    This time, Han Sen raced out, caught Gasol''s full-court pass, and sped past Sefolosha for a flying dunk in transition, scoring his first points of the night.


    8-5.


    The Grizzlies'' run was far from over.


    OKC''s coach Brooks called for a timeout.


    "How did they even make it to the Western Conference Finals?" barked Barkley from the commentary booth.


    "They went 4-1 against the Clippers, then beat the Spurs," Kenny Smith replied, the only one of the TNT trio who wasn''t laughing.


    "Oh, you mean that kid who only dunks? And the Spurs I used to play against on the Lakers?" Shaq chimed in.


    Their banter may have been ruthless, but compared to the Grizzlies'' playoff gauntlet, OKC had faced a smoother path to the WCF.


    After the timeout, Durant caught the ball low again.


    Facing up against Han Sen, Durant pulled up off a triple-threat move for a jumper.


    This shot was wiser than his earlier drive; with his talent, going straight up was better than risking a double-team inside.


    Han Sen''s hand stretched out, trying to contest, but once Durant was airborne, it was up to his own touch.


    Clang!


    Another miss.


    It had been too long since Durant had a rhythm with the ball.


    Gasol grabbed another board, setting him up for a monster rebounding night.


    Brooks must have stressed transition defense in the timeout, as the Thunder managed to slow the Grizzlies down this time.


    Conley ran another pick-and-roll with Gasol, but Ibaka''s long arms deflected his corner pass to Gay, and Sefolosha secured the ball.


    OKC finally got a defensive stop, launching a rare transition play.


    In a two-on-one situation, Durant soared for a layup over Han Sen, celebrating with a fist pump.


    His first points of the night, but more importantly, it came over Han Sen.


    Conley motioned to Han Sen, signaling he''d take the blame for that defensive lapse.


    Han Sen nodded, no hard feelings. But as he got the ball, he saw Durant stepping up as his defender.


    Durant clapped his hands and shouted, "Come on!"


    Clearly, he was pumped. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Han Sen couldn''t hold back a grin.


    While facing the Lakers, Han Sen had to think about how to drain Kobe''s energy in the first three quarters.


    But against the Thunder, he felt that just a single line of trash talk would suffice.


    After all, the Thunder''s dependence on Durant was even greater than the Lakers'' reliance on Kobe.


    Han Sen shifted left, right, then faked Durant into a jump with a quick move.


    Durant''s defense? He was already starting to look like Rockets-era McGrady.


    As Han Sen drove, Ibaka closed in to help, but Han Sen dished a no-look pass to Gasol, who swished a mid-range jumper from the free-throw line.


    10-7.


    The Grizzlies stayed on top.


    Barkley and Shaq''s predictions were halfway tongue-in-cheek, but it wasn''t far off¡ªtrying to beat this Grizzlies team through isolation play alone? Let''s just say it''s not happening.


    Coach Brooks sensed the urgency and subbed in Harden for Westbrook.


    Harden came in and orchestrated the offense, with Durant coming off an Ibaka screen to catch and shoot over Gasol''s help defense.


    Sure, Durant''s developed his isolation game this season, but his bread-and-butter has always been the catch-and-shoot.


    Harden''s presence stabilizes OKC''s offense, setting Durant up better than Westbrook''s fast-paced approach.


    Then, Gasol counters with a high-post assist, finding Rudy Gay slashing in for the layup.


    12-9.


    Thunder''s next possession, they keep it steady in the half-court.


    Durant distracts the defense, allowing Harden to charge the rim with a ''Euro step'' around Randolph, drawing a foul from Gasol on the way up.


    Harden''s the reason they got past the Spurs. Without his stellar play, they might be facing the Spurs instead of the Grizzlies.


    Harden heads to the line for the free throw.


    Durant lines up next to Han Sen and smirks, tossing out, "That''s it? All that hype, and you''re just hiding behind your team?"


    Han Sen doesn''t miss a beat: "You know, I''m disappointed. That sounded like something a wannabe would say, not you."


    Durant flinches. Han grins. "I thought you''d be better than Kobe''s fanboys online."


    Harden sinks the free throw, tying it up 12-12.


    The Thunder crowd erupts.


    Han Sen takes the ball up, ready to make a play. Gasol sets a high screen, and Han switches onto Ibaka.


    With a smooth crossover, he breezes past him. Ibaka''s solid in help defense, but one-on-one? Not his strong suit.


    Before Perkins can close in, Han pulls up for a floater¡ªsinks it with ease.


    Grizzlies edge ahead once more.


    Durant''s trash talk seems to have fired up the Grizzlies'' defense too. Conley locks in on Harden, while Han sticks to Durant, denying him any easy touches.


    Harden, forced into a tough drive, kicks it out to Sefolosha, but Gay''s hustle is too much. Sefolosha''s three rattles off the rim, and Gasol scoops up the rebound.


    Han''s back at it on offense. Another high screen comes up, and Sefolosha scrambles around, fighting through it.


    But Han''s faster¡ªhe beats him to the lane, forcing Durant to step up. Han makes it look like he''s about to challenge Durant head-on, but instead whips a no-look pass to the corner.


    Gay catches it, drills the three.


    Just like that, it''s a five-point game.


    Durant feels the urgency, so he runs to the arc, demanding the ball.


    Now, it''s a showdown¡ªHan versus KD.


    Durant takes him left, looking to create space for his signature pull-up. But Han''s locked in, shadowing him step for step.


    Just as Durant releases, Gasol crashes over to help. The double team throws off Durant''s shot¡ªit clanks out.


    Randolph seizes the board.


    Back on offense, Han and Randolph set up a pick-and-pop, but Han fakes the drive and pulls out beyond the arc.


    Randolph bodies up Sefolosha, locking him out. With a split-second of open space, Han releases¡ªswish.


    20-12, Grizzlies are up by 8.


    In just a few quick possessions, they''ve blown the lead wide open.


    Timeout, Thunder.


    The camera zooms in on Durant, staring up at the scoreboard, dazed. He''s got that look¡ªlike, "What the hell just happened?"


    Barkley''s on the mic, barely containing himself.


    "KD wanted to show us what this Thunder team''s about. But he''s the one who doesn''t get it¡ªhe doesn''t realize just how damn good these Grizzlies have become!"


    Durant''s still playing catch-up to a new Grizzlies squad that''s been leveling up all season.


    Randolph''s early-season injury? It forced them to grow, adapt. When he came back, they were already a powerhouse.


    Every round of the playoffs has sharpened their edge.


    Facing the Mavs, then taking on the Lakers under pressure¡ªit''s refined them into a confident, resilient team.


    Not just the ''grit and grind'' they were known for last season, but a full-force team built to break through any wall in front of them.


    -End of Chapter-


    Translator''s notes:


    If you haven''t noticed yet, I translated this Chapter over two days, so the style changed midway. Sorry for that.


    Also, kinda late to explain this- better late than never lol.


    Screen: In basketball, a screen (also called a "pick") is a technique where a player positions themselves to block or impede a defender''s path, allowing a teammate to get open for a shot, drive, or pass. By positioning themselves between a defender and the teammate with the ball, the screener creates space for their teammate to make a play.


    Pick and Roll: A fundamental basketball play where a player sets a screen (the "pick") for a teammate handling the ball and then moves towards the basket (the "roll") to receive a pass, potentially leading to an easy scoring opportunity.


    Pick and Pop: Similar to the pick and roll, this play involves a player setting a screen (the "pick") but instead of moving towards the basket, the screener moves out to the perimeter (the "pop") to receive a pass for a jump shot.


    Difference: The primary difference between the two lies in the screener''s movement after setting the screen. In the pick and roll, the screener rolls towards the basket aiming for a layup or dunk, whereas in the pick and pop, the screener pops out to the outside for a mid-range or three-point shot.

 Chapter 185 - 4 AM in Memphis.

    Chapter 185: 4 AM in Memphis.The Grizzlies cruised to a 108-96 victory over the Thunder on the road.


    The final stats showed Durant with 29 points, Westbrook with 27 points on an inefficient 10-for-26 shooting, and Harden contributing 16 points.


    For the Grizzlies, five players scored in double figures, with Han Sen leading the way, posting 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.


    The scoreboard highlighted the gap in the teams'' strengths.


    More importantly, it showcased that the Thunder''s mindset coming into the game was lacking, likely due to underestimating the Grizzlies.


    The notion that the Grizzlies only made it to the Western Conference Finals because of Chris Paul''s injury had left OKC unprepared.


    It was like thinking they were facing a black bear, only to find out it was a grizzly.


    But is the Thunder''s situation hopeless? S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Not entirely.


    From the way they dispatched the Spurs, it''s clear they didn''t rely on luck, nor was San Antonio as ''washed'' as Barkley and Shaq claimed.


    The Spurs had revamped their roster this season, not only promoting Kawhi Leonard and bringing in Stephen Jackson but also signing Boris Diaw in the buyout market.


    Diaw, once a ''French Magician'' known for his passing, had grown into a ''flexible big man''¡ªone of the best post partners Tim Duncan had since David Robinson.


    After dropping the first two games to the Spurs, OKC had turned things around by adjusting their defense to contain Parker and Duncan''s pick-and-roll, winning four straight to take the series.


    Now, it was time to see how the Thunder would adjust.


    ...


    Two days later, the Thunder and Grizzlies clashed again at the Ford Center.


    Right from the start, OKC unveiled their adjustment: sliding Durant to the power forward position, running a small-ball lineup.


    Initially, this unconventional lineup paid off as they double-teamed Randolph in the post, forcing turnovers and even having Durant steal the ball from him.


    The Thunder capitalized on fast breaks, gaining a lead.


    In essence, this matchup was a battle of tempos. When the Thunder pushed the pace, Memphis struggled to keep up with OKC''s transition game.


    However, once the Grizzlies settled, the small-ball lineup started to backfire.


    Playing Ibaka meant they couldn''t contain Marc Gasol in the post, while Perkins sacrificed rim protection in the paint.


    Having four smalls and one big isn''t enough to make a lineup work. It requires a defensive scheme, like Miami''s this season. The Thunder didn''t have that cohesion.


    And once Randolph regained his rhythm, Durant became a defensive liability.


    Brooks'' adjustment failed, and OKC reverted to a double-big lineup.


    With their starting rotation on the court, the Grizzlies held control, much like in Game 1.


    But in the second unit, James Harden became a game-changer.


    Harden had been solid in Game 1, but he was even sharper tonight.


    With his signature ''Euro-step'' and step-back jumpers, he kept scoring, and when Tony Allen was assigned to guard him, Harden shifted gears and began distributing the ball with precision.


    With Han Sen''s rapid rise, Harden had also made considerable progress.


    In Han''s knowledge of ''history,'' Harden joined the Rockets that summer and ''unlocked'' his star potential almost overnight, transforming from sixth man to superstar.


    But that transition didn''t happen out of the blue.


    Like Tracy McGrady''s shift, Harden had already showcased his core-player potential with the Thunder before taking on a larger role with a new team.


    In this game, Harden was OKC''s X-factor.


    Han Sen led with a game-high 36 points, and the Grizzlies'' scoring didn''t fall off from Game 1.


    Still, OKC edged out a 113-108 win, taking one game back.


    Harden finished with 30 points on 10-for-13 shooting and 10-for-13 from the line, while Durant and Westbrook added 34 and 23 points, respectively.


    In this clash of talent vs. teamwork, talent won out.


    This game highlighted something vital for OKC: they couldn''t rely on defense to beat the Grizzlies; they''d have to outscore them.


    That was Memphis''s weakness¡ªtheir twin-tower lineup couldn''t sustain a high-scoring pace, putting a cap on their offensive output.


    "I told you, we''ll settle this in five games," Durant declared confidently post-game.


    ...


    Two days later, the teams returned to Memphis for Game 3.


    The Grizzlies made tactical adjustments, feeding Han Sen more on offense.


    After losing Game 2, the Grizzlies recognized the Thunder as a real threat, one to be taken as seriously as the Lakers.


    Halfway through the first quarter, the Grizzlies nearly dismantled OKC.


    Han Sen''s offensive dominance allowed other Grizzlies to focus more on defense.


    Joerger''s strategy tonight was straightforward: double-team Durant and leave Westbrook open for jump shots.


    Westbrook was happy to oblige, launching shots from the outside.


    With his increased role and OKC''s one-on-one tactics, his confidence was sky-high, but his shooting almost dented the rim.


    Brooks had to bring Harden off the bench earlier, replacing Sefolosha.


    However, unlike the previous game, Harden wasn''t getting as many touches, with Westbrook still handling the ball primarily.


    Han Sen, with his Cavaliers experience, quickly caught on.


    People often refer to ''OKC''s Big Three or Four'' as if they''re united as a team. But are they really?


    Westbrook plays a ball-dominant game, just as Harden does. With two players vying for control, conflict is inevitable.


    Before Harden''s breakout, the two barely shared minutes, so tension remained low. But as Harden''s skills developed, competition for the ball became unavoidable.


    Han Sen faced a similar dynamic with Rudy Gay. Even now, Gay sometimes laments his reduced role.


    Conflict is inevitable in the NBA.


    Teammates are coworkers, and possession equates to stats and, ultimately, income. It''s human nature to care.


    The Grizzlies were able to suppress their internal conflict thanks to Han''s willingness to sacrifice.


    For a similar setup, the Spurs relied on Ginobili''s acceptance of a sixth-man role.


    Could Westbrook sacrifice like Han Sen and Ginobili did?


    Not a chance. He''s second only to LeBron in his pursuit of stats.


    So what seemed irrational actually made perfect sense.


    As Harden''s touches dwindled, frustration showed on his face.


    30-16.


    At the end of the first quarter, Memphis led OKC by 14 points.


    Brooks attempted another small-ball lineup, hoping to ignite the offense through pace. But the move was, once again, ineffective.


    One player was thrilled by the move, though.


    Zach Randolph took full advantage, scoring repeatedly in the post.


    As the playoffs progressed, Randolph''s conditioning improved, benefiting from Gasol''s growth and Han Sen shouldering the offensive load.


    The time since his recovery gave him the chance to regain his rhythm just as Brooks provided the perfect opportunity.


    The Thunder couldn''t claw back, losing 106-88 in a definitive defeat.


    With a 2-1 series lead, the Grizzlies took command.


    But this time, the Grizzlies players stayed composed; even Gay avoided any grand declarations about championships.


    This playoff journey was a growth experience for every member of the Grizzlies¡ªnot only in skill but also in mentality.


    ...


    In the early hours before Game 4, Han Sen woke up half an hour before his alarm.


    He checked his phone¡ªit was barely 4 a.m. Physically, he was calm, but his body seemed to sense the significance of the moment.


    As he got ready, he chuckled to himself, "If this were LeBron, he''d snap a pic right now and post: ''No excuses. Just work.''"


    Han drove down the deserted Memphis streets toward FedExForum. The dark sky hinted at a day still hours away, and the streets were even quieter than usual.


    As he passed through the bustling area, he noticed a familiar nightspot: 1927 Madison Ave.


    The flashy new club, recommended by Gay, was pulsing with lights and music.


    He made a mental note: if they took the championship, he''d bring the boys here to celebrate.


    ...


    FedExForum was packed that night, and the crowd buzzed with signs reading, "Handle it in Five," "Shoot More, Russell Bryant," and "KD, We''ve Got a Tub Ready for You."


    The fans'' energy surged as the players entered, reaching a fever pitch during the intros.


    Barkley, popping a champagne bottle at the analyst desk, said, "Looks like Memphis is ready for the Finals."


    "They''ve got no reason to lose tonight," Shaq added, following suit.


    "They need to get the ball to James (Harden) more¡ªhe''s their only shot," Kenny Smith offered soberly.


    OKC adjusted their lineup, starting Harden alongside Durant and Westbrook, signaling they were all-in offensively.


    Han Sen didn''t guard Durant tonight because Joerger''s strategy of trapping Durant without the ball had been effective in the previous game, so Han would match up directly with Harden.


    Ibaka grabbed the first offensive rebound for the Thunder, and the ball immediately found its way into Harden''s hands.


    Westbrook clearly wasn''t giving up control of the ball; this must''ve been part of Brooks'' tactical plan.


    Han Sen rubbed his hands together, preparing to lock down Harden.


    Harden called for Perkins'' screen, then used it to drive toward the basket.


    Han Sen chose to go around the screen, ignoring Perkins entirely as he relentlessly chased Harden.


    It seemed like Harden didn''t even notice Han Sen trailing him as he launched a floater over Marc Gasol.


    But Han came from behind and slapped the ball away, sending it flying out of bounds.


    The crowd, already pumped up, erupted with cheers.


    Harden had just handed them a gift at the start of the game!


    Han Sen was slightly surprised.


    He had been expecting Harden to draw a foul on him, something Harden was known for. Instead, this unexpected play lingered in Han Sen''s mind.


    Harden had more ball control tonight compared to the previous game, but it was either a turnover or a missed opportunity every time.


    His performance was, without a doubt, the worst of the series.


    Compared to him, even Chris Paul seemed like a more dependable playoff performer.


    Han Sen searched through his memories, and indeed, Harden had a reputation for crumbling in key moments.


    But tonight, it didn''t feel like Harden was crumbling. It felt more like he was simply distracted.


    Han didn''t know the reason, but it was definitely good news for the Grizzlies.


    Because, as Kenny Smith had said, giving Harden the ball like they did in Game 2, letting him control the offense and distribute to fully unleash the Thunder''s offensive talent, was their only chance to beat the Grizzlies.


    Brooks had gone with that plan, but it wasn''t working for Harden.


    Half a quarter into the game, the Thunder''s offense was worse than before, and with Sefolosha not on the court, Han Sen was barely breaking a sweat.


    The Grizzlies'' lead kept growing.


    Brooks had no choice but to pull Harden off the court, but by doing so, he effectively sealed the Thunder''s fate.


    107¨C99.


    Durant, despite being double-teamed, had managed to increase his off-ball movement.


    In a crucial game, he finished with 34 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists, showing how much he truly wanted to win.


    But Westbrook shot 5-of-19 for 18 points and 6 assists, and Harden was 3-of-14 for 10 points, 2 assists, and 4 turnovers. That one-two punch simply couldn''t carry the team.


    If it weren''t for Ibaka''s superhuman 8-for-8 shooting performance, the Thunder probably would''ve lost by an even bigger margin than in Game 3.


    By the end of the game, the FedExForum was roaring, the crowd in pure euphoria.


    The Thunder''s performance in these two road games had been unexpectedly poor. Anyone who didn''t know better would''ve thought they were putting on a show for Charles Barkley.


    Of course, more than that, the fans had something else to be excited about: the Grizzlies were now leading the series 3¨C1, just one step away from the NBA Finals.


    As the Grizzlies prepared for Game 5, set to be played in Oklahoma City, they were greeted by a wave of media coverage.


    Among the headlines was one about "Fisher''s furious tirade in the locker room at Harden."


    But the most attention-grabbing story was an insider leak, revealing that Harden had been seen partying at the 1927 Madison Ave nightclub in Memphis until 4 a.m. before Game 4.

 Chapter 186: I’m Finally Here.

    Chapter 186: I''m Finally Here.In reality, reports about the nightclub incident weren''t limited to Oklahoma City.


    On the latest show, Barkley and the crew were already making fun of the news.


    Thunder fans were outraged.


    No wonder the Thunder played so poorly on the road¡ªit turned out that Harden had been out partying at a nightclub.


    This was hardly a surprise, as Harden had always had a thing for nightclubs.


    It''s all Harden''s fault. If he hadn''t performed so poorly, the Thunder would''ve had the 3-1 lead.


    No, actually, it''s the evil Grizzlies'' fault for using underhanded tactics, luring Harden in with temptations.


    The words ''Harden'' and ''nightclub'' together triggered a lot of memories for Han Sen.


    Harden was, indeed, a frequent nightclub-goer, to the point that nightclubs could practically retire his jersey.


    But after battling the Thunder in this series and knowing some ''history,'' Han felt that things might not be as simple as they seemed.


    In Game 3, it was clear that the Thunder weren''t the united front they appeared to be; in fact, their internal conflicts were obvious.


    This could explain why Harden went to the nightclub.


    It was part of his passive nature; he wasn''t the type to rebel when faced with team conflicts.


    So when someone like him feels wronged, it''s natural he''d go somewhere to relax.


    And it was interesting that the media exposing the story wasn''t from Memphis but Oklahoma City, essentially cutting off Harden''s escape route.


    When we add Fisher''s news into the mix, things become clearer:


    After losing Game 3, Harden wanted more ball time to help the team win, but Westbrook disagreed.


    The two had a bit of an argument, and Fisher, acting as the ''locker room leader,'' scolded Harden, leaving him in a foul mood, leading him to the nightclub.


    So, this was all a manifestation of a power struggle for control.


    Westbrook and Durant were close, and Westbrook had just signed an $80 million, five-year extension with the Thunder last summer.


    This situation was similar to Gay''s; the Thunder weren''t going to give Westbrook a max contract without giving him control over the ball.


    So that ''$6 million history'' Han knew about became clearer.


    It seemed like a mere $6 million contract gap, but it was actually about getting Harden to obey the team''s arrangements, to humbly accept a Ginobili-type role.


    Harden wasn''t willing, so he got traded.


    People say Thunder management was unbelievably dumb in their trade decisions, but really, they were treating players as though they were characters in a video game.


    But Harden going to the nightclub, well, there was no excusing it. The problem was that he went and then played horribly. He deserved the backlash.


    Jordan gambled all night during the Finals and still returned to dominate on the court.


    If you can''t handle the big leagues, don''t take on the work. Harden just doesn''t have that strength.


    Realizing this, Han knew the series was already over.


    The revelation of this news was practically an announcement of the Thunder''s internal conflicts.


    Han didn''t even need to see it to know what would happen to a team with internal issues.


    The Grizzlies ended it with a 102-82 win on the road, sending the Thunder fishing with a 20-point blowout.


    As the game ended, Ford Center fell into silence.


    It was a stark contrast to last season when the Grizzlies lost to the Mavericks.


    Last season, the Grizzlies had lost, but they had shown a promising future, while now the Thunder were left with only despair.


    Plus, the Grizzlies, like them, were a young team, so there was no waiting it out. The Grizzlies would inevitably become their nemesis in the future.


    And they had to watch the Grizzlies celebrate.


    The Grizzlies'' players couldn''t hold back any longer.


    Having secured the victory early, they had been waiting for the game to end.


    Or rather, ever since they defeated the Lakers, they''d been waiting for this moment.


    So when the final buzzer sounded, everyone on the team, both on and off the court, erupted in cheers and celebration.


    Even Han shared a chest bump with Gay.


    They finally won!


    They were going to the Finals!


    Battier, however, looked a little dazed.


    When he first joined the Grizzlies last season, he just wanted to help them win a playoff game...


    But now, he was heading to the championship with this team!


    "This sounds unbelievable, but now, Memphis is heading toward the first championship in their franchise history¡ªtheir first in 18 years!" Barkley said in awe on the commentary bench.


    "The Grizzlies'' performance this season has been unreal. They''ve eliminated the Mavericks, Lakers, and Thunder¡ªthree title contenders. If they win the title, this will be an epic championship!" Kenny Smith chimed in.


    Before this, no one would''ve expected the Grizzlies to emerge from the West.


    Although they performed well at the end of the regular season, many teams were resting their starters for the playoffs by then.


    But the Grizzlies achieved it, step by step.


    "They even withstood biased officiating. I don''t know what could possibly stop them now," Shaquille O''Neal remarked, both admiring and regretting it.


    Watching the Grizzlies celebrate, an old thought resurfaced¡ªhe couldn''t help but imagine how amazing it would be if he were on this Grizzlies team!


    In the postgame press conference, Han attended with Randolph.


    Randolph scored 20 points tonight, his best performance in the playoffs, marking his return to form.


    "KD said before the game that they''d end the series in five games, and technically, he was right. Do you have anything to say to him?" A reporter took a playful jab at Durant.


    The ''five-game theory'' originally came from Barkley, but Durant accepted it with open arms.


    "Tell him my offer still stands¡ªhe doesn''t need a championship to get bathwater," Han replied, sparking laughter from the reporters.


    The bathwater joke was here to stay.


    "Did you think the series would end so quickly?"


    "No." Han shook his head, then confidently added, "But I always knew we would be the ones to win."


    "Who do you think will be your opponent in the Finals?" asked an ESPN reporter.


    Yes, the Grizzlies finished up early, but the East wasn''t over yet.


    Or, more precisely, the Eastern Conference situation was quite unexpected.


    The Heat, after winning the first two games, lost the next three to the Celtics, bringing the series to a 2-3 deficit.


    Believe it or not, there was a real chance the Heat wouldn''t make it to the Finals.


    "Doesn''t matter who it is," Han replied. "As I said at the start of the season, the championship is our only goal."


    With the Eastern Conference Finals still undecided, the Grizzlies enjoyed a rare break.


    The day after they returned to Memphis, the league sent them two sets of new jerseys.


    In Han''s original timeline, Conference Finals MVPs were recognized, but not in this era. However, players wore jerseys with the conference champion logo on them.


    There was no runner-up award, but the Western Conference championship was real enough.


    "Looks amazing." The Grizzlies players were thrilled. Gay was especially pleased; it might just be an added logo, but it added a different aura.


    It was, after all, the most tangible recognition they''d received so far in the playoffs.


    "Han, do you think the Heat might actually miss the Finals?" Gay asked, wearing his new jersey and sitting beside Han.


    "You could try betting a little on the Heat winning the Eastern Conference," Han suggested, giving Gay a tip on how to make some money.


    Though he was also surprised by the current Eastern Conference Finals events, he knew the outcome.


    "Well, that works too," Gay''s response surprised Han a bit.


    "If we win the championship over them, we''d achieve legendary status just like the people in Dallas did last year."


    Han laughed. The Heat''s ''Big Three'' were now the perfect golden backdrop¡ªeveryone wanted a piece of it.


    But Gay''s confidence wasn''t unfounded. After all, the Grizzlies had swept the Heat for two consecutive seasons; they had a solid foundation. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Do you think if we beat them, they''ll break up?" Gay pondered.


    It was something Han hadn''t considered.


    But knowing Riley''s style, facing immense pressure and repeated failures with the same lineup at its peak, there was a real chance.


    Actually, Gay wasn''t the only one wondering.


    Han noticed that with the Heat down 2-3, the media had already started speculating on the possibility of breaking up the Big Three.


    After all, they''d lost in the Finals their first year, and now they might be out in the Conference Finals. What was the point of staying together?


    Curious, Han began to look into how the Heat ended up in this situation.


    Earlier, he''d been focused on his own games, but now that he had time to check, a realization hit him.


    In the Conference Semifinals, with Bosh injured, the Heat were pushed to a 1-2 deficit by the Pacers.


    Then, in Game 5, LeBron fouled Granger hard, which Han remembered, although he couldn''t recall exactly when it happened.


    Thinking it over, he could sense that LeBron had reached a point where he simply couldn''t afford to lose anymore.


    The Western Conference Finals were already over, and all eyes were now on Game 6 of the Eastern Finals.


    In that game, LeBron delivered one of the strongest performances of his career, hitting 19 of 26 shots for a staggering 45 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists, helping the Heat defeat the Celtics 98-79 on the road, tying the series at 3-3.


    Before the game had even ended, ESPN had captured a close-up of LeBron''s intense expression, dubbing it the ''Death Stare.''


    Even though Han and LeBron had their differences, he couldn''t deny that LeBron played phenomenally in this game.


    In adversity, you either break through or you break down.


    It also gave Han a new understanding of how the Heat managed to crush the Thunder so easily in 2012.


    With Bosh''s unexpected injury, the Heat had actually fought through a series of adversities, and their mentality had changed drastically compared to the previous season.


    So if they underestimated the Heat simply because they''d swept them in the regular season, the Grizzlies could very well suffer a major setback.


    The next day, before practice, Han Sen didn''t head over to the third squad as usual; instead, he sought out Joerger.


    After practice, Joerger gathered the Grizzlies players to rewatch Game 6 between the Heat and the Celtics.


    Joerger then gave the team a pre-game cautionary talk.


    This approach proved effective.


    Just as Gay had shown earlier, the Grizzlies were brimming with confidence due to their regular-season record, yet that confidence had led to a bit of complacency.


    So this pep talk hit home.


    Two days later, the Heat, with LeBron attempting more free throws (17) than the entire Celtics team (15), defeated Boston 101-88, securing their place in the Finals.


    In fact, after losing Game 6, the Celtics had little hope left.


    With Stern''s influence, the Heat had a much higher margin for error.


    With the Heat advancing, the Finals matchup was set.


    Now it was time to hype up the series.


    The Finals, as the league''s ''final battle'' of the season, are a bit like a boxing match¡ªpromotion is essential.


    Especially since this was a shortened season, Stern had initially counted on a Lakers-Heat showdown to recoup losses.


    But with the Lakers eliminated early by the Grizzlies, they now had to rely on marketing.


    The good news was, this was the first time a player from China had reached the NBA Finals.


    No doubt, viewership from East Asia would be off the charts, so he wasn''t too worried about international revenue.


    But during this stage, one piece of news left people speechless.


    ESPN released a report where they conducted a survey on who fans thought would win the championship.


    The question was simple: Who do you think will win the title?


    The results showed that over 96% believed the Heat would win.


    This result was surprising since, based on their head-to-head matchups, the Grizzlies should clearly have been favored.


    But a closer look revealed the reason¡ªtypical media tactics.


    All the survey participants were Florida residents!


    The Grizzlies'' promotional slogan, on the other hand, was much simpler.


    "We haven''t lost yet, so why would we lose now?"


    When this slogan was released, not only were the Memphis fans fired up, but even neutral fans got hyped.


    With the promotional phase wrapped up, the stage was set for the Finals.


    The Grizzlies and the Heat had the same regular-season record, but because Memphis held the head-to-head advantage, they would have home-court advantage in the Finals.


    A fourth-seeded Western Conference team holding home-court advantage in the Finals really highlighted the talent gap between the East and the West over the years.


    As the Finals approached, the FedExForum was packed¡ªnot just inside but outside as well.


    For the fans of Memphis and even Tennessee, this was a historic event, and nobody wanted to miss it.


    Not just the fans; prominent figures from Memphis, including the CEO of FedEx, had all arrived at the arena.


    The excitement was unparalleled.


    During the pre-game ceremony, the crowd''s cheers echoed through the arena.


    Starting lineups were announced:


    For the Heat¡ªChalmers, Wade, LeBron, McRoberts, and Bosh.


    For the Grizzlies¡ªConley, Han Sen, Gay, Randolph, and Marc Gasol.


    There was a bit of a humorous scene before the game.


    As the players were preparing to take the court, LeBron went to the scorer''s table to do his usual chalk toss.


    But when he picked up the chalk container, he found it was empty.


    And when he asked the staff for more, they didn''t have any, leaving him to walk onto the court looking annoyed.


    This was Memphis''s way of showing a bit of hostility.


    Well, what could you expect? This was, after all, the ''City of Chaos.''


    Han Sen found the whole thing amusing.


    But as he stepped onto the court, he took a deep breath, and his expression grew focused.


    Back in his rookie season, he had the chance to be on this stage but never made it.


    Two years later, he was finally here!


    -End of Chapter-


    TL/n: I''d like to apologize in advance for irregular updates the next two weeks. I''ve got project deadlines and exams coming up.


    I''ll try to keep up daily updates as best as I can! So please wish me luck on the finals lol.

 Chapter 187: What Do You Do for a Living?

    Chapter 187: What Do You Do for a Living?Bosh and Marc Gasol step up for the opening tip-off. Amid roaring cheers, Bosh tips it back, giving the Heat the first possession.


    The Heat stick with their usual strategy¡ªspread the floor and let LeBron work the low post.


    The Grizzlies are ready, though; Marc Gasol hovers near the paint, prepped for any help defense, while Rudy Gay fully commits to a physical battle with LeBron.


    LeBron eventually muscles his way past Gay, but when Marc Gasol rotates over, he kicks it out to Bosh. Bosh''s mid-range shot clangs off the rim.


    Bosh got injured in Game 1 against the Pacers with a strained abdominal muscle. It''s not a serious injury, but with the Heat at a major disadvantage against the Celtics, he was forced to return early, not fully healed and far from his peak form.


    That''s exactly the vulnerability the Grizzlies coaching staff have planned to exploit.


    This playoff run has shown it''s not just about the players growing¡ªcoaching matters, too.


    Success often comes down to who makes the fewest mistakes and who can capitalize on the other team''s weaknesses.


    When the Grizzlies get the ball, they focus on attacking this Heat vulnerability.


    Heat coach Spoelstra''s strategy, going small with a four-out, one-in setup, mirrors the Thunder''s approach. He wants to push the tempo and force a faster, defensive transition game.


    However, the Heat''s defense is more refined than the Thunder''s, and that gives Spoelstra confidence, despite the Thunder''s failure with this same approach.


    But Spoelstra can commit if he wants¡ªGrizzlies will just keep hammering at the rim.


    At the other end, Randolph faces off against Josh McRoberts.


    Why not have LeBron guard him?


    Because "I''m a small forward!"


    McRoberts, more of a facilitator and shooter, lacks the defensive edge to stop Randolph¡ªthat''s why he''s only getting paid $3 million a year.


    Spoelstra knows this, so the Heat rely on rotations and a help-heavy defense.


    Randolph quickly passes to Gay before the double team clamps down.


    Though the term ''rhythm'' may sound vague, it boils down to a player''s feel, reaction speed, and confidence. After the Grizzlies'' grueling Western Conference Finals against the Thunder, Randolph''s got all three back.


    Gay catches the pass and confidently launches a three-pointer before LeBron can close out. However, just back on the court, he''s still warming up, and the shot bounces out.


    Randolph snatches the offensive rebound, but under intense pressure from Bosh, his shot misses. Yet Marc Gasol completes the play with a tip-in dunk!


    The Heat''s small-ball lineup is at a clear disadvantage against the Grizzlies'' twin towers on the boards.


    Memphis keeps it simple on offense¡ªjust pound the ball inside and take confident shots.


    Back on defense, LeBron fights his way to the rim, pulling a slick footwork move to get past Marc Gasol. Just as he goes up, though, Gay swoops in and sends his shot flying out of bounds.


    The FedEx Forum explodes¡ªeveryone''s giving it all they''ve got.


    Gay isn''t about to let LeBron walk all over him. He doesn''t care if LeBron''s taking extra steps; swatting the ball is always the right call.


    When the shot clock winds down, Wade gets the ball.


    After Han Sen''s infamous ''DW can''t save you'' line right in front of him and LeBron, Han''s relationship with Wade cooled.


    It''s not just that Wade didn''t want LeBron to misunderstand, but also that he wanted to prove his decision to side with LeBron was the right one.


    Facing Han Sen now, Wade holds nothing back, starting off with his deadly euro-step. But this time, Han Sen doesn''t fall for it.


    Memphis is using their bigs heavily, so Han Sen isn''t exerting much energy offensively, freeing him up for full defensive intensity.


    When Wade finally squeezes past Han Sen, Marc Gasol slides in for the help defense. Just like against the Thunder, Han Sen and Gasol are coordinating seamlessly.


    Wade''s tough floater clanks off the rim, and Randolph secures the rebound. Back on offense, Randolph posts up, lowers his shoulder, spins past Bosh, and banks it in.


    Let''s be real: neither McRoberts nor Bosh are built to withstand Memphis'' frontcourt.


    0-4.


    The Grizzlies'' offense is smoother than during the regular season.


    In the lead-up to the Finals, ESPN''s Windhorst wrote that the Heat''s sweep at the Grizzlies'' hands in the regular season was due to chemistry issues and that the Finals would show a much-improved Heat team.


    But here we are, only minutes into the game, and he''s eating his words. He completely overlooked that Randolph didn''t play those regular season games.


    Six minutes in, it''s 4-11, with the Grizzlies capitalizing on their inside advantage.


    Forced to switch strategies, Spoelstra subs out McRoberts for Haslem, ending his small-ball approach.


    Though undersized, Haslem brings the grit. His first defensive play successfully shuts down Randolph''s post move.


    Back on offense, he sets a solid pick for LeBron, who attracts a double-team and dishes back to Haslem for a mid-range jumper.


    Haslem is the Heat''s most cost-effective player, excelling in role-player duties. Injuries limited his playoff contributions last season, but healthy this season, he''s been a huge asset.


    Gasol''s post-move is swatted by Bosh as well. The Heat''s interior defense has thickened up after the substitutions, and momentum swings their way.


    LeBron and Haslem go for another pick-and-roll, but Grizzlies coach Joerger signals for Gay to stay on his man.


    LeBron tries his signature footwork on Randolph, but Randolph''s rock-solid stance makes it tough, forcing LeBron to shoot at an awkward high angle that misses everything.


    The crowd bursts into taunts.


    This season, ESPN has pulled out all the stops to rebuild LeBron''s image¡ªpromoting his post moves, three-point shooting, and mental game to near mythic levels.


    But live, fans see the difference between highlights and reality, and it''s a letdown.


    Conley moves the ball up, signaling for Han Sen. Catching the pass, Han Sen sets up a screen with Randolph, but when LeBron quickly rotates over, he pulls back out to the three-point line.


    LeBron doesn''t follow him out, nudging Haslem to take his place.


    So much for that ''lockdown defense'' reputation. When the real challenge comes, he''d rather let his teammate take the hit.


    Han Sen takes advantage, driving past Haslem for a pull-up jumper.


    6-13.


    The Grizzlies hold their lead.


    Wade and Bosh set up a pick-and-roll on the other end, with Bosh drawing a foul from Gasol. Bosh calmly sinks both free throws despite the hostile crowd.


    Back on defense, Wade puts his all into denying Han Sen the ball, and Conley''s shot off a pick from Gasol is swatted by LeBron.


    The Heat fly down the court, Wade finishing with a dunk.


    10-13.


    The Heat''s resilience is clear; they''ve come up through adversity this postseason. They won''t go down like the Thunder did.


    "Whoop that trick!" Memphis fans chant, backing their team.


    Han Sen initiates more off-ball movement, cutting off Gasol''s screen, but Wade''s speed prevents an easy shot.


    Han Sen calls Gay over to screen. Gay''s not the fastest, but he can clear Wade out with a solid pick.


    LeBron ends up guarding Han Sen¡ªexactly what Han wanted.


    Creating space against LeBron isn''t easy, but he doesn''t need an open shot; he just needs a way to make LeBron sweat.


    The crowd picks up on the tension between them, jeering louder.


    Since last year''s revelation that Han Sen led the Cavs'' third team to beat the starters in practice, everyone knows he and LeBron have beef.


    Back then, he and LeBron clashed constantly. Han Sen stayed in Cleveland for moments like this.


    But instead of competing, LeBron took a rest day, forcing Han Sen to play through an injury that ended his season.


    Now, finally, he''s here¡ªand LeBron is the opponent. Han Sen will make sure LeBron feels every ounce of what he went through.


    LeBron''s expression is complicated.


    He never imagined the ''3-and-D player'' he couldn''t break in Cleveland would, in two years, become a franchise cornerstone and the biggest obstacle to his ''can''t-lose'' championship run.


    Maybe it all started with that humiliating day when Han had led the third team to wipe the floor with him.


    Despite that, LeBron had kept Han around, only to watch this very scene¡ªthe nightmare he had hoped to avoid¡ªbecome reality right before him.


    LeBron took an instinctive step back.


    Han gave a quick pump fake, luring LeBron forward before switching hands and breezing past him on the right.


    When LeBron finally scrambled to catch up, ready to team up with Haslem on a double-team, Han stopped on a dime and nailed the mid-range shot, effortless.


    As the ball swished, Han shook his head at LeBron, almost amused.


    ''You really thought bulking up was gonna bring your defense back?'' Han thought. ''This ain''t a highlight reel, LeBron. Real defense doesn''t come from flashy blocks.'' S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Back on the other end, Wade went for a contested shot over Han and Gasol but bricked it, leading Coach Spoelstra to leap off the bench in frustration.


    He knew exactly why he''d been avoiding a standard lineup¡ªtrying to outgun the Grizzlies in half-court sets was like playing chicken with a tank, and even Miami couldn''t muscle through them.


    Han went back into a pick-and-roll with Gay, and, once again, the Heat sent LeBron his way. The crowd buzzed, knowing something was coming.


    This time, LeBron played him tighter, but Han pulled a quick right cross, baiting LeBron close before yanking the ball back between his legs.


    LeBron, caught off guard by the speed and angle, stumbled forward like he''d been led by a string, and Han burst past him, putting a little extra flash into the move.


    LeBron, now visibly annoyed, grabbed Han''s off-hand, earning a whistle from the ref.


    But Han was undeterred, finishing his scoop shot as the whistle blew. By some combination of skill and luck, the ball dropped in.


    The crowd erupted in cheers, and Han grinned. ''Guess everyone''s got a lucky shot in ''em.''


    LeBron looked stunned, and Han couldn''t resist the jab. "Keep it up, LeBron, you almost had me there!" Encouragement, sure, but with that old playful sting.


    LeBron tried to ignore him, keeping up his practiced stone face¡ªthe one he''d been relying on since those early-season trash-talking sessions.


    But Han wasn''t done. Instead of heading straight to the line, he swung by the sideline to call out to Spoelstra, "You sure you don''t wanna sub him out for a breather?"


    LeBron''s expression finally cracked. That was a callback to Han''s days on the Cavs, when he''d taunted Pierce with the same line.


    The jab landed, and Han casually sank the free throw, extending his personal run to five points and bumping the score up to 18-10.


    Miami had barely blinked, and suddenly they were staring at a near double-digit deficit.


    LeBron took the ball up, signaling for everyone to clear out.


    This was it¡ªthe same energy he''d brought against the Celtics in that legendary Game 6.


    Once his teammates spread the floor, he revved up his dribble a couple of steps behind the arc, picking up speed and aiming his sights on Gay.


    Gay braced himself but didn''t flinch, bodying up as LeBron approached. LeBron made his move, spinning hard into Gay''s side. The plan was perfect¡ªGay''s reaction speed wasn''t up to par.


    But LeBron''s control wasn''t tight enough. As he spun, the ball slipped from his grip and shot out of bounds like a stray discus.


    The crowd roared in laughter. Death stare? Not tonight.


    The laughter soon turned into an eager chant as Han called for yet another screen from Gay.


    This time, it was Wade on the switch, but Gay''s strong pick glued Wade in place, and LeBron hesitated to step up.


    Han had a clean shot, and he gladly took the free points.


    10 to 20.


    Han had personally run up a 7-0 tear, pulling the Grizzlies into a double-digit lead. It felt like the first game between them all over again, with Han cutting through LeBron''s defense like butter.


    Coach Spo called a timeout, realizing his hands were tied as long as the ball was live.


    As the buzzer sounded, LeBron threw up his hands at Wade, who shrugged as if to say, ''That screen was tight, man.'' LeBron''s face twisted into silent frustration.


    Han had to laugh. Hesitant on defense, overshooting on offense, and a goose egg on the scoreboard ten minutes in.


    He strolled over to LeBron, grinning as he asked, "Yo, man, what is it you do for a living again?"

 Chapter 188: Broken.

    Chapter 188: Broken.LeBron James...didn''t get it.


    Fine, Han Sen thought, he might as well treat James and Gay as operating on the same comprehension level.


    By the time Han Sen had already made it back to half-court, James finally sat down and realized what had happened, slamming his fist onto the bench in frustration, making the entire Heat bench, including Coach Spoelstra, jump in surprise.


    Haslem stepped in as the team''s ''mom,'' attempting to soothe James''s mood.


    After the timeout, both teams rotated players in, giving Han Sen a chance to rest.


    Current Lineups:


    - Heat: Norris Cole, Mike Miller, LeBron James, Josh McRoberts, Haslem


    - Grizzlies: Conley, Tony Allen, Gay, Speights, Faried


    Allen took the primary defensive role against James.


    Coach Joerger had anticipated that James would stagger his playing time and prepared for it.


    James got the ball at the high post, immediately backing down Allen.


    His first push was solid; the weight difference forced Allen to lower his stance as James turned baseline for a jump shot. Lacking grace, sure, but it created a decent look.


    And he sank it.


    This move reminded Han Sen of Game 6 footage against the Celtics, where James made several similar shots.


    When he has the physical edge, that turnaround jumper is becoming dependable.


    It''s not surprising, though. Since the start of the season, James''s post-game has noticeably improved with much more backing down tactics.


    If he hadn''t made any progress by now, that would have been shocking.


    The problem? Allen isn''t going to be effective guarding James.


    Unlike guarding Durant or Kobe, Allen can''t leverage his strength advantage with the weight disparity.


    And true to that, after another successful Heat stop, James switched sides and backed down Allen again, this time hitting a turnaround jumper toward the free-throw line.


    Coach Joerger had seen enough, calling up Battier from the bench.


    Speights missed a mid-range shot after a pick-and-roll, but Faried grabbed the offensive board, drawing a foul from McRoberts and earning a trip to the line.


    Battier subbed in for Allen as Faried hit one of his two free throws.


    When James saw Battier on him, he started moving off the ball. But Battier stuck close, refusing to give James any space.


    So James returned to the high post, calling for the ball.


    Joerger signaled Conley for a quick double, but with a fake pass, James sent Cole cutting to the weak side, clearing the strong side for an iso.


    With a quick turn and burst, he bulldozed past Battier and, after Faried was boxed out by Haslem, threw down a monstrous tomahawk dunk over Speights.


    This is James''s element ¡ª staggered rotations, where he can thrive. And tonight, he''s showing the full range of his versatility, displaying even more power than last season.


    From what Han Sen knows of ''history,'' this season is considered James''s peak in personal form.


    Why didn''t he perform as well as a starter?


    Look at Memphis''s starting lineup: three defensive guards on the perimeter and two towers inside.


    Even Kobe or Durant would hesitate. Expecting LeBron James to shine against that kind of defense? Unrealistic.


    But games last 48 minutes, and with the Grizzlies'' bigs wearing down faster, this lineup has limits.


    End of Q1 Score: 16¨C22.


    The Heat closed the gap.


    At the start of the second quarter, the Heat subbed Wade in, while Joerger put Han Sen in for Gay. The margin hovered between 6 and 8 points. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Four minutes into the quarter, both teams brought back their starters. The score stood at 22¨C28, with Memphis still in control.


    James called for the ball beyond the arc, locked eyes with Gay, then unexpectedly rose for a three.


    Gay didn''t see that coming, leaving him a step behind.


    Swish!


    As the net snapped, James pounded his chest and roared, firing up the crowd.


    A player''s confidence often syncs with his performance, and James''s recent stretch had brought back his swagger.


    Like his Game 6 against the Celtics, where he started shaky but caught fire when they rotated Pietrus in.


    The Heat trimmed the lead to a single possession. Defensive intensity surged as the Heat locked in.


    Down low, Randolph couldn''t get a clean position as Haslem clamped him tight, so Conley called Han Sen up to receive the ball.


    Despite Wade''s aggressive defense, Han Sen used a screen from Gasol to catch the ball, though Wade was still in his face.


    If anyone deserves All-Defense honors, it''s Wade.


    With Kobe aging, Wade''s unmatched for guards, blending speed, strength, experience, and defensive skill. Getting past him at full power is tough.


    Han Sen might have a size advantage, but his post moves are raw, and facing Wade would be draining.


    His choice? Find his buddy.


    Gay was already sprinting over for the screen.


    One of Wade''s weak points is navigating screens, and now, whether James liked it or not, he ended up right in front of Han Sen.


    Han Sen dribbled, eyeing an opening.


    James, all fiery confidence moments ago, suddenly looked less certain.


    It''s understandable.


    Back in the season opener, Han Sen got past James easily. With his [Uncle Drew] talent maxed, slipping past him now was like bypassing a traffic cone.


    James immediately called for help.


    The crowd reacted with jeers.


    Who calls for help before they''ve even tried?


    Wade tried closing in, but Han Sen had already faked right and slipped left along the free-throw line.


    By the time James turned around, Han Sen was gone.


    James could only trail him from behind.


    Han Sen, undeterred, drove into the paint, coolly executed a floater, and watched it drop as James''s hand caught nothing but air.


    Glancing at James, Han Sen shrugged.


    They both shrugged, but the meanings were worlds apart.


    When they got back on defense, Han Sen signaled Gay, then matched up against James.


    Memphis''s starting lineup didn''t lack inside help. The issue was perimeter defense.


    Like Allen, Han Sen could limit James''s first step, even with his added size, he wasn''t worried about James backing him down.


    Seeing this, James seemed to lose his desire for the ball.


    A dose of reality.


    But Han Sen had his own way of making it work. "DW just doesn''t have it."


    LeBron was mostly immune to Han Sen''s trash talk by now, but this one actually got his attention.


    Could Han be eyeing the Heat?


    It was a creative idea. With Wade already showing signs of wear this season, Han would make a worthy replacement.


    The Heat''s future would look even brighter¡ªplus, Han and the team had some history.


    But Han''s follow-up hit nothing like that. It was a brutal swerve that knocked any ideas LeBron had right out of his head.


    "You know, when Pippen dropped 8 points, Jordan could still get 45 and carry the team to victory. But DW... he couldn''t handle that."


    Now, LeBron understood. The word ''8 points'' was too loaded to ignore, especially when Han was comparing Wade to Pippen.


    But he couldn''t argue with it.


    Saying he wasn''t Pippen would imply he was better than just an 8-point game.


    But to prove he was better than that would be admitting he was purposely holding back to shift the power balance.


    It was like a red-hot, poisoned, razor-sharp boomerang aimed straight for his heart¡ªno way out.


    And then, something surprising happened.


    LeBron laughed.


    He actually laughed!


    "So what?" he shot back, his rare comeback delivered with a pointed look over to Wade, who was trying to shake off Gay and break through.


    The message was clear: Wade was okay with stepping back from being "Jordan."


    That familiar frustration from the regular season started to rise in Han again.


    Han Sen almost wanted to crack open Wade''s head, see what misguided ideas were swirling inside.


    But he quickly composed himself.


    This wasn''t the regular season; this was different.


    Looking straight at LeBron, Han continued, "So I''m curious¡ªare you gonna get thrown out like Pippen did?"


    LeBron''s smile froze.


    Han''s other jabs had rolled off him easily enough; he could shrug them off, toughen his skin.


    Just like in his classic ''Life Is Tough'' speech: the sun will rise tomorrow, and he''d still be living his kingly life.


    But this?


    This cut too close to his biggest worry.


    If the Heat didn''t win the championship, they risked becoming the quickest superteam to be dismantled.


    Pat Riley wasn''t one for sentimentality.


    He traded Shaq to the Suns without a second thought for the ring Shaq had brought to Miami.


    And here they were, facing a second consecutive failure.


    If it came down to breaking up the team, LeBron wasn''t even sure he''d be the one to stay. Worse, if he were traded, he might not get to choose where he ended up.


    This all circled back to a crucial thing he lacked: a no-trade clause.


    That''s why Kobe''s contract gave the Lakers front office fits every time he threatened to leave. He had that power. James didn''t.


    If he got traded, it wouldn''t just be a disruption; it would be a forced exit¡ªmaybe to a team he didn''t even want. It would throw his career plans, his off-court branding, everything, into chaos.


    "We''re gonna beat you," LeBron finally replied.


    Han Sen smirked. James''s trash talk game was kindergarten level.


    Two words were all he needed to fluster James further: "Will you?"


    Wade managed to beat Gay, but his floater rimmed out thanks to Gasol''s help defense.


    After Wade''s deferment this season, he''d only really taken clutch shots, which had led to the predictable: injuries.


    It was subtle in the regular season, but now, in the playoffs, his decline compared to last year was clear.


    In the transition, Han took the ball and set up yet another screen for Gay.


    Whatever Wade''s thinking didn''t matter¡ªthe point was to beat the Heat, and the more brutal the win, the better.


    Han faced LeBron once again. This time, he didn''t rush to attack; instead, he dribbled LeBron up to the three-point line.


    "You really think a fluke over an undercooked Pacers team and one hot game against a washed-up Celtics squad makes you title-worthy?"


    As he scoped out the Heat''s defensive setup, Han pushed further.


    "Do you remember 2007? When you got swept in the Finals?"


    For years, the East and West had been in different leagues.


    If the Big Three in Boston hadn''t come together, the West would''ve had a monopoly on the title.


    +5.


    Han''s Hater System finally kicked in.


    That ''07 sweep¡ªHan could tell it was a festering wound in LeBron''s mind.


    With LeBron distracted, Han seized the moment. A quick move left him past LeBron in a flash.


    With no time for the Heat to adjust, Han pulled up for a mid-range jumper and sank it smoothly.


    Damn, LeBron''s like a Memphis street at 4 a.m.¡ªclear and wide open!


    But Han''s talk wasn''t over yet.


    Brushing past LeBron after the shot, Han leaned in with another stab.


    "All these years, coasting in the East, eating up easy games, forming a superteam¡ªand you still couldn''t claim first seed. Imagine if you got traded to the West¡ªhow do you think that''d go?"


    LeBron understood better than anyone that the East had been his cushion.


    Especially when he thought of what Han didn''t need to say: Han was already proving himself in the West.


    If Han stayed dominant in the West and LeBron couldn''t measure up, it wouldn''t just ruin his plans¡ªit''d cast doubt on his entire legacy.


    As they set back up on defense, Han noticed the change in LeBron''s expression. That cocky confidence had faded completely.


    Han had done what he set out to do.


    He and Gay swapped defensive assignments again.


    Wade, seeing Han switch back, passed to Chalmers, who then swung it over to LeBron''s side.


    During the Heat''s half-court set, Wade and LeBron usually split the court¡ªone strong side, one weak¡ªmaking it nearly impossible for Han to help on LeBron without traversing the entire half-court.


    LeBron tried to back down Gay in the post.


    Gay held firm, bracing against LeBron''s drive.


    But LeBron lost control of the ball on the turn, letting it slip from his hands.


    Gay, still digging in, saw the loose ball land right in his lap.


    His eyes lit up, hungry for this gift-wrapped chance, and he sprinted down the court.


    Glancing back to check, he saw Han locking Wade out and LeBron not even trying to chase him down¡ªjust Chalmers giving it a shot.


    This gave Gay an extra boost of speed, enough to soar into a warhammer of a tomahawk dunk.


    Boom!


    The ball blasted into the hoop, and the entire FedEx Forum exploded.


    25-34.


    The Grizzlies had stretched the lead again!


    Spoelstra called for a timeout.


    Gay dashed over, crashing his chest into Han''s in a show of pure adrenaline.


    He didn''t know exactly what Han had said to LeBron, but he could feel it: the LeBron he''d just defended wasn''t the same guy who''d been launching threes in his face.


    So maybe, in addition to ''Don''t make Han mad,'' the Grizzlies'' opponents should add one more line to their playbooks:


    Whatever you do, never talk to Han Sen during the game!

 Chapter 189: Sweep?

    Chapter 189: Sweep?105-94.


    The Heat put up a resilient fight, closing the gap multiple times, but overall, the Grizzlies maintained firm control over the game.


    For Heat fans, watching this match felt like being pinned under a mountain, unable to turn things around. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the post-game stats, Han Sen posted an efficient 29 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists on 11-20 shooting.


    Randolph had 19 points and 11 rebounds, Gasol scored 17 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, while Gay contributed 16 points.


    On the Heat''s side, LeBron went 9 for 24, scoring 25 points, with 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 turnovers. Wade scored 21 points on 7-19 shooting, Bosh added 17 points and 4 rebounds, and Haslem recorded a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double.


    The Grizzlies dominated the boards, 45-30, which ultimately decided the game.


    In the post-game press conference, Han Sen and Gay attended.


    "How would you rate the Heat''s performance tonight?" asked an NBC reporter.


    "They''re a strong team, but we''re stronger."


    The first half of Han''s answer surprised some, but the second half made his stance clear.


    "We all know you and LeBron almost made it to the Finals together, but now you''re opponents on the court. Does that feel special?" an ESPN reporter asked.


    Han smirked; they were fishing for some sentimental remarks or nostalgia.


    "You know, I went to college in Miami, and I still have a fishing rod there. If I gave it to LeBron, that''d be special. I just don''t know if he''ll still be around by then."


    The room stirred, Han''s comment dripping with playful sarcasm¡ªand it made perfect sense too.


    "Do you think the Grizzlies can win the championship now?" a TNT reporter asked.


    "No, we all know this is just the beginning."


    From last season''s playoffs, the Heat established a defense-focused, fast-break style, evolving this season into a reliable one-big, four-small strategy.


    Game 1 was crucial, especially since their approach directly countered the Grizzlies'' half-court game.


    Fans saw how that played out¡ªit just didn''t work.


    Once Randolph found his rhythm, the Heat couldn''t stop the ''Black and White Twin Towers'' inside, neutralizing any fast-break opportunities.


    Even without Han Sen, the Grizzlies would''ve made the Heat struggle.


    But with Han Sen, the Grizzlies not only avoided spacing issues but also gained an outside scoring anchor.


    Yet Han downplayed it, aware that the Grizzlies'' challenges extended beyond just the Heat.


    Two days later, the Finals Game 2 continued in Memphis.


    Spoelstra started with a standard lineup, and the Heat opened with more energy than in Game 1, making several adjustments.


    The biggest change was in LeBron, who, unlike in Game 1¡ªor even the entire season¡ªtook on a support role for Wade.


    Han''s Game 1 comments had stung, reminding LeBron that he couldn''t afford to lose.


    And he remembered something else: in NBA history, only three teams had come back from an 0-2 Finals deficit. Post-1980, that number dropped to one¡ªWade''s miraculous 2006 run.


    So, his goal was clear¡ªwin one game, figure out the rest later. In garbage time, he''d pad his stats, ESPN would hype it up, and the Finals MVP could still be his.


    Wade was far from his peak this season, and a slight stats edge would keep the Finals MVP in reach.


    Dominating in versatility had always been his ace; worst case, he''d turn Wade into the next Carmelo.


    Wade, determined under pressure, led the Heat to an even battle with the Grizzlies by halftime.


    Then, in the second half, Coach Joerger made a bold move, starting Tony Allen over Gay.


    The primary goal was to free up Han defensively.


    Han had spent the first half contending with Wade''s attacks, leaving him less room to score. The drawback was reduced spacing for the Grizzlies on offense.


    But the result was surprising.


    With Allen on the court, the Heat''s offense nearly stalled.


    Or, more precisely, their half-court game dried up.


    In essence, the Heat weren''t much different from the Thunder, relying on superstar-driven basketball.


    With their two stars stifled, Miami''s offense naturally slowed.


    And without LeBron or Wade possessing reliable mid-range games, they fared worse than the Thunder in this stretch.


    Bosh, still nursing injuries, wasn''t in top form, and even at full health, his frame was no match for the Grizzlies'' hefty big men.


    Joerger also adjusted Memphis'' offense, running more through Han rather than the post.


    With Allen in, post-ups became easy to double-team, but Han''s speed and ball control gave the Grizzlies an advantage.


    With Allen in the weak-side corner, Miami couldn''t double-team him as easily.


    Spoelstra responded quickly, shifting to a one-big, four-small lineup, hoping quicker rotations would contain Han.


    The Grizzlies adapted just as fast, running high-low plays with Gasol and Randolph.


    Suddenly, Miami''s interior defense was in trouble again.


    The back-and-forth chess match between the coaching staffs was thrilling.


    In the end, the Grizzlies pulled away, pushing the lead to double digits.


    It was clear¡ªthe Heat''s weak interior was their downfall. When their perimeter game faltered, the Grizzlies clamped down hard.


    At this point, the whistle started blowing more frequently, putting Wade and LeBron on the line.


    The Memphis crowd erupted in boos.


    But the Grizzlies players stayed composed. Even Randolph wore a relaxed, goofy grin.


    All the struggles they''d faced, including ''5-on-8'' against the Lakers, had hardened them. This type of game wasn''t going to break their focus.


    Fine, you make two free throws? We''ll answer with a bucket in the half-court.


    We can score¡ªcan you guarantee every free throw goes in? As long as Miami couldn''t fast-break, free throws weren''t going to close the gap.


    Besides, biased whistles couldn''t be called every possession. The fans would riot if they tried.


    In the end, the whistles couldn''t save the Heat. With a strong second half, the Grizzlies won 104-91, taking a 2-0 Finals lead.


    As LeBron feared, teams that come back from 0-2 in the Finals are almost nonexistent in NBA history.


    Time is running out for the Heat.


    ---


    On TNT''s latest episode, the ''Big Three Show'' had kicked off.


    "Let''s discuss what the Heat need to do to turn this around," Smith introduced.


    But Barkley wasted no time: "Enough of that pointless talk! Let''s talk about whether the Heat can even win a game and if they''ll break up this summer!"


    Barkley''s blunt approach immediately spiced up the show.


    "I don''t think the Heat stand a chance," added Shaq. "I was teammates with Han; I know the kind of guy he is."


    "Speaking of teammates, Shaq, you played with DW, LeBron, and Han. Can you share the differences?" the host asked.


    It was a great topic. Shaq''s list of former teammates was almost as extensive as his ring collection¡ªhe was only missing Jordan.


    "DW is incredibly selfless, a true team player. I don''t mean on the stat sheet; he''d sacrifice everything for the team."


    Everyone nodded in agreement; Wade was the only superstar who willingly relinquished his role as the team leader.


    "LeBron..." Shaq frowned, "he''s the most powerful player in the game."


    The others leaned in curiously as Shaq adjusted his posture: "Once, during Cavs practice, Coach Brown scheduled it for 10 a.m., but LeBron said 12. And guess what? We changed it to 12. I remember thinking, ''Damn, what is this?'' I was the Lakers'' leader for years, but I never had that kind of control."


    "Shaq, you sure this isn''t a story?" Barkley questioned.


    "No, no, LeBron could bring family and friends on the team plane and even into the locker room¡ªthings I saw firsthand in Cleveland. You could ask anyone on that team, even Han."


    The others exchanged wide-eyed looks; Barkley and Smith, both former players, found it hard to believe. Not even Jordan had such privileges.


    "What about Han?" Smith prodded.


    "God gave Michael 23, and left Han the other 77." Shaq chuckled at his own joke.


    The studio erupted in laughter; it had already become a famous quote.


    "When I was in Cleveland, he felt like Kobe. Now we all know about him torching the starters with the third team¡ªhe fears no one. But come playoff time..."


    "You think he''s like another Michael?" Barkley interrupted.


    "No, he''s not Michael. He knows how to unite a team, which is his biggest difference from Kobe and Michael. Funny thing is, put Kobe or Michael on this Grizzlies team, and they might not match Han''s results. That''s the distinction."


    Not quite like Wade, not quite like Kobe, not quite like Jordan. Han Sen was a rare breed.


    To lead a team with no playoff history to the Finals and take a 2-0 lead within two seasons was no small feat.


    "I think the series might get interesting, but Memphis is poised to make history like Dallas," Smith commented.


    "The Miami Big Three are all stand-up guys, willing to sacrifice themselves to give certain cities their first shot at glory." Barkley added his ultimate jab.


    "Too bad I wasn''t playing in this era. Could''ve maybe snagged a ring myself with a few more good guys like that around."


    After a laugh, they shifted to a topic that had every fan buzzing: would Miami''s Big Three break up this summer?


    Opinions were split. Barkley doubted it, arguing Miami couldn''t afford the embarrassment of splitting up without a title.


    Shaq thought otherwise, citing how Riley had no problem letting him go back in the day.


    Kenny Smith offered a more level-headed take, "It all depends on how Miami bows out. If it''s not in humiliating fashion, they might get one more shot."


    ...


    On the plane to Miami, Rudy Gay nudged Han Sen, who was reviewing the latest TNT segment. "So, Han, are they saying we''ve got Miami''s fate in our hands now?"


    The Finals followed the classic 2-3-2 format, so after taking a 2-0 lead at home, the Grizzlies were off to Miami for three consecutive away games.


    It was an odd setup that, ironically, seemed to benefit the team without home-court advantage, a holdover from the days when cross-country travel was more of a hassle.


    But with their lead and momentum, the Grizzlies were sitting pretty.


    Han took Rudy''s phone, browsed through the show, and couldn''t help but smirk. TNT''s crew had that special talent for crafting dramatic hype around each Finals moment.


    "Rudy, keep your head in the game. We haven''t finished what we came to do," Han reminded him, serious but with a faint smile. He worried Rudy''s excitement might cloud his focus.


    "Yeah, yeah, I get it." Rudy scratched his ear, grinning. "But I still don''t see how they''re gonna stop us."


    Last game, even with some generous calls favoring Miami and Spoelstra trying every lineup variation, the Heat couldn''t keep up.


    The way things were going, this Finals felt more like a formality after the Grizzlies took down the Lakers in the West.


    Han, lost in thought for a moment, finally rose and went to confer with Coach Joerger, leaving Rudy standing there, mulling over his words.


    ...


    When they landed in Miami, a small group of fans was waiting.


    But it wasn''t Heat fans ¡ª they were there for Han, mostly students from Barry University, led by a handful of the college''s basketball team members.


    The group''s leader waved excitedly as Han approached with a grin.


    Most of his old Barry teammates had graduated, leaving just Aaron O''Neal, who was now the team captain. They exchanged a few words before Aaron signaled for someone to bring over a package.


    It was a brand-new fishing rod, something he''d teased about in a press conference earlier.


    "Aaron, you... really went all out, huh?" Han almost laughed. He had just been joking, but Aaron had taken his word to heart and made it happen.


    "Don''t worry, Han, we''re your Miami support crew!" Aaron declared proudly, and Han felt a swell of pride and gratitude.


    This may have been Miami''s territory, but with the support of friends like Aaron and his old school, it felt a little more like home.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll make sure to put it to good use," Han said, patting Aaron''s shoulder in appreciation.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 190: How the turntables.

    Chapter 190: How the turntables.Before the first practice session in Miami, Coach Joerger gathered the team in the locker room to remind them about one thing: be cautious of the Heat''s defense.


    Injuries were the last thing they needed in the Finals. After his talk, he pulled aside a few core players to emphasize the point once more.


    This was something Han Sen had discussed with Joerger¡ªprompted by his conversation with Rudy Gay, where he''d thought of Granger''s previous injury from a similar scenario.


    The Grizzlies might hold the advantage now, but if one of their core players were taken out due to rough play, it would shift the balance of the series.


    Plus, based on the previous game, it was clear the officiating was tilting in the Heat''s favor, which could potentially lead to suspensions if players retaliated.


    From Han Sen''s perspective as someone who knew the league''s ''history,'' he was all too aware of the dangers.


    After all, he knew how the Warriors, back in the day, had lost to the Cavaliers in a historic 3¨C1 Finals comeback due to similar issues.


    ...


    That night, the American Airlines Arena was packed, with enthusiastic fans filling every seat.


    Han Sen felt an odd sense of familiarity¡ªnot just from the games he had played here, but also because he''d once worked as a temporary ball boy in this very arena.


    Even his Division II championship game with Barry University had been held here. Seeing it now as the stage for the NBA Finals stirred up emotions.


    As he scanned the arena, Han''s gaze settled on a massive sign: "Let''s do it again." The current Finals mirrored the 2006 Finals, where the Heat had launched a dramatic comeback in this very arena after trailing 0¨C2.


    This thought pulled Han into deep contemplation¡ªespecially when he noticed tonight''s lead official was an old acquaintance, Scott Foster, who had just returned from a suspension after an incident in Memphis.


    Preparing for a tough game seemed increasingly necessary. They''d need all the mental grit they could muster tonight.


    Miami, as an international city, drew a star-studded crowd tonight. Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony were there to support their ''brother.''


    Then, Han noticed someone unexpected¡ªJackie Chan himself, who rarely showed up here despite his Miami waterfront mansion.


    But this was the Finals, and Han was the first Chinese player to make it this far. This was just a symbol of the Chinese basketball community going wild.


    In fact, ratings had exploded back home; you couldn''t sit down at a family meal without someone bringing up Han Sen''s playoff run.


    During pregame warm-ups, Jackie even came over with his son for a quick hello, and they took a picture together.


    After the warm-up ended, the opening ceremony began, and the starting lineups were announced.


    The Grizzlies stuck with their usual starters, while the Heat went back to their ''one big, four small'' lineup.


    As soon as the lineup was revealed, Randolph was practically rubbing his hands with excitement; he loved when the Heat played small ball.


    Then the game tipped off, but the Grizzlies ran into trouble quickly.


    Randolph got whistled for an offensive foul on a post spin, and Marc Gasol picked up a defensive foul soon after.


    Those calls shifted the game''s momentum. Memphis''s twin towers were the key to keeping Miami at bay, not just for their scoring but for defending the rim.


    With early fouls hanging over them, the dynamic would be totally different.


    Foster was a true vet, saving the whistles for the most critical moments.


    After all, in Game 6 against the Lakers, if Han hadn''t pulled off his miraculous block and steal on Kobe, the Grizzlies'' season would have ended long ago.


    But tonight, the Grizzlies held their ground despite defensive foul issues, relying on high shooting efficiency to keep it close.


    Halfway through the first quarter, Marc Gasol picked up his second foul¡ªanother killer. It was perfectly timed to force Joerger''s hand.


    Benching Gasol would weaken the defense, but leaving him in risked a third foul. With no choice, Joerger subbed in Faried.


    Faried couldn''t replicate Gasol''s offensive post moves but made up for it with physicality and help defense. At one point, he cleanly blocked LeBron, drawing cheers from the Grizzlies'' bench.


    Though Faried''s lack of height and experience affected his post defense, the Heat had no strong low-post threats to capitalize.


    Bosh, who once had a low-post game, now mostly played on the perimeter to accommodate LeBron''s style. Han''s earlier efforts to reassure Faried were clearly paying off.


    Still, the Grizzlies'' troubles resumed when Marc Gasol returned early in the second quarter, only to be whistled for his third foul within minutes.


    Furious, he let out a string of expletives at the refs. Compared to his brother Pau, Marc had a short fuse, though it was often hidden by Randolph''s presence.


    The refs slapped him with a technical, and Joerger had to pull him before he got ejected.


    By halftime, the Grizzlies trailed the Heat, 46¨C50. The team returned to the locker room, visibly frustrated.


    As they trudged back into the locker room, Randolph was the first to explode, ripping off his headband and cursing, "F**k! These bastards! I just want to smash them!"


    Even Conley was frustrated. "Foster should''ve just stayed on the injured list. He''s doing everything he can to screw us over."


    "Even if it weren''t Foster, they''d find someone else," Battier cut in, ever the realist with his years of experience. "The league wants to extend the series; they''re just here to make money."


    Tony Allen, who''d won a ring with the Celtics, nodded. "This isn''t about who''s better; it''s business."


    "I say we f**k them up! I''ll knock LeBron down if I have to!" Gay, rarely in agreement with Randolph, chimed in angrily.


    "Rudy, calm down," Battier reasoned, "You''d be suspended, and all our hard work would be for nothing. A scuffle could cost us the championship."


    Han Sen, who''d been uncharacteristically silent, finally stood up, drawing everyone''s attention. "Rudy''s right," he said, catching everyone off guard.


    Even Gay looked at him, stunned, unsure if he''d heard right. Battier was equally surprised; Han was never one to act on impulse.


    Just then, Joerger and Damon entered the locker room. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "If they''re not going to let us win tonight," Han continued, "then maybe it''s time we flip the table. If we keep rolling over, the whistles are just going to get worse. We all know what went down in 2006."


    The team nodded in agreement, and in that moment, Gay''s hotheadedness looked like Han''s calculated strategy.


    "Han, have you thought about the consequences?" Battier finally spoke up. He knew Han was right, especially since they were up against the Heat.


    But history had shown that rebellion could end in disaster.


    "Of course," Han replied. "And you''re right, Shane. That''s why we''re going to figure out exactly how to flip the table." His words left the team in awe.


    Joerger chuckled. "That''s the Han I know. Even when he''s bad, he''s prepared."


    "Just pretend we didn''t hear anything," he added, stepping out with Damon.


    As a coach, he couldn''t openly endorse any form of retaliation, but his subtle departure indicated approval. If Lionel Hollins were in charge, he would have likely shut down any such talk.


    As the players headed back to the court, the commentary booth was buzzing.


    Charles Barkley had already voiced his displeasure with the officiating multiple times, while Shaquille O''Neal remained quiet, unwilling to undermine his own legacy from 2006 by criticizing the refereeing.


    "Shaq, if you were playing with this kind of whistle, what would you do?" Barkley teased.


    "This is part of the game. The league changed rules to slow me down," Shaq replied. "When you''re dominant, that''s just what happens. The only answer is to fight through it."


    "Not everyone can win under these conditions," Barkley countered.


    Shaq shrugged, "Short of flipping the table, you''re out of options."


    Just as he finished, both teams re-entered the court, and the biased calls continued. Gasol soon picked up his fourth foul, forcing Joerger to bring in Faried.


    Then, an unexpected pattern began: Randolph was soon subbed out, followed by Conley, both seemingly for minor physical discomforts.


    Within minutes, the Grizzlies'' lineup was completely altered, leaving only Han Sen and Gay from the original starting five. The unexpected moves had even the commentators perplexed.


    LeBron readied to attack the paint, thinking the Grizzlies had resigned. But when he drove inside, Faried yanked him down hard.


    The crowd gasped.


    Furious, LeBron whipped around, but seeing Faried flanked by James Johnson, he held back. The refs immediately called a flagrant on Faried, but the Grizzlies didn''t sub him out.


    The crowd erupted in boos.


    Then it escalated. On Miami''s next play, Wade went up for a layup, and Bibby sent him sprawling with a push from behind.


    Chalmers, furious, shoved Bibby, who tackled him to the floor. Wade and Haslem joined the fray, and Johnson and Faried piled on.


    The court was chaos. LeBron managed a quick shove at Faried before backpedaling out of range, while Faried, seeing red, broke through the crowd, ready to go after him.


    With referees, security, and fans getting involved, the court was pandemonium. The commentators and crowd finally understood¡ªthis wasn''t just a game anymore.


    As Shaq sat back, he had to admit, the Grizzlies had done what he said couldn''t be done.


    They had flipped the table.

 Chapter 191: Showdown.

    Chapter 191: Showdown.What transpired on the court left many of the spectators, especially the celebrities sitting courtside, absolutely stunned.


    Take Chris Paul, for example. His first reaction was relief¡ªthankful that the Grizzlies hadn''t pulled this stunt during their games against the Lakers; otherwise, he''d surely be taking a few hits himself.


    Of course, plenty of others were actually thrilled by it.


    Like Carmelo Anthony, who could barely sit still. To him, throwing punches on the Finals stage, securing a place in history, was more exhilarating than winning a championship.


    Even Jackie Chan was there, bouncing his leg restlessly, eyeing the empty chairs nearby like he was tempted to perform one of his signature moves.


    The arena was roaring with mixed reactions¡ªboos, jeers, and fists pumping in the air. After all, it had been a while since fans had witnessed a real courtside scuffle, especially in the Finals. The stakes were sky-high.


    Given that this was a crucial Finals game, the arena wasn''t just packed with fans and athletes, but also with league officials.


    Pat Riley of the Heat and Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace were both present, as well as league commissioner David Stern and deputy commissioner Adam Silver.


    Stern had clearly shown up to keep an eye on things, to prevent any ''unforeseen events.'' But now, something unforeseen had definitely happened¡ªway beyond what he had anticipated.


    For years, Stern had come down hard on violent incidents, taming the players to a point where he could confidently control the league.


    Back in the day, with players'' tempers, the refs wouldn''t have made it through halftime before a full-blown fight broke out. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Moreover, questionable officiating typically only stirs up trouble when it''s fresh in people''s minds.


    Over time, history tends to smooth things over, and newer fans won''t know the specifics. Stern and LeBron were, in this regard, aligned in approach.


    But what unfolded on the court tonight was something Stern had never anticipated. And with the Finals on live TV, this was an absolute nightmare. His face was as black as a thundercloud.


    Fuming, he mentally cursed the Grizzlies'' management and coaching staff for their inability to control their players. He muttered a few directives to Silver, who immediately left his seat.


    Finally, the courtside security and staff managed to break up the scuffle, with the players being herded back to their benches.


    On his way to the bench, Han Sen patted Bibby and Faried on the shoulders.


    Their plan in the locker room hadn''t been complicated: flip the table if they had to, but never abandon the game. To balance things, they''d decided to throw the Heat off by using bench players, just like Popovich might.


    The original plan was to send in Bibby and Haddadi, players outside the main rotation, whose ejections would cost the team the least. But Faried had volunteered, not wanting to miss a chance to go after LeBron.


    Bibby was more than willing too.


    After all, he wasn''t the only one whose career had been sidelined by LeBron''s tactics. Back when he joined LeBron as a veteran, he''d ended up being benched despite his role as a starter, much like Jason Williams.


    He had burned his last energy for the Heat, with his career-high three-point percentage, hoping to end on a high note before retiring. But LeBron''s tactics had soured the whole experience.


    Of course, he wanted a chance to get back.


    Then there was Johnson¡ªhis move wasn''t planned. Pure instinct.


    The game entered a technical timeout.


    Wallace and Silver approached the Grizzlies'' bench, pulling Joerger aside.


    Joerger played innocent. "I have no idea why things escalated this way." And, to be fair, he truly didn''t know Han''s exact plans.


    The rotation changes¡ªsubbing in Faried and bringing veteran Bibby for experience¡ªwere within reason.


    The Grizzlies'' tactics mirrored the notorious style of Joey Crawford''s whistle-blowing: everyone knew something was off, but no one could prove it.


    If this conflict had come from the Grizzlies'' coaching staff, pressuring Joerger would have sufficed.


    But now, it looked like player-driven rebellion¡ªfar harder to control. There''s a saying, after all: "You can''t punish everyone at once."


    Finally, Bibby, Faried, and Johnson were called over.


    "I just want a fair game," Bibby said firmly, explaining his motives.


    "I feel the same," Faried agreed, his massive frame radiating defiance when Silver turned to him. Johnson merely nodded.


    "If the officiating had been consistent, none of this would''ve happened," Bibby added pointedly.


    Veterans like Bibby may not contribute much on the court anymore, but they are the only ones who can handle situations like this off the court.


    After all, they''re at the tail end of their careers, with little to threaten them.


    "I agree," Faried echoed, utterly fearless.


    Johnson nodded again.


    Silver frowned, feeling the full weight of the threat, a very real one. The Grizzlies weren''t just flipping the table¡ªthey were ready to push it over.


    Even Silver had to admit the Grizzlies'' defiance was brilliant. They still had a full bench to use, despite key players being sidelined [1].


    Reluctantly, Silver agreed to Bibby''s conditions after a quiet exchange with Stern.


    Stern clenched his fists; the Grizzlies were testing him, but he nodded, putting tonight''s game first.


    Silver walked to the scorer''s table for a quick discussion with the ref, Foster.


    After a drawn-out timeout, the final ruling came in.


    LeBron and Chalmers each received a technical foul. Wade, Haslem, Johnson, and Bibby received flagrant 2 fouls and were ejected.


    Surprisingly, Faried only got a technical foul for rushing the court¡ªsince LeBron had shoved him before he could retaliate.


    With the ruling, the Grizzlies had swapped out two role players in exchange for two of Miami''s key players, including Wade.


    Fun fact: Flagrant fouls and technical fouls accumulate separately [2], so Faried could stay in the game despite one of each.


    Miami fans were gutted. But you couldn''t accuse the refs of favoritism; after all, the Grizzlies'' players were penalized, too.


    Meanwhile, Han and Rudy Gay had stayed entirely on the sidelines, watching the commotion from afar.


    But the real kicker? After the brawl, Miami''s whistle advantage vanished. And with Gasol sitting out due to foul trouble, Faried was free to wreak havoc.


    As the third quarter ended, the Grizzlies not only overcame their deficit but surged ahead, closing with an 83-70 lead¡ªa staggering 33-16 quarter in Memphis''s favor, all without Gasol on the floor.


    Miami opened the fourth with a desperate rally, narrowing the lead to seven.


    But once Joerger put the main rotation back in, the Grizzlies'' momentum, particularly from a rested Gasol, crushed any hope of a Miami comeback.


    The Heat fans could feel the despair, their eyes anxiously darting between the court and the scoreboard.


    Then, out of nowhere, Han isolated LeBron again, cutting through Miami''s defense like he was withdrawing cash from an ATM.


    Miami''s head coach, Erik Spoelstra, looked conflicted. He ought to bench LeBron, spare him the humiliation. But doing so would only make Spoelstra the scapegoat.


    The Grizzlies swiftly pulled ahead, and in a last face-off, LeBron collapsed, clutching his leg in pain. It looked like cramps, and he was escorted off, not returning to the game.


    With LeBron out, Miami''s spirit was shattered.


    In the end, the Grizzlies walked away with a 106-91 victory, taking a commanding 3-0 lead in the Finals.


    As the buzzer sounded, the Grizzlies surrounded Han, chanting in celebration. A 3-0 lead was unthinkable to come back from¡ªit was essentially over.


    All this, thanks to Han.


    Without him, Memphis might have been robbed by the refs or lost their cool, leading to ejections and suspensions.


    Either way, it would''ve left the door open for Miami to steal the series. But now? Han had shut it.


    In their excitement, the Grizzlies hoisted Han onto their shoulders, tossing him up in celebration, a scene usually reserved for international championships.


    The photographers rushed to capture the iconic moment, a scene that would go down in NBA history, akin to Han Sen''s leap onto the scorer''s table.


    "Miami has no chance," Shaquille O''Neal muttered, watching the Grizzlies'' celebration.


    "You might be right. The Heat couldn''t break the Grizzlies'' morale, and now their own spirits are in tatters. They''re being outsmarted, outplayed. If I were Spoelstra, I''d be completely lost too," Barkley agreed.


    ...


    After the Grizzlies'' unique post-game celebration ended, both teams went through the customary handshakes.


    This time, James wasn''t heading down the players'' tunnel as a defeated player. Instead, he seemed to embody the spirit of France in surrender, having left the court early.


    When it was Bosh''s turn to shake hands, Han Sen couldn''t resist commenting as he noticed the unmistakable look of frustration on Bosh''s face.


    "Is he really worth sacrificing for?"


    Bosh, visibly dejected, couldn''t answer. The defeat had forced both him and Wade to reconsider their futures.


    At the post-game press conference, Han and Conley attended together.


    The reporters'' main focus was naturally on the altercation during the second half.


    After all, this scale of commotion during the Finals was unprecedented in NBA history.


    Even if we include the entire playoffs, the last time something comparable happened was likely in the 1997 Knicks vs. Heat series, when Jeff Van Gundy famously held on tightly to Alonzo Mourning''s leg in a brawl.


    "We''re no ''bad-boy'' team," Joerger defended his players.


    Thanks to Han Sen''s maneuvering, Joerger wasn''t directly implicated in the conflict and thus was well-positioned to speak on the matter.


    "The inconsistent officiating tonight left our players frustrated. Players are human, and sometimes they lose control, but that shouldn''t lead to violence on the court," Joerger said artfully.


    "Han, after the game against the Lakers, you mentioned, ''If they keep up the biased calls, we can''t guarantee that we''ll play well.'' Did you follow through on that tonight?" asked an ESPN reporter, digging a big hole for Han Sen.


    "Did I say that?" Han Sen showed off his selective amnesia with shameless flair.


    After the reporter confirmed he had, Han Sen shook his head and said, "I recall my exact words were ''if the next game.'' Clearly, that game is over. And you know, I''ve always been a very clean player. If you don''t believe me, just check my technical foul record."


    Han Sen''s playful rebuttal left the reporters stumped.


    Though Han Sen had a history of sidelining Ginobili and landing a controversial kick on LeBron, those were ruled unintentional.


    The key point was that no Grizzlies starters were involved in tonight''s altercation, Han Sen included.


    "Now that the team has a 3-0 lead, just one step from the championship, what''s your next goal? Are you aiming for a sweep?" a TNT reporter asked.


    "Of course. One of my biggest inspirations was the 2007 Finals, where Tim Duncan cemented himself as the league''s greatest. I''d like to achieve the same."


    And with that, Han Sen and the Grizzlies took one step closer to history.


    -End of Chapter-


    [1] The NBA originally allowed only 12 active players on the roster. However, to manage potential injuries during the shortened post-lockout season, the active roster was expanded to 13 players.


    [2] Flagrant fouls are categorized into two levels: a Flagrant 1 and a Flagrant 2. Accumulating two Flagrant 1 fouls or one Flagrant 2 foul results in ejection from the game. Similarly, accumulating two technical fouls also leads to ejection.

 Chapter 192: I’ll Step In.

    Chapter 192: I''ll Step In.After the chaotic game concluded, the media and fans were left buzzing about two things: first, how the league would respond to this incident, and second, whether the Heat would end up getting swept out of the Finals.


    In reality, these two questions are intertwined, with the league''s disciplinary decision likely determining the outcome.


    Stern has always taken a hardline approach to incidents of this nature, especially in the Finals. If there were suspensions, there would be no point in even playing Game 4. Down 0¨C3 and losing two key players would essentially end the series for Miami.


    This was truly a masterstroke by Han Sen, he played his cards perfectly.


    Compared to Popovich''s tactics, Han''s was a level above.


    So, it''s almost certain that the league won''t suspend anyone, as suspensions would tank Game 4''s ratings.


    Here''s an important point: a flagrant-2 foul doesn''t necessarily lead to a suspension; only those deemed particularly severe by the league do.


    This allows for flexible decisions, giving the league a way to prioritize their interests.


    As for Stern''s principles¡ªprinciples can take a back seat to revenue.


    The next day, the league issued a statement summarizing the incident from Game 3.


    In short, they described the altercation as serious but chose not to issue suspensions, only levying hefty fines, totaling over $200,000 across both teams.


    LeBron quickly announced on social media that he would cover his teammates'' fines, though whether he''d actually pay was another matter.


    After all, in Han Sen''s ''history,'' Dahntay Jones once publicly revealed that LeBron had promised to pay his fine five years ago, but it remained unpaid.


    For the Grizzlies, Han Sen had promised during halftime to cover any fines. In his words, ''who wouldn''t reward their warriors handsomely?''


    After the announcement, Han even gifted each fined player a Rolex.


    Money wasn''t an issue. Even with a rookie contract, Han was earning millions just from his new UA shoe contract, not to mention additional endorsements secured by his agent, Thomas, and the short-term investments Chris Rondo handled for him.


    Simply put, those involved in the fight enjoyed both the action and the payout.


    After the league''s decision, TNT had a field day with the brawl on their latest episode.


    Barkley and Shaq, one wearing a Heat jersey and the other a Grizzlies jersey, staged a mock wrestling match on set.


    Their banter created powerful on-screen chemistry, driving TNT''s ratings through the roof, thanks to the Grizzlies.


    The Finals benefitted as well. Despite the seemingly hopeless 3¨C0 score, Game 4''s viewership spiked.


    On June 19, Game 4 of the Finals between the Grizzlies and the Heat took place at the American Airlines Arena.


    The game saw several adjustments, the most notable being the replacement of the head referee, swapping Foster for Joey Crawford, known for ejecting Duncan for laughing on the bench¡ªa famously strict official.


    Clearly, Stern was determined to prevent another violent episode.


    Numerous NBA officials were on-site to prepare for a potential championship celebration for the Grizzlies.


    Family members of Grizzlies players also attended, ready to witness the team''s possible triumph.


    Han Sen''s parents couldn''t make it, but two notable faces did¡ªScarlett and, yes, Swift.


    Han was aware of Scarlett''s presence, as she had come to support him in the Finals.


    As for Swift, she simply wanted to witness the success of her ex-boyfriend, given there was no lingering resentment between them.


    Unexpectedly, Scarlett and Swift were seated together, chatting and laughing, though Han paid them little attention.


    His priority was tonight''s game, especially after Gay''s comment about the Heat''s fate lying in the Grizzlies'' hands.


    If they could sweep the Heat, it would mean more than just a victory. It would be a dismantling, more meaningful than simply beating them twice.


    The opening ceremony began, and the Miami fans roared. Despite the 0¨C3 deficit, like Lakers fans last season, they still hoped for a miracle.


    The starting lineups were announced: the Grizzlies'' regular five and the Heat, reverting to their typical lineup.


    The game started, with the Heat initially taking control¡ªnot from any resurgence of confidence (hardly realistic at 0¨C3 down), but because the Grizzlies seemed off their game, too eager and unfocused.


    It was a similar scenario to Chris Paul''s previous struggles¡ªthe closer the goal, the more likely mistakes become.


    This pressure was understandable. Despite their experiences, the Grizzlies were still a young team.


    The Heat''s confidence grew with their lead, and midway through the first quarter, Wade''s powerful dunk put the Heat up by double digits, bringing the arena to life.


    It was Wade who had led them to a 0¨C2 comeback in 2006, so why couldn''t he lead a 0¨C3 comeback in 2012? After all, on paper, the Heat were the stronger team!


    Joerger called a timeout.


    "Give me the ball. Don''t rush. We have plenty of time," Han told his teammates during the timeout.


    Joerger nodded, making substitutions to bring in steady players like Battier and Bibby.


    When play resumed, Han took the ball, drove past Wade, and drew a foul to earn two free throws. Despite the crowd''s attempts to distract him, he calmly sank both.


    On defense, he worked hard to contain Wade''s drives. Though Wade managed to get past him once, Marc''s help defense forced a tough shot.


    Back on offense, Han, now facing a double-team, passed to Bibby, who missed his three-pointer, but Han rebounded and scored on a putback.


    LeBron answered with a drive to the basket, but on the next possession, Han dished to Battier, who nailed a corner three, reducing the deficit to single digits.


    The Grizzlies had settled down.


    The Grizzlies regained momentum and chipped away at the Heat''s lead.


    By halftime, Han''s buzzer-beating three tied the game, frustrating the Miami fans.


    Han was showing his scoring prowess tonight, racking up 24 points by halftime.


    In the Grizzlies'' locker room, the atmosphere was noticeably lighter. With the score tied, the players felt confident they could take the game if they stayed focused.


    Han, however, had something in mind and called Johnson over.


    "I''ll ask Damon to put you in next half to shadow LeBron closely," he said. "It''s better to be safe."


    Johnson nodded. His presence on the court would surely keep LeBron in check.


    When the second half began, the Grizzlies had regained their rhythm, pulling ahead and crushing any hope the Heat had left.


    Even the fans seemed to accept the inevitable defeat.


    It was like a prisoner on death row, spared for a moment, only to meet the same fate¡ªone even crueler than a swift death.


    "There''s no miracle here," Shaq declared from the announcer''s booth. "Even if Michael himself brought down the 23 banner, they wouldn''t beat this Grizzlies team."


    "The Heat are about to join the 2007 Cavaliers as the next team to be swept in the Finals. And the common denominator? LeBron James," Barkley added with his trademark brutal wit.


    The camera zoomed in on LeBron, his expression darker than ever. Like the game itself, he couldn''t escape the fate unfolding in front of him.


    A sweep, dismantling, another Finals loss¡ªall these looming outcomes cut him to the core.


    Especially since it was Han Sen, the so-called ''3-and-D player'' he''d once dismissed, who led the charge.


    As the game continued, Gay was substituted by Johnson.


    Wade drove in hard, drawing a foul and heading to the free-throw line¡ªthe only consistent scoring option left for the Heat.


    After sinking just one free throw, Wade was visibly exhausted.


    Randolph''s low-post shot was blocked by Haslem.


    On the return play, Wade flung himself into the air, drawing another foul. This time, he lay on the floor for a moment before teammates helped him up.


    His limp showed he was fighting with everything he had. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wade''s free throws closed the gap to single digits.


    Han responded by blowing past LeBron with a crossover, slipping by Bosh with a floater that swished through the net.


    He was still in prime form.


    Yet just as he landed, he felt his heel press down on something. He instinctively leaned away, but his ankle still twisted.


    He glanced back to see LeBron pulling his foot away.


    Han had been careful, but there are some things you simply can''t anticipate.


    Just as he was about to confront LeBron, a sharp pain in his ankle held him back. But then, a figure rushed forward¡ªJohnson.


    LeBron raised his hand defensively, but Johnson''s punch was faster.


    Bam!


    LeBron felt a sledgehammer of pain slam into the left side of his face.


    His brain went numb, vision blurring with stars as he staggered, losing all balance and crashing to the floor.


    It all happened too fast. By the time the ref blew the whistle, LeBron was already down, knocked out cold.


    One punch. KO.


    And Johnson? He just stood there, calm as ever. He''d promised Han Sen last season during the playoffs¡ªif this ever happened again, he''d be the one to step up.


    Anyone else on the Grizzlies throwing hands at LeBron would''ve led to an ejection, sure. But with Johnson? Minimum trade-off, one for one.


    Finally, the ref''s whistle caught up to the chaos, and Johnson was hit with a flagrant two, instantly ejected.


    The fans were in shock.


    David Stern, watching from the stands, was left feeling irrelevant. Front-row, Scarlett and Swift were craning their necks, worried¡ªbut all their concern was for Han.


    Han, meanwhile, was helped to his feet by teammates. His foot throbbed as he put weight on it. Replays showed the nasty angle of his ankle roll¡ªLeBron''s move had caught him off-guard.


    The team doctor was by his side in seconds.


    After some quick checks, Han managed to limp back to the bench on his own.


    Han seemed alright, but LeBron? That was another story. Near-unconscious, the Heat''s medical staff was flashing a light into his pupils, checking for anything serious.


    The whole arena was buzzing.


    With just one move, Johnson had left everyone speechless.


    This wasn''t just the fans¡ªNike headquarters all the way across the country probably felt like they were hit by an earthquake.


    Their minds weren''t on LeBron''s health¡ªthey knew his fall would hit them hard financially if he couldn''t play.


    Eventually, a stretcher was brought in, and they strapped LeBron down tight.


    He came to as they lifted him, but he was in rough shape. He tried to raise a hand, but it just fell limp. That punch had done real damage.


    There''s a reason boxers wear gloves in the ring¡ªwithout them, it''s just a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt.


    "Serves him right." Watching LeBron get carted off, Han didn''t feel an ounce of pity.


    If it wasn''t for his system, he''d be in Danny Granger''s shoes right now, another career cut short.


    As LeBron was taken out, the doctor finished Han''s examination. Thankfully, Han''s injury wasn''t as bad as expected, but the doc still recommended he sit out the rest of the night.


    Han glanced at the scoreboard, hesitating.


    Sure, LeBron looked in bad shape, but who knew the exact extent of it?


    If he sat out and the Grizzlies lost, and then LeBron somehow made it back for Game 7, the situation would shift completely.


    Especially since he couldn''t guarantee he''d be good to go for the next game.


    So, after a quick discussion with the doctor, he got up and gave the court a hard stomp with his foot.


    Weirdly enough, it helped. He walked a few steps¡ªthere was still some pain, but nothing that would keep him from playing.


    His [Iron Body] talent was next-level; if this had happened back in his Cavs days, he''d probably be out for the season.


    Technical time-out over, Crawford reviewed the tape and hit LeBron with a flagrant two for the intentional undercut¡ªno surprise, as he was one of the league''s toughest refs.


    Han signaled to Joerger he was ready to go, then took the court with his team.


    The fans went wild seeing him back out there. Despite being undercut, Han was still able to play. What was he made of?


    So, what does this mean? LeBron took a shot, but all it got him was his own ejection and a trade-off with Johnson?


    Damn.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 193: Champions!

    Chapter 193: Champions!Han Sen''s first attempt at driving past Mike Miller after returning to the court didn''t succeed.


    Though he could play, his foot injury significantly impacted his ability to drive to the basket.


    Realizing this, Han decisively abandoned drives and instead opted for off-ball screens and jump shots in tandem with Marc Gasol.


    LeBron''s exit dealt a heavy blow to the Heat, particularly because their offense now relied more heavily on Wade. This left Wade unable to defend Han, forcing Miami to use other players for the matchup.


    However, the Heat''s roster lacked strong defensive substitutes on the perimeter.


    Han''s first off-ball attempt began with receiving a pass from Conley.


    Though there was still some pain as he jumped, it was far less severe than during his drives. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In mid-air, he executed a textbook shooting form.


    The ball arced beautifully through the air.


    Swish!


    Nothing but net.


    The Grizzlies'' bench erupted in cheers.


    Wade attempted a drive to respond but was blocked outright by a leaping Marc Gasol.


    On the return play, Han once again utilized Marc''s off-ball screen to receive the pass.


    This time, Bosh lunged toward him. Han immediately dished the ball to Marc and cut to the paint without the ball.


    Marc secured the ball despite Miller''s pressure and lobbed it above the rim.


    Han soared to meet it, holding his breath.


    Although his injury reduced his vertical leap, he still managed to snatch the ball mid-air, adjust, and slam it down on his descent.


    Bang!


    As the ball smashed into the hoop, the American Airlines Arena fell into stunned silence.


    Han not only continued to play but seemed as impactful as ever.


    No, the morale boost of seeing him fight through injury made the Grizzlies play even better than before.


    Despair filled the eyes of Heat fans, growing only deeper.


    By the fourth quarter, as the Heat failed to close the scoring gap, many fans began leaving the arena.


    It wasn''t because watching the Grizzlies celebrate would be unbearable. They simply wanted to avoid the post-game traffic!


    The students from Barry University, however, became a striking presence.


    They had cheered for the Grizzlies from the start, though their voices were drowned out by the home crowd''s chants.


    Now, with Heat fans either leaving or too dejected to cheer, the Grizzlies chants echoed prominently in the arena.


    With two minutes remaining and the Grizzlies maintaining a 15+ point lead, Coach Spoelstra pulled his starters, conceding the game.


    The Grizzlies'' bench could no longer contain themselves¡ªthey were all standing courtside.


    As Han left the court, he was met with thunderous applause from his teammates.


    Rudy Gay embraced him tightly, shouting in excitement:


    "We did it! You led us here! We''re champions now! We''re the f*cking champions!"


    His voice trembled with genuine emotion, releasing the frustration and anticipation pent up within him.


    Randolph joined them, wrapping his arms around both Han and Rudy, shaking their heads playfully as he muttered incessantly.


    For Randolph, this season had been the most tumultuous. He had once felt like a burden to the team, but in the Finals, he rediscovered his form and helped secure the title.


    More importantly, this season erased the stigma that had plagued his entire career. He was no longer seen as toxic or a liability.


    Even Shane Battier joined in, patting Han''s shoulder and reminiscing.


    "From winning a single playoff game to a series, to competing for a title, and now... Champions. It''s all about making the right choices."


    Veteran Mike Bibby also leaned in. For him, this was a perfect farewell¡ªplaying his final NBA game, even contributing a little in Game 3, and winning a championship on his terms.


    Of course, what delighted him most was doing so against someone who had irked him all season.


    As more Grizzlies players surrounded Han, the celebration began even before the final whistle.


    The scene was captured by photographers and displayed on the arena''s LED screens, drawing an uproar from the audience.


    "Who would''ve thought the Finals would be the Grizzlies'' easiest playoff series?" Barkley quipped from the commentary booth.


    As blunt as the statement was, it rang true. Among the Grizzlies'' four playoff opponents, the Heat were the only team swept 4-0.


    Even the Thunder managed to steal a game.


    The Heat not only lost decisively on the scoreboard but were dominated in every facet¡ªdespite attempts at physical play and questionable officiating.


    "This might be the last image of the Miami Big Three," Shaq added with a chuckle.


    He had held back earlier due to controversial officiating but now reveled in the Heat''s exit, emphasizing: "Even biased refereeing can''t make an 8-on-5 scenario work for everyone."


    As they bantered, the final buzzer sounded.


    The Grizzlies defeated the Heat 102-88, completing a 4-0 sweep to claim the NBA Championship!


    When the buzzer rang, the Grizzlies'' players erupted, their long-suppressed emotions spilling out as they screamed and celebrated wildly.


    Fans at home cheered just as passionately, much like they had the year before when the Mavericks upset the Heat.


    Not all of them were Grizzlies fans, but as long as someone took down the Heat''s Big Three, they were delighted.


    After all, the beauty of sports lies in its competitiveness. Few favor those who take shortcuts, and nothing is more satisfying than seeing such shortcuts fail.


    ...


    At this moment, basketball fans back in Han Sen''s homeland were in a state of complete euphoria.


    The national basketball team might have been a lost cause, but seeing one of their own conquer the NBA was the ultimate source of pride.


    Even those who had once criticized Han Sen now joined in giving him the loudest cheers.


    "Sen-ge, we were young and short-sighted before, but now we''re your die-hard fans!"


    ...


    After a brief celebration, the Grizzlies and Heat players lined up for the traditional post-game handshake.


    Dwyane Wade''s eyes were red with emotion. Losing wasn''t the end of the world, but being swept? That was humiliating. For the Big Three, it was even more of a disgrace.


    Han Sen didn''t plan to say much, especially since he''d already been blunt the previous summer.


    But considering how much Wade had supported him in the past, he couldn''t resist giving Wade a hug and whispering, "Don''t let the cuckoo take over the magpie''s nest."


    If Wade were familiar with Han Sen''s culture, he might''ve understood that this simply meant not letting someone unworthy take what''s yours.


    Regardless, it was a timely reminder. After all, no one could guarantee Pat Riley wouldn''t consider trading LeBron James.


    After the handshakes, the Grizzlies players headed to the locker room to change into their championship T-shirts.


    Once inside the locker room, Han Sen met James Johnson, who was waiting for the team to arrive.


    "You doing okay?" Han Sen asked, concerned.


    "You should be asking if LeBron is okay," Johnson replied with a grin.


    Han Sen burst into laughter, giving Johnson a big hug.


    As for whether LeBron was okay? Who cared!


    The Grizzlies launched into a second wave of celebrations in the locker room.


    Joerger endured his second champagne shower as the Grizzlies'' coach.


    This time, Han Sen personally doused him from head to toe with a full bucket of champagne. Of course, Han Sen himself wasn''t spared from his teammates'' enthusiastic retaliation. The entire locker room turned into chaotic merriment.


    By the time they emerged, everyone''s hair was soaking wet.


    Back on the court, the crowd had thinned out to less than half.


    The die-hard Heat fans had left, leaving mostly neutral spectators and Grizzlies supporters who stayed to witness the upcoming championship ceremony.


    A stage had been set up at center court.


    In addition to David Stern, Han Sen noticed a legendary figure he''d heard so much about¡ªBill Russell.


    This basketball icon, revered by Shaquille O''Neal, seemed even kinder in person than he appeared on TV.


    At this time, Russell was still in good health, looking vibrant and full of life.


    Once everything was ready, the lights focused on center court, and the awards ceremony began.


    "First, we want to thank the Miami Heat for demonstrating effort and resilience throughout this series."


    Acknowledging the losing team was an NBA tradition, but Stern''s choice of words made the Grizzlies players chuckle.


    You couldn''t blame Stern, though¡ªit wasn''t easy to find praise for a team that had just been swept.


    "And now, let''s congratulate the Memphis Grizzlies, the 2012 NBA Champions! This is the first championship in their franchise history!"


    As Stern made the announcement, the arena erupted in cheers.


    As Charles Barkley once joked, the Heat''s Big Three were nice guys¡ªthey''d helped Dallas and now Memphis achieve historic firsts.


    Amid the cheers, Stern handed the championship trophy to Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley.


    Interestingly, this was the first time Han Sen had met his team''s owner.


    NBA owners varied greatly in personality. Some, like Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, were passionate about their teams. Others viewed their franchises as mere investments.


    Most fell into the latter category. Owning a team wasn''t about loving basketball; it was about having deep pockets.


    Still, Heisley was undoubtedly happy at this moment.


    A championship would boost the team''s marketability, translating to increased revenue.


    Smiling, Heisley raised the trophy high. The Grizzlies players reached out toward it as confetti rained down¡ªa symbol of their championship moment.


    When Heisley passed the trophy to general manager Chris Wallace, who then handed it to Joerger and the rest of the team, the Grizzlies players erupted in genuine excitement.


    Only when they touched the trophy did they fully realize this wasn''t a dream.


    They, a small-market team from Memphis that had never won a playoff series just two years ago, were now NBA Champions!


    It felt surreal.


    While the courtside staff tallied votes for the Finals MVP, reporters began interviewing the Grizzlies'' key figures¡ªstarting with Heisley, then Wallace, then Joerger, and finally Han Sen.


    "You''re the first player since Dwyane Wade to win a championship in your third season, and you defeated his Heat team to do it. How does that feel?"


    "I like your question," Han Sen said, taking the microphone.


    "Three years ago, I came to Memphis, a small market team with no championships, no banners, and no history of playoff success. People said we didn''t have a chance. They laughed when I said I wanted to bring a championship here. Well, who''s laughing now?"


    As Han Sen raised his right hand, the arena filled with deafening cheers.


    Standing beside him, Wallace was grinning ear-to-ear, recalling how he''d once urged Han Sen to keep a low profile.


    Back then, Han Sen''s bold proclamation of winning a championship had made Wallace nervous.


    Now, it seemed he''d been too cautious.


    In this world, it wasn''t about how big your talk was¡ªit was about backing it up.


    Even if it had seemed like posturing at the time, Han Sen had turned it into reality.


    As the interview concluded, an envelope containing the Finals MVP voting results was handed to Stern.


    The outcome was hardly surprising.


    The Grizzlies'' core players had posted the following Finals averages:


    - Han Sen: 28 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5 assists, 51.4% FG, 40.2% 3PT


    - Zach Randolph: 16 points, 9 rebounds, 48.2% FG


    - Marc Gasol: 15 points, 11 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 55% FG


    - Rudy Gay: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 47% FG, 38.4% 3PT


    - Mike Conley: 9.5 points, 6.5 assists, 2 steals, 45.4% FG, 40.1% 3PT


    Stern opened the envelope and announced the result.


    "The winner of the 2012 Finals MVP Bill Russell Award is... Han Sen!"


    Russell picked up the Finals MVP trophy and handed it to Han Sen, even giving him a hug.


    "You really kicked their asses," Russell whispered, surprising Han Sen with his bluntness.


    Han Sen couldn''t help but laugh.


    Russell was down-to-earth, to say the least.


    It also underscored how little the older generation of players appreciated the Heat''s peak-era superteam.


    As Han Sen raised the Finals MVP trophy overhead, not only did the fans erupt in cheers, but his teammates behind him roared in approval.


    They knew Han Sen''s sacrifices and contributions. No one deserved the honor more than him.


    In his acceptance speech, Han Sen said: "During the regular season, we only beat the Heat on a buzzer-beater. But now, we''ve swept them. The biggest difference? We had Zach."


    His unexpected opening drew cheers and laughter.


    Randolph was taken aback. He hadn''t expected Han Sen to highlight him so prominently. When the camera focused on him, Randolph blushed and pumped his fist.


    "When Zach was out, our frontline was shaky. Marc stepped up and turned himself into an All-Defense-caliber player."


    "Rudy''s importance is undeniable. If he''d been with us last season, we''d already be back-to-back champions."


    "Mike (Bibby) brought us experience. None of us will forget what he did in Game 3."


    Surprisingly, Han Sen mentioned every teammate¡ªnot just their names but their contributions.


    "This trophy might have my name on it, but I didn''t win it alone. This is our championship. It belongs to everyone on this team, from Marc locking down the paint, to Rudy hitting clutch shots, to Mike (Conley) making plays, to Zack dominating inside. It belongs to Coach Joerger, to every trainer, every staff member, and every fan who believed when no one else did. Together, we built this. Together, we made history."


    The fans began chanting, "MVP! MVP!" as Han smiled and continued.


    "This isn''t just about basketball. It''s about showing that no matter where you come from, how many times you''ve been doubted, or how big the obstacles are, you can achieve greatness when you believe in each other and fight together. Memphis, this is for you. Grizzlies, this is for us. We''re not just champions¡ªwe''re family!"


    As Han held the trophy aloft once more, he turned toward his teammates with a grin. "We''re all MVPs tonight. Now let''s celebrate like champions!"


    With that, Han tossed the microphone back to the stage crew and lifted the FMVP trophy once more, his team mobbing him with cheers and laughter.

 Chapter 194: The Night of Champions.

    Chapter 194: The Night of Champions."Hypocrite."


    Durant sat in his lavish mansion, watching the championship award ceremony. Hearing Han Sen''s acceptance speech, he couldn''t help but scoff aloud.


    After venting, Durant reached for a packet of instant noodles, crushed it, opened it, and poured the seasoning packet inside before shaking it up.


    As the FMVP speech concluded and the championship ceremony wrapped up, the live broadcast continued.


    The Grizzlies players were mingling with their families, chatting and taking photos.


    Durant opened the packet, picked out the largest piece, and popped it into his mouth.


    But just as he turned his attention back to the TV, his open mouth froze, and the snack in his hand hung in mid-air.


    ...


    Han Sen was still holding the trophy when both Swift and Scarlett approached him.


    Honestly, if this were happening back in China, the scene would undoubtedly be labeled a "battlefield of jealousy."


    But in America, it somehow exuded a strangely wholesome vibe.


    Swift hugged Han and offered her congratulations while showing concern for his injury.


    Scarlett, however, hooked her arm around Han''s.


    The gesture caught Han off guard since their relationship was still private.


    Swift stood beside him as well.


    Reporters'' cameras and even the live broadcast focused squarely on Han and the two women.


    Swift and Scarlett posed gracefully for the cameras, while Han awkwardly tried to keep up.


    Perhaps feeling it wasn''t enough, Scarlett eventually pulled Han''s hand and placed it directly against her chest.


    ...


    Crunch!


    Durant crushed the instant noodles in his mouth, his jaw tightening with frustration.


    His goddess... Han Sen had really won her over!


    Before, Durant had dismissed Han Sen''s comments during the game about hotels and fatigue as mere trash talk.


    But Scarlett''s actions shattered his last sliver of hope.


    And then, thinking about Han Sen''s earlier remark about "bathwater," Durant felt a wave of nausea.


    Because that bathwater... it was mixed with Han''s...


    Outrage boiled within him, killing his appetite. Turning off the TV, he stormed off to the gym.


    Next season, he vowed to make Han pay.


    ...


    "Once you''re done, I''ll be waiting for you in the parking lot," Scarlett whispered into Han Sen''s ear once the cameras turned away.


    Han wiggled his foot in response, signaling his injury.


    Though it wasn''t urgent for him to get it checked immediately, tonight''s game had already shown that playing through an injury affected his ability to drive to the basket, even if his shooting wasn''t impacted.


    "You won''t need to move," Scarlett said, her tone laced with ambiguity.


    Han could only sigh. What else could he say?


    ...


    Back in the locker room after leaving the arena, Han celebrated with his teammates once more.


    He even promised that when they returned to Memphis, he would take the whole team out for a night of clubbing.


    As for the championship night, everyone had their own plans to handle.


    When Han finally had a moment to himself, he picked up his phone. It was already flooded with missed calls and messages.


    He first called his parents to let them know he was fine before going through his texts.


    There were congratulatory messages from Barry University alumni, former teammates on the Cavaliers, and even Kobe.


    Some messages weren''t just congratulations; they also inquired about his injury, especially from Yao Ming.


    Having retired early due to injuries, Yao was particularly sensitive to such matters.


    Han replied to a few of the more important messages.


    Among them, one stood out¡ªit was from Jamison.


    "Got room for me in Memphis?"


    Han had almost forgotten that Jamison''s contract with the Wizards was expiring at the end of this season.


    While the message sounded like a joke, it was likely a serious inquiry about joining a championship contender.


    At 36 years old, Jamison wasn''t exactly retiring soon but was certainly in the twilight of his career.


    At this stage, for someone without a championship ring, the only thing that mattered was chasing one.


    And Memphis, with its young core and strong chance at repeating, was an attractive option.


    Of course, it wasn''t just about riding coattails. Teams like the Lakers and Thunder still posed significant threats in the West.


    For Memphis, defending their title next season would be its own challenge.


    "I''ll have fishing gear ready for you," Han replied, recalling the custom rod Aaron had gifted him.


    Just then, Tony Allen came over to remind Han about the post-game press conference. Grabbing the fishing rod, Han followed Allen to the press room.


    ...


    The press conference had a somewhat subdued atmosphere.


    With the Heat''s press conference already concluded¡ªand without LeBron present¡ªreporters felt they lacked juicy headlines.


    When Han walked in, the room buzzed with renewed energy.


    The reporters were banking on Han to deliver.


    As soon as he sat down, the questions began firing off, starting with one about LeBron.


    "According to the latest reports, LeBron has been diagnosed with a moderate concussion. Any thoughts on that?" asked a reporter from ESPN.


    Concussions weren''t uncommon in the NBA.


    In fact, under the league''s new collective bargaining agreement, concussion protocols had been added this season: players diagnosed with a concussion had to pass a series of tests before returning to the court.


    Concussions were categorized into mild, moderate, and severe levels. Most NBA players only experienced mild ones.


    Severe concussions, however, could have long-term effects and potentially end a player''s career, as was the case with Matthew Dellavedova.


    While LeBron''s situation wasn''t the worst, it was far from trivial.


    "That''s unfortunate news," Han said sincerely, though his inner thoughts wondered why it wasn''t more severe.


    "If needed, I''ll visit him in the hospital and bring him the gift I promised."


    With that, he dramatically placed the fishing rod onto the table with a loud thud.


    Sympathy? Han had none to spare for someone who nearly ended his career.


    The press room erupted into a frenzy, the reporters thrilled with the unexpected drama.


    ...


    "After winning your first championship, do you have anything you''d like to share?" asked a TNT reporter.


    The question echoed one asked earlier during the award ceremony, but Han''s current mood had shifted since then.


    "My first game at American Airlines Arena was four years ago. I played for Barry University against UNC, and we lost by 55 points¡ª41 to 96.


    Han''s opening remark stirred the crowd. Rarely did players bring up such humiliating defeats of their own accord.


    "I want to say this: in life, success is fleeting, but failure is constant. How we respond to failure defines us. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Some run from it, but others rise again.


    My past failures pushed me forward. Three years ago, I won the NCAA D2 championship here. Last year''s loss drove us further. And now, we''re NBA champions."


    The room burst into applause.


    In contrast to LeBron''s infamous ''life is unfair'' speech following the Miami Heat''s Finals loss to the Dallas Mavericks, Han''s message resonated deeply, reminding everyone why sports were so captivating.


    "How many championships will you bring to Memphis?" asked an NBC reporter.


    "Not 7?" Han joked, drawing laughter from the room.


    LeBron''s words from years ago now felt ironic, as the Heat faced an impending breakup. Indeed, it was ''not 7''¡ªit was zero.


    "It''s not something I''ve thought about yet. Maybe by the championship parade, I''ll have an answer."


    ...


    After the press conference, Han returned to the locker room and found Tony Allen still there.


    "Decided where you''re headed? Or are you staying?" Han asked.


    Allen''s presence was crucial to Memphis, especially in their playoff matchups against teams like the Lakers, Thunder, and Heat.


    "I''m thinking Indiana," Allen replied.


    The Pacers? Han rubbed his chin thoughtfully.


    As a defensively focused team with a vacancy at a starting position due to Granger''s injury, Indiana did seem like a good fit for Allen.


    He patted Allen on the shoulder, reaffirming his earlier promise to help him out.


    ...


    After finishing up, Han headed to the underground parking lot and left with Scarlett.


    The championship glow was an intangible thing, much like a special buff in certain professions¡ªit amplified desires.


    That night, Scarlett''s promise came true. Han didn''t need to move a muscle, whether standing, kneeling, or lying down¡ªScarlett handled everything on ''autopilot.''


    The feeling?


    Han thought being an emperor wouldn''t compare.


    As Han cruised in his car, social media erupted into a storm of praise and criticism.


    LeBron fans and Han''s surging fanbase clashed fiercely online, their debates mirroring Han and Scarlett''s intensity in the hotel.


    Critics ranted:


    "Using role players to eliminate opponents'' key players, employing flagrant fouls to take out the other team''s stars¡ªdoes any team play dirtier than the Grizzlies?"


    ("LeBron isn''t dirty; he only stepped under someone for the sake of winning. What''s wrong with that!")


    "Han is just a clown. The Grizzlies won because they''re a five-superstar team. They''re stronger and still resort to dirty tricks¡ªthere''s nothing honorable about their victory!"


    ("I think the Grizzlies are a fifteen-superstar team, considering Han Sen said himself that the Grizzlies have 15 MVPs!")


    "If you swapped Han with LeBron, the Grizzlies would still win. It''s all about matchup dynamics!"


    ("I don''t know if the Grizzlies will remain champions, but I know the Heat could have used an All-Star center on their roster, considering Han Sen is still a rookie.")


    ...


    The next day, the league issued a disciplinary notice: James Johnson was suspended for 30 games for punching LeBron James.


    This suspension set a new record for the longest ban stemming from a player-on-player conflict, clearly a severe punishment.


    For comparison, the last time a player faced a significant suspension for causing severe consequences was Kermit Washington in 1977.


    Back then, he was suspended for 26 games after punching Tomjanovich so hard it fractured his skull.


    Other longer suspensions in league history have typically involved fan altercations, choking coaches, carrying firearms, or drug use.


    This punishment, however, was expected¡ªactions like directly taking down an opposing team''s star cannot be condoned.


    Otherwise, the NBA would no longer be about basketball; teams could just send players out to take down opponents'' core stars.


    Additionally, the NBA''s most valuable assets are its superstars. Losing them would undoubtedly hurt viewership.


    Upon seeing the league''s decision, Han Sen immediately posted on social media:


    "So LeBron stepping under Granger gets no punishment?"


    Han wasn''t upset about the severity of Johnson''s punishment; he was upset about the double standards. Although the methods were different, LeBron had also sidelined an opposing team''s core player.


    Does the league''s attitude change entirely just because of differing levels of influence?


    Han then called Johnson. Apart from promising to cover the financial losses from the suspension, Han also planned to gift him a Ferrari.


    Of course, that was just the surface gesture. In reality, Han was already thinking of making Johnson his personal "Oakley."


    Johnson had acted on his behalf, and that kind of loyalty went beyond being mere teammates.


    ...


    That afternoon, Han returned to Memphis. He first went to the hospital with the team doctor for a check-up.


    The results showed that he had a Grade 3 ankle sprain.


    Ankle sprains are categorized as mild, moderate, or severe (Grades 1, 2, and 3, respectively).


    Back in the 2000 NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant also suffered a Grade 3 sprain.


    According to the doctor, Han initially sustained a Grade 2 sprain, but playing through the injury aggravated it to Grade 3.


    Fortunately, a sprain isn''t a tear. Even a Grade 3 sprain mostly requires rest and gradual rehabilitation, although it demands weight-bearing recovery exercises.


    In simpler terms, Han needed about a month to recover.


    This would undoubtedly affect Han''s summer plans.


    However, in hindsight, it was worth it¡ªtrading over a month of recovery time for sweeping the Heat and winning the championship was a fair exchange.


    ...


    Shortly after returning from the hospital, Thomas came to see him about a matter concerning the Olympics.


    China''s national basketball association wanted Han to participate in this summer''s Olympic Games.


    Han had initially planned to join. The Olympics, after all, held a special significance compared to other international tournaments.


    Especially after witnessing the enthusiasm of fans during his last trip to China, Han felt compelled to play for them at least once.


    But plans couldn''t keep up with reality. He hadn''t anticipated getting injured, and the recovery timeline conflicted with the Olympics.


    Under the current circumstances, he had no time to train or build chemistry with the team, let alone participate.


    "How should I respond to them?" Thomas asked before leaving.


    "Henry, did they ask about my injury status?" Han suddenly thought of something.


    Thomas shook his head.


    Seeing this, Han sneered and replied, "Just tell them I don''t feel like going."


    ...


    That evening, despite having a cast on his leg, Han brought his Grizzlies teammates to 1927 Madison Ave, a nightclub.


    The nightclub''s interior decor was even more ''New York'' than its name¡ªlavish and high-end.


    No wonder it managed to keep Harden partying until 4 a.m.


    From champagne showers to private suite pool matches, the Grizzlies had a blast, knowing everything was on Han''s tab.


    Han, restricted by his cast and drained from being with Scarlett earlier, could only enjoy the view this time.


    As he watched, Chris Rondo approached him with some news.


    Han grabbed his phone, and upon reading the update, he couldn''t help but smirk.


    The news concerned Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert.


    The Grizzlies'' championship win and Han being named Finals MVP had reignited the ire of Cavaliers fans. The backlash this time was stronger than ever.


    Under immense pressure, Gilbert issued a statement, revealing a long-hidden secret about Han''s trade:


    "The reason I agreed to trade Han back then was because, after speaking with LeBron over the phone, I received his verbal promise to stay with the team."

 Chapter 195: A Dynasty.

    Chapter 195: A Dynasty.This revelation was nothing short of a bombshell.


    However, since there was no phone recording, Gilbert''s disclosure was met with heavy skepticism from LeBron''s fanbase.


    After all, Gilbert''s infamous open letter during The Decision had already severed ties with James, leaving them seemingly irreconcilable.


    Now, this move seemed to many as Gilbert kicking James while he was down after his recent failure.


    For Cavaliers fans, however, they were more inclined to believe Gilbert''s words. Only such an explanation could justify what had previously seemed like an incomprehensible decision.


    Han Sen also found it believable. It explained why Ferry had cryptically hinted at decisions coming ''from above,'' something Ferry himself might not have been privy to.


    And if it weren''t true, why would Gilbert have been so enraged back then, losing his composure and branding James a traitor in an open letter? S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As for James, this wouldn''t even be the first time he''d contradicted himself. What was another broken verbal promise in his long list of inconsistencies?


    ---


    While Han was partying with his teammates at the nightclub, the news of his decision to skip the Olympics ignited a massive controversy in his home country.


    The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) used the opportunity to pressure him through domestic media, framing his absence as a moral failing.


    This criticism gained him a wave of new hater points despite his recent NBA triumph.


    ...


    The following day, an unexpected guest visited Han: Yao Ming, now retired and fully committed to his role as the Shanghai team owner.


    Yao came for two reasons:


    1. To check on Han''s injury, bringing him a business card for a renowned domestic orthopedic specialist who had previously aided Yao''s recovery.


    2. To advise him on skipping the Olympics.


    "Playing through injuries could ruin your career," Yao cautioned sincerely. "Skipping this Olympics is the right call. Don''t cave to the pressure they''re putting on you."


    This advice took Han by surprise.


    He knew Yao''s deep love for the national team. As a player, Yao had returned from injuries with metal screws in his body to represent the country.


    Even post-retirement, he''d stepped into the basketball association knowing the challenges.


    Han had expected Yao to persuade him to play in the Olympics, not the opposite.


    But upon reflection, it made sense.


    Han was the sole hope of Chinese basketball in the NBA. If he jeopardized his career by playing injured, it would be a double loss for both him and the national team.


    Those who''ve been drenched in rain often want to shelter others from it.


    Yao''s career was derailed after returning prematurely from injury to play in the 2008 Olympics. He only managed one more full NBA season after that.


    After Yao left, Han gained newfound respect for this legend of Chinese basketball.


    ...


    The Olympics became a side note as the Grizzlies prepared for their championship parade. Meanwhile, Han was deep in the hater system, considering his next talent upgrade.


    The playoffs had taught him the importance of skills like footwork, fadeaways, and post-up moves.


    These were all part of what could be summarized as ''hard counters''¡ªabilities that could break through defenses even in double-team situations.


    His plan was as follows:


    1. Once healed, visit Hakeem Olajuwon for footwork training. Hakeem had helped even LeBron develop a post-game from scratch, proving his methods had substance.


    2. Unlock a skill related to fadeaway shooting from his system.


    After some deliberation, Han decided to prioritize fadeaway skills for two reasons:


    1. The Grizzlies'' dual-tower lineup limited his post-up opportunities, but fadeaways could be utilized in isolation, off the dribble, or in double-team situations.


    2. He already had the attributes needed for fadeaways, like core strength, jumping ability, and shooting touch, making it a quicker skill to master.


    With a lockout-shortened season and his injury eating into the offseason, time was a critical factor. Fadeaways would also complement future post-up skills as a finishing move.


    However, he was still short on hater points. Despite accumulating over 900,000 from finals victories and the Olympic controversy, he needed more for a high-tier talent.


    Luckily, with his growing influence, earning hater points was becoming easier. He had something big planned.


    ...


    A few days later, the Grizzlies held a grand championship parade in Memphis, which TNT broadcast live.


    The city came out in droves, emptying the streets to celebrate.


    While Memphis didn''t have the explosive market potential of the Warriors'' dynasty, it was far better positioned than smaller-market teams like the Spurs.


    The city''s high black population also meant basketball had a deep cultural resonance here.


    Unfortunately, the parade wasn''t without incident. A shooting occurred several blocks from the festivities, causing injuries and a brief disturbance.


    This was quintessential Memphis. Thankfully, the situation was quickly contained, and the parade continued uninterrupted.


    ...


    At the FedExForum stage, Coach Joerger delivered a heartfelt championship speech, highlighting the challenges faced by the team and the contributions of each player.


    Han, seated with Rudy Gay on high stools to the side, occasionally bantered with Joerger, enjoying a rare moment of relaxed joy.


    When Joerger finished, it was time for fan questions.


    James Johnson, fresh off his infamous punch, was the first to be asked.


    Johnson took the mic, and before he could speak, the crowd erupted into cheers.


    "When I was young, my father told me: ''Wherever you are, if your opponent doesn''t follow the rules, you must make them pay. Otherwise, they''ll only push further.'' Of course, I know I was on a court, not a ring¡ªI held back a little."


    His candid remark drew thunderous applause.


    "Held back a little?" Fans were in hysterics. If that was holding back, what would full strength do¡ªanother Rudy Tomjanovich incident?


    Finally, a fan directed a question to Han, one that had been asked before:


    "How many championships do you plan to bring to Memphis?"


    Han had deflected this question during the post-finals press conference, promising an answer at the parade.


    Now was the moment.


    "My goal is to build a dynasty and achieve a three-peat."


    ...


    The crowd erupted in deafening cheers.


    This was far bolder than his initial promise to bring Memphis a championship.


    Historically, only two teams had completed three-peats in the modern era:


    - The Bulls, led by Jordan, who did it twice.


    - The Lakers, during the Shaq-Kobe era.


    Both were generationally dominant teams.


    For the Grizzlies, who barely survived the Lakers and swept the Heat largely due to matchups, this seemed outlandish.


    But coming from Han, the man who''d delivered on one ''impossible'' promise, who was to say he couldn''t do it again?


    ...


    The declaration sparked massive reactions:


    - "A fluke champion now dreaming of a dynasty? Even Duncan couldn''t manage that!"


    - "Third-year player gets lucky and wins a title, and now he thinks he''s Jordan?"


    - "Does he even understand the salary cap? The Grizzlies are about to hit their limit."


    - "If they manage a repeat, you can bet the league will change the rules to stop them. Dynasties are way harder than he realizes!"


    - "The Lakers will crush them next year. This cocky attitude will lead to their downfall!"


    ...


    Watching his hater points skyrocket, Han Sen couldn''t help but feel utterly satisfied.


    LeBron stans were a minor source of hater points¡ªmost of them were just casual trash talkers, and his championship win had silenced plenty of critics back in China.


    Real hate? It needed moments like these to flourish.


    Han even pulled out his phone to check how the haters were coming for him.


    As expected, nothing surprising.


    Han knew dynasties weren''t built overnight. Facing the Lakers in the playoffs last season, he''d experienced firsthand the obstacles that come with aiming for such greatness.


    Still, this wasn''t about guaranteeing titles like LeBron''s infamous "Not 1, Not 2..." speech that aged like milk.


    Han wasn''t making promises he couldn''t keep. He was here for the grind¡ªand the hate that came with it.


    Even if he didn''t succeed in the end, the journey mattered more than the outcome.


    By setting that lofty goal, he''d given the Grizzlies players and fans something bold and inspiring to strive for.


    The Grizzlies'' championship parade marked the end of the 2011¨C2012 season. But before the confetti had even settled, the 2012¨C2013 season loomed on the horizon.


    Here''s the thing¡ªwhile fans often think trades begin at the draft, the reality is, the trading window opens as soon as the previous season ends.


    So, with the Grizzlies'' parade barely over, some juicy news was already breaking.


    The spotlight, unsurprisingly, was on Miami.


    A local outlet, Five Reasons Sports, published a report detailing drama within the Heat following their 2011 Finals loss.


    According to the report, after their crushing defeat, LeBron James went to Pat Riley''s office, demanding head coach Erik Spoelstra be fired and asking Riley to return to coaching, as he had in 2006.


    Riley flat-out refused, visibly angered.


    After LeBron left, Riley called his assistant and told them to gather the entire team¡ªincluding the Big Three¡ªdownstairs in 15 minutes.


    When the time came, Riley addressed the players, who were lined up against the wall with their backs to him, and delivered a now-iconic line:


    "Never come into my office and tell me to fire a coach. Your job is to play basketball. That''s the culture!"


    While this sounded like a fascinating piece of behind-the-scenes drama, its timing raised eyebrows.


    Since their Finals sweep, the Heat had been unusually quiet¡ªeerily so.


    Calm waters often conceal strong undercurrents. This revelation, coming out now, felt like a deliberate move, much like Gilbert airing the dirty laundry about trading Han Sen.


    In a surprising yet calculated move, Riley had seemingly decided to go after LeBron.


    It made sense in a twisted way. Among the Big Three, LeBron was the younger, more influential player¡ªand the one with the highest trade value.


    Trading Wade or Bosh wouldn''t fix the Heat''s problems.


    Bosh''s value had dipped due to injuries, and Wade was starting to show signs of wear and tear. Trading them might bring back some pieces, but certainly not upgrades.


    If the Heat wanted to get stronger, trading LeBron was the only viable path.


    Plus, after back-to-back failures, LeBron''s trade value wasn''t what it once was. Letting him stay another year and risking another failure would only damage his reputation¡ªand his value.


    By then, with just one year left on his guaranteed contract, he''d be much harder to move.


    Right now, though? LeBron was still the top trade chip in the league.


    Riley''s move was classic damage control¡ªcutting losses before they spiraled out of control.


    Another key factor? The Finals sweep against the Grizzlies.


    It had proven Miami''s ''four-out, one-in'' system couldn''t compete against Memphis. If the Heat wanted to match up better, they needed to bolster their frontcourt.


    But doing so would inevitably limit LeBron''s effectiveness, forcing the team into a corner. Trading him would allow the Heat to rebuild their system from the ground up.


    Which begs the question: Where will LeBron end up?


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 196: Why Should I?

    Chapter 196: Why Should I?This is a very complicated question.


    First and foremost, what does the Heat want in return?


    If it''s a simple one-for-one swap, there are only a handful of players in the league better than LeBron James, and most of them are untouchable.


    A more realistic scenario would be getting a center and a 3-and-D small forward.


    But even with such requirements, finding a suitable trade partner isn''t easy.


    If Danny Granger hadn''t been taken out by LeBron''s reckless play, the Pacers could''ve offered Granger and Roy Hibbert as a package.


    This, however, leads to the second issue. If Pat Riley isn''t planning on rebuilding, he likely wouldn''t trade LeBron to an Eastern Conference team.


    It''s the same reason the Cavaliers didn''t trade Han Sen to the East back in the day. Facing a former star in the playoffs and getting knocked out by them would be a franchise-wide humiliation.


    If we narrow it down to Western Conference teams, the options that match LeBron''s trade value become even scarcer.


    Then comes the third issue¡ªwhere does LeBron want to go?


    While he didn''t consult Wade and Bosh before joining the Heat, there''s no doubt LeBron had an agreement with Riley.


    So, even though he doesn''t have a no-trade clause, LeBron''s preferences carry a lot of weight in any deal.


    In fact, after Five Reasons broke the news, ESPN''s Windhorst published an article suggesting that LeBron had an interest in joining the Knicks.


    The article stated that LeBron had always considered teaming up with the Knicks, but Wade and Bosh''s invitation lured him to Miami.


    Now, he hasn''t abandoned his original vision and is reportedly excited about playing alongside his close friend, Carmelo Anthony. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The piece even listed potential trade assets the Knicks could offer: Amar''e Stoudemire and Jeremy Lin.


    Lastly, there''s Nike''s involvement.


    Even though LeBron hasn''t achieved major success in Miami, Nike''s significant investment in him hasn''t paid off yet. They wouldn''t want their poster boy sidelined.


    Nike would undoubtedly exert pressure on the league regarding any trade, and as the NBA''s biggest sponsor, their influence is not to be ignored.


    Theoretically, 29 teams could trade for LeBron, but satisfying all these conditions narrows it down to only a few, or perhaps none.


    And that''s where it gets interesting. If differing opinions prevent Riley from pulling the trigger, things could get even more entertaining.


    While the Heat''s situation remained unresolved, the defending champion Grizzlies made the first trade of the 2012-13 season.


    They sent Tony Allen to the Pacers for Dahntay Jones and a future second-round pick.


    This trade raised a few eyebrows. Jones was notorious for his dirty plays, especially during the 2008-09 playoffs when he was the Nuggets'' starting shooting guard and repeatedly targeted Kobe Bryant.


    The Grizzlies'' move seemed like a direct response to the league''s punishment of James Johnson.


    "You suspended Johnson? Fine, we''ll bring in someone truly dirty."


    Or perhaps Wallace felt Johnson''s nuclear deterrence wasn''t enough and opted for Jones'' consistent menace.


    Either way, opponents who dared to play dirty would now have to brace for retaliation.


    This move also aligned with the Grizzlies'' recent habit of reacquiring former players.


    Yes, Jones was once a Grizzly. Drafted 20th overall in the 2003 class, he spent his entire rookie contract with Memphis before moving on.


    As for Allen, he landed with the team he''d wanted to join, making it a win-win for both sides.


    ...


    Fast forward to June 29, Han Sen was still at home recovering and keeping an eye on the NBA Draft.


    The Hornets had recently welcomed new owner Tom Benson in April and secured their first-ever No. 1 overall pick.


    The top pick was essentially a bargaining chip, essential for attracting a local owner in New Orleans.


    And it was a valuable chip, as the draft featured Anthony Davis, touted as the ''future of American big men.''


    Unable to train and with no new talents unlocked in his hater system, Han tuned into the draft out of curiosity.


    Unsurprisingly, the Hornets used their No. 1 pick on Davis.


    The Bobcats, after a dismal seven-win season, selected Michael Kidd-Gilchrist with the second pick.


    When Han saw the unfamiliar face and the long name, he struggled to remember who the guy even was.


    Aside from marveling at Jordan''s consistent draft blunders, he felt sorry for Charlotte fans.


    Had it not been for Stern''s maneuvering, they could''ve picked Davis. The fates of the Bobcats and Hornets might have swapped entirely.


    The Wizards chose Bradley Beal with the third pick, and the Cavaliers, riding Kyrie Irving''s rookie year to 20 wins, picked Dion Waiters at No. 4.


    This likely spelled the end for O.J. Mayo in Cleveland.


    Counting the previously waived Hasheem Thabeet, it was clear the Cavs had lost big on the Han Sen trade.


    The Kings went with Thomas Robinson at No. 5, a player Han vaguely remembered for crying on the CBA bench after learning he''d be fined for sitting on an ad board.


    This showed why the Kings were bad at drafting, especially since the Blazers picked Damian Lillard next at No. 6.


    Despite already having DeMarcus Cousins in the paint, the Sacramento Kings passed on an elite guard like Lillard.


    The Warriors, at No. 7, selected Harrison Barnes, the ''Black Falcon'' from UNC, completing their future lineup alongside Curry and Thompson.


    While watching, a notification popped up on Han''s phone: Windhorst had updated the list of teams LeBron was considering.


    Besides the Knicks, LeBron was reportedly intrigued by the Clippers and Spurs.


    Apparently, Riley had vetoed his Knicks idea.


    Windhorst''s article suggested LeBron was drawn to the Clippers due to their lack of past success, similar to the Cavaliers before he joined them. He wanted to replicate his Cleveland legacy in Los Angeles.


    This was unsurprising to Han, as Nike preferred LeBron to be in a major market like New York or L.A.


    But why not the Lakers?


    With Kobe Bryant still active, LeBron would risk becoming Scottie Pippen to Kobe''s Jordan.


    The Spurs, however, caught Han off guard.


    San Antonio was a small market with little appeal, even with championships.


    Han read further: the Spurs'' disappointing season left them needing a small forward, and LeBron could extend their championship window.


    Han stroked his chin, piecing it together.


    LeBron needed a ring to validate himself. The Spurs offered the best shot at success while letting him take over as the leader of a transitioning team.


    More importantly, wherever LeBron went now didn''t mean he''d stay there.


    By 2014, he could opt out of his contract and move on.


    Han smirked as he finished reading. Things were about to get interesting.


    While it was still unclear where LeBron would go, one thing was certain¡ªhe was heading to the Western Conference.


    This was significant to Han on a personal level. After all, LeBron might just be his No. 0 hater-in-chief, the biggest of them all. Han couldn''t help but anticipate their upcoming clashes.


    ...


    By the time Han finished scrolling through the news, the NBA Draft''s first round was wrapping up. In the second round, the Warriors selected Draymond Green with the 35th pick.


    Han immediately recognized the name.


    Green was that loudmouth who trash-talked him back during their NCAA days. Now, after finishing four years at Michigan State, he''d finally joined the NBA to become part of Golden State''s... uh, ''core.''


    Meanwhile, the Grizzlies, lacking a first-round pick this year, used the 56th selection to grab Robert Sacre.


    Han faintly recalled Sacre as the Lakers'' infamous ''bench hype man,'' whose main contribution was orchestrating celebrations from the sidelines.


    A big center, huh? Seemed like the team wasn''t planning to re-sign Hamed Haddadi.


    Han had no ill feelings toward Haddadi, though.


    The guy was an excellent waterboy, always on point. He could only hope Sacre would uphold that legacy and safeguard the Grizzlies'' hydration needs.


    ...


    With the draft concluded, fans barely had time to discuss the rookies before the 2012 free agency period kicked off two days later.


    This offseason wasn''t stacked with top-tier free agents, but it was still eventful.


    Headliners included Deron Williams from the Nets, Steve Nash from the Suns, Jeremy Lin from the Knicks, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen from the Celtics, Jason Kidd from the Mavs, and Serge Ibaka from the Thunder.


    ...


    Han didn''t have to wait long for action. On day one of free agency, the Grizzlies'' management presented him with an extension offer: $85 million over five years.


    Han frowned as he read the terms.


    He was already familiar with the idea of early extensions¡ªhis agent, Thomas, had prepped him for this conversation ¢Ù.


    Han''s All-Star appearances and All-NBA selections qualified him for the ''Rose Rule,'' which could elevate his contract to $95 million.


    "Han could get the max: $95 million," Thomas had clarified before.


    But now, GM Chris Wallace had a proposition.


    The Grizzlies were under significant financial strain. With Han''s new contract set to kick in next summer, the team was projected to exceed the luxury tax by nearly $20 million, incurring a $50 million tax penalty.


    Wallace reasoned that if Han forewent the Rose Rule, he could save the team nearly $10 million annually.


    By replacing a few role players, the Grizzlies could potentially reduce their tax bill to below $30 million and preserve their core lineup.


    "This isn''t just about money," Wallace stressed. "It''s about building toward a three-peat."


    Han noticed the conflicted look on Wallace''s face. It was clear he understood Han wouldn''t be thrilled, but his hands were tied. This wasn''t just Wallace''s decision¡ªit was owner Michael Heisley''s directive.


    Han wasn''t surprised. He''d seen this playbook before.


    Whether it was Rudy Gay or Mike Conley, the Grizzlies had a history of lowballing their stars. Small market, cheap ownership¡ªthis was the culture.


    Other franchises, like the Spurs with Manu Gin¨®bili or the Thunder with James Harden, played similar games. But at least Gilbert, the Cavs'' owner, had been willing to pay the luxury tax when LeBron was around.


    Wallace argued that sacrificing the Rose Rule would help maintain the roster, ensuring their shot at a dynasty.


    The math seemed simple: Han giving up $2 million a year could save the team $10-$20 million annually.


    Han didn''t buy it.


    "Not signing the extension doesn''t mean the team will trade me, right?" Han asked, putting down the contract.


    "Of course not! Never!" Wallace waved his hands frantically.


    Han chuckled.


    Memphis had just won its first championship, and he was the city''s hero. In a place where championship parades weren''t safe from gunfire, anyone trying to trade Han might end up ''retired.''


    Han shook his head. Why should he save the owner money?


    Wallace''s logic had a glaring flaw. Paying luxury tax and keeping the core intact weren''t mutually exclusive.


    The Lakers, for instance, exceeded the cap by over $20 million, and they paid their taxes just fine.


    Sure, people said the Lakers were rich, but their owner, Dr. Jerry Buss, wasn''t exactly swimming in cash.


    If the Grizzlies couldn''t turn a profit even with a championship and Han''s global marketability, that was a front-office failure.


    Han made his decision.


    "I''ll wait until next summer to discuss my contract," he said, effectively warning Heisley.


    Han knew his worth¡ªevery dollar was earned. If Heisley couldn''t handle the financial heat, maybe he should sell the team.


    Negotiations for Han''s extension broke down, and the Grizzlies faced more challenges.


    Reserve forward Marreese Speights also became a free agent and received a 2-year, $11 million offer from the Cavs.


    With their penny-pinching philosophy, Memphis couldn''t match, allowing Speights to walk.


    Fortunately, not all was bleak. On the same day Speights signed with Cleveland, the Grizzlies inked Antawn Jamison to a one-year veteran minimum deal.


    Han smiled. Jamison had asked him if Memphis still had room for him. Well, now it did.


    -End of Chapter-


    ¢Ù: Early contract extensions allow a parent team to negotiate a new deal with a player whose current contract has one year remaining. The new contract would only take effect after the original deal expires.

 Chapter 197: Who Did They Trade For?

    Chapter 197: Who Did They Trade For?The news about where LeBron was headed remained unresolved, but the Rockets had already made a splashy, if not monumental, move.


    They pried Jeremy Lin away from the Knicks with a three-year, $25 million offer sheet.


    This contract, while not particularly huge, was unmatchable for the Knicks due to the ''Arenas Rule.''


    The Arenas Rule stemmed from a loophole the Wizards exploited to sign Gilbert Arenas¡ªa second-round pick who thrived with the Warriors¡ªoffering him a deal Golden State couldn''t match.


    The NBA introduced the rule to prevent this from happening again, limiting the first-year salary of contracts for second-round picks to the mid-level exception.


    However, the rule only applied to two years of the contract, allowing teams to offer a massive salary hike in the third year, creating a financial poison pill for teams attempting to match.


    For teams without much cap space, matching such an offer would mean risking hefty luxury tax penalties in the third year. This type of deal became popularly known as a ''poison pill contract."''


    This exact situation had occurred with DeAndre Jordan and the Clippers the previous season.


    Smart teams had since avoided signing rookies to short one- or two-year deals, as evidenced by the Warriors locking up Draymond Green on a three-year deal.


    But Jeremy Lin''s breakout performance had been an unexpected phenomenon, forcing the Knicks to reluctantly let him go.


    Soon after Lin joined the Rockets, the Knicks made a splash of their own, announcing a trade with the Suns.


    They acquired Steve Nash in a sign-and-trade deal, sending out four second-round picks and some cash. Nash signed a three-year, $27 million deal with the Suns before the trade.


    Having already stated he wouldn''t stay in Phoenix, Nash had listed the Raptors and Knicks as his top destinations.


    Lin''s departure had set off a domino effect, ultimately steering Nash to the Knicks for one last championship push.


    ...


    Meanwhile, at a fishing spot by the Mississippi River, Han Sen met up with Antawn Jamison.


    With a cast still on his leg, Han had to greet Jamison seated, but the two embraced enthusiastically.


    Jamison was clearly thrilled. After years of racking up stats in Cleveland, the chance to finally compete for a championship felt like a long-awaited rejuvenation.


    "This was supposed to be for LeBron," Han joked, pointing to a nearby fishing rod.


    "Speaking of LeBron, I heard his team''s eyeing New York," Jamison said with a chuckle, sitting down beside him.


    Rumors about LeBron''s destination were flying, and Jamison''s intel from the Eastern Conference was usually reliable.


    "That''s no surprise," Han said, "but it''s not happening."


    Han recalled that LeBron had once expressed interest in playing alongside Nash. With Nash now in New York, and the Knicks being a team LeBron admired, it made sense that he''d want to join them.


    However, with Nash, draft picks, and a potential lineup of Nash, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron, and Dwight Howard, there was no way Pat Riley would let that happen.


    In the matter of where LeBron would go, Riley''s decision was paramount.


    The following days saw Han and Jamison fishing together, but unlike their time in Cleveland, Jamison kept coming up empty-handed.


    "It''s definitely the fishing rod," Han teased, justifying Jamison''s bad luck.


    On the fourth day, as Han was about to swap out Jamison''s rod, he finally caught something¡ªa massive eight-pound Asian carp.


    As Jamison posed for a photo with his catch, Han received a call from Isiah Thomas.


    "What did you just say?!"


    "Which KD?"


    After hanging up, Han was still in shock.


    "What happened?" Jamison asked, putting the fish into a livewell.


    "LeBron''s trade is finalized."


    Jamison pulled out his phone, but there was no news yet. Thomas had likely gotten the scoop through his extensive network.


    "Where''s he going?"


    "To the Thunder."


    "The Thunder? LeBron wants to go there?" Jamison was stunned.


    New York, the Clippers, the Spurs¡ªhell, even the Rockets would make more sense. But the Thunder, a small-market team with a frugal owner?


    Still, the Thunder had assets: Harden, Ibaka, Westbrook, and Perkins. They had the pieces to satisfy the Heat, or even use them in a three-team deal if needed.


    "So, who did they trade for LeBron?" Jamison asked, his curiosity piqued.


    "KD."


    "Which KD?"


    The two looked at each other, realizing they had the same question.


    Of course, the Thunder only had one KD¡ªKevin Durant.


    The Thunder had traded Durant for LeBron!


    "WHAT THE F¡ª!" Jamison burst out once the reality sank in.


    Just then, Jamison''s phone buzzed with a notification.


    The trade was official:


    The Heat traded LeBron James, Mike Miller, and Josh McRoberts to the Thunder for Kevin Durant and Kendrick Perkins.


    Han mulled over the deal, piecing it together.


    This trade was sudden, which meant it was likely a spur-of-the-moment decision.


    In such cases, it usually came down to Riley making a quick call. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In other words, the Thunder likely presented the offer, and Riley, without hesitation, jumped on it.


    Han imagined that LeBron and Durant were probably even more shocked than he and Jamison were.


    But the logic was clear. If Han were Riley, he''d have flown to Oklahoma City to seal the deal personally, just to ensure the Thunder didn''t back out.


    Why would the Thunder want LeBron? Han thought back to his own experience with contract extensions.


    For small-market teams, championships are important, but money matters more.


    LeBron''s commercial value far outweighed Durant''s, and after their humiliating loss to the Grizzlies in the Western Conference Finals, the Thunder likely saw no clear path to a title.


    If they couldn''t win it all, they might as well make more money.


    As Han visualized a Westbrook-LeBron pairing, he couldn''t help but laugh.


    Both needed the ball. Both loved grabbing defensive rebounds. Both wanted to lead fast breaks. Both chased stats...


    Would they end up fighting on the court?


    And if Harden stayed, would they need to split the basketball into three?


    "Miami''s going to be tough to beat," Jamison muttered after gathering his thoughts.


    Wade, Durant, Bosh, and Perkins¡ªthe Heat had bolstered their roster in a big way.


    Forget dynasties for a moment¡ªjust defending their title this season was about to get a whole lot harder.


    ...


    "What did you just say?!"


    Durant had just wrapped up an intense training session and sat down to rest when his agent called.


    His initial reaction? Total disbelief.


    "I''ve been grinding day and night to settle my score with that Han Sen, and now the front office waves the white flag?"


    But after calming down, a chuckle escaped him.


    Last season''s issues with ball distribution in the Thunder? No one understood it better than him.


    He had good relationships with both Westbrook and Harden, but there was nothing he could say to fix it. Neither of them would willingly give up the ball, not even for him.


    So Durant kept his head down, focused on improving himself. And now? This trade might just be the blessing he needed.


    With Miami''s stacked roster, his chances of finally toppling Han Sen had never been better.


    "If I can''t take him down in the West, I''ll crush him in the Finals."


    For Durant, this wasn''t just about basketball¡ªit was a battle for pride. He couldn''t afford to lose.


    Besides, as a Seattle native, he had always resented the Thunder''s move to Oklahoma City. Being traded away? It freed him from ever having to suppress those feelings.


    As for the Thunder? Durant smirked. "Next season, get ready to face the fire."


    ...


    "What the f*ck was Pat Riley thinking?!"


    Meanwhile, LeBron James wasn''t just upset¡ªhe was fuming.


    Oklahoma City? A farm town? Compared to Cleveland, it might as well be a barnyard. What was he supposed to do there, sell hay?


    To James, this wasn''t just a trade¡ªit was an insult. Riley had thrown him under the bus, plain and simple.


    But powerless to veto the trade, James felt the sting of frustration that came with being treated like a commodity.


    "If I''d demanded a no-trade clause back then, I wouldn''t be in this mess," his agent Rich Paul mused aloud.


    LeBron''s bloodshot eyes locked onto Paul. He picked up his phone, but it wasn''t Riley he called¡ªit was Leon Rose, his current agent.


    "We''re done."


    After hanging up, LeBron turned back to Rich Paul. "Rich, you''re my agent now."


    Rich froze, stunned into silence. His offhand comment had just earned him the job of a lifetime.


    Moments later, barely suppressing his joy, he almost wanted to drop to his knees and shout, ''Long live the King!''


    "We just need to tough it out for two seasons. Then we can go back East," Rich reassured him, steadying his hands.


    He knew LeBron better than anyone. The King didn''t want to be in the West¡ªit was a gauntlet of elite teams, a place where even legends faltered.


    The East? That was LeBron''s comfort zone. As long as his stats looked good, even if the team fell short, he wouldn''t.


    LeBron said nothing, but his silence was agreement enough.


    If there was one lesson he took from this, it was that his next contract¡ªwherever it might be¡ªwould absolutely include a no-trade clause.


    "Or better yet," Paul added, "we could do one-plus-one deals. That way, we keep your Bird rights and total control."


    LeBron gave him an approving pat on the shoulder. "You''re the right man for the job."


    ...


    When news broke of LeBron and Durant swapping teams, the entire NBA felt the tremors.


    LeBron heading West? Miami turning into a superteam? The next season was shaping up to be must-watch TV.


    But just as fans were wrapping their heads around it, a series of cascading trades sent shockwaves across the league.


    First, Ray Allen.


    Frustrated with the Celtics'' lowball offer of two years for $12 million after they prioritized Garnett, Allen flipped the script.


    Signing with Miami for a three-year deal at the mini mid-level exception, he made it clear: vengeance was sweet.


    Suddenly, Miami looked like an unstoppable juggernaut.


    Then came the real bombshell¡ªJames Harden was traded.


    In a massive four-team deal involving the Rockets, Sixers, Thunder, and Nuggets:


    -The Rockets landed Harden, Moe Harkless, Nikola Vucevic, and a 2013 second-round pick.


    -The Sixers acquired Andrew Bynum and Al Harrington.


    -The Thunder got Arron Afflalo, a 2014 first-rounder from Denver, and a protected 2015 first from Philly.


    -The Nuggets snagged Andre Iguodala.


    As if the West wasn''t stacked enough, Iggy joined the party.


    Meanwhile, over in the East, Dwight Howard finally got his wish¡ªlanding with the Brooklyn Nets.


    The Nets gave up a haul centered around Brook Lopez and three future first-rounders, but in return, they formed an F4 superteam of Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Gerald Wallace, and Dwight Howard.


    The result? A Brooklyn squad that could go toe-to-toe with Miami for East supremacy.


    In the West, though, it was a whole different story. The conference wasn''t just a battlefield¡ªit was a living hell.


    Grizzlies, Lakers, Thunder, Spurs, Mavs, Nuggets, Clippers, Jazz, Rockets.


    Survival of the fittest? Forget that. This was straight-up Darwinism.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 198: Divine Fadeaway.

    Chapter 198: Divine Fadeaway.As blockbuster trades were being announced across the league, the Grizzlies weren''t idle either. Like many defending champions, they signed several veteran players on minimum contracts.


    One notable addition was Grant Hill.


    Yes, that Grant Hill¡ªthe original heir to Jordan from his Pistons days, whose career was derailed by injuries.


    Nearing 40, he was still a starter for the Suns last season, averaging 10.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game.


    With Steve Nash heading east and the Suns rebuilding, Hill wasn''t going to stay. This season, he''d compete with Dahntay Jones for playing time.


    The Grizzlies also brought in Shaun Livingston as their third-string point guard.


    Jordan Crawford was more of a scorer, and the Grizzlies had a trend of stockpiling pass-first point guards over the years, like Jason Williams and Mike Bibby.


    Livingston might not have their experience, but he came into the league with the lofty nickname ''The Next Magic Johnson,'' boasting elite playmaking skills.


    Due to injury concerns, his market value had plummeted after last season. But as the Grizzlies'' third guard? Worth a shot.


    ...


    By the time free agency wrapped up, the Grizzlies had patched up their roster quite well. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    On paper, they looked even stronger than last season¡ªbarring one glaring detail: Han Sen still hadn''t signed an extension.


    But as the defending champions, their success in the new season hinged on their core players'' performances.


    Shortly after free agency ended, the moment Han Sen had been waiting for arrived¡ªhis [Hater Points] hit 1.8 million.


    He immediately redeemed a talent tied to the fadeaway:


    [Divine Fadeaway]: A talent that significantly enhances balance, coordination, core strength, and hang time during spin and fadeaway movements.


    Reading the system''s description, Han Sen was thrilled. Core strength and hang time were two areas he knew he needed to improve.


    However, his foot injury wasn''t fully healed yet, so training was off the table for now. Instead, he tasked Chris Rondo with gathering footage on the subject.


    Rondo came through, digging up archival footage of none other than Michael Jordan.


    The NBA had promoted Jordan''s skills heavily back in the day, producing numerous documentaries on his techniques, including his legendary fadeaway.


    The videos weren''t long, but Han Sen found them deeply inspiring.


    Jordan didn''t just emphasize technique¡ªit was about mindset. Protecting the ball, creating space, and mastering footwork were key themes.


    It validated Han Sen''s current approach, solidifying his belief in his game plan.


    ...


    By late July, Han Sen''s foot had healed enough for him to train. Wasting no time, he flew to Houston to learn from Hakeem Olajuwon.


    Olajuwon charged $80,000 per session, open to all comers.


    But when Han Sen showed up, the Hall of Famer couldn''t hide his excitement.


    After all, this was the reigning Finals MVP¡ªa golden opportunity to elevate his legacy as a trainer.


    Hakeem started with a series of drills to evaluate Han Sen''s abilities.


    When the tests ended, Hakeem broke into laughter.


    "This speed, this agility, this coordination, and that hang time... Kobe was the last guy I trained with this much raw talent!"


    Han Sen, unfazed, jumped straight into the core of Olajuwon''s teachings: the Dream Shake.


    At its heart was the concept of resetting the pivot foot.


    By resetting, you leave defenders guessing which foot you''ll use to attack, putting them in an awkward, reactive position.


    Han Sen recognized this from facing Kobe and watching Jordan''s tapes. The lesson hit home.


    After one session, Han Sen was so impressed he paid double to extend his time with Hakeem.


    Given his system-enhanced talents, he quickly progressed to advanced moves during the extra session.


    Money wasn''t an issue¡ªit was the opportunity that mattered.


    When they finished, Han Sen and Hakeem sat courtside to rest.


    Han Sen felt rejuvenated. It wasn''t just the joy of recovering from injury¡ªit was the immense value of what he''d learned.


    Hakeem''s steep fees made sense. His methods were useless for mediocre players, but for elites, they were transformative.


    As Han Sen turned to thank him, he noticed Hakeem looking at him with an emotional expression.


    "What''s up?" Han Sen asked.


    "You know, last summer another MVP came to me," Hakeem said, unable to hold back a chuckle.


    "LeBron?" Han Sen guessed immediately.


    Hakeem nodded, though his expression darkened slightly.


    "He was... one of my most challenging students, alongside Dwight Howard."


    Han Sen burst into laughter. "You mean he paid extra because he couldn''t get it in one session?"


    Hakeem smiled wryly but nodded.


    To his credit, LeBron''s eventual improvement had bolstered Hakeem''s reputation.


    "Fair enough," Han Sen said with a grin. "LeBron''s work ethic speaks for itself. He''s come a long way."


    Hakeem laughed along. Despite the struggles, turning even a ''bad student'' into a success was a testament to his teaching.


    ...


    Returning to Memphis, Han Sen organized another training camp, building on the success of last year''s.


    This time, attendance skyrocketed.


    The championship aura was intangible yet undeniable. It drew not only regulars like Harden, Curry, and Kyrie but also new faces like Russell Westbrook.


    Westbrook and Harden seemed to get along better than Han Sen had expected¡ªlikely because Harden had already been traded away from the Thunder.


    Off the court, friendships might be solid, but when there''s a conflict of interest, even the closest bonds can feel strained. With that conflict gone, the vibe was much smoother.


    Westbrook, in particular, was someone whose bluntness and genuine enthusiasm made him easy to connect with in private.


    Even as competitors on the court, Han Sen found that he and Westbrook clicked.


    But when the topic shifted to Kevin Durant, Westbrook''s mood noticeably darkened.


    It was clear that his bond with Durant ran deeper than with Harden.


    It was then that Han Sen noticed something intriguing.


    In the ''history'' he knew, Durant''s move to the Warriors¡ªwho had defeated the Thunder¡ªhad turned him and Westbrook into bitter rivals.


    But now, with Durant leaving the Thunder early, that drama wasn''t going to happen.


    It was like an alternate reality where, if Napoleon had retired after his early victories, he might have gone down as an unparalleled military genius rather than a tragic conqueror. For both Durant and Westbrook, this could be considered a blessing.


    Han Sen couldn''t help but pat Westbrook on the shoulder and, with a meaningful tone, said, "KD and Harden are gone. The Thunder''s future rests on your shoulders."


    Westbrook looked both surprised and thrilled¡ªhe hadn''t expected Han Sen to see him this way.


    In truth, Westbrook had been furious with the team''s decision to trade Durant for LeBron James, especially after he had just taken a pay cut to re-sign with the Thunder.


    And with LeBron''s reputation taking a nosedive over the last couple of years, Westbrook felt a lot of anxiety about teaming up with him.


    After all, a skinny camel is still bigger than a horse, and LeBron was still Nike''s flagship athlete, overshadowing Westbrook in every way.


    But Han Sen''s words gave him a huge boost of confidence. It reminded him that he wasn''t just part of the Thunder''s plan¡ªhe was the plan.


    To put it metaphorically, he was the driver of the Thunder bus, and LeBron? Just a passenger.


    ...


    A week into the camp, Dwyane Wade finally showed up, fashionably late.


    When he saw Han Sen, Wade''s face was lit with smiles.


    After getting swept last season, Wade had thought his career was done for. But one transformative summer later, things had completely turned around.


    When they hit the court, it was back to their classic trash-talking routine.


    "This time, I''m the one taking you down," Wade said, oozing confidence. And why wouldn''t he? The Heat''s current lineup had no weak links. Losing seemed impossible.


    "I respect your confidence, but at least make me break a sweat first." Han Sen responded by hitting a turnaround fadeaway after a slick drive.


    Wade''s eyes widened in shock. He hadn''t expected Han Sen to have added such a deadly move to his arsenal.


    The way Han Sen showed up each summer with a new weapon was terrifying.


    "Basketball isn''t a one-on-one game," Wade countered, refusing to back down.


    He demonstrated his point with a textbook pick-and-roll, dishing out a perfect assist to Curry for a three-pointer¡ªa preview of how deadly the Heat would be next season.


    "That''s because you don''t understand the kind of opponent you''re up against." Han Sen fired back, driving to the rim and setting up Faried for an alley-oop.


    On his way back down the court, he looked at Wade, palms out in mock innocence.


    Neither man could get the last word, but it brought back memories of their old training sessions at the American Airlines Arena.


    As for who was right? Only the upcoming season would provide the answer.


    ...


    By early September, Han Sen wrapped up his training camp and embarked on his second China tour with Under Armour.


    Everywhere he went, the reception was overwhelming, even surpassing last year''s.


    Though some online critics still harped on his absence from the Olympics, most fans knew the real story. The Finals showed everyone how LeBron had undercut him, and the Grizzlies had updated his injury report.


    It was easy to see through the Basketball Association''s motives¡ªthey just wanted him to return early, regardless of his performance.


    Basketball is a team sport, after all. Throwing someone into an Olympics lineup with no chemistry was a recipe for disaster. Even Team USA runs training camps and warm-up games to prepare.


    During this tour, Han was particularly excited to visit Chengdu and see the giant pandas. However, the overwhelming crowd size caught UA off guard, leaving him no choice but to simply check in at the airport and move on. Han couldn''t help but joke about the chaos.


    Fortunately, the rest of the tour went smoothly.


    In Shanghai, a fan asked him about the Miami Heat¡ªan unavoidable topic since their roster was the biggest obstacle to the Grizzlies'' repeat bid.


    On paper, the Heat seemed like a tier above the Grizzlies.


    Smiling, he delivered a speech steeped in Chinese wisdom:


    "Great leaders rise to meet great challenges. Whether it''s Liu Bang at Xingyang, Emperor Guangwu at Kunyang, or Cao Cao at Guandu, only when faced with seemingly insurmountable opponents can you prove your worth. I welcome this Heat team. They give me the chance to prove I belong at the top."


    His words sent chills through the crowd, filling them with hope and anticipation for the Grizzlies'' upcoming season.


    ...


    Back in Memphis, with training camp still weeks away, Han Sen focused on refining his [Divine Fadeaway].


    He had spent the summer refining his new talent, and it was nearing its ceiling. Yet, just like in the past, he was still a step away from mastering it.


    To push through, he needed a sparring partner who could provide the right challenge.


    One day, while heading to the gym for his usual practice, Han noticed someone new in the locker room¡ªShaun Livingston.


    As Han dug deeper into his memories, a key fact surfaced¡ªLivingston wasn''t just a great floor general; his spin fadeaway was elite, a niche move known only to those who really paid attention.


    And right now, fate seemed to be serving Han exactly what he needed.


    Livingston was surprised but excited to meet Han Sen.


    "You here to put in some extra work?" Han Sen asked.


    Livingston nodded.


    His non-guaranteed contract with the Grizzlies officially pegged him as the third-string point guard, but he was fully aware of the precariousness of his situation.


    Early training wasn''t just for form¡ªit was also a chance to impress the coaching staff.


    "Let''s go," Han Sen said, leading the way.


    Livingston hesitated before introducing himself. "I''m Shaun¡ª"


    "I know who you are," Han cut him off. "Shaun Livingston, the next Magic Johnson. If it weren''t for injuries, you''d be an All-Star by now."


    With that, Han motioned for him to follow as he walked toward the door.


    The words left Livingston stunned. He never thought Han would know him, let alone recall what many considered ancient history.


    Han turned back to see Livingston frozen in place. "Let''s go, Magic," he called, his tone light yet encouraging.


    Livingston took a deep breath, smiled, and followed, determination glinting in his eyes.


    For the first time in years, he felt like a player worth believing in.


    -End of Chapter-


    Translator''s note:


    Let me know if you guys like the name of the new talent: Divine Fadeaway. Otherwise suggest me better alternatives.


    For those interested, here''s a breakdown of the historical figures Han referenced in his speech. I didn''t change it since he''s speaking Chinese.


    1. Liu Bang („¢°î) was the founder of the Han Dynasty (206 BCE¨C220 CE), one of China''s most influential dynasties. The battles of Xingyang and Chenggao were pivotal moments in his campaign against rival warlord Xiang Yu during the Chu-Han Contention. Liu''s ability to emerge victorious despite being the underdog solidified his legacy as a cunning and resilient leader.


    2. Emperor Guangwu (¹âÎäµÛ) was the founder of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25¨C220 CE). The battles of Kunyang and Hebei were crucial in his restoration of the Han Dynasty after the collapse of the Western Han. These victories were seen as testaments to his strategic brilliance and perseverance against seemingly insurmountable odds.


    3. Cao Cao (²Ü²Ù), a central figure in the Three Kingdoms period (220¨C280 CE), was a renowned military strategist, poet, and statesman. The battles of Puyang and Guandu were milestones in his consolidation of power in Northern China. These clashes showcased his tactical acumen and ability to overcome stronger adversaries.

 Chapter 199: You’re Home.

    Chapter 199: You¡¯re Home.After a grueling training session with Shaun Livingston, Han Sen finally understood why the fadeaway was such a deadly weapon in Livingston''s arsenal.


    While core strength and hang time laid the foundation, it was the technical finesse that set him apart. His use of half-turns and spin fakes, combined with exceptional spin speed, allowed him to execute moves seamlessly from both directions.


    This level of precision wasn''t something developed overnight; it was the product of years of training and in-game honing.


    This provided invaluable insight for Han''s own training.


    After the session ended, Han invited Livingston to train together again the next day, an invitation Livingston was more than happy to accept. Opportunities to build rapport with the team''s leader didn''t come often.


    ...


    Two weeks later, the Memphis Grizzlies'' training camp officially began.


    On the first day, players trickled in, one by one. Han kept an eye on Zach Randolph, curious to see what shape he was in.


    Surprisingly, Randolph showed up looking leaner and fitter than he had in the past two seasons, defying his usual pattern of showing up slightly out of shape.


    "You sick or something?" Rudy Gay teased, his curiosity getting the better of him.


    Randolph glared and waved him off, visibly annoyed. As it turned out, Randolph had spent the summer renting out a private gym for his training.


    "I need to see if the sun''s rising in the west," Gay joked, making Han chuckle. Rudy''s playful ribbing of Randolph was a daily routine.


    On a serious note, Randolph''s transformation wasn''t entirely unexpected.


    Last season, Randolph had performed decently, but for a player of his stature on the team, ''decent'' wasn''t good enough.


    If he didn''t reclaim his form soon, Marc Gasol might fully take over as the team''s go-to big man.


    But the old Randolph, who might have butted heads with the coaching staff, was gone. Now, he was mature, focused, and eager to prove his worth on the court.


    This change in attitude wasn''t just personal¡ªit reflected the culture of the team.


    When the leader of the squad was willing to sacrifice for the greater good, it became difficult for others to act out.


    Additionally, Memphis''s salary structure played a role.


    With the Grizzlies locking up their core players on long-term deals, there wasn''t much room for ego battles over contracts. Stability in the roster eliminated the typical drama of players chasing numbers for a payday.


    The real challenge for the Grizzlies was maintaining hunger after their championship run.


    ...


    On the first day of training, the team''s energy levels were off the charts, a stark contrast to the Los Angeles Lakers team Han had observed in previous seasons.


    The difference between the two teams was night and day.


    The Kobe-and-Gasol Lakers felt like the 1995¨C1998 Bulls: experienced, disciplined, and somewhat methodical.


    In contrast, Han''s Grizzlies were the 1990¨C1993 Bulls: young, hungry, and brimming with untapped potential.


    Of course, the emergence of the Miami Heat this season added fuel to Memphis''s fire.


    Last season, the Mavericks'' dominance had reignited their competitive spirit. Now, the Heat''s rise as preseason favorites to dethrone Memphis served as further motivation.


    The narrative from the media was clear: Miami was the team to beat, and Memphis''s chances of repeating were slim.


    This disrespect only lit a fire under the Grizzlies.


    "We''re the reigning champions. We swept through the playoffs last year, even with Randolph underperforming. And now, before the season has even started, they''re already counting us out? You think we can''t do it? Watch us prove you wrong."


    By the end of the first practice, the team''s determination was undeniable.


    ...


    Among the new faces, Antawn Jamison stood out. After practice, he remarked to Han:


    "I feel like I went from being a librarian to working in an ER. My body''s struggling to keep up!"


    Han chuckled at the apt metaphor and patted Jamison on the shoulder. "You''ll adjust."


    Despite his complaints, Jamison''s effort and energy during practice were undeniable. He was a lock to become the team''s sixth man for the season.


    Jamison''s performance last year with the Cavaliers¡ªaveraging 17.2 points per game¡ªproved he could still contribute, even if his shooting percentages weren''t stellar.


    Memphis had a lot to thank Cleveland for. First, they sent Han Sen their way. Now, Jamison. At this rate, Cleveland might as well be Memphis''s unofficial farm team.


    ...


    The Grizzlies quickly settled into training camp routines, and by early October, preseason games began.


    In their first two games, against the Blazers and Kings, the Grizzlies won decisively¡ªdespite only playing their starters in the first half.


    During this period, Han had brought his [Divine Fadeaway] to the brink of perfection.


    By the third preseason game, coach Dave Joerger began experimenting with different rotations and giving fringe players opportunities.


    One player under scrutiny was Dahntay Jones, whose outside shooting was far worse than expected.


    Livingston also struggled. Although his height allowed him to play multiple positions, his lack of an outside shot made it challenging to adapt to modern NBA standards.


    After two underwhelming performances, his chances of making an impact seemed slim.


    Livingston had been instrumental in helping him hone his new talent, and Han made sure to advocate for him when the coaching staff seemed hesitant.


    "Livingston is a natural playmaker," Han told Coach Joerger. "He''s not a shooter, but at the point guard spot, his size and court vision are assets. Let him play to his strengths."


    Joerger agreed to experiment, giving Livingston extended minutes at point guard in the next game against the Clippers.


    But Livingston continued to struggle, turning the ball over on his first possession and playing tentatively. When he was subbed out, he looked visibly shaken.


    Han, recalling Livingston''s horrific knee injury during his time with the Clippers, understood the emotional weight of playing against his former team.


    During a timeout, Han sat beside him and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.


    "Don''t worry. You''ll get another chance in the second half," Han said gently, his voice steady and encouraging.


    Livingston exhaled deeply, as though clinging to a lifeline.


    "Don''t overthink it. Just play your game. The team signed you for who you are now, not who you were."


    Livingston nodded, his demeanor softening.


    From nearby, Rudy Gay chimed in with a proud grin. "That''s just Han for you. He''s got everyone''s back."


    Han rolled his eyes. "If you can''t say something useful, don''t say anything at all."


    Livingston chuckled, a genuine smile breaking through. "I''m just glad to be one of those ''everyone.''"


    ...


    In the second half, Livingston made the most of his opportunity.


    He orchestrated a beautiful alley-oop to Kenneth Faried, showcasing his elite passing skills. Moments later, he nailed a smooth turnaround fadeaway over Eric Gordon.


    By the end of his stint, Livingston had recorded 4 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists¡ªa glimpse of his potential.


    The commentators couldn''t help but reflect on his journey: a former 4th overall pick touted as the next Magic Johnson, derailed by a catastrophic injury, and now clawing his way back into the league.


    When Livingston walked past Han on his way back to the bench, Han reached out for a fist bump.


    "Great job, Magic."


    Livingston''s eyes welled up. He quickly covered his face with a towel, his shoulders trembling.


    From the corner, Rudy Gay leaned in and patted Livingston on the back.


    "Don''t cry, brother," he said with a grin. "You''re home now."


    ...


    The preseason hasn''t even ended yet, but a video featuring LeBron James has already taken social media by storm.


    Since arriving in Oklahoma City, LeBron''s team has wasted no time flexing their marketing prowess.


    Say what you will, but their ability to spin gold out of any situation is unmatched¡ªeven in a city built around agriculture.


    In the video, LeBron is seen holding a taco stuffed with fresh, locally grown produce from Oklahoma City.


    He takes a bite, looks straight into the camera, and shouts, "Taco Tuesday!" before breaking into a hysterical, contagious "gigigigigi" laugh.


    Yes, this was an ad for a major local agricultural company, and the results were immediate. Within days, the company''s sales doubled, all thanks to the viral clip.


    For those wondering why LeBron''s commercial value is held in such high regard, this is just the tip of the iceberg.


    Take Han Sen, for instance¡ªhis Facebook following is a respectable 5 million, but LeBron''s? A jaw-dropping 30 million.


    It''s the power of scale. Why does a juggernaut like Nike bet so heavily on LeBron?


    They''ve been building his ''Chosen One'' image since before he even entered the league, backing it with an astronomical marketing budget. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    LeBron himself has become a walking, talking billboard.


    The impact of his move to the Thunder is undeniable. Nationally televised Thunder games have jumped from 10 last season to 22 this season.


    Nike has poured advertising dollars into Oklahoma City, boosting the team''s season ticket sales significantly. Companies partnered with LeBron have opened stores in the area, tapping into the new market.


    Even Chesapeake Energy, the city''s largest energy company, has announced that they''ll rename the arena¡ªFord Center is now the Chesapeake Energy Arena.


    The message is loud and clear.


    The King has arrived. Oklahoma City is saved. The King is here, and so is OKC''s bright future.


    ...


    By late October, the preseason had wrapped up. The two most talked-about teams heading into the new season were the Miami Heat and the Memphis Grizzlies.


    Both teams boasted undefeated preseason records.


    Another standout was the Thunder, who finished the preseason with a 6¨C1 record. While LeBron took it easy during these games, their new acquisition, Robin Lopez, stole the spotlight.


    After losing Kendrick Perkins, the Thunder struck a deal with the Suns, trading Mike Miller and a protected first-round pick (acquired in the Harden trade) to land Lopez.


    This was a sign-and-trade deal, with Lopez signing a three-year, $15 million contract.


    While Robin doesn''t share the same talent level as his brother Brook, he brings a 7-foot frame, mid-range shooting, and an uncanny knack for grabbing offensive boards. These traits make him an ideal fit for the Thunder.


    Of course, preseason is just a warm-up. Whether Lopez can truly anchor OKC''s defense will only be proven when the real action begins.


    And the first test? The Thunder''s season opener against none other than the Memphis Grizzlies.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 200: Good Guy.

    Chapter 200: Good Guy.Before the regular season began, the NBA released its first power rankings of the season.


    At the top of the list sat the Miami Heat.


    The official description was brief but impactful:


    "The most dominant team on paper in NBA history."


    The defending champions, the Memphis Grizzlies, claimed the second spot.


    The comment for them read:


    "The 1991 Bulls? The 2001 Lakers? They might just become the next legendary dynasty."


    Rounding out the top seven were the Lakers, Spurs, Nets, Mavericks, and Nuggets.


    Interestingly, the Oklahoma City Thunder only ranked eighth.


    The reasoning?


    "The Thunder boast a star-studded lineup, but the compatibility between LeBron James and Russell Westbrook remains in question. They could create explosive synergy¡ªor irreconcilable chaos."


    Predictably, LeBron''s die-hard fans (aka "Bron Stans") were outraged.


    "LeBron is leagues ahead of Durant, and Afflalo fits better than Harden ever did! The Thunder were sixth last year¡ªhow are they eighth now? Clearly, this ranking system is broken!"


    Their deep dive revealed the rankings were compiled by none other than Stan, a journalist now officially on the NBA''s payroll after two years of hit rankings that gained massive fan support.


    Stan''s social media? Utterly bombarded.


    The journalist remained unfazed, though, responding with a simple status update: "See you after opening night."


    This bold move further fueled anticipation for the season-opening clash between the Grizzlies and the Thunder.


    ...


    Traditionally, the reigning champions face their Finals opponents on opening night.


    For instance, last year''s matchup featured the Heat and Mavericks.


    This year, though, the Heat vs. Grizzlies showdown was saved for Christmas.


    As a result, the Thunder were slotted in for the opening game. After all, every meeting between LeBron and Han Sen last season had set viewership records.


    The Grizzlies, hosting the event, celebrated their championship win with a ring ceremony at FedExForum.


    The arena was packed, and the TV ratings rivaled last year''s Finals.


    After all, ''watching LeBron and Han Sen receive their championship rings'' was a spectacle too tempting to miss.


    ---


    Before heading to the court, the Grizzlies players were buzzing in the locker room.


    The championship trophy belonged to the team, but the rings? Those were personal.


    When they emerged, wearing their championship long-sleeves, their eyes locked on the centerpiece of the court: a round table holding the Larry O''Brien Trophy, surrounded by 20+ championship rings in a circular display.


    Rudy Gay couldn''t stop rubbing his hands together in anticipation, while the rest of the team gazed at the setup, unable to look away.


    Adding some humor to the scene, TNT''s broadcast zoomed in on LeBron''s furrowed brow, guaranteeing premium ratings.


    Having been KO''d in last season''s playoffs, LeBron missed witnessing the Grizzlies'' championship moment.


    Now, though, he''d bear witness to their ring ceremony¡ªa bittersweet consolation.


    One couldn''t help but wonder how he felt, knowing two years ago he''d never have dreamed Han Sen would beat him to a championship.


    On the bright side, LeBron could claim credit for contributing to the title¡ªhe did, after all, pass the torch to Han.


    ...


    As the ceremony began, David Stern took center stage. Spotlights lit up the table, causing the diamonds on the rings to sparkle like stars.


    Stern began with a speech, as the Grizzlies players waited eagerly, practically bursting at the seams.


    First, Stern presented rings to the team owner, Michael Heisley, followed by GM Chris Wallace and the rest of the front office, then coach Dave Joerger and his staff.


    Finally, it was the players'' turn, each one introduced by the teammate before them.


    Han Sen, naturally, was the grand finale. Before him, Shane Battier stepped forward.


    "Next up is a guy I can describe easily. He led this team. He changed this city''s destiny. He''s the one who truly deserves to be called ''The President.'' Ladies and gentlemen, Han Sen!"


    Battier''s words barely landed before the arena erupted into deafening cheers.


    ...


    The months since their championship win felt like yesterday.


    Han walked out calmly, waving to the crowd before shaking Stern''s hand and receiving his ring from Heisley.


    The ring wasn''t overly extravagant but carried a unique charm.


    Modeled after FedExForum, its face featured the Grizzlies logo¡ªa bear''s head with a diamond-encrusted ''1'' on its forehead, symbolizing the franchise''s first championship.


    Han slipped on the ring as the chants of "Handsome!" echoed through the arena.


    Unable to suppress his emotions, he kissed his palm and blew a kiss to the fans.


    Grabbing the mic, Han began his speech. Unlike his teammates, he took a different route.


    "Next up, I want to introduce someone special¡ªour 16th man. The one whose chants of ''Whoop that trick'' gave us the strength to push forward. Without their support, none of this would''ve been possible. That person is all of you¡ªour Grizzlies fans!"


    The crowd went wild, their chants of "Whoop that trick!" filling the arena.


    Han cupped his hand to his ear, soaking in the noise as the ceremony became a moment for the ages.


    ...


    As the championship banner rose, the lights came back on, signaling the end of the ceremony. Players began warming up.


    Grizzlies rookie Robert Sacre, watching Gay fiddle with his ring, couldn''t help but envy him.


    Han handed him his own ring to admire for a moment before reclaiming it.


    "Don''t worry," Han said casually. "You''ll have one of your own by season''s end."


    The rookie''s eyes lit up with hope, and even Gay stopped to clap him on the shoulder.


    "If Han says so, then it''s a done deal." Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Han''s confidence inspired them all, much like Battier had said: Han had changed their lives.


    ...


    The starting lineups were announced.


    Oklahoma City Thunder: Russell Westbrook, Arron Afflalo, LeBron James, Serge Ibaka, Robin Lopez


    Memphis Grizzlies: Mike Conley, Han Sen, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol


    Before the starters stepped onto the court, LeBron skipped his usual chalk toss routine.


    It wasn''t because he feared the Grizzlies pulling a prank with an empty chalk bottle again.


    He had already announced in the Thunder''s press conference earlier that he had matured and was leaving the chalk toss behind.


    As Han Sen took the floor, even before the tip-off, his matchup, Arron Afflalo, was already shadowing him closely.


    Han couldn''t help but reflect on the James Harden trade. It had caught him off guard.


    As someone who had seen the ''history'' unfold, he remembered the Thunder trading Harden for ''the original king of drawing fouls,'' Kevin Martin.


    Since Martin had been shipped to the Hornets in the Bynum trade along with the Rockets'' first-round pick, Han thought Harden would end up leading the Hornets with Anthony Davis, creating a dynamic duo to lift the franchise.


    But no, Harden still landed in Houston, and the Thunder brought in Afflalo instead.


    This move showed Han that he might''ve underestimated the Thunder''s front office.


    In ''history,'' they had a knack for selecting generational talent but were just as skilled at assembling mismatched teams, like the core trio of Westbrook, George, and Anthony.


    Their draft brilliance was inversely proportional to their trade acumen.


    No wonder, despite their roster brimming with all-time greats, they managed only one Finals appearance, let alone a championship.


    So, swapping Durant for LeBron? Totally in line with their track record.


    Back to Afflalo: he was the quintessential 3-and-D player, though more of a high-level starter than a true star.


    Both he and Thabo Sefolosha excelled defensively, but Afflalo added a legitimate offensive punch.


    For comparison, both shot around 40% from three last season, but while Sefolosha barely attempted two threes per game, Afflalo averaged four.


    Afflalo also possessed a respectable off-the-dribble game and a solid post-up arsenal, making him more than just a role player.


    Last season, he averaged 15.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists for Denver¡ªa clear upgrade over someone like Kevin Martin.


    The referee''s whistle blew, and Marc Gasol out-jumped Robin Lopez, giving the Grizzlies the first possession.


    The crowd was still buzzing from the pre-game ring ceremony, and the arena was electric, with deafening cheers from the opening tip.


    Memphis started with a low-post play for Randolph, while Han moved off the ball to draw defenders.


    However, Marc Gasol''s screen didn''t shake off Afflalo.


    Unlike the physical, contact-heavy defense of Sefolosha, Afflalo was more like Tony Allen¡ªquick and agile.


    Han noticed that Afflalo was deliberately funneling him toward the paint, likely to collaborate with Ibaka for rim protection.


    Defenders like this were trickier to deal with.


    Not that it mattered this time. Randolph bullied Ibaka in the post, spinning for a clean finish.


    From positioning to the post move to the final touch, Randolph looked like a completely different player compared to last season.


    Even though a ligament tear was irreversible, his current form was nearly identical to what Han saw when he first joined Memphis.


    This was one of the Grizzlies'' trump cards against the Heat.


    On the bench, Robert Sacre nearly launched himself out of his seat, waving a towel with wild enthusiasm.


    His antics drew confused stares from his teammates, but Sacre was unfazed, his towel game reaching peak form.


    Han noticed and pointed in Sacre''s direction with a faint smile.


    Looks like the Grizzlies'' water cooler was in safe hands this season.


    Han quickly turned his attention back to the game. He was curious about how the Thunder would manage with two ball-dominant stars.


    His curiosity didn''t last long.


    Westbrook was relegated to the weak side as LeBron posted up Gay on the strong side.


    This wasn''t the Oklahoma City Thunder; this was the Oklahoma City Heat!


    But it wasn''t surprising. After all, ''the King brought hope and a future to OKC,'' and the front office was bound to give him the spotlight.


    LeBron''s post-up led to a signature fadeaway jumper.


    It was one of his go-to moves, but perhaps the ring ceremony had him rattled¡ªit wasn''t even close.


    The ball clanged off the front of the rim, and Marc Gasol snatched the rebound.


    Han was already sprinting down the court, eager to make an offensive statement on ring night.


    Gasol''s pass found Han in stride, and he attacked in transition.


    But Afflalo stuck to him like glue, positioning himself perfectly between Han and the basket.


    Han pressed close, pivoted off Afflalo mid-stride, and spun for a bank shot.


    Afflalo had no chance to contest, and Han finished with ease.


    The improved spin and finishing ability? Courtesy of his talent upgrade from [Divine Fadeaway].


    Sacre went full towel warrior again, and this time, his teammates didn''t seem as surprised.


    With a teammate like that, morale would never be an issue.


    As Han jogged back on defense, he crossed paths with Westbrook. Their eyes met briefly, and Han shook his head in disappointment.


    Russ, I had high hopes for you during training camp. But now? You''re letting the passenger drive the car!


    Perhaps feeling Han''s subtle jab, Westbrook changed gears on the next play.


    While LeBron established position on Gay, Westbrook refused to pass.


    It was pure Westbrook energy¡ªunfiltered and unapologetic.


    Blasting past Lopez with a pick-and-roll, he soared into the Grizzlies'' paint before Gasol could react, cocking the ball back for a ferocious dunk.


    The crowd erupted. Westbrook had turned his frustration over Durant''s trade into pure fuel, evolving into a new monster this summer¡ª"Westbeast."


    If Westbrook wanted to challenge LeBron for the alpha role, he certainly had the talent to back it up now.


    And it didn''t take long for fireworks to spark.


    Two minutes in, after LeBron struggled to get touches, he approached Westbrook during a dead-ball situation to talk it out.


    LeBron was calm, but Westbrook was visibly heated.


    "I scored, you didn''t. Why should I defer to you?"


    LeBron, realizing Westbrook wasn''t as accommodating as Wade, was ready to drop the subject.


    But then Han walked over, clapping loudly.


    "Keep it up, Russ! This is your team!" Han didn''t stop at clapping¡ªhe got right in LeBron''s face, adding fuel to the fire.


    The scene unfolded right in front of the Grizzlies bench.


    Sacre''s jaw practically hit the floor.


    Han''s pregame speech had been the epitome of class¡ªa leader through and through.


    But now? This wasn''t leadership¡ªthis was pure chaos.


    And Sacre couldn''t help but love every second of it.

 Chapter 201: Allegiance.

    Chapter 201: Allegiance.Russell Westbrook and LeBron James both realized Han Sen''s words were meant to sow discord between them.


    But as with the mind games Han pulled on Chris Paul last season, knowing it''s a trap and being able to avoid it are two different things.


    James couldn''t back down; doing so would imply the Thunder was Westbrook''s team.


    Westbrook, on the other hand, couldn''t afford to step aside. The management already favored James, and showing no fight would only hasten his own trade out of OKC.


    The two stars found themselves caught in a standoff.


    Sensing trouble, Thunder head coach Scott Brooks quickly called a timeout.


    Only two minutes into the new season, and internal strife was already brewing¡ªan ominous start for Brooks, whose job was now very much on the line.


    Meanwhile, the Grizzlies'' fans were loving the drama, egging on the tension with loud jeers and cheers.


    As analyst Stan Van Gundy had pointed out, the Thunder weren''t short on talent.


    But their performance hinged entirely on whether their two ball-dominant stars could figure out how to coexist. Judging by the early signs, things weren''t looking good.


    ...


    During the timeout, players like Robert Sacre and Shaun Livingston stole glances at Han Sen. His antics earlier had left a deep impression on them.


    The NBA loves to build legends¡ªplayers who feel larger than life. Jordan''s status as the ''god of basketball,'' Kobe''s relentless ''Mamba Mentality,'' and LeBron''s air of grandeur are examples of the league cultivating ''divinity'' around its stars.


    Han Sen, however, was the antithesis of that.


    His clapping and trash talk earlier? You''d never picture Jordan, Kobe, or LeBron doing something so... human.


    And that humanity might just be the reason why an eccentric Grizzlies squad was so fiercely united under a still-young Han Sen.


    "Gods inspire awe," Livingston thought. "But humans... humans bring people together."


    Han Sen caught them staring but didn''t think much of it. His attention instead was drawn to the rolling ads on the courtside scoreboard.


    "Adi-Wang..."


    The knockoff Chinese brand''s ad left Han momentarily speechless. He even owned a pair of those shoes in his past life.


    "Winning a championship really does make sponsors come crawling," he mused.


    ...


    The game resumed. Westbrook initiated a pick-and-roll, while James was stationed in the corner¡ªa surprising concession from LeBron.


    "Did Brooks hypnotize him or something?" Han wondered.


    Westbrook took the screen, pulled up for a mid-range jumper, and nailed it.


    On the next possession, Zach Randolph faced a double team in the post and kicked the ball out to Marc Gasol, who faked a pass to force the defense back before calmly sinking a mid-range jumper.


    The Grizzlies were sharp early on, showcasing why they were the reigning champs.


    At the other end, Han found himself matched up with James and took the opportunity to needle him.


    "Man, how far you''ve fallen. Second fiddle to Russ now?"


    Han Sen''s trash talk hit like a sledgehammer, but LeBron James remained unfazed.


    It was clear¡ªafter their infamous Finals showdown, where Han''s verbal jabs left LeBron exposed like an open wound, LeBron had developed a mental filter for Han''s words.


    Back on the court, the ball stayed in Westbrook''s hands as he ran another pick-and-roll with Brook Lopez. This time, Conley tried to fight over the screen, but Lopez''s pick held firm.


    Westbrook, with a slick pump fake, got Marc Gasol to bite and drove hard into the paint, absorbing contact from Randolph before finishing the play.


    The crowd watched as Westbrook erupted in celebration, arms swaying side-to-side in his signature ''rock-a-baby'' move.


    Classic Westbrook¡ªwhen he played with confidence, he wasn''t just a force; he was an outright spectacle.


    When his confidence wavered, he seemed hesitant, almost like a liability. But now? Now, he was locked in, and his energy was infectious.


    The Thunder''s defense ramped up, with Serge Ibaka swatting away Gasol''s attempt inside and corralling the rebound.


    In a flash, two Thunder players streaked downcourt. Han stepped up to stop Westbrook, only for Russ to launch a pinpoint pass to LeBron ahead of the break.


    LeBron''s fast-break slam tied the game at 8.


    The Thunder''s mini-run had completely erased the Grizzlies'' lead.


    Han shot Westbrook a sidelong glance, reassessing the man.


    In the future Han knew, Westbrook and LeBron had teamed up in L.A., a bizarre pairing of clashing styles¡ªlike plugging two power cords into each other. Total short-circuit.


    But this Westbrook wasn''t that Westbrook. He wasn''t chasing stats yet; he was chasing wins. And honestly, even without LeBron, this Thunder squad could still compete with Westbrook leading the charge.


    Han knew his mind games had run their course. It was time to drop the psychological warfare and start dismantling the Thunder on the hardwood.


    After Zach Randolph''s post-up play was stifled by the Thunder''s help defense, Han called for the ball from Arron Afflalo.


    The FedExForum erupted. Everyone in the building knew what time it was.


    Afflalo was glued to Han, shading him toward Ibaka''s side¡ªa textbook defensive strategy to funnel Han into the Thunder''s defensive trap.


    But with the shot clock winding down, Han played into their hands on purpose. Using Afflalo''s positioning, Han exploded past him, forcing Ibaka to step up at the edge of the paint.


    Ibaka waited, ensuring Han couldn''t pass into the congested paint. Afflalo, meanwhile, sealed off Han''s retreat for a step-back. The Thunder''s defensive wall looked impenetrable.


    That''s when Han made his move. He slammed the ball hard into the court¡ªTHWACK!¡ªand used the rebound''s momentum to spin off Ibaka in a blur, creating just enough separation for a high-arcing fadeaway.


    Swish.


    The crowd''s roar was deafening.


    Ibaka stood frozen, disbelief plastered across his face. Around him, the Thunder players looked equally stunned. For a moment, it was as if they''d seen a ghost.


    No, not just any ghost. It was as if Michael Jordan''s shadow had flashed before them¡ªexcept not quite. Han''s jump wasn''t as explosive, but his fluidity and grace felt eerily reminiscent of Kobe Bryant.


    But here''s the kicker: Han hadn''t even used this move last season. A summer¡ªan abbreviated summer¡ªand he''d turned one of the toughest scoring techniques into a weapon of his own.


    "That man learns faster than anyone," one analyst muttered. "NCAA, NBA¡ªit doesn''t matter. Han Sen keeps redefining himself every year."


    Westbrook came back strong on the next play, breaking down the Grizzlies'' defense and kicking it out to LeBron, who nailed his first three-pointer as a member of the Thunder.


    The Thunder took the lead. Westbrook and LeBron shared a powerful high-five on their way back to defense, showing some real chemistry.


    But as the Grizzlies inbounded, their fans began chanting, "Whoop that trick!" Their passion re-ignited as Mike Conley once again sought out Han.


    Han''s next play was a masterpiece of footwork. He leapt to catch Conley''s pass mid-air, resetting his pivot foot by landing on both feet simultaneously¡ªa subtle, technical move straight out of a textbook.


    With a half-spin and a shoulder fake, Han sold the idea of another fadeaway. Afflalo bit hard, lunging forward, but Han spun back to the rim, leaving him in the dust.


    Ibaka scrambled to contest, but as he closed in, Han slipped a perfect bounce pass to Randolph for a thunderous two-handed slam.


    The arena exploded.


    On the other end, LeBron''s face twisted into a mix of awe and frustration.


    The footwork? He recognized it all too well¡ªit was eerily similar to Olajuwon''s ''Dream Shake.'' Except Han wasn''t just mimicking; he was perfecting.


    "Damn," LeBron muttered, watching Randolph hang off the rim. I worked my ass off to master that, and this dude just casually pulls it out like it''s nothing.


    Han smirked, locking eyes with LeBron as he jogged back on defense. "Hey Bron, hope you''re taking notes, man. Free clinic tonight."


    ...


    11-12.


    The Grizzlies reclaim the lead!


    This time, it''s not just the fans getting hyped¡ªthe Grizzlies'' defensive intensity is surging as well.


    Westbrook drives to the basket again but is denied by Marc Gasol.


    On the offensive end, Conley dishes the ball to Han Sen once more.


    At this point, the Thunder players on the court are in a bind. If they don''t double-team Han Sen, he scores. But if they do, he kicks it out for an assist. Of course, no one''s more stressed than Afflalo.


    As a top-tier defender, you know he studied Han Sen''s game tape before the match.


    But the tape didn''t show Han Sen pulling off such a smooth turnaround fadeaway.


    It''s giving him more of a headache than guarding Kobe ever did. Sure, Han''s arsenal might not be as diverse as Kobe''s, but the dude''s bigger.


    Han doesn''t let him overthink it, though. He drives to the right.


    But unlike earlier, Han stops short after a single step and pulls up for a jump shot.


    It''s clear he''s feeling himself¡ªjust letting it fly.


    Ibaka showcases elite help defense and manages to contest the shot.


    Han''s fadeaway grazes the front rim and bounces out.


    But with Ibaka leaving his man to help, the Thunder''s rim protection takes a hit.


    Lopez battles valiantly but can''t outmuscle the Grizzlies'' twin towers, as Marc Gasol grabs the offensive board and gets fouled on his putback attempt.


    It looks like a shooting foul, but the refs signal otherwise¡ªno free throws.


    The crowd erupts in boos. Camera crews scan the arena for David Stern, only to realize he dipped right after the ring ceremony.


    But let''s be real¡ªthis was expected.


    The Grizzlies embarrassed Stern during last season''s Finals, leaving him in a tight spot. They weren''t getting favorable calls this year, that''s for sure.


    Not blatant biased officiating, but subtle favoritism? Absolutely.


    Grizzlies inbound the ball. Han Sen catches it and waves everyone off.


    Sure, bad calls are expected, but pulling this on ring night? That''s disrespectful.


    The team clears out, leaving Han Sen to isolate against Afflalo.


    A couple of dribble hesitations later, Han explodes left.


    His first step is lightning-quick, but Afflalo is agile enough to stay in front of him.


    That''s when Han plants his foot, resets his pivot, and spins into a fadeaway jumper.


    Even the nimble Afflalo can''t keep up with that move.


    Despite his desperate leap, all he accomplishes is becoming part of Han Sen''s highlight reel.


    The crowd gasps in awe.


    This move is straight out of Kobe''s playbook, but when Han executes it, it looks almost effortless.


    What remains consistent is the sheer elegance of the shot.


    Swish!


    The ball arcs gracefully over Afflalo''s outstretched hand, hitting nothing but net.


    FedExForum erupts in cheers.


    Some fans are so ecstatic they''re red in the face.


    "Your fadeaway doesn''t need alcohol, but it''s got me drunk like a dog!"


    On the sidelines, Sacre leaps up, twirling his towel like a propeller.


    Since Han started taking over, he''s 3-for-4, all on difficult fadeaways.


    This guy might not look like your typical ''good guy,'' but damn, he''s good.


    By the time the first quarter hits the 9-minute mark, the Grizzlies are up 23-18.


    Both teams begin subbing in their bench players.


    Han Sen finishes the first quarter shooting 6-for-8, tallying 14 points, and heads to the bench for a breather.


    As soon as Han sits down, Sacre hands him a towel and water bottle.


    Han looks at the rookie, who seems older than he is, and nods approvingly. ''Kid might not play much, but he''s already racking up triple-doubles on the bench.''


    Han motions for Sacre to sit next to him, striking up a conversation.


    "Alright, let''s talk. First lesson: how to watch a game like a predator."


    ...


    At that moment, the lineups on the court were:


    Thunder: Fisher, Afflalo, Sefolosha, LeBron, Nick Collison


    Grizzlies: Conley, Dahntay Jones, Gay, Jamison, Faried


    The first possession saw LeBron post up Jamison and score easily.


    With age catching up to him, Jamison''s already shaky defense had become a non-factor.


    However, Jamison still had his offensive rhythm. On the other end, he caught the ball in the post, turned around, and hit a fadeaway jumper over Sefolosha.


    Wait, why was Sefolosha defending him?


    LeBron was guarding Jones instead.


    From the sidelines, Joerger quickly adjusted, putting Gay back on LeBron.


    But LeBron called for a screen from Sefolosha, barreled past Jamison, and slammed home his signature tomahawk dunk over a rotating Jones.


    At this point, the reason Brooks could convince LeBron became clear.


    In Durant''s time, Westbrook always led the second unit during staggered minutes.


    In other words, this used to be Westbrook''s playground. Now, it belonged to LeBron.


    It made sense¡ªscoring in staggered minutes was much easier than in crunch-time, high-stakes moments.


    After the poster dunk, LeBron celebrated with a flex for the cameras.


    On the next possession, he capitalized again, blocking Jones'' layup attempt with a volleyball-style swat.


    The Grizzlies, running out of time on the shot clock, moved the ball to Jamison on the perimeter. With Gay''s drive collapsing the defense, Jamison drilled a three over a closing Afflalo.


    The Thunder''s lineup, with one big and four smalls, gave Jamison plenty of space to operate since LeBron wasn''t directly matched up with him.


    22¨C28.


    The score didn''t change much, as both teams engaged in an almost playful back-and-forth exchange.


    On defense, the Grizzlies adjusted again, putting Jones on LeBron.


    This time, though, it wasn''t Joerger''s call¡ªit was Jones volunteering.


    Jones'' rotation spot was shaky. Having just been posterized and blocked, he wanted to salvage some pride.


    Seeing Jones guarding him, LeBron immediately went to the post, calling for the ball.


    Sure, Jones was a defensive specialist, but as a guard, he was giving up over 20 kilograms to LeBron.


    This kind of mismatch was a gift, and LeBron wasn''t going to decline it.


    Yet, as he began to post up, things weren''t as easy as he''d imagined.


    Jones couldn''t physically match him but compensated with plenty of sneaky tricks.


    Jones had never been known for clean defense. He was the anti-Conley¡ªso dirty even Phil Jackson had complained about him in the past.


    Irritated by Jones'' antics, LeBron turned and threw an elbow into Jones'' chest.


    It was a hard shot, but the refs didn''t whistle it.


    Taking advantage, LeBron barreled past Jones, charging toward the rim. Faried rotated over to contest, but LeBron absorbed the contact mid-air.


    It was a smart move¡ªafter noticing the refs were letting him play, LeBron used it to his advantage.


    Indeed, the whistle blew. Faried was called for a shooting foul, giving LeBron two free throws.


    LeBron grinned, but his smile didn''t last long.


    As he landed, he felt something underfoot.


    Caught off guard, even with his athleticism, LeBron rolled his ankle at a brutal 90-degree angle and fell to the floor.


    Players from both teams immediately squared up, but the refs stepped in quickly to diffuse the situation.


    Han Sen, still chatting with Sacre, had no idea what had just happened. Sacre, a natural conversationalist, had kept the exchange going non-stop.


    The shrill whistle on the court drew Han Sen''s attention. He turned to see LeBron lying on the ground, clutching his ankle in visible pain.


    The Thunder''s medical staff rushed to the court.


    "What just happened?"


    Han Sen looked up at the LED screen, which was showing the replay:


    Jones'' sneaky move, LeBron''s elbow, and... Jones'' foot sliding under LeBron''s landing spot.


    "Damn, nice work!"


    Han Sen couldn''t help but exclaim.


    The scene was eerily reminiscent of last season''s Finals, except this time LeBron was the victim instead of the perpetrator.


    Looking at Jones, Han Sen even felt the guy looked more handsome now.


    Let''s be honest, taking down LeBron with a dirty play is no easy feat. LeBron, known for dishing out such antics himself, is always on high alert.


    But against Jones, even the ''king'' slipped up.


    Villains need villains to deal with them. Karma, baby.


    Unlike Han Sen, who powered through an ankle injury in last season''s Finals, LeBron didn''t try to play hero here.


    With his added bulk, the injury was harder to shake off, and it was just a regular-season game.


    Still, his durability was impressive¡ªhe didn''t need a wheelchair and walked off with the team doctor, albeit limping heavily.


    As he left the court through the tunnel, LeBron''s frustration was evident. He slapped over a chair in anger.


    Jones followed shortly after, ejected with a flagrant 2 for the dangerous play.


    LeBron''s exit shifted the game''s balance. His staggered-minute dominance had been pivotal.


    Brooks was forced to bring Westbrook in early.


    And to his credit, Westbrook delivered, keeping the Thunder competitive. At halftime, they were only down single digits to the Grizzlies.


    Westbrook had 20 points and 4 assists on 8-of-14 shooting¡ªa remarkably efficient performance.


    Durant''s departure might have been a blessing in disguise for Westbrook, accelerating his evolution.


    However, Joerger adjusted at halftime, devising a new strategy to limit Westbrook.


    In the third quarter, the Grizzlies blew the game open with a 28¨C15 run, turning the fourth quarter into garbage time.


    Unfortunately, Sacre wasn''t active for the game, so fans missed out on his sideline antics.


    At the post-game press conference, Han Sen appeared alongside Randolph.


    Randolph had an impressive 18 points and 8 rebounds in three quarters, showing clear improvement over last season.


    Han Sen, meanwhile, put up 26 points in three quarters after a 14-point first quarter.


    There was no shortage of storylines: the championship ring ceremony, Han Sen''s speech, and, of course, LeBron''s injury.


    "That was just an accident. I haven''t known Dahntay for long, but I know he''s a hard-working player," Han Sen said with a straight face, blatantly lying.


    Even the reporters in the room had to wipe their foreheads.


    Everyone knew what kind of player Jones was. Playing dirty has nothing to do with being hard-working, and Han Sen''s defense of him was ridiculously over the top.


    Not just over the top¡ªblatantly shameless. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "If he gets fined for this, I''ll cover it. He just wanted to help the team win."


    Why? Because Han Sen felt like it, simple as that.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 202: The Jones Rule.

    Chapter 202: The Jones Rule.(TL/n: I''m not dead... yet. I''m counting the missing days. Once my finals are over I promise to catch up on the missed updates.)


    After the Thunder''s opening game, the team officially announced LeBron James'' injury.


    A Grade 3 ankle sprain would keep him sidelined for 4 to 6 weeks.


    It wasn''t just the injury itself that caught everyone''s attention¡ªit was the way it happened.


    Dahntay Jones, known for his physical style of play, had been responsible, and this time, it seemed to surpass even his usual level of recklessness.


    The league later announced a punishment for Jones: a $25,000 fine and a two-game suspension.


    While some thought the punishment was fair, Han Sen didn''t hold back his criticism during a post-practice media session.


    "Why wasn''t LeBron punished when he undercut Granger and me? Nobody supports these dangerous moves, but why does he get away with it?" Han questioned, stirring the pot and calling out the league''s inconsistency.


    Han''s statement hit a nerve because it addressed a deeper issue: the league''s leniency on undercutting jump shooters.


    The infamous ''Bowen''s three strikes on Carter'' incident was well-remembered by fans. Carter''s response of chasing Bruce Bowen down court became legendary, but Bowen himself faced no consequences.


    He only received a single-game suspension in 2008 for undercutting Chris Paul. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Similarly, when Zaza Pachulia undercut Kawhi Leonard, the league turned a blind eye.


    Han''s remarks sparked a public uproar.


    LeBron''s situation was particularly controversial because he''d been both the victim and the perpetrator of such plays.


    ''Bronsexuals'' online, argued that his actions were unintentional while others deliberately targeted him. Their reasoning only fueled more criticism.


    One comment on social media stood out: "You can''t always prove intent. Most undercuts happen unintentionally during defense."


    This sparked heated debates. Some agreed, noting that defenders often watch the shooter''s upper body and don''t intentionally target their landing spot.


    Others argued the opposite, claiming that a deliberate effort to pull back one''s feet could prevent these incidents altogether.


    As public discourse continued, the league acted swiftly, introducing a new rule.


    The Landing Zone Rule states that if a defender gets too close to a shooter and does not leave them space to land, referees can assess a technical foul or flagrant foul, depending on the severity of the action.


    Like previous similar regulations, fans have dubbed this one the ''Jones Rule.'' ¢Ù


    When you carefully examine the rule, it doesn''t just punish reckless closeouts¡ªit''s designed to address the root of the issue.


    Whether intentional or not, any action that could potentially lead to a dangerous closeout will automatically result in at least a technical foul.


    At that time, technical fouls still carried the penalty of one free throw and loss of possession, meaning even incidental infractions could drastically impact the game. This forced defenders to be far more cautious about their footwork.


    After this adjustment, almost every closeout deemed reckless was likely intentional.


    Given that Jones was suspended for his incident, this rule set a precedent: other players engaging in similar actions would face serious consequences.


    From a rules standpoint, it marked a significant step forward in curbing dangerous defensive habits.


    This was particularly good news for Han Sen, as jump shooters were the most vulnerable to such fouls. Kobe Bryant himself once famously trained to land with both feet to avoid being undercut.


    With the Jones Rule enacted, the controversy quieted¡ªsomewhat. LeBron''s most fervent fans pivoted, branding the Grizzlies as a ''dirty team'' whose championship run relied on rough play.


    The Grizzlies started gaining a reputation akin to the Spurs in their prime¡ªpolarizing but undeniably effective.


    On the bright side, such notoriety wasn''t entirely bad.


    After all, fans only ever accused the Spurs of dirty play, not the other way around. The Grizzlies'' haters, ironically, provided them a protective aura.


    Amid the controversy, the Grizzlies defeated the Thunder, then the Blazers, Rockets, Jazz, Clippers, and Knicks, starting the season with a 6-0 record.


    They not only thrived during one of the toughest seasons in history but were also one win away from their best start ever.


    The last time they had such a chance, Zach Randolph''s injury against the Bulls had shattered it.


    This time, they had the opportunity again.


    Their next opponent? The Warriors.


    ...


    The Warriors hadn''t made the playoffs since the 2006-07 season, best remembered for the iconic ''We Believe'' team upsetting the Mavericks as an eighth seed.


    That squad had its moment but wasn''t considered a serious contender, labeled as ''chaotic'' and ''defenseless.''


    However, last season the new head coach Mark Jackson instilled a defensive mindset into the team, shedding their old reputation.


    The front office also made bold moves, trading long-time cornerstone Monta Ellis for Australia''s defensive stalwart, Andrew Bogut.


    This year, the Warriors surprised many by starting 4-2, staking their claim among the Western Conference''s heavyweights.


    This was enough to earn respect from critics, with Stephen Curry leading the charge.


    Initially, Curry''s 4-year, $44 million contract was seen as a risky move, given his history of injuries and limited playtime (only 26 games the previous season). His ankle surgery further solidified the ''injury-prone'' label.


    Yet, in the first six games, Curry averaged 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists, cracking the league''s top 10 scorers.


    Fans started drawing parallels to Han Sen''s early days with the Grizzlies, especially after realizing Curry and Han were from the same draft class.


    Adding to the conversation were other standouts from the 2009 draft, like James Harden (averaging 25+ with the Rockets) and Blake Griffin (putting up 20+ points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists with the Clippers).


    Fans began reevaluating the so-called ''weak'' 2009 draft class, comparing its depth to the legendary 2003 draft.


    Some even unearthed Han''s comment to Curry after his three-point contest win years earlier: "The future is yours." This only added hype to the matchup.


    But surprisingly, the pregame spotlight wasn''t on Han or Curry. Instead, it was on the Warriors'' rookie, Draymond Green.


    A 35th pick with a knack for stirring the pot, Green had built a solid social media following of over a million fans.


    Before facing the Grizzlies, he made waves with a bold statement:


    "The Grizzlies are an outdated team. Their style of play is about to become irrelevant. The Warriors play modern basketball."


    This ignited heated debates online.


    Some thought Green''s comments were absurd, pointing out that the Grizzlies had swept the Heat and beaten the Lakers in last year''s playoffs.


    Others conceded he might have a point, as the Grizzlies'' slow-paced, grind-it-out style contrasted sharply with the Warriors'' fast-paced offense, marked by off-ball screens and three-point shooting.


    Still, most fans mocked Green, dismissing him as a second-round pick trying to make noise.


    Han Sen, however, saw potential¡ªnot in Green''s words but in his ability to stir controversy.


    Back when he was with the Cavaliers, Han had ''mentored'' Paul Pierce into becoming a top-tier hater. He had tried doing the same with Blake Griffin, but Griffin lacked the killer instinct.


    Green, though, had all the makings of a ''hater-in-chief.''


    With the Warriors poised to rise, their fans would inevitably add to Han''s hater points. Green''s ability to fan the flames made him invaluable.


    Realizing this, Han decided to help amplify Green''s profile on social media.


    Logging into his own account, he fired off a response:


    "Someone explain to me which team has won a championship playing ''modern basketball.'' I''ll wait."


    Han Sen''s comment cut straight to the core because, as of now, no team truly embodies ''modern basketball'' to the point of winning championships.


    But he wasn''t just talking for the sake of argument¡ª''modern basketball'' itself is an ambiguous term.


    Sure, the game has evolved towards more spacing and efficient scoring, but if running fast is all it takes to define modern basketball, the Suns'' ''Seven Seconds or Less'' offense predates anything the Warriors are doing.


    The truth is, each era has its own dominant style, and the Warriors'' emergence owes much to changes in league rules over the years.


    Take the Warriors'' iconic ''Death Lineup'' as an example¡ªit only became viable after a series of rule adjustments significantly diminished the role of traditional centers.


    Imagine Yao Ming or Shaquille O''Neal parked in the paint¡ªhow many possessions could Green''s frame survive against them?


    In fact, the Warriors'' breakout season came just a year after the league implemented the Verticality Rule. ¢Ú


    When Green saw that Han Sen had responded to him, he got fired up.


    Though the two had exchanged trash talk back in their NCAA days¡ªHan''s first $500,000 bet had been with Green¡ªthere was now a huge disparity in their statuses.


    Han was the reigning Finals MVP, while Green was a second-round pick.


    Green had feared being ignored, but now that Han had acknowledged him, he had a chance to elevate his profile.


    "The Warriors will be the first! And I''ll do it alongside Stephen Curry!"


    Green''s bold declaration, akin to "Kobe and I combined for 83 points," was shameless yet effective. He knew that tying himself to Curry would secure his role within the Warriors'' system.


    "Let''s see if your ''modern basketball'' can last three quarters," Han fired back on social media.


    Han''s unexpected engagement with a second-round rookie surprised many, but the resulting exchange successfully turned the spotlight onto the upcoming game.


    Of course, Green benefited the most from the attention. While his strong defense had earned him a spot in Mark Jackson''s rotation, he was still at the bottom of the pecking order.


    Now, everyone knew who he was.


    Fans even dug into their past and discovered that Han and Green had a history, including Han''s iconic buzzer-beater where he leaped onto the scorer''s table.


    TNT took note of the hype, sending their star commentary trio to cover the game live.


    ...


    On game night, Oracle Arena¡ªusually not a sellout¡ªwas packed to the brim. Online viewership also surged. It was rare for a non-marquee matchup to generate this level of excitement.


    But it was understandable.


    Han was notorious for his trash talk, and now the Warriors had a loudmouth of their own.


    Add in the personal history and drama, and you had a story that transcended the typical regular-season narrative.


    During warmups, the broadcast team even split the screen between Han and Green. Green must have been thrilled.


    Green''s No. 23 jersey matched Han''s iconic 77, creating a perfect visual callback to their NCAA days. The theatrics were flawless.


    Han, unfazed, went about his warmups. Green wasn''t even a starter yet. If cultivating a ''hater-in-chief'' was like raising fish, Green was still just a fingerling in Han''s pond.


    After the pregame ceremony, the starting lineups were announced.


    The Grizzlies fielded their usual five, while the Warriors started Curry, Thompson, Barnes, David Lee, and Ezeli. Bogut was still recovering from ankle surgery.


    Capitalizing on this, the Grizzlies immediately attacked the paint, overwhelming the Warriors'' interior defense and forcing fouls.


    Offensively, the Warriors struggled to execute in half-court sets.


    Han noticed an odd pattern: though Curry was the team''s top scorer, Mark Jackson''s system didn''t heavily rely on him as a primary ball-handler.


    Instead, Jackson used Curry primarily as an off-ball shooter, elevating Klay Thompson''s role in the offense.


    This approach seemed baffling. As an off-ball shooter, Thompson''s height gave him a tactical edge, but marginalizing Curry''s potential as a playmaker? That was a misstep.


    Han began to understand why Jackson was eventually fired.


    Failing to recognize Curry''s full potential was one thing, but relegating your top scorer to a secondary role was indefensible.


    In hindsight, Jackson''s frustration over being replaced by Steve Kerr felt misplaced.


    He wasn''t akin to Rick Carlisle losing his job after building a foundation; his approach felt outdated, more comparable to Lionel Hollins'' rigid coaching style.


    Five minutes into the game, the Grizzlies led 11-5.


    Then, David Lee picked up his second foul.


    Although Jackson had tried using the bigger Ezeli to guard the more physical Zach Randolph, the Grizzlies'' twin towers were too dominant for Lee to match up against.


    As the crowd roared, Han glanced toward the scorer''s table and saw Green checking in, adjusting his jersey.


    Who said the NBA isn''t a bit theatrical? Thanks to the pregame trash talk, Green''s rotation role had been bumped up, giving him an earlier-than-expected debut.


    Han smirked. ''The fish has entered the pond,'' he thought. Green might be loud now, but he was just getting started as Han''s newest project.


    -End of Chapter-


    Translator''s note:


    ¢Ù The actual rule that mandates defenders give shooters space is not officially called the ''Jones Rule.'' It''s commonly referred to as the ''Zaza Rule'' or more formally, ''The Landing Zone Rule.''


    This rule was introduced by the NBA after the infamous incident in the 2017 Western Conference Finals when Zaza Pachulia stepped under Kawhi Leonard during a jump shot, causing Leonard to suffer an ankle injury.


    The rule aimed to protect jump shooters by penalizing defenders who invade their landing space, even if the contact is deemed unintentional.


    The rule specifies that, if a defender doesn''t allow a shooter a safe place to land, it can be called as a flagrant foul depending on the severity of the contact. It is often assessed under ''unsportsmanlike conduct'' guidelines.


    It''s not tied to Dahntay Jones or any specific rule named after him. The ''Jones Rule'' reference here is a fictional interpretation made to highlight a similar scenario in this context.


    ¢Ú Verticality Rule: This rule restricts defenders from turning their bodies or lowering their hands while contesting shots. Defenders can jump straight up with their arms raised vertically but cannot pivot mid-air or extend into the offensive player''s space.

 Chapter 203: Welcome to the NBA.

    Chapter 203: Welcome to the NBA.Draymond Green wasted no time showcasing his defensive grit, successfully disrupting Marc Gasol''s initial shot¡ªthough Gasol managed a put-back over him anyway.


    Green''s strengths lie in his physicality and wingspan, but his height is a glaring weakness. Physically, he resembles Dennis Rodman, but even Rodman was limited to playing power forward during his time with the Bulls.


    Trying to shut down a massive center like Gasol? That''s a tall order, literally.


    While Green didn''t make much of an impact on defense, his presence on offense didn''t go unnoticed.


    His knack for setting moving screens without drawing fouls gave Steph Curry some prime shooting space. Curry capitalized immediately, draining his first three-pointer of the night off the dribble.


    On the other end, Coach Mark Jackson adjusted the Warriors'' defense to double-team the Grizzlies'' big men. Green''s agility compared to David Lee gave Golden State more options defensively.


    In response, Han Sen ran a pick-and-roll with Rudy Gay, took the pass, and hit a pull-up jumper to keep the scoreboard ticking.


    Then came the next possession.


    The Warriors executed what seemed like an ''elevator doors'' play, freeing Curry for an open shot. [1]


    Han was caught off guard. He''d always assumed Steve Kerr introduced this play, but it seemed Jackson had a few tricks of his own.


    As Curry broke free, Han scrambled to contest the shot.


    However, Green swung the ball behind him to a moving Klay Thompson in the corner. Thompson caught it and drilled the three-pointer before Han could recover.


    15-11. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Warriors'' infamous reliance on the three-ball was already making its presence felt. For Han, though, the real eye-catcher wasn''t the Splash Brothers¡ªit was Green. [2]


    Say what you will, but Green might be the most perfect role player for these two sharpshooters.


    He sets the screens, moves the ball, and does the dirty work no one else seems eager to handle.


    But Han wasn''t about to let the narrative shift. On the next possession, he called for the ball from Mike Conley, orchestrating a high pick-and-roll with Gasol to get a switch onto Green.


    The crowd buzzed. Even Charles Barkley on commentary got fired up.


    "It''s about time Han welcomes this rookie to the NBA!" Barkley exclaimed.


    Green didn''t back down, clapping his hands and signaling he was ready.


    Han smirked. Green''s energy was amusing, but it wasn''t going to save him. With a quick first step, Han blew past him, and with Andrew Bogut out injured, the Warriors'' paint was wide open.


    Han rose and slammed the ball through with a ferocious one-handed dunk, hanging on the rim for emphasis.


    As he dropped down, he turned to Green, smirking. "So...what exactly did you improve on during four years of college?"


    Green shot back, "I''m here, aren''t I? This is the NBA!"


    Han shrugged. "Yeah, so why didn''t you get here earlier? Didn''t want to, or no one wanted you?"


    That jab landed harder than Green expected, but he wasn''t done. On the next play, he set another textbook screen for Curry and rolled to the top of the key.


    Curry drove in, then kicked the ball back out to Green, who drained a rare three-pointer.


    "Shut your mouth! We''re about to take the lead!" Green yelled as he jogged back on defense.


    Han chuckled, shaking his head. Green was definitely more entertaining than his bigger namesake. At least this one knew how to bark back.


    Han continued to target Green, and though Green held his ground admirably, Han''s skill was too much.


    Another pick-and-roll left Green switched onto him, but Han breezed past again, this time hitting a tough fadeaway over Ezeli''s contest.


    Green didn''t give up. On the next possession, as Han drove in again, he lunged in for a desperate swipe, smacking Han''s shooting arm with an audible slap.


    The whistle blew immediately, but Han still adjusted midair, managing to bank the ball in off the glass.


    The crowd erupted. Green stood frozen, staring at the basket, realizing just how much ground separated him from Han.


    As Han landed, he locked eyes with Green. "Better start praying. Divine intervention might be the only way you''ll stop me."


    Green''s face flushed red, but Han had already turned to the free-throw line.


    With the ball in hand, Han dribbled twice, then paused as if something had just come to him. He glanced over his shoulder at Green and smirked.


    "Welcome to the NBA, my boy," Han said with a sly grin before nailing the and-one free throw.


    Draymond Green stayed silent.


    He had clearly realized the power of Han''s trash talk and decided to keep his distance¡ªthough it was obvious he was mentally drawing circles to curse Han in his head.


    Even without a word, Han could tell from Green''s expression that his effort to cultivate this new ''chief hater'' was progressing nicely.


    Green got another open look from three on the next play, but this time, despite putting all his effort into the shot, it clanked off the rim.


    College experience might have matured him, but as an NBA rookie, facing relentless pressure from Han was clearly shaking his confidence.


    The rebound fell into Marc Gasol''s hands, and he immediately spotted Han already streaking beyond the arc.


    The Grizzlies'' twin towers lineup wasn''t built for transition, but Han was the exception¡ªhis speed was next level.


    With a quarterback-style full-court pass, Gasol hit Han in stride.


    Han took one look at the trailing Stephen Curry, then unleashed a ferocious windmill dunk to ignite the crowd.


    22-14.


    Han''s personal scoring spree pushed the lead closer to double digits, forcing the Warriors to call timeout.


    During the break, Coach Joerger skipped the clipboard, giving only some motivational pointers since the Grizzlies'' game plan was already clicking.


    Han, immune to pep talks, let his attention wander. And then¡ªhe spotted her.


    Amid countless cheerleader performances he''d grown indifferent to during his three years in the NBA, this one caught his eye.


    She wasn''t just beautiful; her exotic features and striking presence made Han feel something he hadn''t in a long time¡ªa genuine urge to ask for someone''s number.


    "Shane," Han turned to Shane Battier with a rare hint of curiosity, "does the no-contact rule with cheerleaders apply only to our team''s squad?"


    Battier, momentarily stunned, took a second to process the unexpected question.


    "Well... it''s primarily for the home team''s players and cheerleaders. Keeps things... less complicated," he said after some thought.


    "But what about cheerleaders from other teams?" Han pressed on.


    Battier shrugged, finally cracking a grin. "If you''re that curious, check their team''s website. They''re all registered there."


    Han gave Battier a thumbs-up, silently praising the veteran''s resourcefulness.


    ...


    At halftime, the Grizzlies led 51-38, thanks to the dominance of their twin towers, who had already combined for 26 points and 14 rebounds.


    In the third quarter, Memphis turned up the defensive intensity¡ªa trademark move during their winning streak. As in the opener against the Thunder, the Grizzlies'' sudden lockdown defense left their opponents scrambling.


    Joerger also adjusted the game plan: aggressive closeouts on threes and heavy interior help, daring the Warriors to take mid-range shots.


    Though Curry and Klay had decent mid-range games, they weren''t enough to keep up with Han''s clinical efficiency in that area.


    The Grizzlies quickly widened the lead¡ªuntil Curry decided to take matters into his own hands.


    Switching to frequent pick-and-rolls with Ezeli, Curry found slivers of space to unleash his signature threes.


    Memphis''s bigs, particularly Zach Randolph, struggled to contain these actions, forcing Marc Gasol to switch and Conley to apply relentless ball pressure.


    Even under this suffocating defense, Curry showed flashes of his era-defining talent, hitting contested threes with jaw-dropping quickness.


    By the end of the quarter, he''d drilled four triples, keeping the Warriors within striking distance.


    ...


    But in the fourth, the game was sealed by Han, who had been saving his energy.


    He exploded for 20 points in the final frame, leaving Klay Thompson visibly shaken.


    Klay, tagged as a promising 3-and-D player, found himself helpless against Han''s lethal mix of quickness and strength.


    Han''s post moves, fadeaways, and even double-teamed counter-turnarounds were unstoppable.


    On rare misses, Memphis''s twin towers dominated the offensive boards, making the Warriors pay for focusing their defense on Han.


    As the Grizzlies'' lead ballooned, the Warriors'' defense crumbled, taking their offense down with it. Memphis closed out a decisive 104-84 victory.


    ...


    The final stat line was a testament to Memphis''s dominance.


    Han dropped 32 points, while the Gasol-Randolph duo combined for 40 points and 20 rebounds.


    On the Warriors'' side, only Curry reached 20+, finishing with 26 points on 6-of-10 shooting from deep. Green contributed 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists but struggled to make a significant impact.


    In the postgame presser, Green doubled down.


    "Han said he''d break us by the third quarter. Did he? No way," Green said, flashing his trademark defiance. "We didn''t have Andrew (Bogut). When he''s back, things will be very different."


    When reporters relayed Green''s comments to Han, he couldn''t help but laugh.


    "Come on," Han said, smirking. "They weren''t holding on in the third quarter because of Green¡ªit was Steph keeping them afloat.


    "But I''ll say this¡ªI''m looking forward to seeing them in the playoffs. That''s when Green will learn just how fragile so-called ''modern basketball'' can be against us."


    -End of Chapter-


    Translator''s note:


    [1] Elevator Doors Play is a classic play used by the Warriors, highlighting their sharpshooting. It works as follows:


    1. A shooter (often Curry or Thompson) starts at the baseline and runs up toward the top of the key.


    2. Two screeners, typically big men or wings, stand side by side at the free-throw line, forming a gap (the "elevator door") for the shooter to pass through.


    3. Once the shooter moves through the gap, the screeners step together ("close the doors") to block the defender from following the shooter.


    4. The shooter receives a quick pass and takes an open three-point shot.


    The "Elevator Doors" play is a simple but highly effective way to create space for elite shooters like Curry and Thompson, and it has become a staple in the Warriors'' offensive arsenal.


    [2] The nickname ''Splash Brothers'' refers to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the Golden State Warriors'' star backcourt duo. Known for their exceptional shooting range and accuracy, the term ''splash'' symbolizes the swish sound their shots make as they hit nothing but net.

 Chapter 204: The Tonight Show.

    Chapter 204: The Tonight Show.The Grizzlies secured their 7th consecutive win of the season, setting a new franchise record. After the game, the team celebrated in the locker room.


    There had been concerns from the outside world that the Grizzlies might face the same challenges defending champions like the Lakers or Mavericks had encountered in the past.


    However, the Grizzlies quickly silenced those doubts with their performances, proving that such worries were unfounded.


    Some analysts, like Stan Van Gundy, even suggested that the Grizzlies resembled teams like the 1991 Bulls or the 2001 Lakers¡ªteams whose second championship seasons showcased their true peak.


    After the celebrations, the team immediately boarded a flight back to Memphis to prepare for a back-to-back game the next day.


    ...


    Back in Memphis, Han Sen remembered Shane Battier''s advice and decided to check the Warriors'' website.


    To his surprise, the website not only had a full cheerleading roster but also included their photos. Yet, the woman Han had seen during the game wasn''t listed.


    It dawned on him that she might have been a temporary addition, much like his own experience working as a Heat ball boy years ago. This realization left him both puzzled and a little disappointed.


    Han even searched for game footage, only to discover that her appearance hadn''t been captured in the broadcast.


    The sequence coincided with an official timeout ¢Ù when the broadcast typically didn''t show live cheerleader performances.


    With that realization, Han chalked it up to missed timing or perhaps a case of fate not aligning.


    ...


    Time flew by, and December arrived. The first month of the 2012-2013 season officially came to a close.


    The league announced the first batch of monthly awards.


    Coach of the Month honors went to Dave Joerger of the Grizzlies and Erik Spoelstra of the Heat.


    The Grizzlies boasted an impressive 11-1 record in November, holding the best record in the Western Conference at 12-1, including an October win.


    This shocked many, given how brutal the West was this season. Yet, the Grizzlies had convincingly beaten contenders like the Nuggets and Spurs.


    Mike Conley summed up their success succinctly:


    "People forget we played most of last season without Zach. This year, we''re a complete unit."


    Han Sen was named Western Conference Player of the Month for November, averaging 24.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.


    However, the Grizzlies weren''t the only strong team in the West. The Lakers, Spurs, Nuggets, and Mavericks all finished the month with three or fewer losses. Even the Thunder, ranked sixth, posted an 8-4 record.


    Russell Westbrook, in particular, shone in Kevin Durant''s absence, averaging MVP-level numbers with 25.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in November.


    But the downside of such a competitive West was the steep divide between the top and bottom teams. Many teams in the lower half had fewer than five wins.


    ...


    Meanwhile, in the East, surprises abounded.


    The Heat lost their season opener to the Pacers.


    Despite Granger''s injury, Indiana''s revamped lineup, featuring Paul George at small forward and Tony Allen at shooting guard, stifled both Dwyane Wade and Kevin Durant.


    Durant, however, bounced back to lead the Heat to an 11-game win streak, earning Eastern Conference Player of the Month with averages of 26.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.6 steals.


    Yet, the season''s biggest hype revolved around the Grizzlies and Heat. Fans eagerly awaited their Christmas Day showdown, a clash between the league''s top teams and a potential NBA Finals preview.


    ...


    During this buildup, a particularly explosive bit of news surfaced¡ªone that involved Han Sen.


    Scarlett Johansson appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to promote her new film, Hitchcock.


    During the interview, the topic shifted to her iconic Black Widow role in The Avengers, especially the hinted chemistry between her character and Bruce Banner.


    In a cheeky moment, Fallon asked, "Who''s the most impressive man you''ve met in real life?"


    Scarlett''s response?


    "A basketball player."


    Fallon quipped, "KD?" referencing Durant and the infamous "bathwater" meme.


    Scarlett laughed and emphatically denied it. "No, no way!"


    She then dropped the name: "Han Sen."


    The audience gasped. Fallon''s eyebrows shot up. "Wait, why?"


    Blushing, Scarlett cheekily replied, "Hulk smash."


    The double entendre sent the crowd into hysterics, and the clip went viral on social media.


    Fans quickly linked Scarlett''s comment to Taylor Swift''s earlier admission that her breakup with Han was partly due to his ''excessive stamina.''


    With endorsements from two A-list stars, Han Sen''s off-court persona reached new heights.


    Of course, this whole saga brought him a massive influx of hater points.


    Jealousy truly makes people ugly¡ªbeing with Swift was already enough to break some hearts, but now Scarlett too?


    One by one, he''s toppling everyone''s dream goddesses like they''re dominoes. No mercy. No survivors.


    And the one who felt it the most? Kevin Durant.


    Durant knew all too well what ''smash'' really meant¡ªit wasn''t just about casual encounters; it painted vivid, brutal imagery. It was the kind of imagery that could send him spiraling.


    Unsurprisingly, Durant''s aggression on the court reached a new peak this month.


    That leads us to the mid-December showdown between the Heat and Thunder, giving us December''s second explosive headline.


    LeBron James made his much-anticipated return after a month-long injury break. But his comeback didn''t spark the expected resurgence for the Thunder.


    Here''s why: while LeBron was out, the Thunder thrived, with players stepping up and finding chemistry in his absence.


    His return disrupted the team''s newfound rhythm¡ªhis demand for the ball and dominance in the offense threw everyone off balance.


    Instead of boosting the team, LeBron''s presence inadvertently made them weaker.


    So, when the Heat rolled into town, it was like watching a lion feast on a wounded deer. Miami essentially sealed the game by halftime.


    Then, in the third quarter, tensions boiled over.


    A frustrated LeBron threw an elbow at Durant during a defensive switch.


    Durant, already seething from recent events, fired back, and the two started trading verbal jabs:


    LeBron: "You''re soft, KD. Always second-best, always will be."


    Durant: "Better than getting swept in the Finals like you."


    LeBron stepped up, glaring: "Don''t talk about that series. I carried us there."


    Durant smirked, leaning in close: "Yeah, carried straight into the history books. Han made you his highlight reel, Bron."


    The Heat bench tried to stifle laughter. LeBron wasn''t having it.


    "Oh, shut up, KD. You''re just mad you can''t stop thinking about Scarlett and Han Sen. Bathwater boy!"


    The crowd gasped. Durant lunged forward, but before things escalated, Udonis Haslem stepped between them, arms outstretched.


    "Both of y''all, calm the hell down. You''re embarrassing yourselves."


    Udonis Haslem, trying to play peacekeeper, quickly stepped in to separate the two. But instead of defusing the situation, he became LeBron''s next target:


    "Stay out of it, UD. You''re just a role player. You''ve never carried anyone in your life."


    The air went still. Haslem didn''t flinch. He stared LeBron down, his voice calm but cutting:


    "Role player? I was a champion before you even sniffed the Finals. Don''t get it twisted."


    That one line? It silenced LeBron completely.


    Haslem''s words struck a nerve, especially since he was one of only two remaining players from Miami''s 2006 championship team¡ªthe other being Dwyane Wade, who wasn''t the type to spit venom at a former teammate.


    Durant, now grinning ear to ear, took one final parting shot at LeBron:


    "Bathwater Bron. That''s your legacy now."


    The clash, though, was captured live on broadcast, unfiltered. This birthed not one, but two legendary memes:


    1. ''The Haslem Reminder'': A clip of Haslem saying, "I was a champion before you even sniffed the Finals."


    2. ''Bathwater Bron'': A photoshopped image of LeBron holding a Grizzlies-logo mug, captioned: "Stay hydrated, King."


    The latter hit especially hard, given Scarlett''s recent appearance on Fallon''s show, where the "Hulk Smash" comment had already cemented its place in pop culture.


    Han Sen, meanwhile, was scrolling through the chaos on social media, enjoying the show, when his accounts were flooded by Durant fans melting down.


    Clearly, Durant had hit his breaking point again.


    Just as Han Sen was mulling over how to deal with the influx of trolling, he received a text message from Scarlett: "I''ll be in Memphis for Christmas!"


    Han blinked, a bit caught off guard.


    Christmas in the U.S. was like Lunar New Year back home¡ªfamily time. It wasn''t the kind of holiday someone casually spent away from home.


    But then again, Scarlett was 28 and had already been married once; her ties to her family weren''t as tight as they used to be.


    Plus, if she did spend Christmas with her family, that would include her ex-husband¡ªnot exactly festive.


    "I''ll have a gift ready for you," he replied, keeping it simple.


    ...


    By the time Christmas Eve rolled around, the anticipation for the Grizzlies-Heat Christmas showdown was palpable.


    On the evening of the 24th, most players spent the night at home with their families. Durant, however, stayed in Miami for an intense solo practice session.


    He wasn''t thinking about LeBron or the Thunder anymore¡ªhis focus was singular: crushing Han Sen on Christmas Day.


    As for Han, he drove to the airport to pick up Scarlett. Most of his teammates had left to celebrate with their loved ones, leaving him free to bring her back to his place.


    When she got in the car, she leaned back with a relaxed sigh, giving him a warm smile.


    "Flying during Christmas is a nightmare," she said.


    "You survived," Han teased lightly, starting the car. "That''s impressive."


    Scarlett chuckled. "Barely. But I''ll take the compliment."


    Back at Han''s place, Scarlett''s eyes widened as she noticed the Christmas setup¡ªa tree, lights, and even a roasted turkey in the kitchen.


    "Wait," she said, turning to him with genuine surprise. "You did all this?"


    Han shrugged, looking a little embarrassed. "Not exactly. I had Chris help me."


    She walked over to the tree, lightly brushing a hand over its ornaments. "Still... you didn''t have to do this. It''s really sweet."


    Han rubbed the back of his neck, feeling out of his depth. "Well, you said you were coming. I figured it''d feel more like Christmas this way."


    Scarlett''s smile widened. "It does."


    After dinner, Scarlett wandered around the apartment, exploring with curiosity.


    Han disappeared for a moment, then returned dragging a large wrapped package. Scarlett stopped mid-step, her eyes lighting up.


    "What is that?" she asked, grinning.


    "Your gift," Han said, setting it down in the living room.


    "Seriously? You didn''t have to!" Scarlett crouched down to help unwrap it, her curiosity bubbling over. But when the paper came off, revealing the contents, she froze. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A... Jurassic-themed tent?" she said, blinking.


    Han scratched his head, unsure how to read her reaction.


    "I wasn''t sure what you''d like. So... I went through your social media. You post a lot of travel photos, and you mentioned liking adventures. This seemed like something you might enjoy."


    Scarlett stared at the tent for a moment, then looked up at Han. Her expression softened, her smile returning, but with something deeper behind it.


    "You know," she said, her voice quieter now, "this reminds me of something from when I was a kid."


    "Oh?"


    "When I was seven, I had a Jurassic Park tent. I begged my dad for it, and when I got it, I set it up in my bedroom.


    It had dinosaurs that glowed in the dark¡ªraptors, T-Rex, the works. I felt safe in there. I ended up sleeping in that tent for almost a year."


    Han''s brows rose slightly in surprise. "No kidding."


    Scarlett nodded, her fingers brushing over the edge of the tent. "It''s funny... you couldn''t have known, but this is one of the most thoughtful gifts I''ve ever gotten."


    There was a moment of quiet between them, broken only when Scarlett laughed softly.


    "Well? Are we going to set it up, or what?"


    They worked together to assemble the tent in the middle of the living room, laughter filling the space as they struggled with poles and fabric.


    When it was finally up, Scarlett clapped her hands together, delighted.


    "It''s perfect," she declared.


    Han started to clean up, but Scarlett stopped him.


    "Wait. Bring some blankets and pillows," she said, grinning mischievously.


    "What for?"


    "We''re sleeping in it tonight."


    Han blinked, caught off guard. But seeing how excited she was, he didn''t argue.


    ...


    Later, lying side by side in the dimly lit tent, with only the moonlight filtering through the window, Scarlett shifted closer, resting her head on Han''s arm.


    "Thank you," she said softly. "For all of this."


    Han glanced down at her. "It''s just a tent."


    "It''s more than that," Scarlett replied, her fingers lightly tracing patterns on his arm. "You don''t have to understand. Just know it means a lot to me."


    Her words hung in the air, and for a moment, Han felt the warmth of her gratitude.


    "Best Christmas gift I''ve ever gotten," she added, lifting his hand to kiss it lightly.


    Han froze for a second, feeling a mix of awkwardness and surprise.


    This had been a lucky guess. From his perspective, what kind of little girl liked dinosaurs? Wasn''t it supposed to be dolls or something?


    But he wasn''t about to ruin the mood by overthinking it.


    Instead, he leaned in, capturing her lips in a gentle kiss.


    The tent, the soft glow of the moonlight, and the warmth between them made the moment feel just right.


    -End of Chapter-


    ¢Ù Official Timeout: A scheduled pause in the game for advertising or other league-related purposes, during which the broadcast often cuts away from live events like cheerleader performances.

 Chapter 205: The Strongest Team vs. The Strongest Player.

    Chapter 205: The Strongest Team vs. The Strongest Player.On Christmas night, the FedEx Forum was packed to capacity.


    Notably, this was the first time in franchise history that the Grizzlies were featured in a Christmas Day game.


    Coincidentally, this year marked the debut of special Christmas Day jerseys co-designed by Adidas and the league. The Grizzlies'' jerseys prominently displayed their team logo¡ªa bold, fierce bear head¡ªoozing wild energy.


    During warm-ups, the arena cameras panned across the crowd before settling on the front-row seats.


    When Scarlett''s face appeared on the LED screen, the crowd erupted in cheers.


    Scarlett waved gracefully at the camera, her charm and poise on full display. As Marvel''s reigning queen, her popularity was unquestionable.


    Of course, the cheers weren''t just for Scarlett herself¡ªthey were fueled by the explosive headlines from earlier that month.


    Why had LeBron mocked Durant with the now-infamous line, "Do you want to drink Han Sen''s bathwater?" Because Scarlett and Han had been in the bath together, of course!


    And during the Grizzlies-Thunder playoff series, Han had taunted Durant with trash talk, saying Scarlett was too tired to attend the game. Now, Scarlett was here in person!


    The camera quickly cut to Durant, who was looking up at the screen. When he lowered his head, his face had turned a distinct shade of green.


    Han''s [Hater System] lit up with a whopping +1.5 hater points, the notifications seemingly endless.


    This was a jackpot moment¡ªhe''d hit the hater-point lottery right from the opening act!


    ...


    Following the opening ceremony, the starting lineups were announced:


    Heat: Chalmers, Wade, Durant, Bosh, Perkins


    Grizzlies: Conley, Han Sen, Gay, Randolph, Marc Gasol


    The crowd roared as the starters took the court. The much-anticipated Christmas Day matchup between last season''s Finals champions and runners-up was officially underway.


    Marc Gasol won the tip against Bosh, and Conley brought the ball up, initiating the Grizzlies'' offense with a post-up play.


    However, Randolph missed his first shot attempt.


    LeBron''s departure had the most significant impact on Chris Bosh. In the ''original timeline,'' this season saw the Heat space the floor by moving Bosh to the three-point line, earning him the nickname ''Bosh the Rebounder.''


    But with Durant replacing LeBron, the Heat needed Bosh to be a post threat again, prompting him to bulk back up.


    Now, Bosh''s weight was comparable to his final Raptors days, but his mid-range shooting had significantly improved, marking the peak of his individual skillset.


    Defensively, paired with Perkins, Bosh posed a challenge to Randolph. Z-Bo''s scoring relied more on hooks and mid-range shots to exploit his height advantage, but Bosh''s physicality and reach made things tough.


    (TL/n: Randolph was nicknamed ''Z-Bo'' by a friend since he resembled the neighborhood bully ''Deebo'' from the 1995 film ''Friday''. It''s a play on the name ''D-Bo''.)


    On the other end, the Heat ran a frontcourt pick-and-roll with Durant and Bosh. After receiving a pass from Wade, Durant calmly drained a mid-range jumper.


    A month of playing together had solidified the Heat''s tactics. Wade served as the primary playmaker, while Durant thrived off-ball as a scorer. This setup maximized both stars'' abilities while preserving Durant''s energy.


    In hindsight, the Thunder-Heat trade''s biggest beneficiary was Durant.


    Could Durant evolve into a playmaker? From what Han knew of history, the answer was no.


    Though increased ball-handling responsibilities would boost his assist numbers, it was more akin to brute-forcing it than mastering it.


    Durant''s true ''Reaper'' form came with the Warriors when he excelled as a pure finisher. Joining the Heat had accelerated that development.


    ...


    The Heat were more than just beneficiaries of a weak Eastern Conference; Durant''s elite finishing ability paired with Erik Spoelstra''s coaching had made them a formidable force.


    The Grizzlies failed to score again on their next possession, and Durant capitalized in transition, pulling up from the right wing and sinking a three over Gay.


    Durant opened the game with five straight points, electrifying the crowd.


    After the bucket, Durant let out a primal roar. Scarlett''s presence hadn''t rattled him¡ªit had activated a predator''s mindset.


    For the first time this season, the Grizzlies faced trouble right from the tip-off.


    ...


    Conley brought the ball up and passed to Han, initiating a pick-and-roll with Marc Gasol.


    Perkins, a traditional big man, struggled to defend on the perimeter¡ªan area ripe for exploitation.


    But as soon as the pick-and-roll unfolded, Spoelstra''s defensive scheme kicked in. Wade navigated the screen, while Perkins and Bosh quickly switched to contain Han.


    Although the Heat couldn''t replicate their LeBron-era lightning-fast defensive rotations, their core principles remained intact.


    Han seized a brief window of opportunity, driving to the free-throw line and launching a floater just before Bosh could contest.


    Swish!


    That''s Han¡ªhe only needs a split second to make an impact!


    The FedEx Forum erupted with cheers.


    This season, Han had often taken a backseat, coasting through games. As he''d said early on: as long as the team wins, his stats don''t matter.


    But against a powerhouse like the Heat, Han showed his sharp fangs right from the start.


    ...


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The crowd, energized by Han''s basket, began chanting in unison.


    The Grizzlies successfully contained Durant''s off-ball movement, but his cuts forced the defense to overcommit. Taking advantage, Wade slashed to the rim and finished with a smooth Euro step past Gasol.


    If LeBron''s departure benefited Bosh, Durant''s arrival transformed Wade.


    For the first time in his career, Wade played alongside an elite off-ball scorer, alleviating his burden of creating tough shots and reducing defensive pressure.


    Wade and Durant''s offensive synergy was overwhelming¡ªadd a peak Bosh to the mix, and the Heat were now the true ''Big Three.''


    ...


    Han resumed his pick-and-roll game with Gasol, but the Heat''s defense clamped down even harder. Chalmers left the perimeter to help trap Han.


    Although Han has been ''coasting'' this season, he''s still managed to score more points than last season, which highlights just how dangerous his offensive threat has become.


    It seemed like Han wanted to take the shot before the double team could collapse on him. However, just as he raised the ball, he dished a no-look pass to the top of the arc, finding Conley.


    This season, Han Sen gained the [Divine Fadeaway], giving him a reliable way to counter double teams. But having this talent hasn''t made him fond of taking high-difficulty shots, and fortunately for the Grizzlies, his teammates don''t need him to do that.


    Conley received the ball, faked out the hard-charging Mario Chalmers with a slick hesitation, took one dribble to create space, and then knocked down a three-pointer.


    The Heat may have the peak-level ''Big Three,'' but the Grizzlies are also defending champions at the height of their powers!


    Han Sen missed out on an assist, but he high-fived Conley while getting back on defense.


    7¨C5.


    The Heat came out with a strong opening, but the Grizzlies answered immediately. The clash between two peak teams thrilled the fans.


    Halfway through the first quarter, the score was tied at 18¨C16. The game was neck-and-neck.


    Han Sen drove to the rim and drew a foul, earning a trip to the free-throw line. A whistle blew from the sidelines: the Heat were subbing in Ray Allen for Chalmers.


    Han Sen made both free throws, tying the game.


    But on the very next possession, Ray Allen used a Perkins screen, received the ball at the perimeter, and drained a three, putting the Heat back in the lead.


    If Steph Curry has the quickest release for threes, then Ray Allen is the master of the two-motion quick release.


    His lightning-fast transition from catching the ball to shooting is what cemented his status as the all-time leader in three-pointers made¡ªnot just his longevity.


    More importantly, on this Heat team with the ''Big Three'' drawing attention, Allen isn''t the defensive focal point, yet he only needs a simple off-ball screen to get open and score.


    Though age has reduced him from ''superstar'' status, Allen was still a highly effective player last season for the Celtics, averaging 14.2 points per game and shooting a blistering 45.3% from three on 5.1 attempts per game.


    He also maintained above-average defense, which is remarkable at his age.


    The Heat signed Allen with a $3 million mini mid-level exception, a move that has been vastly underrated in its impact.


    In fact, this lineup on the court now might just be Miami''s strongest.


    By the 10th minute of the first quarter, the Heat''s relentless offensive firepower had built a 26¨C20 lead.


    Both teams started rotating their lineups.


    Heat: Norris Cole, Ray Allen, James Jones, Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem


    Grizzlies: Jordan Crawford, Shane Battier, Rudy Gay, Antawn Jamison, Marc Gasol


    Jamison immediately went to work in the low post, backing down Haslem and scoring with a spin-hook.


    On the other end, Allen received a pass from Bosh and sank another three-pointer.


    Jamison missed a three from Gasol''s pass, but Gay followed up with an emphatic put-back dunk.


    Back on defense, Gasol fouled Bosh on a post-up attempt. Bosh made both free throws, keeping the Heat in control. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While the Heat''s ''Big Three'' model inherently weakens their bench depth¡ªfurther compounded by the earlier trade that sent Mike Miller and Josh McRoberts to the Thunder¡ªcoach Erik Spoelstra has managed to stagger his stars effectively.


    A heavier Bosh with improved post-game skills has been instrumental in anchoring the second unit offensively. Last season, Bosh struggled to create in these situations due to his lack of low-post threat.


    At the start of the second quarter, Spoelstra subbed out Bosh for Durant, who immediately went to work in the post. This skill, honed during Durant''s Thunder days, has become even more lethal with the Heat, as Miami doesn''t have a ball-dominant Westbrook. Surrounded by Cole, Allen, and Jones, this lineup maximizes spacing.


    Three minutes into the second quarter, the Heat had stretched their lead to double digits at 40¨C30, sending the arena into a frenzy.


    Only when the Grizzlies called on Han Sen to sub in for Gay did the atmosphere shift.


    Coach Joerger had no choice¡ªif the Heat''s lead continued to grow, there wouldn''t be a ''clutch moment'' tonight.


    Fans erupted with anticipation.


    The Heat''s dominance was undeniable, but Memphis had their own unstoppable force: Han Sen.


    Han patted his chest before checking in, knowing it was time for him to step up.


    On his first possession, he received the ball at the high post and posted up against Allen.


    The Heat''s floor-spacing lineup had its counterpart in the Grizzlies'' second unit. With Jamison providing strong spacing at the four, Han Sen had room to operate.


    Although Han Sen hasn''t unlocked any post-up talents yet, his training with Hakeem Olajuwon had emphasized post footwork.


    With a pivot, fake spin, and a fluid up-and-under, Han Sen finished with a soft bank shot.


    The arena gasped.


    "Is there anything this guy can''t do?" the commentator marveled.


    Yet Han realized something crucial: he needed to unlock post-up talents. His move worked because of Allen''s slower foot speed, but Olajuwon''s technique made him feel rooted like a tree, while Han still felt light and unsteady.


    Durant tried to respond with his own post-up play but missed under Shane Battier''s tenacious contest. Kenneth Faried grabbed the rebound and launched a long pass to a streaking Han Sen.


    The Grizzlies'' starters play a slower tempo, but their second unit can run.


    Han Sen caught the pass, blew past Allen, and took a giant stride from just inside the free-throw line, throwing down a soaring dunk.


    Allen''s attempt to contest fell short¡ªliterally.


    Durant scored on the next possession to steady the Heat, but Han Sen had found his rhythm. A quick fake drove Allen back, creating space for a step-back three that splashed through the net.


    In just over a minute, Han Sen had racked up seven points.


    The camera cut to Allen, shaking his head with a helpless expression. He could handle Gay''s slower drives, but Han Sen was simply too overwhelming.


    Spoelstra immediately summoned Dwyane Wade to check in.


    However, before Wade could sub in, Battier intercepted a pass intended for Durant, sparking another fast break.


    Han Sen led the charge, finishing with a smooth layup.


    42¨C39.


    In just a few minutes, the Grizzlies had clawed back to within one possession, and the Heat still hadn''t called a timeout.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The crowd roared, their energy now electric.


    Durant passed out of a double team to an open Norris Cole, who missed the three.


    Battier grabbed the rebound, swung the ball to Han Sen, and moved to the weak side.


    Sensing his hot hand, Han Sen waved off a screen and posted up again. Spoelstra frantically signaled for Durant to double-team.


    Han Sen pivoted toward the baseline to evade the pressure. As the third defender arrived, he spun into a fading jump shot.


    From beyond the arc.


    Ray Allen''s contest fell short, and the ball sailed cleanly into the net.


    Swish!


    Spoelstra had seen enough, calling timeout as Han Sen, who had landed near the Heat bench, was helped up by fans.


    He stood and tugged at the bear logo on his jersey, eliciting deafening ''MVP'' chants from the crowd.


    In less than six minutes, Han Sen had scored 12 consecutive points!


    The Heat may be the league''s best team on paper, but Memphis has its best player.

 Chapter 206: Better Than LeBron.

    Chapter 206: Better Than LeBron.At halftime, the Grizzlies and the Heat were locked in a 58-58 tie.


    Han Sen delivered a stunning 30-point performance in the first half, his strongest of the season.


    Or rather, after coasting for the past month, he finally erupted with a breakout half.


    In the third quarter, Erik Spoelstra opted not to double-team Han Sen. He understood that allowing Han Sen to orchestrate the Grizzlies'' offense would lead to even greater complications.


    Moreover, with Dwyane Wade on the floor, Spoelstra had reason to feel confident.


    Han Sen, for his part, welcomed the prospect of double teams. After all, the power of teamwork often outweighs individual brilliance.


    But as the game mirrored the dynamics of the first quarter, with the Heat bringing in Ray Allen to extend their lead, Han Sen was compelled to rely more on his own offensive firepower.


    Although going head-to-head with Wade wasn''t easy, Han Sen found opportunities to execute pick-and-rolls with Marc Gasol, targeting Kendrick Perkins.


    Riding the momentum from the first half, he continued to nail mid-range jumpers with precision.


    When Spoelstra adjusted by subbing in Udonis Haslem to counter him, Han Sen shifted his focus to exploiting Chris Bosh.


    Bosh''s added bulk may have increased his low-post presence, but it also slowed down his lateral movement.


    Recognizing Han Sen''s hot hand, his Grizzlies teammates provided solid screens to help him create scoring opportunities.


    Han Sen racked up another 16 points in the quarter.


    By the end of the third, the arena''s LED scoreboard displayed his astounding stat line: 46 points, tying Tracy McGrady''s 2002 Christmas Day performance as the fifth-highest scoring output in NBA Christmas Day history.


    And there was still an entire quarter to play.


    ...


    When teamwork alone couldn''t secure victory, sheer talent had to take over.


    In the final quarter, Spoelstra finally resorted to double-teaming Han Sen.


    In hindsight, he probably should have done so earlier.


    While the Grizzlies continued to score through a team-oriented approach, the Heat maintained control of the game.


    It became clear that when neither team could stop the other, the outcome would hinge on offensive explosiveness.


    Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, their low-post, grind-it-out style couldn''t keep pace with the Heat''s high-octane offense.


    If not for Han Sen, the Grizzlies would have been a frustrating team to face¡ªone capable of making opponents sweat and struggle. But ultimately, victory would still elude them.


    Han Sen''s individual brilliance had single-handedly elevated the Grizzlies to a higher tier.


    ...


    With five minutes left in the game, the Heat once again pushed their lead to double digits, reaffirming their status as the better team.


    But that''s when Dave Joerger showcased his adaptability.


    He subbed in Antawn Jamison for Zach Randolph, signaling a shift away from their traditional half-court offense.


    Jamison''s presence significantly improved the Grizzlies'' floor spacing, and his sharp form was evident as he drained a three-pointer upon entering the game.


    This adjustment eased the defensive pressure on Han Sen considerably.


    The tradeoff, however, was a weakened interior defense for Memphis.


    Despite preemptively assigning Marc Gasol to guard Bosh while Jamison covered the less-threatening Perkins, the Grizzlies'' rebounding took a hit.


    However, Gasol held his ground!


    Now in his fifth season and at the peak of his career, the 27-year-old Gasol was no longer the ''Baby Gasol.''


    The Heat attempted to exploit Jamison''s defense, only to find themselves stuck in a quagmire. The Grizzlies capitalized on these missteps, frequently launching fast breaks in response.


    With just one minute remaining, the Grizzlies mounted a furious rally to tie the game at 112 apiece, forcing Spoelstra to call a timeout.


    ...


    This Christmas Day clash was nothing short of theatrical. Twice the Heat had extended their lead, only for the Grizzlies to claw back each time.


    After the timeout, the Heat had possession.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The Memphis crowd roared, their chants shaking the arena.


    The Grizzlies ramped up their defensive intensity to the maximum.


    Having tied the game twice, they were determined not to let this one slip away.


    Spoelstra had drawn up a play for Ray Allen, hoping to catch Memphis off guard. But the Grizzlies'' defense stifled the plan.


    With the shot clock winding down, the ball ended up in Kevin Durant''s hands at the perimeter.


    Durant signaled for an isolation play, using a sharp crossover to create separation against Rudy Gay.


    Gay wasn''t easily fooled, staying tight on Durant and contesting the shot with his long arms.


    Swish!


    But Durant, showcasing his generational scoring talent, drained the contested three-pointer over Gay''s defense.


    The crowd fell silent, stunned by the clutch shot.


    Durant pounded his chest and let out a primal roar.


    The sweat he had poured into this moment¡ªnot just on this Christmas Eve but every day since joining the Heat¡ªhad culminated in this defining play.


    The three-pointer was a dagger.


    Not only did it restore a three-point lead for Miami, but it also extinguished Memphis'' momentum.


    ...


    The Grizzlies didn''t call a timeout.


    Han Sen took the ball up the court himself.


    Spoelstra immediately recalled the last time Han Sen faced Miami¡ªhow he had hit a game-winning buzzer-beater after bringing the ball up in a similar situation.


    At his coach''s urging, Wade applied full-court pressure on Han Sen.


    But this aggressive defense backfired.


    Han Sen executed a behind-the-back dribble, seamlessly accelerating past Wade.


    He charged toward the frontcourt with full speed.


    Durant stepped in to help, but Han Sen countered with a spin move that left Durant trailing.


    The [Uncle Drew] talent Han Sen had maxed was on full display in this sequence.


    By the time the Heat realized what had happened, Han Sen was already airborne in the paint.


    Leaping over Perkins, Han Sen delivered a thunderous and-1 dunk.


    Boom!


    Tweet!


    The referee''s whistle coincided with the sound of the ball crashing through the net.


    The emphatic dunk reignited the crowd, silencing Miami''s momentum.


    ...


    Scarlett, watching from the stands, gasped audibly, her hands covering her mouth in astonishment.


    Though she had seen Han Sen play before, tonight''s performance was on another level.


    Especially considering how much energy he''d expended the night before.


    "MVP! MVP!"


    The chants erupted once more as Han Sen stepped to the free-throw line.


    The scoreboard displayed his stat line: 57 points.


    Even with the double teams limiting his attempts in the fourth quarter, Han Sen had delivered a historic performance.


    After steadying his breathing, Han Sen sank the free throw, tying the game once again. His passive play during the season paid dividends¡ªdespite his workload last night and tonight, he showed no signs of fatigue.


    With just 30 seconds left on the clock, the Heat called a timeout.


    When play resumed, the Heat used the off-ball movement of Kevin Durant and Ray Allen as decoys, creating an opportunity for Dwyane Wade to drive into the paint. He drew a foul on Jamison, earning two critical free throws.


    The Heat''s roster featured so many clutch options that defending every single one of them was nearly impossible.


    Wade, undeterred by the deafening crowd, calmly sank both free throws, giving the Heat a two-point lead with only nine seconds remaining.


    The Grizzlies responded with a timeout of their own.


    The anxious crowd frequently glanced at the scoreboard, their worry palpable. However, basketball fans watching this Christmas Day thriller from their homes were undoubtedly entertained.


    In the U.S., the four major sports leagues do not schedule games on Christmas, leaving the NBA as the exception. As a result, this matchup was globally anticipated and watched.


    Out of the timeout, the Grizzlies executed a well-coordinated play. Jamison and Marc Gasol set a series of screens for Han Sen to receive the ball. The plan was clear: set him up for a mid-range shot.


    Head coach Joerger chose to aim for a tie instead of risking a three-pointer, a logical decision given his team''s energy levels.


    Han Sen managed to take the shot, but Wade''s fierce contesting disrupted the attempt. Wade had vowed back in summer training camp that he wouldn''t let Han Sen beat him again.


    Clang!


    Han Sen''s fadeaway shot bounced off the front rim, missing its mark.


    Before the crowd could collectively sigh in disappointment, Marc Gasol soared above Perkins to grab the offensive rebound. Spotting Chris Bosh collapsing into the paint, Gasol quickly dished the ball back out to Han Sen at the perimeter.


    Han caught the pass, just as Kevin Durant rushed at him with murderous intensity in his eyes.


    With no time to hesitate, Han Sen launched the shot immediately. Durant, recognizing the danger of fouling Han Sen in this scenario, aborted his jump to avoid contact, but his forward momentum carried him under Han Sen''s feet.


    Forced to twist his body sideways to avoid a potential flagrant foul under the ''Reggie Miller rule,'' Durant couldn''t avoid slight contact.


    The referees let it go, and Han Sen, undeterred, focused solely on his form.


    The ball left his hands as the arena''s game clock expired, red lights illuminating the backboard. Simultaneously, Han Sen began his descent.


    Swish!


    As the ball sank cleanly through the net, Han Sen landed on the floor.


    Durant, stunned, held his head in disbelief. Meanwhile, the FedExForum erupted with ecstatic cheers from the home crowd. Grizzlies players rushed toward Han Sen to celebrate.


    Overwhelmed with emotion, Han pushed Durant aside and sprinted toward the scorer''s table, leaping atop it with a triumphant shout:


    "This is my house!"


    This time, unlike his previous declaration with ''our,'' Han Sen reverted to the singular ''my,'' reminiscent of his Cleveland days.


    Han Sen finished with a historic stat line: 22-of-36 shooting, 4-of-9 from three, 13-of-16 free throws, 61 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It marked a career-high in points and his first 60+ point game, breaking Bernard King''s 1984 record of 60 points for most points scored in a Christmas Day game.


    Han Sen truly deserved the accolades this night.


    Fans near the court eagerly snapped photos with their phones while chants of "Handsome!" reverberated through the arena. Scarlett, sitting courtside, gazed at Han Sen with renewed admiration, her eyes brimming with emotion.


    If tonight''s game were a movie, Han Sen would undoubtedly be its hero, saving the day against all odds.


    Meanwhile, the Heat players were visibly frustrated, grappling with the bitter reality of losing despite having superior talent.


    During the post-game handshake, Wade acknowledged Han Sen''s performance with a resigned expression.


    "This was your night," Wade admitted before adding, "but you can''t always have it."


    The subtext was clear¡ªHan Sen needed 61 points to edge past the Heat in a single game. Over a series, the Heat would likely prevail.


    Han Sen, however, was quick to remind Wade, "I remember when you said you wouldn''t lose to me again." Wade could only laugh, masking his frustration.


    Basketball isn''t merely a numbers game. If it were, there''d be no upsets, no legends, no magic.


    In the post-game press conference, Han Sen and Marc Gasol appeared together.


    "I''ve said it before: Marc deserves a spot on the All-Defensive team. He''s the anchor of our defense," Han Sen stated emphatically.


    His praise was no exaggeration; without Gasol''s defensive heroics and offensive rebound, Han Sen wouldn''t have had the chance to take the game-winning shot.


    Han''s 61-point Christmas performance had an immediate and significant impact, catapulting him to the top of the latest MVP rankings, surpassing Durant.


    Such high-stakes games can elevate a player''s profile more than ten regular-season matches combined.


    Moreover, with the All-Star voting approaching, this performance served as the perfect campaign. Han Sen seemed poised to secure the All-Star vote leader position for a third consecutive year.


    This rare feat has only been achieved by three players in NBA history: Julius ''Dr. J'' Erving, Vince Carter, and Michael Jordan. Erving and Carter managed three consecutive titles, while Jordan holds the untouchable record with seven straight.


    Han Sen''s popularity was undeniable, evident even in the league''s shifting of All-Star voting demographics.


    The NBA had reduced the proportion of votes from East Asian regions, yet Han Sen continued to dominate in global fan support.


    However, shortly after this legendary Christmas game, an ESPN article by journalist Mike McMenamin began circulating widely.


    Though unrelated to Han Sen, the article zeroed in on the Grizzlies, analyzing their dynasty potential and the challenges posed by the looming salary cap issues.


    McMenamin specifically suggested that the Grizzlies should trade Zach Randolph, arguing that Marc Gasol''s development exceeded expectations. Gasol''s dominant showing in the Christmas game demonstrated his capability to carry the team''s interior, making Randolph expendable.


    The trade, he reasoned, could address Memphis''s salary issues while cementing Gasol''s role as the core of the frontcourt.


    The article sparked widespread discussion, dragging the Grizzlies'' future plans into the spotlight far earlier than anticipated.


    Han Sen, upon reading the piece, frowned deeply. The calculated timing of this article struck him as not only malicious but downright sinister¡ªit seemed designed to destabilize the Grizzlies'' chemistry.


    Sensing foul play, Han Sen had Rondo investigate McMenamin''s background. What they found was revealing: McMenamin was an intern assistant to Brian Windhorst at ESPN.


    It seemed clear¡ªunable to outplay the Grizzlies on the court, certain parties were resorting to off-court tactics to sabotage them.


    If the Grizzlies faltered, Han Sen''s burgeoning stardom would take a significant hit. His fame was closely tied to the team''s success.


    Knowing who was behind this scheme, Han Sen decided to retaliate.


    In early January, Khalil published a TNT exclusive featuring an explosive headline: "Han Believes Rudy Gay is a Better Player Than LeBron James."

 Chapter 207: The Key to NBA Stats.

    Chapter 207: The Key to NBA Stats.The theme of Khalil''s exclusive interview was the Memphis Grizzlies'' playoff outlook. Based on the current standings, the Grizzlies had a strong chance of finishing the regular season atop the Western Conference.


    Among their potential first-round opponents was the Thunder.


    Since LeBron James returned from injury, the Thunder''s performance had worsened, dropping from sixth to eighth in the West.


    If the playoffs started today, the Grizzlies would face the Thunder in the first round.


    In discussing this potential matchup, Khalil posed the question: "What would it take for the Thunder to beat the Grizzlies?"


    Han Sen''s response: "Swap Rudy Gay and LeBron James between teams."


    At first glance, this seemed absurd, but upon deeper analysis, it appeared to be the only feasible way.


    LeBron joining the Grizzlies would clash with their twin-tower strategy, making him unable to adapt¡ªrendering half of his game ineffective.


    Moreover, LeBron thrives in fast breaks, but the Grizzlies'' twin-tower system isn''t conducive to fast play, further neutralizing his impact.


    Additionally, LeBron and Han Sen might face conflicts over ball control. Unlike Dwyane Wade, Han Sen would not relinquish the ball-handling duties.


    Thus, LeBron joining the Grizzlies would significantly weaken their team.


    On the other hand, Rudy Gay''s current skill set¡ªdefense and off-ball movement as a starter, and scoring as a bench option during staggered minutes¡ªfit perfectly with the Thunder''s needs.


    This shift in dynamics would drastically increase the Thunder''s chances of beating the Grizzlies.


    This led to another topic: the reason for the Thunder''s recent struggles.


    The problem was LeBron''s return and his incompatibility with the Thunder''s playstyle.


    Khalil summed it up succinctly: "The Thunder need a more suitable small forward. Kevin Durant is the ideal choice, but Rudy Gay isn''t bad either."


    Han Sen added with a laugh, "We won''t trade Rudy. On this team, he''s better than LeBron."


    When placed in the context of the interview, Han Sen''s remarks emphasized Rudy Gay''s importance to the Grizzlies.


    But given how busy people are, how many would take the time to read the full interview?


    Carlisle''s eye-catching headline certainly didn''t help, as it seemed designed to draw criticism toward Han Sen.


    As expected, the article sparked a massive backlash.


    - "This is the worst LeBron''s ever been disrespected. Han''s the biggest LeBron hater¡ªhe doesn''t even care about logic anymore!"


    - "Forget Gay¡ªLeBron has four MVPs. How many does Han have?"


    - "I could say Afflalo is better than Han Sen. When you disrespect others, don''t expect respect in return!"


    - "Yes, LeBron and the Thunder have some chemistry issues, but saying Gay is better than LeBron is just nonsense. LeBron is still a top-three player in the league."


    ...


    This time, not only LeBron fans but also many neutral fans felt Han Sen had gone too far.


    However, Han Sen was thrilled by the negative attention.


    He was eager to accumulate enough hater points to unlock the post-up talent, and Khalil''s headline was written at his request.


    Moreover, the interview achieved its intended effect: solidifying the narrative that "LeBron and the Thunder have chemistry issues."


    The Thunder''s core problem was the compatibility between Russell Westbrook and LeBron.


    Westbrook could lead the team alone to sixth in the West; LeBron could likely do the same, or even better.


    But with both on the same team, the Thunder were struggling. If they didn''t want to implode, they needed to choose between the two.


    Han Sen''s response hit the mark. Both Brian Windhorst and his assistant Mike McMenamin, who had initially stirred trouble for the Grizzlies, quickly quieted down.


    They knew that if the feud continued, it would be the Thunder, not the Grizzlies, who would blow up first.


    Although ESPN had backed off, the earlier article still impacted the Grizzlies.


    Zach Randolph understood that it was a tactic from rivals, and General Manager Chris Wallace had publicly stated the team wouldn''t trade Randolph.


    But understanding and avoiding emotional impact are two different things. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even between friends, an offhand remark can create tension¡ªlet alone in a situation where the Grizzlies'' salary cap issues were very real.


    Owner Michael Heisley was known for being frugal. Next season''s luxury tax burden might push him to make a trade, and among the Grizzlies'' starting five, the oldest player, Randolph, was the most likely to be moved.


    If the trade rumors involved Rudy Gay, it might not matter as much, since Gay wouldn''t dwell on it. But for Randolph, it was hard not to overthink.


    After practice one day, as Han Sen was heading to the locker room, Rudy Gay pulled him aside for a chat.


    "I''ve noticed Zach''s been down lately. Should we do something to help him?" Gay asked.


    Han Sen raised an eyebrow and touched Gay''s forehead, as if checking for a fever.


    Of all the players on the team, Randolph and Gay were known to have the most disagreements.


    Han Sen couldn''t believe Gay was the first one to express concern.


    "Have you two been arguing so much that you''ve grown attached to each other?" Han Sen joked.


    "Don''t overthink it. I just feel like his mood is affecting the team''s vibe," Gay clarified.


    "Rudy, I take it back¡ªyou really are better than LeBron," Han Sen teased.


    Gay blushed, wanting to deny it, but his vanity wouldn''t let him.


    "So, what''s your plan?" Han Sen asked.


    "Zach''s never made an All-Star team. If he gets in, it might cheer him up," Gay suggested.


    Han Sen considered this for a moment before nodding.


    At first, the idea sounded far-fetched¡ªRandolph''s worry was about being traded, not All-Star selection.


    But from another perspective, if Randolph made the All-Star team, his value would rise, making him less likely to be traded. That would naturally improve his mood.


    With the plan agreed upon, they brought it up with Marc Gasol, who immediately supported the idea.


    Gasol had great chemistry with Randolph on the court and shared a close personal bond. Randolph had also helped Gasol improve his post skills significantly.


    That article had created some awkwardness between them, so Gasol was eager to mend their relationship.


    With everyone on board, the plan was set in motion.


    Han Sen later discussed the idea with Coach Joerger, and everything fell into place.


    The process went smoothly, thanks to the Grizzlies'' strong performance this season.


    While the Christmas game against the Heat was a nail-biter, it was against a team vying for ''greatest of all time'' status.


    Most of the time, the Grizzlies were still the team that could put games away in three quarters.


    So, letting Randolph take a few more shots wouldn''t jeopardize the team''s success.


    And Randolph had been in good form this season.


    Of course, everyone involved kept the plan a secret from Randolph. Telling him would defeat the purpose entirely.


    Moreover, they carefully selected their opponents, using the Rockets as the first target.


    The Rockets'' frontcourt consisted of Patrick Patterson and Nikola Vucevic.


    Both are stretch bigs, playing a significant role in Harden''s outstanding performance this season. However, their defense leaves much to be desired, especially Vucevic.


    Despite his size, he is painfully slow on his feet, providing little help defense.


    Randolph simply had to overpower Patterson, driving to the basket for easy points.


    Rockets coach Kevin McHale¡ªa Celtics legend¡ªattempted an adjustment, assigning Vucevic to guard Randolph while Patterson provided help defense. Yet, this strategy didn''t work either.


    Randolph has skills; putting a slow-moving big man on him only allowed him to face up and dribble past with ease.


    By halftime, Randolph had 13 shot attempts, making 10 of them for a blistering 25 points.


    During the break, Randolph finally cracked a smile¡ªsomething his teammates hadn''t seen in a while.


    Gay, noticing this, bumped fists with Han Sen, his face gleaming with a ''See how clever I am?'' expression.


    In the second half, the Rockets adjusted their defense once again.


    McHale finally remembered the concept of double-teaming, instructing the perimeter defenders¡ªParsons and Lin¡ªto collapse into the paint.


    Randolph, however, didn''t hesitate. ''You double-team me, I''ll pass.''


    This was the advantage of Randolph not knowing the bigger plan. Despite being granted more touches, his priority was still to play winning basketball.


    Gay and Conley stepped up, hitting shots off Randolph''s kick-outs.


    McHale, displaying his old-school coaching stubbornness, stuck with his defensive adjustments, and the Grizzlies capitalized.


    By the third quarter''s end, what was a competitive game early on had become a blowout.


    Randolph posted a stellar stat line of 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists through three quarters, earning his second career triple-double¡ªthe first being two years prior against the Heat.


    This time, it was a dominant triple-double, with even flashier numbers.


    At the post-game press conference, Han Sen didn''t hold back in praising Randolph: "Last season, Zach struggled with injuries¡ªthat wasn''t the real him. What you see now, this is the real Zach Randolph, one of the best bigs in the league."


    Even coach Joerger chimed in with compliments, leaving Randolph slightly embarrassed by the attention.


    ....


    Following this game, Randolph maintained his outstanding performance, averaging 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ assists per game¡ªa stat line comparable to his peak two years ago.


    In a game against the Knicks, Randolph exploded for 44 points, setting a new career high.


    His previous best was 43 points in 2007 when he was with the Trail Blazers and put up big numbers in a loss to the Grizzlies.


    Back then, Randolph was considered a ''stat-stuffer,'' but this time, his performance was undeniably impactful.


    "Zach Randolph is reaching the peak of his career," became the focal point of media coverage.


    With the All-Star voting underway, Randolph''s brilliant play naturally tied him to All-Star discussions.


    So, is it possible to ''pad stats'' in the NBA?


    Some argue that it''s impossible¡ªafter all, the NBA is the highest level of basketball, and scoring even a single point isn''t easy.


    The truth, of course, is: Yes, you can.


    But it requires certain conditions. First and foremost, the player must be skilled enough; without the ability, no amount of touches will produce results.


    Second, the team must be strong enough. Players on weak teams can''t pad stats for long, as poor records expose them quickly.


    To accumulate impressive stats without scrutiny, one must either stay on a competitive team or, at the very least, have capable teammates to cover for them. This way, even if stats are padded, the team won''t lose too badly.


    ...


    Time flew by, and by the end of January, the results of the 2013 All-Star voting were announced.


    Unsurprisingly, Han Sen became the fourth player in NBA history to secure the fan vote for three consecutive years.


    Despite his ''underwhelming'' stats, being the reigning champion, leading a first-place team in the West, and scoring 61 points in a Christmas Day game were more than enough to secure his spot.


    Not to mention the overwhelming support from East Asia, which, even at a 100:1 ratio, still contributed a significant number of votes¡ªthe world''s largest voting base in action.


    As for Randolph, not only did he make the All-Star team, but he also secured a starting spot alongside Han Sen.


    Additionally, Marc Gasol earned the coaches'' trust and was selected as a reserve.


    This marked the first time in Grizzlies franchise history that three players were named All-Stars.


    Of course, the top team in the West having three All-Stars seemed reasonable, especially considering the Heat also sent three players from the East.


    And the 2009 draft class continued to dominate the spotlight.


    Other than Curry, who narrowly missed selection, Han Sen, Blake Griffin, and James Harden all made the team.


    Even Jrue Holiday, the 17th pick from the 2009 draft, became the 76ers'' leader after Iguodala''s departure and earned a reserve spot with his impressive play.


    ...


    Following the announcement, Han Sen wasted no time advocating for Rudy Gay, who narrowly missed selection.


    "Rudy is one of the league''s best small forwards¡ªhe deserved a spot," Han Sen said to reporters.


    Has any team in history ever had four All-Stars in a single season?


    Of course! And not just a few times.


    Beyond iconic examples like the 2015 Hawks and 2017 Warriors, even this era had its share. For instance, the Celtics had four All-Stars in 2011.


    A lesser-known example is the 1998 Lakers, who sent Shaquille O''Neal, Kobe Bryant, Nick Van Exel, and Eddie Jones to the All-Star Game.


    In short, when a team has a strong record and sufficient exposure, players with decent stats often get the nod.


    However, Han''s support for Gay reignited the controversy surrounding his earlier claim that "Gay is better than LeBron."


    Did he mean LeBron should give up his All-Star starting spot to Gay?


    This stirred up a wave of criticism, adding to Han Sen''s ever-growing list of detractors.


    ...


    Amid the All-Star voting buzz, Khalil broke another piece of news: Han Sen wouldn''t be participating in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship.


    Han Sen had long expressed no interest in playing in Asian competitions, so this wasn''t exactly news.


    However, his absence from the Olympics, coupled with the Chinese national team''s poor showing there, had led the basketball federation to scapegoat him for their struggles.


    As a result, this announcement triggered a chain reaction, with some extreme domestic fans calling for Han Sen to be permanently banned from the national team.


    This series of events caused Han Sen''s [hater points] to skyrocket, surpassing one million in no time.


    -End of Chapter-


    2013 All-Star Rosters


    Western Conference Starters: Han Sen, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Blake Griffin, Zach Randolph


    Reserves: Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Tony Parker, James Harden, Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, Marc Gasol


    Eastern Conference Starters: Rajon Rondo, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard


    Reserves: Kyrie Irving, Jrue Holiday, Paul George, Chris Bosh, Kevin Garnett, Joakim Noah, Brook Lopez

 Chapter 208: Dream Shake.

    Chapter 208: Dream Shake.?The back-to-the-basket talent required 1.4 million hater points¡ªa matter of time for Han Sen.


    However, developments on the Thunder''s side were a bit unexpected.


    "Russell is one of the league''s best point guards. He possesses historic-level athleticism and boundless passion for the game. He''s always been underestimated," LeBron James praised Westbrook during a media appearance.


    This time, Han Sen was truly puzzled. However, after watching the Thunder''s games and noticing Westbrook willingly relinquishing ball-handling duties, he understood.


    From the opening game of the season, it was clear that Westbrook''s primary goal was winning. When the team lost after LeBron''s return, their conflicts intensified.


    Now, with LeBron extending an olive branch, Westbrook took the opportunity to de-escalate.


    His basketball IQ might not be high, but his emotional intelligence wasn''t lacking. He knew that continuing the feud would only harm the team.


    If they failed to make the playoffs this season, it would be an embarrassing joke.


    Han Sen understood this dynamic but couldn''t help feeling there was more beneath the surface.


    LeBron''s actions reminded him of his time with the Cavaliers.


    In essence, it revealed one thing: LeBron had no intention of staying long-term with the Thunder.


    This was predictable but similar to the Grizzlies'' own situation¡ªsomething easy to overlook if not actively considered.


    It involved LeBron''s contract. His deal with the Heat was signed under the pre-2011 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), an older framework.


    The contract signed in 2010 was set to expire in 2016 but included player options for 2014 and 2015.


    This meant LeBron could opt out and leave in two years if he wanted to.


    Of course, due to the CBA''s new rules on Bird rights, outright opting out would result in significant financial losses. Therefore, it was likely he''d leave via a sign-and-trade.


    This was likely a major factor in the Thunder management''s decision to trade for LeBron.


    Within two years, they could maximize LeBron''s commercial value and expand the market. If he stayed, they''d continue reaping profits; if he left, they''d secure draft picks in return.


    For a front office capable of drafting Serge Ibaka with the 25th pick, draft strategy was their forte.


    Realizing this, Han Sen decided to up the ante.


    If they stabbed him once, why not stab them again and again?


    This wasn''t a turn-based game¡ªit was a fight to the finish.


    The next day, Khalil published an article titled "Analyzing LeBron''s Likelihood of Staying with the Thunder."


    In the piece, Khalil meticulously dissected LeBron''s contract and concluded that there was a 99% chance he''d opt out in the summer of 2014.


    Since the Thunder were concerned about the Grizzlies'' luxury tax issues for next summer, Khalil aimed to make Thunder players, especially Westbrook, think twice about whether relinquishing ball-handling duties was worth it.


    After all, who knew if the Thunder management, like the Cavaliers, would crown LeBron as king simply because of his marketability?


    The article sparked widespread debate and once again made Han Sen a target of LeBron''s fanbase.


    The surge in hate points was undeniable.


    By the All-Star break, his hater points finally accumulated to 1.4 million.


    This was enough for him to redeem a back-to-the-basket talent.


    [Dream Shake]: Greatly enhances positioning, pivot speed, and physical strength in post-up situations. Significantly boosts lower-body strength.


    The name was reminiscent of "The Dream" (Hakeem Olajuwon), and the talent''s content was highly specific.


    Previously, Han Sen had felt that his post moves were lacking fluidity. This wasn''t just a technical issue¡ªit was tied to physical limitations.


    Weak physicality, poor positioning, and insufficient lower-body strength meant he couldn''t replicate Olajuwon''s effectiveness.


    After redeeming the talent, Han Sen headed to the gym with Grover for training. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Though it would take time to refine, the newfound sense of stability was exhilarating.


    While training one day, an unexpected visitor arrived.


    Adjusting his headband with a playful grin, Randolph approached.


    After exchanging greetings, Randolph revealed that he''d come to share some insights on post-play.


    Rather than a mere exchange of ideas, it felt more like Randolph offering his wisdom.


    This seemingly unsolicited kindness was entirely understandable.


    Unlike Rudy Gay, who had a straightforward mindset, Randolph, while sometimes hot-headed, wasn''t foolish.


    Initially, he might''ve believed the strategy to focus on him during games was a coaching decision.


    But after nearly a month of consistent support, he realized it was his teammates, with Han Sen at the forefront, making it happen.


    As the team leader, Han Sen''s approval was crucial. Additionally, Randolph''s increased shot opportunities coincided with Han Sen''s reduced usage.


    Seizing an opportunity to return the favor, Randolph was naturally enthusiastic.


    His advice proved invaluable for Han Sen.


    While they played different positions¡ªone a big man, the other a perimeter player¡ªOlajuwon and Kobe Bryant had shown that post moves were universally applicable.


    The differences lay in the initiation points and finishing methods: perimeter players often relied on spin moves and fadeaways, while big men in the low post utilized hooks and bank shots.


    However, the nuances of post-play¡ªpositioning, footwork integration, and fakes¡ªwere largely consistent.


    Randolph''s years of experience, which had benefited Marc Gasol, also helped Han Sen.


    After their discussion, Han Sen decided his next talent redemption would be hook shots.


    While most guards focused on high-post play, having hook shot proficiency was critical for low-post effectiveness.


    For now, though, his priority was honing his newly acquired back-to-the-basket talent.


    Training wouldn''t last long, as the 2013 All-Star Game was approaching.


    This year''s event was in Houston, and Randolph had arranged for a private jet.


    Aside from the three All-Stars on their team, Faried would also attend, participating in the Rising Stars Challenge and Slam Dunk Contest.


    Upon arriving in Houston, Han Sen received a call from Harden, inviting him to a nightclub.


    As the host, Harden ensured a warm welcome.


    The venue was highly characteristic of Harden''s tastes, and to Han''s amusement, Harden had even arranged for a Taiwanese hostess to keep him company¡ªa thoughtful touch.


    It seemed the years of summer training camps with Harden had left an impression.


    Of course, Harden''s hospitality was also linked to his move to the Rockets. With Yao Ming''s legacy offering a foothold in the Chinese market, strengthening ties with Han Sen was a logical step.


    "At the All-Star Game, I''ll pass to you more and help you get MVP," Han Sen teased knowingly.


    "No, no, I''m not interested in that," Harden quickly declined. Besides, he wasn''t yet in the running for such honors.


    "Actually, I think you should win it. Didn''t people say you lack MVPs?"


    Han Sen chuckled, shaking his head. The All-Star Game was for entertainment¡ªMVPs there were meaningless.


    However, Harden''s next comment caught Han Sen off guard.


    "People say LeBron has four MVPs, and they even count his All-Star MVPs. If he never wins a championship, they might even invent a preseason championship for him. After all, a title is a title."


    Had Harden mentioned midseason championships, Han Sen might''ve suspected he was a fellow time traveler like himself.


    However, Harden''s words weren''t entirely without merit.


    And with Harden, as the host, willing to play a supporting role for him, Han Sen''s chances of success were looking quite good.


    Not to mention that the Grizzlies were the top seed in the West this season, and the Western Conference''s All-Star coach was none other than Dave Joerger.


    Before the All-Star Game officially began, Kenneth Faried earned a wave of honors for the Grizzlies.


    During the Rising Stars Challenge, he exploded for 40 points and 13 rebounds, earning the MVP of the game.


    Faried''s style of play was perfect for exhibition games: fast breaks, alley-oops, and relentless energy. Truly, being a bench player for the Grizzlies almost seemed like a waste of his talents.


    Unfortunately, in the Slam Dunk Contest the next day, despite using some creative ideas suggested by Han Sen and earning a total of 95 points in the preliminaries to reach the finals, Faried ultimately lost to Terrence Ross.


    As the final day of All-Star Weekend arrived, the stage was set for the main event.


    The Toyota Center was buzzing with excitement.


    Yao Ming, a Rockets legend, was also in attendance. He had been one of the judges for the Slam Dunk Contest the day before and now sat in the front row of the audience for the All-Star Game.


    Before the game, Han Sen made it a point to greet him.


    Since Yao had visited Han after his injury to express concern and advise him not to rush back onto the court, the relationship between the two had significantly improved.


    While they exchanged pleasantries, a group of Chinese fans in the crowd waved signs enthusiastically behind them.


    Houston had always had a substantial Chinese fanbase, which was a key factor in Yao Ming''s success with the Rockets.


    Today, however, these fans weren''t there for Yao¡ªthey were there for Han.


    When it came to marketability, Han Sen didn''t need to do much to inherit the Chinese market Yao had cultivated in the U.S.


    In fact, it wasn''t just Chinese fans. A significant portion of the audience wore Grizzlies jerseys emblazoned with Han Sen''s number 77.


    Other players on the court had mixed reactions to the sight.


    For teammates like Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, it was nothing out of the ordinary. Han Sen''s immense popularity had already made him a three-time All-Star vote leader.


    James Harden, on the other hand, looked on with envy mixed with anticipation. If he could just get a slice of that market share, it would be more than enough to fill him up.


    Kevin Durant, meanwhile, was visibly annoyed.


    ''Fine, you''re good-looking. Whatever. You stole my dream girl¡ªokay, I''ll accept that. But you also hit that game-winning shot on me, and now you''re more popular than me?!'' Durant thought bitterly.


    Today, Durant was determined to step over Han Sen and claim the All-Star MVP to soothe his frustration.


    LeBron James, however, had an even more serious expression.


    As the self-proclaimed ''Chosen One,'' losing the Finals was embarrassing enough. To also be outshined in popularity? That was unacceptable.


    LeBron silently vowed to make Han Sen look bad on the court today.


    Han Sen, who had just finished his exchange with Yao, suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. Completely unaware of what he had done, he found himself caught in a web of adversaries, surrounded on all sides.


    As the game was about to begin, the All-Star starters from both conferences stepped onto the court.


    Blake Griffin won the jump ball for the Western Conference.


    Kobe Bryant brought the ball past half-court and passed it to LeBron James.


    With no true point guard on the roster, LeBron naturally assumed the role of playmaker.


    But as soon as LeBron got the ball, the crowd began to stir¡ªbecause his matchup on the court was none other than Kevin Durant!


    Ever since that dramatic showdown in December, the rivalry between LeBron and Durant had been almost as heated as the one between LeBron and Han Sen.


    Sensing the brewing tension, Han Sen stepped back to the perimeter and gestured for the others to clear out, creating space for LeBron to go one-on-one.


    This move instantly put LeBron in the spotlight. He had no choice but to take on Durant.


    Shaquille O''Neal, watching from the commentary booth, burst into laughter.


    He suddenly remembered: this was the first time in two years that LeBron and Han Sen were teammates again. Given their current dynamic, this promised to be entertaining.


    LeBron cursed Han Sen internally but turned his back to Durant and prepared to post him up.


    Durant, determined to defend his pride, held his ground despite the weight disadvantage and matched LeBron in physicality.


    LeBron attempted a spin move but found Durant cutting off his path. Forced to retreat, he reset the offense, facing the basket again. Durant, locked in defensively, gave him no easy options.


    With the shot clock winding down, LeBron had no choice but to retreat beyond the three-point line, dribbling back and forth as if preparing for a sudden drive.


    Just as everyone expected him to attack, LeBron unexpectedly whipped the ball toward the top of the key.


    Only 5 seconds remained on the shot clock, and the recipient of the pass was¡ªHan Sen.


    Whether it was instinct or some passive-aggressive reaction, Han Sen didn''t even try to catch the ball. Instead, he sidestepped, letting it sail out of bounds like a fish escaping its hook.


    For a moment, the Toyota Center fell silent.


    Then, Shaq erupted in laughter from the commentary booth.


    "Did you see that? Han Sen actually dodged the pass! That man refuses to catch heat!"


    LeBron spread his arms in disbelief, staring at Han Sen.


    Han was already jogging back on defense.


    Back in Cleveland, Han Sen had taken the blame because it was necessary to win games. But at the All-Star Game? Why would he bother?


    "Here''s a turnover for you. You''re welcome!"


    LeBron''s face darkened. He hadn''t planned to target Han Sen so early in the game, but now, after this humiliation, he had no choice.


    Meanwhile, Durant pulled up for a three-pointer on the next possession, but under LeBron''s contest, the shot clanged off the rim.


    Both sides had a rough start offensively.


    Kobe, deciding that LeBron couldn''t get the job done against Durant, handed the ball to Han Sen.


    Han Sen noticed Zach Randolph establishing position in the post and immediately fed him the ball.


    Randolph went to work against Dwight Howard. It was a clash of skill versus athleticism, and Howard emerged victorious, emphatically swatting the shot.


    The ball bounced out to Han Sen, who faked a jumper, got past Dwyane Wade, and drove into the paint. However, Durant quickly rotated over to help.


    While Wade''s defense was more playful, Durant''s was relentless.


    Han Sen, seeing Durant''s approach, delivered a no-look pass to LeBron.


    It was a perfect pass¡ªDurant had fully committed to helping, leaving LeBron wide open.


    But with only 3 seconds left on the shot clock, LeBron froze for a moment before hurriedly launching a shot.


    Clank!


    The ball hit the rim and bounced away.


    This time, not only Shaq but also Charles Barkley was laughing hysterically.


    LeBron James, known for dishing out blame, had now been relegated to catching it instead.


    The image of Han Sen dodging the earlier pass only made it all the more absurd.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 209: Three Men, One Show.

    Chapter 209: Three Men, One Show.Howard missed a post-up attempt against Randolph at the basket.


    The arena buzzed with murmurs of surprise¡ªnobody expected the All-Star Game to open with a series of bricks.


    As Kobe crossed half-court, the fans began to cheer, hoping to see him take a shot.


    However, Kobe passed the ball to Han Sen instead.


    It was clear that Kobe had no intention of putting on a show in this All-Star Game.


    This was understandable. Kobe''s play during the regular season had noticeably been more restrained¡ªhe was saving his energy for the playoffs.


    Chris Paul, despite previously stating that he intended to stay in Los Angeles, had not signed an extension with the Lakers this season.


    With his contract expiring this summer, no one could predict whether he''d remain with the Lakers.


    If Paul chose to leave, considering the resources the Lakers had spent acquiring him, the team''s future might look as grim as the Thunder''s.


    The Lakers urgently needed to win this year''s championship, and Kobe was clearly conserving his strength for that goal.


    Han Sen, now holding the ball, chose not to pass it off this time. Instead, he glanced at Wade and started a post-up play.


    As soon as he began backing Wade down, he motioned for his teammates to clear out.


    The best way to develop talent was on the court. While the intensity of an All-Star Game didn''t match that of a regular-season game, the competition level was still high given that the players were all All-Stars.


    But as Han Sen set up his post move, the fans in the arena erupted into laughter and cheers.


    After the earlier scene of Han and LeBron passing the ball to each other in awkward moments, the crowd interpreted this as Han ''teaching LeBron'' how to properly post up.


    Wade, hearing the crowd''s cheers, became more focused.


    While he and Han had a good relationship off the court, Wade had no intention of becoming a background prop during the game.


    Using his body, Han began to press into Wade. Despite Han being lighter than Wade after his weight loss, the latter still felt the added strength from Han''s enhanced footwork.


    After two forceful back-downs, Han executed a small hop to reset his pivot foot.


    At that moment, Han felt grounded, a direct result of his improved lower body strength.


    He faked a spin toward the free-throw line, then quickly pivoted back toward the baseline for a fadeaway jumper.


    Wade''s defense was solid, but the speed of Han''s spin combined with his size advantage left Wade unable to contest the shot effectively.


    Wade''s expression showed his shock.


    He had just faced Han during the Christmas game and had seen Han post up Ray Allen, but the difference between what he saw then and what he experienced now was night and day.


    While saying Han''s post moves had surpassed Kobe''s might be a stretch, the gap between them had clearly narrowed.


    The arena erupted in cheers, especially the Chinese fans, who were visibly ecstatic.


    When both teams struggled to score, it was Han Sen who broke the ice with the game''s first basket¡ªand in such a dazzling manner.


    It was a moment of pride, especially for the Chinese fans.


    Han, too, couldn''t hide his excitement.


    Executing a fadeaway jumper after a spin wasn''t just visually appealing to spectators¡ªit also felt incredibly satisfying for the player.


    This kind of move had an inherent connection to Michael Jordan. When the NBA first gained traction in China, it was during Jordan''s peak years, embedding this move deeply into fans'' hearts.


    Rajon Rondo then assisted Carmelo Anthony for a mid-range jumper to get the East on the board.


    Han, now on the offensive end again, backed down Wade and called for the ball.


    The cheers grew even louder than before.


    "LeBron, if you didn''t catch it earlier, watch carefully this time," Barkley quipped from the commentary table, fully embracing his role as Han''s mouthpiece.


    Nobody understood how to create entertaining commentary like Barkley.


    Kobe passed the ball to Han. Watching Han hop to catch the ball, Kobe immediately recognized that Han had learned from Olajuwon.


    They had trained under the same mentor¡ªit was easy to see.


    Han didn''t rush his move after catching the ball. First, he pressed his back against Wade, using it to feel Wade''s defensive stance.


    Sensing that Wade was giving him significant resistance, Han faked a spin toward the baseline before pivoting toward the free-throw line for a drive.


    Resetting his pivot foot with a hop gave him the option to continue his move, as the ball was still ''live.''


    Wade momentarily lost balance from overcommitting, but his elite speed allowed him to recover and stay with Han.


    However, after taking a step forward, Han abruptly stepped back for another fadeaway jumper.


    Wade, still recovering, couldn''t provide much of a contest against the shot.


    Clank!


    Unfortunately, the shot didn''t go in.


    This kind of move required more game experience to execute consistently.


    The crowd let out a collective groan of disappointment.


    Despite the miss, the fluidity of the sequence drew more attention than the outcome itself.


    Durant, growing increasingly frustrated, called for the ball in the post against LeBron.


    LeBron didn''t switch off, feeling confident in his ability to guard Durant.


    Against Han, LeBron admitted he couldn''t keep up with the footwork, but he trusted his strength and skill against Durant.


    Two rivals squared off once again.


    Han, watching the scene from a short distance, mentally prepared himself for the spectacle. If he could, he''d have set up a table with tea to fully enjoy the show.


    Durant''s post-up moves were graceful, blending his height with the agility of a guard.


    However, he also missed his shot, with LeBron''s intense defense forcing a difficult attempt.


    When LeBron chose to lock in defensively, his combination of elite physical attributes and strength made him a formidable opponent.


    Stopping Durant''s post move seemed to restore LeBron''s confidence.


    On the other end, he demanded the ball in the post against Durant.


    Kobe passed it to him, setting up LeBron''s second attempt.


    This time, LeBron made his move decisively, spinning and jumping into a quick shot.


    But... the aesthetic didn''t quite land.


    Han, Durant, and even Kobe¡ªdespite his lower scoring intent tonight¡ªexecuted post moves with a sense of finesse and artistry.


    LeBron''s attempt, by contrast, seemed awkward and clunky, especially with his instinctive wide-legged stance during the motion.


    He missed again.


    "I bet LeBron has dirt on the sponsors, and that''s why they chose him as the face of the league," Barkley joked, not holding back from roasting him.


    While Barkley didn''t outright say it, many had silently wondered the same thing.


    Though fans loved dunks and three-pointers, at its core, basketball was about beauty and artistry, and LeBron''s move lacked both.


    The crowd burst into laughter.


    Han''s earlier moves set a high bar, and LeBron''s subsequent attempt looked like a caricature in comparison.


    "Give it up, LeBron. You''re better suited for dunking," Durant couldn''t resist taunting.


    "Shut your mouth. Not until you''ve scored," LeBron fired back.


    Han Sen watched with great interest. He noticed that LeBron seemed particularly adept at trash-talking when facing Durant.


    That blockbuster trade last summer had given the ''Big Joker and Little Joker'' a strangely compelling dynamic.


    If there ever came a day when they played on the same team, it would undoubtedly make for a fascinating story.


    Durant wanted to respond, but Rondo chose not to pass him the ball.


    With Ray Allen gone, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce aging, Rajon Rondo had become the main star of his team.


    Rondo attempted a floater on a drive, but it missed. Fortunately, Howard grabbed the offensive rebound and slammed it home, drawing a foul on Randolph.


    A substitution happened at this point¡ªHarden came in to replace Kobe.


    The substitution seemed early, but it was entirely understandable. After all, this was Houston''s home court.


    Yesterday, Jeremy Lin had been met with thunderous applause during the Skills Challenge. It only made sense for Harden to come in earlier tonight.


    Especially since Kobe showed little interest in scoring and the Western team lacked a true playmaker in the backcourt, Harden''s presence was necessary.


    As Harden stepped onto the court, he exchanged a glance with Han Sen.


    With so many Chinese fans in attendance tonight, how much of their support Harden could earn would depend on what he did next.


    Howard, showcasing his ''reliable'' free-throw ability, missed both attempts.


    Griffin secured the rebound, and the Western team quickly pushed the pace with three players sprinting up the court.


    Griffin passed to the closest player¡ªHarden¡ªwho took the ball and drove down the middle. Han Sen and LeBron spread out to the left and right.


    The Eastern team only had Wade and Rondo back on defense, making it a three-on-two situation.


    LeBron waved furiously for the ball.


    Although Harden''s trade meant they hadn''t ended up as teammates, technically, they had spent a few days on the same team.


    Compared to Han Sen, who had repeatedly defeated the Thunder in the past, Harden had no reason to pass to him.


    And LeBron had just exchanged trash talk with Durant, so he desperately needed this possession to score.


    Most importantly, as the NBA''s all-time fast-break leader, if LeBron got the ball, he could guarantee an assist.


    Harden glanced at LeBron.


    Just when LeBron thought the pass was coming, Harden lobbed the ball to the other side of the court instead.


    It turned out that Harden had only been using LeBron to draw Wade''s defensive attention. His true goal was a no-look pass.


    BAM!


    Han Sen and Harden completed a soaring alley-oop in Houston''s Toyota Center, igniting the crowd.


    On his way back to defend, Han Sen and Harden exchanged a high-five.


    In truth, if Harden had a choice, he''d fit best on the Clippers.


    If Chris Paul could elevate Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, Harden would likely take them to new heights.


    Meanwhile, LeBron''s expression was sour, as if he''d swallowed a fly.


    Although he didn''t understand why Harden refused to pass to him, it was clear that Harden and Kobe were different¡ªHarden and Han Sen were on the same team!


    To make matters worse, Durant, on the next possession, made an off-ball cut, received the pass, and hit a three-pointer.


    Now, of the three rivals with grudges on the court, only LeBron had yet to score!


    As the Western team advanced again, LeBron waved to Harden, asking for the ball.


    Harden ignored him and instead passed to Han Sen.


    Harden looked at Han Sen as if he were eyeing a voluptuous woman at a nightclub¡ªutterly irresistible.


    Han Sen received the ball and once again posted up against Wade.


    Wade focused all his attention on defense.


    Even though the All-Star Game was meant to be a showcase, Han Sen repeatedly backing him down was making him feel like a mere prop. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Han Sen posted up, reset his pivot foot with a small hop, and sensed that Wade wasn''t applying as much pressure this time. He immediately spun toward the baseline.


    Wade hesitated to jump but, seeing Han Sen''s body leaning back, lunged forward, knowing Han Sen could pull up for a fadeaway at any moment.


    At that moment, Han Sen spun back and used a subtle hooking motion with his off-hand to slightly delay Wade''s momentum.


    Don''t ask why¡ªjust know that Kobe did it too.


    The seemingly minor move disrupted Wade''s contest enough for Han Sen to glide to the basket with fluid footwork.


    As he rose to shoot, Durant had already rotated over to help.


    Tonight, Durant was practically guarding two players alone: LeBron and Han Sen. He was overwhelmed.


    But if he had to pick one to defend, it would always be Han Sen.


    After all, ''a man who steals your wife is your eternal enemy.''


    With Durant charging toward him like an avenging spirit, Han Sen adjusted mid-air, pulling the ball back in, and floated to the side, banking the shot in off the glass.


    The Toyota Center erupted in cheers once again.


    Beating Wade, avoiding Durant¡ªthis basket showcased Han Sen''s immense talent. It was an undeniable highlight for the All-Star Game.


    As the play concluded, the arena''s LED screen displayed Han Sen''s stats for the night:


    4-of-6 shooting, 6 points¡ªthe game''s highest scorer so far.


    Fans began to realize that Han Sen was gunning for the All-Star MVP.


    And with Harden clearly feeding him the ball, if Harden wasn''t aiming for the award himself, he''d certainly help Han Sen get it.


    Durant continued to demand the ball and, upon receiving it, faced up against LeBron.


    He refused to let Han Sen outshine him.


    LeBron''s response was fascinating.


    On the previous possession, he''d defended Durant intensely. This time, however, he barely put up a fight.


    Durant easily drove past him for a pull-up jumper, scoring with ease.


    This was classic LeBron¡ªif he couldn''t win the MVP himself, he''d rather disrupt the game for others.


    After all, it was just the All-Star Game. Relaxed defense was the norm, and nobody would call him out for it.


    Han Sen didn''t mind LeBron''s behavior¡ªafter all, he wasn''t the one being targeted.


    Han Sen missed a three-point attempt on the next possession, but Randolph grabbed the offensive rebound and passed it back to him.


    Han Sen took a step in, pulled up from mid-range, and drew a shooting foul from Wade.


    Both teams made substitutions at this point. For the West, Marc Gasol replaced Griffin. For the East, Bosh came in for Anthony.


    This created an intriguing setup: the West now had the Grizzlies'' core trio, plus Harden and LeBron, while the East fielded the Heat''s Big Three alongside Rondo and Howard.


    Durant and Bosh ran a pick-and-pop, and Wade found Durant for an open mid-range jumper¡ªnothing but net.


    After scoring, Durant turned toward LeBron and shouted, "Hey, was anyone even guarding me?"


    LeBron wanted to stop Han Sen from winning MVP, but Durant''s ambitions extended far beyond just stealing the spotlight from Han Sen. He wanted to crush him on every level.


    (To be continued)

 Chapter 210 - 2013 NBA Trade Deadline?.

    Chapter 210: 2013 NBA Trade Deadline?.LeBron James was fuming. Truly fuming.


    Kevin Durant couldn''t see the bigger picture. If he had, he could have gone on a scoring spree, crushed the Western Conference team, and claimed the All-Star Game MVP!


    But unfortunately, Durant wasn''t yet the infamous ''KD2nd'' (a reference to his reputation for being a second fiddle). And considering LeBron''s failure with the Heat''s peak Big Three, it was still uncertain if Durant would ever get there.


    Clearly, Durant''s mindset wasn''t on the same wavelength as LeBron''s.


    However, what frustrated LeBron even more than Durant was the situation on the court.


    If he were still with the Miami Heat, having three Heat players on the Eastern Conference All-Star team would''ve given him absolute control of the ball.


    But now, on the Western Conference team, he was surrounded by four players who were all aligned with Han Sen. LeBron couldn''t get the ball!


    Without possession, LeBron James was like a ''king without his crown''¡ªhe was there, but just that: present and powerless.


    This was arguably the most humiliating moment of LeBron''s NBA career. The once-mighty ''Chosen One'' was reduced to running back and forth on the court, utterly sidelined.


    Was there no justice left? No law to protect his greatness?


    To add insult to injury, Joerger, the Western Conference coach, wasn''t exactly merciful. Watching LeBron tirelessly running up and down, he still made him play the entire quarter.


    But, to be fair, granting LeBron extended playing time was a nod to his status as Nike''s poster child. That was non-negotiable.


    Eventually, even Han Sen couldn''t bear to see LeBron''s plight. On the court, he passed him the ball a few times.


    Of course, just like at the start of the game, the passes were more about shifting responsibility, similar to the ones LeBron used to dish out to Han during their Cavaliers days.


    LeBron didn''t want to accept those passes, but without possession and needing to pad his stats, his body betrayed him.


    Two years later, they were once again on the same team¡ªbut the roles had reversed.


    At the start of the second quarter, as LeBron finally sat down to rest, he watched Joerger stagger Han Sen''s minutes. Unable to contain himself, LeBron muttered a string of expletives.


    Perhaps, for the first time, the ''Chosen One'' truly understood what it felt like to be suppressed and targeted.


    Ultimately, the Western Conference All-Stars leveraged their superior depth to defeat the Eastern Conference 143¨C135.


    Han Sen played 33 minutes, shooting 15-for-25 and scoring a game-high 38 points, earning the first All-Star MVP award of his career.


    LeBron, in contrast, played 27 minutes, managing only 15 points on 5-for-13 shooting.


    Meanwhile, Durant''s valiant 30-point effort on 12-for-23 shooting went to waste.


    By the time Han Sen began his MVP acceptance speech, LeBron had already left the arena. Durant, however, stood with his fists clenched, silently praying that Han Sen would lead the Grizzlies to the Finals.


    With the All-Star break over, the 2013 NBA trade deadline loomed.


    Trade rumors flooded the league.


    In the Western Conference, teams with playoff aspirations scrambled to make moves, while those out of contention sought to stockpile draft picks.


    The Memphis Grizzlies were active in the trade market.


    Han Sen''s 61-point Christmas Day performance to beat the Heat was still fresh in memory. But their second matchup before the All-Star break had ended in a loss to Miami.


    With that, the Grizzlies'' management was compelled to explore roster upgrades.


    Similarly, the Heat were also searching for ways to improve, particularly in their playmaking department.


    Both teams shared similarities: they led their respective conferences but had minimal cap space.


    However, the Grizzlies appeared to have better luck.


    Rumors surfaced that Dallas Mavericks guard Vince Carter was open to being traded to Memphis.


    The Mavericks had signed O.J. Mayo, who was discarded by the Cavaliers, to a two-year deal with a player option for the second year.


    Unexpectedly, Mayo flourished in Dallas, averaging 15.8 points per game and shooting a career-best 40.7% from three-point range.


    As a result, Carter''s playing time dwindled, leaving the veteran dissatisfied.


    Unlike in the ''history'' we know, Carter had previously reached the Finals with the Magic and experienced that stage''s allure.


    For him, the Finals was akin to Eden. Having once tasted it, he craved it even more.


    At 36, Carter was a veteran chasing a championship. The Mavericks, understanding this, actively sought a trade partner.


    Finally, on the trade deadline, the Mavericks struck a deal with the Grizzlies.


    Dallas sent Vince Carter to Memphis in exchange for Jordan Crawford and Grant Hill.


    The move was logical for both sides. The Mavericks needed backcourt depth after losing Jason Terry to the Celtics, and Crawford fit the bill. Hill was included to match Carter''s $3 million salary.


    The Grizzlies promptly thanked the departing players for their contributions, particularly Hill, who had joined Memphis not just as a veteran presence but also as a playmaker. Unfortunately, Hill''s injuries prevented him from ever suiting up.


    Meanwhile, Shaun Livingston''s strong performances made Hill expendable.


    On the other hand, Miami failed to land any impactful trades, narrowing the gap between the two top teams.


    Two days after the deadline, Carter was escorted into the Grizzlies'' locker room by a staff member.


    Carter went straight to Antawn Jamison, embracing his old North Carolina teammate.


    The duo, once youthful stars in the NCAA, now reunited as aging veterans on the brink of retirement.


    After catching up with Jamison, Carter approached Han Sen.


    "Welcome, VC," Han Sen greeted warmly.


    Jamison had already discussed the possibility of Carter joining with Han in advance.


    Han had no objections. After all, Carter was the recipient of Han''s first $500,000 bet in the NBA, and their on-court clashes were long in the past.


    After a brief chat, Han invited Carter to train together.


    Carter, known for his easygoing nature, happily agreed.


    In the post-Jordan era, Carter, Kobe Bryant, and Tracy McGrady were all masters of the post-up game, a critical skill for shooting guards of their generation.


    That afternoon, the two hit the gym for extra practice. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Carter showcased his signature move: a back-down leading into a spinning floater.


    For Han, it was a revelation. Compared to hook shots, floaters were more suited to perimeter players and a technique he already had some experience with.


    After their training session, the two sat on the sidelines to rest.


    "You might not believe this, but I think you''ll surpass him one day," Carter said. It was obvious who ''him'' referred to.


    He wasn''t just flattering Han Sen; Carter genuinely meant it. Han''s rapid progress was simply astounding.


    Surpass Jordan?


    Han Sen hadn''t considered that possibility before, but Carter''s words opened up new avenues of thought.


    Back in Cleveland, Han Sen had once intentionally stirred controversy by claiming LeBron could rival Jordan. If he were to declare now that he aimed to surpass Jordan, it would likely provoke the same uproar.


    After all, even with a championship under his belt, Han Sen still wasn''t in Jordan''s league. For now, though, he was focused on training his post-up skills and saw no immediate need to stir the pot. He could save that move for later.


    "Speaking of which, you were once regarded as the heir to Jordan yourself," Han Sen remarked nostalgically.


    Carter smiled wryly, letting out a sigh. Who wouldn''t reminisce about the past?


    Once the league''s top player for a couple of years, Carter was riding high before injuries and Bruce Bowen''s aggressive defense derailed his trajectory. If not for those setbacks, he might have achieved a historical status similar to Kobe''s.


    "At my age, I''m not sure how many years I have left. Just winning a championship before I retire would be a dream ending." At 36, most players were already out of the league.


    Han Sen chuckled. Grant Hill had defied expectations as an ageless wonder, and Carter was even more remarkable.


    Few could have predicted Hill would play until 40, let alone that Carter would keep going until 43.


    "Speaking of championships, why didn''t you choose Miami?"


    The Heat were not only the top favorites for the title but also the undisputed strongest team in the league. With their lack of depth on the bench, Carter joining them would have been a surefire boost to their chances¡ªa metaphorical ''god mode'' cheat.


    "I don''t even use cheat codes when I play video games," Carter replied with a vivid analogy.


    The response made Han Sen laugh, but it also revealed the old-school ethos beneath Carter''s mild demeanor.


    For Carter, a championship wasn''t just about fame and fortune¡ªit had to be earned the right way. If everyone treated basketball solely as a business, sacrificing integrity for the sake of winning, the NBA would eventually lose its luster.


    Fans loved the NBA not just for its stars'' accolades but for the thrilling games and the legendary stories that came with them.


    "If you ever want more training sessions, just let me know," Carter offered as the two prepared to leave.


    "Should I pay you a training fee?" Han Sen teased.


    "You already have," Carter replied with a smirk.


    Han Sen was momentarily confused until Carter made a hand gesture representing $500,000. Realization dawned on him, and he burst out laughing.


    "By the way, did Kobe ever ask you for $500,000?" Han Sen asked, amused.


    "Oh, he did. He said you owed him from a lost bet."


    "Did you actually give it to him?"


    "Of course not! A debt isn''t transferable if we weren''t sitting at the same table!"


    The two left the training facility, chatting and laughing along the way.


    In Carter''s first game with the Grizzlies against the Clippers, he struggled to adjust and only scored four points. However, in the following game against his former team, the Raptors, Carter found his rhythm, hitting three of four from beyond the arc and scoring 13 points.


    Does Carter still have fuel in the tank?


    The answer was yes¡ªplenty, in fact.


    Though he could no longer perform the high-flying dunks of his younger years, his three-point shooting remained highly effective. This season with the Mavericks, he had averaged over 40% from beyond the arc, contributing around 11 points per game.


    In truth, had it not been for Carter''s own request, the Mavericks wouldn''t have traded him to a direct competitor like the Grizzlies.


    When paired with Jamison on the court, the former UNC stars earned a new nickname: the "Twin Elders," a nod to their veteran wisdom and ability to outsmart opponents.


    March 1 marked a crucial point in the season¡ªthe buyout deadline.


    The Miami Heat decided to waive big man Dexter Pittman and signed Grant Hill.


    After being traded to the Mavericks, Hill had quickly agreed to a buyout due to roster constraints. Miami''s need for a playmaker made the move unsurprising.


    However, this set the stage for an intriguing story if the Heat and Grizzlies met in the Finals. If the Heat won, even though Hill was a gentleman unlikely to brag, Kevin Durant would surely have a lot to say about it.


    Meanwhile, the Grizzlies were also active in the buyout market, looking to fill roster spots left vacant by the Carter trade.


    On this particular day, as Han Sen and Carter were training, team executive Wallace approached Han Sen.


    The Grizzlies were eyeing a candidate for their final roster spot but had concerns. That player was Delonte West.


    The Grizzlies needed a third point guard, and West, a former Memphis player, fit the bill. However, his recent history raised red flags.


    Last season, West was the Mavericks'' starting point guard. But before this season began, he was indefinitely suspended for ''conduct detrimental to the team'' and later waived.


    While the Dallas media didn''t detail the incidents, West''s continued free agency suggested concerns about him being a locker room disruptor.


    To complicate matters, players signed after the buyout deadline were ineligible for the playoffs, meaning the Grizzlies would be stuck with him for the remainder of the season.


    Wallace sought Han Sen''s opinion¡ªnot just as a star player but as someone who might have insights into West''s situation.


    Han Sen admitted he didn''t know much, as he hadn''t kept in close contact with West. But luckily, standing nearby was someone who had just been with the Mavericks.


    Carter, as it turned out, had the inside scoop. The so-called ''conduct detrimental to the team'' stemmed from the intense competition in Dallas after the team signed O.J. Mayo. West lost his starting spot and even fell far down the rotation during preseason.


    Known for his mental health struggles, West had an emotional outburst in the locker room, leading to conflict with teammates and the ensuing fallout.


    "Delonte isn''t a bad guy," Carter said plainly.


    While the NBA offered lucrative salaries, it also brought immense pressure, and mental health issues were not uncommon. Most players kept their struggles private, but West''s had unfortunately impacted his team.


    "If you''re asking for my personal recommendation, I''d say as long as he performs well in workouts, there''s no harm in signing him," Carter concluded.


    Whether West could help the team or harm its chemistry would ultimately be management''s decision. From Carter''s perspective, he saw no reason to object.

 Chapter 211: The Shocking Kneel.

    Chapter 211: The Shocking Kneel.Wallace acted quickly. After his conversation with Han Sen, he arranged a tryout on the same day and finalized a one-year veteran''s minimum contract with Delonte West.


    Though labeled a one-year deal, since the season was already in its latter half, the actual salary amounted to only about $400,000¡ªa minimal cost.


    Wallace''s willingness to sign West largely stemmed from his trust in Han Sen.


    Han had a proven knack for managing players with issues, and West had originally come to Memphis alongside Han.


    Han met with West on the day he signed the contract.


    If West had looked a bit weary when he first arrived in Memphis months ago, now his appearance was noticeably more haggard.


    Han could understand why it only took a few years after leaving the NBA for West to end up homeless.


    For someone grappling with mental health challenges, losing a sense of purpose was like a boat adrift in an endless sea¡ªthere was no direction, no motivation to keep going.


    In this sense, the Grizzlies signing West was akin to throwing him a lifeline.


    When West saw Han, a faint light sparked in his otherwise lifeless eyes.


    To West, Han was like one of the few visible islands in that vast, empty ocean.


    Han stepped forward and gave him a firm hug.


    "Good to have you back," Han said, patting West on the back.


    West nodded vigorously, his body trembling as he fought back tears.


    West''s arrival turned out to be a solid addition to the Grizzlies.


    While Shaun Livingston had been performing well, his injury history still made the coaching staff cautious about overusing him during the regular season.


    Moreover, Livingston lacked an outside shot, which made him vulnerable in certain matchups. West, on the other hand, could step in and address such shortcomings.


    Most importantly, West didn''t exhibit any disruptive behavior in the locker room after joining the Grizzlies.


    Wallace''s gamble had paid off¡ªHan''s presence effectively neutralized any potential negatives.


    By late March, the Grizzlies maintained a firm grip on the top spot in the Western Conference, while the rest of the West descended into a chaotic battle for playoff positioning.


    The conference had essentially split into two tiers. The Grizzlies, Lakers, Spurs, and Nuggets had solidified their places in the upper bracket. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Meanwhile, six teams¡ªMavericks, Warriors, Clippers, Thunder, Rockets, and Jazz¡ªwere locked in a fierce six-team battle for the remaining four playoff spots.


    The Thunder, in particular, drew widespread attention.


    Although LeBron James'' arrival had brought significant off-court profits for the Thunder, the team still struggled to resolve compatibility issues between him and Russell Westbrook.


    Westbrook had initially made concessions, but Khalil''s infamous article about LeBron''s potential to opt out of his contract in 2014 reignited tensions.


    The Thunder''s locker room was a mess, and their playoff hopes were hanging by a thread.


    If nothing changed, it was becoming increasingly likely that LeBron''s first season in the West would end with him missing the playoffs.


    For a superstar in his prime, missing the postseason would be a massive blow to his reputation.


    Amid this turmoil, the Thunder faced the Grizzlies for the third and final time in the regular season.


    The game was held in Memphis, and despite being late in the season, the FedEx Forum was packed.


    Memphis'' market still needed time to grow, but it was already faring much better than markets like San Antonio.


    During the pregame warmups, cameras captured LeBron looking unusually tense.


    Han Sen wasn''t surprised by the Thunder''s struggles.


    Historically, the Western Conference was so competitive that even LeBron''s ''Thanos'' form one year could be reduced to ''CBA teammate mode'' the next.


    This season, the Thunder''s internal issues and the brutal Western Conference race made their downfall inevitable.


    The game started, and to everyone''s surprise, the Thunder came out strong.


    By the end of the first quarter, the score was tied. In the second quarter, LeBron''s minutes staggered with Westbrook''s led to a double-digit Thunder lead.


    Seeing this, Coach Joerger subbed in Han Sen and Marc Gasol earlier than planned.


    Their presence immediately improved the Grizzlies'' performance on both ends of the court. Han''s consecutive baskets narrowed the gap.


    LeBron responded by increasing his drives to the basket, leading to more frequent whistles.


    The league had restored LeBron''s preferential officiating after briefly dialing it back during the ''Decision'' fallout.


    Even so, the Grizzlies adapted well, gradually closing the deficit.


    The crowd''s boos grew louder, sensing their team was on the verge of taking the lead.


    Then came the pivotal moment.


    LeBron drove to the rim and initiated contact with Marc Gasol, hoping for a foul call. Gasol sidestepped and attempted a block but inadvertently hit LeBron''s wrist. The shot missed, but the referees didn''t whistle for a foul.


    The crowd''s deafening boos seemed to weigh on the officials, and this time, they refrained from giving LeBron the benefit of the doubt.


    Outraged, LeBron stormed over to the referees, gesturing furiously and pleading his case. His emotions seemed to be boiling over.


    The lead referee gathered his two assistants to discuss the play. Meanwhile, the arena''s jumbotron replayed the sequence, revealing Gasol''s contact. It was indeed a missed call.


    After a brief discussion, the referees decided to stick with the no-call.


    What happened next shocked everyone.


    LeBron, unable to accept the decision, clasped his hands over his head and dramatically fell to his knees.


    As if that weren''t enough, he lowered his head, pressed his clenched fists against the court, and knelt there as though begging for mercy.


    The entire arena was stunned.


    The referee looked baffled, as if to say, ''It''s just a missed foul¡ªwas this really necessary?''


    LeBron''s teammates were equally bewildered. Westbrook''s wide-eyed expression made it clear his worldview had just been shattered.


    Even Serge Ibaka, standing closest to LeBron, hesitated, unsure whether to help him up.


    The crowd erupted into jeers.


    "You''ve gotten so many calls in your career, and you''re losing it over one missed foul? Really?"


    But more than the missed call, it was LeBron''s theatrics that had everyone talking.


    NBA players had lost their cool over bad officiating plenty of times, but this level of drama was unprecedented.


    For a superstar and the face of Nike, to kneel on the court like this¡ªhow could he sink so low?


    Han Sen was initially stunned but quickly came to his senses.


    LeBron''s dramatic kneeling wasn''t just about the missed call¡ªit symbolized the Thunder''s entire season spiraling out of control.


    People had been wondering if there was any way to salvage Oklahoma City''s season, given the internal strife.


    One solution was resolving the team''s chemistry issues. The other? Getting more favorable whistles.


    A few games officiated like last year''s infamous Finals Game 3 could easily gift the Thunder a playoff spot. As long as they made it to the postseason, LeBron''s reputation would be intact. At worst, they could scapegoat someone else during the offseason.


    Once Han grasped the implications, he shook his head in disbelief.


    Forget about Russell Westbrook''s worldview being shattered¡ªHan himself was reconsidering everything. He wasn''t even going to argue anymore about Rudy Gay being better than LeBron; heck, even old Vince Carter seemed more dignified in comparison.


    Veterans at least have some pride. Watching LeBron pull off a stunt like this? Anyone with an ounce of self-respect would find it hard to stomach.


    LeBron''s kneeling didn''t change the outcome of the game. The Grizzlies still defeated the Thunder 113-101.


    But the result no longer mattered. The kneel became the highlight of the night.


    For LeBron''s most ardent supporters, the missed call became their ultimate defense. LeBron''s kneeling was reframed as a heroic protest against unfair officiating.


    "It was that call that shifted the momentum. The Grizzlies had been trailing until then, but they capitalized afterward and took over the game," they claimed.


    This was the same fanbase that had once rewritten the Grizzlies'' championship run as a result of ''dirty play,'' so they clearly knew how to spin narratives to suit their agenda.


    Nike also got involved.


    Even though LeBron''s actions had left them bewildered, they were in the same boat. There was no way they''d publicly oppose their star athlete. After all, why would a company willingly punch itself in the face?


    No matter how baffling LeBron''s behavior, as long as it could be spun positively, Nike would be there to help.


    Under this coordinated effort, what seemed absurd soon became inevitable.


    Before the kneeling incident, the Thunder already had the largest free throw disparity in the league, averaging 2.96 more attempts per game than their opponents. The Lakers were second at 2.21.


    This stat was somewhat understandable since both Westbrook and LeBron were aggressive drivers.


    But in the month following LeBron''s kneeling, that disparity skyrocketed to 10.96 attempts per game.


    For comparison:


    The Rockets were second with 3.34. The Lakers were third with 3.17.


    Initially, no one noticed this drastic change. With the Thunder slipping out of title contention, media focus on them had waned.


    It wasn''t until Brian Windhorst published an article on ESPN titled "He''s Back"¡ªhighlighting LeBron''s numbers and how he''d supposedly led the Thunder back into playoff contention¡ªthat people started paying attention.


    Only then did someone dig up the free throw data and share it publicly, sparking massive controversy online.


    LeBron''s fans scrambled to explain it away.


    "The Thunder have focused on attacking the basket more in the latter half of the season."


    "They''ve tightened up their defense, forcing opponents into mid-range and long-range shots."


    These classics resurfaced everywhere.


    But most fans weren''t buying it. After verifying the stats, they flooded social media with mockery.


    "The Thunder''s Stalingrad Offensive," "Daddy Loves Me Again," and "Connections Matter in This Game," were among the countless sarcastic jabs.


    The most iconic, however, was The Kneel Heard Around the League.


    Chosen one? More like pampered child of the gods. That kneel wasn''t just historic¡ªit was transcendent.


    If nothing else, LeBron had succeeded in making the Thunder one of the most hated teams in the league.


    By early April, the regular season was nearing its conclusion.


    Playoff positioning in the Western Conference was at its fiercest. A single win or loss could determine a team''s entire season.


    The Grizzlies, however, were the calmest team in the West. Having long secured the top seed, their remaining games carried little significance.


    They couldn''t catch the Heat for the league''s best record, so these final matches were meaningless for them.


    With three games left in the season, Coach Joerger began resting his starters. It was a common strategy to ensure the team was fresh for the playoffs while giving bench players opportunities to shine.


    For instance, in their final game against the Mavericks, David West started and scored 20 points¡ªa big confidence boost for him.


    All eyes, however, were on the Thunder and Rockets'' do-or-die game. The winner would clinch the final playoff spot in the West.


    Surprisingly, this game generated more buzz than the Grizzlies'' season opener against the Thunder.


    LeBron''s commercial draw was on full display.


    Fan support for the two teams was split evenly, but the reasons behind it were fascinating.


    It wasn''t because LeBron had suddenly gained a massive influx of new fans.


    Among Thunder supporters, a significant portion just wanted to see the drama continue.


    Most fans were rooting for the Thunder to lose, hoping they''d miss the playoffs despite all the officiating help.


    Others, however, wanted the Thunder to win, just to set up a potential Grizzlies-Thunder playoff series.


    In the end, fan opinions didn''t affect the outcome.


    The Rockets and Thunder were destined for heartbreak regardless.


    Ultimately, the Thunder won the game with a staggering 36-19 free throw advantage, clinching the eighth seed in the West.


    -End of Chapter-


    Translator''s note: With this Chapter, I''ve surpassed my previous work in terms of total words posted, even though that one had over 350 Chapters.


    No wonder it takes me longer to translate- each Chapter is at least 2k words long lol.

 Chapter 212: The Conclusion of the 2012-2013 Season.

    Chapter 212: The Conclusion of the 2012-2013 Season.With the thrilling showdown between the Thunder and the Rockets marking its end, the curtain fell on the 2012¨C2013 NBA season.


    The Western Conference drew significant attention as the standings were finalized:


    Memphis Grizzlies: 62¨C20, ranked 1st


    This marked the first time in franchise history that the Grizzlies achieved the top seed in the Western Conference, as well as their first 60+ win season.


    Han Sen, in his fourth year, delivered an outstanding stat line: 25.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG, with shooting splits of 48.7% FG and 38.6% 3PT. ¢Ù


    Los Angeles Lakers: 58¨C24, 2nd


    San Antonio Spurs: 57¨C25, 3rd


    Denver Nuggets: 56¨C26, 4th


    Golden State Warriors: 47¨C35, 5th


    Dallas Mavericks: 47¨C35, 6th


    Los Angeles Clippers: 46¨C36, 7th


    Oklahoma City Thunder: 45¨C37, 8th


    The Rockets (44¨C38) and Jazz (43¨C39) narrowly missed the playoffs.


    ...


    In the East, the Miami Heat made history with a 70-12 record, becoming just the second team after the ''96 Bulls to achieve 70+ wins.


    However, the Heat''s pursuit of this historic milestone came at a cost. From the moment the record became feasible, the Heat faced immense pressure¡ªnot just from fans and media but also from their opponents, who were determined not to be part of their legacy.


    The final game of their season against the Pacers, a potential preview of the Eastern Conference Finals, went down to the wire. Only a game-winning shot from Dwyane Wade secured their victory.


    While their journey was memorable, the physical toll on the Heat was evident.


    Other Eastern Conference playoff seeds were:


    Brooklyn Nets: 53¨C29, 2nd


    Indiana Pacers: 52¨C30, 3rd


    Chicago Bulls: 45¨C37, 4th


    New York Knicks: 44¨C38, 5th


    Atlanta Hawks: 42¨C40, 6th


    Boston Celtics: 41¨C41, 7th


    Milwaukee Bucks: 38¨C44, 8th


    Notably, the Thunder''s 45 wins, which placed them 8th in the West, would have been enough for 4th in the East.


    Fans joked, "If LeBron could teleport, he''d be back in his Eastern kingdom before you could blink."


    ...


    The Thunder''s 8th-place finish in the West pitted them against the Grizzlies in the first round. Historically, the Grizzlies had swept the Thunder 3¨C0 during the regular season, making this matchup a daunting challenge for Oklahoma City.


    Stan Van Gundy''s playoff predictions showed no mercy:


    "The Bucks won''t stand a chance against the Heat, and the Thunder might make the Grizzlies sweat a little¡ªif that."


    Westbrook, however, pushed back against the dismissive tone:


    "We don''t care about the noise. We''ll give it our all, just like the 2007 Warriors."


    ESPN, in their playoff preview, identified the Thunder as the most likely lower-seeded team to pull off an upset:


    "Among all lower-seeded teams, the Thunder have the best roster. Their struggles this season were due to chemistry issues, but they''ve been one of the league''s top-performing teams recently. They''ll pose significant challenges for the Grizzlies."


    ...


    From the Grizzlies'' standpoint, the Thunder''s post-''Kneel-Gate'' resurgence made them the least desirable first-round opponent.


    Facing Oklahoma City almost guaranteed a ''5-on-8'' scenario due to officiating bias.


    Coach Dave Joerger held a special pre-series team meeting. Instead of the usual motivational speech, he emphasized composure and the importance of avoiding unnecessary conflicts, particularly in the earlier rounds.


    "We''re here to defend our championship. The first round isn''t the time to lose our heads and risk suspensions."


    ...


    Before the series began, Han Sen received a straightforward yet impassioned message from James Harden: "Kick their asses for me!"


    Clearly, Harden still hadn''t forgotten the sting of their loss to the Thunder. Han Sen couldn''t help but wonder if Harden had spent the past few days partying in nightclubs while memorizing the league rulebook.


    ...


    The long-awaited matchup drew overwhelming attention. Online polls revealed a lopsided 75% support rate for the Grizzlies¡ªa testament to the backlash LeBron James faced following his infamous kneeling incident.


    The FedExForum was packed, with fans holding signs that took direct jabs at the Thunder and LeBron:


    "Grizzlies 11, LeBron 0."


    "Grizzlies Barbershop: Experts in Clean Cuts."


    "Whistles Can''t Save You."


    Unlike fans on social media, Grizzlies fans brought their frustration and energy directly to the arena.


    Despite the hostile atmosphere, LeBron appeared unfazed during pre-game warmups, smiling as though unaffected by the booing crowd.


    This wasn''t surprising¡ªback when he was with the Cavaliers, the Celtics fans'' taunts were far more direct.


    After the opening ceremonies, the starting lineups were announced:


    Thunder: Westbrook, Afflalo, LeBron, Ibaka, Lopez


    Grizzlies: Conley, Han Sen, Gay, Randolph, Marc Gasol


    Ibaka won the opening tip for the Thunder, and the game began.


    The Grizzlies immediately set up a 2-1-2 zone defense, with Han Sen stationed at the pivotal ''1'' position.


    The playoffs were no place for politeness, and Joerger made that clear.


    Westbrook initiated a pick-and-roll with Lopez, then accelerated into the paint.


    As the Grizzlies collapsed defensively, Westbrook nailed a mid-range pull-up jumper to score the Thunder''s first basket.


    On the other end, the Grizzlies executed a high-low set between Marc Gasol and Randolph. Randolph muscled past Ibaka in the post to score.


    Westbrook tried the same move again, but this time his mid-range jumper missed under Han Sen''s contest.


    The Grizzlies resumed their half-court offense. Randolph drew defensive attention, allowing Han Sen to cut from the weak side.


    Randolph delivered the pass, and Han Sen shed Afflalo with a powerful one-handed dunk, igniting the crowd.


    Compared to the regular season, Han Sen''s intensity was on a whole new level.


    The Thunder switched to LeBron, who posted up Gay but faced a Conley double-team. LeBron passed out to Westbrook, whose three-pointer was disrupted by Han Sen and missed.


    Marc Gasol secured the rebound.


    Back on offense, Han Sen drove, drew a double-team, and kicked it out to Gay. Gay missed the three, but Marc Gasol grabbed the offensive board and scored over Lopez, despite contact.


    Lopez''s foul went uncalled, but with Joerger''s pregame warnings fresh in mind, Marc merely signaled to the referee before retreating. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    LeBron aggressively attacked the zone, aiming to draw contact.


    As he leaped for a contested shot, Marc Gasol and Han Sen skillfully sidestepped, leaving LeBron off-balance.


    Without contact, even the refs had no basis for a foul.


    LeBron''s shot hit the front of the rim, and Marc Gasol grabbed the rebound.


    Gay sprinted out, received a pass from Marc, and soared for a windmill dunk.


    The crowd roared again, sensing the elevated playoff energy¡ªnot just from Han Sen, but the entire team.


    2¨C8.


    Though Westbrook had scored first, the Grizzlies surged to a dominant start.


    Teams coming off extended rest typically fall into two categories: sluggish, needing time to find rhythm, or explosive, like caged beasts unleashed.


    The Grizzlies were clearly the latter, fueled in part by the Thunder''s emotional value.


    As defending champions, the Grizzlies'' first-round energy could have been low, but facing the infamous Thunder¡ªremembered for their past collapses¡ªfired them up.


    The camera caught LeBron again, his earlier smile gone.


    If this pace continued, the Thunder might not even last until halftime.


    Sensing this, the referees began tightening their calls.


    Gay was whistled for two quick fouls while defending LeBron''s post-ups, sending LeBron to the free-throw line.


    Gay smirked at the calls but didn''t argue, heading to the bench.


    Joerger subbed in Carter instead of Battier, prioritizing speed to contain drives.


    LeBron sank one of two free throws as the crowd chanted a familiar taunt: "Who is your daddy!"


    This phrase, once used by Cavaliers fans against the Celtics, felt fitting here. After LeBron''s infamous ''kneel,'' many believed the league favored him with calls¡ªhis ''father'' now obvious.


    The cameras focused on Han Sen, who remained composed.


    Back on offense, Han Sen drove and attracted LeBron''s help defense before dishing a no-look pass to Carter.


    LeBron quickly recovered, but Carter leapt explosively, completing a posterizing dunk over LeBron.


    Though no longer in his prime, Carter proved he could still soar¡ªbecause he''s Vince Carter.


    The arena erupted, and Carter celebrated with his signature ''motorcycle'' gesture, sending the crowd into a frenzy.


    Carter and Han Sen exchanged high-fives, with Carter clearly energized by Gay''s earlier foul trouble.


    "Watch for him undercutting you," Han Sen warned.


    Having experienced such tactics before, Han Sen''s caution was timely, especially against someone with a history of dirty plays.


    The crowd chanted "Defense! Defense!" as Thunder possessions faltered.


    Afflalo missed a three off Westbrook''s pass, and LeBron''s attempt also clanked out after Lopez secured the offensive rebound.


    The Thunder''s cold shooting spread like a contagion.


    Han Sen ran a pick-and-roll with Carter, broke past LeBron, and scored with a floater.


    Though he warned Carter about potential dirty plays, Han Sen himself played fearlessly, knowing LeBron wouldn''t dare risk foul play after last year''s incident.


    3¨C12.


    The crowd''s whistles grew louder as the lead stretched toward double digits.


    The Grizzlies poured their pent-up energy from the extended break into this game, fully unloading on the Thunder.


    LeBron tried to force a foul on Marc Gasol but received no whistle this time.


    The refs couldn''t maintain blatant favoritism without crossing into outright bias¡ªa move that could provoke another dramatic protest from the Grizzlies.


    While LeBron argued with the refs, the Grizzlies ran a fast break.


    Though the Thunder''s transition defense improved, they realized too late they were defending 4-on-5.


    LeBron was still in the backcourt!


    Capitalizing on the advantage, Randolph scored in the paint, extending the lead to 3¨C14.


    Thunder coach Brooks called a timeout as both teams headed to their benches.


    As LeBron walked back, still muttering at the referees, Han Sen couldn''t resist:


    "Why not kneel again?"


    Perhaps that would prompt the refs to overlook potential protests and fully embrace bias.


    Aware of the cameras, Han Sen positioned himself strategically between LeBron and the lens, seemingly waiting for something.


    LeBron ignored the taunt, immune to Han Sen''s trash talk.


    However, Westbrook, overhearing, turned red with anger, clearly provoked.


    ---


    2012¨C2013 Scoring Leaders (fictional):


    Carmelo Anthony (28.7), Kevin Durant (27.3), LeBron James (26.2), James Harden (25.9), Kobe Bryant (25.3), Han Sen (25.1), Russell Westbrook (24.3), Dwyane Wade (23.2), Stephen Curry (22.9), Kyrie Irving (22.5).


    -End of Chapter-


    Translator''s note:


    ¢Ù PPG: Points Per Game, RPG: Rebounds Per Game, APG: Assists Per Game, SPG: Steals Per Game, BPG: Blocks Per Game, FG%: Field Goal Percentage (shooting accuracy for all field goals), 3PT%: Three-Point Percentage (shooting accuracy for three-pointers)

 Chapter 213: The Braised Pork Tactic?.

    Chapter 213: The Braised Pork Tactic?.After the timeout, Russell Westbrook drove to the basket, launching himself into the air to challenge Marc Gasol and earning a trip to the free-throw line.


    His landing looked painful, as he didn''t seem concerned about protecting himself.


    When it comes to attacking the paint, Westbrook is far more reckless than LeBron James.


    James and Serge Ibaka moved to help Westbrook up, but an interesting scene unfolded. Westbrook initially extended his hand, but upon noticing James, he suddenly rolled over, pushed himself up off the floor, and stood on his own.


    Han Sen, heading toward the free-throw line, paused at the sight, then broke into a laugh.


    Westbrook has high emotional intelligence. Whether dealing with Harden or James, he never lets any conflict over ball control surface publicly.


    But hiding it doesn''t mean it doesn''t exist¡ªespecially after Han Sen''s earlier trash-talking toward James went unanswered.


    Though Westbrook''s playing style bears some resemblance to James'', their personalities couldn''t be more different.


    You can be outmatched in skill, but you should never appear weak.


    Westbrook clearly holds James in contempt now.


    Amid the noise of the arena, Westbrook calmly sank both free throws.


    Then, on the defensive end, he made a surprise block on Zach Randolph''s shot.


    Soaring high for the block, Westbrook recovered the ball and seemed like a rocket as he sped coast-to-coast, finishing with a powerful two-handed dunk.


    After the dunk, Westbrook let out a primal scream, igniting the crowd.


    The Thunder were on the verge of collapse, but Westbrook single-handedly pulled them back into the game.


    When Mike Conley brought the ball past half-court, he passed it to Han Sen. The Grizzlies needed a steadying hand.


    Han Sen initiated a pick-and-roll with Vince Carter.


    James tried to push Arron Afflalo forward to contain Han Sen, but Han used the opportunity to cross to his right and attack the paint.


    Brook Lopez rotated to help, and as both defenders converged, Han threaded a pass to Marc Gasol cutting down the lane.


    Gasol went up strong, slamming it home over Lopez.


    The crowd erupted again.


    Westbrook, undeterred, ignored James and went into a pick-and-roll with Lopez. Exploding into the lane, he once again challenged the Grizzlies'' defense.


    This time, Marc Gasol played it smart, sagging back to anticipate Westbrook''s drive.


    Gasol guessed correctly; Westbrook drove all the way to the rim and contorted for a layup.


    But before the ball could even reach the backboard, Han Sen came over to help and snatched it mid-air.


    Landing smoothly, Han immediately pushed the ball in transition.


    Afflalo hustled back on defense, but Han made a slick behind-the-back move to evade him, then jumped and finished with a reverse layup off the glass.


    The sequence showcased Han''s impeccable body control and skill.


    Landing with flair, Han waved his arms to pump up the crowd even more.


    The Grizzlies had momentarily been subdued by Westbrook''s heroics, but Han''s response reignited their momentum.


    Westbrook had energy, but it was clear that he alone couldn''t topple this Grizzlies team.


    The final score was 108-96, as the Grizzlies comfortably secured Game 1 of the series.


    The Grizzlies shot an impressive 55% from the field and had built a 20-point lead by the end of the third quarter.


    For yet another game, Dave Joerger''s team barely broke a sweat.


    Postgame Stats


    The Grizzlies had five players score in double figures. Han Sen led all scorers with 30 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists in just three quarters.


    For the Thunder, Westbrook had 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists, while LeBron James finished with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.


    James'' stat line seemed to mirror Westbrook''s, but his presence on the court had been largely invisible.


    This is classic LeBron basketball: not much impact during the starters'' minutes, but a strong ability to dominate during staggered rotations and garbage time. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    James played the entire fourth quarter, shrinking the deficit during meaningless minutes. If there were a fifth quarter, the Thunder might have had a chance.


    Postgame Press Conference


    Han Sen and Marc Gasol addressed the media together.


    "The free-throw disparity tonight was 31 to 16. I don''t know what my players need to do to avoid getting called for fouls," Joerger remarked, taking a jab at the officiating despite the win.


    "Russell gave us a lot of trouble. I won''t say anything like ''a valiant effort in defeat,'' but his willpower as the Thunder''s franchise player was admirable," Han Sen said, praising Westbrook.


    If Kevin Durant were still on the Thunder, this team might have posed a significant threat.


    But then again, Durant''s departure allowed Westbrook to evolve into the player he is today.


    Han''s words, however, stirred a different reaction among the reporters.


    What did he mean by calling Westbrook the Thunder''s franchise player? Based on the stats, isn''t LeBron James their clear star?


    Han''s comment was widely reported, earning him a wave of backlash but also sparking intense fan discussions.


    The Thunder''s issues aren''t just about star compatibility; this game left fans with an entirely different impression.


    As the eighth seed facing the first, the gap in skill was undeniable.


    Since the NBA adopted the 16-team playoff format in 1947, there have only been four ''eighth-seed over first-seed'' upsets in 130 instances.


    Since the first-round series changed to a best-of-seven format, there have been just two such upsets¡ªone of which occurred because Derrick Rose was injured.


    Simply put, winning this matchup is nearly impossible.


    As Han Sen once said last year, adversity reveals a person''s true character.


    Westbrook faced it head-on, losing on his feet.


    Meanwhile, James disappeared after Han''s trash talk, padding his stats in garbage time.


    The perception of James after this game is unlikely to fade.


    Fans questioned Nike''s decision to position him as their centerpiece:


    "Why does Nike back a coward as their flagship athlete? Is this their brand identity?"


    One comment struck a chord: "I''d rather root for KD. At least he''s not soft."


    This led many to question: why not make Durant the face of Nike?


    Kobe''s too old and came from Adidas, so he''s unlikely to be Nike''s headliner. But Durant is younger and led the Heat to a 70-win season, becoming the first player since Jordan to achieve that.


    Could Nike consider replacing James?


    Even Rajon Rondo brought this up to Han Sen in conversation.


    "When does LeBron''s Nike contract expire?" Han asked.


    He vaguely remembered James signing a seven-year, $96 million deal when he entered the league.


    "That deal ended in 2010, and they renewed for four years, $80 million," Rondo explained.


    "2010, 2014..." Han repeated the years like he''d discovered a clue.


    2010: The Decision, forming the Heat''s Big Three.


    2014: The Decision II, returning to Cleveland.


    It suddenly all made sense.


    LeBron James wasn''t just a Nike athlete; he was a product crafted by Nike¡ªa god on a throne built by their marketing machine.


    But even a false god can be replaced.


    "If LeBron doesn''t win a championship by 2014, I think that''ll be KD''s chance," Han predicted.


    Durant might lack charisma, but was James really any better without the veneer of branding?


    Nike''s power can turn anything into gold¡ªeven if it''s a pile of dirt.


    Compared to that, Durant''s so-called flaws are hardly worth mentioning.


    Han Sen found himself eagerly anticipating the summer of 2014.


    ...


    After a two-day break, Game 2 between the Grizzlies and Thunder resumed in Memphis.


    The game''s flow was almost identical to Game 1.


    In truth, even if James and Westbrook could manage their ball-sharing issues, the Thunder would still struggle to defeat the Grizzlies.


    Their playstyles overlapped too much, leading to a result where the combined effort felt more like 1+1 < 2.


    Of course, the Thunder''s management wasn''t aiming to beat the Grizzlies or the Lakers¡ªthey were focused on making money.


    It wasn''t that the front office lacked intelligence; they simply couldn''t have foreseen Westbrook''s rapid development or the speed at which conflicts between him and James would escalate.


    If we''re honest, Westbrook, Afflalo, James, Ibaka, and Lopez made up a lineup far superior to the Nuggets.


    Securing a top-four seed in the West and making the second round was all they really aimed for.


    The Grizzlies quickly gained control of the game, with the situation looking even better than in Game 1. By the end of the first half, they had already built a 15-point lead.


    It was at this point that a conflict broke out on the court.


    During a clash with Randolph, James first used small tricks that annoyed Randolph, then escalated by elbowing him in the neck.


    Despite Coach Joerger''s pre-game warnings, Randolph''s fiery temper couldn''t tolerate such behavior. He immediately grappled with James, and the two ended up in a wrestling match on the floor.


    The referees assessed a technical foul on James, while Randolph was ejected from the game.


    James lacked the boldness for blatant dirty plays, but he was skilled in more subtle, underhanded tactics.


    During the timeout, Joerger decisively sent in Jones.


    Jones proved to be quite the character, mimicking James''s behavior and relentlessly provoking Westbrook.


    "You can''t win a single game without KD!" Jones''s taunt, following a sly elbow, finally pushed Westbrook over the edge. The two ended up in a scuffle and were both ejected.


    It''s worth noting that this marked the first playoff ejection of Westbrook''s career.


    While he was known for his tenacity, he''d always maintained good emotional control on the court.


    This time, his outburst wasn''t solely Jones''s doing.


    His pre-game comments directed at Coach Stotts revealed his burning desire to win.


    Even if victory wasn''t possible, he didn''t want to be humiliated repeatedly like James.


    When Westbrook left the court, his expression seemed calm, but it was clear that his anger and frustration had likely reached a boiling point.


    With Westbrook gone, James assumed control of the ball, racking up points, rebounds, and assists.


    Unfortunately for the Thunder, the deficit remained unchanged.


    In the second half, things took a turn for the worse¡ªthe point gap only widened.


    In the end, despite some on-court drama, the Grizzlies secured a 103-88 home victory, taking a 2-0 series lead.


    James posted a triple-double with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.


    You can criticize James''s abilities in many areas, but his knack for putting up stats is unquestionable.


    The league''s response to the altercations mirrored that of past Finals incidents: fines were issued, but no suspensions.


    Despite the lopsided competition, this series garnered the highest viewership ratings of the first round¡ªa testament to Stern''s unwillingness to let money slip through his fingers.


    Game 3 would take place in Oklahoma City.


    Before the Grizzlies departed, Joerger sought out Han Sen to discuss Randolph''s situation.


    Han Sen had been instrumental in calming Randolph''s temper on numerous occasions.


    During their conversation, however, Han Sen offered his own perspective.


    He argued that James''s actions were unlikely to recur.


    Given James''s personality, he only resorted to physical aggression when pushed to his limits.


    This particular incident, Han Sen believed, was partly driven by the recent online chatter questioning whether James''s ''softness'' aligned with Nike''s branding as its flagship athlete.


    By showing some aggression, James hoped to quell those criticisms and silence the negativity.


    Of course, there was another factor.


    Han believed the large point deficit also played a role.


    It was an unusual angle, but he had his reasoning.


    He noted that James''s past altercations often occurred when his team was significantly behind on the scoreboard.


    In fact, this pattern extended beyond James; most on-court scuffles happened out of frustration during blowouts.


    As Joerger had emphasized earlier, the Grizzlies'' goals extended far beyond the first round. They weren''t interested in trading ejections with opponents just to prove a point.


    Their priority was ensuring a smooth path to the Finals.


    After all, losing a key player before the Finals would make it significantly harder to contend with the Heat.


    "Dave, are you familiar with Chinese cuisine?" Han Sen suddenly asked, veering into an unexpected topic.


    The question left Joerger momentarily dumbfounded. They were in the middle of discussing playoff strategies¡ªwhy bring up food now?


    But Han Sen didn''t seem to care whether Joerger knew or not. Instead, he began explaining on his own.


    "There''s a famous dish in Chinese cuisine called hongshao rou¡ªbraised pork."


    Joerger still didn''t grasp the point Han Sen was trying to make.


    "Its preparation is quite simple," Han Sen continued. "It boils down to nine words: slow simmer over low heat, reduce with high heat."


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 214: Fists Ready to Fly?.

    Chapter 214: Fists Ready to Fly?."We''re not thinking about the current score. Tonight''s game will be like Game 1 of the series for us. Everyone will give their all and fight like men."


    At the Thunder''s pre-Game 3 open practice, Westbrook made this impassioned declaration to the media.


    That evening, Chesapeake Energy Arena was packed to capacity.


    The deafening cheers of Oklahoma City fans filled the air during the opening ceremony.


    Despite being down 0-2, the team still retained the fervent support of its loyal fanbase.


    Both teams stuck to their original starting lineups. Gasol won the tip against Ibaka, giving the Grizzlies the first possession.


    The Grizzlies'' opening play revolved around Randolph in the low post. The setup was straightforward, with the rest of the team creating space for him.


    Randolph''s first attempt missed.


    Instead of crashing the offensive boards, the Grizzlies quickly retreated on defense.


    After successfully stopping the Thunder''s initial attack, the Grizzlies avoided fast breaks, opting to slowly advance the ball to the frontcourt.


    This time, Gasol and Randolph executed a high-low post play, with Randolph converting in the paint.


    The Grizzlies'' strategy suddenly resembled the style of the Hollins era.


    At first, the crowd didn''t notice the shift. But halfway through the first quarter, with the Thunder trailing the Grizzlies by only 16-15, they realized this game felt different from the previous two.


    They couldn''t pinpoint the reason but sensed the Thunder were playing much better tonight.


    In fact, even the Thunder players and coaching staff were somewhat confused.


    Brooks noticed the Grizzlies deliberately slowing the game''s pace.


    "Are they playing it safe now that they''re up 2-0?" That was the only explanation he could come up with.


    After a puzzling first half, the teams were tied at 46.


    When the second half began, the Thunder came out with a renewed energy, starting with a 6-0 run against the Grizzlies.


    It was clear Brooks, a master of motivational halftime speeches, had fired up his team.


    But just as the Thunder started gaining momentum and the crowd''s energy surged, the Grizzlies abruptly ramped up their defensive intensity.


    A series of successful defensive stops, coupled with Han Sen''s isolation scoring on offense, allowed the Grizzlies to claw their way back into the game.


    This pattern repeated three times in the third quarter.


    The cheers in the arena rose and fell like waves, matching the ebb and flow of the game.


    For Thunder fans, it felt like enduring a near-miss challenge repeatedly.


    The good news was that by the end of the third quarter, the Thunder were only trailing 83-80, keeping the game within reach.


    "This is the Thunder''s best performance of the series so far. It seems like Russell and LeBron are finally finding their chemistry," marveled Breen from the commentary booth.


    As Han Sen rested on the bench, Damon handed him a stat sheet.


    Han Sen initially wanted to quip that he wasn''t James, but his attention was drawn to a particular column Damon pointed out.


    The free throw disparity between the teams was remarkably close¡ª18 attempts for the Thunder to the Grizzlies'' 16.


    "Well, what do you know," Han Sen thought. "This is an unexpected bonus."


    It seemed their usual ''5-on-8'' narrative didn''t fully apply tonight.


    In the regular season, the league might have tried to help the Thunder secure a playoff spot, but in the postseason, they seemed more interested in prolonging the series.


    It made sense¡ªthis was a high-profile series, and every extra game meant more revenue.


    With nine minutes remaining, Han Sen was subbed back into the game early.


    Brooks responded by immediately sending Afflalo onto the court.


    On the very first possession, Han Sen posted up Afflalo, used a shoulder fake, and spun into a fadeaway jumper, which swished through the net.


    The Grizzlies then switched to a 2-1-2 zone defense, where Han Sen helped block James''s drive on a rotation.


    On the next possession, Han Sen attacked the same spot, but this time, seeing the double team coming, he drove the other direction, drawing a foul at the rim.


    Gasol and Conley were subbed back in during the ensuing dead ball.


    The Grizzlies'' rotation adjustments came earlier than usual.


    Brooks responded by bringing his starters back as well.


    In the next few minutes, the game took a dramatic turn.


    Not only did the Grizzlies increase their defensive pressure, but they also returned to the aggressive, varied playstyle they had employed in the first two games.


    It felt like a grizzly bear waking up from a long nap, baring its sharp teeth and claws.


    The sudden intensity overwhelmed the Thunder, and the point gap quickly ballooned to double digits.


    At this point, not only were the Thunder players and fans stunned, even the referees seemed momentarily caught off guard.


    But this had been Han Sen''s plan after reviewing the stat sheet.


    "Time to turn up the heat," he had told his teammates.


    Even though the referees eventually adjusted by calling several favorable whistles for the Thunder, they couldn''t close the gap.


    By now, it was clear to everyone that the Grizzlies had been holding back earlier in the game.


    A 48-minute game was too long; sometimes, all it took was five¡ªor even fewer¡ªminutes to seize control.


    Of course, this approach only worked because the Grizzlies were significantly stronger than the Thunder.


    Otherwise, allowing the Thunder''s third-quarter surge would have been a disastrous mistake.


    With five minutes left, Han Sen drove past James and soared into the paint, dunking over a recovering Westbrook.


    The slower pace earlier had conserved Han Sen''s energy, leaving him with plenty of stamina for the closing stretch.


    Westbrook, despite being posterized, didn''t retaliate against Han Sen. Instead, he turned his pent-up frustration on James.


    "Why do you keep letting him blow by you so easily?"


    Westbrook''s words stunned everyone, James included.


    As mentioned before, Westbrook wasn''t someone who aired internal grievances publicly.


    Especially not in the middle of a game, with both Thunder and Grizzlies players present.


    Seeing this, Brooks quickly called a timeout.


    If the two started arguing on the court, Han Sen would undoubtedly take the opportunity to stoke the flames, just as he had done in the past.


    But even during the timeout, the conflict persisted.


    As they walked toward the bench, Westbrook kept pressing James.


    "All you had to do was slow him down for a second, and I could''ve stopped him!"


    It was clear that Westbrook''s emotions were spiraling out of control.


    To truly understand his state of mind, you''d have to put yourself in his shoes.


    He had no knowledge of the Grizzlies'' tactical adjustments tonight.


    All he knew was that he had given everything in the first two games, yet they had failed to secure a win.


    Tonight seemed like their only real chance to turn things around.


    And everyone understood the stakes¡ªlosing tonight and falling behind 0-3 meant the Thunder were as good as finished, possibly even swept.


    How could Westbrook not feel desperate?


    On top of that, he had been harboring resentment toward James for some time.


    "Why didn''t you block him?" LeBron, already irritated by Westbrook''s attitude, snapped back. Did Westbrook have no regard for his dignity in such a public setting?


    "Russell, calm down," Brooks interjected, trying to diffuse the situation.


    "I am calm enough!" Westbrook retorted, his frustration boiling over. "Why can''t he fight like a man? When Han told him to kneel again, why couldn''t he respond like a man and fight back on the court?!"


    Westbrook had finally lost control. Brooks, who had been a mentor to him, had favored LeBron throughout the season.


    "Shut your mouth, you little b****!" LeBron roared, jabbing a finger at Westbrook.


    Kneeling was his own business, but Westbrook bringing it up here was outright humiliation.


    Westbrook''s eyes widened in shock. LeBron, playing so soft in this series, dared to call him that?!


    In a moment that caught everyone off guard, Westbrook swung his fist directly at LeBron.


    LeBron''s reflexes were quick¡ªhe leaned back and raised his arms to block.


    Though his face avoided the hit, his arm took the full brunt of Westbrook''s punch.


    The Thunder players scrambled to separate the two, finally pulling them apart.


    "You don''t care about winning! You only care about your stats! You''ve ruined all our efforts!" Westbrook yelled as he was dragged away.


    LeBron''s face darkened, but he didn''t respond¡ªnot because he didn''t want to, but because he couldn''t.


    "Enough!" Brooks'' furious shout brought the fiasco to an end.


    By then, the altercation had already been broadcast on the arena''s LED screens and ESPN''s live feed.


    Fearing viewers might miss the drama during the timeout, ESPN replayed the scene, complete with slow-motion footage of Westbrook''s punch on repeat.


    This series, already heavily hyped, saw its ratings soar to record-breaking heights.


    No, it even approached last year''s Finals viewership.


    Human nature thrives on drama and repetition.


    Even Han Sen was stunned.


    He had anticipated conflict between Westbrook and LeBron but never imagined Westbrook would actually throw a punch! S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That single punch likely sealed the fate of the Thunder roster. Next season, Westbrook and LeBron couldn''t coexist¡ªone of them had to go.


    Brooks, known for his calm demeanor, was visibly shaken, knowing the repercussions of this punch were immense.


    Thunder fans in the arena held their heads in disbelief.


    They knew, as well as anyone, that this punch marked the end of the Thunder''s season.


    When play resumed, LeBron stayed on the court, but Westbrook was nowhere to be seen¡ªhe had already retreated to the locker room.


    As expected, the Grizzlies dominated the final quarter, outscoring the Thunder by 15 points to secure a blowout win and take a commanding 3-0 series lead.


    LeBron left the game early, before the final whistle blew.


    With a 3-0 deficit, the Grizzlies were one win away from sweeping the Thunder.


    The scoreline was surprising, considering ESPN''s pre-series analysis was correct: the Thunder boasted stronger talent on paper and ended the season in great form. Even if they couldn''t beat the Grizzlies, they shouldn''t have been winless.


    But in hindsight, it made sense. While it appeared the Thunder lost to internal conflict, the truth was they were simply outmatched by the Grizzlies.


    When the Grizzlies could casually ''simmer on low heat, then finish with high heat'' to win games, the gap in strength between the teams was clear.


    Many overlooked Han''s transformation.


    In his first two years with the Grizzlies, Han had been a ''regular season star'' and a ''playoff superstar.''


    This season, however, he didn''t just conserve energy during the regular season¡ªhe practically coasted. His physical condition entering the playoffs was impeccable.


    After the game, the Westbrook-LeBron altercation dominated social media, skyrocketing to the top of trending topics.


    Fights between players, especially teammates, were always big news.


    Opinions online were split into two camps.


    One camp criticized Westbrook:


    "Violence is never the answer," applied not only to domestic disputes but also to teammate relationships.


    No matter what LeBron did or said, Westbrook could''ve talked trash all day, but punching him crossed the line.


    The other camp defended Westbrook:


    After all, LeBron had been painfully soft this entire series¡ªno, this entire season.


    Imagine your teammate kneeling before your rival. Put yourself in Westbrook''s shoes¡ªit''s amazing he held back for this long.


    "Russell is a warrior. He fought until the very last moment, just like he said he would," Han Sen posted on social media, backing Westbrook.


    This wasn''t about farming hater points¡ªit was genuine support.


    If he were in the Thunder front office and had to choose between the two, he''d undoubtedly pick Westbrook.


    In terms of team culture, Westbrook''s contributions were arguably even greater than Durant''s.


    Before Game 4, the Thunder suspended Westbrook for one game¡ªa decision that surprised no one. Regardless of fan debates, Westbrook''s actions ensured he''d face suspension.


    This decision signaled the Thunder''s surrender. If the Grizzlies wanted a sweep, so be it. Their season was effectively over.


    Still, some fans were intrigued. They had seen plenty of Westbrook leading the Thunder this season but had yet to witness LeBron lead the team solo. That, at least, promised to be interesting.


    "Han, watch out for him undercutting you again," Rudy Gay joked the day before Game 4.


    "Would he dare?" Han laughed, glancing at Johnson and Jones on the court.


    LeBron wouldn''t dare¡ªand he wouldn''t need to.


    Last year''s Finals saw LeBron desperate for a comeback, but with no chance of a Thunder rally this time, he wouldn''t take unnecessary risks.


    Gay nodded in agreement, but then suddenly asked with a mischievous grin, "What if we don''t let him pad his stats?"


    Han''s eyes widened.


    He just wanted to mess with LeBron¡ªnot destroy him completely!


    -To be continued-

 Chapter 215: OKC’s Draymond Green.

    Chapter 215: OKC''s Draymond Green."If he doesn''t dare to make a move, then he''s only focused on racking up stats. And when the team loses, he''ll act like it''s not his fault." Gay said this with a look of disdain.


    While the Grizzlies'' principle was to play it safe and secure the win without unnecessary drama, witnessing James''s antics was just aggravating.


    Han Sen stared at Gay for a moment. Gay had gotten sharper, hadn''t he?


    If James had no chance of winning and no intention of going all out, all that remained was the usual ''stat-padding showcase.''


    "You''re right," Han Sen finally nodded.


    Gay, initially thinking Han wouldn''t go along with it, was caught off guard when he did. His initial lack of excitement for Game 4 suddenly transformed into boundless motivation.


    He grinned and stretched out his hand, sharing a firm high-five with Han.


    Their plan required more than just the two of them, though. Han instructed Gay to gather the others, including Marc Gasol.


    Han Sen''s reason for agreeing wasn''t just to thwart James''s selfish intentions¡ªit was also to give Westbrook a helping hand.


    By showing the Thunder management what James''s solo leadership looked like, they''d naturally lean toward Westbrook when it came time to make offseason decisions.


    ...


    The Media''s Agenda


    As the initial media frenzy began to settle before Game 4, the narrative started shifting. Reports of James''s outburst were conveniently downplayed, while Westbrook became the primary target of negative press.


    "KD flourished as an MVP after leaving Westbrook¡ªit''s clear he was holding the Thunder back."


    "Westbrook can''t be a reliable second option. He demands the ball too much and plays inefficiently."


    "If it were Westbrook injured at the start of the season instead of James, the Thunder''s record would''ve been much better."


    Unlike James, Westbrook didn''t have a ''Windhorst'' to defend his case. He faced the media storm almost entirely alone¡ªeerily similar to what Han knew Westbrook endured in ''history'' before leaving the Lakers.


    ...


    Game 4: A Restless Crowd


    At Chesapeake Energy Arena, the stands were only 80% full¡ªa first in this series. The reduced attendance was a silent protest from OKC fans, echoing their dissatisfaction.


    This was tied deeply to Thunder history.


    Officially, the Thunder inherited the Seattle SuperSonics'' legacy, but the bitter relocation left them without the cultural connection to Seattle''s past. For Thunder fans, the team''s true history started in 2008.


    In that history, Durant had become associated with the Sonics, as Seattle''s final draft pick. But Westbrook was OKC''s first-ever lottery pick. His fiery personality made him a fan favorite, loved even more than anyone else on the team.


    ...


    During the pregame warmups, the cameras panned to James. To everyone''s surprise, he looked happier than ever¡ªgrinning ear to ear.


    Optimists might say he was staying upbeat despite the circumstances. Cynics would argue he was delighted to hog the spotlight now that Westbrook was suspended.


    After the player introductions, the starting lineups were announced. The Grizzlies stuck with their usual five, while the Thunder replaced Westbrook with Fisher at point guard.


    Marc Gasol secured the opening tip for the Grizzlies, and the game was underway. Without Westbrook, the Grizzlies had no reason to employ a grind-it-out strategy.


    Right from the start, Conley breezed past the aging Fisher, assisting Gay for a thunderous dunk.


    James, who completely missed his defensive assignment, drew jeers from the crowd.


    On the other end, the Thunder cleared the weak side, leaving James to post up Gay. With Fisher''s steady three-point shooting, James theoretically had more space to operate.


    Gay applied pressure from the front, but as James spun toward the basket, Han Sen appeared out of nowhere, exploiting Marc Gasol''s screen as cover.


    Smack!


    Han stripped the ball cleanly, catching James completely off guard. Han dashed to the other end, taking off from just inside the free-throw line for a soaring tomahawk dunk.


    The crowd erupted.


    The Grizzlies had opened the game with back-to-back emphatic slams, setting a blistering tone.


    James''s expression darkened. His initial defensive intensity was supposed to signal goodwill, but the Grizzlies were having none of it¡ªespecially Han Sen, who seemed as ''low EQ'' as ever.


    James tried again, posting up Gay and carefully watching Han this time. But Han didn''t wait¡ªhe preemptively rotated over, forcing James to pass to Afflalo.


    Afflalo sank a three-pointer and struck a triumphant pose for the cameras, but the Grizzlies hardly flinched.


    Conley responded by slicing through the Thunder defense like a knife through butter. After a pick-and-roll with Marc Gasol, he lobbed the ball to the big man for another vicious dunk.


    The Grizzlies were relentless, dunking on three of their first possessions. They treated the Thunder''s paint like their personal playground.


    The lack of Westbrook was glaring.


    Passion, an intangible but invaluable element, was completely absent from the Thunder''s play. Against a stronger opponent, it was the kind of energy that could make all the difference.


    James continued trying to make plays, finding Afflalo for a pump-fake and a midrange jumper¡ªbut the shot clanked off the rim. Afflalo''s typically reliable midrange game was clearly affected by the team''s overall dysfunction.


    Meanwhile, Conley was playing like a man possessed, repeatedly blowing past Fisher.


    Facing Ibaka''s help defense, Conley dished to Randolph, who lobbed it to Marc Gasol for an alley-oop slam.


    The Grizzlies'' offense was an unstoppable force, flowing like liquid mercury.


    Some fans couldn''t sit still anymore. This Thunder team bore no resemblance to the one they had cheered for all season. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    LeBron adjusted his offensive strategy.


    Post-ups are static moves that often draw double teams, creating chances for teammates. But if those teammates miss their shots, the entire play collapses.


    Instead, LeBron began orchestrating from beyond the three-point line, signaling for Fisher to set a pick.


    A classic pick-and-roll mismatch ensued. However, the Grizzlies chose not to switch. Gay maneuvered around the screen and sagged back, giving LeBron space to shoot from three.


    Clang!


    The ball smashed against the rim.


    Marc Gasol secured the defensive rebound, and the Grizzlies quickly launched a fast break. When Gay received a pass from Han Sen and threw down another thunderous dunk, the entire arena erupted into chaos.


    10¨C3.


    It was d¨¦j¨¤ vu from Games 1 and 2¡ªonly this time, the intensity was magnified. Watching live in the arena was far more visceral than viewing on TV.


    And then, something even more dramatic unfolded on the court.


    When the Thunder brought the ball back into the frontcourt, Han Sen switched onto LeBron.


    The moment LeBron saw Han Sen in front of him, he immediately realized the Grizzlies were going to make life hell for him tonight.


    Initially, LeBron considered giving up the ball. However, recalling the recent Nike endorsement drama on social media, he steeled himself. He needed to fight back.


    Catching the ball with his back to Han Sen, LeBron reset his pivot foot. Let''s not forget, LeBron trained under Hakeem Olajuwon, technically making him Han Sen''s senior in the art of post moves.


    As LeBron prepared to make his move, Han Sen suddenly reached in to steal the ball.


    LeBron instinctively took a step with his right foot to dodge the attempt, negating his reset pivot foot.


    But LeBron wasn''t called ''The King'' for nothing. Ignoring the minor setback, he continued to back down Han Sen as if nothing had happened.


    Technically, LeBron''s weight advantage should''ve allowed him to overpower Han Sen.


    However, LeBron had been caught with a chair pulled out too many times in their previous matchups, so he didn''t dare go all in. As a result, Han Sen maintained constant pressure on the ball.


    LeBron ultimately spun toward the basket with a power move, flaring his elbows aggressively as he attacked.


    As he approached the rim, he saw Marc Gasol stepping in for help defense. LeBron jumped, seeking contact for a finish.


    But just as they collided, Gasol instinctively tucked his hips and abs, sidestepping to avoid the full impact. Years of playing against LeBron had drilled this reflex into him.


    Without a solid point of contact, LeBron lost his balance and sailed past the hoop. Yet, his athleticism still allowed him to attempt a tricky jelly layup mid-fall.


    The ball seemed destined to fall through the net¡ªuntil a hand came out of nowhere and smothered it.


    Han Sen, who had been elbowed aside moments earlier, recovered to chase down the play. With perfect timing, he soared to swat the ball away.


    LeBron, meanwhile, crashed into the courtside seats.


    Glancing down at LeBron sprawled among the photographers, Han Sen wasted no time, pushing the ball upcourt. He sprinted past the Thunder defense and finished with a soaring one-handed dunk, igniting the crowd into a frenzy.


    It wasn''t until Han Sen completed his highlight-reel slam that LeBron finally rose to his feet.


    When the camera cut back to LeBron, many fans found it hard to watch.


    It became painfully obvious¡ªthe Grizzlies were targeting LeBron relentlessly.


    From a strategic standpoint, this adjustment made sense. With Westbrook out, the Thunder''s only true ballhandler was LeBron.


    But visually, it felt brutal.


    The Grizzlies'' approach tonight was even more aggressive than in Games 1 and 2. They capitalized on every opportunity to force turnovers and run fast breaks.


    Westbrook''s absence played a big role in this. As a guard, Westbrook''s blazing speed in transition usually deterred the Grizzlies from pushing the pace. Without him, they ran freely.


    One had to wonder¡ªdid LeBron miss Westbrook, even just a little?


    Especially when, on the next possession, Han Sen was still in his face, guarding him tightly.


    LeBron tried forcing a shot but was blocked again, making him rethink his approach.


    Eventually, he resorted to holding the ball at the top of the arc, directing his teammates into action.


    For a brief moment, Han Sen thought LeBron resembled Draymond Green.


    Unfortunately for OKC, they didn''t have a Curry or Durant. Afflalo''s catch-and-shoot attempt, following a screen, was contested by Gay and missed badly.


    The Thunder were struggling to score¡ªeach basket felt as improbable as the national soccer team finding the back of the net.


    The Grizzlies finally failed to convert on a possession, giving the Thunder a rare opportunity. Robin Lopez''s pick-and-roll dive resulted in a layup, snapping a long scoring drought.


    The crowd heaved a collective sigh of relief.


    But their reprieve was short-lived.


    On the very next play, Han Sen posted up LeBron. Using a shoulder fake, he tricked LeBron into jumping, then calmly banked in a shot off an up-and-under move.


    After scoring, Han Sen spread his hands and looked at LeBron, his expression cheeky.


    "A master can lead you to the door, but personal growth is up to you."


    The crowd erupted.


    LeBron''s face darkened, as if he were ready to kill someone.


    At that moment, Johnson checked in for Rudy Gay.


    By halftime, the Grizzlies led 48¨C30.


    Eighteen points. The game was already a blowout.


    Some fans began leaving early to avoid postgame traffic.


    On social media, public opinion began turning against the media narratives.


    Forget the previous game¡ªOKC at least competed in the first three games when Westbrook played. Without him, they had no chance from the opening tip tonight.


    How could anyone claim the Thunder were better off with LeBron leading the team? If that were true, they''d be fishing for the offseason by now!


    But the most glaring detail was LeBron''s halftime stats: 8 attempts, 2 makes, 6 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists.


    If Han Sen had thought LeBron resembled Draymond earlier, these numbers sealed the comparison. He was now officially OKC''s Draymond Green.


    Why had LeBron only taken eight shots in a half?


    The Grizzlies were to blame.


    Even during the bench rotations, they relentlessly targeted LeBron, ensuring his shooting percentage stayed abysmal.


    As for why LeBron hadn''t fought back harder?


    Spotting old acquaintance James Johnson on the Grizzlies'' bench reminded him why his head was pounding.


    With the first half winding down, Han Sen once again guarded LeBron.


    LeBron stood on the weak side with his hands on his hips, visibly frustrated. He knew he''d lost the battle tonight.


    "You good?" Han Sen asked, feigning concern.


    LeBron glanced at him before turning away, biting his mouthguard. He wasn''t naive enough to believe Han Sen''s words carried any goodwill.


    Yet, despite mentally preparing himself, Han Sen''s next comment still made him freeze mid-chew, his fists clenching as he glared daggers at his opponent.


    "Does your groin hurt? Are your legs cramping? Maybe your elbow injury is flaring up again?"


    -To be continued-

 Chapter 216: It’s Just Basketball.

    Chapter 216: It''s Just Basketball.LeBron James, who angrily called out Russell Westbrook in the previous game, merely chuckled dismissively in the face of Han Sen''s ''concern.''


    This season, James'' actions and decisions had made it abundantly clear what kind of person he was.


    Perhaps, ever since his infamous ''they gotta wake up tomorrow with the same personal problems that they had today'' remark in 2011, people already had a glimpse of the reality behind his so-called kingly facade.


    He wasn''t, and perhaps never would be, someone with a strong mental fortitude.


    Han Sen quickly lost interest.


    In a way, he felt grateful to the Thunder. If the Grizzlies had encountered last season''s Miami Heat again in the Finals, he might have realized how underwhelming such a matchup would have been.


    LeBron James didn''t return to the court in the second half.


    According to a post from his personal trainer Mike Mancias on social media, James had sustained an ankle injury prior to the game. The situation had worsened after playing the first half, leaving him unable to continue.


    Han Sen heard the news from Damon during a timeout.


    No surprise there.


    It seemed his earlier remarks had little to no effect on James¡ªexcept, perhaps, prompting him to come up with a new injury excuse.


    The Grizzlies went on to crush the Thunder 103-71, completing a 4-0 sweep to advance to the next round.


    This series had never been much of a contest. Even the lopsided scoreline didn''t fully capture how one-sided it was. Yet, despite the lack of suspense, it became one of the most talked-about matchups of the first round.


    And the conversation didn''t end when the games did.


    In the Thunder''s post-game press conference, James attended with a heavily iced ankle.


    "The medical staff advised me not to play tonight," James said, shaking his head, his tone heavy with self-reproach. "But I knew the situation we were in as a team. I had to try and step up, even if I couldn''t help us in the end."


    Khalil, blending in with the crowd, hit him with a piercing question:


    "Why do you always seem to get injured at critical moments?"


    James froze, clearly caught off guard.


    He fumbled with the microphone, stammering for several seconds without managing to form a coherent answer.


    The room fell into awkward silence until Thunder coach Scott Brooks came to his rescue.


    "Injuries are something no player can control," Brooks interjected. "The higher the stakes, the more intense the competition, and the greater the risk of injury."


    James shot Brooks a grateful glance and quickly jumped on the lifeline.


    "You can check my career attendance records," he added. "Before this season, I never missed more than ten games in a single season."


    Khalil, eager to follow up, was waved off as James signaled for the next question.


    "Last season, while you were with the Heat, you were swept in the Finals by the Grizzlies. This year, with the Thunder, the same thing happened. How do you reflect on this?"


    This question, posed by an NBC reporter, made James cough awkwardly.


    He had thought Khalil''s question was brutal¡ªbut this was next level.


    Even Brooks was at a loss for how to spin it. Facts spoke louder than any words could.


    After clearing his throat, James responded, "At the end of the day, this is just basketball."


    James'' words, though short, sparked as much controversy as his infamous ''life is more than basketball'' comment years prior.


    "If the Thunder had upset the Grizzlies, LeBron would''ve said, ''Basketball is everything to me. Without it, life would be meaningless.''"


    "What do you expect LeBron to say? Look at the Grizzlies'' roster: three All-Stars, two borderline All-Stars, and even an ex-All-Star on the bench. Losing is perfectly reasonable."


    "If it weren''t for Jones'' dirty play at the start of the season, LeBron''s ankle wouldn''t even be an issue right now!"


    "The Grizzlies clearly forced LeBron to drive tonight, knowing about his injury. This team is just as dirty as the Spurs used to be!"


    "If I hadn''t watched the game, I might''ve believed you. How do you guys convince yourselves of this nonsense?"


    After eliminating the Thunder, the Grizzlies enjoyed a brief period of rest.


    Before the playoffs began, the players had looked forward to the challenge of the first round.


    By the end, however, it felt underwhelming.


    Looking back, they realized their initial preference was correct. Playing the Rockets or Jazz would have been far more engaging.


    The Thunder had offered little resistance. As a result, the Grizzlies didn''t feel sharp or battle-tested.


    Following nearly a week of rest, the Grizzlies'' second-round matchup began.


    Their opponent wasn''t the Nuggets as expected, but the Warriors¡ªthe only lower-seeded team to pull off an upset in the first round.


    This result shocked everyone.


    The Nuggets had posted a stellar 56-win regular season compared to the Warriors'' modest 47 wins. Moreover, after losing Game 1, the Warriors also lost their starting power forward David Lee to a season-ending hip injury.


    But coach Mark Jackson adjusted brilliantly, fielding a small-ball lineup with Jarrett Jack starting at point guard and Stephen Curry at shooting guard. The Warriors roared back to take three straight games, eventually winning the series 4-2.


    This outcome underscored Jackson''s superior adaptability compared to Lionel Hollins.


    The Nuggets'' ambitious offseason moves had ultimately fallen short.


    In the playoffs, star power reigns supreme. Team-oriented, egalitarian basketball simply couldn''t carry the day.


    Andre Iguodala, their prized offseason acquisition, struggled to shoulder additional offensive responsibilities, proving better suited as a secondary or tertiary option.


    Denver, being a small-market team, had always faced challenges attracting top talent. Over the past two decades, they''d only seen fleeting star power in Dikembe Mutombo and Carmelo Anthony.


    Unless they managed to draft another franchise cornerstone like the Thunder had, their prospects looked bleak. Alternatively, they could replicate Memphis'' formula by trading for a ''Han Sen.''


    But how many Han Sens were out there?


    ...


    Having dispatched the Thunder''s ''Big Green,'' Han Sen now faced another challenge: his number three ''hater-in-chief'' from the Warriors, Draymond Green himself.


    The two teams'' Game 1 took place on May 6 in Memphis.


    The game''s opening followed expectations.


    The Warriors started Festus Ezeli to combat the Grizzlies'' twin towers but to little effect. Memphis quickly built an early lead.


    However, the tide turned with Draymond Green''s entrance.


    Green''s pick-and-rolls with Curry and his interior defense alongside Andrew Bogut disrupted Memphis on both ends.


    With David Lee out, Jarrett Jack flourished, averaging nearly 20 points per game against Denver.


    Green also benefited, seeing his minutes and stats nearly double. More importantly, he shot 39% from three, establishing himself as a legitimate stretch-four threat.


    Though the Grizzlies maintained a slim lead by exploiting Klay Thompson on defense, the gap steadily narrowed.


    The Warriors surged ahead in the second half, led by a red-hot Curry, who drained four third-quarter threes. Their defense stifled Memphis, whose lack of preparation became increasingly apparent.


    Memphis mounted a furious rally in the fourth, with Han Sen hitting a game-tying three to force overtime.


    But in the extra period, the Warriors pulled away as Curry and Green executed pick-and-pops to perfection, securing the win.


    Curry finished with a career-high 44 points on 18-of-35 shooting, including six threes.


    Han Sen''s valiant 40-point effort went to waste.


    Reflecting on his first collegiate game, where his Barry University team lost to Curry''s Davidson, Han Sen couldn''t help but notice the irony. Their first NBA playoff meeting ended the same way¡ªwith a loss.


    Han Sen attended the post-game press conference with Coach Joerger.


    "I should have made that game-winning shot. The coach set up the play for me to make that shot. The loss is on me."


    The Grizzlies had numerous issues tonight. With a clear strength advantage over the Warriors, theoretically, they shouldn''t have needed a last-second play to win.


    From the way the game unfolded, it was evident the team wasn''t adequately prepared and had underestimated their opponent.


    After breezing through a low-intensity first-round matchup and enjoying nearly a week of rest, the players naturally relaxed.


    Especially since their opponents had lost a key interior player.


    That lax attitude only tightened up in the final quarter, but by then, it was too late.


    As the team leader, Han Sen needed to step up in moments like these.


    After Game 1 ended, the league announced the regular-season MVP: Kevin Durant, earning the honor for the first time in his career.


    With a 70-win season, stellar stats, and his position as Nike''s second-biggest star, the result was unsurprising.


    The day after the loss, the Grizzlies prepared for practice in the locker room.


    The atmosphere was heavy due to the defeat.


    Rudy Gay approached Han Sen and bluntly said, "Han, yell at us!" S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Han Sen froze for a moment, not expecting such a request.


    As Gay spoke, all the other players turned their attention to Han.


    Zach Randolph furrowed his brow into a deep ''´¨'' shape, clearly surprised at Gay''s directness.


    But the looks on the others'' faces revealed they were also hoping Han would say something.


    After all, their Game 1 performance was atrocious, and Han had taken all the blame.


    Anyone with a shred of self-awareness would feel ashamed.


    Especially since Han hadn''t won the MVP this year, giving him plenty of reason to vent his frustration.


    Han stood up, patted Gay on the shoulder, and simply called everyone to head to practice.


    Before practice started, Joerger gathered the team for a motivational talk.


    This time, it was a real wake-up call. The players'' complacency needed to be shattered.


    Although it was just one loss, it was a home loss, and they had given up home-court advantage. This series was now tougher than expected.


    "Coach, let me guard Stephen next game," Han Sen said after Joerger''s speech.


    His proactive suggestion surprised everyone, including Joerger.


    Han had never made such a direct proposal during a team meeting before. If he had tactical ideas, he usually discussed them privately with the coach.


    "I''m good at navigating screens. I''m the best option to guard Stephen," Han explained.


    "But you''re our offensive centerpiece," Joerger reminded him.


    "My stamina won''t be an issue. Besides, we play team basketball."


    By now, Joerger had figured it out.


    The Grizzlies'' Game 1 loss was largely due to underestimating their opponent. Such a mindset naturally dissipates after a loss.


    Judging by the locker room''s atmosphere, the players were eager to bounce back.


    In this situation, there was no need to berate them.


    Instead, Han Sen''s willingness to step up and lead by example was the best way to inspire the team.


    "Stephen''s yours," Joerger nodded and then looked at the rest of the team.


    "Next game, let''s remind them whose house this is."


    Heading into the second round, series like Lakers vs. Spurs and Nets vs. Pacers were considered the most compelling matchups.


    However, with the Grizzlies losing Game 1, their series against the Warriors suddenly garnered significant attention.


    This was particularly due to the presence of Stephen Curry.


    Curry''s NCAA career was well-known. In the 2008 tournament, he averaged 34.5 points per game, leading the unheralded Davidson College to victories over Gonzaga (WCC champions), Georgetown (Big East champions), and Wisconsin (Big Ten champions) before narrowly losing to Kansas (the eventual champions) by two points.


    The word ''upset'' was practically synonymous with Curry.


    He had pulled off such feats in the NCAA, already upset the Nuggets in this year''s playoffs¡ªwhy couldn''t he continue the streak?


    If such a story unfolded in the NBA, its impact would far surpass anything from the NCAA.


    Around this time, Draymond Green, who had gained notoriety during the regular season for his clashes with the Grizzlies, seized the spotlight once again.


    "I''ve said it before¡ªthis is modern basketball. We''re ready to bury the Grizzlies," Green declared, further stoking interest in the series.


    Someone even resurfaced Han Sen''s earlier comment about bringing a dynasty to Memphis.


    With two outspoken players like Han Sen and Green, one of them was bound to be proven wrong.


    And no matter who it was, the audience would enjoy the spectacle.


    On May 8, under immense scrutiny, Game 2 between the Grizzlies and Warriors tipped off at FedExForum.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 217: What Kind of Leader Is That?

    Chapter 217: What Kind of Leader Is That?The FedEx Forum was packed to capacity, with the arena buzzing with energy and dotted with clearly provocative signs: "Draymond is the Real Clown", "Let the Ignorant Stay Ignorant", and "Watch Your Back!"


    Draymond Green''s big mouth had not only fired up the Warriors but also drawn immense media attention. However, it inevitably angered Memphis fans.


    Even during warm-ups, the Grizzlies'' dormant competitive edge¡ªdulled after their breezy first-round win¡ªwas reignited. The team conducted a series of high-flying dunks during pregame practice.


    Han Sen, Rudy Gay, Vince Carter, Kenneth Faried¡ªeach player showcased their leaping ability, making the warm-ups look like an all-star dunk contest.


    Once warm-ups concluded, the opening ceremony began, and the starting lineups for both teams were announced:


    Warriors: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green, Andrew Bogut


    Grizzlies: Mike Conley, Han Sen, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol


    Mark Jackson showed flexibility by promoting Green to the starting lineup after his strong performance in Game 1. This adjustment added intrigue to the matchup while also firing up the Grizzlies.


    Bogut won the opening tip for the Warriors, and Curry brought the ball into the frontcourt. The Warriors'' first play was an off-ball action for Thompson.


    Han Sen switched onto Curry, while Gay guarded Thompson. Against Bogut''s screen, Gay fought over aggressively, denying Thompson any space for a three-pointer.


    This was part of Dave Joerger''s game plan: no open threes, allow mid-range shots if necessary.


    Thompson caught the ball, dribbled into mid-range, and drained the shot.


    It''s common for three-point specialists to struggle with mid-range shots, but Thompson was an exception, excelling at both. That dual threat was part of what made him a future star.


    On the Grizzlies'' offensive end, the strategy was equally clear: target Green in the post.


    While Bogut was a strong low-post defender, his slower footwork made him less effective as a help defender. Green, though energetic, was simply outmatched.


    Randolph received the ball in the post against Green, used his body to create space, faked Green into jumping, and finished with an easy layup.


    Even peak Draymond Green would struggle against a player as strong, skilled, and experienced as Randolph in the low post.


    The Warriors went back to Thompson, but Gasol stepped up to contest his shot this time, forcing a miss. Thompson, still in his sophomore season, lacked the consistency of his prime years.


    Green grabbed the offensive rebound and attempted a putback, but Gasol swatted it away.


    The crowd erupted in jeers.


    "So much for modern basketball!"


    The Warriors inbounded the ball, finally running a play for Curry. Using consecutive screens, Curry found space for a three.


    At this stage of his career, Mark Jackson still treated Curry as an elite off-ball shooter¡ªa role he had thrived in during his NCAA days.


    Curry''s off-ball movement was on par with Richard Hamilton''s, but with deeper range and a quicker release.


    Han Sen fought through Bogut''s screen but encountered Green''s moving screen. Green''s subtle shoulder movement turned it into an illegal pick, and Han Sen went down.


    The whistle blew¡ªillegal screen on Green.


    The Memphis crowd jeered even louder, now mixed with mocking whistles.


    Green, visibly frustrated, held his head in his hands. Curry''s three-pointer, which had gone in, was nullified.


    As Green turned back toward his bench, Han Sen met his gaze with a knowing smirk. The message was clear: "You''re out of your depth trying to play dirty with me."


    The foul had a ripple effect. Already outmatched by Randolph, Green now had to play cautiously with a foul to his name.


    The Warriors adjusted, collapsing their defense to help Green in the post. Randolph, showing patience, passed out of the double team to Gay, who swung it to Conley, and finally to Han Sen for an open three-pointer.


    Swish!


    The Grizzlies were clicking offensively, moving the ball with the precision they had shown against the Thunder.


    Han Sen''s shot ignited the crowd and gave the Grizzlies an early edge.


    On the next possession, the Warriors tried another off-ball play for Thompson, but Gay shut it down.


    Switching gears, they ran an elevator play for Curry, who got a clean look at a three.


    But Han Sen anticipated the play, slipping through the screens to contest Curry''s shot.


    Curry''s quick-release, one-motion jumper had its advantages, but it lacked the stability to withstand heavy contests. Under Han Sen''s pressure, the shot clanked off the rim.


    Marc Gasol secured the rebound, and the Grizzlies pushed the ball back up the court.


    Back in their offensive set, the Grizzlies once again attacked Green in the post. Randolph, showing his full repertoire, hit a hook shot over Green to make it 7¨C2.


    Mark Jackson called for Carl Landry off the bench, signaling Green''s imminent substitution.


    Realizing his spot was in jeopardy, Green stepped up to set a screen for Curry, who pulled up for a deep three.


    Splash!


    Curry''s quick-trigger release and ability to create just enough space set him apart from other shooters. All he needed was a sliver of daylight.


    Green celebrated the make enthusiastically, perhaps more so than Curry himself.


    Curry''s three gave the Warriors a much-needed boost in confidence. Their improved defensive rotations forced a Grizzlies miss on the next possession.


    Although not yet at their peak, the Warriors'' potential was undeniable. They had already upset the 56-win Denver Nuggets despite missing their interior anchor, David Lee. ¢Ù


    Just as the Warriors seemed to gain some momentum, a commotion erupted in the arena.


    Han Sen had stepped up to defend Stephen Curry in the frontcourt!


    After the earlier defensive lapse, Han realized one thing: when guarding Curry, you had to stick to him like glue, leaving him no space to get a shot off.


    Curry tried to accelerate past Han, but he quickly discovered that Han''s lateral quickness was far better than he''d anticipated.


    Switching tactics, Curry attempted a behind-the-back dribble to break through, but once again, he failed.


    The arena''s restless murmurs turned into roaring cheers.


    Han''s full-court press defense didn''t just put pressure on Curry¡ªit fired up the Memphis crowd.


    After taking the blame for their previous loss, Han was making his statement now. By locking down Curry, he was showing he was ready to take the game back into his own hands!


    Curry eventually realized he couldn''t shake off Han.


    Back in college, Curry had stayed until his junior year before declaring for the draft, mainly because scouts doubted his physical attributes.


    He was frail and lacked explosiveness. Although his ball-handling skills improved with training, his lack of an explosive first step remained a limitation.


    Han, on the other hand, struggled most against guards with lightning-quick first steps. Put him against someone like Allen Iverson, and he''d have no chance. But with Curry? That was a different story.


    Han''s sudden full-court pressure caught the Warriors off guard. By the time Curry''s teammates realized he couldn''t get past midcourt and rushed to help, the 8-second violation was already looming.


    Forced into a tough spot, Curry had to locate a teammate and hurled the ball toward Harrison Barnes, who was standing on the opposite side of the midcourt line.


    It was the best option under pressure¡ªbut it didn''t work. Mike Conley seized the moment, darting in for the steal!


    The Grizzlies had adjusted their defensive matchups, with Han guarding Curry, Rudy Gay covering Klay Thompson, and Conley taking Barnes.


    Had Barnes been a more seasoned player, this matchup could have spelled trouble, as he could''ve overpowered Conley in the post.


    But the rookie Barnes was mostly a spot-up shooter on offense.


    Conley, a perennial two-steals-per-game player, was incredibly attuned to such situations.


    After the steal, Conley burst forward in transition.


    Curry, left defending a two-on-one in the backcourt, stood no chance. Conley tossed a high lob, and Han soared to grab it, finishing with a one-handed alley-oop dunk.


    Landing with authority, Han grabbed his jersey with both hands, pulling on the number 77.


    The FedEx Forum exploded into pandemonium.


    The slight resurgence the Warriors had been building was stomped out by Han in an instant.


    When the Warriors inbounded the ball again, Han once more took up a full-court press against Curry.


    The Grizzlies'' players could feel their adrenaline surging.


    Barnes hesitated to receive the ball. Draymond Green moved to help, but Randolph stepped up past midcourt, using his long arms to interfere with Green''s movement.


    The Warriors couldn''t even cross halfcourt again!


    With the 8-second violation looming, Coach Mark Jackson was forced to call a timeout.


    The cheers in the arena were deafening, unstoppable.


    "This is what being a team leader looks like!"


    "If LeBron could do what Han''s doing, maybe the Thunder would have won a single game!"


    Coming out of the timeout, Jackson made adjustments.


    Surprisingly, the player subbed in wasn''t Carl Landry but Jarrett Jack.


    Jack replaced Barnes, and Jackson rolled out a "four-out, one-in" lineup.


    However, this version of four-out, one-in was different from the Heat''s or Thunder''s setups from last season, as Draymond Green, strictly speaking, was still a big man.


    A more accurate term for this lineup might be a "three-guard system."


    Jack, a solid ball-handler, partnered with Curry to successfully bring the ball past halfcourt.


    The ball ended up in Jack''s hands.


    Jack had a unique reputation¡ªoften serving as a sixth man off the bench, but as the season progressed, the starting point guard would frequently get injured, thrusting Jack into the starting lineup.


    This pattern was linked to his playstyle: Jack was a strong, aggressive combo guard.


    Using a Bogut screen, Jack drove straight into the paint, launching a floater over Marc Gasol.


    Quick footwork, a sturdy frame, and an excellent stop-and-pop ability¡ªthis was one of his signature moves.


    But just before the ball reached its apex, a figure soared overhead.


    Bang!


    To the crowd''s astonishment, Han Sen delivered a volleyball-style block, swatting the ball far out of bounds!


    The stunned gasps from the crowd quickly turned into thunderous applause.


    On the sidelines, Robert Sacre grabbed two towels and started wildly waving them with both hands.


    Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant earned their legion of fans not just because of their aesthetically pleasing playstyles, but also because of their mentality.


    While they were usually tasked with leading the offense, they didn''t hesitate to step up on defense when needed, taking on critical roles and executing them to perfection.


    Tonight, Han was embodying that same spirit. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He wasn''t just shutting down Curry; he was sending a message to the Warriors: when the Grizzlies were locked in, scoring on them wouldn''t be easy!


    Historical Note:


    ¢Ù During the 2012¨C2013 season, the Warriors eliminated the Nuggets 4¨C2 in the first round but lost to the Spurs 2¨C4 in the second round. The Spurs ultimately lost to the Heat 3¨C4 in the Finals.


    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 218: ?Warrior’s Struggles.

    Chapter 218: ?Warrior''s Struggles.The Warriors'' offensive attempt ended fruitlessly, and the arena''s energy reached a boiling point.


    "Whoop that trick!"


    The familiar chant reverberated throughout the FedEx Forum.


    Zach Randolph went back to work in the low post, taking on Draymond Green again. But this time, the Warriors'' three-guard lineup started showing its defensive strengths. Their rotations on help defense became notably quicker.


    As Han Sen watched, he found himself re-evaluating Mark Jackson while simultaneously lowering his opinion of Steve Kerr.


    Elevator screen plays, developing Green, and enhancing defensive rotations with small-ball lineups¡ªmany of the innovations credited to Kerr were, in fact, refinements of foundations Jackson had already laid.


    But the Grizzlies had fully found their groove. After a series of swift passes, the ball ended up in Han Sen''s hands. Facing Green, Han executed a flawless fake, spun past him, and finished with a smooth step-through layup.


    Green''s inexperience on defense was laid bare.


    Han Sen, scoring the basket, looked back at Green with a sly smile.


    "You should start learning some Chinese," he said.


    Green froze for a moment, confused by the comment.


    "Because you''re about to play in the CBA."


    When Han Sen delivered his follow-up, Green immediately turned beet red.


    Contrary to common assumptions, the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) holds more recognition in the NBA than one might think.


    Reasons include Yao Ming''s legacy, frequent jokes by well-known analysts, and the sheer number of ex-NBA players who transition to the CBA when their time in the league ends.


    For Green, a second-round pick, this jab hit particularly hard. Players like him, without an established foothold, often face a real possibility of heading overseas if things don''t pan out in the NBA.


    Lies don''t hurt; it''s the truth that cuts deep.


    On the Warriors'' next possession, Han Sen smothered Curry with relentless on-ball defense, denying him any chance to catch the ball.


    Forced to improvise, Jarrett Jack facilitated a play to get the ball to Klay Thompson. However, Rudy Gay''s tenacious contest forced Thompson''s shot to go astray.


    Han Sen''s example had sparked a ripple effect. Scoring against the Grizzlies had now become a monumental challenge for the Warriors.


    Meanwhile, on the offensive end, Han Sen''s fake this time sent Green flying. Drawing contact, Han absorbed the foul and earned Green his second personal foul of the quarter.


    Green''s foul trouble forced Jackson to sub him out for Carl Landry.


    As Green left the court, Han Sen gave him a little wave.


    This scene was promptly displayed on the arena''s jumbotron, igniting a storm of whistles and cheers from the Memphis crowd.


    Though Green wasn''t yet a pivotal figure for the Warriors, his behavior on social media had made him easy to dislike.


    The scoreboard reflected the contrast: Green''s most notable contribution was his foul count.


    His early exit was a blow to the Warriors. In Game 1, Green had played 35 minutes off the bench, essentially replacing David Lee in the rotation. Without him, the Warriors'' interior defense weakened, as did the quality of their screens.


    This became evident immediately after the substitution.


    Curry increased his off-ball movement, hoping to shake off Han Sen''s defense. However, Han navigated screens from both Bogut and Landry with ease, continuing to hound Curry relentlessly.


    By reading the Warriors'' screen setups, Han began anticipating plays, disrupting their actions before they could develop.


    Curry, visibly frustrated, was forced to give up the ball. Jack drove into the paint for a floater, but even without a block this time, Marc Gasol''s contest was enough to force a miss.


    The Warriors found themselves in a scoring drought.


    At this time, Adam Silver hadn''t yet taken over as commissioner, and the Warriors hadn''t risen to prominence. No whistle was coming to bail them out tonight.


    It wasn''t until eight minutes into the quarter that Landry finally broke the Warriors'' dry spell with a putback layup.


    By then, the scoreboard read 7¨C20.


    In just over half a quarter, the Grizzlies demonstrated their true power.


    While their offense was potent, it was their defense that truly terrified opponents. This was why Memphis often blew games open by the third quarter.


    If Miami was the NBA''s sharpest spear, Memphis was its impenetrable shield.


    Tonight, that shield had transformed the Warriors into a shadow of the team from Game 1.


    The final score read 98¨C77. By the end of the third quarter, the game had entered garbage time.


    Ironically, Green''s pregame prediction was half-right. A team had indeed been buried tonight¡ªbut it wasn''t the Grizzlies.


    Klay Thompson led the Warriors with 17 points on 20 shots, while Curry, stifled by Han Sen''s defense, scored just 9 points on 4-of-14 shooting, including 1-of-7 from beyond the arc. Curry also recorded 8 assists but committed 4 turnovers.


    On the Grizzlies'' side, Han Sen finished with 20 points on 13 attempts, half of his output from Game 1. Randolph led Memphis with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists, dominating the paint.


    ...


    Han Sen and Randolph attended the postgame press conference together.


    "Other than Han, the rest of us played like crap last game," Randolph said bluntly, effectively criticizing himself and the team.


    "Even though Han is younger than me and we''ve been teammates for three years now, I''m still learning from him¡ªhis willingness to take responsibility and lead by example. He''s a true leader."


    Randolph''s words were heartfelt, in stark contrast to the typical platitudes exchanged at press conferences.


    Three years ago, Randolph had clashed with Han Sen over the team''s hierarchy. But now, he was more than willing to play the role of Han''s second-in-command.


    As Randolph put it, Han Sen earned respect not just with his on-court performance but with his character and leadership.


    "Honestly, I''m just lucky to be on a team with six All-Stars," Randolph said, his tone reflective.


    When it was Han Sen''s turn to speak, his humor lightened the mood.


    Asked how Memphis could have six All-Stars, Han jokingly referenced a famous fanbase trope, prompting laughter across the room.


    An ESPN reporter shifted the focus. "Will you continue defending Curry like this in the next game? I mean, this kind of effort could significantly impact your stats."


    "We know you haven''t signed an extension with the team yet. Doesn''t this affect your potential contract value?"


    Han Sen, who had yet to agree to an extension with Memphis, was in a contract year. Unlike most players who inflate their numbers during such years, Han seemed to be taking the opposite approach. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Was he genuinely afraid of getting a deal too large?


    Of course, that wasn''t the case. Nobody would intentionally undermine their own earnings.


    Han''s decision not to extend last summer wasn''t because of a lack of interest, but because the Grizzlies'' offer wasn''t enough. It wasn''t just about the money, either¡ªgetting a max contract symbolized status.


    If you aren''t offered a max deal, how can you call yourself the team leader?


    "Will you still defend like this?"


    Han Sen''s response was succinct: "I will."


    There might be some incompetent executives in the NBA, but not all of them are. As the reigning Finals MVP and three-time fan vote leader for the All-Star Game, the likelihood of Han not receiving a max contract this summer was about as slim as the national soccer team making it to the World Cup.


    Finally, an NBC reporter asked, "Draymond said pregame that the Warriors would bury the Grizzlies. Do you have anything to say to him now?"


    Han Sen paused briefly before replying, "I hope he enjoys the rest of the series."


    With a small smirk, he added, "Time''s running out for them."


    ...


    After the first two games of the series, the Grizzlies and Warriors shifted the battle to Oakland for Game 3.


    Joerger decided not to assign Han Sen to guard Curry this time.


    While Han Sen was willing to sacrifice his stats for the team''s success, as a coach, Joerger had to consider a broader perspective.


    In Game 1, the Grizzlies were out of sync offensively. Under those circumstances, regardless of whether Han could shut down the blazing-hot Curry, as the head coach, Joerger couldn''t risk putting his offensive core against the opponent''s. That would have only accelerated the collapse.


    However, the situation in Game 3 was markedly different from Game 1. The Grizzlies had found their rhythm, and for games they could win with standard effort, there was no need to go all out.


    Once again, Jackson adjusted the starting lineup for this game, inserting Landry into the starting five.


    Jackson had become something of a mad scientist, always throwing surprises at Joerger.


    Landry, who earned the nickname ''Birdman'' during his time with the Rockets, was well-remembered by East Coast college basketball fans for his relentless energy. One of his iconic career moments was losing a front tooth during a game.


    He was the opposite of Draymond Green¡ªstrong offensively but weak defensively. Though he lacked three-point range, he had a solid mid-range shot effective up to 16 feet.


    When Green ran pick-and-rolls, his primary option was to pop out. In contrast, Landry''s threat lay in rolling to the basket.


    Landry''s presence gave the Warriors a slight offensive edge compared to the previous game. Moreover, back at home, the Warriors were playing with renewed vigor.


    The teams were locked in a tight contest for the first half, but then the game shifted into classic Grizzlies mode.


    In the third quarter, the Grizzlies tightened their defense, and Joerger finally tasked Han Sen with guarding Curry.


    The Warriors managed only 16 points in the third quarter, allowing the Grizzlies to pull ahead.


    Adding to the Warriors'' woes, Curry suffered another ankle sprain while attempting a forced drive under Han Sen''s suffocating defense and had to leave the game early.


    Though Curry''s tactical role in Jackson''s system wasn''t as prominent as in later years, his absence revealed just how much the Warriors relied on him. Even when Curry wasn''t holding the ball, his off-ball movement exerted significant pressure on opposing defenses.


    The Grizzlies won comfortably, 97¨C85, taking a 2¨C1 series lead.


    Han Sen posted a game-high 28 points, while Curry had 18 before his injury.


    As for Green, time appeared to be running out for him. He logged only 10 minutes, finishing with 2 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists on 1-of-3 shooting.


    Could Curry return for Game 4? That was the burning question among Bay Area media after Game 3.


    The answer came the day before Game 4: Curry would play through the pain with a cortisone shot.


    The news was a huge morale booster for the Warriors.


    This wasn''t the first time Curry had played under such circumstances this season¡ªor even in this postseason. In Game 3 of the first round against the Nuggets, he also sprained his ankle but returned with a cortisone injection to help the Warriors secure a 3¨C1 series lead.


    If LeBron could make a triumphant comeback with the Cavaliers, Curry''s choice brought a similar surge in team spirit.


    Adding to the Warriors'' optimism was another piece of exciting news: David Lee, previously ruled out for the season with a hip flexor injury, announced he would return for Game 4.


    This near-miraculous recovery injected another dose of confidence into the Warriors.


    "It''s time for Memphis to see how terrifying the Warriors truly are," Green proclaimed on social media.


    You had to admire Green''s audacity¡ªhis personality ensured he would always be the most prominent figure among Han Sen''s haters.


    Amid the eager anticipation of Bay Area fans, Game 4 in Oakland began.


    Curry and Lee''s return to action inspired the Warriors. Early three-pointers by Thompson and Barnes gave them a perfect 6¨C0 start.


    However, no one expected that this would be their only lead of the entire game.


    Curry''s grit in playing through injury uplifted the team''s spirit, but his performance was visibly affected by his condition. As for Lee, his return felt more symbolic than impactful¡ªhe played just three minutes.


    It wasn''t a miracle after all, unless you counted faking an injury.


    The Grizzlies routed the Warriors 109¨C91, taking a commanding 3¨C1 series lead.


    "Playing through injury with a cortisone shot is a huge risk for Steph. He''s a warrior," Han Sen said during the post-game press conference, offering high praise for Curry.


    Despite being a time traveler, Han Sen hadn''t known Curry had a history of playing through cortisone shots. Nor did he know how such repeated treatments might affect Curry''s career, given that Curry''s game wasn''t built on physical dominance.


    Han Sen''s comment was genuine admiration for Curry''s courage. However, it unexpectedly attracted a wave of new haters.


    This had everything to do with LeBron, who had already been sent fishing by the Grizzlies.


    After the Thunder were eliminated, LeBron, despite being injured, attended the post-game press conference and delivered the now-infamous quote, "It''s just basketball."


    His remarks drew criticism from some, but most people understood his point¡ªinjuries are an unfortunate part of the game.


    Yet shortly after the playoffs, LeBron was seen actively participating in commercial events, even dunking during performances, showing no signs of injury. This sparked a backlash online.


    Thus, Han Sen''s praise for Curry was interpreted by LeBron fans as a veiled jab at their idol.


    Han Sen couldn''t help but think back to forums he''d browsed before his time travel. Discussions about players somehow always circled back to LeBron, with people frequently inserting the word ''than'' to draw comparisons.


    He once thought it was just LeBron haters stirring the pot. But now it seemed that LeBron''s most fervent fans might be his biggest detractors.


    -End of Chapter-


    Author''s note:


    To set the record straight, the Warriors under Mark Jackson weren''t weak. Despite missing David Lee, they defeated the Nuggets 4¨C2 before falling 2¨C4 to the Spurs, who came within one rebound by Duncan and one three-pointer by Ray Allen of winning the title that year.


    In the 2013¨C2014 season, the Warriors lost 3¨C4 to the Clippers in the first round, a one-possession game without Bogut, who was sidelined late in the season.


    When the Warriors were upset in 2016, in addition to Green''s suspension, Bogut''s injury was a critical blow as he was their defensive anchor.

 Chapter 219: I’m Here to Avenge CP3.

    Chapter 219: I''m Here to Avenge CP3.102-92.


    There was no miracle. The Grizzlies, after losing Game 1, won four consecutive games to achieve a gentleman''s sweep of the Warriors, finishing the series 4-1.


    Despite playing through injury, Steph Curry scored 25 points but needed 25 attempts to make just 10 shots.


    At the post-game handshake, as Han Sen reached out to Curry and was about to speak¡ª


    "Don''t say it," Curry interrupted, predicting Han Sen''s words in advance.


    Han Sen chuckled. It seemed Curry still remembered their exchange from the three-point contest years ago.


    "How''s your ankle holding up?" Han asked, showing genuine concern.


    Curry, who attended Han''s training camps every year, had a close personal bond with him. Han didn''t want to see Curry''s career derailed by injuries.


    "If you''re holding a camp again this year, I''ll be there," Curry replied, showing his competitive spirit despite his slender frame.


    Without that drive, Curry wouldn''t have played through the pain with cortisone shots.


    After sweeping the Thunder in the first round and dispatching the Warriors 4-1, the Grizzlies advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the third straight season. This time, it was their easiest run yet.


    On top of that, they received some good news: Chris Paul''s season was over.


    The other Western Conference Semifinal featured the Spurs and Lakers. After splitting the first four games 2-2, the pivotal Game 5¡ªknown as the ''Battle for the Hill''¡ªtook a dramatic turn when Paul was injured by Manu Ginobili''s controversial closeout, ruling him out for the season.


    Although the series wasn''t over yet, Paul''s injury was a crushing blow for the Lakers, leading them to lose Game 5.


    Kobe Bryant poured in 45 points in Game 6 to force a Game 7, but the Lakers ran out of steam in the decider, ultimately losing to the Spurs.


    Last year''s epic Lakers-Grizzlies battle wouldn''t be repeated this season¡ªa relief for Memphis.


    The Grizzlies, with Han Sen, the ''Spurs Killer,'' had plenty to celebrate.


    Han hadn''t expected the Spurs to be their next opponents in the Western Finals.


    So... Paul missed the Conference Finals again?


    There was no time to dwell on Paul''s misfortune, as Han immediately began analyzing the Spurs-Lakers series.


    At first glance, Paul''s injury seemed to be the deciding factor in the Lakers'' elimination. However, the reality was more nuanced.


    Paul was injured in Game 5, but the series was tied 2-2 before that, with both teams evenly matched.


    While Han Sen was undeniably the ''Spurs Killer,'' wasn''t Kobe also one?


    Yet, the Spurs hadn''t crumbled in the first four games. This year''s Spurs were clearly different.


    Upon reviewing the footage, Han understood the key difference.


    The Spurs had significantly reduced their reliance on zone defense compared to past seasons, and even the regular season.


    The catalyst for this change was the growth of Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green.


    Green, a rookie in the same class as Han Sen, had been largely overlooked until last season when he cracked the Spurs'' rotation. This season, he became a starter and embodied the modern 3-and-D shooting guard.


    Leonard''s trajectory was similar. After miraculously developing a jump shot during his rookie season, he was promoted to the starting lineup midway through the year.


    This season, Leonard surpassed Manu Ginobili as the team''s third-leading scorer.


    While their roles differed, both were excellent defenders.


    The Spurs'' reliance on zone defense had historically varied. Early in the century, it was a necessity to protect the paint against Shaquille O''Neal.


    Later, it became a crutch to compensate for defensive shortcomings, particularly after Bruce Bowen''s retirement left the team without a reliable perimeter stopper.


    Now, with two elite defenders, Gregg Popovich no longer needed to lean heavily on zone schemes, which had inherent weaknesses and could be exploited by smart offenses.


    During the regular season, the Grizzlies had already noticed the Spurs'' reduced use of zone defense. At the time, they attributed it to Han Sen''s reputation as a ''Spurs Killer.''


    But with Kawhi and Green''s continued development, it was clear Popovich''s confidence had grown considerably.


    As the Grizzlies and Spurs prepared to clash in the Western Finals, the Eastern Finals matchup was also set. The Pacers edged out the Nets in a Game 7 thriller to face the Miami Heat.


    Both teams had endured grueling paths to the Conference Finals.


    The Heat''s first-round series against the Bucks had seemed like a foregone conclusion. However, Dwyane Wade experienced knee soreness in Game 1 and chose to sit out the rest of the round.


    The Heat''s pursuit of 70 wins in the regular season was taking its toll.


    While every team played 82 games, Miami''s stars had played heavy minutes, facing relentless pressure from opponents.


    Even without Wade, the Heat managed to defeat the Bucks and Bulls (missing Derrick Rose) with two 4-1 series victories. But against the Pacers¡ªa team that stylistically countered Miami¡ªthings wouldn''t be so easy.


    Before the Conference Finals began, the league announced its All-NBA teams.


    The Grizzlies stole the spotlight, boasting multiple honorees.


    Han Sen earned First Team All-NBA and Second Team All-Defense honors. Zach Randolph made the Third Team, while Mike Conley and Marc Gasol joined Han on the Second Team All-Defense.


    Marc Gasol also edged out Serge Ibaka and Joakim Noah to win Defensive Player of the Year.


    The Grizzlies were now undeniably a ''super team.''


    Still claiming you''re not a Big Six team?


    As the Grizzlies and Spurs prepared for Game 1 in Memphis, pre-series hype began to build.


    Though the two teams didn''t meet in last year''s playoffs, their Western Semifinals clash two years ago was unforgettable.


    Closeouts, coaching injuries, crippling fouls, and intentional plays¡ªit was a storyline filled with drama.


    Adding to the intrigue, the Spurs'' controversial tactics against the Lakers in this year''s playoffs set the stage for an emotionally charged series.


    For many fans, this was a clash between the two ''dirtiest'' teams in the league¡ªa narrative that only fueled anticipation.


    During the Grizzlies'' open practice, Han Sen was swarmed by reporters.


    One question about Chris Paul inevitably came up.


    Paul''s name was impossible to avoid, given the narrative that the Spurs'' success came at his expense.


    Han''s response was emphatic.


    "You know, Paul is one of the players I admire most. His skills are incredible, and I''m disappointed I won''t get to face him in the playoffs again. I''m outraged at what happened to him, and I''ll avenge him."


    Han''s words left people speechless. After all, everyone knew about his history of verbal spats with Paul.


    But compared to dirty plays, trash talk seemed trivial. Han''s ''choosing the lesser evil'' stance was understandable.


    How Paul felt about this while recovering at home was anyone''s guess.


    With home-court advantage, the Grizzlies were set to host Game 1 in Memphis.


    During the pre-game warmup, the cameras focused on Han Sen early.


    As the ''Spurs Killer,'' his performance would undoubtedly be decisive.


    TNT''s commentary team finally made their predictions, though they avoided guessing the series outcome. Instead, they debated Han''s expected scoring output.


    "Forty points. There''s no way he scores less," Barkley declared confidently.


    "Thirty points. Kobe didn''t even average that last round," Shaq retorted, taking the opportunity to diss Kobe.


    "I don''t think Han will dominate this series. The Spurs aren''t relying on zone defense anymore, and their defensive versatility gives them more options," Kenny Smith analyzed earnestly.


    Without the open mid-range looks created by zone defenses, scoring against the Spurs wouldn''t be easy.


    Han was about to face the same challenge Kobe had in the previous series.


    ...


    After the opening ceremony, both teams announced their starting lineups.


    The Grizzlies stuck to their usual starting five, benefiting from a season of rest and remarkable health.


    Spurs Starting Five: Tony Parker, Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard, Tim Duncan, Tiago Splitter


    Before the game tipped off, the camera caught a glimpse of Coach Popovich. The confident expression on the renowned coach''s face was unmistakable.


    However, once the game began, his confident demeanor quickly shifted to concern.


    The Grizzlies'' gameplay was completely different from what he had anticipated.


    Typically, the Grizzlies rely on post play and a combination of inside and outside scoring¡ªa style similar to that of the Spurs.


    But tonight, after Marc Gasol secured the opening tip for Memphis, their first possession showcased something unexpected.


    Both Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol moved to the weak side. Once the strong side cleared out, Han Sen established position at the high post, backing down Green.


    With Rudy Gay stationed at the strong-side corner, the setup bore a striking resemblance to the triangle offense.


    Popovich wasn''t sure what Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger was up to, but he chose not to call for help defense.


    The Grizzlies thrive on teamwork, and double-teaming would only activate their entire lineup. Isolating Han Sen in one-on-one situations didn''t seem like a bad strategy for the Spurs.


    Of course, this decision was rooted in Popovich''s confidence in his team''s individual defensive capabilities.


    Danny Green, like Han Sen, is a full-sized shooting guard with both speed and physicality. Under the Spurs coaching staff, his defense had improved significantly.


    Han Sen caught the ball mid-air and began backing down.


    Feeling Green''s firm resistance, Han Sen decisively spun toward the free-throw line.


    His decision was so quick that Green couldn''t adjust his defensive stance in time.


    Still, Green didn''t give up. He pursued Han Sen from behind and attempted one of his signature defensive moves¡ªa reach-around poke from behind.


    This technique had tripped up plenty of offensive players in the past. In the previous series against the Lakers, even Kobe fell for it a few times.


    But to Green''s surprise, his first attempt tonight was a complete miss.


    As Green went for the poke, Han Sen swiftly switched hands with a left-handed crossover, evading the steal and releasing a floater before Duncan''s help defense could arrive. The shot sank.


    ''Was that... a coincidence?'' Green wasn''t sure. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    On the next defensive possession, Green tried for another steal. Again, he failed.


    One failure could be chalked up to coincidence. But two consecutive failures? It was enough to raise suspicion.


    ''Did Han Sen have eyes on the back of his head?''


    Of course not. Han had simply studied Green''s tendencies.


    Unlike Leonard, who was a Spurs development priority, Green was still considered a relatively unremarkable role player by the broader basketball community.


    The only thing notable about Green was his shooting: a 42.5% three-point accuracy during the regular season, which he had elevated to 46% in the playoffs.


    But as a time traveler, Han Sen knew Green''s defensive skills were nothing to underestimate. That''s why he made sure to study him thoroughly before the game.


    Green''s repeated failures weren''t unjustified. After all, he never imagined a Finals MVP like Han Sen would dedicate time pre-game to studying a role player like him.


    Han Sen''s next drive past Green drew a foul from Duncan on his layup attempt, sending him to the free-throw line.


    Popovich took the opportunity to call Green over for a quick chat on the sideline.


    Han Sen sank both free throws, opening the game with 4 straight points in excellent form.


    On the Spurs'' possession, Parker''s drive off a pick-and-roll with Duncan ended with a contested spinning layup that rimmed out. The Grizzlies'' defense was dialed in from the start.


    Back on offense, Han Sen again posted up Green.


    This time, Green adjusted his defensive approach. He eased up on the physical contact, suggesting Popovich had given him some tips on handling Han Sen during their sideline chat.


    Sensing the change through his back, Han Sen didn''t rush to spin this time. Instead, he delivered two strong bumps to test Green''s positioning.


    Then, he reset his pivot foot and spun toward the three-point line.


    Green assumed it was a fake and didn''t leap, but Han Sen used the move to create separation, smoothly transitioning into a fadeaway jumper.


    By the time Green lunged forward to contest, it was too late.


    And from that spot on the court, even a help defender couldn''t arrive in time.


    Swish!


    The ball sailed through the hoop, igniting the Grizzlies fans into a frenzy. Han Sen had scored 6 straight points to start the game!


    Popovich''s furrowed brow deepened.


    What worried him wasn''t just Han Sen''s hot start¡ªit was the undeniable intent behind it. Han Sen was clearly aiming to dominate Green from the outset.


    Parker and Duncan ran another pick-and-roll, and Parker hit a mid-range jumper to get the Spurs on the board.


    But on the Grizzlies'' next possession, Han Sen held the ball at the high post again.


    By now, even the crowd could sense it: Han was sending a clear message.


    Either the Spurs send help, or he was going to obliterate Green one-on-one.


    Popovich held firm, refraining from calling for a double-team.


    Han Sen seized the opportunity and attacked again, spinning baseline before abruptly stopping for what appeared to be a jump shot.


    Green scrambled to contest but found himself out of position when Han Sen used an up-and-under move to glide past him, laying the ball in off the glass.


    As the ball dropped through the net once more, frustration was evident on Green''s face.


    In the previous series, guarding Kobe had been no walk in the park, but Kobe''s approach was more methodical¡ªstarting games by involving his teammates and conserving his energy for the moments that mattered most.


    Han Sen, on the other hand, was relentless. Fueled by youth, he seemed determined to blow past Green right from the opening tip.


    Could Han Sen''s pre-game comments have been true? Was he really out here seeking revenge for Chris Paul?


    ---


    First Team All-NBA: Chris Paul, Han Sen, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard


    Second Team: Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Tim Duncan, Carmelo Anthony, Blake Griffin


    Third Team: Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Paul George, Chris Bosh, Zach Randolph


    First Team All-Defense: Chris Paul, Tony Allen, Kobe Bryant, Serge Ibaka, Joakim Noah


    Second Team All-Defense: Mike Conley, Han Sen, Paul George, Tim Duncan, Marc Gasol


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 220: I’m Crying.

    Chapter 220: I¡¯m Crying.The crowd erupted as countless fans stood up, waving their yellow towels fervently.


    It''s common for teams to enhance their home-court atmosphere during the playoffs with special gimmicks.


    For instance, Han Sen recalled how, in ''history,'' the Mavericks had placed seat covers printed with P.J. Washington''s iconic arm-crossing pose on every seat after the move went viral. It was an impressive show of team spirit.


    The Grizzlies'' yellow towels, however, were tied to Sacre.


    Though he rarely got playing time, Sacre''s intense energy on the bench made him more popular among Grizzlies fans than many rotation players.


    In the first two playoff rounds, the Grizzlies hadn''t faced much trouble. But now, in the Western Conference Finals against their long-time rivals, the Spurs, they decided to pull out the big guns.


    Everyone in the arena received a yellow towel with the words "Whoop That Trick" boldly printed on it.


    The sight of thousands of fans swinging the towels in unison was truly spectacular.


    Even Coach Popovich, known for his calm demeanor, couldn''t stay seated. He stood up and signaled his team to make adjustments.


    Parker and Duncan executed a pick-and-roll, passing to Leonard in the corner. However, Leonard''s three-pointer, under Rudy Gay''s swift closeout, missed the mark.


    This Spurs team was defensively strong, but their offense was comparatively weaker.


    With Duncan''s advancing age, his low-post threat had diminished. At this stage, the Spurs hadn''t yet developed their ''Hammer'' action, so their offense mostly revolved around pick-and-roll plays between Parker and Duncan.


    For the Spurs, the key to winning was defense. For the Grizzlies, it was about breaking through that defense.


    When Han Sen brought the ball up again, he noticed his defender had switched to Leonard.


    This was clearly part of Popovich''s strategy¡ªif Green couldn''t handle Han Sen, Leonard would. They planned to rotate defenders on him.


    Han Sen attempted to post up Leonard but quickly realized it wasn''t effective.


    Leonard was bigger than Green, and his long arms and massive hands exerted significant pressure on the ball.


    Han Sen passed back to Conley and then immediately asked for the ball again.


    This time, when he received it, he switched from a post-up to a face-up attack.


    Leonard''s static defensive abilities were exceptional, but his dynamic defense was weaker¡ªone of the reasons he had fallen out of the lottery during his draft year.


    (TL/n: A post-up is a static play, favoring Leonard''s strengths. A face-up play, however, requires dynamic movement.)


    Han Sen''s adjustment paid off immediately.


    He bypassed Leonard''s ''death grip'' by driving to his right, creating space between them. His subsequent pull-up jumper faced only minimal interference from Leonard.


    Unfortunately, Duncan''s help defense disrupted the shot, and it missed.


    Face-up plays require more space and are more susceptible to help defense.


    On the other end, Leonard cut to the weak side, received a pass from Duncan, and managed a layup despite being blocked by Gay, finally breaking the Spurs'' scoring drought.


    True talent shines anywhere, and Kawhi Leonard''s potential was undeniable.


    Back on offense, Han Sen continued with his face-up strategy.


    This time, he shortened the distance of his drive and pulled up near the free-throw line.


    Duncan couldn''t rotate in time, and though Leonard jumped to contest, Han Sen''s fadeaway nullified the interference.


    Swish!


    The ball went cleanly through the net.


    The crowd exploded in cheers, with even more fans waving their yellow towels wildly.


    Some fans held their towels high, proudly displaying the printed slogan.


    Han Sen didn''t need to jump onto the scorer''s table¡ªhis dominance on the court spoke for itself.


    And rightly so, as he had singlehandedly scored the Grizzlies'' first 10 points!


    The score was 10¨C4, with the Grizzlies taking an early lead.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    As the Spurs advanced, the chants of the Grizzlies'' fans echoed throughout the arena.


    Many fans remained standing, and the sound waves seemed to come from all directions, creating a surround-sound effect.


    Duncan delivered a beautiful pass, but Green, feeling the pressure, missed an open shot, airballing it entirely.


    The Grizzlies'' energy clearly weighed on the younger Spurs team.


    Conley brought the ball up and passed to Han Sen, who once again went into isolation.


    This was already his seventh one-on-one play since the game started.


    It was as if he were Achilles storming through the battlefield, unrelenting in his assault.


    Even Popovich seemed momentarily stunned.


    Han Sen''s relentless attacking wasn''t just about momentum¡ªit was about sheer disregard for fatigue.


    What exactly were the Grizzlies trying to do?


    As Popovich pondered, Han Sen went one-on-one against Leonard again, this time more precisely.


    After faking a drive, he followed it with a fake pull-up.


    Having just been scored on, Leonard bit on the fake and jumped.


    Leonard paid the price for his inexperience. Han Sen drew the foul, earning two free throws.


    At the line, Han Sen took a deep breath.


    These opening isolations weren''t improvised but part of a strategy he and Joerger devised after analyzing game footage.


    Popovich believed his team had plenty of defensive tools to counter the Grizzlies, but the Grizzlies wanted to show that none of those tools would work against Han Sen.


    If this point were proven, the Spurs would be forced back into a zone defense.


    And once the game shifted to that mode, the Grizzlies would gain a tactical advantage.


    Exploiting the Spurs'' weaknesses had always been crucial.


    Kobe had become a ''Spurs killer'' not just because of his mid-range shots against their zone defense. Even without Chris Paul, Kobe had carried the Lakers to a Game 7 in 2012 with his explosive scoring.


    The Spurs excelled at team defense and rotations. They weren''t afraid of slashers or team-oriented offenses but struggled against elite mid-range and long-distance scorers.


    Breaking down both Green and Leonard wasn''t easy¡ªthey were young but had already troubled Kobe in the previous round.


    Yet Han Sen was exceeding all expectations.


    He sank both free throws.


    12¨C4.


    Duncan hit a bank shot off a pick-and-roll, finally adding to the Spurs'' tally.


    Popovich quickly signaled for double-teams on Han Sen.


    The idea that ''too much isolation hurts the team'' only applies when the isolation isn''t efficient. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With Han Sen scoring on 6 of his first 7 possessions, the Spurs couldn''t risk allowing him to produce numbers reminiscent of Kobe''s 81-point game.


    But Han Sen wasn''t about to ease up.


    When the double-team came, he passed to Marc Gasol and cut to the basket without the ball.


    Receiving a pass from Marc, Han Sen absorbed contact from Splitter and drew another foul, earning another trip to the free-throw line.


    "MVP! MVP!"


    As Han Sen prepared to shoot, the crowd''s chants grew deafening.


    Once again, he made both free throws. He had now scored all 14 of the Grizzlies'' points!


    The defensive chants resumed, and as Duncan held the ball, waiting for Parker to cut, Conley anticipated the pass and intercepted it.


    The Grizzlies launched a fast break. Conley sprinted ahead, drawing defenders, and then passed to Han Sen trailing in the middle.


    Han Sen soared, twisting mid-air to avoid Leonard, and slammed the ball in with his right hand.


    The FedEx Forum erupted. This wasn''t just thousands of fans; over ten thousand were waving their yellow towels, creating an overwhelming spectacle.


    Popovich signaled for a timeout.


    The LED scoreboard displayed Han Sen''s stats:


    7-of-8 shooting, 4-of-4 from the line, 16 points.


    A 16-point opening streak!


    The commentators at the booth were completely losing it.


    Especially Charles Barkley, who sounded as if he had just taken something exhilarating.


    "Let me reintroduce him: the man who holds God''s 77 points of basketball ability, the destroyer of scorer''s tables, the Spurs slayer, and the mayor of San Antonio¡ªHan Sen!"


    During the timeout, Han Sen sat down, taking the water and towel that Sacre promptly handed him. He adjusted his breathing before taking a big sip of water.


    Sweat was pouring down his forehead.


    Though the game had only just begun, the high intensity of his consecutive isolations was rapidly depleting his energy.


    Still, the results made it worthwhile.


    The momentum of the game was entirely in the Grizzlies'' favor now.


    More importantly, the Grizzlies had seized control of the game. The Spurs were now forced to think about how to defend, instead of the Grizzlies trying to crack their defense.


    After the timeout, the Spurs subbed in Ginobili and Diaw, replacing Green and Splitter.


    Ginobili''s impact was immediate. After a pick-and-roll with Diaw, he stopped on a dime, pulled up, and nailed a mid-range fadeaway.


    8-16.


    Despite the Grizzlies'' blazing start, the Spurs'' methodical scoring kept them in striking distance.


    Popovich''s game plan was clear.


    Under normal circumstances, Han Sen couldn''t possibly keep up this scoring spree forever. As long as they weathered this storm, they''d be fine once Han Sen''s hot hand cooled.


    Leonard switched to a deny-defense approach to limit Han Sen''s touches.


    Whenever Han Sen managed to catch the ball at the three-point line, Ginobili quickly rotated over to help.


    Popovich''s strategy was clear: no traps at the start, but once they did trap, it would be relentless.


    Conley passed the ball to Gay, but Duncan stepped out to disrupt the catch. By the time Gay secured the ball, his first scoring opportunity was gone.


    Once the ball left Han Sen''s hands, everyone could feel the real defensive strength of this Spurs team.


    Gay ended up taking a turnaround fadeaway jumper.


    Under Duncan''s pressure, the ball clanged off the back iron and bounced high before missing.


    Duncan turned to grab the defensive rebound, but a figure soared in before him, snatching the ball in mid-air.


    Duncan instinctively raised his hand to block, but it was no use.


    Bam!


    Before the stunned eyes of the live audience, Han Sen broke free from Leonard and Ginobili, stormed into the paint, and dunked over Duncan!


    He had delivered on his words from years ago¡ªposterizing a plantar fasciitis-free Tim Duncan!


    The FedExForum erupted once again.


    Landing after the dunk, Han Sen couldn''t contain his excitement, shaking his jersey and roaring to the crowd.


    The game strategy had been set before the match; the scoring start had exceeded expectations, and even Han Sen himself hadn''t anticipated his own performance!


    He could feel the toll on his stamina, but it was as if fresh energy kept surging through his body¡ªa sign of adrenaline-fueled excitement. He was locked in!


    Popovich''s eyes widened.


    Even Kobe had never scored 18 consecutive points to open a game against the Spurs.


    This wasn''t just being in the zone; this was insanity.


    On the other end, the Grizzlies'' defensive intensity continued to rise.


    When Parker tried to drive, Conley stole the ball. Had Conley not stepped out of bounds while hurrying the fast break, the Grizzlies would have forced another stop.


    This heightened defensive energy wasn''t just because of their regained focus after the Warriors series¡ªit was because Han Sen''s incredible play inspired them to pour their energy into defense.


    With Han Sen carrying the team, they couldn''t afford to drag him down.


    The ball eventually landed in Ginobili''s hands.


    "When the team is rolling, it''s Parker. When they''re grinding, it''s Duncan. And when all else fails, it''s Ginobili¡ªready to take on anything, even the impossible."


    Ginobili used a pick-and-roll to snake through the defense, heading straight for the rim.


    But just as he avoided Marc Gasol and went for a bank shot, a figure suddenly rose behind him, swatting the ball against the backboard.


    It was Han Sen, again!


    Not just on offense¡ªHan was making plays on defense too!


    Fans in the arena couldn''t help but clutch their heads in disbelief.


    They had forgotten about waving their yellow towels; they didn''t even know how to process what they were witnessing anymore.


    The ball ended up in the Grizzlies'' hands, and the Spurs came up empty again.


    Han Sen continued to draw heavy defensive attention, giving Gay an opening to cut inside. When Duncan rotated over to help, Gay dished it to Randolph.


    However, Randolph''s shot was affected by Diaw and missed.


    Though Diaw wasn''t as tall as the starting center, Splitter, his quicker footwork made him effective.


    Fortunately, Marc Gasol secured the offensive rebound under the rim.


    Seeing Duncan approach, Gasol didn''t force a second-chance shot. Instead, he passed the ball back out to Conley to reset the offense.


    That''s when Conley noticed Han Sen cutting to an open spot.


    The Grizzlies'' previous sequence had shifted the Spurs'' defensive formation, and Han Sen''s movement created a chance to receive the ball.


    Conley''s pass came right on time, but by the time Han Sen caught it, Leonard was already closing in again, with Ginobili rotating from the top of the arc to help.


    The Spurs'' defensive execution was impeccable in this moment.


    Han Sen didn''t pass the ball this time. Instead, he took advantage of Leonard''s unbalanced footing, backed him down slightly, then spun in the opposite direction of Ginobili''s help¡ªtoward the baseline¡ªand launched a fadeaway.


    Ginobili''s help came too late, and although Leonard lunged to contest, his wingspan couldn''t reach Han Sen''s high-arcing fadeaway.


    The ball sailed over Leonard''s outstretched arms, spinning toward the hoop.


    The crowd collectively held their breath.


    This wasn''t a game-winning shot, but it carried the same level of thrill.


    It was a high-difficulty shot, but the arc was perfect.


    Swish!


    The sound of the net snapping echoed through the arena, and the FedExForum exploded.


    The camera cut to Popovich, whose widened eyes betrayed the shock he was feeling.


    "What else can I say, folks?" Even Charles Barkley on commentary was at a loss for words.


    Han Sen had scored the Grizzlies'' first 20 points¡ªagainst the Spurs!


    "Is this God playing basketball in a No. 77 jersey?" Barkley added. "Even that might not do this justice. Han Sen''s opening performance tonight is historic!"


    Shaquille O''Neal chimed in, "It''s clear Han and CP3 are really close!"


    Chris Paul, watching the broadcast after Han Sen''s comments about him, could only sit back in disbelief as he witnessed Han Sen lighting up the Spurs.


    At this moment, Paul thought to himself: Han Sen is unbelievable. I''m speechless.

 Chapter 221: Breaking the Defense.

    Chapter 221: Breaking the Defense.At this moment, a very intriguing scene unfolded on the sidelines.


    Coach Joerger called James Johnson off the bench and sent him to the scorer''s table to sub in for Rudy Gay.


    Johnson wasn''t in the Grizzlies'' regular rotation anymore, so the intent behind this substitution was clear.


    Han Sen''s explosive performance didn''t just intimidate the opponents¡ªit worried the head coach as well.


    Han played the entire first quarter, and despite the Spurs'' frenzied double-teaming later in the period, he still managed to rack up 26 points.


    This marked a new NBA playoff record for the most points in a single quarter.


    Additionally, his streak of scoring 20 consecutive points to start the game also set another playoff record for the most consecutive points at the beginning of a game.


    In history, Napoleon famously defeated two opposing armies at the Battle of Austerlitz. Now, Han Sen broke two historical records in one quarter.


    Back in China, the game was broadcasted live nationwide. The TV broadcast held up, but the online stream crashed the website entirely.


    Fans who could access a TV tuned in, while those who couldn''t resorted to live-text commentary¡ªuntil even that system crashed.


    In the end, with no outlet for their excitement, fans swarmed forums to discuss the game, causing the forums to crash as well.


    A triple cascade of crashes¡ªit was that kind of night.


    Under Han Sen''s lead, the Grizzlies also made history by scoring 38 points in a single quarter.


    At the end of the first quarter, the score stood at 38¨C18.


    This set the tone for the entire game.


    ...


    In the next three quarters, the Spurs showed their resilience.


    However, the Grizzlies remained remarkably composed, maintaining a steady and methodical approach even with a 20-point lead.


    As a result, no matter how hard the Spurs tried, they couldn''t narrow the gap.


    Coach Gregg Popovich was visibly frustrated by the end. During garbage time in the fourth quarter, he uncharacteristically kept his starters on the court until the final buzzer.


    While this wasn''t entirely shocking for a coach known for occasional unconventional tactics, the true surprise came during the postgame press conference, where the legendary coach lost his cool.


    Unlike two years ago, when Han Sen''s remarks had irritated him, this time, it was Han''s performance that truly broke his composure.


    "Why didn''t we stop Han? How could you even ask such a stupid question? Didn''t you see the way we defended him? Or are you pretending not to notice?"


    The reporter was left dumbfounded, as Han Sen had scored 45 points in three quarters against the Spurs'' defense.


    Had he played the fourth quarter, it would have undoubtedly been a career-defining night for him.


    While Popovich fumed, Joerger was overjoyed.


    At the Grizzlies'' press conference, Joerger delivered a string of quotable gems:


    "I have no idea what just happened¡ªI didn''t do anything, and suddenly we were up by 20." "I wanted Han to play in the fourth, but he wouldn''t allow it." "Why was Han so dominant? Because the great Mayor has returned to his loyal city of San Antonio."


    Even Han Sen couldn''t help but laugh at his coach''s humor. It was only then that he realized Joerger wasn''t just a great communicator but also had the makings of a talk show star.


    When asked about his stellar performance, Han remained characteristically ''humble''.


    "Will I continue to play like this? Of course¡ªwhether the team needs me on defense or offense, I''ll give it my all."


    ...


    While the Grizzlies breezed through Game 1, the Miami Heat struggled in their opener.


    The Indiana Pacers'' defense was stifling, featuring an interior duo of Roy Hibbert and David West¡ªuntouched by the league''s verticality rules¡ªand perimeter stoppers in Paul George and Tony Allen. The only relatively weak link was point guard George Hill, but coincidentally, the Heat''s weakest position was also point guard.


    More importantly, Dwyane Wade had just returned from injury and was far from his best. This left Kevin Durant heavily targeted by the Pacers'' defense.


    Durant''s inability to facilitate under pressure was exposed. Facilitating isn''t something you need to be great at, but it''s something you can''t entirely lack.


    In the ''original timeline,'' Durant stayed with the Thunder during this year, where James Harden''s trade forced him to develop some playmaking skills.


    Though Durant never became a true point forward, the experience at least gave him a baseline of facilitation.


    Now, having skipped that phase and operating in a system perfectly suited to his strengths, Durant thrived¡ªas long as Wade stayed healthy.


    But with Wade struggling, the Heat''s offense faltered, limiting Durant''s effectiveness.


    An unexpected yet logical hero emerged to save the Heat.


    George Hill, having spent a month recovering before joining the Heat late in the season, played just 20 regular-season games and hadn''t made much of an impact.


    However, his court vision and playmaking remained intact.


    With Wade out, Erik Spoelstra was forced to give Hill more playing time.


    Given the Heat''s stacked lineup, Hill gradually found his rhythm, rediscovering his shooting touch from deep.


    Hill''s entrance opened up the offense, allowing Durant to flourish again.


    If the Grizzlies and Heat ultimately face off in the Finals, the matchup promises to be fascinating.


    That said, Hill''s limitations were also clear¡ªhis defense had significantly regressed, giving Paul George opportunities to shine.


    The Pacers, built similarly to the Grizzlies, relied on suffocating defense and a single perimeter scoring star.


    After Danny Granger''s career was derailed by injuries courtesy of LeBron James, Paul George stepped up, showcasing even greater talent and potential.


    The two teams battled fiercely, reminiscent of their final regular-season clash, with the game decided in the closing moments.


    In the end, Durant hit a game-winning shot over George, securing a Heat victory.


    Durant finished with 48 points, setting a new personal playoff career high.


    "This is KD''s year!" The commentator exclaimed.


    Leading his team to 70 wins, claiming the MVP award, and breaking playoff scoring records, Durant''s arrival in Miami had him shining with main-character energy.


    And if he caps it all off with a championship? The narrative practically writes itself¡ªa true rags-to-riches, ''rise to glory'' story.


    ...


    After a two-day break, the Grizzlies and Spurs resumed their series in Memphis for Game 2.


    Popovich''s stubbornness was on full display.


    He refused to rely on help defense, believing it would only increase the Spurs'' defensive burden against the Grizzlies'' dynamic offense.


    However, he did make a starting lineup change, replacing Tiago Splitter with Boris Diaw as the starting center.


    While Splitter was initially used to counter the Grizzlies'' twin towers, the Grizzlies'' offensive focus had shifted. Diaw''s inclusion allowed the Spurs to better contain Han Sen.


    Han''s performance at the start of this game wasn''t as explosive as in Game 1. His shooting touch was off, even by his standards. However, he attacked the basket more frequently, drawing defenders and facilitating the Grizzlies'' offense.


    Basketball tactics can be as complex or as simple as you make them, but the goal is always the same: to create easy scoring opportunities.


    Take the Princeton offense, for instance¡ªit''s a team-based strategy where every player contributes to creating those opportunities through constant movement and passing.


    Most strategies, though, rely on offensive stars drawing double teams to create openings for their teammates.


    That''s why, as basketball evolves, complex tactics often simplify into star players exploiting mismatches in isolation plays.


    When Han Sen is in rhythm, he can score in isolation without needing elaborate schemes. But when his shot is off, driving to the basket can still energize the Grizzlies'' system. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, the Spurs aren''t afraid of a team-oriented approach from the Grizzlies. While Green and Leonard couldn''t lock down Han Sen one-on-one, their help defense capabilities were exceptional.


    Kawhi Leonard, in particular, with his massive hands, applied immense pressure during help defense. Even when he didn''t force turnovers, his presence made a significant impact.


    Additionally, Popovich''s decision in Game 1 to play his starters through garbage time as a ''punishment'' seemed to light a fire under the Spurs. They came out far more aggressive and focused in this game.


    By halftime, the Spurs held a 45¨C40 lead over the Grizzlies.


    In the timeline Han knew, this Spurs team came within one free throw of a championship, or more accurately, one legendary shot from Ray Allen''s highlight-reel buzzer-beater.


    If nothing unexpected occurred, the Spurs seemed poised to suppress the Grizzlies and even the series at 1¨C1.


    But in the second half, the unexpected happened.


    Han Sen rediscovered his touch!


    The scene felt eerily familiar¡ªtwo years ago, during the Western Conference Semifinals, Han Sen had also struggled in the first half but came alive in the second.


    It was as if Han Sen had some kind of unique ''mayoral gene'' when playing against the Spurs.


    The difference now was that Han Sen had become even more formidable.


    Popovich stuck to his defensive strategy, and Han Sen responded by sinking one mid-range jumper after another¡ªthe ''least efficient'' shots by modern basketball standards.


    In this quarter, Han Sen morphed into Carmelo Anthony. The latter had recently dropped 50 points against the Thunder without stepping into the paint.


    Han Sen scored another 20 points in the third quarter, prompting commentators like Charles Barkley to question Popovich''s coaching decisions.


    "Has Popovich forgotten that guy''s still on the court?" Shaquille O''Neal asked in disbelief.


    "He''s like a stubborn ass," Barkley retorted. "Keeps charging ahead, forgetting where his reins are tied." Barkley''s fixation with donkeys was as unshakeable as Shaq''s on Kobe.


    Meanwhile, social media was ablaze with similar sentiments:


    "Pop''s luckiest moment as a coach was meeting Duncan. His biggest challenge? Coaching without Duncan."


    "The Spurs'' success came down to three things: drafting Duncan, the Big Three taking pay cuts, and then Popovich himself."


    "By ''Popovich himself,'' do you mean sending goons to injure opponents'' star players when things get tough?"


    ...


    In the final quarter, Popovich started with the Big Three¡ªDuncan, Parker, and Ginobili¡ªhoping their experience could turn the tide.


    Say what you will about his coaching decisions, but Popovich always managed to come up with surprising moves.


    Grizzlies coach Joerger, however, remained surprisingly composed and refused to be baited into a reactionary strategy.


    His confidence was bolstered by the Grizzlies'' deep bench.


    After trading for Vince Carter, the Grizzlies could field a pure second unit of Livingston, Carter, Battier, Jamison, and Faried.


    And that lineup didn''t even include Rudy Gay, who was always staggered with the starters.


    This lineup alone was stronger than some Eastern Conference teams'' starting fives.


    It was this depth that allowed the Grizzlies to maintain their position atop the Western Conference standings, even while coasting through the latter half of the grueling season.


    The Spurs managed to cut into the lead during the Big Three''s run, but they couldn''t fully erase the deficit.


    Once the Grizzlies reinserted their starters, the game swung back in their favor.


    Leonard played brilliantly in the closing minutes, keeping the Spurs competitive with timely cuts and perimeter shooting.


    The Spurs'' trade for Kawhi Leonard was on par with the Lakers trading for Kobe Bryant or the Grizzlies acquiring Han Sen.


    But without the ability to create his own shots consistently, Leonard couldn''t fully tilt the game in the Spurs'' favor.


    The Grizzlies ultimately won 95¨C85, taking a 2¨C0 series lead.


    Han Sen finished the first half with just 9 points but exploded for 31 in the second half, ending the game with 40 points.


    Through two games, his playoff scoring average stood at a staggering 42.5 points per game.


    Barkley''s initial offhand prediction that Han Sen could score 40 points now seemed conservative in hindsight.


    At the post-game press conference, Popovich once again lost his composure in response to a reporter''s question.


    "Why does Han Sen always score so much against the Spurs? Is there something wrong with your defensive strategy?" the reporter asked.


    "I''m the one sitting here," Popovich shot back. "I''ve coached this team to four championships. I think I know more about winning than you do."


    His response was reminiscent of LeBron''s famous ''I think I''m the best player in the world'' moment. Maybe Pop should consider coaching The Chosen One next.


    Meanwhile, Han Sen couldn''t resist a little humor at Popovich''s expense.


    "I hope they stick to that defensive strategy," he joked during his interview. "It''ll make my stats look amazing."


    While the Grizzlies went up 2¨C0 on the Spurs, the Heat stumbled in Game 2.


    Wade was still searching for his rhythm, and the game played out almost identically to Game 1, with the teams neck-and-neck in regulation.


    This time, though, it was Paul George who stepped up in the clutch.


    With 0.7 seconds left, George hit a handoff three-pointer over Durant to send the game into overtime.


    In the extra period, George locked down Durant in a crucial possession, forcing a travel and sealing the Pacers'' win.


    George''s performance earned him a surge in popularity, and fans revived his old nickname, ''Mini-McGrady.''


    During practice before Game 3, Rudy Gay approached Han Sen with a cheeky question.


    "Han, could Miami actually get knocked out early?"


    If the Finals ended up being Grizzlies vs. Pacers, the odds would heavily favor Memphis.


    The Grizzlies'' clash with the Spurs had already shown that a team with a superstar scorer like Han Sen had the edge against defensive-oriented squads.


    Moreover, their two toughest opponents¡ªthe Lakers and the Heat¡ªmight not even make it to the Finals.


    "If they do, great. If they don''t, even better," Han Sen replied with a grin.


    He doubted the Pacers could actually dethrone Miami. After all, Wade wouldn''t stay in a slump forever.


    Still, the Heat had already expended so much energy during the regular season. If the Eastern Conference Finals drained them further, how much gas would they have left for the Finals?


    Come to think of it, Han Sen was reminded of the 73-win Warriors.

 Chapter 222: The Battle of the Bathwater.

    Chapter 222: The Battle of the Bathwater.Two days later, the Spurs managed to secure a win in Game 3 against the Grizzlies, with a 108-101 victory in San Antonio, clawing back a game in the series.


    Despite his bravado after Game 2, Coach Popovich reverted to the 2-1-2 zone defense in Game 3, which he had stubbornly avoided earlier. Or maybe, his emotional outburst after Game 2 was a calculated ploy to lull the Grizzlies into a false sense of security.


    However, Pop''s defensive adjustments weren''t the key to the Spurs'' victory. Han Sen still dropped 35 points on them. The real turning point was their offensive explosion¡ªthanks to an unexpected hero.


    Danny Green had struggled mightily in the first two games of the series, hitting just 2-of-10 from beyond the arc, largely due to Han Sen''s suffocating defense.


    But more than that, his confidence was rattled. As the saying goes, how can you focus on shooting when your defense feels like it''s barely holding things together?


    With the zone defense alleviating some of his defensive responsibilities, Green found his rhythm. He erupted for a career night, going 6-for-11 from deep and finishing with 24 points. His first-half shooting alone (4-for-6 from three) set the tone for the Spurs.


    The Spurs'' offense, built around the Parker-Duncan pick-and-roll, naturally exploited the Grizzlies'' defensive schemes. Coach Joerger relied on weak-side help to defend against the pick-and-roll, leaving the strong-side corner vulnerable.


    When Green and Leonard are hitting their threes, the Grizzlies'' defense faces a nightmare.


    With Green heating up, Han Sen had to ease off his help defense. This opened up more opportunities for the Spurs'' pick-and-roll attack. Even when Green''s shooting cooled down, the damage was done.


    This ''breakout game'' from Green triggered memories for Han Sen.


    In 2013-14, Popovich''s famed ''Hammer play''¡ªa tactical masterpiece built around pick-and-roll actions and off-ball screens for shooters¡ªemerged because of Green''s legendary performance in the 2013 NBA Finals.


    Back then, Green shattered the Finals record with 25 made threes in just five games, shooting a jaw-dropping 66%.


    For Han Sen, it felt like Green''s Finals heroics had arrived a year early.


    After Game 3, Joerger pulled Han aside to discuss adjustments. Han, tasked with defending Green while also helping on the pick-and-roll, faced a tough choice: protect the rim or shut down the shooter.


    It was a ''pick your poison'' scenario. But Han, being a sharpshooter himself, suggested a nuanced strategy: "tighten up early, then loosen up later."


    The idea was simple¡ªsmother Green early, deny him rhythm, and force the Spurs into a shootout if necessary. Over time, Green would cool off without consistent touches. Joerger trusted Han''s instincts and agreed.


    By Game 4, Han Sen went all-in on executing the plan. He stuck to Green like glue, constantly bumping him on off-ball screens and peppering him with relentless trash talk. No one messes with a shooter''s psyche like Han Sen.


    The result? Green was ice-cold in the second half, repeatedly bricking open looks. Having been harassed all game, Green''s confidence visibly wavered. The Spurs'' offense sputtered, and the Grizzlies seized control.


    Final score: 104-93. The Grizzlies took Game 4 and a commanding 3-1 series lead.


    Meanwhile, in the East, the Pacers and Heat were locked in a fierce battle. After four games, the series was tied 2-2, with every indication it could go the full seven games.


    One week later, the conference finals wrapped up.


    In the West, the Spurs fought valiantly, even stealing Game 5 on the road. But back in Memphis, Han Sen erupted for 43 points in Game 6, closing out the series with a 4-2 victory.


    Though two years had passed, the result remained the same: the Spurs fell to the Grizzlies.


    Popovich had been unusually cautious throughout the series. It wasn''t that he didn''t want to unleash his usual mind games; he simply didn''t dare.


    The Grizzlies'' roster¡ªstacked with defensive-minded enforcers like Johnson and Jones¡ªhung over the series like a sword of Damocles.


    Even players who barely saw the court contributed to the Grizzlies'' dominance in ways stats couldn''t capture. From Robert Sacre''s bench antics to Johnson and Jones'' physical presence, the Grizzlies weaponized intimidation like no other team.


    If the Western Conference Finals had an MVP, it would undoubtedly be Han Sen.


    Over six games, he delivered three 40-point performances and averaged a staggering 38.7 points per game. He played like Kobe Bryant in his prime, only more efficient and versatile.


    On social media, fans began calling him the "Mayor of San Antonio," solidifying his reputation as the Spurs'' ultimate tormentor.


    Some even speculated about Han''s promise to avenge Chris Paul.


    "If Han gives a victory speech after the West Finals, he''s definitely bringing up CP3," one fan quipped.


    But if you asked Han who he''d thank most, it''d probably be Popovich.


    Why? Because Pop''s defensive schemes gave Han so many post-up opportunities that his [Dream Shake] talent had reached its peak.


    With his arsenal of elite offensive talents¡ª[Dream Shake], [Divine Fadeaway], [Classical Master], and [Uncle Drew]¡ªHan was more than ready for the Finals.


    Whether the Grizzlies could dethrone the Heat remained to be seen. But Han? He had all the confidence in the world.


    ...


    The Grizzlies secured an early victory in the playoffs, but the Finals were delayed for a week due to the Eastern Conference Finals being pushed to Game 7.


    The good news? The Heat endured an even tougher battle than Han Sen had anticipated.


    The bad news? Dwyane Wade rediscovered his form in Game 7, exploding for 32 points to blow out the Pacers and lead his team to victory.


    Han Sen''s luck was solid, but so was Miami''s.


    Regardless, after a one-season gap, the Grizzlies and Heat were set for a Finals rematch.


    On one side, you had the defending champions who boldly proclaimed at the start of the season their aim to build a dynasty.


    On the other, the league''s best team with 70 wins under their belt following blockbuster trades, universally acknowledged as the strongest squad in the NBA.


    This time, no contrived narrative from David Stern was needed; fans had long been clamoring for this epic clash, and it was finally unfolding on the grandest stage.


    But before the games began, there was plenty of hype to generate. Among the usual promotional efforts, one particular storyline stood out: "The Bathwater Battle."


    In recent years, Finals storylines have cemented themselves in NBA lore. From Boston''s Big Three and the Lakers-Celtics rivalry in 2008 to Kobe''s redemption in 2009, Dallas''s fairy tale in 2011, and Memphis''s fiery hunt for Miami in 2012.


    This year, while ''Grizzlies vs. Heat 2'' was one theme, bathwater had taken on a life of its own.


    It wasn''t about Durant''s preferences anymore. Nor was it about whether the bathwater belonged to Scarlett or Han Sen.


    Bathwater had become a symbol¡ªof pride, honor, and something that was impossible not to meme into existence.


    Years from now, when fans mentioned the ''Bathwater Battle,'' they''d immediately recall the legendary 2013 Finals.


    Adding to the hype, the league released a pre-Finals fan survey, masterminded by marketing guru Adam Silver.


    The poll didn''t focus on Heat fans alone but extended to all NBA enthusiasts nationwide. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The results?


    69% believed the Heat would win the Finals. Only 28% backed the Grizzlies to defend their title. Of those surveyed, 58% predicted the Heat would win in Game 7, a testament to how many fans acknowledged Memphis''s strength but doubted their ability to stop Miami.


    After all, with Wade back in form, the Heat looked like one of the most historically dominant teams.


    Naturally, TNT''s ''Inside the NBA'' crew weighed in with their predictions in their signature style.


    Charles Barkley stole the show, showing up in a full bear costume complete with a massive bear head, making his allegiance crystal clear without saying a word.


    Shaquille O''Neal didn''t even try to steal the spotlight this time. As a key member of Miami''s 2006 championship team and with LeBron gone, Shaq threw his full support behind the Heat.


    As for Kenny Smith? His loyalty wasn''t the main attraction¡ªit was what he could contribute to the spectacle.


    Cue the bet.


    When the Finals are this hyped, bets are a must. Their infamous streaking bet from last year''s Finals didn''t just spice up the competition¡ªit turned Barkley into a viral sensation when he cashed in on the wager.


    This year''s bet? Naturally, it had to involve bathwater.


    The loser would drink Kenny Smith''s bathwater live on air.


    Why Smith? Because even as the smallest star among the trio, he had to contribute to maintain his ''Big Three'' status on TNT. Otherwise, as the hosts joked, he''d be cast aside like LeBron was from Miami''s Big Three.


    "I just hope you wash up before filling the tub," quipped the host, adding fuel to the hilarity.


    And so, the ''Bathwater Battle'' moniker was cemented.


    ...


    The Finals tipped off at a packed American Airlines Arena in Miami. Heat fans were electric, eager for vengeance after last season''s heartbreak.


    Miami''s confidence was sky-high, bolstered by a 70-win campaign. The vibe was eerily similar to the Lakers'' 2009 revenge tour.


    Every seat in the arena came with a red T-shirt labeled ''Avengers,'' symbolizing their fiery quest for redemption.


    While not everyone wore them, the sea of red was unmistakable¡ªburning like the Heat''s desire for revenge.


    During pregame warmups, the cameras caught shots of Han Sen and Kevin Durant.


    Han looked relaxed, as if he were playing the same Heat team he defeated last year.


    Durant? Not so much. His expression was grim.


    Durant wasn''t usually this serious¡ªoff the court, he was known for his humor and friendly nature. But with the bathwater memes running wild, it was hard to find a reason to smile.


    The broadcast didn''t forget to spotlight other stars either: Wade, Bosh, Randolph, Gasol, Allen, Carter¡ªthe Finals lineup this year boasted more star power than ever.


    Even rookie George Hill got his moment. Having clawed his way into Miami''s rotation after being waived by Memphis, Hill was a narrative unto himself: the ''gentlemanly assassin'' facing the team that cut him loose.


    The Grizzlies stuck with their usual starting five.


    The Heat, as always, leaned into their signature showmanship, complete with fire jets and deafening cheers as their starters were introduced: Chalmers, Wade, Durant, Bosh, and Perkins.


    There had been speculation that Spoelstra might gamble by starting Ray Allen to exploit Memphis''s defense early. But Spoelstra, ever the pragmatic coach, opted to stick with his tried-and-true lineup.


    When the players took the court, Wade wasted no time bantering with Han.


    "Planning on another 61-point night?" Wade quipped, referencing Han''s Christmas Day masterpiece.


    "Wouldn''t say no," Han replied with a grin. "But I don''t think I''ll need to go that far tonight."


    "Don''t get too comfortable," Wade retorted, his tone suddenly serious. "I''m not letting that happen again."


    "Don''t think it''s your call," Han shot back coolly, already plotting to wear Wade down defensively.


    A sudden glare caught Han''s attention. He turned to see Durant locking eyes with him, brimming with intensity.


    The tension between them was palpable.


    Two years of playoff eliminations, Durant''s infamous bathwater comment, and countless other slights had built to this moment.


    The Finals were here.


    The stakes?


    Legacy, revenge, and, of course, the bathwater.

 Chapter 223: Defense Wins Championships.

    Chapter 223: Defense Wins Championships.Marc Gasol won the tip against Chris Bosh, and the Grizzlies secured the opening possession.


    The Grizzlies started with a high-low set, feeding Randolph in the post to challenge Bosh. Despite Bosh''s improved low-post defense after bulking up, Randolph bulldozed his way through and banked in a hook shot after a series of pivots.


    Though it had been four or five days since the Western Conference Finals ended, the Grizzlies showed no signs of rust. Their intensity was sharp, a testament to the wake-up call they got from the Warriors earlier in the playoffs¡ªa loss that was more motivating than any pre-game speech.


    Han Sen didn''t get involved offensively in the first play but locked in defensively on Dwyane Wade after transitioning back.


    The seven-game slugfest between the Heat and Pacers had not only worn down the Heat but also served as a valuable scouting opportunity for Han.


    Wade''s subpar performance earlier in the series wasn''t just about his legs recovering from injuries¡ªit was the Pacers'' defense, led by Tony Allen, that disrupted his drives and stymied Miami''s offense. When Wade couldn''t break through, Miami''s system stalled.


    However, things changed in Game 7. Erik Spoelstra adjusted by targeting Roy Hibbert with foul trouble early. With Hibbert benched, Spoelstra brought in Udonis Haslem, opening the floor for Wade to dominate the low post.


    Wade feasted against Tony Allen there, and the Pacers'' defense, unable to help due to Miami''s shooting threats in Kevin Durant and Ray Allen, collapsed.


    Han knew the Heat might try the same strategy against the Grizzlies. But Wade backing down Han in the post? Not happening. All Han needed to do was contain Wade and let the Grizzlies'' team defense do the rest.


    Wade tried driving but couldn''t shake Han. He called for a screen from Bosh, who set it up perfectly. Han went over the top but was momentarily clipped, giving Wade space for a pull-up jumper. Yet before Wade could rise, Han darted around the screen and closed the gap.


    Bosh, unfazed, set another pick, hoping to free Wade on the second attempt. This time Han slid through the screen with textbook footwork, cutting Wade off again.


    The crowd stirred, sensing the brewing battle. Wade realized Han wasn''t giving an inch.


    Midway through the shot clock, Wade passed to Chalmers, who quickly shifted to the weak side for a pindown play aimed at Durant. Chalmers'' pass was slightly off, thanks to Mike Conley''s relentless ball pressure. By the time Durant caught the ball, Rudy Gay had already navigated the screen and was in his face.


    The Grizzlies'' defense shifted, leaving Kendrick Perkins unguarded to trap Durant. With time expiring, Durant had no choice but to force a contested turnaround jumper over Gasol''s outstretched arm. The shot clanked off the rim.


    Perkins hustled for the rebound, but Randolph had already secured his position, boxing him out like a seasoned veteran. When Bosh tried crashing the boards, Han stepped in, blocking his path. Randolph snagged the defensive rebound, and the Grizzlies pushed upcourt.


    The Grizzlies'' defensive intensity rattled Miami from the get-go. Just days removed from their war with the Pacers, the Heat found themselves in an even tougher battle.


    On the next possession, Randolph again targeted Bosh in the post. This time, Miami''s defense collapsed, forcing the Grizzlies to swing the ball. Conley faked a jumper, drove past Durant, and dished to Gay for an open shot. Gay''s attempt rimmed out, but the Grizzlies'' ball movement showed their offensive rhythm.


    At the other end, Wade tried to exploit a slight opening against Han with a hesitation dribble followed by a sharp crossover. He managed to gain separation and put up a floater¡ªonly for Han to come flying in, swatting the ball into the stands.


    The crowd erupted in disbelief. Wade stared at Han, stunned. He was sure he''d lost him on the dribble. But there was Han, towering over him, having just delivered an emphatic rejection.


    Han turned to the crowd, wagging his finger in celebration¡ªa bold nod to Mutombo''s signature move. The officials quickly blew their whistle in a warning, reminding Han of the NBA''s stance on taunting gestures.


    Han smirked as he dropped his hand. He had already achieved his goal.


    The Grizzlies'' defensive intensity was on full display. Bosh''s post-up attempt, with Marc Gasol providing help defense, clanked off the rim, and the Heat''s offense came up empty again.


    On the next possession, Randolph''s spin move in the post drew Durant''s help defense. Despite Durant''s perfectly timed double-team, Randolph''s focus didn''t waver. He whipped the ball out to Rudy Gay, who seized the opportunity and nailed a three-pointer.


    Erik Spoelstra jumped to the sideline, signaling for a tactical adjustment.


    Miami responded with Durant running a pindown play off Bosh''s screen. Randolph''s struggles defending pick-and-rolls had always been a weak link in the Grizzlies'' system.


    If they didn''t switch, Durant could shoot immediately off the catch. If they did switch, either Bosh or Durant would have a mismatch to exploit.


    Han loved watching game film, but Spoelstra was a film maestro himself, and Miami had clearly studied the Grizzlies thoroughly.


    "Switch!" Randolph called out, and the Grizzlies adjusted.


    The Heat''s follow-up strategy unfolded: Bosh muscled Gay toward the paint, and Durant posted up against Randolph. Chalmers waited for the right moment, then lobbed the ball into the paint¡ªbut it never reached Bosh. Gasol timed his help defense perfectly and swatted the pass away.


    This sequence exposed the Heat''s lack of a reliable floor general. With Perkins offering no offensive threat, Gasol could afford to leave him and help. A savvy playmaker would have redirected the ball to Durant instead.


    The loose ball was scooped up by Conley, who spun around to initiate a fast break. Chalmers lunged to stop him, but Conley barely dribbled before launching the ball ahead.


    Han Sen had already bolted past the three-point line.


    The Heat''s lineup, for all its firepower, wasn''t built to stop every possession. Capitalizing on fast-break opportunities was crucial. Han caught the pass and sprinted ahead, Wade chasing him all the way. Near the free-throw line, Han slowed down just enough to body Wade, then took a step and soared for a two-handed slam that rattled the rim.


    As the ball slammed through the hoop, Robert Sacre shot off the bench, twirling his towel in wild celebration.


    The crowd erupted.


    7¨C0!


    This was not how anyone had predicted the game to start.


    With the Heat boasting superior talent and riding the momentum of their recent series, logic dictated they should dominate from the jump. But everyone had underestimated the Grizzlies'' defensive capabilities.


    In the regular season, Memphis played at 90% defensive intensity. In the Finals, that number was cranked to 120%.


    Just like against the Warriors, Han Sen led the charge, inspiring his teammates with relentless defense and boundless energy.


    On the sideline, Coach Joerger pumped his fist in exhilaration.


    During pregame planning, Joerger''s strategy had been to assign Conley to guard Wade, easing Han''s defensive burden so he could go full throttle offensively, as he did against the Spurs.


    After all, the Heat were a stronger team, and the Grizzlies'' best hope was Han catching fire.


    But Han had proposed a different plan.


    "The Heat win games with their offense," Han had argued. "We can''t outgun them. We barely survived our Christmas Day game even when I scored 61 points. If we want to win, we have to play all-out defense¡ªevery single one of us."


    Joerger eventually agreed, though he wasn''t brimming with confidence.


    After all, Miami''s offense was one of the best in NBA history. Shutting them down seemed impossible, especially with Wade back in form after dismantling the Pacers.


    But now, reality was proving Han''s vision right. Memphis''s defensive cohesion was off the charts.


    The Heat were feeling the pressure.


    If Miami couldn''t break their scoring drought, this game could slip away before it even started.


    Durant, seeking to break the ice, posted up Gay, calling for the ball.


    With their set plays stalling, the Heat relied on their elite isolation scorers¡ªone of the reasons their record had been so dominant this season. If one superstar couldn''t crack the defense, the other could step in.


    Few teams boasted elite defenders across the board. The Pacers were one exception; the Grizzlies weren''t supposed to be another.


    But as Durant caught the ball, the Grizzlies'' double-team came instantly.


    Durant''s one-on-one skills were unmatched, but his playmaking wasn''t. Double-teams were the ideal way to neutralize him.


    This time, it wasn''t Gasol providing the help but Conley, and the Grizzlies'' defensive rotations clicked into motion. Han shadowed Chalmers, while Gay spread his wingspan to block Durant''s passing lane to the weak side.


    Without quick ball movement, Durant''s options shrank. Under pressure, he opted to force a shot¡ªa spinning fadeaway toward the baseline.


    The move was stunning, but Gay stayed with him, contesting the shot with his length and athleticism.


    Durant''s jumper hit the front of the rim. Another empty possession for Miami.


    Gasol snagged the rebound, and Memphis pushed the tempo again. Wade stayed with Han this time, forcing him to pass to the trailing Conley. Conley banked in a layup off the glass.


    Spoelstra immediately called timeout.


    The arena was buzzing. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    9¨C0!


    An unthinkable opening quarter had unfolded before everyone''s eyes.


    The Grizzlies'' bench was in a frenzy.


    Joerger high-fived every player coming off the floor, his excitement palpable. This wasn''t just a great start; it had shattered their wildest expectations.


    Such a perfect beginning didn''t just grab momentum¡ªit built confidence for players and coaches alike.


    The NBA''s strongest team?


    Bring it on.


    "In all the talk about who the league''s best team is, one thing''s clear right now," Kenny Smith exclaimed in the broadcast booth. "The Grizzlies are the league''s best defensive team!"


    As a two-time champion with the Rockets, Smith knew better than most that defense wins championships.


    "Great offense can win you games," Smith continued. "But great defense wins you titles. And that''s all about teamwork¡ªswitching, communicating, and trusting one another. That''s why it''s reliable, even when offense isn''t."


    Beside him, Charles Barkley grinned at Shaquille O''Neal. "So, are we live-streaming this bet or what?"


    Shaq laughed, unbothered. "Good news is, KD won''t be getting his bathwater tonight. That''s all I care about."

 Chapter 224: The Modern Jordan.

    Chapter 224: The Modern Jordan.As the timeout ended, Grant Hill subbed in for Mario Chalmers.


    The rough start forced Erik Spoelstra to make adjustments, sacrificing some defense in favor of offense.


    Hill''s entrance was met with an overwhelming wave of cheers from the Miami crowd.


    He had been instrumental in eliminating the Pacers earlier, and now, in the Finals, he was bringing everything he had.


    Hill''s impact was immediate. With the ball at the top of the key, Conley couldn''t afford to sag off and help. Once Durant used a screen to get open, Hill''s precise pass hit him right in stride.


    Durant pulled up for a mid-range jumper before Randolph could switch over.


    Swish!


    The ball kissed the net cleanly, breaking Miami''s painful scoring drought.


    The crowd erupted, the kind of relief only felt after being underwater for far too long. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yet, as the camera panned across the Grizzlies'' players, their faces remained calm and composed.


    After all, you can''t expect to shut Miami down completely. Forcing them into tough, unwanted shots was already a defensive success.


    Conley signaled Marc Gasol to set a high pick-and-roll.


    With Hill now on the floor, the Grizzlies weren''t going to ignore the mismatch. Hill was playing point guard and matched up directly with Conley.


    Perkins stayed back, unwilling to step up, and Conley drained a smooth mid-range jumper off the screen.


    The Grizzlies'' defense fueled their offense, keeping them sharp on both ends.


    But Durant was far from done. After receiving another assist from Hill, he drained a three-pointer from beyond the arc.


    Durant pounded his chest and roared toward the sideline, his emotion igniting the Miami crowd.


    If not for his lack of playmaking skills, Durant''s scorching form this season would be downright unstoppable. Even without a true facilitator for much of the season, he still managed to average 27+ points. With someone like Hill feeding him, or a hypothetical pairing with LeBron, Durant''s scoring could easily hit 30 a game.


    The score tightened to 11¨C5.


    Durant''s quick 5-point burst shifted the momentum in Miami''s favor.


    As the Grizzlies brought the ball back up, the American Airlines Arena erupted in deafening chants of "Defense! Defense!"


    Miami''s defensive intensity ratcheted up.


    Conley attacked Hill again, but this time Bosh''s help defense disrupted his rhythm. Perkins held his ground under the rim, muscling out both Gasol and Randolph to secure the rebound.


    Once again, the ball found its way to Durant. This time, he used his signature sweeping spin move to draw a foul and earn a trip to the line.


    As Durant stepped to the free-throw line, the crowd began chanting "MVP! MVP!"


    Durant was, after all, the league''s MVP this season, and the crowd''s adoration felt more than justified.


    He sank both free throws, scoring 7 straight points to pull Miami within striking distance.


    Durant''s explosive scoring barrage mirrored the type of dominance Han Sen had displayed against the Spurs.


    With the crowd now fully behind them, Miami''s momentum was palpable.


    Conley signaled a new play as he crossed half-court.


    This time, Han Sen set a screen for Conley, forcing a switch. Conley quickly passed the ball to Han Sen, who was now isolated on Hill.


    Down to a 4-point game, the Grizzlies needed a steadying bucket.


    Han Sen wasted no time. He took one explosive step past Hill, pulling up for a clean mid-range jumper just inside the free-throw line.


    Hill could only look on helplessly as Han Sen released his shot.


    Swish!


    The net snapped crisply, silencing the arena''s defensive chants in an instant.


    Thank you, Popovich. Not only had Han Sen maxed out his [Dream Shake] against the Spurs, but his mid-range game had also become a lethal weapon.


    Spoelstra was starting to feel the pressure.


    The Pacers had Paul George, but the Grizzlies had Han Sen, and Han wasn''t just exploiting Hill¡ªhe was turning him into a walking ATM.


    Hill, however, wasn''t useless. He soon found Bosh cutting to the rim after a Durant pick-and-roll, threading the needle with a perfect bounce pass. Bosh drew a foul and earned a trip to the line.


    Hill was a 90s throwback, capable of averaging 21-9-7 in his prime. His court vision was a perfect fit for this Miami offense.


    As Bosh prepared to shoot free throws, Han Sen gathered his teammates.


    "Great work, guys. Keep moving the ball and stay vocal. Stick to our game plan," Han Sen encouraged, steadying his squad.


    Then, pulling Rudy Gay aside, Han added, "Switch with me on Wade. Let me take the drive. Trust Marc on the help. Let''s shut them down."


    Bosh hit one of two free throws, making it 13¨C8.


    For the next few possessions, both teams traded buckets, keeping the margin within 4¨C7 points.


    The Grizzlies stuck to their strategy, relentlessly attacking Hill through pick-and-rolls.


    Miami attempted to double Han Sen on the perimeter, but his sharp passing forced the defenders to retreat. The moment they backed off, he blew past Hill with ease.


    Even Hill, a seasoned veteran, couldn''t help but feel a flicker of frustration. Han was dismantling him the same way Hill had once toyed with defenders in his prime.


    This time, as Bosh rotated to help, Han Sen dished a slick bounce pass to Randolph, who drew a foul on Perkins.


    Before Randolph could even shoot his free throws, Spoelstra subbed in Ray Allen for Hill.


    Randolph sank both free throws, restoring a 7-point lead for Memphis.


    On Miami''s next possession, Wade brought the ball up and noticed a shift in Memphis'' defense.


    Seeing Han Sen now matched up on Durant, Joerger looked uneasy but refrained from intervening.


    It wasn''t standard practice to pit your offensive cornerstone against the opponent''s, especially when that cornerstone was carrying the scoring load.


    But after three seasons coaching Han Sen, Joerger trusted his star''s instincts.


    ...


    After facing Kevin Durant, Han Sen was about to exchange pleasantries, but Durant immediately leaned into him, demanding the ball without even bothering to set up a pick-and-roll with Bosh.


    Fine, thanks to the league and the TNT trio hyping things up, Durant''s hatred for him had reached its peak. Guess they skipped the formalities.


    Durant received the ball and started backing down Han Sen.


    Having faced each other countless times, Durant was well aware of Han Sen''s defensive tricks, especially his footwork, and was cautious as he backed in.


    After forcing Han Sen to sink slightly under his weight, Durant spun quickly toward the baseline.


    But just as he turned, he realized Mike Conley had rotated to help.


    Caught in a trap between two defensive savants, Durant could feel the ball slipping from his hands.


    He made a quick decision to jump and shoot.


    Though his reaction was fast, Conley swatted the ball away.


    It ricocheted off Durant''s knee and out of bounds. Possession to the Grizzlies.


    "You really that scared to guard me one-on-one?" Durant barked, clearly irritated.


    Han Sen couldn''t help but laugh at the comment.


    He pointed at Dwyane Wade, who was standing beyond the three-point line.


    This gesture was a throwback to Han Sen''s rookie year when he faced Durant for the first time. Back then, he had pointed at Serge Ibaka instead.


    Durant hadn''t changed one bit¡ªstill that same guy from back in the day.


    This only made Durant angrier.


    Was it the memories that Han''s gesture brought back? Or frustration with his lack of playmaking?


    Han Sen, seeing Durant fuming, added fuel to the fire. "Well, at least I''m not too scared to guard you, huh?"


    Han''s provocation was so loud even fans in the cheap seats could hear it. But Durant pretended not to.


    When Han returned to the frontcourt and saw Durant defending him, he nearly burst out laughing.


    Spoelstra''s expression turned blank.


    Both coaches had their stars guarding the opposing team''s offensive anchors, but the situations felt vastly different.


    After all, Han was a perennial All-Defense team member, while Durant had never made it.


    This wasn''t leadership; it was recklessness.


    As the coach, Spoelstra couldn''t intervene¡ªit''d kill the vibe.


    Honestly, the best solution would''ve been Wade outright refusing to switch. But Wade, ever the nice guy, didn''t.


    Han Sen, without calling for a screen, started backing Durant down.


    Durant looked like steam was coming out of his ears.


    Han was clearly the smaller player in this matchup. What kind of guard backs down a forward instead of driving past him?


    It was obvious Han was playing a psychological game, just like during the All-Star Game when he''d mockingly offered LeBron tips after his failed post-up.


    As Han backed Durant down, he checked Wade''s defensive position.


    Post moves sacrifice visibility, making it easier for defenders to exploit blind spots¡ªa weakness Durant had just experienced moments ago.


    Han noticed Rudy Gay pinning Wade in the corner beyond the arc. Lowering his center of gravity, Han initiated contact.


    When posting up against bigger opponents, speed is the advantage, but proper force is necessary to make it count.


    With his [Dream Shake] talent honed to its peak, Han''s ability to handle contact had significantly improved.


    Of course, there was another advantage: Durant''s emotional state.


    When defenders let their emotions control them, their effectiveness drops significantly.


    A firm bump, followed by a fake step-through, baited Durant into the air.


    Han spun into a fadeaway.


    Durant, despite his size, could only watch as Han calmly released the shot.


    Wade tried to contest late but couldn''t stop the clean swish.


    Splash!


    Han extended the lead to 17-8 with his three scoring possessions and a key defensive stop.


    Spoelstra had no choice but to call a timeout.


    "The Grizzlies have Han, just like the Bulls had Michael or the Rockets had Hakeem. You can trust him to take over a game," Kenny Smith praised.


    The Grizzlies'' performance was taking him back to another era.


    Last year, the Heat didn''t challenge Memphis at all, so no one had seen the Grizzlies'' true power.


    This year''s Heat was different, though.


    After the timeout, Wade resumed handling the ball, running a pick-and-roll with Bosh high on the perimeter. Wade drove into the paint, forcing Memphis to collapse, then kicked it out to Bosh.


    Positioned just inside the arc, Bosh calmly drained a long jumper.


    On the next possession, Han found Wade defending him again. Spoelstra had clearly used the timeout to tweak their defense.


    Memphis shifted to high-low action, with Randolph working the post against Bosh.


    But this time, Bosh held his ground, denied Randolph, and secured the defensive board.


    On the other end, Bosh hit a pump fake from the high post, drove past Randolph, and used a crafty move to dodge Marc Gasol before throwing down a two-handed dunk.


    Bosh roared in celebration, his signature ''Dragon Scream.''


    With two key offensive plays and a defensive stand, Bosh narrowed the gap to 17-12.


    Since LeBron''s departure, the infamous ''Big Three'' era was over, and fans no longer used that moniker. However, in moments like this, you could see what it meant. Each one of them could easily carry a team as its centerpiece.


    The Heat fans roared, their chants echoing throughout the arena.


    But for Miami, that four- or five-point deficit felt like an impenetrable wall tonight. If they could just get one stop, cut it to a single-possession game, everything could shift in their favor.


    Han Sen knew this too. As he crossed half-court, he called for the ball with his back to Dwyane Wade.


    The Grizzlies spaced the floor, and Han leapt to catch the ball. Immediately, he went into his post-up against Wade.


    Kevin Durant had witnessed Han''s unique post-up skills during the All-Star Game, but Wade was now feeling it firsthand. The pressure Han exerted was suffocating¡ªworse than what he''d felt even against Kobe.


    Wade had to lower his center of gravity to hold his ground. The instant he did, Han spun with a lightning-quick step into the paint. His movement was so precise, he even brushed Wade aside during the spin, leaving Wade unable to recover in time.


    Before Kendrick Perkins could rotate over, Han floated up a flawless teardrop that dropped through the net.


    The Grizzlies'' bench erupted. Even veteran Vince Carter was on his feet alongside Robert Sacre, clapping and shouting in celebration.


    It was Han''s signature move, executed with surgical precision.


    The Miami crowd groaned. It was Han again. Every time the Heat seemed poised to seize momentum, Han would step up and deliver.


    And he wasn''t done. Jogging back on defense, Han clapped his hands, urging his teammates to keep the energy high.


    Bosh tried to replicate his earlier success, but this time Zach Randolph bodied him up and shut him down. With no advantage inside, Bosh had to kick the ball back to Wade.


    Ray Allen came off a well-designed screen for a corner three, but Mike Conley and Marc Gasol closed out perfectly, forcing him into a miss. The long rebound fell into Han Sen''s hands.


    Han didn''t hesitate. Dribbling up the court, he motioned for his teammates to clear out¡ªeven Rudy Gay on the strong side was sent to the weak side.


    The crowd buzzed. Han wasn''t holding anything back now.


    Once the floor was cleared, Han took Wade into the post again. This time, he didn''t power through; instead, he mixed in a series of feints and counters. Feeling Wade''s weight shift backward, Han spun toward the baseline for a fadeaway.


    Wade lunged to contest, only to realize mid-air¡ªhe''d been baited.


    Han had pumped, drawing the contact. The whistle blew. As their bodies collided, Han stayed balanced, pivoted again, and got the shot off.


    Wade turned just in time to see the ball drop cleanly through the net.


    The arena fell into stunned silence before erupting in a mixture of cheers and groans.


    Han Sen wasn''t satisfied with just two points¡ªhe wanted the and-one.


    Wade, though frustrated, couldn''t help but laugh in disbelief. "Seriously? You''ve mastered the post-up and fadeaway in just one season?"


    Han grinned as he lined up his free throw. "That''s a secret." He sank it without hesitation.


    22-12.


    The Grizzlies had pushed their lead into double digits for the first time that night.

 Chapter 225: Pace the race.

    Chapter 225: Pace the race.Miami Heat fans wore their pride like armor. No matter how often their team fell behind, the Heat always clawed their way back into the game.


    But beneath that pride lay a creeping despair¡ªevery time the Heat were on the brink of overtaking the lead, Han Sen would rise to the occasion and single-handedly pull the Grizzlies away again.


    Why does Memphis get to have Han Sen?


    As if having the ''Grit and Grind'' duo of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph wasn''t enough, now they had Han Sen, too.


    For the record, now-Spurs executive Danny Ferry swore this had nothing to do with him.


    Late in the game, the Heat cut the deficit to just five points one last time. But when Han bullied his way past Dwyane Wade for another clutch bucket, the Heat''s morale shattered completely.


    They looked like a worn-down army, akin to the Song Dynasty forces at Jueshugu Valley in an endless cycle of regrouping and breaking apart, only to collapse for good after the eighth wave.


    It wasn''t about a lack of talent¡ªthe Heat could annihilate most teams with ease. Their downfall was running into an opponent that might as well have been using cheat codes.


    The game ended with the Grizzlies shocking everyone, taking Game 1 with a final score of 110-103.


    Post-Game Stats:


    Heat:


    Kevin Durant: 31 points, 6 rebounds


    Chris Bosh: 24 points, 11 rebounds


    Dwyane Wade: 16 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists


    Ray Allen: 9 points


    Grizzlies:


    Han Sen: 36 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists


    Zach Randolph: 20 points, 8 rebounds


    Rudy Gay: 15 points


    Marc Gasol: 14 points, 13 rebounds


    Mike Conley: 13 points, 9 assists


    ...


    At the press conference, Coach Joerger kept it simple: sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Limiting Miami to around 100 points isn''t easy. Defense was the key to our win tonight."


    When asked about Han, he said, "He''s the key that opens the door to victory for us."


    Zach Randolph echoed the team-first mentality: "They''re the stronger team, but we''re the better unit. Great defense starts with great teamwork."


    Han Sen, however, pointed out the bigger picture:


    "The most important thing we did tonight was show everyone that we can beat them."


    ...


    The narrative online shifted almost instantly. Fans who once predicted a Heat Finals win were now fantasizing about Shaquille O''Neal drinking bathwater¡ªa reference to his famous promise.


    One fan quipped: "This is probably good for KD. Now he won''t have to drink Han''s bathwater himself."


    The joke, of course, dug up Kevin Durant''s infamous comment years ago, where he claimed he''d drink someone''s bathwater¡ªcementing him as a perennial target for memes. While the league had Kobe fans, LeBron fans, and now an army of Han Sen stans, Durant''s following seemed noticeably sparse.


    Nike''s promotional resources heavily favored LeBron at the time, leaving KD in the shadows. And that comment? It made liking him an interesting choice.


    "You''re a Durant fan? So, uh, you into bathwater too?"


    Even dating as a Durant fan meant fending off awkward jokes like, "You''re not just dating me for my bathwater, are you?"


    If Durant had more fans, critics like Charles Barkley would''ve been drowned out long ago. Even LeBron stans, when asked who they preferred to win, leaned toward the Grizzlies.


    After Udonis Haslem''s infamous dig¡ª"We were champions before you came"¡ªthey weren''t rooting for Miami to close the loop. A Heat championship would damage not just LeBron''s legacy but also his standing with Nike.


    ...


    Two days later, Game 2 tipped off in Miami. Erik Spoelstra shuffled his starting lineup, inserting Ray Allen. The plan? Maximize offensive threats to stretch Memphis''s defense and disrupt their rotations.


    The strategy worked, though perhaps not as Spoelstra intended. With Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole benched, Wade took on a heavier playmaking load, showing his versatility.


    Though traditionally a scoring guard, Wade could organize when needed. Before joining the Big Three, his average assists rivaled LeBron''s, hovering around seven per game.


    "He''s no Chris Paul," analysts said, "but he gets the job done."


    Wade''s stat line? 21 points, 5 rebounds, 11 assists. Under his leadership, the Heat tallied 118 points, overpowering the Grizzlies'' defense.


    As TNT''s Kenny Smith put it: "Offense is inconsistent by nature, but the Heat''s ceiling is much higher. When their offense clicks, they''re nearly unstoppable."


    In Game 2, the Heat''s ''spear'' finally broke through the Grizzlies'' ''shield,'' and the conversation shifted once again.


    ...


    The Finals followed the old 2-3-2 format, and with the next three games at home, the Grizzlies had reason for optimism.


    Returning to Memphis, the team felt a wave of relief.


    Miami fans had thrown every trick in the book at them¡ªlate-night hotel noise, prank calls, even slipping questionable DVDs under their doors.


    After the Game 1 loss, Heat fans were desperate. A second Finals collapse after last year''s sweep? Unthinkable.


    Coach Joerger gave the team half a day off to recharge. Han Sen and Antawn Jamison spent it fishing at a Mississippi River dock, with a chef on standby to cook their catch.


    But the tides weren''t in their favor, and after hours of empty hooks, Han finally shrugged and told the chef to buy fish from other anglers. "Fresh is fresh. Who cares who catches it?"


    Over a hot pot of fish stew, Jamison opened up. "If we win the title this year, I''m retiring."


    "You''re not sticking around to chase a dynasty?" Han teased.


    Jamison smiled, patting his knees. "I want to start a new Chapter. My body''s been through enough."


    For veterans like Jamison, the championship was the ultimate goal. Without it, he might come back for another run. But with it? Retirement was the doorway to a second life¡ªa reward for years of hard work and sacrifice.


    As an athlete, approaching 40 signifies the twilight of a career. But in the broader scope of life, that''s merely halfway¡ªor perhaps not even that far.


    With wealth and leisure at hand, the days of simply enjoying life were on the horizon, a prospect that was exciting just to imagine.


    However, all of this hinged on the Grizzlies winning the championship this year. If they fell short, there was a high chance he''d stay for another run next season.


    "Han, I think trying to beat this Heat team with defense alone is going to be very tough," Jamison remarked, steering the conversation toward the championship¡ªa topic inevitably tied to the ongoing Finals. Jamison''s extensive playoff experience lent weight to his words.


    Han Sen nodded. Defense was about maintaining the baseline, but with the Heat''s firepower, it was unrealistic to consistently hold them to that baseline.


    "What''s your take on it?"


    "Our only clear advantage over them is you," Jamison replied after some thought.


    The Grizzlies and Heat had faced off four times during the regular season, splitting the series 2-2. Of the Grizzlies'' two wins, one came from Han Sen''s 61-point explosion, and the other from a combined effort where Han scored 36 points and locked down Dwyane Wade.


    Jamison''s suggestion was for Han to sacrifice his defensive energy entirely and focus all his stamina on offense.


    As Jamison''s words hung in the air, Han Sen stirred his bowl of fish stew, his expression contemplative. The veteran''s suggestion of relying on Han''s scoring alone felt like a weight being placed directly on his shoulders. For a moment, the crackle of the outdoor fire and the soft lapping of the river filled the silence.


    Han shook his head, rejecting the idea. "That won''t work," he said simply. This strategy had already been dismissed early in his discussions with Coach Joerger.


    Scoring 61 points in the regular season was one thing; doing it against the Heat, on the grand stage of the Finals, was an entirely different challenge. Especially with Erik Spoelstra masterminding their defense.


    But just as he dismissed the notion, his spoon paused mid-air. The realization hit him like a lightning strike.


    Jamison''s words replayed in his mind, reframed. Not as an affirmation of Han being the sole advantage¡ªbut as a clue. His eyes sharpened, and a smirk crept across his face. "No," he said, confidence returning to his voice. "You''ve got it wrong. Our advantage isn''t me."


    Jamison raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the sudden shift in Han''s demeanor. Han didn''t explain further. Instead, he set his bowl aside and stood up abruptly. "I need to talk to Coach," he said, already reaching for his phone.


    That night, while others rested, Han and Coach Joerger brainstormed until dawn. By the end, they had a plan¡ªa game-changer.


    ...


    The next evening, Game 3 of the Finals tipped off in Memphis.


    The FedExForum was packed to capacity, the enthusiasm of Grizzlies fans no less fervent than that of Miami''s. The crowd was a sea of navy blue T-shirts handed out by the arena, with fans waving bright yellow towels, creating an electrifying atmosphere.


    During the opening ceremony, the Grizzlies coaching staff gave the Heat a surprise. For the first time in the playoffs, the Grizzlies adjusted their starting lineup, with Shane Battier replacing Rudy Gay at small forward.


    Even Spoelstra was baffled¡ªwas Gay dealing with an injury?


    No one knew because the Grizzlies hadn''t released any pre-game updates.


    As the Heat players looked slightly dazed, Game 3 began.


    Han continued to guard Wade on defense, while Battier appeared to be simply filling in for Gay.


    The only noticeable change in the Grizzlies'' approach was a more aggressive defensive intensity than before.


    Yet, the Grizzlies still couldn''t fully contain the Heat''s offensive firepower. This starting lineup maximized Miami''s scoring capabilities.


    However, there were some unexpected benefits.


    Although Battier, like Gay, struggled to keep up with Kevin Durant''s pace, his corner three-point shooting was far more reliable.


    During his time on the floor, Battier knocked down two corner threes, demonstrating his prowess as a ''corner three specialist.'' This helped the Grizzlies stay close in the score.


    When the starting unit''s rotation ended and both teams shifted to their benches, Gay came on as a substitute.


    He immediately made an impact with a powerful baseline cut and dunk, showing no signs of injury.


    While Gay occasionally came off the bench in past games, the difference was clear. A fatigued Gay tasked with guarding Durant wasn''t the same as a fully rested Gay entering the game.


    At that moment, many finally realized that inserting Ray Allen into the Heat''s starting lineup had weakened their bench.


    This forced Spoelstra to extend the playing time of his starters.


    Even so, the strategy only allowed the Heat to maintain their slight lead. When Gay played with fresh legs, the Grizzlies'' bench was able to hold its own against Miami.


    By halftime, the Heat still held a narrow lead over the Grizzlies.


    But in the second half, as the Heat''s starters began to tire, their offensive efficiency inevitably dropped. This allowed the Grizzlies to chip away at the lead and eventually pull ahead.


    In the end, the Grizzlies came from behind to secure a 106-99 victory, claiming their first home win of the Finals.


    As the game ended, Joerger and Han enthusiastically high-fived.


    The previous night, the two had spent hours discussing the teams'' strengths, weaknesses, and how to best capitalize on their advantages.


    By the end of their discussion, Joerger realized that in Game 2, he had allowed Spoelstra to dictate the terms.


    This wasn''t entirely surprising. As a prot¨¦g¨¦ of Lionel Hollins, Joerger excelled at defense.


    But defensive-minded coaches often approached the game reactively¡ªfocusing on how to stop the opponent, which inherently put them on the back foot.


    When Spoelstra inserted Ray Allen into the starting lineup, Joerger''s immediate response was to figure out matchups and defensive adjustments.


    Even Han initially failed to see the bigger picture. It was Jamison''s comment that sparked his realization.


    The Grizzlies'' greatest advantage over the Heat wasn''t Han¡ªit was their depth.


    Fans of LeBron had a point when they argued that no team could match Miami''s Big Three, supported by two near-All-Stars and a roster of quality role players.


    But in terms of overall depth, no team in the league could rival the Grizzlies.


    By properly utilizing this depth, the Grizzlies could maintain a high level of play throughout the game. This fundamentally changed the dynamics.


    A 48-minute game was like a relay race. The Heat had superior thoroughbreds¡ªespecially with Ray Allen in the starting lineup¡ªbut their thoroughbreds couldn''t run the entire race.


    The Grizzlies, on the other hand, could turn their average horses into decent ones through careful rotation management.


    So what if the Heat''s thoroughbreds outperformed in the opening leg? When the Heat''s weaker players faced Memphis'' stronger reserves, the tables turned.


    And if Miami tried to extend their starters'' minutes to mitigate this, they''d lose steam by the end, unable to keep pace with Memphis'' fresh legs.


    To ensure this strategy worked, the Grizzlies even ramped up their defensive intensity early, aiming to sap the Heat''s starters'' energy.


    This game was a testament to the Grizzlies'' depth¡ªand strategic adjustments.


    Just as the Heat''s Big Three defined their team''s strength, Memphis'' depth was their enduring advantage.


    Now leading 2-1, the Grizzlies looked closer than ever to securing the championship.


    -To be continued-

 Chapter 226: Ticking Time Bomb.

    Chapter 226: Ticking Time Bomb.Two days later, Game 4 of the NBA Finals tipped off in Memphis.


    Heat coach Erik Spoelstra made another adjustment, moving Ray Allen back to the bench.


    This was exactly the scenario the Grizzlies welcomed, just as Han Sen had said in the press conference before the game: "Game 1 proved we can beat the Heat."


    However, Game 4 introduced a new variable.


    Dwyane Wade exploded for 33 points.


    In the first three games of the series, Wade had been relatively quiet, averaging just 18 points per game¡ªfar below his usual standard.


    Much of that was due to Han Sen''s defense, but Wade also played conservatively, worried about aggravating previous injuries.


    But now, trailing 1¨C2 in the series, those concerns became irrelevant. If the Heat fell to 1¨C3, they might as well pack it in.


    With nothing left to lose, Wade gave it his all.


    Han couldn''t contain him.


    Even at this stage of his career, a fully unleashed Wade was almost impossible to guard one-on-one. And when Han''s defense faltered, the Grizzlies had to rely on help defense, which allowed the Heat to shift into their preferred offensive rhythm.


    The combination of the league''s best slasher and the most efficient scorer proved unstoppable. It was the formula that had carried Miami to a 70-win regular season.


    Ultimately, Memphis couldn''t withstand the onslaught, falling 116¨C106. The Finals were tied 2¨C2, with a pivotal Game 5 looming.


    Just like that, the momentum of the series flipped dramatically.


    The Heat''s Game 4 victory restored home-court advantage. Even if Memphis managed to win Game 5, the last two games would be played in Miami.


    The pressure now landed squarely back on the Grizzlies.


    They simply couldn''t afford to lose Game 5.


    After four grueling games, both teams had exhausted their tactical adjustments and played nearly all their cards.


    Now, as the team motto in the Grizzlies'' locker room read: "When two warriors meet on a narrow path, it''s the fearless who rise."


    During the pre-Game 5 practice session, Coach Joerger delivered a fiery speech to rally his team: "We''re not just defending our title; we have the chance to make history¡ªthe first team to beat a 70-win squad in the Finals. We''re two wins away from immortality."


    His words lit a fire under the Grizzlies, who understood the weight of the opportunity before them.


    In NBA history, one of the most celebrated championships was the Cavaliers'' 2016 victory. It wasn''t just about the comeback from a 3¨C1 deficit¡ªit was about defeating the 73-win Warriors, forever cementing their place in history.


    The thought of etching their own legacy deeply motivated the Grizzlies.


    Yet, as they took to the court for Game 5, reality proved far more daunting.


    Hearts raced uncontrollably, breaths quickened, and palms grew clammy with sweat.


    The team had experienced the pressure of a Game 5 before, against the Lakers last season¡ªbut in the Finals, the stakes felt exponentially higher.


    The Heat players weren''t immune, either. The tension in the air was palpable, like the smell of smoke before a battle.


    After the opening ceremony, the starting lineups took their places.


    Chris Bosh won the tip, and Miami claimed the first possession.


    Wade wasted no time asserting himself. Blowing past Han Sen, he drew a double team and dished to Kendrick Perkins for an easy opportunity.


    But Perkins bricked the close-range shot, eliciting gasps and chuckles from the crowd.


    The humor was short-lived when Rudy Gay missed an open dunk moments later.


    Five minutes in, the score was an anemic 5¨C4.


    It was a stark contrast to the high-scoring battles of the earlier games.


    All the talk of ''clutch players'' and ''big moments'' faded in the face of the sheer intensity. True mental fortitude was now being tested.


    Spoelstra called the first timeout.


    After the break, Wade adjusted. Instead of kicking out of double teams, he attacked directly, drawing fouls and earning free throws.


    Defensively, the Heat switched gears. Mario Chalmers took over guarding Han Sen, while Wade focused elsewhere.


    Whenever Han touched the ball, Miami aggressively trapped him with help defenders from the strong-side corner or top of the arc.


    The plan was clear: neutralize Han Sen and live with the results of Gay and Mike Conley.


    The adjustment worked. Miami unleashed a 6¨C0 run, forcing Joerger to call his own timeout.


    During the break, Joerger made his own tweaks. He subbed Gay out for Vince Carter¡ªa routine rotation but a deliberate move. He also swapped defensive assignments, giving Conley more freedom. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Joerger recognized the unique tension in this game. Normally, Memphis couldn''t outgun Miami, but tonight was different. With both sides tense, defense wasn''t the deciding factor¡ªit was about who could score when it mattered.


    Before sending Han back onto the court, Joerger placed a firm hand on his shoulder. The message was clear: the Grizzlies'' fate rested on Han''s shoulders.


    Han reentered the game with authority.


    Receiving the ball beyond the arc, he faced Chalmers. The Heat guard had no fear, despite being outmatched. His Kansas days as an NCAA champion and Most Outstanding Player gave him nerves of steel¡ªenough to famously trash-talk LeBron James in the past.


    But grit alone couldn''t stop Han. Driving into the double team, Han pivoted smoothly into a fadeaway jumper.


    Chalmers and Bosh lunged at him, but their efforts were futile.


    Swish.


    The ball sailed cleanly through the net.


    The crowd at FedExForum erupted, releasing the tension they''d been holding all game.


    Yet as the camera panned to Han Sen, his expression remained stoic. Calm. Focused.


    Wade and Durant then executed a pick-and-roll play.


    After the screen, Durant received the ball and hit a mid-range jumper over Conley.


    The Heat were relentless, and during the transition, they began to double-team Han Sen.


    Spoelstra reacted faster than Joerger, and his adjustments were more decisive.


    Han Sen didn''t back down from the offense. Under pressure from the double team, he passed the ball to Conley and immediately cut without the ball.


    The two executed a seamless play, but even after receiving the ball, Han Sen was double-teamed by Durant.


    Han Sen didn''t opt to pass this time. Instead, he forced a shot through the double-team and drew a foul.


    In a clash of wills, the fearless prevails. Han Sen exuded that familiar aura once again.


    He stepped to the free-throw line and calmly sank both shots.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The crowd caught onto the momentum and erupted into synchronized chants of defense.


    Wade and Durant attempted the same play again, but this time Wade bypassed Carter with a direct drive to the basket.


    Using a beautiful Euro step, Wade shook off Carter, but just as he went up for the shot, a shadow came slicing in from the weak side.


    Han Sen soared and swatted the ball off the backboard with both hands.


    It was Han again!


    Although Joerger hadn''t specifically assigned Han Sen to guard Wade, he wasn''t just idling on the weak side.


    Securing the rebound, Han Sen initiated a Grizzlies fast break. Conley''s contested layup against Chalmers rimmed out, but Han Sen followed up with a putback dunk!


    This sequence, surely one of the top five plays of this year''s Finals, electrified the arena.


    More important than the highlight, though, was that Han Sen seemed omnipresent on the court.


    His aura inspired the crowd and noticeably calmed his teammates, alleviating the physical tension caused by their nerves.


    It was like in a fierce battle when the sight of their general''s banner suddenly steadies the soldiers.


    The Grizzlies kept the score close.


    By halftime, the two teams were tied at 48.


    Han Sen scored 26 points in the half but had only one assist.


    The Grizzlies typically thrived on team basketball, but tonight they needed Han Sen to be selfish.


    After the break, the Heat struck first, with Wade and Durant scoring consecutively to build a lead.


    But Han Sen quickly responded with a scoring burst of his own, and the Grizzlies closed the gap again.


    Then, as the game entered the familiar third quarter, the Grizzlies'' trademark defensive surge kicked in.


    "Offense is often unstable, but defense is relatively consistent."


    That mantra of this year''s Finals was once again proven true.


    The sudden increase in defensive intensity threw the Heat off their rhythm. Instead, it was the Grizzlies who took the lead and began to pull away.


    "Whoop that trick!"


    The home crowd rose to their feet, shouting and vigorously waving their rally towels.


    The game''s momentum shifted firmly in the Grizzlies'' favor.


    "The playoff format is ridiculous," Shaquille O''Neal said, glancing at Kenny Smith before launching into a rant from the commentary booth.


    "The team with home-court advantage has to play the pivotal Game 5 on the road. It makes no sense!" Though his words held a degree of logic, it was clear Shaq was simply trying to avoid drinking Kenny''s infamous ''bathwater.''


    Han Sen, once again splitting a double-team from Chalmers and Durant, nailed a mid-range jumper, bringing his total to 36 points.


    The cheers at FedExForum were deafening.


    Fans could sense the championship trophy waving at them from the horizon.


    Durant then missed a three-pointer from the right wing.


    Wade grabbed the offensive rebound and powered through Randolph to score a putback.


    The whistle blew.


    An and-one play, a lifeline for the Heat.


    The crowd collectively grabbed their heads in disbelief.


    Wade had proven himself on the Finals stage before!


    But just as the arena was reeling, an unexpected twist occurred.


    After completing the and-one play, Wade remained on the floor, clearly in pain.


    The Heat''s medical staff hurried over. Following a brief exchange, they helped Wade to his feet.


    When Wade planted his bent knee on the ground, he let out a loud curse.


    It was a surprise, yet it felt inevitable¡ªWade was injured.


    Wade was escorted to the bench, and a technical timeout was called.


    The arena''s LED screen replayed the sequence.


    Wade had collided knees with Randolph during his drive.


    It didn''t look serious, especially since Randolph was fine¡ªhe had previously suffered a ligament tear from a similar collision last season.


    Clearly, this was the result, not the cause. The true culprit was the grueling season''s wear and tear.


    Entering the league already down half a meniscus, Wade''s career was destined to be shorter than most.


    Had the Heat maintained their original roster, perhaps the injury wouldn''t have come so soon.


    But two years ago, LeBron James joined the team. Last season, Wade played primarily in clutch situations, which exponentially increased the strain on his knees.


    This season, Durant''s arrival gave him some relief, but the push for 70 wins reignited that burden, turning his knee into a ticking time bomb.


    The injuries he had battled earlier in the playoffs were already warning signs. Wade knew this, which is why he played cautiously after returning.


    But in the previous game, desperate for a win, he pushed his limits, gambling that his knee would hold out through the Finals.


    It was clear now that he had lost that gamble.


    Wade attempted to walk on the sideline, limping heavily. Ultimately, he was escorted to the locker room by the medical staff.


    Seeing Wade exit, most Grizzlies players wore excited expressions.


    The Heat''s strength lay in their Big Three, but their Achilles'' heel was also the Big Three¡ªif one went down, their power diminished significantly.


    Han Sen, however, didn''t look thrilled. His expression was complex, his gaze reflective.


    Part of it stemmed from his personal relationship with Wade; another part was because Wade''s plight reminded him of his rookie season.


    Back then, he too had overexerted himself in the regular season, only to suffer an injury before the playoffs began.


    Even after a remarkable playoff return, he ultimately succumbed to a season-ending injury in a decisive game against the Celtics.


    Both had given their all for their teams.


    As the timeout wound down, Han Sen gathered his teammates.


    He stood at the edge of the huddle, his eyes burning with intensity. The crowd roared in the background, but his focus was razor-sharp, locked onto his teammates.


    "Bring it in!" Han''s voice sliced through the noise like a dagger, pulling every pair of eyes toward him. The team gathered tightly around, their breaths visible in the cold tension of the moment.


    "Listen the hell up," Han growled, his tone a mix of command and urgency. "Don''t let your guard down for one second. Yeah, Wade''s out. But don''t you dare think for a second this shit''s over."


    He jabbed a finger toward the Heat bench, where Ray Allen adjusted his shooting sleeve with an almost eerie calm.


    "You see that man?" Han spat, his voice rising. "That''s Ray freakin'' Allen. He''s hit more clutch shots than half the league combined. You slack off for even a heartbeat, and he''ll gut us like a fish. You want to let that happen? You want all these people in this building to watch us blow it?"


    His teammates shook their heads, their eyes wide, their adrenaline spiking.


    "No," Han snapped, answering his own question. "Because we''ve bled too much for this moment. We''ve fought through every goddamn obstacle to get here, and we''re not gonna let some old man in a Heat jersey take it away."


    He clenched his fist and raised it in front of them, his knuckles white. "We play our game. We fight for every loose ball, every rebound, every second on that shot clock. No freebies. No excuses. You give me everything you''ve got, and I swear to you¡ªwe''ll finish this job."


    The fire in Han''s voice lit a spark in his teammates. Zach Randolph nodded firmly, Marc Gasol slapped his hand on Conley''s shoulder, and Vince Carter let out a low growl of approval.


    "Now get your asses out there," Han roared, his eyes blazing. "And show them what Grizzlies basketball looks like!"


    As they broke the huddle, the energy was palpable. The crowd felt it, the Heat bench noticed it, and the players knew it. Han had just planted a flag in their minds¡ªthis was their game to take, their series to win.


    ...


    Han''s timing was perfect. Shortly after the game resumed, Ray Allen hit a high-difficulty three-pointer.


    In terms of mental fortitude, Ray Allen had once saved LeBron James'' career in ''history.''


    But gradually, the Grizzlies regained control of the game.


    Allen, now older, could no longer carry a team''s offense.


    The real turning point was Durant''s inability to step up after Wade left.


    While Durant''s struggles weren''t as pronounced as LeBron''s in such situations, his mental game wasn''t his strong suit.


    Westbrook had once been called the best defender against Durant, but in truth, Westbrook''s sheer intensity complemented Durant''s personality.


    In ''history,'' Draymond Green had famously called Durant soft, not just because of his infamous team-switching but also due to his demeanor.


    Jordan had unshakable dominance, Kobe radiated chilling ruthlessness, and Han embodied fearless determination.


    Durant, on the other hand, wielded the scythe of a Reaper¡ªbut only when backed by strong teammates.


    The Grizzlies defeated the Heat 106-95 in their final home game of the series.


    Han Sen scored a career Finals high of 46 points.


    With this critical Game 5 victory, the Grizzlies led the series 3-2, just one step away from defending their championship.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 227: Defeating the Strongest.

    Chapter 227: Defeating the Strongest."DW is a respected opponent on the court. I hope he''s okay and look forward to competing with him in Game 6."


    After wrapping up the press conference, Han Sen immediately called Dwyane Wade. Wade''s injury status was, of course, confidential, and Han didn''t probe too much¡ªjust a friend checking in with another.


    Game 6 at the American Airlines Arena


    The arena was packed as usual, buzzing with anticipation. For the Memphis Grizzlies, it was a potential championship-clinching game. For the Miami Heat, it could be their final stand.


    NBA Commissioner David Stern, his assistant Adam Silver, and league officials were all present to witness what could be a historic moment. Beyond the outcome, all eyes were on whether Wade would play.


    During the pre-game warmups, Wade, dressed in his training gear, remained seated courtside, avoiding any warmup drills. The answer came during the opening ceremony: Wade was in the starting lineup for the Heat.


    When Wade stepped onto the court, his knee heavily braced, the crowd erupted.


    Pre-game speculation from ESPN suggested Wade might receive painkillers to play. However, Miami''s CBS affiliate refuted the report, claiming Wade wouldn''t risk his career. Evidently, CBS had been throwing up a smokescreen.


    Before tip-off, Han Sen embraced Wade.


    Wade was notorious for being submissive to his teammates, even yielding to the ''alpha'' players. But when it came to himself, he was ruthless¡ªtwo seemingly contradictory behaviors, both driven by the desire to win.


    Even though he was playing through injections, Wade''s playstyle relied heavily on explosive drives, and Han''s defense significantly limited his offensive threat.


    But that was just part of the story.


    Wade''s presence brought more than scoring¡ªit was about morale.


    The Heat rode that wave, with Kevin Durant coming out scorching hot. Fueled by Wade''s determination, Durant''s offense was unrelenting, finding ways to evade double teams or attack before Memphis''s defense could set.


    Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger rotated Shane Battier and Vince Carter onto Durant, but neither could contain him. The absence of Tony Allen, who had been traded away, became glaringly obvious.


    With no better options, Joerger assigned Han Sen to defend Durant.


    This adjustment allowed Wade to partner with Chris Bosh in pick-and-roll actions, with Bosh capitalizing on mid-range opportunities after the screen.


    Fueled by Wade''s emotional boost, Miami''s offense roared to life. They scored 58 points in the first half, while Memphis struggled to keep up, managing just 45 points.


    Halftime


    As the Grizzlies returned to the locker room, a sense of unease hung in the air.


    At this rate, the Heat had a great chance of forcing a Game 7. With Game 7 also in Miami, the championship hung precariously in the balance.


    Dave Joerger entered with a clipboard in hand, his expression intense but calm. He scanned the room, his eyes locking on each player briefly before speaking.


    "Listen up," he began, his voice even, but carrying a sharp edge that cut through the quiet. "I know what you''re feeling right now. Frustration. Maybe even doubt. But I want you to stop and remember who the hell we are."


    He paused, letting his words settle.


    "We didn''t claw our way here by folding when it got hard. We didn''t survive the Spurs, the Thunder, or the Warriors because we had it easy. We''re here because we outwork, outthink, and outlast. Every. Single. Time."


    Joerger''s voice rose, his intensity building. He slammed the clipboard down on a nearby table, the crack startling a few players.


    "You think Miami is tougher than us? They''re throwing everything they''ve got because they''re desperate! Wade''s out there risking his career because that''s all they have left. But you? You''ve got each other. You''ve got grit. You''ve got the heart of a team that doesn''t quit, no matter the odds."


    He turned to Marc Gasol.


    "Marc, I need you to own that paint. No second chances for them. If they come in soft, make them regret it."


    Then to Mike Conley.


    "Mike, I trust you to keep this offense moving. Don''t let their pressure get in your head. You''re the calm in the storm¡ªact like it."


    Finally, his gaze landed on Han Sen.


    "Han," Joerger said, his tone shifting to something almost personal, "this is your moment. You''ve carried us through storms like this before, and we trust you to do it again. But remember¡ªthis is a team. Trust your brothers, and they''ll trust you. Together, we win."


    He stepped back, looking at the team as a whole.


    "Gentlemen, this game isn''t over. They think they''ve got it in the bag, but the second we hit that court, we remind them why they didn''t want to face us in the first place. Go out there and play Memphis basketball¡ªplay for each other."


    Joerger''s voice softened as he delivered his final line:


    "We''re not just here to compete. We''re here to finish this."


    As he turned and walked out of the locker room, the tension in the air transformed. Players began to nod, exchanging looks of determination.


    Han stood up slowly. The room quieted as all eyes turned to him.


    He looked around, his gaze steady but sharp, and with a calm, almost eerie confidence, he said:


    "You handle the defense. I''ll handle the offense."


    Few words, but they carried more weight than a thousand speeches.


    ...


    The crowd''s energy remained electric. Many Miami fans were optimistic about a Game 7¡ªa comeback that would align with their pre-series predictions.


    Memphis began the second half with possession.


    Han posted up Wade, executed a quick face-up move, and nailed a mid-range jumper off a crossover. His expression remained eerily calm, mirroring his demeanor from Game 5, causing unease to ripple through the Miami crowd.


    On defense, Memphis ramped up their intensity.


    Durant was double-teamed aggressively before even catching the ball, forcing turnovers and rushed plays. The suffocating defense from Game 5 returned in full force.


    Sensing the shift, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra ordered a double team on Han Sen.


    Han quickly adjusted, running pick-and-rolls with Marc Gasol. Even when doubled, Han delivered a sharp bounce pass to Gasol, who finished with a thunderous dunk.


    Unlike Game 5, Han wasn''t shouldering the entire offense himself. Instead, he seamlessly integrated Memphis''s hallmark team basketball.


    On the Memphis bench, Robert Sacre and Shaun Livingston swung towels wildly, hyping up their teammates. The energy was infectious.


    "Let''s go, Heat!"


    The crowd, sensing the tide turning, erupted in chants.


    Durant responded with a hard drive, drawing a foul and sinking both free throws.


    But on the next possession, Han posted up Wade again. Miami''s defenders hesitated, caught between doubling Han or sticking to their assignments.


    Han exploited the hesitation, spinning past Wade and sinking a fadeaway jumper despite a desperate contest.


    Swish!


    The sound of the net silenced the crowd.


    It didn''t matter how high the stakes or how tough the opposition¡ªHan thrived in adversity. His composure rattled the Heat as much as his scoring.


    Fans who had closely followed Han''s career weren''t surprised. Just as he had said during his tour in China, only by defeating the strongest opponents could one prove themselves capable of ruling an era.


    Wade''s grit in playing through injury inspired the Heat¡ªand him as well.


    However, unlike the first half, he made a strategic decision: conserving his energy for the offensive end.


    Because their defense was consistently reactive, the only way to seize control was through relentless offense.


    The Grizzlies'' defensive intensity was climbing. With Han Sen shouldering the offensive load, the rest of the team focused entirely on defense.


    Only by attacking effectively and defending resolutely could they close the gap. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The physicality on the court escalated sharply.


    At this point, they had LeBron to thank. Without him, both teams could go head-to-head without holding back.


    Conley seized a moment to strip the ball from Durant from behind.


    The Grizzlies launched a fast break, with Han Sen receiving the ball and racing upcourt alongside Wade.


    Wade put in a valiant defensive effort, but after Han Sen crossed into the frontcourt, he used a deceptive Eurostep to create contact and powered through with a single-handed dunk.


    Under the lens, Han Sen''s arm muscles bulged with intensity, the force behind his dunk undeniable.


    The crowd erupted.


    The aura emanating from Han Sen at that moment was awe-inspiring.


    What he did next, however, stunned everyone even more.


    Instead of celebrating, he walked over to the fallen Wade, extended a hand, and pulled him up.


    Then, without a word, he turned and jogged back on defense.


    In that moment, fans were reminded of what Han Sen had said after Game 5¡ªhow he genuinely hoped for Wade''s return.


    He didn''t just want to win. He wanted to face and defeat his opponent at their strongest.


    Realizing this made Han all the more fearsome in their eyes.


    This wasn''t just a sentiment felt by fans; the Heat players on the court sensed it too.


    During their next offensive possession, they committed an unforced error. Bosh dribbled the ball off his foot and out of bounds.


    It was clear that the morale boost from Wade''s return had been forcibly suppressed by Han''s dominance.


    After breaking through a double team, Han Sen passed to Rudy Gay, who calmly drilled a three-pointer without hesitation.


    56-60.


    With Gay''s three-pointer, the deficit was rapidly reduced to four points.


    Spoelstra called for a timeout.


    Coming out of the break, the Heat subbed in Ray Allen for Mario Chalmers to bolster their offense.


    In response, Joerger pulled Gay aside and sent in Shane Battier.


    The chess match resumed.


    The game entered a deadlock that persisted into the final moments.


    Midway through the stalemate, it became evident that the Heat''s energy levels couldn''t keep pace with the Grizzlies.


    Yet, spurred on by the deafening cheers of their home crowd, they seemed to find new reserves of strength.


    This was the clash of two juggernaut teams.


    With 1:30 left on the clock, Randolph drew a foul on Bosh in the post and sank both free throws, cutting the Grizzlies'' deficit to 104-105.


    On the next possession, Durant drove hard, drew contact, and earned his trip to the free-throw line. He too made both shots.


    Marc Gasol missed a mid-range jumper on the other end.


    Durant tried a contested three over Gay but missed. Bosh grabbed the offensive rebound, but Gasol blocked his putback attempt.


    Han Sen shook off Wade with a step-back three-pointer, tying the game at 107.


    Spoelstra called for another timeout.


    With 20 seconds remaining, Wade held the ball, running down the clock before passing it to Durant.


    Durant had 10 seconds and a chance to clinch the game.


    He drove toward the basket before the double-team could close in, aiming to draw contact with his signature sweeping motion¡ªa tried-and-true scoring method.


    But before he could bring the ball up, Conley struck.


    Conley came from behind, cleanly stripping the ball out of Durant''s hands.


    The whistle didn''t blow¡ªthe steal was as clean as ever.


    With both teams in the penalty, the Heat couldn''t afford to foul early.


    Conley pushed the ball up the court, with only five seconds remaining.


    Han Sen crossed midcourt, and Conley decisively passed him the ball.


    The instant Han Sen caught the pass, the hearts of every fan in the arena leaped into their throats.


    Wade lunged toward him, pressing hard, but Han Sen''s feigned single-handed pass caused Wade to glance back. Seizing the moment, Han Sen pulled the ball back and crossed over, leaving Wade behind.


    With time winding down and defenders converging on him, Han Sen came to a sudden stop, just inside the three-point line, and rose for a mid-range jumper.


    To those watching, it was as if Han Sen had taken the shot surrounded by four defenders.


    The ball arced over Bosh''s outstretched hand, just out of reach, heading toward the basket as the red lights on the backboard lit up.


    Swish!


    The ball sliced cleanly through the net, extinguishing the hopes of the Miami fans.


    Han Sen had delivered a game-winning buzzer-beater on the grandest stage¡ªthe NBA Finals.


    This was his first Finals game-winner, arriving at the moment it was most needed.


    To be the best, you had to beat the best.


    "He did it! He did it! The Memphis Grizzlies have defeated the Miami Heat to defend their championship!"


    Charles Barkley leapt from the commentary table in excitement.


    "Looks like I don''t have to drink bathwater after all!"


    Shaquille O''Neal buried his face in his hands.


    He couldn''t bear to look at Barkley, let alone Smith.


    The thought of fulfilling his bet turned his stomach.


    On the court, Han Sen raised his arms in triumph as his teammates rushed toward him.


    4-2.


    Not only had they beaten the Heat, but they had exceeded all expectations with this scoreline.


    It was all because of Han Sen.


    Carter crouched on the sidelines, taking a deep breath. When Joerger came over to help him up, Carter made a gesture of prayer.


    Perhaps he was thanking God. Or perhaps he was thanking himself for making the right decision at the trade deadline. Then, he too joined the celebration, embracing Han Sen in a warm hug.


    "You''re him," Carter said, offering the highest compliment imaginable.


    Han Sen had delivered 43 points, making it consecutive 40+ games in the Finals. A Game 6 buzzer-beater to cap it off!


    Kenny Smith had been right¡ªHan Sen was the modern-day Jordan.


    Jamison joined in, hugging Han Sen tightly.


    "Finally, I can rest," Jamison said, his joy unmistakable. He was ready to savor life after basketball.


    Even Joerger embraced Han Sen, overcome with emotion.


    Two years into his career and already a back-to-back champion. From relative unknown to legendary coach, Joerger was experiencing the Phil Jackson-style thrill of guiding a superstar.


    After embracing his teammates, Han Sen noticed Delonte West on the outskirts of the celebration. He approached and bumped fists with him.


    No words were exchanged, but none were needed. A simple smile said it all.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 228: Back-To-Back.

    Chapter 228: Back-To-Back.After a brief celebration, both teams lined up for post-game handshakes.


    Dwyane Wade approached Han Sen, his emotions a complex swirl of admiration and resignation. In the end, Wade extended his hand, pulling Han into a sportsmanlike hug.


    The Heat had done everything they could tonight. Against any other team in the league¡ªor even this Grizzlies team without Han¡ªthey likely would have emerged victorious.


    But Han Sen''s individual brilliance had singlehandedly toppled them.


    Losing to a player like that left no room for complaints.


    Han returned Wade''s gesture with a respectful pat on the back. Wade''s determination to play through injury was commendable, but as harsh as it was, sports were unforgiving: there could only be one winner.


    When Han''s eyes landed on Kevin Durant, he fully expected KD to walk away, as he had before.


    But to Han''s surprise, Durant not only shook his hand but also delivered a fiery parting shot: "Next year, at this time, I''ll beat you here."


    The words carried a clear implication¡ªDurant intended to elevate his game, likely by developing his playmaking ability.


    Han smiled faintly. "I''ll be waiting."


    Failure breeds success because it compels those who endure it to grow stronger.


    Durant might not have earned the proverbial ''bathwater'' victory, but he walked away with something far more valuable¡ªa hunger to improve.


    The Grizzlies headed back to the locker room, where Han became the target of a champagne shower.


    In six Finals games, Han had averaged 33 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 2.1 steals, shooting 49.2% from the field and 40% from three-point range.


    Stat lines like that were legendary, ranking among the best in NBA history.


    Last season''s Heat might have fallen victim to the Grizzlies'' style mismatch even without Han. But this Heat squad? Without Han Sen, Memphis would have been lucky to win a single game.


    Defense alone couldn''t topple a team like Miami.


    After the locker room celebrations, the players mingled with their families.


    Though Scarlett Johansson couldn''t attend due to filming Under the Skin, Han''s parents had made the trip this year. Han spent a few heartfelt moments with them before the championship ceremony began.


    As the stage was set and the lights dimmed, the players ascended to the platform. David Stern, standing center stage, looked noticeably more relaxed than the previous year.


    Given the Heat''s dominant 70-win regular season, they were expected to continue their reign. Stern, however, privately rooted for Memphis.


    A Grizzlies victory underscored the parity Stern cherished in the league¡ªevident in the lack of controversial officiating against Memphis, even against a Miami team bolstered by Kevin Durant.


    "Let''s give credit to the Miami Heat," Stern began. "They are the second team in NBA history to achieve 70 wins in the regular season, and they''ve delivered an incredible performance in these Finals."


    The praise carried undertones that only sharp listeners caught.


    "And now," Stern continued, "let''s congratulate the Memphis Grizzlies, the 2013 NBA Champions¡ªback-to-back champions!"


    As Stern handed the Larry O''Brien Trophy to owner Michael Heisley, Han Sen noticed the subtext in Stern''s words. Stern''s sentiments weren''t just praise but also a subtle warning: the NBA wouldn''t tolerate another dynasty.


    But Han didn''t let that concern him. Next season''s battles could wait. For now, he and his teammates would revel in the moment.


    When the trophy reached Han''s hands, the crowd erupted as he triumphantly raised it overhead. Confetti burst into the air, and Han''s face lit up with joy.


    One year ago, in this very arena, he had hoisted his first championship trophy.


    Now, the moment repeated itself. Memories of lifting the NCAA Division II championship here years ago flooded back. This place truly was his lucky ground.


    After celebrating with the trophy and enduring a round of kisses from his teammates, the media swarmed in.


    "Year four of your career, two NBA championships¡ªan incredible achievement. What''s going through your mind right now?" one reporter asked, shoving a microphone toward Han.


    "It''s cool," Han said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "But when''s Shaq drinking that bathwater? I don''t want to miss it."


    The arena roared with laughter as Shaquille O''Neal, seated at the analyst desk, pretended to storm off in mock indignation.


    Han shifted gears, turning serious. "Last season, nobody thought we could win a championship. This season, few believed we''d defend it. And next season, we''ll probably still be doubted. But people don''t understand just how special this team is."


    His words weren''t empty platitudes. The Grizzlies'' success wasn''t built on a single superstar but a collective effort.


    Mike Conley. Han Sen. Rudy Gay. Zach Randolph. Marc Gasol.


    It was rare to find a team with five players, all near All-Star level, working together so seamlessly.


    Shortly after the interviews, the Finals MVP announcement followed.


    As Stern prepared to open the envelope, Bill Russell, now frailer than the year before, was helped onto the stage. Despite his declining health, he stood tall to hand Han Sen the trophy once again.


    Han leaned in, concerned for the legend.


    "Kid," Russell said, his voice firm despite his weakened state, "as long as you keep winning championships, I''ll be here to hand you these trophies."


    Han grinned, their fists bumping in silent agreement.


    Taking the microphone, Han delivered a more formal MVP speech, thanking his parents, teammates, and everyone who supported him.


    He ended with a nod to the bold proclamation he''d made last year.


    "We''ve completed two-thirds of the job. One more to go."


    The crowd erupted, fully understanding the gravity of his words. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With one more championship, the Grizzlies would join the Bulls and Lakers as the only teams in NBA history to achieve a true three-peat dynasty.


    It wouldn''t be easy, but the Grizzlies now had a real shot at immortality.


    The ceremony wrapped up, and Han headed straight to the press room for the post-game conference, which was packed wall to wall with reporters.


    As soon as Han Sen took his seat, he was immediately hit with a question about his game-winning shot tonight.


    "Why is it that you always seem to hit clutch shots?"


    The question made Han Sen chuckle.


    Because the premise itself was flawed.


    He didn''t always make clutch shots¡ªit was just the media''s selective focus on the times he succeeded.


    It was similar to Kobe Bryant. People thought he was always clutch because of the iconic moments highlighted over the years. But if you crunched the numbers, his success rate wasn''t extraordinary. The key? Take enough of those shots, and you''re bound to make a few.


    Besides, this was Han''s first-ever Finals buzzer-beater.


    After his laugh subsided, he calmly looked at the reporter and said:


    "That''s my job."


    The room erupted with murmurs and energy¡ªclassic Han Sen, delivering yet another line with swagger and simplicity.


    Another reporter followed up. "With Wade''s injury affecting the series, do you feel this championship was a bit... lucky?"


    It was clear some people weren''t thrilled with how the Grizzlies secured their title.


    "Luck is part of the game," Han replied without hesitation, his tone blunt but honest.


    Would the Grizzlies have beaten the Heat if Wade were fully healthy? Maybe. Maybe not.


    But hindsight and ''what ifs'' held no weight in reality. Every team dealt with injuries; it was a part of the sport. Wade''s injuries were no secret going into the series, and even players like Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, and Han himself had faced their fair share of setbacks despite their durability.


    This was basketball. Nothing came guaranteed.


    Another question aimed for a deeper story. "You mentioned in your Finals MVP speech that the work is only two-thirds done. But next season, your team will face serious salary cap pressures, and even your contract extension will be a topic of concern. Will you stay?"


    Han smiled. "Why wouldn''t I?"


    Later, when he returned to the locker room, most players were celebrating with their families.


    He noticed Jamison and Carter having an animated conversation about life after basketball. Curious, he interrupted.


    "VC, don''t tell me you''re planning to hang it up too?"


    "Me? No way. I''m playing until I physically can''t anymore," Carter grinned, giving Han a fist bump.


    Han appreciated that. The Grizzlies owed a lot of their depth to veteran leadership, and replacing these seasoned players wasn''t just about finding talent¡ªit was about chemistry and value.


    After chatting, Han sat down and began replying to messages on his phone. Scarlett Johansson had sent him a congratulatory text, mentioning she''d visit him soon once her movie shoot wrapped up.


    Her message reminded Han of his own movie plans. He''d asked Rondo to find some connections for him, but so far, nothing had materialized. If Hollywood didn''t pan out, he figured he''d look into opportunities back home.


    His thoughts were interrupted when team GM Chris Wallace entered the room. Jamison and Carter quickly excused themselves, sensing the conversation might be private.


    "We''ve just finished discussing it. The moment free agency opens, we''ll offer you a five-year supermax contract," Wallace said directly.


    Officially, the NBA prohibits teams and players from negotiating before free agency begins, but everyone knew that rule was more for show. Otherwise, how would so many deals be announced on Day 1? Especially between a team and its own player¡ªwho could say if they were chatting or negotiating?


    Han Sen smiled faintly.


    The moment reminded him of Rudy Gay. The Grizzlies had dragged out negotiations for nearly a year before eventually giving Gay a max contract. If the result was the same, why go through all that drama in the first place?


    "I''ve got one condition," Han said, cutting to the chase.


    Wallace chuckled. "Name it. After what you''ve done for us, you could ask for ten things, and I''d still say yes."


    However, when Han revealed his condition, Wallace''s smile froze.


    "Regardless of whether we complete the dynasty or not, I''ll leave after next season."


    Han''s tone was calm and natural, as though he''d already made peace with the decision.


    The truth was, he had. Ever since last summer, when the Grizzlies had hesitated to offer him even an $85 million contract, the thought of leaving had lingered in his mind.


    Small-market teams with frugal owners weren''t built to sustain dynasties. Even if they achieved greatness, it was only a matter of time before financial considerations tore the team apart.


    If the Grizzlies did complete a dynasty, management might lose their appetite for spending big. And if they didn''t? Han would be the next Nikola Joki?¡ªa generational talent stranded in mediocrity.


    In fact, management might not even wait for the future. This very summer, they''d likely face the tough choice of trading either Zach Randolph or Rudy Gay¡ªor even both¡ªto avoid paying the luxury tax.


    But without them, how could the Grizzlies build a dynasty?


    It was an unsolvable dilemma.


    Han''s proposal offered the best compromise. Let owner Michael Heisley know he''d only need to pay the luxury tax for one season.


    Han was willing to sign the five-year supermax, partly because of NBA rules.


    For restricted free agents, their current team had the right to match any offer. Most people understood this, but what they didn''t know was that becoming a restricted free agent required the team to offer a one-year qualifying contract first.


    Players could choose to forgo other offers and sign that one-year qualifying deal, though it was a rare move. Ben Gordon was a famous example¡ªafter finishing his rookie deal, he signed the one-year qualifying offer, then secured a five-year, $58 million contract with the Pistons the following season.


    The downside? Qualifying offers typically came with lower salaries, and teams, knowing the player might leave, could manipulate their role. That''s why most players avoided this route.


    But if Han was dead set on leaving, even as a restricted free agent, he had options.


    Still, going that route would hurt both sides. Han would lose money, and the Grizzlies would watch him walk away for nothing.


    Worse, knowing he''d leave for free, the team would likely scale back its championship aspirations, making a dynasty nearly impossible.


    By signing the long-term deal, Han could secure his financial future while keeping the team competitive for one final season. The Grizzlies, in turn, could trade him the following summer and receive substantial assets in return.


    As for where he''d go in a trade? This time, there''d be no dramatic ''one-year pact.''


    Unless Heisley wanted to burn his bridges in Memphis, the only way fans would accept Han leaving was if Han himself said it was his decision.


    For now, Han''s goal was clear: give everything he had for one last season, then part ways on his own terms.

 Chapter 229: The 2013 NBA Free Agency Market?.

    Chapter 229: The 2013 NBA Free Agency Market?.After hearing Han Sen''s plans, Chris Wallace took a long moment to compose himself.


    He had considered every possibility¡ªexcept this one.


    Finally, Wallace let out a deep breath. "I respect your decision," he said.


    Han Sen hadn''t just brought the Grizzlies their first championship; he followed it up with a second and possibly a third on the way.


    From any perspective, Han owed the Grizzlies nothing.


    Wallace''s trade to acquire Han was already cemented in history, a contender for one of the greatest trades of all time.


    And he understood Han''s reasoning. As the team''s GM, Wallace was well aware of the ownership''s unwillingness to invest in the future. Despite sponsorships from several major corporations, management remained shortsighted, focused only on immediate profits.


    Last season, there had even been discussions about trading Zach Randolph¡ªtalk that only died down after Randolph''s stellar pre-All-Star performance.


    This season, whispers of trading Rudy Gay were growing louder. Gay''s contract was now considered an overpay relative to his production.


    Wallace knew that if the Grizzlies'' dynasty dreams were derailed by such moves, Han''s personality wouldn''t allow him to stay. He''d undoubtedly request a trade.


    In that sense, Han''s current decision might be the only way to resolve the impasse.


    But as the man who had brought Han to Memphis, Wallace couldn''t help but feel a bittersweet pang, knowing Han''s departure was inevitable.


    Being a GM might seem like holding the reins, but in reality, it was often just executing the ownership''s will.


    After Wallace left, Han opened his social media accounts.


    During their conversation, he''d noticed his [Hater Points] steadily increasing.


    Curious, he scrolled through the comments. When he read the posts, he couldn''t help but laugh.


    "Dynasty? Dream on! If DW (Dwyane Wade) hadn''t gotten injured, you wouldn''t have repeated this year!"


    Good thing I watched the games, or I''d think the Heat were winning Game 5 before Wade went down.


    "CP3 got hurt, DW got hurt. You''re just lucky. Luck doesn''t last forever!"


    But if Rudy hadn''t been injured in the 2011 playoffs, wouldn''t the Grizzlies already have a dynasty?


    "Watch, the Grizzlies are trading Gay this summer to cut salary. Let''s see how you build a dynasty then!"


    Want to bet $50? If you don''t have that, maybe look for a job.


    "I can''t wait for free agency this year. Love watching the Grizzlies fall apart!"


    Me too. But what if LeBron gets traded again? Real nomad vibes, huh?


    This year''s Finals had been a lose-lose for LeBron fans. Now that they had an outlet for their frustrations, they were targeting Han.


    But thanks to Han''s growing fanbase, a counterforce had emerged, turning the internet into a battleground between supporters and detractors. The clash only fueled Han''s [Hater Points] further.


    A few days later, the Grizzlies held a massive championship parade.


    Memphis'' streets were packed once again, fans just as passionate as they had been the year before.


    The key difference this year? No gun violence marred the celebration, making it far more peaceful.


    As a result, the crowd outside FedExForum swelled to unprecedented levels, creating a visually stunning scene.


    To outsiders, it looked less like a parade and more like a presidential rally.


    This year, Han Sen, not coach Dave Joerger, delivered the main speech.


    "Robert Sacre is our MVP. If the day ever comes when he stops waving that towel on the bench, I''ll lose half my love for the game."


    "Everyone knows what Dahntay Jones brings to the table."


    "I talked to Shane Battier¡ªhe''s not retiring yet. Next season, we''ll still have ''The President.''"


    "No one truly understands what Rudy Gay sacrificed. When coach asked who''d come off the bench to battle the Heat, he said, ''I''ll do it.''"


    Han''s words were met with cheers and whistles, his charisma keeping the crowd energized.


    "We''ve completed two-thirds of the journey. Let''s finish the last third!"


    When Han echoed his Finals MVP speech with added intensity, the crowd''s roar reached a deafening crescendo.


    This wasn''t Chicago or Los Angeles¡ªbig-city dynasties.


    This was Memphis, a small-market team crafting its own legend, one still unfolding.


    ...


    The day after the parade, Scarlett arrived in Memphis.


    From the moment they saw each other, their passion ignited, consuming every room in Han''s home¡ªfrom the doorway to the bed, the balcony to the bathroom.


    As they lay in bed, Scarlett sat up and began gathering her clothes. Han, still lounging with a cigar in hand, watched her with a faint smile.


    She struggled with the zipper on her dress, and without a word, Han got up to help her. His fingers worked the zipper slowly, the room filling with a comfortable silence.


    Once zipped up, Scarlett turned to face him, her eyes searching his. She leaned in for a lingering kiss, soft and full of something deeper.


    "I met someone recently," she said, breaking the quiet. "A Frenchman. His name''s Romain. He''s... kind to me."


    Han raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue.


    She hesitated, then asked, "Have you ever thought about getting married?"


    Han blinked, taken aback. Marriage? That wasn''t a question he''d expected¡ªat least, not from her.


    "Honestly?" he said, buying time as he sat back down on the edge of the bed. "Not really. It''s... not something I''ve thought about much."


    Scarlett nodded, her expression calm but tinged with something he couldn''t quite place.


    At age 24¡ª25 in December¡ªmarriage wasn''t on his radar, not by Chinese or American standards.


    But when a woman, especially one you''ve been intimate with, asks that question, it often means: Do you want to marry me?


    Scarlett, at 29, had already been married before¡ªto Ryan Reynolds in 2008. That marriage ended after two years.


    For Scarlett, this was more than casual affection. Over time, her feelings had deepened, and she wanted more.


    Han admired Scarlett¡ªnot just their chemistry but also her forthrightness and passion.


    But marry her? No.


    Not because of her past but because he didn''t want a wife who was an actress.


    He couldn''t accept seeing his spouse kiss other men onscreen¡ªor, worse, fully bare herself for roles like Scarlett had in Under the Skin.


    "Look, Scar," Han started, his voice softer now. "You''re amazing. You really are. But I don''t think marriage is in the cards for me right now. And... if I''m being honest, I don''t think I''d make a great husband for someone in your world."


    She tilted her head, studying him. "Because I''m an actress?"


    Han didn''t answer right away, which was answer enough.


    "I get it," she said, finally breaking the silence. Her voice was steady, but there was a slight crack at the edges. "I really do."


    He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You deserve someone who can give you everything, Scar. And... that''s not me. Not the way you want it to be."


    Scarlett gave him a small, bittersweet smile. "You know what? You''re probably right."


    The drive to drop her off was quiet, both of them lost in their thoughts.


    When they arrived, Scarlett leaned in for one last kiss. This time, it was slower, more deliberate¡ªa goodbye.


    As she pulled back, she looked him in the eye and said, "When you find someone you''d marry, Han, don''t wait. Don''t let her slip away."


    Han nodded, watching as she stepped out of the car and walked away. He stayed parked for a moment longer, her words lingering in the air.


    ...


    The 2012¨C2013 NBA season had come to a close, and the 2013 NBA Draft was just around the corner.


    The Grizzlies, however, didn''t have much to do with this year''s draft, having traded away their first-round pick to the 76ers in an earlier deal.


    But before the draft began, Han Sen came across an intriguing piece of news: the Cavaliers had fired their GM, Chris Grant, and promoted David Griffin to take his place.


    Han thought well of Griffin. Over the past two years, Griffin had always texted congratulations after championship wins. Seeing the news, Han shot Griffin a message to congratulate him.


    Afterward, a random thought struck him.


    In his memory, the Cavs picked Anthony Bennett with the first overall pick in 2013¡ªbut that was before Griffin became GM. Could this change in management trigger a new domino effect?


    Curious, Han decided to tune in to the draft broadcast on draft day.


    When David Stern took the stage, the crowd''s familiar boos rang out¡ªonly louder than usual this time. It took quite a while for the crowd to settle down before Stern could speak.


    This was Stern''s final draft as commissioner, as he was set to retire in February of the following year. His successor, Adam Silver, had been Stern''s right-hand man for years.


    The Cavaliers had the first pick¡ªtheir second first overall selection in three years. Han remembered they''d have another one next year, too.


    In hindsight, LeBron''s departure from Cleveland hadn''t just left them with mediocre draft picks. It left them with three first overall picks. Stern was a generous man.


    "With the first pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select Nerlens Noel, a 6''11" center from the University of Kentucky."


    Han raised an eyebrow. The pick was surprising, yet not entirely unexpected. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This year''s draft class was notoriously weak, rivaling the infamous 2000 draft.


    Noel had been a projected first overall pick before suffering a torn ACL in February, which clouded his draft stock. Still, Griffin''s first big move as GM was a gamble.


    Draft decisions reflect the GM''s style, and while Han, with his ''inside knowledge,'' knew Noel''s injury issues would plague his career, this pick was undeniably better than selecting Anthony Bennett.


    Given Cleveland''s roster, they didn''t need another guard, ruling out Victor Oladipo. Noel, despite the risks, was a logical choice.


    Han continued watching through the first round and couldn''t help but marvel at the Thunder''s savvy moves. Late in the first round, they snagged both Andre Roberson and Rudy Gobert.


    "If only their trades weren''t so terrible," Han thought. "I''d swear Sam Presti is a time traveler like me."


    Still, Presti''s upcoming summer wouldn''t be easy. With free agency looming, he was about to face some tough decisions.


    July arrived, and with it, the opening of free agency. As the frenzy began, news flooded in, and Han was at the center of it all.


    As a restricted free agent, Han received max contract offers from over a dozen teams the moment free agency opened¡ªincluding his old team, the Cavaliers.


    But those offers didn''t mean much. Han qualified for the ''Rose Rule,'' allowing only his current team, the Grizzlies, to offer him a supermax deal.


    By the afternoon, Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace posted a picture of Han signing a five-year, $95 million supermax contract on social media.


    The deal was tied to the league''s salary cap, which had remained relatively stable in recent seasons, and included a player option for the fourth year, 2017, as per the updated CBA.


    With Han''s future settled, free agency moved on to its next big targets: Dwight Howard and Chris Paul.


    ESPN had recently published an article by Brian Windhorst detailing LeBron''s desire to team up with one of the two.


    It was clear that after a season unworthy of a Nike flagship star, LeBron was desperate to build a new Big Three, especially with Kevin Durant breathing down his neck.


    Durant had claimed the MVP and dominated in the Finals, making the Heat''s failure to win the title even more glaring. If LeBron didn''t act fast, his 2014 Nike contract renewal might become a problem.


    But LeBron''s plans quickly fell apart.


    Dwight Howard re-signed with the Nets for five years and $112 million. After Brooklyn replaced Avery Johnson with Lionel Hollins, Howard''s role had grown significantly. Though the Nets fell to the Pacers in the semifinals, Howard prioritized his happiness¡ªsomething Brooklyn offered in spades.


    Howard''s decision wasn''t shocking. He and LeBron weren''t particularly close, and their only shared trait was their complicated relationship with the word ''loyalty.''


    Chris Paul''s move, however, left LeBron reeling.


    Paul signed a five-year, $107 million deal with the Lakers but was immediately traded to the Rockets. In exchange, the Lakers received Jeremy Lin, Chandler Parsons, two future second-round picks, and a $15 million trade exception.


    The trade was driven by Paul''s personal desire to leave. His two years in Los Angeles had been disappointing, and playing alongside Kobe Bryant came with immense pressure.


    As a free agent, Paul held all the cards. His trade brought the Lakers a solid return compared to how LeBron left Cleveland years ago.


    But for LeBron, this was a disaster.


    If Paul wanted out of L.A., why not go to the Thunder? Paul could have been the key to convincing OKC to trade Russell Westbrook, a move that would have benefited all parties involved.


    Instead, Paul''s decision highlighted just how strained his relationship with LeBron was. Despite their public camaraderie, Paul had no interest in joining forces with him.


    Paul''s choice to prioritize his own game, avoiding the fallout that plagued players like Dwyane Wade and Westbrook after teaming up with LeBron, made his stance clear.


    As free agency unfolded, LeBron looked around and realized something unsettling: nobody wanted to team up with him anymore.

 Chapter 230: Starting a Nomadic Journey?

    Chapter 230: Starting a Nomadic Journey??(TL/n: Finally done with finals..)


    Not yet¡ªthere''s still one more option.


    Wade and Paul might not want to team up with LeBron, but the Banana Boat crew isn''t just three people¡ªit''s four!


    Soon enough, Brian Windhorst wrote an article speculating about LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony teaming up.


    In theory, LeBron as a playmaker and Melo as a scoring machine are the most compatible pairing among the Banana Boat brothers.


    Of course, this doesn''t mean LeBron is angling to go to the Knicks. His carefully constructed ''loyalty'' persona would never allow him to request a trade. If he were to leave Oklahoma, it would have to appear as though he had no choice.


    The real motive behind this story? It''s another power play, pressuring the Thunder''s front office to trade Russell Westbrook for Carmelo Anthony.


    This wasn''t the first time such rumors surfaced. Ever since OKC''s first-round sweep last season, reports like these have been relentless.


    LeBron''s influence in the media is a perfect 100, while Westbrook''s barely hits a 10. But a wave of Thunder fans took to social media to back Russ, declaring they could accept Durant''s departure, but not Westbrook''s.


    The fan outcry added pressure on OKC''s front office. After all, you can''t entirely ignore the fans¡ªnot when you''re trying to sell tickets.


    Reports soon emerged that OKC management had approached LeBron''s team, asking him to commit to exercising his player option for the next two years.


    The message was clear: if it''s a straight-up choice between Russ and LeBron, they''d pick LeBron without hesitation. OKC''s revenue last season was their best since moving to Oklahoma City. It''s not about wins or losses¡ªit''s about money.


    The hesitation boiled down to one concern: LeBron''s 2014 player option.


    OKC''s management had read Jamal Khalil''s piece dissecting LeBron''s Nike contract¡ªand they agreed with it wholeheartedly.


    If LeBron would commit to his player option, the Thunder wouldn''t bat an eye trading Russ. But no follow-up news came from LeBron''s camp.


    The reason? That Nike contract expiring in 2014. LeBron''s next move would likely hinge on Nike''s preferences. Committing now could jeopardize his renewal.


    And that wasn''t happening.


    Now things were getting spicy. If OKC misplayed their hand, LeBron might actually embark on a nomadic journey.


    While the Thunder saga brewed, the Warriors dropped a bombshell.


    Andre Iguodala, whom the Nuggets had paid handsomely last season, announced he wouldn''t re-sign with Denver. Instead, he was heading to Golden State in a sign-and-trade deal for a modest 4-year, $48 million contract.


    Nuggets fans were livid. Their star player not only left, but joined the very team that upset them in the playoffs last year. Betrayal stung deep.


    Under pressure, Iggy revealed his reasons for joining the Warriors.


    It wasn''t just about money¡ªit was about respect. He admitted being awestruck by Steph Curry''s heroic, injury-defying playoff performances. Iggy''s sentiment echoed Han Sen''s from last season: "Watching Curry fight through injury was inspiring."


    But that wasn''t all. Iggy also claimed he left Denver because, during their playoff struggles, head coach George Karl had allegedly asked him to ''step under'' Curry. Iggy refused, deciding he no longer wanted to play for a team with such tactics.


    That revelation was a bombshell.


    Karl denied the allegations, claiming Iggy was just making excuses for his departure. Other Nuggets players backed Karl, saying they''d never heard such instructions.


    It was a classic case of ''he said, they said.''


    Meanwhile, the Grizzlies quietly strengthened their roster.


    With Antawn Jamison retiring, Memphis needed a backup power forward. They signed veteran Rashard Lewis, who''d played sparingly with Miami last season, to fill the spot.


    At guard, Shaun Livingston''s strong play earned him a 4-year, $20 million deal with the Warriors, replacing Jarrett Jack. Memphis responded by signing Chauncey Billups as a replacement.


    They also re-signed James Johnson and Dahntay Jones to minimum deals.


    Han Sen''s supermax contract had Memphis way over the luxury tax line, paying an extra $40 million. Owner Michael Heisley was clearly at his financial limit.


    As Memphis operated on a tight budget, the Heat''s offseason struggles mirrored theirs.


    Miami failed to re-sign Josh McRoberts, who chose the Bobcats for a starting role. For most role players, contracts outweigh championships.


    Ultimately, Miami brought back Lamar Odom on a minimum deal, despite his underwhelming stint in Houston, where he made headlines more for clubbing with Harden than playing basketball.


    They also signed Michael Beasley, the former second-overall pick and a close friend of Kevin Durant.


    While teams retooled, TNT dropped another highlight: Shaquille O''Neal finally fulfilled his infamous ''bathwater'' bet.


    The show took place poolside, where Kenny Smith, in a pair of very snug swim trunks, dived into a massive swimming pool.


    Shaq then scooped up a glass of pool water and drank it. Sure, it was diluted a thousand times over, but hey¡ªit was technically bathwater!


    And Shaq, ever the showman, had to take a parting shot.


    "If you want to drink Scarlett Johansson''s bathwater, it''s easy," Shaq quipped. "Just host a pool party and invite her over."


    The shade was unmistakable: KD, you''re on your own!


    ...


    By late July, the NBA free agency period was nearing its conclusion when ESPN dropped a bombshell that stunned the basketball world: the Oklahoma City Thunder traded LeBron James to the New York Knicks in exchange for Carmelo Anthony and a future first-round pick.


    This news sent social media into a frenzy.


    "Two years with the Heat, one year with the Thunder, and now 2014 free agency? Is he officially starting the nomadic life?"


    "The world outside is too cruel¡ªmaybe it''s time to return to Cleveland!"


    "Cleveland? Did you forget how Dan Gilbert exposed that potential Han Sen trade? There''s no going back for him."


    "Every decision has consequences. If he hadn''t ceded power in Miami back in 2012, he might still be with the Heat."


    "Honestly, this might work out for him. He''s back in the East, in a major market, and with the Knicks, which was always on his radar."


    "CBA teammates? Nah, don''t forget Steve Nash. LeBron once said he wanted to play with Nash. Thunder really did him a favor¡ªthis is touching!"


    Even Han Sen, catching wind of the trade, was taken aback¡ªnot by the Thunder''s decision to move LeBron after he declined to pick up his player option but by the Knicks'' willingness to part with Carmelo Anthony and add a first-round pick to the deal.


    A closer look at the details revealed that Anthony, too, was on the final year of his contract. This meant OKC was rolling the dice; if Melo left after one season, the trade could backfire. Still, it was likely the best offer the Thunder could have secured. Few teams would gamble big assets for a player with an impending opt-out, especially if they weren''t in a major market.


    The aftermath was immediate and entertaining. Before OKC even officially welcomed Melo, Russell Westbrook posted on social media:


    "Melo is a warrior. I can''t wait to go to battle with him!"


    Han couldn''t help but laugh. The sarcasm in Russ''s tone was unmistakable. After enduring relentless media pressure during LeBron''s tenure, Westbrook''s frustrations were spilling out.


    Meanwhile, Han checked out the Knicks'' new roster:


    - Steve Nash


    - Iman Shumpert


    - LeBron James


    - Amar''e Stoudemire


    - Andrea Bargnani


    - Raymond Felton, J.R. Smith, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Kenyon Martin


    While some joked about CBA-level teammates, Han noted the weakened Eastern Conference. This Knicks lineup had enough to make the playoffs.


    With the LeBron trade marking the end of a surprising and eventful free agency period, the Western Conference was reshuffled.


    The Thunder improved slightly. The Rockets made major strides. The Nuggets and Lakers took significant hits.


    For the Memphis Grizzlies, this reorganization played into their hands. The true threats were other top-tier teams; the broader strength of the West mattered less, as the Grizzlies had already proven they could dominate.


    ...


    However, a more pressing challenge emerged in August when the league introduced a new rule: the Verticality Rule.


    Han recognized its game-altering potential. Like the old ''no-handcheck'' rule, it aimed to encourage perimeter play. Specifically, it limited interior defenders'' ability to rotate mid-air to contest drives.


    Han had anticipated this rule arriving later, possibly in response to some high-profile incident like LeBron''s infamous elbow on Roy Hibbert. But its early implementation seemed targeted at Memphis, particularly their dominant duo of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Targeting Han directly was challenging, but weakening the interior defense of Gasol and Randolph? That was fair game. And conveniently, it aligned with the league''s overarching goal of promoting more offense.


    This wasn''t just your typical referee bias or questionable calls; this was a direct attack through the rules. For Memphis, establishing a dynasty now felt like playing a video game set to hell mode¡ªthe difficulty maxed out before they even began.


    The rule also prompted Han to reconsider his next talent acquisition.


    Players couldn''t change the rules; they could only adapt.


    In the timeline Han remembered, this rule helped the Miami Heat edge out the Indiana Pacers to reach the Finals, only to lose to the Spurs. That was the immediate impact.


    The long-term ripple came with Steve Kerr''s arrival in Golden State. Kerr abandoned Mark Jackson''s traditional style, embraced small-ball in line with the rule changes, and unleashed Stephen Curry to ignite the Warriors'' meteoric rise.


    But the Grizzlies were built differently from the Warriors. Mimicking that path was impossible. Memphis needed to double down on its core identity.


    And what defined the Grizzlies?


    Defense.


    The Verticality Rule''s core stipulation was this: interior defenders could no longer rotate their bodies mid-air to contest shots.


    In matchups between big men, this wasn''t an issue. However, when defending perimeter players driving to the basket, it became critical. Like the old hand-check ban, this rule essentially catered to perimeter scoring.


    The solution was straightforward: suffocate opponents at the perimeter and prevent them from attacking the paint in the first place. If they couldn''t penetrate cleanly, the rule''s impact would be minimized.


    Han decided his next upgrade in the Hater System would be an elite defensive talent¡ªperhaps one rivaling Jordan''s impact on that end of the floor.


    The [Star Catcher] talent at Tier-2, combined with his other talents, had already produced stunning results. If he could unlock a Tier-1 defensive ability, Han believed he could reach that level.


    The problem? He didn''t have enough hater points.


    With over 500,000 hater points amassed, Han was closing in on his goal. Ironically, much of this hate stemmed from accusations that Memphis''s championship run was ''lucky,'' due to injuries like Dwyane Wade''s in the Finals. Yet, he still needed more to unlock a Tier-1 talent.


    But as Han contemplated his next move, an unexpected boost came from overseas. At the FIBA Asia Championship in Manila, the Chinese national team suffered a shocking 78¨C96 quarterfinal loss to Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), igniting a media firestorm.


    Han realized he didn''t need to manufacture controversy¡ªthe storm had already arrived.

 Chapter 231: Death Wrap?.

    Chapter 231: Death Wrap?.In 2009, the Chinese men''s basketball team lost to Iran in the Asia Championship final, marking their first defeat in the tournament since 1975. But now? They didn''t just lose a game¡ªthey were knocked out in the quarterfinals, failing even to reach the top four.


    This wasn''t just an embarrassing defeat; it carried devastating consequences, as the team lost its qualification for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.


    Previously, the loss to Iran was shocking; now, this was a full-blown earthquake. Heads were bound to roll, and the blame game began.


    The first target? Head coach Giannis Ioannidis.


    Criticism poured in: "Doesn''t understand local players," "Strategies don''t fit the team," "Overhyped reputation."


    The man who had once led Greece to the semifinals of the 1998 World Championship and famously stopped Team USA''s ''Dream Seven'' from reaching the finals in 2006 now found himself buried under accusations.


    But this disaster was too monumental for one foreign coach to shoulder alone.


    The players? They''d still be relied upon for future international competitions, so they were spared most of the criticism.


    Naturally, that left Han Sen as the perfect scapegoat.


    Some domestic media began accusing Han, claiming he''d never played a single game for the national team but rode the support of Chinese fans to become an NBA All-Star and achieve his current success.


    "If Han Sen had played for the national team these past few years, even if they didn''t achieve much, the team wouldn''t have fallen this far. Especially this year¡ªif Han had played, there''s no way they''d have lost their World Cup spot."


    Comparisons with Yao Ming surfaced in these reports. "Yao risked his career-ending injuries to represent China, but Han refuses to play even when he''s perfectly healthy?"


    Some even dredged up Han''s infamous trash talk against Draymond Green during the playoffs last season:


    "You should start learning Chinese because you''re about to play in the Chinese Basketball Association."


    It was one thing for others to look down on the CBA, but for Han¡ªa Chinese player¡ªto mock his own country''s league? That was unacceptable.


    Previously, Han had led the Memphis Grizzlies to a stunning Finals victory over the Miami Heat, defending their championship in the process. Chinese fans celebrated wildly.


    An NBA champion, and a repeat one at that¡ªsomething they''d never even dared to dream about¡ªhad become a reality through Han. He was a basketball god in their eyes.


    But now, these articles sparked a rift among fans.


    Some argued Han had initially wanted to represent the national team but had been driven away by mismanagement. They believed the basketball association and critics had consistently used Han as a scapegoat for the team''s failures, making it understandable why he''d refuse to play.


    Others felt that no matter what happened, playing for the national team was Han''s duty as a Chinese citizen. To them, Han was selfish and cared only about his own career, undeserving of their admiration and instead warranting their disdain.


    The controversy caused Han''s hater points to skyrocket.


    Amid the uproar, Yao Ming visited Han in Memphis.


    Han treated him to a meal at his privately-owned Chinese restaurant, part of his business ventures in Memphis, akin to Yao''s in Houston. However, given Memphis''s smaller Chinese community and the restaurant''s un-Americanized flavors, it was more like a private kitchen than a commercial enterprise.


    Yao''s visit had a clear purpose.


    "Honestly, I thought we might lose to Iran again this year," Yao said as they sat down, "but I didn''t expect us to miss the World Cup entirely."


    The World Cup qualification rules at the time were different from what Han remembered before his time travel.


    With only 24 spots available, Asia had three, excluding the host nation and Olympic champion. Theoretically, China only needed to beat teams other than Iran to secure a spot. Even losing to Iran in the semifinals, they could still qualify by winning the third-place game.


    But China''s team managed to disappoint everyone.


    "I''m not that surprised," Han said, recalling the infamous ''Manila Disaster'' from his previous life.


    Last-minute coaching changes had left Ioannidis with less than three months to prepare. Expecting results under such conditions was unrealistic¡ªbasketball wasn''t a video game. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Moreover, even before Ioannidis started, the basketball association had made things difficult for him by interfering with player selection.


    As a coach, he couldn''t even pick his own roster. His demanding training methods led to complaints from players, creating a rift between coach and team before the tournament even began.


    Under these circumstances, failure was inevitable, conspiracy theories or not.


    "What''s worse is that they''re dragging you into this mess," Yao said, voicing his frustration.


    Then he offered a suggestion: "If possible, I think you should play in the 2015 Asia Championship. Winning it would be easy for you, and it would silence all the criticism."


    Yao didn''t need to spell it out: winning the tournament would not only end the doubt surrounding Han but make him a national hero.


    "Yao," Han said, addressing him more casually, "that might help me, but it wouldn''t help the national team."


    Yao was puzzled by Han''s response.


    "I could play in the Asia Championship or the Olympics, no problem. But that wouldn''t change the reality of the national team''s decline."


    Han was blunt because he respected Yao and because the national team situation had reached a breaking point.


    Yao''s retirement had left a void, but hope briefly surged during the 2015 Asia Championship in Changsha.


    That year, a young Chinese team led by players like Guo Ailun, Zhou Qi, and Ding Yanyuhang made an inspiring comeback to reclaim the title. The team''s rebuilding and resurgence had been driven by the disastrous 2013 loss.


    Gong Luming, a relatively obscure coach, had taken over, overhauled the roster, and reintroduced intense ''three-diligences and one-great'' training.


    Without that rock-bottom moment, the 2015 triumph wouldn''t have happened.


    "If I play in 2015, Gong Luming''s reforms won''t even get a chance," Han explained. "And if I''m there to cover for everyone, just like you used to, the CBA players won''t feel any pressure to improve."


    "Take Zhu Fangyu, for example. He had the potential to make it to the NBA, but did he push himself? No.


    Why bother when following you meant they couldn''t lose in Asia and couldn''t win on the international stage anyway? Life was easier staying in China¡ªgood money, less stress, more freedom."


    "One person can''t save the national team. The players come from the CBA. If the CBA doesn''t improve, the national team won''t either."


    Han pointed to examples like Team USA, powered by the NBA, and Spain, which rose alongside its domestic league. Even Germany, which had been China''s equal in 2008, became world champions thanks to the growth of their domestic league.


    "It''s not something that changes overnight," Yao acknowledged, knowing firsthand the challenges of reforming the CBA.


    "It''s not just hard¡ªit''s impossible," Han replied, his knowledge of history making him certain.


    "To fix the CBA, you''d have to follow Spain''s lead, gradually opening up until there''s no cap on foreign players. What we need are 12 guys who can compete internationally, not a bunch of players coasting through their careers."


    Han Sen''s words were brutally blunt¡ªso blunt that Yao Ming was left momentarily speechless. The proposal seemed outright impossible.


    It wasn''t just about stepping on a lot of toes; it would disrupt the established order and bring immense challenges.


    "Of course, I know it''s unlikely," Han Sen continued, "which is why I have an alternative plan."


    He then outlined his vision: the Foundation Project.


    Simply put, the plan involved identifying talented young players domestically and abroad¡ªspecifically high school and NCAA prospects in the U.S.¡ªto help them develop under higher levels of basketball competition.


    The ultimate goal? To cultivate players outside the CBA system who could represent the national team on the global stage.


    "A wolf remains a wolf only when it runs with other wolves. Stay too long among dogs, even the alpha wolf becomes no different from them."


    Currently, some Chinese youth players were already playing in the U.S., but not because they were exceptionally gifted. It was because their families had the financial means to send them there.


    This is where the Foundation Project came in: giving opportunities to those with talent but without resources.


    Ironically, those players were often more likely to succeed¡ªthey understood the value of every rare opportunity.


    As for funding, Han Sen planned to have Under Armour (UA) cover part of it. In return, UA would gain access to the CBA market. The remaining funds would come from the basketball association.


    Of course, there were many intricate details to address:


    - Player Ownership: If a player trained abroad and later failed to find a spot in the NBA, their rights would revert to their CBA parent team. This way, the CBA clubs would have an incentive to support the initiative.


    - Annual Camps: Han Sen planned to host yearly training camps. Domestic talents with the skills but not the finances to train in the U.S. could join. UA would provide NBA-level trainers for these camps.


    - Import Policy Adjustments: The CBA''s restrictions on foreign players would need gradual loosening, and determining the extent of this would fall on Yao Ming.


    As for why the basketball association would cooperate with such a plan?


    Because Han Sen made it a condition for representing the national team.


    "I''m not going to be a one-man army, running the offense and defense while babysitting," Han remarked dryly.


    "That''s no different than hosting a World Cup just to get humiliated at home."


    What he wanted was a team¡ªa squad of teammates who could fight alongside him.


    After hearing the plan, even Yao Ming, who had seen and thought through a lot in his career, was stunned.


    On one hand, he was impressed by how feasible the plan sounded.


    On the other, he was amazed by how much thought Han Sen had put into it.


    Yao had assumed Han''s repeated refusals to join the national team meant he didn''t care much about Chinese basketball.


    But based on this plan, no one cared more than Han Sen.


    "I''ll do everything I can to push this forward," Yao promised Han earnestly.


    After Yao left, Han Sen opened up his Hater System.


    Whether Yao could truly implement the plan or not was still uncertain. What Han knew for sure was that his hater points had surged to 1.3 million.


    China''s basketball fans were legion, especially with Han Sen''s immense NBA success over the past two years. His fanbase had even surpassed Yao Ming''s at his peak.


    At times like these, even a fraction of the criticism for the national team''s failures could fuel his system with plenty of hater points.


    He still needed more time to accumulate enough for the next defensive talent upgrade he had his eye on, but he wasn''t in a rush.


    ...


    In early August, Han kicked off another season of his summer training camp.


    Familiar faces like Steph Curry, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, and Dante Cunningham were all in attendance. Westbrook even brought along Carmelo Anthony this time.


    "I''m signing with UA," Curry dropped the bombshell before the camp officially began.


    Nike had offered him a lowball contract and refused to budge, so Curry chose to walk away and join UA.


    Han Sen had always been aware of Curry''s connection to UA. What he wasn''t sure of was whether Curry would have still joined UA after Han signed with them, especially since, in ''history,'' Curry''s decision was largely influenced by the opportunity for a signature shoe from a smaller brand.


    But clearly, today''s UA was a different beast from the UA of the past.


    Back-to-back championships led by Han Sen had catapulted UA''s brand influence.


    With the massive Chinese market as its foundation, UA''s global basketball shoe sales now ranked second only to Nike¡ªsurpassing both Air Jordan and Adidas.


    The energy at this year''s camp was electric. Curry, Harden, and Westbrook were all fired up, ready to prove themselves in the upcoming season.


    Among them, however, Kyrie Irving seemed unusually melancholic.


    It wasn''t hard to understand why. Despite entering the league two years later than most of his peers, Kyrie had been stuck leading a Cavaliers squad perpetually at the bottom of the standings. The media had even nicknamed them ''lottery regulars,'' thanks to the league''s draft lottery compensations.


    Kyrie''s skills were undeniable¡ªhis passing and overall game had improved since his rookie season. But his physical attributes and playstyle pegged him as a second-option type of player. Leading a team single-handedly to success was a monumental challenge.


    A similar case could be made for Devin Booker, often hailed as the next great American shooting guard after Kobe Bryant. Yet, when leading a team solo, Booker''s struggles were even more glaring, often anchoring squads destined for last or second-last in the league.


    "Keep working on yourself. One day, things might change," Han Sen offered some words of encouragement to Kyrie.


    At this point in time, superteam culture hadn''t yet caught on. With the Heat''s Big Three failing to secure dominance, the idea of stars banding together wasn''t yet mainstream.


    After a week of training, Han finally hit his goal: 1.7 million hater points.


    He promptly exchanged them for a tier-one defensive talent.


    [Death Wrap]: Substantially increases foot speed, reaction time, defensive awareness, and upper-body strength.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 232: Understanding Jordan.

    Chapter 232: Understanding Jordan.?Speed, awareness, strength.


    The comprehensiveness brought by [Death Wrap] far surpasses Han Sen''s previous talent, [Star Catcher].


    And there was no better environment to improve this defensive skill than his current training camp.


    The players attending Han Sen''s camp were notoriously bad at defense but undeniably elite on offense. To capitalize on this, Han Sen introduced a new segment this year: full-court challenges followed by one-on-one matchups.


    Officially, it was to hone everyone''s isolation skills. In reality, it allowed Han Sen to go head-to-head defensively against each attendee.


    This wasn''t just efficient; it was exponential improvement.


    Meanwhile, news arrived from Yao Ming: The Basketball Association approved Han Sen''s Foundation Program.


    The men''s national team was at rock bottom, and the association had no choice¡ªthey needed to show fans that action was being taken.


    However, due to financial constraints, Yao Ming personally fronted the funds that were supposed to come from the association.


    Predictable, really.


    Maybe the association didn''t want to invest in the first place, leaving Yao to dig into his own pockets.


    Still, it didn''t matter. If the plan succeeded, CBA owners would eventually fund it themselves.


    The returns of NBA-trained players¡ªboth in performance and revenue¡ªwere already proven by Yi Jianlian and Wang Zhizhi.


    Moreover, Han Sen could sense that Yao Ming''s involvement in this project aligned with his broader ambition: climbing the ranks within the Basketball Association.


    But that was Yao Ming''s path.


    For now, Han Sen was given a list of players for the program''s first batch. The names were unfamiliar for the most part¡ªan indication that not everyone was willing to leave their home country for a chance at the NBA.


    But this wasn''t necessarily bad. Han Sen had created the opportunity. If the program failed, the fans would see that he had made the effort.


    On the brighter side, two familiar names stood out: Ding Yanyuhang and Zou Yuchen.


    Dreamers have always stood apart, no matter the era.


    ...


    End of August: Training Camp Wraps Up


    Han Sen''s Death Wrap hadn''t hit its ceiling yet, but he felt it wouldn''t take long.


    In early September, Han Sen headed to China for his annual tour arranged by UA.


    With the launch of the Foundation Program, Yao Ming promoted Han Sen extensively in China.


    As a result, the turnout for his appearances rivaled¡ªif not surpassed¡ªthe frenzy of the previous year.


    UA organized joint events with CBA players, including those like Ding Yanyuhang who were part of Han Sen''s program.


    The enthusiasm of the fans moved Han Sen. After spotting many who couldn''t get into the venue, he had his car stop outside. Opening the sunroof, he signed autographs for the crowd.


    The scene became chaotic as fans threw shoes and jerseys toward him, some accidentally hitting him. Han Sen didn''t mind, and by the end, he even took off his own T-shirt, signed it, and tossed it into the crowd.


    Before leaving, he made time for group photos with the fans outside.


    While the media often attempted to create division around him, they weren''t wrong about one thing: his success owed a great deal to the support of his Chinese fanbase.


    ...


    A Movie Cameo


    Apart from events, Han Sen had another mission in China. While opportunities to cameo in Hollywood films hadn''t materialized, Chris Rondo had connected him with domestic projects.


    Han Sen chose one. He traveled to Yingtian for a short cameo shoot.


    His role? A special forces soldier, simply walking past a tank and striking a pose.


    No lines¡ªhis lack of acting experience made that a wise choice.


    This cameo was more about buzz than substance. Han Sen picked the project knowing it would spark controversy, potentially earning him a wave of hater points.


    The movie''s name?


    Wolf Warrior.


    After wrapping up in China, Han Sen returned to Memphis, where his fourth and final season with the Grizzlies was about to begin.


    Or, as he viewed it, the season he wanted to win the most.


    ...


    Late September: Grizzlies Training Camp


    The first day of camp revealed problems.


    For the first time since Han Sen joined the Grizzlies, the opening day roster wasn''t complete.


    Starting players Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol were absent:


    Gay had sprained his ankle during summer festivities, sidelining him until the regular season. Gasol, fatigued from the EuroBasket tournament, would join two days later.


    Meanwhile, those who did show up weren''t in top shape.


    Zach Randolph, for instance, had gained noticeable weight, looking more like a basketball than a player. Others, like Kenneth Faried and Vince Carter, had also let themselves go.


    The summer had been one of indulgence for most Grizzlies players.


    This mirrored problems the Lakers once faced¡ªissues Han Sen had hoped Memphis would avoid.


    While Han Sen''s pursuit of a dynasty echoed Kobe Bryant''s drive, for many teammates, two championships were more than enough.


    By the end of the first day, Coach Joerger tried to rally the team, but the response was lukewarm.


    After practice, Han Sen stayed behind, reflecting in the empty gym.


    He realized that no matter how much he gave, it might all be for nothing¡ªjust like Kobe''s battles post-Shaq.


    ...


    The next day''s practice was no better. During a fast break, Han Sen delivered a perfect assist, only for Kenneth Faried to fumble it due to lack of focus.


    Before Faried could laugh it off, Han Sen called an immediate stop.


    "Catch the damn ball. If you drop another one, you''re out."


    The gym fell silent. Faried''s grin disappeared, and teammates exchanged uneasy glances.


    "Is Han always this intense?" rookie Rashard Lewis whispered to Robert Sacre.


    Sacre shook his head. This was a side of Han he had never seen.


    Throughout the session, Han Sen''s intensity remained unmatched. He berated players for defensive lapses and raised the physicality of the scrimmages to near-regular season levels.


    Initially, players thought he was having an off day. But as his demeanor persisted, tensions began to boil over.


    The breaking point came when Han Sen benched Faried for another error.


    Faried, known for his fiery temperament, stormed off the court, grabbed the towel from his chair, and threw it to the ground in frustration, his displeasure obvious.


    At that moment, Han addressed the entire team:


    "If I''m not doing my job, feel free to call me out the same way. But if it''s you who isn''t delivering, unless you can beat me, sit your ass down and stay quiet."


    After Han Sen''s words, everyone realized this season would be different.


    The shift was uncomfortable, but no one dared to speak up. After all, the Grizzlies'' past success was built on Han Sen''s back. His message was crystal clear¡ªhe wasn''t bullying anyone; he was leading by example and even laid out terms.


    But really, who could beat Han?


    Following this brief confrontation, the intensity of the Grizzlies'' practices noticeably improved. The cost, however, was a growing distance between Han Sen and his teammates off the court.


    Han Sen didn''t seem to care. Or rather, he had already prepared himself for this when he decided to set a new tone.


    As practice wrapped up, Han Sen caught Faried before he could leave.


    "Kenneth, walk with me," Han said casually, tossing a towel over his shoulder.


    This left the rest of the team exchanging puzzled glances.


    Faried himself was uneasy. While Han Sen had once approached him with reason and empathy, if Han decided to get heavy-handed now, there wasn''t much he could do.


    They didn''t head to the locker room but to Han''s car. A short drive later, they pulled up to a mall.


    "Pick something," Han said, gesturing toward the display case in a jewelry store.


    Faried hesitated. "What do you mean, ''pick something''?"


    "Chain, watch, whatever catches your eye. It''s on me."


    Still confused but not about to argue, Faried chose a thick gold chain that cost $30,000. He kept waiting for the catch as Han casually swiped his card and handed him the bag.


    On the way back to the car, Faried finally asked, "Alright, what''s this about?"


    Han didn''t look over, eyes fixed on the road. "You''ve got an extension coming up next season. If you don''t show urgency now, you''ll blow it. I need you locked in, Kenneth. You''re better than what you''ve been giving us."


    Han Sen knew he''d leave Memphis in a year, a fact only he and the front office were aware of. He couldn''t share this with his teammates¡ªdoing so would shatter team morale.


    Faried sat back in silence, clutching the bag in his lap. He suddenly felt embarrassed. He had two rings and had started to coast, forgetting he was still on a rookie deal.


    Han wasn''t trying to break him down¡ªhe was trying to build him up.


    When they returned, Faried muttered, "Thanks, man." S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Han glanced over briefly and smirked. "Show me I didn''t waste my money."


    ...


    Thanks to Han Sen''s strict leadership and leading by example, the Grizzlies'' training camp started slow but ended with a level of intensity even greater than previous years.


    Still, challenges loomed for the team.


    Rudy Gay was sidelined for the season opener against the Heat due to an ankle injury, while Chauncey Billups was dealing with lingering health issues, leaving the team with only Delonte West as a backup point guard.


    And no one could yet predict how the new ''vertical leap rule'' would impact the Grizzlies'' interior defense.


    The preseason offered a glimpse of the struggles ahead. The Grizzlies played seven games, losing two¡ªa rare dip for a team of their caliber.


    As the regular season approached, Stan released his annual team power rankings.


    For the second consecutive year, the Heat claimed the top spot.


    Although the Heat lost to the Grizzlies in last season''s Finals, many attributed that to the toll of the regular season on Miami. This year, they were expected to adjust. Moreover, the new rules favoring perimeter play would likely benefit their offensive style.


    Additionally, Kevin Durant displayed improved playmaking abilities during limited preseason minutes, evidence of a productive offseason, even without hosting a training camp like Han Sen.


    The Grizzlies, as reigning two-time champions, were ranked second.


    Stan expressed significant concerns, noting that the new rules would undoubtedly impact the team''s post-heavy style. Additionally, the Grizzlies'' bench depth seemed to be weakening.


    "They have a shot at building a dynasty, but how much of a shot is anyone''s guess."


    On October 30th, the Grizzlies hosted the Heat for the season opener.


    As a continuation of last year''s Finals showdown, the game drew massive attention. FedExForum was packed to capacity.


    Before tip-off, the team held its championship ring ceremony.


    As fans admired the sparkling rings displayed at center court, the energy in the arena reached a fever pitch. For Memphis fans, this level of dominance¡ªa feeling once exclusive to Bulls or Lakers fans¡ªwas intoxicating.


    For the Grizzlies players, it was even sweeter.


    Vince Carter''s face betrayed his excitement. After years of struggle, he had found success late in his career.


    Sometimes, he thought, the right choice beats sheer effort.


    Robert Sacre, meanwhile, couldn''t contain his excitement, rubbing his hands together incessantly. Memories of last year''s ceremony flashed through his mind¡ªhow he had only gotten to hold Han Sen''s ring. Now, he''d finally have his own.


    In a humorous twist, when he noticed Rashard Lewis wearing a similar look of longing, Sacre turned and echoed the words he''d heard last year:


    "Don''t worry. This time next year, you''ll have one too."


    Lewis paused before laughing. His gaze at the rings grew even more determined.


    Among the Grizzlies'' new additions, Lewis was the most motivated¡ªnot just because he''d never won a championship, but because he had defected from the Heat. He wasn''t about to follow Grant Hill''s footsteps as a ''turncoat'' who became a ''ringless wonder.''


    The ceremony was simpler than last year''s, focusing on distributing rings.


    As team leader, Han Sen had the chance to address the crowd.


    He stepped to the microphone, the last ring glittering on his finger. He paused, letting the cheers die down before scanning the crowd with an intense gaze.


    "Two years ago, they said we weren''t built for this. Last year, they said it was a fluke. So let me make something clear¡ªthis isn''t a moment. This is a dynasty in the making."


    The crowd exploded in cheers.


    Han''s voice dropped a notch, his tone razor-sharp. "We''ve written two Chapters, but the story''s far from over. Tonight, we start Chapter three. Let''s show them how legends are made."


    The arena erupted, the sound nearly shaking the rafters as Han turned and joined his teammates on the sideline.


    After the ceremony, the starting lineups were announced.


    Heat: Mario Chalmers, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, Chris Bosh, Kendrick Perkins


    Grizzlies: Mike Conley, Han Sen, Shane Battier, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol


    Despite Gay''s absence, the matchup seemed like a continuation of last year''s Finals.


    However, as both starting fives took the court, Wade noticed something different.


    Han Sen''s expression was more intense than he''d ever seen before¡ªlike he was ready to kill.

 Chapter 233: Becoming Jordan?.

    Chapter 233: Becoming Jordan?.Bosh won the tip-off against Marc Gasol, giving the Miami Heat the first possession. Wade brought the ball up the court, signaling for a pick-and-roll with Bosh.


    But almost immediately, he noticed something different about Han Sen.


    Han closed in aggressively, his speed and physicality catching Wade off guard. Normally, Wade would simply accelerate past his defender, but Han''s explosive lateral movement, combined with well-timed body contact, shut down Wade''s drive before it even began.


    Though the ''no-handcheck'' rule prohibits defenders from using their hands, it doesn''t restrict body contact¡ªand Han used this to perfection, even evading Bosh''s screen in the process. By the time Wade regained control, Han was still right in front of him. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Surprise flickered in Wade''s eyes.


    In last season''s Finals, Han had contained Wade in the first two games, but only because Wade had been hesitant to push through due to his injuries. Once Wade pushed past his limits later in the series, Han struggled to keep up.


    But now? Wade was fully healthy after an offseason of recovery, yet Han had just stifled him effortlessly¡ªa feeling Wade hadn''t experienced since his early days in the league facing peak Kobe Bryant.


    Realizing Han had leveled up over the summer, Wade adjusted, calling Bosh for another screen. But Han slipped through again, neutralizing the play.


    This was just the regular season, so Wade decided to test Han in isolation. Motioning for Bosh to clear out, he signaled he was taking Han one-on-one¡ªa decision that drew cheers from the crowd. Nothing gets fans hyped like an early-game superstar duel.


    Wade went to his signature move: the Eurostep. His quick, deceptive shifts left defenders flailing. Yet as he moved to finish at the rim, Han''s hand shot out, stripping the ball cleanly before Wade could react.


    By the time Wade turned to locate the ball, Han was already sprinting down the court on a fast break. Chalmers stepped in to take a charge, but Han smoothly sidestepped with a gliding finger roll, finishing the play as the arena erupted.


    This wasn''t the gritty, overpowering Han Sen of last season. This was a version of Han who made the extraordinary look effortless.


    Wade, visibly frustrated, abandoned isolation plays on the next possession. He felt it¡ªthe relentless defensive pressure that reminded him of facing prime Kobe.


    The Heat shifted their offense to Durant, using Bosh for a high pick-and-roll. The Grizzlies responded with a double-team, but Durant calmly lobbed the ball over to Bosh, who drove to the rim. Despite Marc Gasol''s help defense, Bosh faked a shot and slipped the ball to Perkins for a clear look under the basket.


    Yet as Perkins went for the layup, a hand soared out of nowhere, slamming the ball against the backboard.


    The crowd went wild as Han landed gracefully, clutching the ball he''d just blocked.


    "No way!" Charles Barkley blurted from the commentary desk.


    Inside the game, it was clear: Han''s quickness wasn''t just physical; his reaction speed had reached an elite level.


    Speed creates time, and with time, Han could now dismantle opponents with seemingly effortless precision.


    The only player who had given Barkley this feeling before wasn''t Kobe¡ªit was Michael Jordan.


    If not for Han''s physical attributes falling slightly short of Jordan''s, Barkley might''ve thought Jordan himself was on the court.


    Shaquille O''Neal, sitting next to Barkley, wore a similarly stunned expression.


    While Shaq had only faced an aging Jordan, the feeling of being completely outmatched was unmistakable.


    "Did Han spend the summer in some secret lab?" Shaq muttered.


    The Heat players, though unfamiliar with Jordan''s dominance, could all feel Han''s suffocating presence.


    On the court, Wade muttered to himself. He hadn''t attended Han''s offseason training camp, but after this sequence, he regretted it deeply.


    The Grizzlies, however, weren''t firing on all cylinders yet.


    Zach Randolph''s low-post shot clanked off the rim against Bosh''s defense.


    On the next possession, Durant hit a mid-range jumper over Randolph after a switch, putting the Heat on the scoreboard first.


    Back on offense, Han posted up Wade, calling for the ball. With a swift move, he drove past Perkins and finished with a graceful, contorted layup, drawing a foul in the process. As the whistle blew, Wade leaned in and said with a wry smile, "Maybe I should''ve joined your camp."


    Han responded with a calm smirk. "Wouldn''t have made a difference." He drained the free throw with ease.


    The Heat adjusted, handing the ball to Durant once more. As Chalmers hesitated on the pass, Durant furiously signaled for the ball, glaring at Han.


    Han had whispered a simple remark to Durant during the last play: "Scarlett''s getting married soon. If you''re serious, time''s running out."


    Though Han was merely stating a fact, Durant took it as a jab, fueling his determination to score. Catching the ball, Durant backed Han down, only to realize his first bump didn''t budge him.


    Unbeknownst to Durant, over the past summer, Han Sen didn''t just train his defense¡ªhe also bulked up, returning his weight to 98 kilograms.


    The purpose was twofold: to enhance his post-up offensive aggression (as post-up effectiveness correlates directly with weight) and to strengthen his defensive intensity. For example, during the earlier possession against Wade, he used his physicality to boost his defensive impact.


    Thanks to [Death Wrap], the weight gain didn''t slow him down. On the contrary, he was even faster than before. After all, he had only gained two kilograms, but the new talent provided a significant boost.


    Seeing this, Durant spun quickly to drive past him.


    However, the moment Durant turned, the ball in his hands was poked out of bounds.


    Durant''s expression mirrored Wade''s disbelief.


    This wasn''t his first time facing Han Sen. He had improved his ball-handling against lower-body defenders significantly after last season''s Finals, where Han''s strategy proved effective.


    But just now, Han Sen nearly stripped the ball clean! And when Durant turned to see Han''s disappointed face, it infuriated him even more.


    This guy always had a way of making himself look punchable!


    That said, Durant misjudged Han this time. Han''s expression wasn''t mockery¡ªit was genuine regret.


    If [Death Wrap] had fully matured, that opportunity wouldn''t have just resulted in a poke out of bounds¡ªit would''ve been a full-on steal.


    The Heat regained possession, and Chalmers passed to Durant after receiving the inbound.


    Just as Chalmers was about to pass, Han Sen darted out from Durant''s side with a sudden burst of speed.


    It was clear: Han was determined to make up for missing the earlier steal.


    Chalmers, sensing danger, increased the pass velocity, ensuring it reached Durant faster. But the ball came in so hot that Durant couldn''t react in time, and it sailed out of bounds right in front of him.


    Chalmers, to his credit, pounded his chest to indicate it was his fault.


    The crowd, however, erupted into a frenzy of excitement.


    They could feel the suffocating defensive pressure Han Sen was exerting.


    The Grizzlies'' perimeter defense was already elite. Shane Battier had replaced Rudy Gay, which downgraded offense but didn''t compromise defense. But Han Sen''s defensive presence was taking things to another level, disrupting the Heat''s rhythm entirely.


    The camera panned to the Heat''s bench, where Erik Spoelstra was frowning deeply.


    Theoretically, with Han throwing himself into every defensive play, the Heat could wear him down offensively. With the Grizzlies'' other players looking out of sync, this seemed like their best chance to secure a season-opening win.


    Yet, the defensive vibe Han exuded made Spoelstra hesitate. He couldn''t shake the feeling that if he pushed too hard, Han might rack up double-digit steals.


    As absurd as it sounded, it felt entirely plausible.


    Trying to draw fouls on Han to get him off the court? Also unlikely. Han might not be part of the Nike camp, but as a back-to-back Finals MVP, he commanded respect from officials.


    Besides, Han''s defensive impact was only part of the equation¡ªhis offense was even more devastating.


    On the next possession, Han used a pick-and-roll to force Kendrick Perkins out of the paint, then dished the ball to Marc Gasol, who slammed it home with a two-handed dunk.


    2¨C7.


    The Grizzlies had stifled the Heat''s offense, but the Heat couldn''t stop the Grizzlies'' attack.


    Last season''s Finals matchup already proved one thing: if the Heat''s offense stalls, they can''t beat the Grizzlies.


    Spoelstra quickly called for a timeout.


    When play resumed, the Heat adjusted their offensive strategy.


    They didn''t try to exhaust Han Sen or draw fouls; instead, they decided to... avoid him.


    If you can''t beat him, just stay out of his way.


    They treated Han''s side of the defense as the weak side and focused on attacking the other side.


    This strategy worked. Wade and Bosh executed a pick-and-roll, and Wade hit a mid-range jumper to break the Heat''s scoring drought.


    But the Heat''s choice to avoid Han sent another wave of excitement through the crowd.


    This was an implicit admission¡ªthey couldn''t crack Han''s defense!


    It wasn''t just the fans who were fired up. Dave Joerger, known for his defensive expertise, immediately recognized the significance.


    When an offense is forced to play one-dimensional basketball, it becomes far easier to defend.


    Joerger called Vince Carter off the bench and gave him some instructions.


    On the Grizzlies'' next possession, Conley missed a three-pointer off a Han Sen assist, but Han anticipated the rebound perfectly, quickly securing the offensive board. He twisted mid-air to finish a reverse layup, drawing a foul on Bosh in the process.


    The Verticality Rule continued to challenge interior defenders.


    Han stepped to the free-throw line and sank both shots, extending the lead to 4¨C9.


    Back on defense, the Heat continued to attack the side opposite Han.


    Wade and Bosh ran another pick-and-roll. This time, Carter pressed up aggressively, forcing Wade toward the basket.


    Wade took the opening and drove hard.


    After seeing the Heat burned by foul calls earlier, Marc Gasol hesitated to contest, allowing Wade to glide past for a layup.


    But just as Wade released the ball, Han swooped in from nowhere.


    [Death Wrap] didn''t just enhance his speed¡ªit sharpened his defensive instincts. Han read the play and was already in position.


    BAM!


    A volleyball-style swat sent Wade''s shot flying into the stands.


    In less than half a quarter, Han had recorded two blocks and one steal.


    Even more impressive were the countless defensive plays where he disrupted without registering a stat.


    The arena erupted with deafening cheers. Fans leaped to their feet, overcome with excitement.


    In that moment, they felt it¡ªthey had their very own Jordan on the court.

 Chapter 234: Playing with Anger.

    Chapter 234: Playing with Anger.On the sidelines, Robert Sacre waved a towel enthusiastically, while Coach Joerger clapped his hands in approval.


    Though Shane Battier''s defensive IQ remained top-tier, his slower footwork made navigating screens increasingly difficult. Vince Carter, though no spring chicken himself, excelled in this area. His strategy was simple but effective: funnel opponents toward the paint, giving Han Sen enough time to rotate and contest.


    Han''s first block of the night came precisely from such a help defense play against Kendrick Perkins.


    On the Heat''s bench, Coach Erik Spoelstra rubbed his forehead in frustration. Even after actively avoiding Han on offense, Joerger kept forcing the Heat to confront him.


    The Heat''s sideline inbounds play resumed, but a quick pick-and-roll led to a contested mid-range shot from Wade that clanged off the rim. With their offensive spacing effectively halved, Miami''s efficiency cratered. By the 10-minute mark in the first quarter, the score was 23¨C12 in favor of Memphis.


    Miami''s Big Three, hailed as an offensive juggernaut, found themselves flustered, scoring fewer than 20 points in a quarter.


    When Han finally subbed out, he grabbed the towel Sacre handed him, wiping away the sweat dripping from his forehead. For the first time, he truly appreciated the unseen stamina that fueled Michael Jordan''s greatness. Dominating on both ends of the floor was exhausting.


    Luckily, the Grizzlies thrived in half-court sets; a faster-paced game would have drained him entirely. But in the two minutes Han was on the bench, Miami surged with a 6¨C0 run behind Chris Bosh, cutting the lead to five.


    Forced to return at the start of the second quarter, Han immediately steadied the ship, helping Memphis head into halftime with a 50¨C38 lead. The toll on his energy was palpable, but the result shocked everyone.


    Even analysts like Stan Van Gundy, who had expected Memphis to crumble under the league''s new defensive rules, were floored. Instead of regressing, the Grizzlies had put on a defensive clinic.


    Social media buzzed during halftime:


    "38 points in a half for the Heat''s Big Three? Is this real life?"


    "KD worked on his playmaking this summer? Irrelevant against Han''s help defense."


    "Watching Han makes me nostalgic for ''90s Bulls games. The man''s a defensive monster."


    "When your leader hustles like this on defense, how can the rest of the team not follow?"


    ...


    Coming out of halftime, Spoelstra made adjustments. He replaced Chalmers with Ray Allen.


    This move wasn''t just familiar¡ªit was calculated. The Grizzlies'' lack of bench depth meant they could no longer dominate with their usual all-out defensive style.


    Allen''s presence added firepower and gave Durant room to utilize his improved playmaking. The adjustment worked: Miami''s offense gained rhythm, chipping away at Memphis''s lead. By the end of the third, the Heat trailed by only six, 74¨C68.


    Han''s defensive brilliance was undeniable, but basketball is a 48-minute game, and his energy was not limitless. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies'' struggles to maintain their usual dominance became increasingly apparent.


    Joerger kept Han on the bench to start the fourth quarter, but just three minutes in, he was forced to call a timeout.


    The Heat had surged, tying the game, and the FedExForum was buzzing with unease.


    Fans marveled at Han''s evolution but couldn''t help but wonder what had happened to the rest of the team. How had the Grizzlies fallen so far in just one offseason?


    "This is the challenge of the third year," Shaquille O''Neal remarked on the broadcast.


    Barkley, uncharacteristically silent, listened intently.


    "It''s like marrying the woman of your dreams," Shaq continued. "Year one, you''re insatiable. Year two, you''re trying new things. But by year three? She feels like any other woman."


    Shaq then addressed another issue.


    "Han keeps improving every year, which makes him hard to counter. But the rest of the Grizzlies? They''ve been figured out."


    The Grizzlies'' players hadn''t regressed drastically, but opposing teams had studied them thoroughly. Without constant evolution, maintaining their previous dominance was nearly impossible.


    Joerger brought his starters back in earlier than planned, while Spoelstra countered by reintroducing the Heat''s starting lineup. Both teams shifted into crunch-time mode.


    Initially, Han kept the Grizzlies competitive with his individual brilliance, but as the game wore on, his fatigue became evident. The Heat smelled blood, closing out strong for a 101¨C93 victory¡ªthe first time Han''s Grizzlies had lost a season opener.


    Han''s stat line: 43 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals, and 5 blocks¡ªa masterpiece in vain.


    ...


    After the customary postgame handshakes, Han skipped the sideline interview, heading straight to the locker room. The room went silent when he entered, his expression grave.


    "This is what you wanted? To let a team we beat for the title come into our house and embarrass us on banner night?" Han''s piercing gaze swept across his teammates, forcing them to look away.


    Rudy Gay, recovering from an injury, shifted in his seat, about to speak, but Shane Battier subtly pulled him back.


    "Tomorrow, everyone arrives an hour early for practice," Han continued. "If you''re not there, tell Chris (Rondo) you''re ready to leave this team. We only want people willing to give everything for a win."


    Team staff Damon interrupted the tense moment, reminding Han of his scheduled press conference.


    After Han left, Rudy muttered, "Isn''t he overreacting? It''s one game, and it''s the Heat."


    Battier responded coldly, "Aren''t the Heat exactly who we need to beat?"


    ...


    Press Conference


    Sitting alongside Joerger, Han faced the media.


    "You became the 12th player in NBA history to record a 5x5 and the first ever with a 40+5+5+5+5 stat line. How did you achieve that?" asked a TNT reporter.


    "Add a qualifier: ''on a winning team.'' I don''t fit the criteria," Han replied curtly, refusing the compliment.


    ESPN followed up: "You led by 12 at halftime but lost the game. What happened?"


    "They wanted it more."


    "Do you think changes are needed? Perhaps a trade?"


    Han''s response was sharp: "We need to play angry. When the league disrespects a two-time champion by not ranking us first, we should take that personally. We need to play with rage."


    ...


    The Next Day''s Practice


    The entire Grizzlies roster arrived at the practice facility an hour early the next morning. Even Rudy Gay, who often had his own schedule, showed up on time. Not a single person was absent.


    Han Sen''s uncharacteristic outburst had left a lasting impact. But more than his imposing demeanor, his words carried weight. Everyone knew the Grizzlies were paying an exorbitant luxury tax this season. And as long as Han didn''t oppose it, management would likely have no hesitation trading away anyone they deemed expendable.


    Before practice began, Han addressed the team, explaining the reason behind his demand for their early arrival.


    Starting that day, Han introduced a new rule: after any loss, the entire team would report to practice an hour earlier the next day.


    "If anyone''s got an issue with this," Han said, "we can settle it right here, one-on-one. We can play any style you want¡ªAmerican-style one-on-one, a shooting contest, passing drills, anything."


    When Han laid down the challenge, Shane Battier hesitated to speak.


    Han''s aspirations for building a dynasty were no secret. He''d been vocal about it for over a year. But using his position within the team to pressure his teammates into ''overtime'' was bound to create tension.


    Still, no one stepped up to take him on.


    Everyone understood¡ªthere was no beating Han in any aspect of basketball. He was indisputably the team''s best player in every facet. If Han wanted to become a primary ball-handler and emulate prime Jordan, he could easily average a 30-8-8 stat line.


    Instead, Han focused on what he did best, allowing his teammates to shine in other roles.


    But Han wasn''t done proving his point. He announced that the day''s practice would be entirely American-style one-on-one drills.


    For the next 45 minutes, Han demolished every single teammate.


    By the end, the team had no choice but to swallow their frustration. Even if they felt discontent, no one dared voice it.


    When the 45-minute session ended, the players were given a 15-minute break. Han, however, sat alone on one side of the court.


    Shane Battier approached him.


    "Han, I know you want to win. But maybe there''s a better way¡ªlike the way you used to lead us, bringing everyone together toward a common goal," Battier suggested, referencing Han''s previous method of uniting the team through camaraderie and shared purpose.


    Han shook his head. "Shane, you understand this season is different."


    If his old methods still worked, Han wouldn''t have resorted to this approach. His personality was worlds apart from Michael Jordan''s or Kobe Bryant''s, yet he was now forced into a similar role.


    "That''ll make you the villain¡ªjust like Hollins," Battier warned. While this approach might work in the short term, it could lead to long-term damage.


    "Someone has to play the villain, right?" Han replied, meeting Battier''s gaze with a calm expression.


    The championship no longer held the same allure for his teammates. Unless a stronger motivator emerged, someone needed to be the bad guy, pushing everyone forward.


    Han knew he would be the last to leave the team. No one was better suited for this role than him.


    Battier didn''t know Han planned to leave eventually, but for now, there was no better solution.


    "I understand. I''ll do my best to help them cope," Battier said, conceding.


    Han patted Battier''s shoulder. "Being the locker room leader this season isn''t going to be easy."


    ...


    Han''s method proved effective. Following their loss to the Heat, the Grizzlies went 5¨C1 over the next two weeks.


    Although their start wasn''t as perfect as last season''s, they were performing at the level expected of them.


    However, the cost was evident. The off-court relationships between Han and his teammates noticeably deteriorated.


    It''s often said that on- and off-court dynamics are equally important, but people aren''t machines. If maintaining harmony were that easy, the Shaq-Kobe duo would''ve stayed together.


    Han found himself understanding Kobe Bryant more deeply. Retired Kobe seemed like a completely different person¡ªalmost unrecognizable from his playing days. The contrast puzzled many, but Han now realized it was likely because Kobe had forced himself to play a role he didn''t want, all in the name of winning.


    Sometimes, you can''t have your cake and eat it too; sacrifices are inevitable.


    Of course, doing something you don''t enjoy is never pleasant.


    Han''s mood had taken a hit as well.


    Especially now that he and Scarlett had parted ways, leaving him without an outlet for his emotions.


    ...


    The Grizzlies flew to Oakland to prepare for their game against the Warriors.


    Chris Rondo tagged along with Han and, upon landing, suggested a detour with an air of mystery.


    Han assumed it would be a nightclub or something similar, but to his surprise, they arrived at a local pet market.


    Rondo explained his intent: seeing Han in low spirits, he thought getting a pet might help lift his mood.


    It wasn''t a bad idea. Many NBA players dealt with psychological stress¡ªsome turned to nightlife, others to dangerous substances. Still, many found solace in adopting unusual pets.


    The pet market was massive and diverse. Cats, dogs, and fish were just the basics; they even had exotic options like snakes and monkeys.


    Yet, after wandering through the market, Han couldn''t find a pet that felt right for him.


    Pets needed a special kind of connection¡ªwithout it, they''d just end up as the responsibility of a hired caretaker.


    Just as he was about to suggest heading back, his attention was caught by a figure in the distance.


    It wasn''t a pet. It was a person¡ªa woman.


    The same cheerleader he''d seen at Oracle Arena once before.


    Han suddenly remembered Scarlett''s parting advice: "If you meet the one you want to marry next time, don''t hesitate. Go for it."


    Without a second thought, Han strode toward her. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    -To be continued-

 Chapter 235: Sorry, Steph.

    Chapter 235: Sorry, Steph.Han Sen wasted no time walking up to the woman.


    She noticed him too, turning around as their eyes locked.


    Up close, Han Sen took in her striking features¡ªa high nose bridge, deep-set eyes, and full lips. What he''d previously admired from a distance now radiated an unmistakable exotic allure. She was unmistakably of Indian descent.


    As he admired her, he realized with a start that she was smiling back at him, her expression lighting up her entire face.


    Her smile was captivating, but then it struck him¡ªhe was staring. Maybe for too long.


    Feeling a little awkward, he thought of a way to start a conversation, but before he could, she beat him to it.


    "Han?" she asked, her voice carrying a lilting accent.


    He blinked, slightly surprised. She recognized him?


    In Memphis, it wouldn''t have been surprising. But in Oakland? Then it hit him¡ªof course, she was a cheerleader. There was no way she wouldn''t know him.


    He nodded and decided to go for broke. "Can I get your number?"


    The woman froze momentarily before bursting into laughter, covering her mouth with one hand.


    Han Sen tilted his head, puzzled.


    "You know," she said between chuckles, "you''re the first guy I''ve ever met who asked me for my number straight away like this."


    Han Sen couldn''t help but laugh as well. "I''m not great at this kind of thing," he admitted. "Honestly, I wanted to say something when I saw you back at Oracle Arena months ago, but I couldn''t find you afterward. I didn''t want to miss the chance again, so..."


    His sincerity caught her off guard. She had to remind herself that this wasn''t just any guy¡ªthis was Han Sen, a two-time Finals MVP and one of the league''s brightest stars.


    "You''re serious?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her tone.


    "Completely," Han Sen said earnestly.


    She smiled, extending her hand. Han handed over his phone, and she quickly entered her number before calling herself so her phone would ring. The ringtone¡ªa melodious Indian tune¡ªconfirmed her background.


    "I''m Anjali," she introduced herself confidently.


    "Anjali," Han Sen repeated, the name ringing a faint bell. He couldn''t quite place where he''d heard it before, though.


    "You here to get a pet?" Han Sen asked casually, now more relaxed.


    "No, I just like visiting. I''m still in school, so I don''t have time to take care of one," Anjali replied, her tone tinged with regret.


    "You''re still a student?" Han Sen was a little surprised. His eyes involuntarily drifted downward. Students sure matured well these days.


    "Yes, I study at Berkeley," she said.


    "Berkeley? That''s one of the top music schools, right? You must be really talented," Han Sen said, trying to score extra points.


    Ajali''s face lit up. Compliments always worked, even on her.


    "Oh, right." Han Sen pulled out a few tickets from his pocket. "I''ve got some extra tickets for tomorrow''s game. If you and your friends want to come, feel free."


    "Thanks," Anjali said, accepting the tickets graciously.


    Just then, someone called out to her from across the store. She glanced back, then turned to Han Sen. "I''ll see you tomorrow?"


    "For sure," Han Sen replied, watching as she walked away.


    He stood there for a moment, feeling an unexpected surge of happiness. Somehow, getting her number felt better than hitting a game-winning shot.


    He could finally understand Scarlett''s words about being proactive when you meet the right person.


    "Interesting woman," Rondo said, appearing out of nowhere.


    Han Sen glanced at him in confusion.


    "She knows you''re an NBA superstar, but she didn''t act overexcited."


    Han Sen shrugged. "She''s a cheerleader. She''s probably used to seeing NBA players all the time."


    "That''s exactly why it''s weird. If she''s used to it, she should''ve been more impressed¡ªshe knows how rich you are."


    Rondo gestured to the tickets Han Sen had handed over. "Those seats cost thousands. She took them like they were nothing. Definitely not ordinary."


    Han Sen paused, considering Rondo''s words. There was some truth to them.


    But none of that mattered now. He had her number.


    ...


    The next evening, the Grizzlies faced the Warriors at Oracle Arena.


    As Han Sen entered through the tunnel, he scanned the crowd, looking toward the seats where he''d sent Anjali and her friends.


    Sure enough, there were a few students sitting there, though they looked far less... developed than Anjali.


    Anjali wasn''t among them.


    Confused, Han Sen continued searching and spotted her instead in the front row.


    He was stunned. Those front-row tickets were nearly impossible to get, no matter how much money you had.


    Rondo was right¡ªthere was something different about her.


    What made Han Sen''s expression turn icy, though, was her outfit: she was wearing a Warriors jersey¡ªspecifically, Steph Curry''s #30.


    Anjali was a Curry fan?


    Han Sen''s jaw tightened as he turned his gaze toward the court, locking eyes with Curry.


    Curry, warming up, felt a sudden chill run down his spine. He turned and saw Han Sen staring at him like a wolf about to pounce.


    Curry hesitated. Han Sen had been dead serious this season, but this felt personal. He still tried to smile and nod, but Han''s expression didn''t budge.


    Han Sen approached Mike Conley before tipoff. "Let''s switch assignments. I''ll take Curry."


    Conley didn''t even flinch. Han Sen had been setting the tone all season by guarding the opposition''s best player.


    The person caught off guard was Curry.


    From the first possession, Han Sen was relentless. Off-ball movement? Han Sen shadowed him like a second skin. On-ball plays? Han Sen applied suffocating pressure.


    At one point, Curry tried to shake him with a quick dribble move, only for Han Sen to snatch the ball cleanly. Curry, attempting to recover, was dragged to the floor as Han powered through.


    On the ensuing fast break, Han Sen slammed down a vicious dunk, flexing toward the crowd in celebration.


    Anjali''s seat was close enough that she could feel the intensity radiating off him.


    Curry, who had trained at Han Sen''s camp in the offseason, knew how good Han''s defense was. But this was on another level. By the end of the night, Curry¡ªa player averaging 24 points per game¡ªwas held to just 9 points.


    "Honestly, I think Han has a real shot at becoming the next perimeter player to win DPOY." The commentator couldn''t help but express admiration for Han Sen''s performance.


    For perimeter players, winning the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) is much harder than it is for big men. Not only do their stats often look less impressive in comparison, but the defensive challenges they face change every night.


    A big man''s primary job is to protect the rim, but for perimeter defenders, one night they might face a slasher, the next night a post-up specialist, and then someone who excels at drawing fouls. They also contend with opponents who are taller, faster, or stronger.


    The difficulty increased significantly after the NBA introduced the no-handcheck rule, which made it almost impossible for perimeter players to win DPOY. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yet tonight, Han Sen''s defensive adaptability brought back that faint hope.


    What''s even more remarkable is that Han Sen is also the offensive centerpiece for the Grizzlies. The only other player to dominate on both ends and win DPOY was Michael Jordan.


    This is one of the reasons why more people are starting to compare Han Sen to Jordan.


    Of course, Han Sen is still far from matching Jordan''s accomplishments or skill level, but compared to other ''Next Jordans,'' at least Han seems within reach of that legacy.


    After the game, when Curry shook hands with Han, his expression was one of feigned innocence.


    "Is it too late to switch back to Nike?" Curry joked.


    "Steph, this was all to make you stronger," Han replied, patting Curry on the arm.


    The ''Verticality Rule'' had bolstered the Warriors'' performance this season, but Coach Mark Jackson''s conservative tactics still held the team back from truly breaking out.


    While Steve Kerr''s reputation might be somewhat overrated, his offensive system undoubtedly played a key role in the Warriors'' later success.


    After the game, Han asked Chris Rondo to investigate Anjali''s background.


    If she wasn''t an ordinary person, finding out her identity would be straightforward.


    And indeed, the investigation jogged Han Sen''s memory.


    No wonder her name had seemed vaguely familiar.


    Her full name was Anjali Ranadiv¨¦, daughter of Vivek Ranadiv¨¦, the NBA''s first Indian-American team owner.


    Last season, Vivek Ranadiv¨¦ had been a minority owner of the Warriors. However, over the summer, he sold his Warriors shares and led a group to purchase the Sacramento Kings, becoming their majority owner.


    It suddenly made sense why Anjali would be a fan of Curry. Vivek joined the Warriors'' ownership group in 2010, right as Curry was starting to shine.


    It also explained why Han had spotted Anjali performing at Oracle Arena last season but hadn''t found her name on the cheerleading roster or encountered her again¡ªshe had only temporarily joined the squad for one performance as the owner''s daughter.


    Now that he knew her identity, Han felt at a bit of a loss on how to proceed further.


    When dealing with ordinary people, you could create surprises and romance with money. But when both parties were wealthy, it was all about effort and thoughtfulness.


    Still, this revelation added a spark to Han Sen''s otherwise mundane life.


    This season, he had to play the ''villain'' for the Grizzlies, maintaining a serious, aggressive demeanor every time he stepped onto the court. It was like wearing a mask he couldn''t take off, even at home.


    But now, as he thought about how to win over Anjali, that mask seemed to fall away without him realizing it.


    Han followed Anjali on social media and discovered she was someone who genuinely loved life.


    Her posts showcased snippets of her vibrant lifestyle¡ªsports photos, scenic travel shots, selfies with animals, and even underwater snaps with marine creatures during diving trips.


    The more Han saw, the more his fondness for her grew.


    Their conversations were going well, too.


    His past experiences with Swift and Scarlett had taught him a lot about relationships.


    And Anjali''s admiration for Curry wasn''t just because of his talent; Curry''s looks undoubtedly played a role.


    But when it came to looks, Han didn''t lose to anyone. His Asian features gave him a unique appeal that seemed to align with Anjali''s mixed-race aesthetic preferences.


    In just a week, they had already planned to visit the Memphis Zoo together on Christmas.


    While Han''s personal life was finding its rhythm, the Grizzlies encountered a significant setback.


    In late November, during a game against the Spurs, Marc Gasol suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain. While surgery wasn''t necessary, he was out indefinitely, with no clear timetable for his return.


    It was Gasol''s first major injury in his career. Known for his methodical, ''below-the-rim'' playing style, commentators often said such a style could extend his career to age 50.


    The injury was unfortunate but not entirely surprising. After the NBA Finals, Gasol had immediately represented Spain in the EuroBasket tournament, leaving his body overworked and fatigued.


    This was a common issue for international players, as Yao Ming''s career demonstrated.


    Gasol''s sudden injury was a significant blow to a Grizzlies team that had finally found its groove.


    It was not only a test for Kenneth Faried but also for Han Sen.


    With the Western Conference as competitive as ever, even the eighth seed might need 50 wins to secure a playoff spot. A losing streak could drop Memphis not just out of the top four but potentially out of the playoffs entirely.


    In their first game without Gasol, the Grizzlies lost to their old rivals, the Spurs.


    This season, the Spurs had perfected their ''Hammer Action,'' excelling on both ends of the court and sitting comfortably atop the Western Conference.


    However, there was a silver lining: after the Spurs game, Han Sen''s [Death Wrap] defensive talent had finally hit its ceiling.


    The Grizzlies'' next opponent was the Knicks.


    Since it was an away game, the team traveled to New York a day early.


    Before departing, a UA executive visited Han Sen in Memphis, presenting a new marketing plan called Operation Guillotine at his residence.


    (To be continued)

 Chapter 236: Lockdown.

    Chapter 236: Lockdown.?The battle between Under Armour (UA) and Nike started long before Han Sen left the Cavaliers¡ªor rather, it never stopped. As the dominant force in sportswear, Nike has always faced competition, with Adidas previously leading the charge. However, as Han Sen thrived in the NBA and UA''s market share soared, UA gradually replaced Adidas as Nike''s fiercest rival.


    Signing Curry was only the beginning for UA. They''ve been actively courting players like Harden and Irving. Beyond recruiting new faces, there''s also the initiative Han Sen was briefed about: ''Operation Guillotine.''


    With Kobe nearing retirement, Nike''s flagship athletes are now LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Yet both have been repeatedly outperformed by Han. Durant suffered losses against Han during his Thunder days, then moved to the Heat''s superteam only to face further humiliation. And who could forget the infamous ''bathwater'' incident that shattered his image?


    LeBron''s story is even grimmer. Han beat him so thoroughly that he was traded twice within three years, entering what fans mockingly call the ''Nomadic Phase.''


    UA''s ''Operation Guillotine'' hinges on this narrative. Its ultimate goal? To force Nike to drop LeBron when his contract expires in summer 2014.


    Nike''s investment in LeBron has been unparalleled. To put it in perspective: their $140 million contract in 2011 was just the ''adoption fee''; the real cost has been the endless PR campaigns and damage control. That''s why, even after LeBron''s underwhelming stint with the Thunder, Nike kept backing him¡ªthey needed to recoup their losses.


    But renewing LeBron isn''t simple. If his on-court struggles persist, re-signing him could mean even greater losses. UA would be thrilled if Nike shifted its focus to Durant, who lacks LeBron''s marketability and obedience, further diluting the brand.


    Most importantly, both LeBron and Durant remain ringless, a stain that drags down Nike''s reputation. Summer 2014 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for UA''s battle against the giant.


    Back to the present: Han''s task is to dominate LeBron on the court and in the media.


    Contrary to preseason expectations, the Knicks are performing exceptionally well, sitting third in the East behind the Heat and Pacers. With a well-constructed roster, LeBron has been thriving. Benefiting from the Verticality Rule, he''s averaging 30 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game, ranking third in the latest MVP race behind Durant and Han.


    This has reignited celebrations among LeBron fans, who argue that his Thunder struggles were due to Russell Westbrook. They claim LeBron is still the league''s best and that if Carmelo Anthony had stayed in New York, the Knicks would be the NBA''s top team.


    Upon arriving in New York, Han noticed something striking: LeBron''s image was everywhere¡ªfrom billboards on highways to murals near their hotel. Nike''s ability to market its stars was truly unmatched. Yet, this only fueled Han''s anticipation. After all, shattering fantasies is his favorite pastime.


    ...


    As a back-to-back championship team and with their presence in New York, a massive crowd of journalists swarmed to cover the event.


    Unsurprisingly, Han Sen was the main focus.


    His season averages of 28.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 2.9 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game reflected his need to shoulder more responsibilities on both ends of the floor due to the Grizzlies'' overall struggles.


    Ironically, this had led to him posting superstar-caliber stats for the first time.


    After practice, Han was bombarded by reporters.


    Aside from probing questions about Marc Gasol''s recovery and the Grizzlies'' game strategy, the reporters naturally brought up his rivalry with LeBron James.


    Their history with the Cavaliers guaranteed maximum intrigue every time they faced off, regardless of which teams they represented.


    One reporter from The New York Times asked, "You and LeBron are currently ranked second and third in the MVP race. Are you looking forward to this matchup?"


    Han''s response was blunt. "I''m not looking forward to it, but I''ll lock him up."


    The reporters, stunned, sought clarification.


    "You mean defensively matching up with him?" The question stemmed from Han''s reputation for taking on opposing offensive stars.


    "No," Han corrected. "I mean locking him up. Period."


    The reporters'' eyes lit up. This was sensational headline material.


    Previously, Han Sen had at least left some dignity for LeBron in his remarks, but now, there was none.


    Han''s statement quickly made headlines in the pre-game media coverage, sparking a fresh wave of social media debates:


    "Han Sen is so arrogant! Two championships don''t make him a true superstar. He should act like one."


    "What''s a true superstar? Getting swept in the Finals, then traded twice in three years?"


    "Lock him up? You think you can hold a 30 PPG player to zero points?"


    "Six points is possible."


    "Grizzlies will lose tonight. Without Gasol, their interior defense is nonexistent. Parker tore them apart!"


    "The Spurs are champions; your team isn''t. Three titles for Parker, how many for you?"


    ...


    That evening, Madison Square Garden was packed to the rafters. Signs in the crowd read, "Beat the Grizzlies," "Memphis Will Never Be a Dynasty," and even "F*** Han Sen."


    Han smirked at the hostility. "What''s next? A mayoral vacancy here too?" he quipped, recalling his heated exchanges with San Antonio fans.


    Then came the surprise: as the pre-game ceremonies wrapped up, LeBron approached the scorer''s table, grabbed the powder, and performed his iconic chalk toss¡ªa ritual he had sworn off during his Thunder days.


    "Starting early with the old-man mode, huh?" Han muttered.


    The game began with both teams unveiling their starting lineups:


    Grizzlies: Conley, Han, Gay, Randolph, Faried.


    Knicks: Nash, Shumpert, LeBron, Stoudemire, Bargnani.


    When Han Sen officially stepped onto the familiar court, his emotions shifted.


    It wasn''t just because he had to wear that mask. The more significant reason was that Madison Square Garden, known as the Mecca of Basketball, was a sacred ground.


    Players took pride in delivering exceptional performances here.


    Even the arena''s scoring leaderboard was a topic frequently updated by the media.


    As Faried tapped the ball back to the half-court line, the game officially began.


    The absence of Marc Gasol impacted the Grizzlies beyond their defense. On offense, Gasol could stretch the floor and act as a key facilitator. Without him, the Grizzlies'' playbook was slashed in half.


    Moreover, Faried lacked spacing ability and could only sit weak-side in the dunker spot, making it easier for defenders to collapse on drives to the basket.


    The Grizzlies'' opening play was a deadly pick-and-roll between Han Sen and Zach Randolph.


    In his prime, Amar''e Stoudemire was an explosive athlete with excellent mobility, famous for his pick-and-roll plays with Steve Nash.


    But injuries began to haunt Stoudemire during his Suns days. Last season, he underwent yet another left knee surgery, leaving his athleticism nearly nonexistent. Along with it, his lateral quickness deteriorated significantly.


    Currently, his ability to defend the pick-and-roll wasn''t much better than Randolph''s.


    Randolph''s screen took Iman Shumpert out of the equation, and Han Sen drained a mid-range jumper with surgical precision, giving the Grizzlies the first points of the game.


    This bucket didn''t generate much of a reaction from the crowd¡ªHan''s skill level made missing more surprising than scoring.


    But when the Knicks transitioned to offense, a wave of murmurs began sweeping through the arena.


    Because Han Sen was guarding LeBron James!


    This was a clear statement: Han intended to back up his pre-game trash talk on the court tonight.


    LeBron''s response? He called for the ball.


    The New York crowd erupted in cheers.


    The game had just begun, and already two MVPs were clashing head-to-head.


    Han was a bit surprised. Typically, LeBron would avoid forcing the issue in such situations. What changed in New York?


    Unbeknownst to Han, Nike''s relentless promotion of LeBron in New York masked an internal shift in their stance.


    Repeated failures had strained the relationship, and LeBron needed to deliver convincing performances to secure a contract renewal next summer.


    On the court, with Andrea Bargnani positioned in the strong-side corner and Shumpert and Nash spaced out on the weak-side three-point line, the Knicks'' offense had plenty of room to operate.


    If LeBron could penetrate, a bucket seemed inevitable.


    But he was too savvy to challenge Han Sen directly.


    After catching the ball, LeBron motioned for Stoudemire to set a pick. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Though Stoudemire''s athleticism had declined, his screening remained sharp. Last season, his pick-and-rolls with Nash brought Knicks fans a taste of nostalgia. This year, his pick-and-rolls with LeBron were critical to New York''s success.


    However, this time, the screen failed spectacularly.


    Han Sen''s lateral movement was just too fast!


    Stoudemire''s screen was perfectly positioned to block Han''s path, but Han sidestepped with a smooth slide, slipping right past it.


    Both Stoudemire and LeBron were caught off guard.


    As LeBron attempted to accelerate off the screen, he found Han already glued to him.


    Before LeBron could adjust his dribble¡ª


    Smack!


    Han stripped the ball cleanly, leaving LeBron fumbling in embarrassment.


    Han didn''t give LeBron a chance to commit a foul, immediately passing to a streaking Mike Conley, who raced past Steve Nash and finished with a layup.


    The crowd buzzed with energy. Han''s defensive intensity was suffocating!


    Even Grizzlies head coach Dave Joerger widened his eyes in astonishment.


    Was Han''s defense even stronger now? Or was LeBron''s ball-handling simply that weak, amplifying the effect?


    The camera cut to LeBron, whose expression was sour.


    After some hesitation, LeBron decided to handle the ball again.


    The crowd cheered, showing faith in their star.


    Surely the same mistake wouldn''t happen twice. LeBron would bounce back immediately.


    The Knicks ran the same play. This time, Stoudemire set the screen much closer to LeBron, and he shifted slightly to block Han as he slid through.


    No whistle was blown, allowing LeBron to successfully force a switch.


    Stoudemire quickly rolled to pull Han away.


    Now matched against Randolph, LeBron hesitated only momentarily before accelerating to the rim.


    Previously, LeBron might have had trouble against Randolph, but the Vertical Leap Rule now tilted the scales in his favor.


    As LeBron visualized his signature tomahawk dunk, ready to explode to the rim, he suddenly felt the ball disappear from his hands.


    Han hadn''t followed Stoudemire but instead used a Danny Green-style defensive maneuver. Shadowing LeBron unnoticed, Han struck from behind at the perfect moment, swiping the ball clean.


    The crowd collectively gasped.


    Two possessions in, and Han had stripped LeBron twice!


    This time, Han kept the ball himself. Blowing past LeBron with a burst of speed, he reached the other end and threw down a thunderous one-handed dunk.


    6¨C0!


    The Grizzlies silenced Knicks fans right out of the gate.


    What made it worse for the crowd was LeBron''s response after being stripped twice¡ªhe immediately stopped handling the ball altogether.


    Steve Nash and Stoudemire ran their classic pick-and-roll, with Nash assisting Stoudemire for an easy layup, putting the Knicks on the board.


    The Knicks'' lineup offered modern spacing and decent offensive firepower.


    But their first two possessions failed entirely because of Han''s presence.


    Halfway through the quarter, the Grizzlies led 20¨C12, maintaining a single-digit margin.


    LeBron found himself in an awkward position.


    When he handled the ball, the Knicks failed to score. When he didn''t, the Knicks managed to stay competitive.


    To make matters worse, Han shadowed him so tightly off the ball that LeBron couldn''t even receive passes.


    Social media was in chaos as LeBron fans collectively vanished, unable to defend him. Han wasn''t just talking¡ªhe was actually locking LeBron down.


    Finally, after several invisible minutes, LeBron called for the ball in the post.


    He couldn''t let Han fulfill his pre-game promise¡ªit would deal another devastating blow to his standing with Nike.


    This time, LeBron chose a back-to-the-basket approach, lowering his shoulder to drive into Han.


    Aware of Han''s quick hands, he tried to muscle his way into a spin move.


    But on his second power dribble, Han pulled a classic ''chair pull'' trick.


    (TL/n: "Pulling the chair" is a defensive move where a player backs away instead of standing their ground, causing the offensive player to fall or stumble.)


    Losing his balance, LeBron fell awkwardly to the floor, landing flat on his back while the ball rolled free.


    Han secured the ball and immediately bolted down the court.


    Nash tried to foul him but was juked by a spinning dribble.


    Reaching the other end, Han went for the highlight reel¡ªa flashy between-the-legs dunk.


    Showtime!


    As Han finished his dunk, LeBron finally picked himself up from the floor.


    The camera zoomed in on his face, capturing the moment Knicks fans began booing.


    Getting stripped once was forgivable. Twice, disappointing but understandable.


    But getting owned repeatedly and shying away from the ball? That was unforgivable.


    New York fans, known for their passion, weren''t holding back.


    LeBron pursed his lips, his eyes darting nervously.


    He never imagined there''d come a day when he''d be booed by his own home crowd.


    -To be continued-

 Chapter 237: Not Many Injuries Left.

    Chapter 237: Not Many Injuries Left.When Han Sen saw what was happening, he froze for a moment.


    Sure, Knicks fans have the kind of energy that lets them boo drafting Kristaps Porzi??is live at the draft, but come on¡ªthis is Nike''s golden child we''re talking about! Doesn''t LeBron deserve a little respect?


    Then again, Han couldn''t exactly blame them. The Knicks were on LeBron''s wishlist when he left the Thunder, and the organization had bent over backward to make it happen.


    In simpler terms, this is the bed you made, King. Lie in it.


    That said, boos can mean two things. On one hand, it could just be disgust at a poor performance. On the other, it might be an attempt to light a fire under the player, pushing him to step up.


    For now, the crowd seemed to lean toward the latter.


    After all, Han had dropped one of the most savage pregame quotes of the season. Even if LeBron couldn''t shut him down, he couldn''t just let Han walk all over him, either.


    This wasn''t just any player¡ªthis was The Chosen One, King James, the supposed heir to Jordan''s throne.


    LeBron looked like he wanted to yell, "Do you think I don''t want to fight back?"


    If that were the case, would he have dared to challenge Han on the very first possession?


    But wanting and doing? Two different things.


    By the 9-minute mark of the first quarter, both teams started making substitutions. Han and LeBron both headed to the bench.


    LeBron''s first-quarter stats? 0 points, 2 rebounds, 3 turnovers, 1 foul.


    For comparison, his infamous Game 4 against Memphis last postseason¡ªwhere he left injured¡ªhad him logging 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists at the half. And don''t forget his Finals low against Dallas: 8 points total.


    Tonight? He was on track to dig an even deeper hole.


    ...


    As the second quarter started, LeBron re-entered, hoping for some reprieve.


    But as soon as he stood up, Han did too, cracking his neck dramatically as if to say, "Break time''s over."


    LeBron couldn''t help but curse under his breath.


    Realizing he couldn''t outmaneuver Han in open space, LeBron adjusted his strategy. He took up position in the paint, hoping to leverage his size and strength.


    Han, in response, opted for fronting defense, positioning himself between LeBron and the ball handler.


    Despite his physical advantage, LeBron struggled to seal Han off. His frustration only mounted when the battle for position gradually dragged them from the low post to the elbow¡ªnullifying any advantage he might''ve had.


    When LeBron finally slipped free and cut back to the basket, Raymond Felton''s lob was immediately intercepted by Han, who had anticipated the pass like a chess grandmaster three moves ahead.


    That made four steals credited to Han, all involving LeBron.


    If there was ever a definition of former teammate chemistry, this was it.


    LeBron was visibly rattled. His desperation to stop Han led to an obvious grab and foul.


    Han smirked, looking at him slyly. "What happened, King? Party too hard last night? Even your fouls are weak."


    He was just being cheeky, but the way LeBron puffed his cheeks in frustration? Han hit a nerve.


    It wouldn''t even be surprising. This is New York after all... where ''party'' could mean almost anything.


    ...


    By halftime, LeBron had managed only 4 points (all from free throws), 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.


    Not a single field goal.


    At this point, analysts in the booth couldn''t help but recall Michael Jordan''s legendary 1998 performance against Reggie Miller. In Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Jordan held Miller to one shot attempt in the entire fourth quarter.


    "When elite defenders decide to shut you down, they make you irrelevant," one commentator mused.


    Han''s suffocating defense had the same energy tonight. The scoreboard told the story: the Grizzlies were up by 15+ points heading into the break.


    ...


    LeBron came out in the third quarter with a new plan¡ªone that threw traditional basketball out the window.


    During a Grizzlies possession, he straight-up abandoned Rudy Gay to sprint to midcourt, calling for a cherry-pick fast break.


    When the Knicks secured the rebound, LeBron was already ahead of everyone else, finishing with a signature tomahawk slam.


    He even roared at the crowd, flexing dramatically.


    But instead of cheers, he got awkward silence.


    Seriously? Is this what it''s come to?


    Han stood there shaking his head. "Man, you do you," he muttered.


    On the next possession, LeBron tried the same tactic again, but this time, it didn''t work.


    Han Sen had already anticipated it, stepping up early to the three-point line.


    Since the Grizzlies were on offense, Han could freely position himself without violating any rules, choosing a spot to disrupt LeBron''s strategy.


    Using his unmatched off-ball defensive speed, boosted by the [Death Wrap] talent, Han closed the gap in an instant.


    LeBron barely reached the paint and leapt for another signature tomahawk dunk when Han Sen, just a step behind, soared up and swatted the ball out of bounds with a thunderous block.


    Unsurprisingly, the Madison Square Garden crowd erupted in cheers for Han.


    "If they could trade LeBron for Han Sen right now, hesitating for even a second would be disrespectful to Han," one commentator quipped.


    And honestly, the fans'' shift wasn''t unwarranted. Earlier, their boos were meant to motivate LeBron. But instead of answering with effort, he served them... well, disappointment.


    If not for the fact that Han''s block wasn''t a free throw, the fans would''ve already been chanting MVP for him.


    Even though Han didn''t focus on scoring tonight, his defensive showcase left an indelible mark on basketball''s grandest stage.


    ...


    By the end of the third quarter, LeBron managed to scrape together 10 points. Four of those came from free throws courtesy of the refs, not from field goals. Meanwhile, the Knicks trailed the Grizzlies by over 25 points, with the game all but decided.


    As the fourth quarter started, LeBron initially planned to check back in. But seeing Han Sen rise from the bench, ready to play through garbage time, LeBron turned around and slumped back to his seat.


    A few minutes later, he left the game entirely.


    Final score: Grizzlies 102, Knicks 84.


    Han Sen''s stat line: 24 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 10 steals, and 2 blocks in just three quarters.


    LeBron''s stat line: 10 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 6 turnovers.


    ...


    Post-Game Press Conference


    Han Sen appeared alongside coach Dave Joerger, and reporters wasted no time grilling him.


    "You recorded a career-high 10 steals tonight, and it only took three quarters. How did you manage that?"


    Han''s answer lit up the room: "You forgot to mention that five of those steals were against LeBron."


    The press room buzzed, but Han wasn''t done yet.


    "LeBron needs to improve his ball-handling. Standing still while dribbling like that? You''re just asking to get stripped."


    The reporters were stunned. This was no veiled jab¡ªit was a direct hit.


    Normally, a comment like this would risk offending a major sponsor like Nike. But Han, being Under Armour''s golden boy and a back-to-back Finals MVP, was untouchable.


    And just when everyone thought Han had already delivered the knockout punch, he dropped another bomb.


    "Honestly, LeBron''s scoring tonight should only count as 2 points. The other 8? Handouts from the refs."


    Mic drop. The press room exploded into chaos. Han''s blunt statement left journalists stunned.


    Factually speaking, LeBron did have only one field goal for the night, and it came during a moment when the Grizzlies had conceded the possession.


    Han''s comment was also a subtle reminder of his pre-game claim: if anyone didn''t understand what it meant to ''lock someone down,'' tonight''s performance was the perfect demonstration.


    Toward the end of the conference, an ESPN reporter brought up LeBron''s poor performance, attributing it to a lingering knee injury and noting that LeBron had left the game early in the fourth quarter.


    Han simply smiled and replied: "LeBron doesn''t have many body parts left to injure."


    Elbow, groin, ankle, knee... what''s next?


    ...


    Han Sen''s words turned the internet into a battleground. LeBron stans were shattered.


    For years, Han had been indirect with his jabs, but tonight? He went for the jugular.


    Han''s critics swarmed his social media, but instead of cracking, it only made his [Hater Points] skyrocket.


    Han''s fans countered hard:


    "Han''s just looking out for an old teammate. KD developed his playmaking in one season; LeBron can''t work on his handles?"


    "We owe LeBron some thanks. Without those five turnovers, Han couldn''t have set a career-high in steals!"


    "LeBron''s body must be the most gifted in NBA history. With all those injuries, he''s still putting up superstar numbers."


    ...


    As expected, Han''s performance dominated headlines, sparking debates across sports media. Whether it was praise, criticism, or attempts at damage control, one thing was clear: Han''s ''Guillotine Operation'' had been a resounding success.


    While the long-term effects were unclear, one thing seemed inevitable¡ªLeBron''s standing with Nike would take a further hit. Han couldn''t help but look forward to next summer, wondering how the relationship between Nike and LeBron might unfold.


    Upon returning to Memphis, Han found the UA executive team still in town.


    They congratulated him on his stellar performance and brought up another matter. With UA''s basketball shoe sales skyrocketing, the company had recently established a research lab and made significant breakthroughs in sneaker technology.


    Capitalizing on next summer''s critical marketing window, UA planned to launch a new high-end shoe line targeted at elite consumers.


    The team wanted Han''s input on the shoe''s design and name. After all, the success of the HS Terminator Series was rooted in Han''s vision.


    While Han didn''t have a name in mind yet, he had some clear ideas about the design.


    After struggling with stamina during the opening game against Miami, Han had focused on finding ways to improve. With no stamina-enhancing talents in his Hater System, he had turned to real-world solutions.


    The result? Simplicity in motion.


    By minimizing unnecessary movements, Han maximized efficiency and conserved energy. This philosophy inspired the design concept: a timeless black-and-white sneaker.


    Classic and elegant, the style mirrored early Air Jordans¡ªsimple yet iconic, enduring in appeal across generations. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, Han knew the design would need a unifying theme to stand out in a crowded market. It was time to find that perfect inspiration.


    -To be continued-

 Chapter 238: Surpassing Jordan.

    Chapter 238: Surpassing Jordan.The Grizzlies weren''t scheduled to play in the Christmas Day games this year, giving the players a rare, extended break.


    Taking advantage of the downtime, Han Sen and Anjali decided to visit the Memphis Zoo on the day after Christmas.


    Despite living in Memphis for nearly four years, Han had never been to the zoo, being too preoccupied with games and training. Their first stop was the ''Northwest Passage'' exhibit.


    The moment they stepped in, Han regretted not visiting sooner¡ªbecause the exhibit featured polar bears!


    This wasn''t something you could see in just any zoo.


    When they arrived, the massive creature was swimming gracefully through the glass tunnel, captivating everyone. Han noticed Anjali making peculiar gestures at the bear, which surprisingly seemed to be watching her.


    After the polar bear left the glass tunnel, she headed to the outdoor section to observe it further. Camera in hand, she began explaining facts about the bear to Han.


    "Seems like you know a lot about them," Han remarked, surprised.


    "My degree is in marine sciences," Anjali replied.


    Han was stunned. He suddenly realized he''d been mistaken about her background. He had always associated Berkeley with music programs, but the Bay Area''s Berkeley wasn''t primarily known for music.


    No wonder she had laughed back when he''d tried to impress her with his ''knowledge.'' What he thought was a smooth move probably came across as hilariously clueless to her.


    Her marine science background also explained the underwater and aquatic animal photos she often posted on social media.


    Adjacent to the ''Northwest Passage'' was the ''Teton Trek'' exhibit.


    The name might sound like something from a space-themed attraction, but it actually referred to the Teton Mountains in Yellowstone National Park, showcasing animals native to the region, including grizzly bears.


    This exhibit was far larger than the polar bear section, sprawling across what seemed like an entire football field. It was also teeming with visitors.


    Interestingly, Memphis isn''t naturally home to bears. The Grizzlies'' name harks back to the team''s origins in Vancouver, a region known for its grizzlies. While the zoo''s bears had nothing to do with the basketball team, the connection was fun to note.


    It was here that Han got recognized.


    Soon, fans swarmed him, asking for autographs and photos.


    This was one reason Han rarely ventured out in Memphis¡ªit didn''t take long for a casual outing to turn into a fan event. By the time he finished, over ten minutes had passed.


    "Sorry," Han said to Anjali, feeling guilty about making her wait.


    "You don''t act like a star at all," Azhari replied with a smile, surprising him with her easygoing attitude.


    Her response put Han at ease. From the moment they entered the zoo, her demeanor had been nothing but pleasant. While physical attraction might spark interest, it''s personality that determines compatibility, Han thought.


    After leaving the Teton Trek, they headed to the ''Cat Country'' exhibit, showcasing various felines.


    The first animal they saw was a snow leopard, lounging belly-up on a faux rock mountain, its long tail dangling lazily¡ªjust like a big domestic cat.


    The star attraction, however, was the Sumatran tiger. The exhibit was almost as large as the grizzly section, featuring grassy areas, water zones, and even a waterfall cascading from a carefully constructed Southeast Asian temple ruin. The craftsmanship was so meticulous it felt almost real.


    Han noticed Anjali staring at the tiger with a look of affection.


    Wait, seriously? Just because she''s of Indian descent doesn''t mean this is a Bollywood movie moment, he thought.


    "I''m going to build a habitat like this at home," Azhari said, snapping Han out of his thoughts.


    Han was startled. Given her family''s resources, it wasn''t impossible, but why would someone build a tiger habitat?


    "Do you have a tiger at home?" Han asked jokingly.


    To his surprise, she nodded. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wow.


    Han remembered stories of exotic pets, like Shaquille O''Neal''s tales of owning two liger cubs. But Anjali and a tiger? That was straight out of Beauty and the Beast. Just imagining them in a photo together screamed Bollywood vibes.


    "When you have time, I''ll take you to see it," Anjali said, inviting Han to visit her tiger.


    Han smiled and nodded¡ªit was a perfect opportunity to grow closer.


    Their next stop was the Night Hunters exhibit, a unique, dimly lit area housing nocturnal animals.


    The entrance featured a narrow wooden door with a sign reading, "As the sun sets, the creatures of the night awaken."


    If you didn''t know better, you''d think it was a haunted house.


    Before stepping in, Azhari instinctively grabbed Han''s hand. Once inside, she clung closer as they reached the first enclosure: vampire bats, feeding from blood pools.


    The long, dark hallway showcased various bat species, creating an eerie yet fascinating atmosphere that felt more intense than any haunted house.


    Halfway through, the environment brightened slightly near the Sulawesi civet cat enclosure, easing the tension. Anjali loosened her grip but didn''t let go of Han''s hand entirely.


    Standing 5''10", she was almost as tall as Swift, but in this environment, Han''s 6''8" frame exuded a comforting sense of security.


    It wasn''t until they left the Night Hunters exhibit that Anjali realized they were still holding hands. She quickly let go, slightly flustered.


    The final exhibit that captivated them was the Chinese Pavilion, fronted by a stunning five-story glass pagoda.


    The intricate details of the traditional Chinese architecture¡ªred doors with bronze rings, stone lions guarding the entrance¡ªwere unlike anything Han had seen in his years in the U.S.


    Inside, a bell pavilion greeted them, followed by structures resembling grand palaces. The setting felt more like stepping into a Chinese imperial garden than a zoo.


    Crossing through a moon gate flanked by bronze lion statues, they arrived at a pond filled with waterfowl, including mandarin ducks and geese native to East Asia.


    In the U.S., Memphis Zoo ranks somewhere between 5th and 10th among zoos nationwide. While some exhibit areas were relatively small, the diversity of species and unique attractions like the nocturnal animal house and the Chinese Pavilion made it stand out.


    But the true highlight, the reason for its high ranking, awaited them on the other side of the pond¡ªthe Giant Panda Exhibit.


    Han Sen knew the U.S. had pandas on loan from China, but he hadn''t realized Memphis was one of the lucky few zoos to house them.


    The area was packed, even more so than the grizzly bear exhibit earlier. Luckily, the crowd''s attention was fixated on the pandas frolicking in their enclosure, sparing Han Sen from immediate recognition.


    Of course, some noticed him eventually¡ªan imposing 2-meter-tall figure of Asian descent was hard to ignore¡ªbut with the pandas commanding the spotlight, most didn''t swarm him.


    As he watched the giant pandas, a wave of familiarity and pride washed over him. These weren''t just animals; they were China''s national treasures. Han Sen chuckled, recalling how a planned visit to see pandas during his trip to Chengdu had been canceled due to overwhelming fan turnout. Ironically, it was here in Memphis where he finally saw them.


    Thanks to his height, Han Sen quickly spotted the informational sign about the pandas. The two resident pandas, a male named Le Le and a female named Ya Ya, had been on loan from China since 2003.


    Originally a 10-year agreement, their stay had been extended another decade this past summer. According to the sign, Le Le was 13 and Ya Ya 15, roughly equivalent to humans in their 50s. Despite their age, the pandas appeared healthy and lively, suggesting they were well cared for.


    "They''re so adorable!" Anjali''s eyes sparkled with delight.


    Indeed, with their simple black-and-white coloring and irresistibly charming antics, pandas were universally beloved. Few could resist their allure¡ªthe only bear species on Earth that survived solely by being adorable.


    Anjali''s fascination was contagious, and Han Sen smiled at her unabashed excitement.


    After leaving the zoo at dusk, Han Sen and Anjali grabbed dinner before he drove her back to her hotel. Memphis wasn''t the safest city for nighttime strolls, so he insisted on seeing her safely home.


    "Thank you. I had such a great time today," Anjali said warmly, her smile as radiant as ever.


    "So did I," Han Sen replied with a grin.


    Spending the day with her, he''d found her vivacious and genuine personality as captivating as her looks. Despite her privileged background¡ªthere were even rumors that her father, Vivek Ranadiv¨¦, had invested in basketball teams like the Warriors and later bought the Kings because of her love for the sport¡ªAnjali was refreshingly down-to-earth.


    Her sunny disposition was a stark contrast to his past experiences with Taylor Swift and Scarlett Johansson. With Anjali, there was no pressure, only a natural, easygoing joy.


    After dropping her off, Han Sen wasted no time calling his contact at UA.


    "I''ve got the concept for the new sneaker line," he announced. "We''re going with a panda theme."


    What could be more iconic than black-and-white styling? As a proud Chinese athlete, it was the perfect tribute. Done right, this design would practically sell itself.


    ...


    Time flew, and soon it was late January. The results for the 2014 NBA All-Star Game were in.


    Compared to last year, the Memphis Grizzlies'' star power had noticeably dimmed. Han Sen was the only player from the team to make the All-Star roster this season. No one else from the Grizzlies was participating in any individual contests either, leaving him to represent the team alone.


    The good news? Marc Gasol was finally set to return after a two-month injury hiatus. In Gasol''s absence, Han Sen had stepped up in a big way, leading the league with a jaw-dropping 30+ points per game. Despite his heroics, the Grizzlies had slipped in the standings, falling four games behind the Spurs and barely holding second place with the Rockets just one game behind.


    Gasol''s return had an immediate impact. In a crucial matchup against the Rockets, he posted 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists, decisively outplaying Nikola Vucevic and securing a win for the Grizzlies. This victory sparked a 6-1 run for the team leading into the All-Star break. Unfortunately, the Spurs'' consistent excellence meant Memphis couldn''t reclaim the top spot in the West.


    All-Star Weekend arrived, and Han Sen flew to New Orleans with Chris Rondo. This marked the second time in seven years that New Orleans hosted the event. The last time, it was part of a campaign to highlight the city''s recovery from Hurricane Katrina. This time, it coincided with the rebranding of the Hornets to the Pelicans.


    Upon arriving, Han Sen dove into a whirlwind of events. Despite the Grizzlies'' struggles, his dominant two-way performances had made him a fan favorite. UA and his other sponsors seized the opportunity to amplify his presence during All-Star Weekend.


    During Media Day, Han Sen found himself at the center of attention. The sheer number of reporters swarming him was overwhelming, a testament to his meteoric rise this season. His combination of eye-popping stats and elite defense had positioned him as a legitimate contender for the title of the league''s best player.


    Naturally, the questions revolved around two topics: the Grizzlies'' chances at a three-peat and comparisons to Michael Jordan.


    On the first, Han Sen''s answer was simple and unwavering: "We''re going to get it done."


    The second topic was more contentious. Given his three-peat aspirations and his defensive dominance, parallels to Jordan were inevitable.


    "Michael retired with countless so-called successors. Now, you look like the closest thing to the real deal. Do you think you''ll catch up to him?" a reporter asked.


    "No," Han Sen replied, his calm confidence catching everyone off guard. The room fell silent, his answer not matching his usual brash persona.


    Then he delivered the hammer: "I''ll surpass him. My goal isn''t to catch him¡ªit''s to become the greatest of all time."


    ---


    2014 All-Star lineup:


    West: Han Sen, Kobe Bryant¨’, Carmelo Anthony, Blake Griffin, Kevin Love


    (Note: Kobe, injured, was replaced by Anthony Davis, with Steph Curry starting in his place.)


    Reserves: Steph Curry, James Harden, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Tony Parker, Dirk Nowitzki, LaMarcus Aldridge


    Head Coach: Gregg Popovich


    ...


    East: Kyrie Irving, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Dwight Howard


    Reserves: John Wall, Paul George, Joe Johnson, DeMar DeRozan, Paul Millsap, Chris Bosh, Joakim Noah


    Head Coach: Frank Vogel


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 239 - 2014 NBA Trade Deadline?.

    Chapter 239: 2014 NBA Trade Deadline?.After reaching the bottleneck with [Death Wrap], Han Sen began looking for ways to quickly accumulate more hater points.


    Now was the time to bring that man into the spotlight.


    Michael Jordan might be retired, but his fanbase remained massive. In fact, most basketball fans of this era were still Jordan fans. This was evident from the sales of Air Jordan sneakers.


    Jordan wasn''t called the ''God of Basketball'' by himself but by unanimous agreement from media and fans.


    Before LeBron James made the term ''GOAT'' feel overused, Jordan was inseparably tied to the title of the greatest player of all time. His dominance over his era, unmatched collection of accolades during his prime, and leading stats in almost every major category solidified his position.


    Not to mention, Jordan propelled Nike to legendary status and inspired countless iconic stories.


    In this era, you could criticize Jordan''s personality, but no one dared to question his skills.


    Thus, even though Han Sen was a two-time Finals MVP and on track to challenge for the league''s top spot this season, his declaration of surpassing Jordan brought massive backlash.


    By the end of Media Day, social media was ablaze:


    "The Grizzlies are strong because the team is strong; the Bulls were strong because of Jordan. How can the two even compare?"


    "Han''s career trajectory is more like Kobe''s, and he hasn''t even surpassed him yet. How dare he talk about outshining Jordan?"


    "This is pure clout-chasing. Everyone thinks they''re the GOAT now?"


    "Han will regret his words. Disrespecting Michael will bring waves of challenges his way."


    Han Sen got a taste of Jordan fans'' wrath during his first night in New Orleans.


    In just one night, his hater points skyrocketed by over 300,000!


    Even after a decade of retirement, Jordan''s influence was terrifying.


    Of course, Han Sen''s timing and method of making his statement played a role. The All-Star Weekend was a global basketball event, with every major sports outlet in attendance.


    It was like dropping a loud fart in a packed subway car¡ªimpossible to go unnoticed.


    UA, however, capitalized on the buzz, launching a major campaign.


    Fans were hungry for fresh narratives. They were tired of the overplayed ''Next Jordan'' trope from the early 2000s, which was why Kobe''s "I don''t want to be the next Michael Jordan. I only want to be Kobe Bryant," resonated so strongly back then.


    Now, Han Sen was the first to openly declare his intent to surpass Jordan. The backlash was inevitable, but it also raised fan expectations.


    After all, Han Sen had consistently backed up his bold claims: bringing a championship to Memphis, building a dynasty, and winning back-to-back titles.


    When he said he would surpass Jordan, though it sounded audacious, fans couldn''t entirely dismiss the possibility.


    Unlike Kobe, who earned comparisons but lacked Finals MVPs in his early championships, Han Sen was the undisputed leader of his team''s success.


    Some diehard Han fans pointed out: "By his fifth year, Jordan still had zero rings, while Han has two and is chasing a dynasty."


    So while the claim seemed outrageous, it opened doors for massive marketing potential.


    ...


    The Next Day: All-Star Practice


    Reporters wasted no time following up on the controversy.


    "Did you lose sleep last night?" one reporter asked cautiously.


    "I had the best sleep of the season," Han said, smiling. "All-Star Weekend is my rare chance to relax."


    "The external pressure is mounting. Do you want to take back your statement?"


    "No."


    His curt response left no room for doubt. And Han Sen, enjoying his surge of hater points, had no regrets.


    The day''s main headline was supposed to be Adam Silver''s official inauguration as NBA Commissioner.


    But thanks to Han''s comments, Silver''s thunder was stolen.


    Even at Silver''s press conference, the topic came up. His response was telling:


    "I''m thrilled to see a player daring enough to challenge the title of the greatest of all time. We''re all excited to see what the future holds."


    The league''s new, money-minded Commissioner knew better than to alienate Han Sen, a rising star with major influence alongside UA.


    ...


    All-Star Game Night


    Unlike the previous year, Han Sen took it easy this time.


    As he''d told reporters, this was his chance to rest after an exhausting regular season.


    While his [Iron Body] trait reduced injury risks, it didn''t make him invincible. His previous injury from LeBron James stepping under him in the Finals two years ago was proof enough.


    The surprise star of the game turned out to be Kyrie Irving, making his first All-Star start.


    With the Cavaliers finally showing signs of improvement, currently sitting 10th in the East, Irving''s confidence had soared.


    He thrived on the All-Star stage, scoring 31 points and dishing out 14 assists to lead the East to victory and claim All-Star MVP honors.


    Han Sen didn''t leave empty-handed, though. During the game, he picked up key rumors about LeBron James''s summer plans.


    Apparently, LeBron was actively recruiting teammates for a new superteam, including Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Love, and Joakim Noah. He''d even approached Anthony Davis.


    Clearly, LeBron wasn''t content to play second fiddle.


    After Han Sen''s public callout, LeBron''s ability to form a new Big Three could directly impact whether Nike extended his contract.


    Could we see another Decision 2.0? Not out of the question.


    ...


    Back in Memphis


    Upon returning, Han Sen noticed something unusual¡ªtrade rumors surrounding Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph were swirling.


    The most discussed deal involved the Pacers, potentially trading Danny Granger, David West, and Lance Stephenson for Gay and Randolph.


    This season, Gay was averaging just 16.2 points per game, while Randolph had 16.1 points and 10.1 rebounds. Gay''s contract was now considered overvalued, and Randolph was a frequent target on defense.


    Granger, despite his injuries, offered 3-and-D potential, while West could patch defensive weaknesses and Stephenson would bolster depth.


    The trade would also reduce the Grizzlies'' luxury tax to around $20 million¡ªa win-win scenario.


    Clearly, the rumors weren''t baseless.


    Han Sen had merely gone to participate in the All-Star Game, and upon returning, he felt like his home was on the verge of collapse.


    The day after his return, Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace came to see him.


    Wallace confirmed the rumors were true: the Grizzlies were indeed in trade talks with the Pacers.


    Now, it all hinged on Han Sen''s stance.


    As long as Han gave the nod, the trade would go through.


    "We''re trying to find you better teammates so you can achieve your goal of building a dynasty," Wallace said.


    Although Han had already decided to leave Memphis in the summer, establishing a dynasty would be a win-win for both him and the Grizzlies.


    Han shook his head.


    "I know it''s hard to part with Rudy and Zach, but this trade would benefit us," Wallace added. While the luxury tax played a role, Wallace genuinely believed the trade would strengthen the team.


    "That''s one factor, but more importantly, I don''t think we can build the necessary chemistry in just 20-something games," Han explained.


    Though Gay and Randolph had struggled this season, the core group had played together for four years and had unparalleled chemistry.


    "Let''s settle it¡ªRudy and Zach stay," Han made his final decision, cutting off Wallace before he could say more.


    Two days later, the 2014 NBA trade deadline arrived.


    This year''s trade activity was relatively subdued, with only a few notable moves, all involving the 76ers:


    Andrew Bynum joined the 76ers from Houston, signaling the start of Philly''s rebuild. The 76ers traded Jrue Holiday to New Orleans for two first-round picks and some filler contracts.


    Starting center Spencer Hawes was sent to the Cavaliers, both aiding Cleveland''s playoff push and reducing competition in the draft lottery. Lastly, the 76ers dealt Evan Turner and Lavoy Allen to the Pacers for Danny Granger and a second-round pick. Reports suggested Granger would negotiate a buyout to join a playoff contender.


    The day after the deadline, the Grizzlies resumed regular practice after the All-Star break.


    Han, as usual, was relentless during training¡ªperhaps even more so this time.


    The trade proposal Wallace had laid before him left him with a looming ''what if.''


    If the Grizzlies succeeded in building a dynasty, this ''what if'' wouldn''t matter. But if they failed, the unanswered question would haunt them all. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was part of why Han opted against the trade.


    Even if Gay and Randolph weren''t in top form, they were loyal and respected him as their leader. He could push them harder.


    New teammates, however, wouldn''t have the same dynamic. They could clash, and if things went south, they wouldn''t care as much about the team''s championship aspirations.


    Take Lance Stephenson, for example¡ªthe Pacers were shopping him because of his desire for a starting role, a situation that could spell disaster for team chemistry in Memphis.


    Han''s only option, regardless of his choice, was to lead the team to a championship.


    During practice, his shouts echoed throughout the gym:


    "Rudy, did you forget how to play ball after a weekend off?"


    "Zach, why are your feet glued to the floor? Move!"


    "Marc, how many times do I have to tell you not to jump so easily? Stick to the new rules and keep your feet grounded!"


    The coaching staff, led by Dave Joerger, were long accustomed to Han''s intensity.


    By the end of practice, the players were drenched in sweat¡ªa surefire way to shake off any post-break sluggishness.


    As Han was hydrating, Rudy Gay approached him.


    Han wasn''t surprised¡ªGay had been the primary target of his criticisms that day. He braced himself for complaints but was instead caught off guard when Gay sat down with a smile and invited him over to his house.


    A trap? Maybe. But Han eventually agreed¡ªthere was no reason to refuse.


    Later, at Gay''s house, Han was warmly greeted by Rudy''s fianc¨¦e, who busied herself in the kitchen. Meanwhile, Gay led Han to the study for a private chat.


    The first thing Rudy said caught Han completely off guard:


    "Thank you."


    Han was confused. Was Gay''s brain short-circuiting after being berated too much?


    "Chris told me¡ªit was you who stopped the trade. You still believe in us."


    Han finally understood.


    Though Han''s harsh leadership had strained relationships this season, Rudy and the others now realized that, when it mattered most, Han still cared about them.


    In fact, much of their poor performance stemmed from the looming threat of being traded.


    Having been on the trade block the previous season, Gay and Randolph had reason to believe they''d be shipped out this time too. With Memphis facing a hefty luxury tax bill and uncertainty about Han''s future, it seemed inevitable.


    And if they were destined to leave, why bother giving it their all?


    Han''s summer departure was something he couldn''t disclose ahead of time.


    But in the end, they stayed¡ªbecause Han insisted.


    How could they feel anything but gratitude?


    Han hadn''t anticipated this unexpected outcome. Gay''s newfound attitude was a sign he was beginning to accept Han''s role as the team''s harsh but committed leader.


    Seizing the moment, Han said, "Rudy, a dinner invitation doesn''t mean much. If you really want to thank me, then show me the version of you from last season¡ªthe one who stepped up in the Finals and told everyone, ''I''ve got this.''"

 Chapter 240: Slam Dunk.

    Chapter 240: Slam Dunk.The Memphis Grizzlies'' first opponent after the trade deadline was none other than the Oklahoma City Thunder.


    Since the game was on home turf, the Grizzlies had the luxury of resting and preparing thoroughly. They wrapped up their final pregame practice session on the morning of the match.


    At first glance, practice seemed no different from the previous day, yet the vibe felt significantly different. Han Sen was still playing the role of the ''bad guy,'' or perhaps more accurately, the ''taskmaster,'' but his teammates now showed a noticeably stronger hunger to compete.


    Winning a championship wasn''t as much of a motivator anymore. What drove them now was Han Sen''s steadfast decision to keep the team intact. If not for a title, then for Han¡ªthey were determined to give it everything they had for the rest of the season.


    Sensing this shift, Han Sen finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    Basketball is a team sport. Sure, his stats this season were off the charts, but as the opening game against the Heat had shown, one man alone couldn''t win a championship.


    Now, for the first time all season, Han felt genuine confidence.


    Even though two-thirds of the season had already passed and his teammates'' form wasn''t what it had been the year before, this renewed sense of unity gave the Grizzlies a fighting chance.


    It was reminiscent of the 2022 Warriors or the 1998 Bulls¡ªchampionship teams clawing their way back into contention.


    As if the team''s renewed vigor wasn''t enough good news, Han Sen also hit a major milestone personally: his hater points had finally reached 1.5 million.


    He owed thanks to Michael Jordan, and oddly enough, to the legion of domestic haters who relentlessly criticized his refusal to join the national team.


    During a quiet moment at home, Han opened his hater system and redeemed a Tier-1 Dunk Talent.


    After gaining insight into the concept of "The simpler, the better", his approach to redeeming talents had become more deliberate. He focused on making his scoring as efficient and unstoppable as possible.


    At its core, basketball excellence boils down to running faster, shooting more accurately, and jumping higher.


    The last time Han redeemed a dunk-related talent, it was to make his midrange jumpers harder to contest. A higher leap and longer hang time not only improved his offense but also gave him an edge on defense.


    But when he found this first-tier dunk talent, he paused.


    The NBA is full of incredible dunkers, each with their own claim to greatness:


    For some, it''s Jordan¡ª''His Airness'' himself, whose nickname inspired the Air Jordan brand.


    Others vouch for Vince Carter¡ª''UFO''¡ªwho redefined dunking and saved NBA ratings before injuries slowed him down.


    Then there''s Zach LaVine, a blend of athleticism and grace, hailed by many as ''The Best Dunker in History.''


    Blake Griffin also deserves mention for embodying true ''Power Aesthetics.''


    And of course, LeBron James, who dominates in-game dunking and earns the title of ''King of Practical Dunks.''


    Han Sen, however, had a different perspective. The best dunkers aren''t necessarily in the NBA.


    Many can dunk spectacularly but lack the all-around game to make it to the league, like Earl ''The Goat'' Manigault, known for his double dunk, or Jordan Kilganon, famed for his ''Scorpion Dunk.'' These street legends are the true gods of dunking.


    Yet, the name of this dunk talent in his system was blunt:


    [If He Joins the Dunk Contest, He''s the Champion].


    Straightforward, yet dripping with the kind of swagger reminiscent of LeBron James'' infamous declaration: "If I enter the dunk contest, I''ll win it. Whether I enter or not is another matter."


    The system''s style of naming talents had always been cheeky, so this fit perfectly.


    (TL/n: If you guys prefer [Slam Dunk Champion], [Dunk King], or something else over this, lmk...)


    The description read: "Significantly enhances vertical leap, hang time, flexibility, and body control during aerial contests."


    It was clear this talent wasn''t just about showmanship¡ªit combined aesthetics with practicality, making it a deadly asset in real games.


    That evening, during the pregame warmup, Han invited Vince Carter to play a dunking version of ''PIG.''


    In this game, one player mimics another''s moves, with the goal of forcing mistakes. The player who messes up three times becomes the ''pig.''


    The unique warmup energized not just the Grizzlies but also the crowd. It turned into an impromptu dunk contest featuring Carter, the ''Half-Man, Half-Amazing'' legend, and Han Sen, the rising phenom.


    Han attempted a slew of audacious dunks: a glass-tapping between-the-legs slam, a 540-degree windmill, and even some experimental moves. While not all of them landed, it was clear that Han''s new talent had elevated him to another plane of athleticism.


    The showdown culminated in Han pulling off a between-the-legs dunk over Kenneth Faried, leaving Carter grinning as he tapped out.


    The crowd was electrified, and the atmosphere was unlike anything the Grizzlies'' home arena had seen before tipoff.


    "This might just become a tradition," Han thought. With the buzz it generated, nightly dunk showcases could boost both his talents and the team''s chemistry.


    ...


    When the game began, the starting lineups were announced:


    Thunder: Russell Westbrook, Arron Afflalo, Carmelo Anthony, Serge Ibaka, Robin Lopez.


    Grizzlies: Chauncey Billups, Han Sen, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol.


    With Mike Conley sidelined due to a finger injury, Billups stepped in as the floor general.


    The Thunder won the tip, and Russell Westbrook wasted no time. He exploded past Billups, driving into the lane for a signature hammer dunk that left Gasol flat-footed under the rim.


    The ''Verticality Rule'' had made players like Westbrook even more lethal, and he celebrated by roaring at the crowd, turning to glare directly at Han Sen.


    The arena''s cameras caught this exchange, projecting it onto the massive LED screen.


    On the Thunder''s next possession, Westbrook attacked again. This time, when Han rotated over to contest, Westbrook pulled up for a sudden stop-and-pop midrange jumper. The ball swished through, and Russ followed it with his trademark ''rock-a-baby'' celebration¡ªagain directed at Han.


    Han immediately realized this wasn''t just about the game. Westbrook wasn''t salty about the pregame dunk-off; this was personal.


    At All-Star Media Day, Han had confidently stated that he would surpass Jordan by season''s end. With Jordan being Westbrook''s idol since childhood, it was clear Russ had taken that as a challenge.


    The realization sent a jolt of adrenaline through Han. The grind of an 82-game season often dulled his intensity, but facing a direct challenge reignited his fire.


    As Westbrook continued to push the pace, Han smirked.


    "You want a piece of me? Let''s see if you can handle this storm."


    Han Sen was ready to unleash the full force of his new talent. Tonight was going to be a show.


    ...


    The Grizzlies'' offense began as Han Sen called for the ball and immediately motioned for isolation.


    Aaron Afflalo, an all-too-familiar matchup, stood before him. Han had the size advantage, and their previous encounters often saw him opting for post-up plays. This time, though, he faced up.


    Afflalo stuck to his usual defensive strategy, steering Han toward the basket, planning a trap with Robin Lopez waiting in the paint.


    It played right into Han''s hands. With a quick crossover and burst of speed, he blew past Afflalo and took off just over a meter from the rim.


    Robin Lopez jumped with both hands raised high.


    The move was meant to avoid being posterized directly, but under the new rules, it rendered him little more than an airborne obstacle. Han twisted mid-air to evade Lopez and completed a stunning reverse dunk, gliding past with ease.


    BAM!


    The ball thundered through the rim, and the FedExForum exploded in cheers.


    This dunk was even more electrifying than Westbrook''s opener¡ªit demanded greater hangtime and control, especially with Lopez right there. Was Han still riding the adrenaline from warm-ups? He followed up the dunk by mimicking Westbrook''s signature "Why not?" shrug.


    That, predictably, lit a fire in Westbrook.


    On the next possession, Russ wasted no time, rocketing past Chauncey Billups with his trademark explosive first step. With Mike Conley sidelined, Westbrook was in full sports-car mode, pedal to the metal.


    But this time, he didn''t get the finish he wanted. Han anticipated the drive, cutting him off before he could elevate. Westbrook adjusted mid-air for a layup, but Han pivoted and swatted the ball into the stands.


    The new verticality rule clearly favored quick-reacting perimeter players, while bigs like Lopez often struggled. Han''s improved hangtime was on full display here, as even Westbrook''s evasiveness couldn''t save him.


    "Pissing Han off is never a smart play," Charles Barkley quipped during the TNT broadcast.


    The advisory on dealing with Han had evolved: first, don''t trash talk him, then don''t even talk to him. Now? Don''t even try to rile him up.


    Meanwhile, Carmelo Anthony pulled Russ aside for a quiet word. It was clear their chemistry was solid.


    Thunder possession, sideline inbound. Afflalo dragged Han to the weak side. Melo got the ball, pivoted, and drilled a smooth turnaround jumper over Rudy Gay.


    Westbrook''s vendetta against LeBron this season wasn''t just about their fallout last year¡ªit stemmed from the fact that, unlike LeBron, Melo consistently delivered in crunch-time scoring.


    Back on offense, Han came off a screen to receive a pass from Marc Gasol. Afflalo, having learned from earlier mistakes, sagged closer to the basket this time. He didn''t expect Han to pull up for a mid-range jumper.


    Seriously? Switching up his playstyle that fast?


    Afflalo was quick to react, leaping to contest the shot. But something was off¡ªHan seemed to hang impossibly high.


    Before, Afflalo could bother Han''s jumpers. This time, all he could do was stare up as Han calmly drained the shot.


    Swish.


    The crowd roared again. Even without Afflalo''s vantage point, the air-time and elevation were obvious.


    Most players peaked in their athleticism early and then declined with age. Han? He seemed to be defying gravity in reverse.


    On defense, Han switched onto Westbrook, stifling his drive before Melo stepped up for a screen. Melo, bulked up since last season, set a textbook pick and rolled to the basket. Han had no choice but to follow him into the paint.


    Once in the post, Melo called for the ball and got it. Russ waved the court clear, trusting Melo to deliver.


    And Melo did what he did best¡ªshowcasing his masterful post game. If LeBron''s low-post skill scored a 50 out of 100, Melo''s was easily a 90.


    Han tried to front him, but Melo spun smoothly into his patented washing machine move, using Han''s body as leverage to spin free.


    The crowd gasped in awe. Prime Melo''s footwork was pure artistry. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Melo finished the move with a graceful finger roll. The ball was heading straight for the net when¡ª


    SMACK!


    Han came out of nowhere for a chase-down block, slapping the ball against the backboard with authority.


    The arena erupted. Melo stared in disbelief as Gay snatched the rebound and lobbed it ahead to Han, already racing toward the other end.


    Han capped the play with a showtime-worthy 360¡ã dunk, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Melo protested to the refs, claiming goaltending, but the replay told a different story.


    On the big screen, the slow-mo showed just how high Han had gotten and how perfectly timed his block was.


    "Carmelo has the technique, but Han has the talent," Kenny Smith remarked.


    "Han should join the dunk contest," Barkley shouted. "I''m telling you, if he does, he''s walking out with that trophy!"


    -To Be Continued-


    Translator''s note:


    Washing Machine Move: A signature spin move often associated with Carmelo Anthony. It involves a combination of footwork and body control, where the offensive player uses their pivot foot and a quick spin to maneuver around the defender, effectively ''churning'' them like a washing machine drum. This move leverages the defender''s momentum and positioning to create space for an easy shot or finish near the basket.

 Chapter 241: The 2013-2014 Season Comes to an End?.

    Chapter 241: The 2013-2014 Season Comes to an End?.When someone challenges you, honor and status become meaningless; the only way to respond is to hit back directly.


    You could see it in the expressions of Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony¡ªHan Sen''s dominance on both ends during the last sequence had taken the fight out of them.


    Of course, the game didn''t end there. After LeBron James'' departure, there were no weak-willed players in Oklahoma City anymore.


    The synergy between Carmelo and Westbrook this season was the key to OKC reclaiming a top spot in the Western Conference.


    The two teams battled until the final moments.


    Han Sen sounded the Grizzlies'' defensive alarm with a crucial steal. They unleashed a suffocating defensive stretch reminiscent of their dominance last season, holding OKC to just three points in the final three minutes and sealing the victory.


    As the buzzer sounded, the Grizzlies celebrated like they had won the championship, even though it was just a regular-season game.


    Only they could truly understand the satisfaction of reclaiming something they had lost.


    "We did everything we could, but they beat us. They were the better team tonight. We''ll win the next time we face them."


    At the postgame press conference, Westbrook accepted the loss with surprising composure.


    Although OKC didn''t secure the win, this was a different kind of defeat. Last time, they had lost while crawling; this time, they stood tall.


    Reporters naturally asked Carmelo Anthony about Han Sen''s iconic block.


    Anthony laughed even before the question was finished. "Honestly, I''d score on that play 99 times out of 100. You all saw the one time I didn''t¡ªthat''s not something a normal person can block."


    Anthony''s response was masterful. He redirected the narrative, giving Han Sen his due while subtly highlighting his own abilities.


    Of course, if Han Sen heard this, he''d probably disagree: the number should be 98, considering a certain ''guy with a long name'' could also pull it off. (TL/n: Guess who?)


    Beating the Thunder was a strong start to the Grizzlies'' late-season push.


    They went on to secure victories against the Celtics, Magic, and Trail Blazers, stringing together a four-game winning streak.


    This Grizzlies squad had a ''Justin Bieber'' kind of season¡ªlost and aimless, only to return still youthful and vibrant.


    If they maintained this momentum, the Grizzlies were poised to claim the top seed in the West.


    And they had every reason to pursue it.


    The Miami Heat had adopted a ''load management'' strategy this season. Meanwhile, unexpected performances from the Bulls, Wizards, Raptors, and even the Bobcats had elevated competition in the East. As a result, the Heat''s record was neck and neck with the Grizzlies.


    If Memphis could secure the top spot in the West and with Han Sen''s eye-popping stats¡ªleading the league in scoring and steals¡ªthey had a real shot at the MVP award.


    Despite two championships and two Finals MVPs in his career, Han Sen had never won a regular-season MVP.


    What better way to announce, "This isn''t about the championship; this is for Han Sen"?


    By late March, the battle for the West''s top seed with the Spurs was still heated.


    And then, an intriguing subplot emerged¡ªHan Sen''s scoring title was under threat.


    Surprisingly, it wasn''t Kevin Durant or Carmelo Anthony. It was LeBron James.


    Since the Grizzlies'' last matchup with the Knicks, LeBron had taken weeks to recover from an injury.


    Meanwhile, Steve Nash had been sidelined indefinitely with a back injury, and the Knicks'' record had plummeted. They fell behind the Nets and Bulls, landing in fifth place in the East.


    By the time LeBron returned, it was too late. Nash announced his season-ending injury in early March, leaving the Knicks in dire straits.


    Without team success, even Nike couldn''t campaign for LeBron as an MVP contender.


    So, with no shot at MVP and a deteriorating situation, what did LeBron have left to compete for?


    "Han, are you going for the scoring title?" Rudy Gay asked Han after practice.


    Competing for the scoring title wasn''t rare in the NBA. The most famous example was when the Spurs helped David Robinson secure his by dropping 71 points in a single game.


    "Of course I am." Han didn''t hesitate after Rudy explained the situation.


    Han didn''t care about the scoring title as a personal accolade¡ªif he had, he could have gone for it last season.


    But knowing LeBron wanted it made it non-negotiable.


    Under the "Operation Guillotine" plan, any opportunity to suppress LeBron couldn''t be missed.


    Plus, Han found the challenge intriguing.


    LeBron''s infamous quotes were legendary: "If I wanted, I could win the scoring title every season."


    Not just one season. Not two. Every. Single. Season.


    Yet, despite amassing over 40,000 career points, LeBron had only won the scoring title once, early in his career.


    This wasn''t about choice¡ªit was about capability.


    If anyone in NBA history could back up such a claim, it was Michael Jordan. MJ played 15 seasons and won 10 scoring titles¡ªthis includes seasons shortened by injury, midseason comebacks, and his Wizards stint. Exclude those, and in 11 full seasons, he missed the scoring title only in his rookie year.


    If LeBron wanted this scoring title, Han wasn''t going to make it easy.


    "That''s awesome!" Rudy was surprised by Han''s decision. Throughout his Memphis tenure, Han had never seemed interested in individual accolades.


    This time, with Han committed, the team was all in.


    By April, fans noticed an explosive surge in Han''s performances.


    On April 1, Han dropped 40 points against the Clippers. Two days later, he followed it up with 44 against the Cavaliers. Back home against the Raptors, Han erupted for 63 points, a career-high. To cap the week, he scored 43 against the Kings, leading Memphis to a perfect 4-0 record.


    Han averaged 47.5 points per game that week, reclaimed the top spot in the West, and earned Player of the Week honors.


    The Grizzlies were known as a team-oriented squad, but Han''s offensive explosion was surgical. He let his teammates handle the defense while he poured every ounce of energy into scoring.


    Meanwhile, LeBron wasn''t far behind.


    He had impressive outings, including a career-high 61-point performance against the Bobcats.


    When asked about competing for the scoring title, LeBron gave a knowing smile, acknowledging the race.


    But when Han dropped 63 points, the gap widened. LeBron faltered in his next games, scoring 23 against the Pacers and 29 against the Bucks.


    With only three or four games left, unless LeBron can average over 45 points per game in the final week like Han Sen just did, there''s no chance he''ll take the scoring title.


    This wasn''t even close, unlike the dramatic last-second battle between Shaquille O''Neal and David Robinson back in the day.


    Han Sen barely needed to ramp up his effort, and LeBron was already out of the race.


    LeBron certainly has the ability to score, but his fatal flaw is how easily teams can target him.


    Opponents aren''t fools¡ªif you''re scoring in bunches, they''ll double-team you relentlessly. Unless you have an arsenal of scoring tools or near-unshakable offensive solutions, you''re left relying on the whims of shooting streaks¡ªsomething as unpredictable as a woman''s mood.


    After the Bucks game, LeBron was once again asked about the scoring title. This time, he gave the media a classic pivot.


    "No, that''s not my goal. No matter how many points I score, my aim is always to help my team win games."


    If you lose, but declare you weren''t competing, then you never really lost¡ªat least in your own narrative.


    This reaction was precisely what Han Sen expected.


    When reporters asked Han Sen the same question, he neither confirmed nor denied it. Instead, he quoted LeBron''s own infamous words from years ago:


    "If I wanted to, I could lead the league in scoring every single season."


    The statement was both a flex and a subtle reminder of LeBron''s past bravado.


    The truth, however, was clear: even if LeBron wanted it, he couldn''t take the scoring title.


    To twist the knife further, with the scoring title already decided, Han Sen opted to sit out the final two games.


    You couldn''t accuse him of ducking¡ªafter all, with the regular season winding down and the playoffs looming, the Grizzlies were simply following their usual rotation plan.


    By April 16, as the 2013-14 NBA season officially came to a close, the standings and storylines had taken full shape.


    Eastern Conference:


    - Miami Heat finished first at 59¨C23. Their measured approach kept Dwyane Wade relatively healthy, though he still played only 54 games. Thankfully, he enters the playoffs in better shape than last year.


    - Indiana Pacers clinched second with 56 wins. Trading Danny Granger midseason both strengthened their roster and solidified Paul George as their franchise star.


    - Brooklyn Nets secured third with 50 wins. Dwight Howard''s team isn''t the strongest, but their vibe is all about having fun.


    - Chicago Bulls landed fourth at 48 wins, despite Derrick Rose managing just ten games before another season-ending injury. Joakim Noah''s career-best season and Jimmy Butler''s growth kept them afloat.


    - New York Knicks placed fifth at 46 wins. LeBron James delivered an incredible 29.8 PPG, 7.6 RPG, and 8.3 APG on 54.4% shooting, but Steve Nash''s injuries and lackluster teammates doomed their season.


    The Raptors, Wizards, and Bobcats rounded out the playoff spots, each with 44+ wins.


    Notably, the Cavaliers, despite trading for Spencer Hawes and Luol Deng, missed the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season. Cleveland fans undoubtedly miss Han Sen more than ever.


    Western Conference:


    - San Antonio Spurs topped the standings at 62¨C20.


    - Memphis Grizzlies finished second at 60¨C22, with Han Sen''s career-best season leading the way. Averaging 30.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2.9 steals, and 1.5 blocks on 51.1% shooting, Han took home the scoring title, the steals title, and joined the elite ''180 Club'' ¢Ù.


    Han''s performance silenced any talk of ''playoff mode'' magic¡ªhe''d simply been prioritizing team success in previous seasons.


    The Rockets secured a 58¨Cwin season, finishing third in the West.


    They were the biggest surprise team in the conference this year.


    Initially, there were concerns about ball dominance between Chris Paul and James Harden, as both were seen as players who needed the ball in their hands.


    However, the two developed exceptional chemistry, with Harden averaging over 27 points per game and Paul posting a 20+10 season.


    Even Han Sen was a bit surprised by this result.


    From his perspective, when Harden and Paul eventually teamed up, the Rockets were supposed to have adopted a ''Moreyball'' strategy ¢Ú. But for now, they were still playing a more traditional style.


    Paul''s previous partnership with Kobe Bryant wasn''t much different from his current dynamic with Harden.


    But in the end, this result suggests that playing alongside Kobe probably didn''t make Paul very happy.


    Or, more accurately, his current partnership with Harden is reminiscent of his later collaboration with Devin Booker.


    Theoretically, Paul is the second option, but his veteran status ensures he holds the highest standing within the team.


    Additionally, after trading away Chandler Parsons, the Rockets were weak at the small forward position. However, they addressed that issue by signing Danny Granger before the buyout deadline.


    With their current roster, the Rockets are undeniably stacked.


    The Thunder secured the fourth seed with 54 wins.


    Russell Westbrook proved not just with words, but with his performance, how much better life could be without LeBron James.


    The Trail Blazers also achieved 54 wins but finished fifth due to their head-to-head record against the Thunder.


    The Lakers came in sixth with a 52¨Cwin season.


    Kobe Bryant dealt with some injuries midway through the season but didn''t suffer a season-ending injury as Han Sen once anticipated.


    Chris Paul''s arrival on the Lakers created a butterfly effect, altering the trajectory of his career.


    However, barring any surprises, the final stages of his career seem destined to be about playing a supporting role.


    The Warriors finished seventh with 51 wins.


    The Mavericks clinched the eighth seed with 50 wins. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They couldn''t retain O.J. Mayo in the offseason but brought in Monta Ellis, Steph Curry''s former backcourt leader, who found a resurgence in Dallas and experienced a career revival.


    The Clippers (49 wins) and Suns (48 wins) narrowly missed the playoffs.


    The intensity of competition in the West this season was even crazier than predicted by analysts like Stan. A staggering 10 teams posted nearly 50-win seasons.


    While the top-tier teams weren''t as dominant, the overall level of brutality in the West only increased compared to last season.


    This left the Warriors, who improved their record by four wins from the previous season, in the unfortunate position of facing the Grizzlies in the first round.


    -End of Chapter-


    Translator''s note:


    ¢Ù 180 Club: This refers to the combined shooting percentages of a player¡ªfield goal percentage (FG%), three-point percentage (3P%), and free throw percentage (FT%)¡ªadding up to 180 or higher.


    It aligns with the 50¨C40¨C90 Club, where players shoot 50% or better from the field, 40% or better from three-point range, and 90% or better from the free-throw line. Achieving this signifies elite efficiency and is one of basketball''s most exclusive milestones.


    ¢Ú Moreyball Strategy: Named after Daryl Morey, the former general manager of the Houston Rockets, this approach emphasizes analytics-driven basketball.


    Moreyball prioritizes high-value scoring opportunities, focusing on three-point shots, free throws, and shots at the rim, while minimizing mid-range jumpers considered inefficient.


    The philosophy stems from advanced statistical analysis, aiming to maximize points per possession. It became a defining strategy for the Rockets during the Harden era, reshaping how teams think about offense in the modern NBA.

 Chapter 242: My Tiger Can Do Backflips.

    Chapter 242: My Tiger Can Do Backflips.Considering the history between the Grizzlies and Warriors from last season, this matchup feels like destiny. The two Under Armour (UA) brand ambassadors, Han Sen and Steph Curry, meeting early in the playoffs became a marketing goldmine for the company.


    However, Curry''s mild temperament meant he wouldn''t seek the spotlight in moments like these. Draymond Green, on the other hand, had no such reservations.


    "We know they''re not at their best. This is our perfect chance for revenge," Green declared confidently.


    Green''s strong performance in last year''s playoffs had elevated his status with the Warriors, and he now played a vital role as their sixth man. The Warriors, meanwhile, had fortified their roster over the summer by adding Andre Iguodala, as well as former Grizzlies players Marreese Speights and Shaun Livingston.


    Their lineup was formidable: Curry, Klay Thompson, Iguodala, David Lee, and Andrew Bogut as starters, with a bench featuring Livingston, Harrison Barnes, Green, Speights, and Jermaine O''Neal. With Lee fully healthy and former Grizzlies providing strategic insights, the Warriors were ready for battle.


    That said, Bogut''s season-ending rib injury before the playoffs weakened their foundation. Still, Green''s bravado made sense under the circumstances.


    Before Game 1, reporters asked Han Sen for his thoughts on Green''s remarks. Han quipped, "Boxers usually warm up with sparring partners before their real matches. They''ll play their role just fine."


    Han''s mastery at turning opposing players'' remarks into fuel for his detractors was on full display. Over time, Han had grown more selective about his public remarks, knowing his elevated status in the league required him to maintain an aura of sophistication.


    Yet, as he cultivated new ''Hater Leaders,'' he ensured their words fanned the flames of negativity against him.


    ...


    Game 1 in Memphis turned out to be much more intense than expected. Unlike the Thunder series from last season, which felt like a prelude, this clash dove straight into the action. For Han, this was precisely what he wanted. Gaining [Hater Points] was a bonus; the real objective was to get his team into championship form early.


    This year''s path through the Western Conference was tougher. The Grizzlies'' form wasn''t as sharp as last year, and teams like the Spurs, with their championship-caliber defense and offense, loomed large.


    After three quarters, the game was tied at 86. Curry shone with 24 points, including four three-pointers. The Warriors'' bench outperformed expectations, giving them a five-point lead as the starters returned. That''s when Han switched to guarding Curry.


    Under coach Mark Jackson, the Warriors built a defensive foundation and implemented numerous tactical plays, but Jackson''s flaw was his usage of Curry.


    The NBA isn''t a neighborhood pickup game; players can''t just chuck shots at will.


    On a playoff stage with heightened defensive intensity, most players can only score through open looks or fast breaks. Superstars capable of handling heavy ball-handling duties become essential.


    Curry was an elite shooter who could shoulder significant offensive loads, but his physical limitations made him heavily reliant on team schemes. Jackson''s failure to design more plays around Curry limited his offensive potential, making him easier to defend.


    When Han switched onto Curry, as he had in the regular season, the sharpshooter was completely locked down.


    In the fourth quarter, Curry only managed two shot attempts¡ªboth highly contested¡ªand went scoreless.


    The Warriors'' offense faltered, and while Klay Thompson''s elite shooting was undeniable, without Curry drawing defensive attention, his threat diminished significantly.


    Although David Lee could respond with his shooting range and cutting ability, which countered Zach Randolph''s style, it wasn''t enough to change the outcome. The Grizzlies secured a 110-101 victory, claiming Game 1.


    Curry had 24 points, Lee added 18 points and 8 rebounds, Iguodala contributed 18 points, Thompson had 14 points, and Green finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds.


    Han led with 31 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals; Gay had 17 points, Randolph contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds, Gasol grabbed 15 rebounds with 14 points, and Conley finished with 11 points and 6 assists.


    Despite the win, it was clear that the Warriors had become a dangerous team. With Bogut healthy, they could''ve been the ultimate disruptor in the West.


    ...


    Two days later, Game 2 in Memphis saw the Warriors strike back with a 121-113 victory.


    Curry showcased his basketball IQ, becoming a relentless off-ball movement machine. His goal wasn''t just scoring but also draining Han Sen''s energy on defense.


    The Warriors'' off-ball movement disrupted the Grizzlies'' defensive setup, exposing rotational weaknesses in their two big men.


    Coupled with the Warriors'' scorching shooting¡ªa staggering 56% from deep (14/25 on three-pointers)¡ªthey capitalized on every opportunity.


    Even Green, with his unorthodox shooting style, nailed 5-of-8 threes, finishing with 24 points while effectively neutralizing Randolph.


    With the series tied 1-1, the narrative shifted to Oakland. Across the Western Conference, every playoff series stood at 1-1, underscoring the depth and competitiveness of the West.


    ...


    Han arrived in Oakland half a day before the team.


    Since their visit to the zoo, he and Anjali had been in touch more frequently.


    If it weren''t for Anjali''s busy schedule finishing her graduation project, their relationship might have progressed even further.


    Now that her project was done, she had invited Han over to her family''s home.


    Technically speaking, Han should''ve been fully focused on the playoffs. But Anjali''s invitation came with an irresistible hook: her family''s tiger could do backflips.


    The house, or rather the estate, was one of the properties owned by Anjali''s family. It had been purchased years ago when Vivek Ranadiv¨¦ became a minority owner of the Golden State Warriors.


    Last year, after Vivek became the majority owner of the Kings, the family relocated to Sacramento. However, since Ajali hadn''t graduated yet, the Oakland property remained in use.


    Set on over five acres, the estate looked like something out of a fairytale¡ªmanicured gardens, luxurious architecture, and, as Han soon discovered, plenty of exotic animals.


    When Han arrived, a massive wolf-like dog greeted him, circling and sniffing him curiously before wagging its tail enthusiastically.


    "He likes you," Anjali said with a laugh as she walked over.


    Han crouched down, giving the dog a pat. The giant animal immediately flopped onto its back, presenting its belly.


    "What''s his name?" Han asked, smiling.


    "Abu," Anjali replied. "It''s from Aladdin. It means loyalty and courage."


    Han nodded. "That tracks. Guess we''re kindred spirits, huh, Abu?"


    As Anjali led him through the estate, Han quickly realized why she''d suggested a trip to the zoo earlier. The property housed a surprising number of animals, including a freaking elephant.


    "Wait... Is that yours?" Han asked as the elephant casually lifted Anjali with its trunk and set her gently back down.


    "Yup. My dad got him when I was a kid. He''s basically family now," she said, patting the elephant''s trunk.


    But it wasn''t until they reached the tiger enclosure that Han truly understood the extent of Anjali''s boldness.


    The enclosure housed a fully grown male Bengal tiger, its muscular frame moving with a predator''s grace. The low rumbling growl it let out upon seeing them was enough to make Han reflexively step back.


    "So... this is the backflipping tiger?" he asked, eyes wide.


    "Yep," Anjali said, completely unfazed. "His name''s Raaja."


    Han glanced at her. "Of course it is."


    True to her word, the tiger performed a backflip at the handler''s command, landing gracefully on its massive paws.


    Anjali beamed as she showed Han childhood photos of herself with Raaja, including one of her as a little girl hugging the then-cub.


    "Okay," Han said, shaking his head. "I get it now. The zoo was your warm-up act."


    They spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the estate and chatting. The sun was setting by the time they sat down on a bench overlooking the garden.


    Anjali had this way of making him forget about the pressures of his career. She talked about basketball with genuine interest, asking questions and offering insights, but also shared stories about her love for the ocean and her plans to go diving after graduation.


    "Summer trip, then?" she asked.


    "Deal," Han said, grinning.


    Just then, Abu trotted over, plopping down between them on the bench. His huge frame made the space tight, but neither seemed to mind.


    As they sat in comfortable silence, Han turned to look at Anjali. The golden light of the setting sun fell across her face, highlighting her sharp features and giving her an almost ethereal glow.


    Before he realized it, he had reached out and taken her hand.


    Anjali looked over, her dark eyes meeting his. For a moment, neither of them spoke.


    Then, almost instinctively, they leaned toward each other.


    Abu, sensing the shift, tilted his head curiously. He rested his chin on the bench, his big eyes darting between the two. Was something tasty being passed back and forth?


    The thought was almost enough to break the moment¡ªbut not quite.


    ...


    "We are well aware of the Grizzlies'' weaknesses. Their scoring has a ceiling. If we can score 120+ points, they''ll have a hard time winning. We did that last game, and we just need to repeat it three more times."


    Draymond Green, buoyed by his strong performance in Game 2, became a hot topic during the pre-Game 3 interviews.


    As usual, his words were a mix of factual exaggeration and provocation¡ªa talent that made him a social media sensation despite being a role player.


    He didn''t just discuss the game; when asked about Han Sen''s previous comments, he fully embraced his role as Han''s most prominent critic.


    "Michael [Jordan] never resorted to belittling his opponents. Han has no comparison to Michael, none whatsoever."


    On the night of April 24th, Game 3 between the Grizzlies and Warriors tipped off at Oracle Arena.


    Anjali was back courtside, but this time she caught everyone''s attention.


    Instead of her usual Curry No. 30 jersey, she was wearing Han Sen''s No. 77.


    The moment was captured by the arena''s cameras and displayed on the LED screen, sending the crowd into a buzz of excitement¡ªand confusion.


    Han might not have recognized Anjali right away, but plenty of Warriors fans did. After all, the owner''s daughter was well-known, not least for her stunning looks.


    The sight of a die-hard Curry fan seemingly switching allegiances sent shockwaves through the fanbase.


    The game began with the Warriors brimming with confidence. A win tonight would give them a 2-1 series lead and make the dream of a 7th-seed upset closer to reality.


    But they quickly realized something was different.


    The Grizzlies brought an entirely new level of defensive intensity, one that wasn''t present in the first two games.


    Han Sen was the engine behind it all¡ªforcing Klay Thompson into an airball, stealing the ball from David Lee, and even blocking a Steph Curry jump shot. Han''s presence on defense was overwhelming, earning envious looks from Warriors coach Mark Jackson.


    Using this defensive edge, the Grizzlies stormed to a 31¨C20 lead by the end of the first quarter.


    The Warriors faithful clung to hope. Surely things would stabilize in the second quarter, especially with the Grizzlies'' bench often being a weak link.


    But even the Grizzlies'' reserves played surprisingly well. Shane Battier and Vince Carter hit consecutive threes to maintain the lead. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When the starters returned, Han shifted gears¡ªthis time to offense.


    So, you''re Klay Thompson, the league''s premier 3-and-D wing?


    And you''re Andre Iguodala, the guy who can lock down LeBron and made All-Defensive teams?


    Han tore through them, scoring 20 points in the second quarter alone. The Grizzlies piled up a 36¨C21 second-quarter scoreline, heading into halftime with a commanding 67¨C41 lead¡ªa 26-point advantage.


    The Warriors'' deadly three-point shooting, which had been pivotal in their Game 2 win, was nonexistent in the first half. They didn''t make a single three, while the Grizzlies shot 6-for-12 from beyond the arc and a staggering 61% from the field overall.


    Fast breaks and transition offense fueled the Grizzlies, making it nearly impossible for their shooting percentage to dip.


    Still, the Warriors fans hoped their team could mount a comeback in the second half.


    The Warriors did show signs of life in the third quarter. Curry and Thompson finally hit a few threes, and the team scored 32 points in the period.


    But Han Sen was relentless, adding another 16 points to his tally. The Grizzlies kept pace with 36 points of their own.


    By the end of the third, Han had an astonishing 44 points, and the Grizzlies held a 30-point lead. The fourth quarter became garbage time.


    Even during garbage time, the Grizzlies bench refused to let up, outscoring the Warriors 33¨C25 in the final quarter.


    The blowout was so severe that Oracle Arena emptied out before the final buzzer.


    The Grizzlies delivered a crushing 136¨C98 victory, a nearly 40-point demolition of the Warriors.


    Green''s claim that the Grizzlies couldn''t surpass 120 points was likely based on intel from former Grizzlies players like Mo Speights and Jordan Crawford.


    But clearly, those two hadn''t accounted for the changes in Han Sen this season.


    Han Sen''s individual scoring ability had shattered the Grizzlies'' so-called offensive ceiling. And when he focused on attacking, his teammates gave their all defensively.


    The most crucial factor? Green''s trash talk didn''t just target Han Sen¡ªit rallied the entire Grizzlies roster.


    "Not for the championship, but for Han Sen." That was the Grizzlies'' biggest motivation this season.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 243: MVP

    Chapter 243: MVPThe Warriors were pushed to the edge of the cliff¡ªanother home loss would essentially spell the end of their season, leaving them down 1-3 in the series.


    At this point, head coach Mark Jackson finally recognized Stephen Curry''s importance.


    Sometimes, people only reflect and make changes when they''re left with no other choice.


    Fortunately, Jackson had proven last season against the Grizzlies that he wasn''t as stubborn as someone like Lionel Hollins. He was willing to experiment.


    Jackson designed a slew of plays centered on Curry, heavily testing his individual abilities.


    The true test of a player''s transformation from star to superstar lies in whether they can step up in critical moments. Those who can''t are just All-Stars. Those who can are like caterpillars breaking their chrysalis, emerging as phoenixes reborn.


    Curry proved himself capable. Despite his slim frame, his mental toughness was formidable.


    In Game 4, Curry shot 7-of-14 from three-point range, 10-of-20 overall, scoring a series-high 33 points along with 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and a block.


    Under his leadership, the Warriors once again went ballistic from three, shooting 15-of-32¡ªnearly 50%¡ªfrom beyond the arc.


    Notably, Jackson made a significant adjustment by replacing Jermaine O''Neal with Draymond Green in the starting lineup. While this sacrificed low-post defense, it opened up better pick-and-roll three-point opportunities.


    The gamble paid off.


    The Warriors'' only chance to beat the Grizzlies was by exploiting their two big men, who struggled to defend the perimeter.


    However, the Grizzlies'' struggles were also partly self-inflicted. This season, Memphis relied heavily on Han Sen, leaving coach Dave Joerger unable to assign him to shadow Curry for the entire game.


    With the series tied at 2-2, the Grizzlies and Warriors were set for a Game 5 showdown.


    This wasn''t surprising¡ªevery first-round matchup in the Western Conference had reached Game 5 after initially being tied 1-1.


    "This is the most brutal first round in NBA history," Shaquille O''Neal marveled at the intensity of the playoffs.


    For Han Sen and the Grizzlies, this marked their third Game 5 in four years.


    Joerger made a bold move, starting Shane Battier in place of Zach Randolph. Han Sen, on the other hand, took it upon himself to guard Curry right from tip-off.


    This wasn''t a typical Joerger decision; it was Han''s own choice to push his limits in this crucial moment.


    In Han''s playbook, courage defined everything. The more critical the moment, the more his boldness shone.


    The result? The Grizzlies'' motto¡ªin a clash of wills, the fearless one prevails¡ªproved true once again.


    Memphis defeated Golden State 100-93, taking a 3-2 lead in the series.


    Han Sen held Curry to just 3-of-14 shooting, limiting him to 11 points¡ªmost of which came from free throws.


    Han himself delivered a stunning performance, playing 45 minutes, scoring 31 points, grabbing 11 rebounds (6 offensive), dishing out 6 assists, and recording 4 steals and 4 blocks.


    "I know people might disagree, but I''ll say it: tonight, Han Sen played at the same level as Michael Jordan," Jackson admitted in the post-game press conference.


    Having played against both Jordan and Kobe, Jackson said Han''s performance was even more astonishing than Kobe''s during the Finals when he played with a Grade 3 ankle sprain.


    Han''s relentless defensive effort on Curry, coupled with his offensive contributions, meant he covered two to three times more ground than anyone else on the court.


    The physical toll was evident¡ªHan needed IV fluids after the game due to dehydration.


    Shortly after the Grizzlies'' Game 5 win, the NBA announced the regular-season MVP.


    The MVP race had been highly contested. The Spurs, with their league-best 62 wins, had no clear frontrunner due to their balanced team play, with six players averaging double-digit scoring.


    For the Grizzlies, overtaking Miami in the standings became the focus late in the season, as surpassing the Spurs wouldn''t impact Han Sen''s MVP candidacy. Ultimately, Memphis finished with one more win than Miami.


    Statistically and record-wise, Han Sen was the clear frontrunner. However, the league''s close ties to Nike raised concerns, given past instances like LeBron James winning MVP despite finishing fourth in team record rankings.


    This season, LeBron was out of the running, but Kevin Durant, another Nike athlete, remained a significant threat. Nike''s push to make Durant their flagship star further complicated matters.


    In the end, Han secured 38% of the vote, beating Durant''s 27% to win his first regular-season MVP.


    The award''s outcome reflected the NBA''s evolving dynamics under new commissioner Adam Silver, who prioritized business over tradition. Silver viewed Han and his partnership with Under Armour as a much-needed rival to Nike, fostering competition that would ultimately benefit the league.


    Under Armour capitalized on Han''s MVP win with widespread promotional campaigns, framing him as the potential heir to Michael Jordan''s legacy.


    If Han could secure a scoring title, Defensive Player of the Year, and a third consecutive championship, he would achieve what no player in history had¡ªa clean sweep of MVP, DPOY, Finals MVP, and scoring champion in the same season.


    Though comparisons to Jordan were slightly forced¡ªHan didn''t start his career on a struggling team like Jordan¡ªsuch achievements would cement him as one of the all-time greats.


    But Han had little interest in the hype. For him, the focus was on closing out the Warriors in Game 6. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    Game 6: Oracle Arena


    Facing elimination, the Warriors gave it their all. The Grizzlies, however, reintroduced Zach Randolph to the starting lineup.


    Randolph responded by dominating Draymond Green, a calculated psychological move by Joerger.


    Once again, Han locked down Curry.


    But the Warriors stayed competitive, thanks to an unexpected breakout from Klay Thompson, who scored 20 points in the first half, including five three-pointers.


    At halftime, the game remained a tense standoff. If the Warriors could keep it close, they had a real shot at forcing Game 7.


    Han Sen''s fatigue from his Game 5 heroics was evident. With only two days to recover, it was impossible for him to return to peak form.


    The third quarter became the pivotal moment of the game.


    Coach Joerger didn''t make any lineup changes but significantly altered the tactical approach. Han shifted his focus entirely to offense, while the rest of the team concentrated on defense.


    This strategy was quintessentially Grizzlies basketball. They had relied on it to defeat the Heat in Game 6 of the Finals last season. Though their overall form this year wasn''t as dominant, it was a card they played more frequently¡ªand effectively.


    Han erupted in the third quarter, pouring in 24 points. Oracle Arena, which had started with deafening cheers, fell into a stunned silence.


    The Warriors couldn''t get stops on defense and struggled offensively. Many of their earlier threes had come in transition, capitalizing on Memphis''s defensive mismatches. But in half-court sets, especially against the Grizzlies'' small-ball lineup, opportunities were scarce.


    To make matters worse, Curry couldn''t regain his rhythm after being hounded by Han in the first half.


    The Grizzlies outscored the Warriors 36-21 in the third quarter, stretching their lead to 15 points by the end of the frame.


    In the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, Memphis''s bench, led by Rudy Gay, maintained the cushion.


    This put Golden State under immense pressure.


    When their starters returned, the Warriors gambled on quick threes. But the more desperately they shot, the more they missed.


    By the five-minute mark, the Grizzlies led by 20.


    Mark Jackson, though visibly frustrated, had no choice but to accept the outcome. He called a timeout, subbed out his starters, and shared heartfelt embraces with each of them as they came off the floor.


    The home crowd, to their credit, cheered and applauded their players¡ªa scene reminiscent of the Memphis fans back when their Grizzlies faced elimination.


    Although they couldn''t overcome the Grizzlies, the Warriors had pushed them to their limits. More importantly, they had discovered a style of play that suited their identity moving forward.


    Still, the players couldn''t mask their disappointment.


    Curry and Thompson, sitting on the bench in silence, stared at the scoreboard with unmistakable frustration. To them, falling short of the Conference Semifinals after significant roster upgrades was hard to swallow.


    The final score read 116-101, with the Grizzlies winning the series 4-2.


    During the postgame handshake, Han shared a familiar phrase with Curry: "Keep grinding. The future is yours."


    This time, Curry didn''t argue. Instead, he embraced Han tightly.


    History doesn''t reserve iconic lines for just one individual.


    When Han had said those words, he was paraphrasing Tim Duncan, who had told LeBron James the same after sweeping him in the 2007 Finals. However, Han had omitted Duncan''s additional phrase: "But this is my time."


    At Golden State''s postgame press conference, the atmosphere was understandably heavy. Yet amidst the somber mood, Curry delivered a line that echoed Han Sen''s own words from years ago: "Next season, no one will want to face us."


    As UA''s second marquee athlete, Curry paying homage to its top star felt fitting.


    Of course, Curry''s declaration attracted a fair share of mockery.


    "Han is Han. You''re not even close, Curry."


    "The Grizzlies lost in the Conference Finals that year, not the first round!"


    "You came into the league in the same draft class, and Han was in the Conference Finals by Year 2. You''re miles behind!"


    But Curry, knowing what awaited him, was prepared for the scrutiny.


    At Memphis''s postgame press conference, a reporter brought up Curry''s homage and asked Han for his thoughts.


    Han''s expression was priceless. After all, in the ''history'' he knew, it was Curry who had originally said this line.


    Much like Robbie Williams living in the shadow of Elton John, or Oasis constantly being compared to The Beatles, Curry might feel the same way competing in Han''s era.


    Yet Curry''s choice to pay tribute suggested he was ready to elevate his game.


    "Maybe the Curry we see next season will be even scarier than the one I know," Han said with a slight grin.


    He added: "What doesn''t kill you makes you stronger. Failure shapes people in many ways, and personality decides the form it takes. Curry''s mentality and the way he pushed through injuries last season¡ªit''s clear he''s destined for greatness."


    The Grizzlies became the first Western Conference team to advance, and shockingly, the only one to avoid a Game 7.


    All three remaining series had gone the distance!


    Even Han didn''t expect it, especially with the Spurs nearly falling victim to an eighth-seed upset by the Mavericks.


    San Antonio ultimately prevailed in Game 7 with a dominant performance, scoring 120 points. This season''s Spurs were different¡ªno longer solely reliant on defense, their ''Hammer'' plays had shattered their offensive ceiling.


    Elsewhere, the Thunder edged past the Trail Blazers, despite LaMarcus Aldridge''s phenomenal performances. Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony''s offensive firepower proved too much to overcome.


    In the final series, the Rockets eliminated the Lakers 4-3 after a grueling Game 7, setting up a second-round clash with the Grizzlies.


    Chris Paul''s move to Houston and the subsequent ousting of the Lakers made for a compelling storyline.


    Once again, Paul would chase the elusive Western Conference Finals floor.


    -To be continued-

 Chapter 244: History Repeats Itself.

    Chapter 244: History Repeats Itself.(TL/n: Got bad news to share. I''m going on a trip next week which will last at least 20 days. So I''ll be cutting down on my daily updates from 3->2 or even 1 depending on how many Chapters I manage to stockpile.


    Unless I am able to translate on the phone, I won''t be able to return to my usual schedule until January next year. At least we won''t lose much ground to the raws since the original author has also slowed down.)


    The Grizzlies faced off against the Rockets in Game 1 of their series, with Memphis hosting the opening game.


    Coming off a grueling first round, Han Sen was not fully rested. Coach Joerger adjusted the game plan, assigning Rudy Gay to guard James Harden.


    The result? Rudy Gay couldn''t stop Harden.


    Though Harden hadn''t yet hit his career peak, his two seasons as the Rockets'' primary playmaker had refined his skills significantly. His signature step-back jumper was now a thing of beauty, his off-the-dribble three-point shooting had greatly improved, and Chris Paul''s presence allowed him more opportunities off-ball.


    And let''s not overlook the nightclub-fueled mastery of NBA foul rules¡ªHarden had become a foul-drawing savant.


    In this game, Harden went 7-for-17 from the field and a perfect 15-for-15 from the line, dropping 32 points.


    Thanks to Harden''s performance, the Rockets were neck-and-neck with the Grizzlies by the end of the third quarter.


    In the West, there are no weak teams. A squad that survives a Game 7 battle isn''t going to fold easily.


    But they didn''t have the final say in this game.


    Despite Harden''s standout night, the Grizzlies stayed competitive, proving the impact of their first-round series. Han Sen wasn''t the only one who had leveled up¡ªhis teammates showed noticeable improvements as well.


    In the fourth quarter, Memphis outscored Houston 32-22, securing a 115-105 victory.


    Han Sen, now freed up defensively, erupted for 43 points.


    The Rockets lacked a defensive stopper like Trevor Ariza, instead relying on Omri Casspi and a post-injury version of Danny Granger.


    While these players could help stretch the floor for Harden offensively, they were defensive liabilities against players like Kobe¡ªor in this case, Han Sen.


    ...


    After the game, the league announced the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award.


    Thanks to heavy UA marketing, the award had garnered significant attention this year.


    The winner? Joakim Noah, who edged out Han Sen with 30% of the vote to Han''s 28%.


    This result was rich in drama.


    Noah had a stellar defensive season, anchoring the Bulls to a respectable playoff spot in the East. But the Bulls only managed 48 wins, compared to the Grizzlies'' 60.


    Statistically, and in terms of defensive impact on the court, Han Sen was the superior candidate.


    This snub felt eerily reminiscent of Michael Jordan''s 1986-87 season.


    Back in 1986-87, Jordan returned from training with Tim Grover, transformed into a physical juggernaut. He averaged an eye-popping 2.9 steals and 1.5 blocks per game and had the third-best defensive rating in the league.


    Yet Jordan finished 10th in the DPOY voting.


    That year''s award went to Michael Cooper of the Lakers, who averaged a pedestrian 1 steal and 0.5 blocks with a defensive rating outside the league''s top 50.


    The reasoning? Jordan scored 37.1 points per game, leading to skepticism about his defensive effort. The narrative was that such stats had to be ''padded.''


    Han Sen is now facing a similar challenge.


    Like Jordan back then, Han''s dominance threatens to monopolize accolades. The concern seems to be: If Han gets every award, what''s left for others?


    This situation echoes the 1995-96 season, when Jordan, despite leading a record-setting 72-win Bulls team, didn''t win DPOY. The justification? Award fatigue.


    Silver likely allowed this DPOY result to promote parity in the league, just as he hadn''t blocked Han''s MVP win earlier.


    ...


    When asked about Noah''s victory, Han initially appeared gracious:


    "I respect Joakim Noah. He had an outstanding season."


    But then he delivered a stinger:


    "But let''s be real¡ªthey''re voting with their feet."


    The room went dead silent.


    Han''s comment¡ªa direct broadside against the media voters¡ªsparked an explosion of criticism. Negative headlines flooded in, but Han Sen''s hater points skyrocketed, much to his delight.


    "Turns out group taunts like this are super effective," Han mused. "Guess I should lean into it more often."


    ...


    Game 2: FedExForum


    The arena was electric. Grizzlies fans held up signs that read:


    "You Voted With Your Feet!"  S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "League''s Shame!"


    "Silver Knows Nothing About Basketball!"


    Some fans were escorted out for overly aggressive signs, but that''s just Memphis for you.


    The game atmosphere mirrored this intensity.


    When Nikola Vu?evi? won the tip for Houston, James Harden caught the ball to an eruption of boos. The crowd wasn''t angry at Harden; they were fired up because Han Sen was guarding him tonight.


    After Rudy Gay struggled in Game 1, it only made sense to unleash Han on Harden.


    Harden hesitated, then passed the ball back to Chris Paul.


    Unlike Dwyane Wade, who had faced Han''s defense in the Finals, Harden knew exactly what kind of monster he was up against. After all, he had trained with Han that summer.


    After the handoff, he didn''t just stand idle. Instead, he immediately set up a pick-and-roll with Terrence Jones.


    Paul''s pass came perfectly on time, but just as James Harden caught it, Han Sen had already maneuvered past Jones'' screen and was charging toward him.


    Harden, thinking quickly, threw a pump fake to catch Han mid-sprint, but Han didn''t bite.


    Jones tried setting another screen, but Han stayed glued to Harden, applying relentless pressure. Harden nearly lost the ball under the suffocating defense.


    With the shot clock winding down, Harden waved Jones away, signaling for an isolation play. The arena crowd erupted into mocking jeers, the volume rising as the pressure mounted.


    Harden''s athleticism had never been his calling card. Battling asthma as a kid, his game was built on rhythm and control¡ªoh, and his underrated ball-handling skills.


    Keeping his dribble low to the ground, Harden made a quick, low-to-the-floor crossover to challenge Han''s defense.


    After bumping shoulders with Han to create space, Harden leaned into his signature move: a step-back jumper. At this stage of his career, he hadn''t fully embraced the ''Moreyball'' philosophy yet, and his mid-range step-back was still one of his deadliest weapons.


    He created enough separation, ready to launch. But just as he rose to release the ball, he experienced what Carmelo Anthony had encountered before him.


    Creating space ¡Ù scoring.


    SMACK!


    Han Sen, reading the move perfectly, recovered and swatted the ball volleyball-style out of bounds.


    The crowd, once mocking Harden, exploded into wild cheers. Harden stood frozen, his face an echo of Carmelo''s bewildered look from earlier in the playoffs.


    The Rockets'' first possession was a bust, and on the other end, Han Sen got the ball in the post, spun around Omri Casspi, and nailed a smooth mid-range jumper before the double-team could arrive.


    The fans could feel it. The energy in the building surged as the realization dawned¡ªthis was going to be another appearance of ''Full Throttle Han.'' Sure, it wore Han out, but to the crowd, it was worth every second.


    Five minutes in, Harden hadn''t taken another shot since that blocked attempt. The Grizzlies were already up 12¨C6.


    With Harden locked down, the Rockets turned to Chris Paul''s bread-and-butter mid-range shots off pick-and-rolls. But even that wasn''t sustainable.


    First, the screener had to deliver a perfect screen to free up Paul. Second, his height disadvantage demanded a clean window for the shot. Lastly, Paul still had to make the shot under pressure.


    The Rockets'' bigs¡ªone undersized, the other too slow¡ªweren''t helping matters. Paul could try feeding them after a pick-and-roll, but their inefficiency rendered those passes ineffective.


    Meanwhile, the Rockets had no answer for Han Sen.


    On defense, Han kept Harden shackled. On offense, he turned Casspi into a liability. Guarding Harden required less energy than chasing Stephen Curry around screens, and Han used that to his full advantage.


    Eventually, Rockets Head Coach Kevin McHale tried switching Chris Paul onto Han.


    Credit to Paul¡ªhe wasn''t explosive as a scorer, could crumble in clutch moments, and had a reputation for prioritizing his own interests¡ªbut fear?


    That wasn''t in his DNA. He would step up and guard anyone, be it in L.A., Houston, against Miami, or Memphis.


    But bravery alone wasn''t enough.


    Paul''s defense worked against Durant because KD was vulnerable to players who aggressively attacked his lower body. Han Sen, however, was a different beast.


    A simple bump to create space, keeping an eye on Paul''s hands to avoid getting stripped, and the rest was a walk-through shooting drill for Han.


    Paul''s lack of height and diminished athleticism post-knee injury left him helpless. After two possessions of Han scoring at will, McHale pulled the plug¡ªit was just gifting points at that stage.


    On the offensive end, Harden decided to tap into his infamous club-inspired move: drawing fouls. Driving inside, he raised the ball high, forcing his elbow into Han''s body to neutralize his defensive strength.


    But this wasn''t the polished ''Son of Jingdezhen'' version of Harden, who would masterfully trap defenders'' arms. His current foul-drawing bag was too shallow against Han.


    Han simply backed off, waiting for his moment. Harden, thinking he''d carved out space, attempted a right-handed layup. Han timed his leap, pinned the ball to the backboard, and, before landing, snagged the ball with one hand.


    Harden, frustrated, committed a foul to stop the fast break. After the whistle, he silently let out an expletive-laced rant.


    ''I''m not one of those DPOY voters! And damn those reporters¡ªcan''t they vote properly for once?! Now I''m the one paying the price for their nonsense!''


    The FedExForum was now a cauldron of roaring fans. The chants rang loud and clear.


    Han Sen not DPOY?


    That''s like Elden Ring missing out on Game of the Year. It''s not a knock on Elden Ring; it''s a loss for GOTY!"


    By the end, Harden had shot 3-of-11 from the field, including 0-of-4 from three, finishing with 14 points and six turnovers under Han''s suffocating defense.


    The Rockets lost 104¨C86 and fell into a 0¨C2 hole.


    Han''s final stat line? A jaw-dropping 35 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals, and 4 blocks.


    Chris Paul, who posted a respectable 24 points and 10 assists, lingered on the court post-game, staring at the scoreboard. Another 0¨C2 deficit, another season with no Conference Finals in sight.


    If someone ever wrote a book, LeBron and the Missing Rings would have a fitting companion: Chris Paul and the Unreachable Conference Finals.


    This game proved one thing, though: Paul''s struggles weren''t just bad luck¡ªthey were limitations.


    To put it bluntly, the key difference between Paul and contemporaries like Harden or Curry is his inability to fully capitalize on high usage.


    Whenever his backcourt partner¡ªbe it Kobe, Harden, or even Booker from the ''history'' Han Sen remembers¡ªwas neutralized, Paul often found himself struggling to carry the load.


    ...


    The Rockets'' lack of a true Moreyball strategy was their downfall against Memphis. They clawed back to steal one home game thanks to a hot shooting night, but the Grizzlies closed the series 4¨C1, advancing to the next round with ease.


    While Memphis looked sharper in the second round, signs of vulnerability were showing. The league''s evolving three-point-centric rules were eroding their defensive edge. Against strong shooting teams, they were at risk of being exploited.


    The very next day, the Spurs wrapped up their series against the Thunder with an equally commanding 4¨C1 win.


    For the second consecutive year, the Grizzlies and Spurs were set to meet in the Western Conference Finals.


    -To be continued-


    Translator''s note:


    About Harden''s Chinese nickname- I didn''t remove it cuz it gave me a good laugh when looking it up online.


    Jingdezhen is a town famous for making fragile porcelain, so Son of Jingdezhen (¾°µÂÕòÖ®×Ó) is a term for an NBA flop artist. Harden is perceived to be the best at this ''art,'' so he gets to be the ''mayor'' of Floptown.


    This name came about because the term ''touching porcelain'' (Åö´É) is for people who purposely dashes in front of slow moving cars to feign injury for insurance money.

 Chapter 245: No Regrets?.

    Chapter 245: No Regrets?.Before the Western Conference Finals tipped off, the league announced the season''s All-NBA teams.


    Although Han Sen didn''t win Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), he earned a spot on both the All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team for the first time in his career.


    It was clear why the media handed the DPOY award to Joakim Noah¡ªHan was dangerously close to sweeping all the major accolades this season.


    The next day, Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals kicked off in San Antonio.


    After four hard-fought quarters, the Spurs secured a 122-113 victory over the Grizzlies.


    Tim Duncan led the charge with 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Kawhi Leonard contributed 21 points. The Spurs had five players in double figures and dished out an impressive 28 assists as a team.


    Han Sen''s valiant effort of 36 points went to waste.


    The outcome was unexpected. After all, the Grizzlies boasted the ''Spurs Killer'' in Han Sen, who had led his team to a dominant series win against San Antonio in last year''s Western Conference Finals.


    After Game 1, Han Sen didn''t head straight to rest. Instead, he went to the film room after finishing the press conference.


    He replayed footage from the Spurs'' first-round series against the Mavericks. Although he had already analyzed the tapes before the Conference Finals began, watching them again with fresh eyes revealed new insights.


    Not long after, Coach Dave Joerger joined him, holding a copy of the game stats in hand.


    Seeing Han in the room didn''t surprise Joerger. He quietly sat beside him and spoke after a moment, handing over the sheet.


    "They shot better from outside than they did in the regular season."


    Han didn''t have LeBron''s habit of checking stats mid-game, so this was his first look at the numbers.


    The Spurs had gone 9-of-17 from three-point range. While their volume wasn''t as high as the Warriors, their efficiency was jaw-dropping.


    Gregg Popovich, famously critical of three-point shooting, had once remarked that the overuse of long-range shots turned basketball into a glorified shooting contest. He even joked that introducing a four-point line would ruin the game completely.


    On this rare occasion, Han Sen agreed with Popovich.


    But the evolution of basketball wasn''t something one person could stop. As the league pushed for higher ratings and prioritized offense, the role of traditional big men diminished, and the three-point shot became the league''s calling card.


    While Popovich publicly lamented the trend, he had adapted. The Spurs now boasted the league''s best three-point shooting percentage during the regular season and were shooting even better in the playoffs.


    This wasn''t a sudden evolution but a refinement of their famed ''Hammer Set.''


    Previously, their offense relied on Duncan anchoring the paint, shooters spacing the corners, and Parker running pick-and-rolls at the top.


    Now, with the Hammer Set, the ball moved more fluidly, with Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard running off screens to exploit defensive mismatches.


    In essence, their three-point success wasn''t due to volume but to high-quality, uncontested looks¡ª''smart'' threes born from precision teamwork.


    This tactical shift brought their style closer to the ''Princeton Offense,'' emphasizing synchronized movement and ball-sharing. Only a team like the Spurs, whose core had been together for over a decade, could execute it so flawlessly.


    From the Warriors to the Rockets, and now the Spurs, the Grizzlies'' Achilles'' heel had been exposed¡ªdefending the three-point line.


    But it wasn''t just the Spurs'' perimeter shooting. This season, they had embraced a faster pace, incorporating transition threes¡ªan uncharacteristic but deadly addition for such a disciplined team.


    This faster tempo directly challenged the Grizzlies'' traditional ''Grit and Grind'' identity and their reliance on twin towers in the paint.


    The Spurs hadn''t changed their roster much, but their transformation in playstyle made them feel like an entirely different team.


    Popovich''s Coach of the Year win this season was well-deserved.


    "They''re better than the Miami Heat," Joerger concluded after reviewing the tape, suggesting that if the Spurs made the Finals, they''d take down Miami for the championship.


    Han didn''t argue, silently agreeing.


    This wasn''t just because he knew the Spurs were destined to win in his ''previous'' timeline, but their balance of elite offense and defense made them formidable.


    Unlike Miami, whose acquisition of Kevin Durant bolstered their scoring but weakened their defense, the Spurs were the complete package.


    "This isn''t an era of ''defense wins championships.'' It''s about ''balance wins championships.''"


    Joerger nodded in agreement, though the words seemed to weigh heavily on him.


    ...


    After leaving the film room, Han invited Zach Randolph over to his place for dinner.


    Randolph didn''t hesitate to accept. Unlike Rudy Gay, Randolph had come to terms with Han''s role as the team''s ''villain'' after the trade deadline, even understanding why Han had to play that part.


    Once at Han''s house, he asked his personal chef to prepare some Chinese barbecue.


    Since Han''s restaurant hadn''t been drawing many customers, he had already told Chris to shut it down and bring the chef to his home. After all, Han planned to leave Memphis in the summer, and he figured it was better to wrap things up early before everyone moved on.


    "I''m leaving this summer," Han said abruptly.


    Randolph, busy savoring the food, froze mid-bite.


    "Leaving? Leaving where?"


    "Memphis. The Grizzlies," Han replied, his tone calm but firm.


    "You''re joking, right?" Randolph set down his skewer, staring at Han in disbelief.


    But Han''s serious expression told him otherwise.


    "Did they force you out? Tell me who, and I''ll handle it!" Randolph slammed the table, ready to storm out.


    "No one forces me to do anything in Memphis, Zach. You know that," Han said, motioning for him to sit. "This has been my decision since before I signed my contract last summer."


    "Why?" Randolph''s confusion only deepened.


    "It''s simple. Either I go, or you all do."


    The weight of those words hit Randolph hard. He''d been in Memphis longer than Han and understood the organization''s stinginess better than anyone. For them to suddenly pay over $40 million in luxury tax this season? It didn''t add up unless there was a catch¡ªand now he realized Han leaving was part of the deal.


    Randolph couldn''t argue. Even Michael Jordan, as dominant as he was, couldn''t dictate management''s decisions. The infamous feud between Jordan and the Bulls'' front office was proof of that. Unless you were LeBron James, whose influence extended beyond the court, players couldn''t control such things.


    If Han hadn''t made his intentions clear last summer, the midseason trade involving the Pacers would have undoubtedly gone through.


    "If you''d already decided, why didn''t you tell us earlier?" Randolph asked.


    "I didn''t want you all overthinking it. But now, with the way things stand, this might be our last playoff run together. I thought you should know," Han explained.


    "No. This won''t be the last," Randolph said, standing up suddenly. "I won''t let you leave with regrets!"


    Randolph''s voice carried a conviction that silenced any doubts. With anyone else, he might''ve felt betrayed. But Han wasn''t just anyone. Han had sacrificed everything¡ªhis shots, his stats, his reputation¡ªto ensure the team''s success.


    Randolph was determined. Han wouldn''t leave Memphis with unfinished business. Not on his watch.


    ...


    The next day''s practice was intense. Han didn''t need to say much; Randolph''s words had already ignited a fire in the team. Every player dove for loose balls, locked in defensively, and pushed harder than ever.


    Randolph had shared Han''s decision with the team, and it became an unspoken pact among the Grizzlies'' veterans¡ªthey wouldn''t tell the coaches or let the news leak. They''d show their resolve on the court instead.


    Han saw the shift in his teammates and knew he had made the right call.


    The loss in Game 1 against the Spurs wasn''t just about tactics or execution. It boiled down to one critical factor: desire.


    Tim Duncan, at 38, had dropped 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in Game 1¡ªa testament to how badly the Spurs wanted it.


    San Antonio, beaten by Memphis too many times in recent years, refused to roll over again. This season''s tactical adjustments had given them a fighting chance, and their hunger was at an all-time high.


    The Grizzlies, despite regaining rhythm in earlier rounds, lacked that same drive against a title-contending Spurs team.


    Han understood there was only one way to match San Antonio''s hunger: make his teammates believe this was their ''last dance.''


    Coach Dave Joerger was visibly puzzled during the session.


    "Dave," Han said during a break, "I told you, we''re the stronger team."


    Joerger chuckled, still unsure of what had changed but confident Han had something to do with it.


    Still, adjustments were needed.


    The Spurs'' bench depth was elite. Nine players averaged 8+ points during the regular season, and eight continued to do so in the playoffs. To counter this, Joerger needed someone to lead the second unit.


    "I''ll do it."


    The voice was familiar. Rudy Gay, recalling his Finals sacrifice from the previous season, volunteered without hesitation¡ªa gesture likely tied to a private conversation with Han.


    Hearing Rudy''s resolve, Han knew last year''s Grizzlies had returned.


    ...


    Game 2: The Shift


    The AT&T Center in San Antonio was packed to capacity, the atmosphere electric.


    After being eliminated by Memphis twice in the past three years¡ªearning Han the ironic nickname ''Mayor of San Antonio''¡ªthe Spurs had revenge on their minds.


    Game 1 had already shown a shift in power. The narrative of revenge, combined with Duncan''s looming retirement, made this matchup an NBA Playoff classic.


    If the Grizzlies lost Game 2, their dynasty might end here.


    Shaquille O''Neal summed it up bluntly during pregame analysis: "Three-peats are harder than anyone realizes. Trust me." He managed to slide in a self-congratulatory nod to his own greatness in the process.


    When the game tipped off, though, everyone was left stunned.


    Joerger made a bold move, benching Shane Battier in favor of Vince Carter while shifting Gay to the second unit.


    The Grizzlies played with a defensive intensity unseen all season. Their rotations were sharp, their coverage precise, leaving the Spurs'' ball movement stifled. Even Randolph, not known for his speed, was perfectly timing his help defense.


    When the Spurs were forced out of their motion offense and into isolations, the tide shifted.


    Memphis, on the other hand, looked like their vintage selves: Han''s drive-and-kick game, the high-low action in the post, and perfectly timed pick-and-rolls on the weak side. The team was back.


    The result?


    The Grizzlies routed the Spurs 114¨C93 on their home floor, handing San Antonio its first 20-point playoff loss in years.


    Memphis forced a jaw-dropping 22 turnovers while committing only seven themselves. Those turnovers led to a 15-point differential in fast-break points alone.


    Offensively, San Antonio''s vaunted depth crumbled. Only the ''Big Three'' of Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili reached double figures.


    Kawhi Leonard, so dominant in Game 1, was held to a mere 6 points on 1-of-5 shooting, with 4 turnovers against Han Sen''s defense.


    The Grizzlies didn''t just even the series and steal homecourt advantage¡ªthey reclaimed momentum.


    ----


    Best Defensive Team: S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    1st Team: Chris Paul, Han Sen, Paul George, Serge Ibaka, Joakim Noah


    2nd Team: Patrick Beverley, Tony Allen, Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard, Tim Duncan


    All-NBA Teams:


    1st Team: James Harden, Han Sen, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joakim Noah


    2nd Team: Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard


    3rd Team: Russell Westbrook, Tony Parker, Paul George, Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 246: A Legend’s Farewell.

    Chapter 246: A Legend¡¯s Farewell.In Game 3 of the series, the Spurs and Grizzlies shifted the battleground to Memphis.


    The Spurs made significant tactical adjustments, focusing heavily on their defense.


    After the Game 2 loss, Gregg Popovich had sternly declared in the postgame press conference, "We won''t make that many mistakes again." Clearly, he realized the Grizzlies had regained their rhythm and thus opted to abandon their usual team-oriented play style.


    At first glance, this seemed like a risky trade-off, given their success this season was built on their new system.


    But once Game 3 began, it proved to be the right call.


    Their famed ''Hammer Play'' was merely a supplement; the foundation of the Spurs'' strength was always their defense.


    With Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard, and Tim Duncan anchoring the paint, the Spurs'' defensive personnel were among the league''s elite. Add to that their well-oiled defensive system, and they were a force to be reckoned with.


    Focusing on defense also allowed them to exploit a weakness in the Grizzlies'' twin-tower lineup through fast-break opportunities.


    One often-overlooked fact is that among the Spurs'' Big Three, Tony Parker was significantly younger than Manu Gin¨®bili and Duncan¡ªat just 32 years old, he was still in his prime. His ability to push the fast break remained among the best in the league.


    Popovich also committed to an aggressive double-team strategy against Han Sen. With Leonard as the primary defender and Green providing help defense, Han''s impact was limited.


    Conversely, the Grizzlies maintained their intense defensive pressure from the previous game, severely hampering the Spurs'' half-court offense.


    For much of the game, it was a grueling battle of defensive stops and counterattacks.


    The game''s outcome was decided in the fourth quarter.


    Han Sen entered attack mode in the final period, accelerating his offensive pace and executing before Green''s help defense could arrive. Most crucially, he hit shots over Kawhi Leonard.


    In the fourth quarter alone, Han scored 15 points, living up to his moniker as the ''Spurs Killer.''


    The Grizzlies outscored the Spurs 26-19 in the final quarter to secure a 97-90 victory, taking Game 3 and clawing back to a 2-1 series deficit.


    The Spurs'' hopes for revenge?


    The Grizzlies said, "Not so fast."


    ...


    "We all know VC can score, but too many people underestimate his defensive capabilities," Han Sen remarked after Game 3.


    After praising Rudy Gay''s sacrifices in the previous game, this time, Han gave credit to Vince Carter for his defense. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Carter, stepping into a starting role, had one primary task: defense.


    Under his watch, Green, who shone in Game 1, was held to single-digit scoring in both subsequent games.


    Carter''s athletic gifts, even after enduring multiple injuries courtesy of Bruce Bowen''s infamous ''foot slides,'' were still evident. Though his explosive mobility had declined, his static athleticism remained elite.


    ...


    Two days later, Game 4 resumed in Memphis.


    The Spurs cranked up their defense even further. Trailing 1-2 in the series, they knew another loss would put them in a near-insurmountable 1-3 hole.


    Popovich made a subtle but critical adjustment, switching Han Sen''s primary defender from Kawhi Leonard back to Danny Green.


    With Carter starting, Han had often matched up directly against Leonard.


    This change was effective because Leonard''s dynamic athleticism occasionally left him out of position in on-ball defense. However, in a help-defense role, his long arms and massive hands placed tremendous pressure on Han.


    Leonard''s growth as a defender¡ªreflected in his selection to the All-Defensive Second Team this season¡ªmade this adjustment even more impactful.


    As a result, Han''s performance in Game 4 was the most subdued of the series, forcing him into playmaking roles more often.


    The silver lining? Vince Carter delivered from beyond the arc.


    Carter hit five three-pointers, including the game-winning dagger.


    With six seconds left, Gin¨®bili hit a tough layup to give the Spurs a two-point lead.


    On the final possession, Popovich continued to double-team Han. Even with a quiet night, Han remained a lethal closer, and the Spurs weren''t taking any chances.


    Han passed out of the double-team to Carter in the corner. Carter, with Duncan rushing to contest, nailed the game-winner.


    It was reminiscent of the Jazz''s fateful decision not to double-team Michael Jordan in 1998. Sloan''s choice wasn''t stupidity¡ªit was a calculated risk. Double Jordan, and it''s Steve Kerr or Toni Kuko? hitting the game-winner instead.


    "Han hyped VC''s defense last game to make Pop forget about VC''s three-point shooting," Charles Barkley quipped after the game.


    Among the ''High-Flying Four,'' Carter''s three-point talent was unmatched, boasting career averages north of 35%, with some seasons exceeding 40%.


    His legendary performance in the 2001 Eastern Conference Semifinals, where he hit eight threes en route to a 50-point explosion against Allen Iverson''s Sixers, cemented his reputation.


    "A dunker who can''t shoot threes isn''t a real dunker!"


    Carter''s combination of defense and sharpshooting had turned him into a reliable 3-and-D veteran, enabling his longevity in the league.


    ...


    Leading the series 3-1, the Grizzlies had the Spurs on the ropes.


    But in Game 5, Popovich returned to the Spurs'' signature team basketball.


    With 25 assists and five players scoring in double figures, the Spurs emerged victorious, 117-107.


    Han''s earlier announcement of his impending departure had energized the Grizzlies, but after nearly a week, their defensive intensity naturally waned.


    The Spurs, with their backs against the wall, capitalized on this slight dip.


    As Barkley put it:


    "In a series between elite teams, even the smallest shifts can change the outcome completely."


    After Game 5, Barkley made a bold proclamation:


    "Whether it''s the Spurs or Grizzlies, whoever wins this series is taking the title."


    It wasn''t just dismissive of the Heat¡ªit was a sentiment shared by Shaq and Kenny Smith.


    Compared to Miami, both the Spurs and Grizzlies were more balanced, two-way teams with greater margin for error.


    Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference Finals concluded as the Heat eliminated the Pacers in five games¡ªa far cry from last year''s seven-game battle.


    The primary reason? The ''verticality rule.''


    Roy Hibbert, once nicknamed the ''Black Yao Ming'' for his height and soft touch, was the most affected by the rule change.


    Hibbert''s rise had been built on Frank Vogel''s advice to mimic Dwight Howard''s vertical defense, using his height and reach to contest shots effectively.


    But under the new rules, his mobility and defensive impact were exposed.


    With the Pacers'' defensive anchor neutralized, Miami cruised to victory.


    As the East wrapped up, all eyes turned to the West.


    Who would emerge victorious¡ªSpurs or Grizzlies?


    ...


    The FedExForum was absolutely electric as Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals tipped off in Memphis. Fans packed the arena, their spirits soaring with the possibility of witnessing history.


    The Grizzlies, once dismissed after Marc Gasol''s injury, had defied the odds. Now, just one step away from a dynasty, they stood on the brink of completing their three-peat.


    After dropping Game 1, the Grizzlies roared back with three straight wins, putting the Spurs on the ropes. The stakes were monumental¡ªif Memphis lost, they''d face the daunting task of a Game 7 in San Antonio.


    Both teams stuck to their starting lineups, with Memphis continuing to trust Vince Carter in the shooting guard spot. From the opening tip, it was clear that the night would be a battle of wills.


    Tim Duncan came out firing, determined to keep the Spurs alive. First, he nailed a signature bank shot off a pick-and-roll, then hustled on defense to disrupt Carter''s three-point attempt. Moments later, he found Danny Green in the corner with a pinpoint pass for a three-pointer, showcasing the poise and vision of a veteran.


    Duncan delivered a masterclass in grit and fundamentals, leading San Antonio to an early 5-0 lead.


    The Grizzlies'' response came quickly, led by Han Sen.


    Kawhi Leonard''s suffocating help defense, reminiscent of Gary Payton shadowing Michael Jordan, made every possession a grind. Yet Han adapted. His strategy was simple: score before the double-team arrived. Against Green, he relied on raw physicality, hitting contested jumpers over the Spurs'' guard with ease.


    Han''s dominance wasn''t confined to offense. When Duncan dished to Leonard for an open look, Han closed out with ferocity, soaring to swat Leonard''s shot out of the air. The play ignited the Memphis crowd as the Grizzlies went on a 7-0 run to take the lead.


    ...


    Duncan wasn''t done. Backing down Zach Randolph in the post, he showcased his trademark patience, pivoting and releasing a near-impossible hook shot that kissed the net.


    His old-school, ''ground-and-pound'' style reminded everyone why he was a generational talent. Standing at 6''11" with a 7''5" wingspan, Duncan could outlast most defenders if his touch was on. Tonight, it was.


    Still, Han refused to be outdone. Responding with a smooth fadeaway, he left Leonard and Green grasping at air, as if to remind everyone that the Grizzlies'' destiny rested in his hands.


    The game tightened down the stretch, with both teams trading blows. With just a minute remaining, Han drilled an impossible fadeaway over Leonard and Green''s double-team, giving Memphis a critical 107-105 lead.


    On the ensuing possession, the Spurs turned to their cornerstone. Duncan, already sitting on a stellar stat line of 24 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and a block, backed down Randolph one more time. Using a series of precise footwork, he created space for a short hook.


    At 38, Tim Duncan gave everything he had, but even the greatest can''t escape the toll of time. His endurance, worn down by relentless effort earlier in the game, betrayed him at the critical moment, and he missed a shot he''d normally make.


    But Duncan''s legendary court awareness allowed him to snatch the offensive rebound¡ªan instinctual brilliance that defined his career.


    This was Tim Duncan.


    He attempted a putback, but Marc Gasol had already collapsed into the paint, disrupting Duncan''s shot and securing the defensive rebound.


    Gasol quickly dished the ball to Han Sen. The Grizzlies chose not to call a timeout.


    On defense, Duncan showed a rare flash of frustration. As he retreated to the free-throw line, he bent over and slapped the floor in anger¡ªa move uncharacteristic of the stoic big man.


    He knew that shot, that moment, had always been his to convert. Had it gone in, the game would have been tied again. Now, with 30 seconds left, their only hope was to get a stop and pray for a miracle.


    Han Sen, already in motion, pushed the ball into the frontcourt.


    Without a timeout to set up their defense, the Spurs relied on instinct. Memories of Carter''s Game 4 dagger loomed large, and the Spurs hesitated to send an immediate double-team.


    Han seized the opening, blowing past Green with a lightning-quick crossover. Kawhi Leonard rotated over to help, but it was a split second too late. Han Sen, cradling the ball in both hands, unleashed his signature Eurostep, evading Leonard and surging toward the paint.


    Tim Duncan, the epitome of basketball''s fundamentals, had already read the play and stood waiting under the rim, arms raised high. At 6''11" with a towering wingspan, Duncan was the last line of defense.


    But Han Sen wasn''t deterred. He planted his foot, coiled like a spring, and exploded upward.


    With the ball cocked in his right hand, he soared above Duncan¡ªa rising force challenging a timeless legend.


    The crowd gasped, Vince Carter''s eyes widening as if he were watching a reflection of his own prime.


    BOOM!


    Han Sen posterized Duncan with a vicious right-handed dunk, slamming the ball through the rim as the arena erupted in chaos.


    This was no ordinary dunk; it was a masterpiece¡ªa farewell tribute to the greatest No. 21 the league had ever seen.


    The sheer force sent Duncan stumbling out of bounds, while Han Sen hung briefly on the rim, his muscles flexed in triumph.


    The deafening cheers engulfed the arena as the crowd roared in disbelief and awe.


    Charles Barkley''s voice boomed over the broadcast: "IT''S OVER!"


    With 10 seconds remaining, the Grizzlies extended their lead to four. The game, and the series, were all but decided.


    This was the moment where legends passed the torch, whether willingly or not. Han Sen had announced his arrival, with the entire world watching.


    -End of Chapter-


    Translator''s note:


    The High-Flying Four refers to the elite group of shooting guards from that era: Vince Carter, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, and Allen Iverson. These players were renowned not only for their athleticism and dunking ability but also for their all-around offensive prowess and impact on the game.

 Chapter 247: Rage Buff.

    Chapter 247: Rage Buff.In the final 10 seconds of Game 6, Gregg Popovich chose not to call a timeout, likely aiming to catch the Grizzlies off guard. However, Dave Joerger was quick to react, rushing to the sideline to signal his team to extend their defense to the perimeter.


    The Spurs couldn''t find an open three-point shot and settled for a quick two-pointer under the basket by Tim Duncan.


    The Grizzlies immediately called a timeout, and when play resumed, Marc Gasol successfully inbounded the ball to Han Sen, who was promptly fouled.


    Amid deafening "MVP" chants from the home crowd, Han Sen coolly sank both free throws.


    With only five seconds left, the Spurs had no choice but to attempt a three-pointer. Danny Green''s shot was contested by Vince Carter and clanged off the rim. Duncan managed to grab the offensive rebound, but by the time he passed to Manu Ginobili, the clock was all but expired. Manu''s desperation shot over Han Sen resulted in an airball, sealing the game.


    Final Score: Grizzlies 111, Spurs 107. Memphis wins the series 4¨C2.


    As the final buzzer sounded, cameras zoomed in on Tim Duncan''s face. The legendary forward, hailed by Han Sen as ''the best player in the league,'' had tears welling in his eyes. It wasn''t just about the loss but the reflection on his storied career. Even after giving everything he had, the ending he yearned for slipped through his grasp.


    Sports, like life, often leave us with bittersweet regrets.


    During the postgame handshake, Han Sen felt a pang of emotion as he approached Duncan. Had it not been for his presence, Duncan might have captured his fifth championship this year.


    But that''s the nature of competitive sports¡ªthere''s no fairy tale ending. There can only be one winner.


    With a wry smile, Han leaned toward Duncan and said, "Now it''s mine."


    Duncan, still somber, couldn''t help but chuckle. Years ago, he had told LeBron James, "This is gonna be your league in a little while. But I appreciate you giving us this year." Han''s playful jab was a callback to that iconic moment.


    Patting Han''s shoulder, Duncan nodded with a smile. "Yes, now it''s yours."


    As the Grizzlies celebrated with their fans, the FedExForum echoed with deafening cheers. Memphis was now one step away from an improbable dynasty. Their final obstacle? The Miami Heat¡ªthe very team they had defeated in back-to-back Finals.


    ...


    Postgame Press Conference


    Han Sen joined Coach Joerger at the podium.


    "I have to tip my hat to TD," Han said. "He''s a legendary player. But I don''t think this is his curtain call. I look forward to facing him again next season."


    Han''s respect for Duncan was evident, even though he had little love for the Spurs'' often-criticized tactics. Duncan, after all, was his own man, separate from the team''s controversial methods.


    When asked about his thunderous dunk over Duncan, Han smirked.


    "Honestly? I hate dunking. It hurts. But sometimes, you dunk because you want fans to say, ''Oh, crap, we couldn''t stop him again.''"


    Pausing, Han added with a sly grin, "That includes Popovich."


    A reporter followed up, noting Han''s increased number of dunks this season and asking if he''d participate in the Slam Dunk Contest.


    "Yes, I will," Han replied without hesitation. "If nothing changes, next year is the right time."


    The room erupted. Han''s directness was a stark contrast to LeBron James, who had often teased participation but never followed through. With the All-Star Weekend set to be hosted in Memphis, Han''s decision seemed perfectly timed.


    ...


    The Grizzlies and Heat were set to meet in the Finals for the third straight year. Despite minimal roster changes from the previous season, anticipation for the matchup was sky-high.


    For Memphis, a small-market team, a championship three-peat would defy all odds and inspire every underdog franchise in the league.


    For Miami, the stakes were equally immense. Swapping LeBron James for Kevin Durant and securing a 70-win season, the Heat had silenced critics of their blockbuster trade. But the Finals had been a nightmare for the Heat in recent years¡ªgentlemen''s swept by Dallas, swept outright by Memphis, and now carrying the weight of three years of failure.


    Another loss might not just end their title hopes but dismantle the team altogether. With Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh holding player options, a complete rebuild loomed on the horizon.


    Heading into the Finals, nearly every major outlet, including TNT, predicted a Miami victory. Their reasoning came in various forms.


    Some pointed to the regular season, where the Heat swept the Grizzlies in their two matchups.


    Others highlighted Dwyane Wade as the deciding factor, arguing that while last year''s Wade was hampered by injuries and fatigue, this year he was healthy and ready to dominate a Grizzlies defense that wouldn''t be able to contain him.


    There were even absurd takes involving personal matters, like Scarlett Johansson''s engagement to Romain Dauriac, with claims that Han Sen''s supposed ''bathwater mental edge'' over Durant no longer existed, potentially tilting their matchup in Durant''s favor.


    The skepticism surrounding the Grizzlies wasn''t unfounded. Han Sen had ruffled feathers earlier in the season by mocking the media over their Defensive Player of the Year voting, accusing them of ''voting with their feet.''


    And the narrative took on an uglier tone: Han Sen, as an Asian player dominating the league, didn''t conform to the humility many expected from someone of his background. His unapologetic confidence irked many.


    The same media outlets that once milked his bold comments for headlines now seemed to be rooting for his downfall.


    The widespread negativity took many by surprise, though it was welcomed by the TNT crew, who were in desperate need of fresh material.


    On the latest episode of Inside the NBA, Charles Barkley took on the role of the ''lone warrior.''


    Shaquille O''Neal, Kenny Smith, and their guest, Magic Johnson, all sided with the Heat, predicting they would emerge as champions.


    But Barkley stood firm in his support for the Grizzlies, doubling down on his earlier statement: "Whoever wins the West will be the champion."


    This led to another classic Barkley¨CShaq wager. The stakes? $1 million on the outcome of Game 1.


    With Memphis holding home-court advantage under the new 2¨C2¨C1¨C1¨C1 format, the stage was set for an electrifying series.


    For the Grizzlies, history was within reach. For the Heat, redemption was the only option.


    The Finals were about to tip off, and the entire basketball world was watching.


    ...


    Despite the media overwhelmingly favoring the Heat, Grizzlies fans were brimming with confidence. After all, this was nothing new for them. They weren''t expected to make it this far all season, yet here they were, on the biggest stage.


    As some Grizzlies fans put it on social media:


    "We''re just four wins away from a dynasty."


    During pregame warmups, the broadcast showed both teams, and the contrast in mood was striking.


    The Heat seemed relaxed, almost casual. After all, they''d gentleman-swept the Pacers and entered the Finals as heavy favorites. They had every reason to feel at ease.


    The Grizzlies, on the other hand, were somber and focused. There was no room for jokes when the world had written them off.


    Starting Lineups:


    Heat: Mario Chalmers, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, Chris Bosh, Kendrick Perkins


    Grizzlies: Mike Conley, Han Sen, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol


    Same teams. Same lineups. It felt like a continuation of last year''s Finals for everyone involved¡ªplayers and fans alike.


    Durant started strong, draining a mid-range jumper over Rudy Gay. His form was impeccable. Say what you will about the media''s odd narratives, but for a social media regular like Durant, being free of the so-called ''bathwater pressure'' seemed to lighten his mental load.


    Han Sen responded almost immediately. He blew past Wade for a ferocious dunk that rattled the rim and sent a clear message.


    More than just a show of form, it was a reflection of his mindset.


    Han knew exactly why the media was so biased, but he didn''t downplay it to himself. Instead, he embraced it.


    ''The whole world doubts you. Prove them wrong. Punch them in the face.''


    This wasn''t just about the Finals; it was personal.


    For Han, anger wasn''t a distraction; it was fuel. It amplified his desire to dominate. As he had said in a press conference before, "Play with rage."


    The Grizzlies had been swept by the Heat in the regular season, but that was irrelevant now. What mattered was the effort he poured into every play.


    And that effort was already making itself known.


    Bosh tried to exploit his speed advantage in a one-on-one against Randolph, slipping past him into the paint. But Gasol read the play perfectly, rotating for a textbook block.


    The crowd roared as Randolph and Gasol muscled their way to an offensive rebound on the next possession, with Randolph finishing the play and drawing a foul for a three-point opportunity.


    The energy in FedExForum was electric.


    This wasn''t last year. Both teams had gone through an entire season, a grueling postseason, and arrived with new lessons learned. It was clear the Grizzlies were playing with more fire from the opening tip. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Perhaps the media had underestimated their hunger.


    For a team that was supposedly nearing its breaking point, the Heat should have looked more desperate. Yet it was Memphis who played like the championship meant life or death.


    Durant continued to showcase his improved playmaking, finding Wade on a backdoor cut for a clean layup. His growth as a passer had been evident all season, even if he wasn''t yet a true point forward.


    But just as Heat fans began to cheer, Han Sen silenced them again.


    Blasting into the paint, he went airborne, soaring over Bosh for another monster slam.


    If it wasn''t clear already, Han Sen had arrived with a vengeance.


    His statement? "I''m here to break you."


    And it wasn''t just about the points. Han had often said that dunks¡ªespecially poster dunks¡ªwere a psychological weapon. They didn''t just put points on the board; they eroded the opponent''s confidence.


    Memphis carried that same intensity to defense. On the next possession, Bosh found himself forced into an uncomfortable three-pointer at the top of the key, which clanged off the front of the rim. Gasol grabbed the rebound, initiating a fast break.


    The Heat transitioned back on defense quickly, cutting off the initial break, but Conley reset and found a trailing Han Sen.


    Han caught the pass, took a step inside the free-throw line, and exploded upward.


    Wade met him at the rim, leaping to contest.


    Han adjusted mid-air, switching the ball to his left hand to avoid Wade''s block, and laid it in with a finesse that sent the crowd into a frenzy.


    For a brief moment, the arena fell silent in stunned amazement before erupting with deafening cheers.


    Comparisons to Jordan''s iconic layup flooded the commentary, but Barkley interjected: "Nah, that wasn''t a copy. That was an upgrade."


    And Barkley wasn''t done. He leaned back in his chair, a grin spreading across his face as he pointed to the camera.


    "Well, congratulations, ESPN. Congrats, NBC, FOX, all y''all. You''ve done it. You made Han Sen mad. Good luck with that."


    Marc Gasol, still jogging back on defense, raised both arms and celebrated with a look of sheer disbelief on his face.


    The message was clear: an angry Han Sen was the last thing anyone wanted to face.

 Chapter 248: Pray To God.

    Chapter 248: Pray To God.Han Sen''s relentless drives were putting enormous pressure on the Heat''s defense.


    It was obvious that Miami''s defensive resources were a far cry from the Spurs''. Once upon a time, Wade could hold his own against Han. But now? Wade''s defense had slipped, while Han''s skills had skyrocketed, making that old matchup irrelevant.


    To be fair, the Heat''s defense wasn''t terrible¡ªthey ranked 11th in the league in defensive efficiency. But against Han Sen, ''not terrible'' wasn''t good enough. Even the Spurs, with the league''s best defense, could only slow Han down in Games 3 and 4 of the last series.


    Faced with Han''s aggression, the Heat couldn''t execute effective help defense or double-teams. Their only option was to collapse inward defensively. And every time they did, Han shifted gears, pulling up for precise mid-range jumpers.


    Each shot was like a bullet piercing the hearts of Miami fans.


    That''s when it hit them: They had no answer for Han Sen.


    "Pray to God Han has an off night¡ªthat''s Miami''s only way to stop him," quipped Charles Barkley from the commentary desk.


    As he said it, Barkley turned to Shaq and mimed counting stacks of money.


    "I told these fools¡ªdon''t piss off Han!" Shaq barked, throwing his hands in frustration.


    By halftime, Han had torched the Heat for 26 points, leading the Grizzlies to a 58-46 advantage.


    Social media erupted during the break. Heat fans clung to hope, praying for Han''s shooting touch to vanish. Others hurled curses or even joked about spiking the Grizzlies'' locker room snacks with poison. Desperation was setting in¡ªfour straight Finals losses will do that to a fanbase.


    It wasn''t just Heat fans cracking under the pressure. Around the globe, fans turned to their own cultural memes for teams that always fell short¡ªwhether it was referencing England''s ''nearly men'' in soccer, Japan''s ''runner-up syndrome'' in sports anime, or Germany''s famed term Vizekusen, used to mock Bayer Leverkusen for their second-place finishes.


    When the second half tipped off, Miami tried a new approach¡ªearly double-teams on Han. It didn''t last long. Han immediately dished out two dazzling assists: one to Gay for a corner three and another to Marc Gasol for a thunderous dunk.


    Coach Spoelstra had to abandon the strategy. Without LeBron or a mobile wing capable of stifling Han, Miami''s adjustments were dead on arrival.


    Han resumed his assault. Wade visibly upped his defensive intensity, but Han broke him down with a signature crossover for an easy layup. Five years ago, Han had boldly claimed he''d surpass Wade. Now, it wasn''t even a contest.


    The next possession, Han pulled up for a mid-range jumper after forcing Wade on his heels.


    Miami fans'' prayers and curses weren''t working.


    By the end, Han had racked up 45 points, leading Memphis to a 108-96 victory in Game 1.


    The media was floored. The Heat, touted as favorites, were now staring at another Finals disaster. Han''s performance left journalists grappling with a mix of admiration and resentment¡ªthe same feelings they''d had during Jordan''s dominance.


    Han took no joy in their begrudging praise. After the game, he answered their questions with poise:


    "Do you think the media''s doubts fueled your performance tonight?" asked an ESPN reporter.


    "No," Han replied. "I don''t think a team with back-to-back titles has anything to prove. And frankly, we don''t care what the critics think. Even if we win ten championships, there will always be doubters."


    The next day, TNT''s postgame show was a spectacle. Shaq showed up with a large chest and dramatically opened it, revealing stacks of cash.


    At first, everything seemed normal until Charles Barkley picked up a bundle. His reaction¡ªa mix of laughter and disbelief¡ªthrew the studio into chaos.


    The camera zoomed in, revealing the cash wasn''t ordinary. Instead of Ben Franklin''s face, it featured Shaq''s grinning mug, seamlessly blended with Franklin''s iconic image.


    They dubbed it ''Shaq Bucks,'' and the segment went viral, keeping the Finals buzz alive.


    ...


    The NBA Finals continued in Memphis with Game 2.


    After their Game 1 loss, the Heat faced mounting questions from the media about potential lineup adjustments. Some speculated they might repeat last year''s Finals strategy, subbing Ray Allen into the starting lineup to replace Mario Chalmers for added offensive firepower.


    However, following the opening ceremony, Erik Spoelstra revealed his decision: no changes. He stuck with the Heat''s usual starting five.


    That said, Miami did implement a significant adjustment in their defensive approach once the game began: Kevin Durant was tasked with guarding Han Sen.


    On paper, it sounded almost comedic. If Dwyane Wade couldn''t contain the upgraded Han Sen, how could Durant, whose defensive reputation wasn''t his strongest asset, possibly succeed? Surprisingly, it worked¡ªfor a while.


    Spoelstra took a page straight out of Gregg Popovich''s Western Conference Finals playbook. It wasn''t about who guarded Han Sen but how the team defended collectively.


    Wade''s individual defense may have declined, but his help defense remained elite. Durant''s size and wingspan made it difficult for Han Sen to blow past him quickly, buying time for help defense to arrive.


    With this strategy, the Heat led 50¨C46 at halftime, limiting Han Sen to a relatively modest 16 points¡ªa stark contrast to his Game 1 dominance.


    By the third quarter, the Grizzlies adjusted their offense, creating more opportunities for Han Sen to score off the ball.


    Adversity builds resilience, and Memphis had been evolving throughout the playoffs. Inspired by how the Warriors used off-ball tactics to great effect earlier in the postseason, the Grizzlies adapted.


    On the first play of the second half, Han Sen shed Durant with a backdoor cut. Despite Durant''s impressive agility for a 6''10" forward, he wasn''t quick enough to keep up with Han''s relentless movement.


    Marc Gasol lobbed an alley-oop pass slightly too high, but Han Sen soared, his head nearly rim-level, snatching the ball with one hand and slamming it home.


    The FedExForum erupted. And that was just the beginning.


    Through constant motion¡ªcuts, screens, and handoffs¡ªHan Sen showcased his evolution as a player. Once known for his off-ball play with the Cavaliers, Han had become faster, more explosive, and even more precise.


    Fans who never saw Michael Jordan play live began to believe they were witnessing the closest modern-day comparison.


    Han Sen poured in 18 points in the third quarter alone, leading Memphis to an 81¨C74 lead by the end of the period.


    Charles Barkley, ever the showman on commentary, declared, "Maybe Miami needs to call God to guard Han!"


    Spoiler alert: they couldn''t.


    Though the Heat fought valiantly in the fourth quarter, tying the Grizzlies 34¨C34 in the period, it wasn''t enough to erase the deficit. Memphis secured a 115¨C108 victory, taking a commanding 2¨C0 series lead.


    Han Sen finished with 42 points, marking back-to-back 40+ games in the Finals¡ªa feat few players had ever achieved.


    The elite company he joined? Rick Barry (1967), Shaquille O''Neal (2000), Jerry West (multiple seasons), and Michael Jordan (1993). Only West failed to win a championship in those years.


    Now, fans were buzzing: could Han Sen extend the streak to a third game?


    Meanwhile, the media, who heavily favored Miami, were left reeling. The Heat''s championship odds had plummeted, leaving critics scrambling to justify their earlier predictions.


    Two days later, the Finals shifted to Miami for Game 3.


    For Memphis, splitting the road games would almost guarantee the championship. Winning both could clinch the title in Miami.


    Facing a must-win situation, Spoelstra finally made a lineup adjustment, inserting Ray Allen into the starting five¡ªnot for Chalmers but for Kendrick Perkins.


    On paper, this move seemed suicidal against Memphis'' dominant frontcourt. Durant, already struggling at power forward, would have an even harder time.


    Yet, the results defied expectations. Spoelstra had another trick up his sleeve, borrowing strategies from Golden State''s earlier success against Memphis.


    The Heat focused less on defending the interior and more on exploiting the Grizzlies'' perimeter defense.


    While Miami lacked the Spurs'' pristine ball movement, their core had played together for four years. Add Durant''s sharpshooting, and suddenly, the Heat found their rhythm.


    Durant exploded for 43 points, his first 40+ game in the Finals, leading Miami to a 126¨C120 victory and cutting the series deficit to 1¨C2.


    From a strategic standpoint, Erik Spoelstra''s adjustments in this game were nothing short of coaching brilliance.


    He pinpointed the Grizzlies'' biggest vulnerability: defending the three-point line.


    Miami''s ability to succeed against a surging Memphis squad came down to their superior offensive firepower¡ªgreater even than the Warriors''.


    Just like in Game 2, where the Heat trailed after three quarters but matched the Grizzlies point-for-point in the fourth, their offense kept them competitive.


    In a way, basketball can feel like a philosophical dilemma: sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Defense wins championships, but the team that scores more wins the game.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 249: I’ll Retire on the Spot.

    Chapter 249: I''ll Retire on the Spot.After dropping Game 3, the pressure shifted to the Grizzlies.


    If they couldn''t find a solution and lost Game 4, the series would reset to an even playing field.


    Unresolved issues would persist in the later games, putting the Heat in the driver''s seat.


    Before practice on the off day, Coach Joerger approached Han Sen.


    "Zach just told me he''s willing to come off the bench if the team needs it," Joerger said.


    Following Rudy Gay''s example, Zach Randolph was ready to sacrifice himself to change the series.


    The idea wasn''t without precedent.


    Against the Warriors earlier in the playoffs, the Grizzlies had benched Randolph in favor of Shane Battier, effectively countering Golden State''s small-ball lineup.


    "That might not be the best move," Han replied, offering a different perspective.


    Benching Randolph would essentially mean playing fast, trying to outpace the Heat.


    The Grizzlies beat the Warriors because Mark Jackson hadn''t fully unlocked Golden State''s offensive firepower.


    But the Heat''s offense was on a different level¡ªmore potent and relentless.


    Game 3 had already shown that trading buckets with Miami wasn''t a winning formula.


    "To beat the Heat, we need to lock them down defensively," Han concluded. "I''ll guard KD."


    While Miami had managed to look like a hybrid of the Warriors and Spurs in Game 3, their offense was neither as deadly from beyond the arc as Golden State''s nor as cohesive as San Antonio''s.


    It all came down to Durant''s individual brilliance.


    Joerger agreed to Han''s proposal.


    ...


    Before Game 4, Han shocked the media with a daring declaration:


    "If KD scores 20 points next game, I''ll retire on the spot."


    The comment sent shockwaves through the basketball world, sending his detractors into a frenzy.


    Just after Durant had set a new career-high in the Finals, Han was already betting big against him. It felt like the spirit of Larry Bird had possessed him¡ªbut even Bird never went this far.


    While Bird''s legendary trash talk often came from a position of calculated confidence, Han''s statement seemed downright reckless.


    Take Bird''s famous claim about holding Michael Jordan to 19 points. It sounded bold, but context revealed it was the No. 1 seed Celtics facing the No. 8 Bulls¡ªa game heavily tilted in Boston''s favor.


    For Han, this wasn''t a mismatch. The Grizzlies and Heat were evenly matched, and his words felt like playing with fire.


    But the effect of his statement was massive, far beyond anything Shaq or Barkley had ever bet on.


    Game 4 ticket sales at Miami''s American Airlines Arena hit the roof. The pregame viewership shattered records, drawing even superstars like Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony to tweet about watching live.


    The media section at the arena doubled in size, as journalists came not just to witness the game but to see if Han would fall flat on his face.


    Han''s trash talk had always been a source of frustration for his critics¡ªhe talked big, but time and time again, he delivered. His success made him untouchable, and that only added to the hatred.


    This time, though, he had set himself up for a potential disaster. If KD went off, the media would have a field day, and even if Han tried to backtrack, they''d hold him accountable.


    During pregame warmups, the cameras panned to Han, and the crowd erupted into deafening boos.


    "I know Han''s a big talker," Shaq said during the broadcast. "But even for him, this feels a little too much."


    As a former teammate, Shaq didn''t want to see Han fail.


    "But that''s what makes him special, doesn''t it?" Barkley countered, more intrigued than concerned.


    If Han pulled this off, Barkley knew he''d cement his status as the undisputed king of trash talk.


    "No matter what, you have to respect him," Kenny Smith added.


    Han''s bold statement wasn''t just a bluff. It was a message: Tonight, I''m shutting KD down.


    It was the kind of leadership that set him apart.


    ...


    Game Time


    The game tipped off with both starting lineups announced:


    Heat: Chalmers, Wade, Ray Allen, Durant, Bosh


    Grizzlies: Conley, Han, Gay, Randolph, Gasol


    Bosh won the opening tip, and Durant immediately took the ball. The arena erupted in cheers.


    Han''s grin widened as he saw Durant''s decision.


    Durant was already out of sync, falling for Han''s mental game. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Heat''s strength was their team play, but a Durant iso was much easier to defend.


    Durant''s personality was too honest. Trash talk always got under his skin. Han had switched up his tactics over the years, but Durant never seemed immune.


    Still, Han locked in. KD wasn''t LeBron¡ªa player Han could easily hold to single digits.


    Durant opened the game by testing his range, using his height advantage.


    Han, laser-focused, timed his contest perfectly. Though he couldn''t strip the ball, he disrupted Durant''s rhythm just enough to force a miss.


    Gasol secured the rebound and dished it to Conley, who leisurely brought the ball upcourt to start the Grizzlies'' offense.


    The Grizzlies did not rely on their usual fast-break strategy but instead slowed the tempo to focus on half-court play.


    Before the game, Coach Joerger suggested double-teaming Durant, but Han Sen rejected the idea. Han Sen''s goal was to disrupt the Heat''s offense, not let them dictate the Grizzlies'' defense.


    Even after Han declined, Joerger didn''t remain idle. Lowering the game''s pace and reducing possessions was his way of minimizing Durant''s scoring opportunities.


    In the Grizzlies'' half-court set, Han Sen didn''t handle the ball but instead worked off the weak side to create space.


    The last game had already proven that Miami''s starting big men couldn''t stop the ''Black and White Bears.'' (TL/n: Randolph-Gasol duo)


    Zach Randolph wasted no time. After receiving the ball, he spun quickly and bulldozed Durant all the way to the rim for the basket.


    In transition, Durant opted for an off-ball play with a pick-and-roll involving Chris Bosh.


    Bosh set a solid screen, but it wasn''t enough to stop Han Sen.


    Durant caught the ball decisively and drove hard to the basket.


    Han had vowed to hold Durant to under 20 points¡ªbut that didn''t mean Durant would score even those points on him.


    Marc Gasol rotated back to the paint, arms up, forcing Durant into an acrobatic layup.


    Durant displayed his rare speed for a player of his size as he maneuvered mid-air.


    But just as he released the ball, he felt a shadow loom overhead.


    BAM!


    The ball was swatted straight into the backboard!


    The crowd erupted in shock, needing no guesses¡ªit was Han Sen chasing from behind.


    Han''s leap was otherworldly, and his recovery speed was terrifying. From fighting through the screen to chasing down the block, it all happened in an instant!


    Han grabbed the defensive rebound before even landing, shutting down yet another Heat possession.


    Turning back, Randolph attempted another low-post play but was met with an early double-team. He passed to Gay, whose three-pointer missed, but the Black-and-White Bears fought for the rebound, and Randolph eventually scored on the putback.


    With the game at 0-4, it wasn''t the most encouraging sign for the Heat.


    ...


    Back on offense, Durant adjusted after Han''s successful defensive plays. He drove hard and unleashed his signature sweeping-arm spin move, aimed at drawing a foul.


    This move was a surefire way to secure two points¡ªor so he thought.


    But this time, after the exaggerated arm motion, no whistle came.


    Durant''s shot, disrupted by Han''s defense, clanked off the rim.


    Landing, Durant channeled his inner LeBron, looking at the referees with outstretched arms, visibly frustrated.


    The refs, however, made no call.


    The NBA''s new commissioner, Adam Silver, had sent a clear directive: no biased officiating.


    Unlike Stern, who might have protected stars like Durant, Silver aimed for a fair game.


    Seeing this, Han couldn''t help but smirk. He had once loathed Silver in his past life but was starting to appreciate him now.


    The Grizzlies continued to exploit their size advantage. Randolph drew an interior defender before dishing the ball to Gasol for a quick slam.


    The ''Black and White Bears'' were feeding off Han''s defensive intensity, pouring their energy into dominating the paint offensively.


    6¨C0.


    The Oracle Arena crowd grew restless.


    Han Sen high-fived Marc Gasol as he fell back on defense.


    The previous external analyses were correct, but they missed one thing: the difference between theory and reality.


    In theory, a scorer like Durant, given enough ball-handling opportunities, shouldn''t score fewer than 20 points.


    But in reality, when Durant''s offense isn''t flowing, will the Heat let him keep shooting?


    This wasn''t the regular season, nor was it even a division playoff; this was the Finals, and the Heat were already down 1-2!


    This was the difference between Han and Larry Bird''s scenarios. It''s why Han dared to throw out such bold trash talk.


    The Heat couldn''t let Durant''s pride ruin Game 4 because if they lost and went down 1-3, they wouldn''t recover.


    Sure enough, on the next possession, the Heat adjusted their offense.


    Wade took the ball and drove to the basket before executing a spinning floater off the backboard to break the scoring drought for the Heat.


    This kind of score was perfectly acceptable for the Grizzlies.


    As long as the Heat''s outside shooting wasn''t falling, both teams grinding it out in the half-court, the Grizzlies were just fine.


    Five minutes in, it was 12-4, Grizzlies.


    Spolestra was not happy.


    After Han Sen limited Durant, the Heat''s small lineup couldn''t exploit its offensive advantage, and their interior defense was being destroyed.


    He had no choice but to pull Chalmers for Perkins.


    Perkins came in and made an immediate impact, finally setting up a scoring opportunity for Durant. Durant capitalized with a mid-range jumper.


    This shot showed that Durant''s shooting touch wasn''t terrible tonight, but Han Sen''s defense was suffocating, making it hard for him to get comfortable.


    Of course, Han Sen could accept the result, considering Durant had missed 3 of his first 4 shots.


    At that point, Spolestra gestured to Wade, signaling for a change in tactics after Durant''s shot went in.


    He didn''t care much about Han Sen''s trash talk but knew that if Durant couldn''t get going, the Heat wouldn''t win.


    Perkins attempted another screen, but this time, the Grizzlies immediately double-teamed Durant!


    Now Durant was in a dilemma.


    This season, he had improved at passing out of doubles. But with Perkins as the roll man, even a perfect pass wouldn''t guarantee points.


    Moreover, Han Sen''s trash talk echoed in his mind like a curse.


    In the end, Durant attempted a difficult fadeaway over the double team.


    He chose to trust his shooting touch.


    But the difficulty was too high, and the ball clanked off the front of the rim and bounced out.


    After five attempts, Durant had only scored once.


    The crowd was on edge.


    At this pace, scoring 20 points tonight would be tough for Durant, and even harder for the Heat to win!


    In fact, it wasn''t just the fans getting restless¡ªDurant himself was starting to lose his composure.


    His offseason training was meant to overcome Han Sen, not to keep being a backdrop for him.


    Next possession, he demanded the ball in the post and immediately went to work.


    This time, his shot wasn''t blocked by Han Sen, but the defense Han Sen applied was still strong, making Durant''s shot look off-balance.


    Han Sen seized the moment, leaping high and swatting at Durant''s shot.


    Boom!


    The ball was slapped straight out of bounds!


    Getting blocked again, Durant couldn''t take it anymore and turned to the referee, protesting that Han Sen had made illegal contact.


    When the referee continued to ignore him, he couldn''t hold back his frustration and cursed.


    This led to a technical foul.


    "Who''s this year''s DPOY?" Barkley asked on the commentary.


    "Whoever it is should be ashamed, because no one else can make KD look this bad!" he added, answering his own question before Shaq and Smith could speak.


    ¡ªEnd of Chapter¡ª


    Author''s Note: Historical reference ¨C Larry Bird once joked in 1986 that he''d retire and become a truck driver if Michael Jordan scored fewer than 20 points in the next game after putting up 63. Han''s bold claim mirrors Bird''s confidence, but he''s proving it in real-time.

 Chapter 250: The Full Dynasty Experience?.

    Chapter 250: The Full Dynasty Experience?.Seeing Durant''s frustration, Spoelstra subbed him out to cool off.


    Back on the bench, Durant still couldn''t compose himself. He snatched the towel from Udonis Haslem, only to throw it straight to the floor in anger.


    Years ago, when LeBron James was reduced to cherry-picking fast breaks to avoid Han Sen''s defense, fans mocked him relentlessly. Durant had been among those ''fans,'' using a burner account to join the fun.


    Now, facing Han''s relentless, suffocating defense himself, Durant finally understood¡ªit wasn''t just about LeBron being ''soft.''


    Under Han Sen''s VIP-tier defense, Durant ended the game with just 17 points on 6-of-17 shooting.


    In fan parlance, there''s a term called ''pure scoring,'' referring to points without free throws. Durant only attempted six free throws, making four of them.


    It''s not that Durant isn''t an elite scorer¡ªhad the officiating been looser, he might''ve easily drawn 10+ free throws and scored over 20.


    But what can be said is this: Durant is no Jordan. He doesn''t have the transcendent scoring ability to break any defense.


    What Han Sen showcased tonight wasn''t just great defense¡ªit was terrifying.


    With LeBron, you can limit his scoring by restricting his shot opportunities. With Durant, you can''t stop him from shooting; you can only force him to miss.


    And Han Sen had done it¡ªhe had stopped Durant from scoring 20.


    After the game, Shaquille O''Neal couldn''t help but vent his frustrations on the broadcast.


    "People always bash the All-Star voting process, but tonight''s game shows the real problem is how we pick the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY)."


    O''Neal had a reason to speak out¡ªhe had never won a DPOY during his career, nor had Tim Duncan.


    "How can scrubs like Marcus Camby win this award, but guys like me or Duncan can''t?" he added.


    "And now you''ve got Han Sen losing out to Joakim Noah? Give me a break."


    Fans weren''t the only ones speaking up. NBA players took to social media in droves after the game:


    Kobe Bryant: "Elite defense. This is why we love the game."


    Carmelo Anthony: "Insanity. Han not winning DPOY is the same as me not winning Rookie of the Year¡ªpure robbery."


    James Harden: "To those who''ve criticized me, I hope you now see Han''s true defensive genius."


    Stephen Curry: "Greatness speaks for itself."


    ...


    At the post-game press conference, Han Sen was asked by reporters about his matchup with Durant.


    Han Sen played with fire and came out unscathed, making everyone bitterly frustrated.


    But just like Han Sen''s countless successful moments of playing it cool in the past, they were angry yet helpless.


    Especially after they asked questions, Han Sen''s responses were like daggers to the heart.


    "I''ve already told Coach Joerger that if I retire, I''ll take up an assistant coaching gig. But it looks like that''ll have to wait a few more years," Han quipped.


    When asked why he had made such bold trash talk before the game, Han''s response was surgical:


    "It was a tactical decision. We needed KD to isolate more. It simplified our defense."


    Han didn''t mention that his trash talk also led to the Heat drawing fewer free throws tonight¡ªa historical example of trash talk with a sky-high ROI.


    As the presser wrapped up, Han delivered the ultimate mic drop: "We''re now just one win away from our ultimate goal."


    ...


    With Durant underperforming, the Grizzlies took Game 4, pushing the series lead to 3-1.


    One more win, and the Grizzlies would join the Celtics, Bulls, and Lakers as teams that had truly made history!


    Social media exploded after Game 4 like it was New Year''s Eve.


    "KD got cooked tonight. Fans will never forget this game¡ªjust like Bird vs. Jordan''s 19-point game in ''86."


    "KD: See, I''m in the same conversation as Jordan now!"


    "Han Sen is the new face of the league once he gets this ring¡ªfight me."


    "LeBron: Once, a dynasty was within my grasp, and I let it slip away. Han, can we start over?"


    "That''s nonsense. If it''s not LeBron''s FMVP championship, he doesn''t want it. Even if Han and LeBron are together, they won''t win the title!"


    "That''s extreme. When Pippen scored 8 points in the Finals, didn''t Jordan lead him to the championship? Just because DW can''t do it doesn''t mean Han can''t!"


    "Han: And why would I join LeBron to chase a ring? Because he looks like a gorilla? Or because he goes ''Gi-Gi-Gi'' like one?"


    ...


    Two days later, the Finals returned to Memphis for Game 5¡ªthe Grizzlies'' first chance to clinch at home.


    Spoelstra adjusted Miami''s starting lineup, replacing Mario Chalmers with Ray Allen. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies stuck with Han Sen guarding Durant.


    And why not? Han had proven that locking down KD crippled most of Miami''s offense.


    The strategy worked again¡ªDurant seemed hesitant to attack, still shaken by Han''s words and his Game 4 nightmare.


    But this time, another Heat player stepped up.


    Dwyane Wade, despite a decline in explosiveness due to injuries, opened the game with relentless drives, repeatedly scoring over Rudy Gay.


    Joerger quickly subbed in Vince Carter, but Wade continued to dominate.


    In the Finals'' earlier games, Wade''s impact had been minimal. Between Han''s defense and lingering knee issues, he had struggled to find his rhythm.


    However, after Han Sen switched onto Durant in Game 4, Wade''s form improved, and he scored 26 points. But it wasn''t enough to lead the Heat to victory.


    But now, with the Heat''s championship on the line, he rose to the occasion.


    Joerger responded by switching Han onto Wade.


    Even then, Wade converted an and-1 on a spinning floater over Han, bringing the Heat bench to its feet.


    While Han eventually slowed Wade''s momentum, the shift in energy inspired Durant.


    Fueled by Wade''s resurgence, KD found his groove, finally delivering the kind of performance Miami desperately needed.


    Wade''s leadership, besides his abilities, brought an energy that Durant lacked at crucial moments.


    Had Durant been on the 2011 Heat team instead of LeBron, they would have been champions already, as their skills and personalities were a better match.


    You could even say, had it not been for the Grizzlies, the Heat could have created their own dynasty. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Despite Han Sen''s best efforts, the Grizzlies defense began to crack under the dual assault of Wade and Durant.


    Both stars finished with 30+ points, leading the Heat to a hard-fought 123-116 victory. The series was now 3-2.


    As the final buzzer sounded, a poignant scene unfolded on the court.


    Wade dropped to one knee and kissed his right knee¡ªa gesture of gratitude and reflection.


    Unconsciously, Wade had reached 32 years old.


    Though this age would still be considered peak for most stars, Wade''s knee injury had clearly taken a toll on his abilities.


    Yet, tonight he gave everything he had, just like last year''s Finals.


    After the G5 victory, the Heat''s situation looked far more promising.


    Though the Grizzlies still held the lead, Game 6 would be played in Miami.


    If the Heat could protect their home court and push to a Game 7, both teams would have an equal shot at victory.


    ...


    "I will end the Finals in Miami."


    After Game 5, Han Sen once again delivered a bold proclamation.


    What might have seemed like an ordinary statement carried an entirely different weight for the Miami Heat.


    Because when Han had previously declared he wouldn''t let Kevin Durant score 20 points, Durant didn''t reach 20 points. Regardless of whether the Grizzlies could lift the trophy in Game 6, the psychological pressure was already firmly in place.


    This season, Han had elevated psychological warfare to an art form in the Finals.


    The day before Game 6, the Grizzlies landed in Miami.


    Though playing on the road, the team was still brimming with confidence.


    It wasn''t that the Heat''s win in Game 5 had put them in control of the series. The situation wasn''t comparable to their earlier strategic adjustments.


    Dwyane Wade was no longer capable of delivering consecutive explosive performances; Game 5 was likely an anomaly.


    As long as the Grizzlies stayed steady, Game 6 was theirs to lose.


    Upon arriving in Miami, Coach Joerger avoided overburdening his players mentally and skipped scheduling practice.


    Han, however, decided to get some extra work in and first went back to the hotel with Rondo to drop off his luggage.


    It was upon entering his hotel room that Han noticed something unusual¡ªthe trash bin hadn''t been emptied.


    Han called the front desk to have it cleaned and then headed to the training facility with Chris Rondo.


    Han knew he''d be switching back to guarding Wade in Game 6, which meant he needed to do more on offense. Maintaining his sharpness was crucial.


    After finishing his workout, Han returned to the hotel, took a shower, and went to bed.


    But deep into the night, he had a strange, unsettling dream. In it, he found himself in a warped space where everything around him seemed to be melting.


    When he jolted awake, he was drenched in sweat, his body alternating between chills and feverish heat.


    Realizing something was wrong, he immediately called Rondo, asking him to bring medicine to his room.


    Han was no stranger to the infamous American flu, a virus notorious for its brutal symptoms. Having dealt with it in the past, Han recognized the signs.


    When Rondo arrived and saw Han''s pale complexion, he was alarmed. Taking Han''s temperature, which had shot up to 104¡ãF (40¡ãC), he promptly called the Grizzlies'' medical team.


    Team doctor Rod Wallace arrived quickly, accompanied by Coach Joerger and GM Chris Wallace.


    After running some tests and examining Han, the diagnosis was clear: Han had contracted the flu.


    The room grew heavy with concern. For the Grizzlies, Han falling ill at this critical juncture was nothing short of a disaster.


    The flu could take days to subside, and recovery would require even more time.


    "We might need to concede Game 6," Chris Wallace suggested.


    Playing with such a high fever was not only dangerous but could also take a severe toll on Han''s body. Joerger nodded in agreement.


    The Grizzlies still held the series lead, and with Game 7 set to take place in Memphis, allowing Han to rest and recover seemed like the safest bet.


    The decision, however, rested with Han.


    Han shook his head.


    Letting the Heat win Game 6 would mean Miami had clawed back from a 3-1 deficit, giving them immense momentum. Han also believed there was a chance his fever could break by the following evening.


    Just then, Rondo, who had been scouring the room, caught everyone''s attention.


    "What are you looking for?" Chris Wallace asked, unable to hold back his curiosity.


    "Why was Han the only one to catch the flu?" Rondo''s question froze the room.


    The flu is highly contagious, and if it were a localized outbreak, others should have been affected as well.


    They couldn''t help but think of Michael Jordan''s infamous ''Flu Game,'' which was later revealed to be a case of food poisoning caused by tainted pizza.


    The team doctor began asking Han about anything he had eaten since arriving.


    Han shook his head. He was always vigilant, especially after a similar ''pizza incident'' during his Cavaliers days with Shaquille O''Neal. The only thing he had consumed was water, which had been sealed.


    The team doctor examined the half-empty water bottle on Han''s nightstand but found nothing visibly amiss. Nonetheless, he decided to send it for testing.


    By the next afternoon, the test results confirmed that the water contained flu virus strains. Further examination revealed needle punctures in the bottle''s seal.


    Hotel surveillance footage showed a staff member, later identified as Komes, entering Han''s room to ''clean the trash.'' Komes, an extreme Heat fan, had a history of posting inflammatory comments about Han on social media.


    Komes and his girlfriend, who worked at a local bio-lab, were arrested. Both faced charges and a likely prison sentence.


    The incident sent shockwaves through the Grizzlies'' locker room. With Han potentially sidelined, their chances in Game 6 seemed grim.


    As Game 6 neared, speculation buzzed in the Grizzlies'' locker room about Han''s absence from practice that morning. His streak of never missing a session had ended, leaving his teammates uneasy.


    But as pre-game preparations began, Han stepped into the locker room, dressed and ready.


    -Chapter End-

 Chapter 251: Steampunk.

    Chapter 251: Steampunk."You''re not seriously going to play, are you?" Rudy Gay stared at Han Sen, whose pale face told the story of his fever. His tone was filled with disbelief.


    Han Sen didn''t say a word. He simply nodded and sat down at his spot.


    "You sure you''re over the fever?" Zach Randolph asked, giving Han Sen a skeptical look. Han didn''t look anywhere close to healthy.


    "You guys have too much time on your hands. Just make sure you don''t play worse than me tonight," Han deflected, avoiding a direct answer¡ªbecause he was still running a fever.


    "Han, don''t risk it," Shane Battier chimed in, his voice heavy with concern.


    "I said I''d win the championship in Miami," Han replied, shaking his head firmly.


    Before Battier could push further, Han stood up, scanning the room with a determined gaze.


    "Win tonight''s game for me. That''s my final request to all of you."


    The weight of Han''s words filled the locker room. What was initially an atmosphere of hesitation transformed into one of fiery resolve.


    Emotional leadership wasn''t exclusive to Dwyane Wade.


    ...


    Game 6 ¨C American Airlines Arena


    The arena was packed to capacity, with the media area so crammed that reporters were practically spilling out of their seats.


    As soon as Han Sen emerged from the tunnel, the crowd erupted into chaos¡ªnot just in the stands but among the press.


    The pre-game narrative had been clear: Han Sen was unlikely to play. Memphis held the series lead, and there was no need to risk him under such circumstances. Many had already assumed Miami would take Game 6, setting up a Game 7 showdown in Memphis.


    But there he was, walking onto the court.


    Han didn''t participate in pre-game warmups. He sat quietly on the sideline, conserving his energy.


    His fever had dropped slightly compared to the night before¡ªdown to 101¡ãF (38.5¡ãC). It wasn''t ideal, but it was just low enough for him to decide he could play.


    If it had still been 104¡ãF (40¡ãC), he wouldn''t have gambled with his life.


    Still, his body felt weak, and his mind was clouded. Every step felt heavy.


    The team doctor checked in with him, asking about his condition. After some discussion, Han took a fever reducer.


    This wasn''t about theatrics; fever medication took time to kick in and had to be carefully timed. By the second half, Han would need his body temperature under control to stay in the game.


    After the doctor left, Chris Rondo approached Han to update him on the investigation into the water tampering.


    The NBA had banned the culprit, an arena staffer named Komes, for life and was pursuing legal action against both him and the hotel.


    Even Under Armour, Han''s sponsor, had filed a massive lawsuit. Both Komes and the hotel faced potential financial ruin.


    This was no small matter¡ªit was a direct threat to a player''s safety. If the water had been spiked with poison instead of a virus, the consequences could have been catastrophic.


    Han nodded silently. He didn''t have the energy to dwell on the incident. Right now, his focus was solely on the game.


    ...


    The Game Begins


    When Han Sen was introduced during the opening ceremony, for the first time all Finals long, Heat fans gave him applause instead of boos.


    Every fan base had its share of extremists, but the majority respected true grit.


    Both teams stuck with the same starting lineups as the previous game.


    After the jump ball, Marc Gasol tipped it to Memphis, and the Grizzlies launched the first attack.


    Gasol and Randolph ran their signature high-low post play, but the Heat''s defense was relentless.


    Han Sen moved to set a pick-and-roll with Gasol, drawing defenders away, but Randolph opted to go for a tough inside shot, which Miami successfully defended.


    The Heat quickly transitioned, and Wade drew a foul on Mike Conley during a fast break, earning two free throws.


    Han pulled Randolph aside during the stoppage. "Don''t treat me like an invalid," he said firmly.


    The message was clear: if they were going to hold back because of his fever, then his playing tonight was pointless.


    Wade sank both free throws, giving the Heat the lead.


    On the next possession, the Grizzlies adjusted, and Randolph drew a foul on Chris Bosh, earning his own trip to the line.


    When Randolph made both free throws, Han went over to high-five him.


    This wasn''t going to be an easy game. His fever wasn''t going to magically disappear, and every player on the team needed to give it their all.


    ...


    Heat coach Erik Spoelstra wasn''t one for sentimentality. His team was facing elimination; there was no room for mercy.


    When the ball returned to Wade, he immediately attacked Han off the dribble. Han''s movement was noticeably sluggish, and Wade got past him easily, finishing with a floater.


    The arena erupted.


    Now it was confirmed: Han was still feverish.


    Victory at this point might not feel entirely fair, but Heat fans were desperate to avoid a fourth straight Finals loss.


    The Heat ramped up their defensive pressure, doubling the strong side whenever Han touched the ball.


    Han received a pass, with Wade quickly closing in.


    With a quick pump fake, Han shifted past Wade, driving to the rim. Wade recovered, leaping to block, but Han adjusted mid-air, pulling the ball back before releasing his shot.


    The whistle blew¡ªWade had fouled him on the wrist.


    As Han fell to the floor, Wade reached out and helped him up.


    It was only when Wade grabbed Han''s hand that he realized just how hot Han''s body was.


    This wasn''t just a mild fever¡ªHan''s entire body was burning.


    To perform at this level under such conditions required an iron will.


    Han stepped to the free-throw line, exhaling deeply. Even his breath felt like it carried heat. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But his hands remained steady.


    Two free throws. Two clean swishes.


    The arena buzzed with restless energy.


    Han Sen''s defense revealed he was indeed feverish, but his offense? It told a completely different story. The contradictions on the court were almost surreal.


    As the game wore on, the audience noticed one undeniable truth¡ªHan Sen''s sweat was relentless. By the latter part of the second quarter, he looked like a walking fountain, forcing ball boys to constantly mop the floor.


    Halftime arrived with the Heat clinging to a slim lead, 53¨C50.


    Han Sen''s first-half stats: 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting.


    His defense and shot attempts made it clear the fever was affecting him, yet somehow, he delivered a highly efficient performance.


    "If you''re unsure what defines greatness in a player, just record everything you''re seeing tonight," Charles Barkley quipped from the commentary booth.


    Han Sen didn''t walk to the locker room. Instead, he leaned on Rudy Gay''s shoulder and headed straight to the medical room for an IV drip.


    Playing with a fever isn''t just about dizziness or fatigue¡ªit''s also about the excessive loss of sweat, especially with the fever reducers kicking in by halftime, accelerating his dehydration. Drinking water alone wouldn''t cut it; only an IV could stabilize him.


    While Han Sen was hooked to the IV, his teammates frequently stopped by to check on him.


    This time, he didn''t scold them for being idle because their stellar first-half efforts had kept his energy expenditure within acceptable limits.


    Inevitably, fans began comparing his performance to Michael Jordan''s famous ''Flu Game.'' But few realized how lucky Han Sen was compared to Jordan back then.


    During Jordan''s game, his teammates offered little help. Scottie Pippen, for instance, managed just 17 points on 5-of-17 shooting, and only three Bulls players hit double digits.


    For those debating Pippen versus LeBron, it''s really a toss-up. At the Finals level, if you lack a go-to move, being ''versatile'' often translates to ''ineffective.'' They''re great for facilitating but not for carrying the team in clutch moments.


    Han Sen, however, had real support. Randolph, Marc Gasol, and Gay all stepped up in the first half.


    When the second half began, Han Sen looked noticeably sharper.


    The fever reducers were in full effect, and with his temperature down, his rhythm returned.


    On the opening possession of the third quarter, he cut to the basket for a powerful dunk, shocking the crowd into stunned silence and energizing the Grizzlies.


    Han Sen exploded for 14 points in the third quarter¡ªmatching his first-half output.


    Behind his brilliance, the Grizzlies outscored the Heat 32¨C22 in the quarter, flipping the score to an 82¨C75 lead heading into the final period.


    Heat fans grew restless, puzzled by Han Sen''s enigmatic condition.


    At the start of the fourth, Han Sen was on the bench guzzling electrolyte drinks.


    Urination wasn''t an issue; the water barely stayed in his system, rapidly turning into sweat.


    Typically, fever reducers work for 30 minutes to two hours. But that''s under normal conditions. With Han Sen pushing his body to the limit, his fever rebounded faster.


    By the time the third quarter ended, his temperature was nearly 40¡ãC again.


    The team doctor hesitated but knew Han Sen wouldn''t quit now.


    The Heat, led by Chris Bosh, came out swinging to open the fourth, clawing the deficit down to three within three minutes.


    Coach Joerger wanted to extend Han Sen''s rest, but the game''s intensity demanded otherwise.


    Both teams deployed their starters early, and the battle reached a boiling point.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The chants reverberated throughout the arena as the Heat''s defense tightened.


    Memphis couldn''t execute their plays, forcing Marc Gasol to hand off the ball to Han Sen for a mid-range jumper under duress.


    Swish!


    Despite Kendrick Perkins'' outstretched hand contesting, Han Sen nailed it.


    He exhaled deeply after the shot, his labored breathing betraying his condition. High fever made it difficult to maintain proper form, so he relied on sheer willpower to execute.


    That bucket steadied the Grizzlies.


    On the other end, Kevin Durant''s jumper missed under Rudy Gay''s relentless contest, giving Memphis another opportunity.


    But the Heat''s defensive intensity remained unyielding.


    Once again, Marc Gasol executed a handoff with Han Sen. This time, the Heat pressured even harder, forcing Han Sen to drive inside.


    His movements were shaky, but he somehow spun away from Bosh and launched a fading shot from the paint.


    Bosh''s aggressive contest resulted in a foul as Han Sen hit the floor.


    Gay and Randolph rushed to pull him up, their hands instinctively tightening at the heat radiating from his body.


    Han Sen stepped to the line.


    The arena drowned in deafening noise as the crowd tried to rattle him.


    A deep breath.


    Two free throws.


    Two swishes.


    The crowd erupted into murmurs.


    On the other end, Durant answered with a cold-blooded three-pointer, silencing the Memphis bench.


    The Thunderous applause roared again as Durant celebrated, fists clenched, embodying the ''Slim Reaper.''


    Heat fans went berserk, and their team cranked up the defensive intensity even further.


    Han Sen, visibly drained, stood at the weak-side three-point line.


    Randolph, double-teamed in the post, whipped a risky cross-court pass to Han Sen, narrowly evading Dwyane Wade''s steal attempt.


    Catching the ball, Han Sen faked a shot, sidestepped a flying Wade, and released a deep three.


    Swish!


    Han Sen buried it!


    That made it seven straight points for him in the fourth.


    As he exhaled visibly on the way back downcourt, the cameras captured him in stark detail.


    With steam rising from his body like a machine in overdrive, Han Sen resembled a cyberpunk figure straight out of a wasteland dystopia.


    The arena buzzed with electricity, captivated by the spectacle.

 Chapter 252: Our Dynasty.

    Chapter 252: Our Dynasty.The Heat''s next possession fell apart in dramatic fashion when Durant, driving to the basket, dribbled the ball off his own foot and out of bounds. It was clear Han Sen''s consecutive clutch plays weren''t just fueling the Grizzlies'' morale¡ªthey were suffocating the Heat''s confidence.


    Realizing the shift, Spoelstra quickly called a timeout.


    Han Sen slumped onto the bench, draping a towel over his head as if retreating into his own world. After a moment, the team doctor approached with a portable oxygen tank. Han took a couple of deep breaths before nodding, signaling he was ready to head back out.


    The camera caught him as he rose, igniting a ripple of excitement through the arena.


    Even when down 3¨C1 in the series, Heat fans had clung to hope. Their team wasn''t just skilled; they were well-conditioned, built for endurance. But now, watching a visibly drained Han Sen¡ªhis body barely holding on, yet his spirit refusing to break¡ªthey felt something new.


    Despair.


    The unshakable realization crept in: We can''t beat this man.


    Back on the court, Wade earned a pair of free throws after colliding with Marc Gasol in the paint. Rising with a heavy sigh, Wade''s determination remained unbroken. He sank both shots, trimming the Grizzlies'' lead to five, 98¨C93.


    Han Sen''s next shot rimmed out, but Marc Gasol grabbed the offensive rebound, muscled through Perkins, and converted the putback with a foul. Gasol roared triumphantly after the play, pounding his chest.


    For the Grizzlies, this wasn''t just a game. Winning for Han tonight was a mission.


    Han, leaning forward with his hands on his knees, exchanged a fist bump with Gasol before forcing himself upright. Gasol''s free throw was good, pushing the lead to eight.


    On the Heat''s next possession, Bosh cut to the basket after a screen from Durant and elevated for a layup. But as he brought the ball up, it was gone¡ªHan Sen had swiped it cleanly.


    The crowd froze in disbelief. Han Sen? Stealing the ball? In this condition?


    It didn''t end there. Han sprinted down the court alongside Conley, who, encountering Wade''s defense, dropped the ball back to Han. He soared for a layup as Wade tried to contest, but the contact felt like hitting a blazing inferno. Han scored through the foul.


    For the first time all night, the Grizzlies led by double digits.


    The crowd erupted, not in support, but in pure bewilderment.


    How do you beat someone who even a 40-degree fever can''t stop?


    The Heat called another timeout.


    Han stood under the basket for a moment, seemingly frozen, before Rudy Gay jogged over to check on him. Draping Han''s arm over his shoulder, Gay helped him back to the bench.


    It was an image destined for history books. Jordan''s ''Flu Game'' ended with him collapsing into Pippen''s arms; Han''s moment now had its own iconic frame, a new masterpiece of resilience.


    The Grizzlies kept their composure, gathering around Han instead of breaking into celebration. Around them swarmed reporters and camera crews, eager to capture this legendary moment.


    When Han finally stood up again, cameras zoomed in. He simply raised three fingers toward the lens¡ªsignifying the Grizzlies'' third consecutive championship.


    That simple gesture was all it took.


    The final seconds ticked away, and the Heat had no more answers. The score was 112¨C104 when the buzzer sounded. Mike Conley clutched the ball tightly as if it were his lifeline.


    "They did it! They actually did it!" Barkley''s voice boomed from the commentary booth.


    "God gave 23 to Jordan. And the rest¡ª77¡ªbelongs to Han!" Shaq proclaimed, repeating one of Han''s most iconic quotes.


    This time, no one dared argue.


    Han Sen, barely upright, leaned on Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph for support. The final whistle seemed to release all the strength he''d been holding on to.


    The Grizzlies'' players held back their celebrations, gathering protectively around their leader.


    Later, in the locker room, Han managed to take a quick shower to cool down. By the time they returned to the court for the trophy presentation, the arena was still packed with Heat fans.


    Surprisingly, few had left.


    Han''s performance had done the unthinkable: it had earned the respect of even the opposing crowd.


    Hate him. Love him. It didn''t matter. Tonight, both emotions coexisted.


    Adam Silver beamed as he prepared to present the trophy. Dynasties might not have been the league''s favorite outcome, but a global superstar like Han Sen was exactly what the NBA wanted.


    The Grizzlies'' first title was an underdog triumph. The second, a display of dominance. The third? Pure legend.


    Han Sen was no longer chasing Jordan''s shadow. He was now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him.


    ...


    "For the third consecutive year, the Memphis Grizzlies are NBA champions! They join the Celtics, Bulls, and Lakers in accomplishing this historic feat. Let''s congratulate them¡ªthe 2014 NBA Champions!"


    As Adam Silver''s words echoed, the crowd erupted into cheers, applause, and whistles. Witnessing the birth of a dynasty, the rise of a legend¡ªthis was history in the making.


    Silver handed the championship trophy to Michael Heisley, the often-criticized Grizzlies owner. A rare smile broke across Heisley''s face, though one might wonder if he regretted his earlier lowball contract offers to Han Sen.


    The trophy made its way to Han Sen, and the arena hit a fever pitch of celebration. At that moment, the NBA officially crowned its new basketball god.


    A swarm of reporters quickly descended upon Han Sen.


    "Can I touch your forehead?" a female reporter asked unexpectedly before beginning her interview.


    Han Sen nodded.


    She brushed his forehead and immediately pulled her hand back, her face painted with astonishment. It was like touching a furnace.


    "How did you do it? Scoring 40 points, clinching the dynasty¡ªwhile battling a fever?" Her incredulous expression wasn''t feigned.


    "I said it before: the Finals would end in Miami."


    His voice was hoarse but carried enough weight to ignite the arena. At that moment, Han Sen earned another nickname: the King of Swagger.


    He wasn''t done. Han Sen seized the moment, leaning into the attention.


    "All three of my championships were won in Miami. This city is my lucky charm."


    This statement provoked a cascade of boos from Heat fans who had stayed behind to witness the Grizzlies'' coronation. But for Han Sen, every jeer was another source of power.


    Amid the celebrations, Rashard Lewis, now a Grizzlies player, reflected on his journey. "Last season, I was bitter after losing to them. But now I understand why this team succeeds."


    For Lewis, the choice to join Memphis wasn''t just a career move¡ªit was destiny.


    Shortly after, the Finals MVP was announced.


    Han Sen''s series averages of 38.5 points, 6 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2 steals, including three 40-point performances, made the vote unanimous.


    Bill Russell, aided by staff, rose to present the MVP trophy to Han Sen.


    Han embraced Russell, recalling the legend''s promise to return so long as Han continued winning. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Take care of yourself," Russell said, feeling the searing heat emanating from Han''s body.


    "You too," Han replied, his gratitude unmistakable.


    As Han lifted the Finals MVP trophy, the crowd erupted into chants of "MVP!"


    Rudy Gay, noticing Han swaying slightly, rushed to bring him a chair. Han declined to sit but used it for support. Once the noise subsided, he began his speech.


    "This has been an incredible journey. Four years ago, no one believed Memphis could achieve a dynasty."


    It was more than a victory speech¡ªit was a farewell.


    "I want to thank Chris Wallace for bringing me here. That trade? The greatest in NBA history."


    Wallace''s face flushed red, a mix of pride and mild embarrassment.


    "I want to thank Lionel Hollins. Though he didn''t see this through to the end, he laid the defensive foundation that made all of this possible."


    Despite their past disagreements, Han gave credit where it was due.


    "Most importantly, I thank Dave Joerger. He unlocked our full potential. If there were a Greatest Coach of All Time vote, my ballot would go to him."


    Joerger chuckled, fully aware that his career owed much to Han''s brilliance.


    Han then turned nostalgic. "And Reggie Theus, my college coach at Barry University. He gave me the stage to shine. He''s my Dean Smith."


    Theus was visibly moved, reflecting on the pivotal night he supported a young Han Sen after a grueling practice¡ªa decision that had changed both their lives.


    Han turned to his teammates, a sly grin breaking through the exhaustion on his face. He gave them a once-over, shaking his head as if he couldn''t believe the crew he''d been rolling with these past four years.


    "Man, look at us," Han started, chuckling softly. "A bunch of so-called misfits from a small market, turning the whole league on its head.


    Rudy, you''ve been my guy since day one¡ªalways there, hitting those clutch shots like it''s nothing.


    Marc, you''re the genius of the squad, holding it down in the paint and making those big-brain plays.


    Mike, the silent killer¡ªcalm as hell, but when it''s time to deliver, you never miss.


    And Z-Bo..." Han laughed, shaking his head. "You''re the heart and soul, man. You taught me how to scrap, how to dig deep when there''s nothing left in the tank."


    He let the words hang for a moment, then continued with a playful smirk. "Four years, no trades. That''s unheard of, but that''s us. We didn''t need no superstar shake-ups or blockbuster moves. Nah, we ran it back every year and dared the league to stop us. Spoiler alert¡ªthey couldn''t."


    The team burst out laughing, and Han''s grin grew wider. "But real talk, I wouldn''t trade any of y''all for anyone else. We bled together, fought together, and now, we''re champions. Again. You''re my brothers, and no matter where we go from here, this dynasty belongs to us. Forever."


    Rudy couldn''t hold it in¡ªhe pulled Han into a tight hug, and the rest of the team piled on like it was one last huddle. The crowd roared, clueless about the deeper meaning behind Han''s words, but on the court, surrounded by his squad, it felt like the perfect way to close the book on something legendary.


    "Hey," Han added with a sly look as they broke the huddle, "now don''t go crying too much, Rudy. We''ve got a trophy to celebrate."


    The team laughed, wiping tears and throwing arms around each other. It wasn''t just an end¡ªit was a swagger-filled farewell to a dynasty they built with their own hands.


    "Finally, to our fans¡ªthank you. I may not know all your names, but this dynasty would not exist without you. No matter where life takes me, I''ll always love you."


    As the crowd roared its approval, streamers rained from the rafters. The chants of "MVP!" grew deafening.


    Han lowered the mic and closed his eyes, letting the moment wash over him. Sweat glistened on his fevered forehead, captured by photographers for what would become the defining image of the Grizzlies'' dynasty.


    It was a scene of resilience, triumph, and farewell¡ªforever etched into basketball history.


    -End of Chapter-


    Translator''s note: Took a while since I''ve been preparing for my trip. Also wrote Han''s entire speech since in the raws Author just skips over it by ''thanking his teammates''. I didn''t like that. It''s his last year, it''s gotta be a tear jerker damn it!

 Chapter 253: Eyes on Los Angeles.

    Chapter 253: Eyes on Los Angeles.After pushing through the championship ceremony with sheer willpower, Han Sen was taken to a local hospital. Riding with him in the ambulance was none other than Anjali Ranadive.


    Anjali had rushed to Miami the moment she learned Han was running a fever. She''d watched the entire game tonight with her heart in her throat. But in the end, all the pain and sacrifice were worth it for Han Sen.


    He didn''t just secure a dynasty.


    For a woman who loved basketball, what could be more fulfilling than witnessing the performance of a god on the court¡ªespecially when that god happened to be her boyfriend? To someone like Anjali, who had never lacked for anything growing up, Han Sen had become an intoxicating addiction.


    Of course, Anjali wasn''t the only one who went to the hospital. Chris Wallace, Coach Joerger, Rudy Gay, and Zach Randolph all drove there later.


    "Enjoy the best moment of your lives. You don''t need to be here for me right now," Han told Rudy and the others, shooing them off with a grin.


    Eventually, only Anjali and Wallace stayed behind in the room. Wallace hesitated, glancing at Han, until Han nodded for him to speak.


    "I''ll be resigning after the championship parade," Wallace announced, stunning Han.


    Leaving right before me?


    Wallace quickly explained. "I don''t want to be remembered as the guy who traded away the greatest player in league history." Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The reason sounded absurd but also entirely genuine.


    Wallace had built a stellar r¨¦sum¨¦ thanks to the trade that brought Han Sen to Memphis. But if he were the one to trade Han away¡ªno matter the reason¡ªthat decision would overshadow his accomplishments. On the other hand, resigning before the trade would leave him as one of the hottest managerial commodities in the league.


    He wasn''t tied to Memphis.


    "I''m sorry that you have to leave because of me," Han said, feeling a pang of guilt.


    Wallace, who had been in Memphis since 2007, wouldn''t have chosen to leave if not for Han.


    "You don''t owe anyone on this team an apology," Wallace replied, shaking his head. "You gave us all dynasty rings. That''s going to pay dividends for years to come."


    Han chuckled, though the fever made it painful. Rubbing his temples, he gestured for Wallace to leave. "Get some rest, boss."


    After Wallace left, the room quieted, leaving only Anjali and Han.


    To his surprise, Anjali grabbed a bowl of water and started wiping his forehead. Han considered saying that the nurses would handle it later, but the earnest look on her face made him stay quiet.


    He didn''t have the energy to talk anyway.


    As the cool cloth eased his fever, the fatigue of the season washed over him like a tide. Before he knew it, he''d fallen asleep.


    In his dreams, he was trapped in a world of insects, where a virus caused mutations, and even his own body began sprouting tendrils.


    Han woke with a start, drenched in sweat. The room was dimly lit, the main lights off.


    He reached out instinctively to turn on the light, only to realize his hand was tightly held. Turning his head, he saw Anjali asleep at his bedside, her fingers wrapped around his.


    For a moment, Han was deeply moved. The last time someone had stayed by his bedside like this, he was a child, and it had been his mother.


    Anjali might not have the star power of Taylor Swift or Scarlett Johansson, but she was real. She genuinely cared.


    After hesitating, Han gently woke her. "Go rest at the hotel. I don''t want to wake up tomorrow and not see you there."


    Anjali wanted to stay, but Han''s words left no room for argument.


    As she left, there was some noise at the door. Chris Rondo stepped in, nodding at Anjali as she passed. He must''ve been waiting outside earlier.


    Han asked Rondo to turn on the lights and call a nurse to help clean him up. After a change of clothes and a wiped-down body, he felt much better. His fever had mostly subsided, thanks to the medication and the sweat, though the other symptoms lingered.


    Han gestured for Rondo to sit. "Let''s talk business."


    Unlike the rumored ''Four Horsemen'' of his circle, Rondo was one of the few people Han truly trusted. The Grizzlies'' dynasty was complete¡ªit was time to plan his next move.


    Han had thought about it before, but never deeply. The Grizzlies'' third championship had consumed all his energy. Now, one thing was certain: he wasn''t interested in teams with cheap owners like the Rockets.


    "You remember when the Rockets wouldn''t spend $10 million for a shooter to support Yao and McGrady but turned around and bought a $30 million Pagani for the owner''s son? Yeah, hard pass."


    Another team Han ruled out was the Spurs. "I''d go to Boston before I play for Pop."


    Han wasn''t necessarily chasing a big market like LeBron. He just wanted an owner willing to invest in the team.


    Rondo spoke up. "I''ve got an idea¡ªSacramento Kings."


    Han laughed. "To become the real king?"


    Sacramento wasn''t a big city or a major market. Economically, it lagged behind, and the team''s recent struggles had alienated its fanbase.


    But Rondo nodded. With Anjali''s influence in the Kings'' ownership, Han would wield unprecedented power. No need for power plays like LeBron''s¡ªHan could just call Anjali.


    He''d effectively be player, coach, and GM all at once. A true king.


    Yet Han shook his head after some thought. The risks were too high.


    "What if we break up?" Han muttered. Relationships were unpredictable. If they split, would he request a trade? That would be personal drama bleeding into his career.


    For now, they tabled the discussion. The NBA might have 30 teams, but finding the right one felt impossible. Every team had its flaws, and the question of trade assets loomed large.


    In Miami, Han spent two days recovering. During that time, countless people came to visit the man who had cemented the Grizzlies'' dynasty.


    Once he felt better, Han returned to Memphis, just in time for the championship parade.


    The city was on high alert, even borrowing police forces from nearby areas. The Grizzlies'' legendary victory was set to spark a celebration of unprecedented scale.


    And it did.


    Despite the heavy precautions, the parade saw chaos. Memphis was just that kind of city¡ªwild, untamed, and full of passion.


    After the parade wrapped up and the team returned to the FedExForum, the Memphis Grizzlies hosted a championship speech event. This time, it wasn''t Han Sen leading the festivities¡ªZach Randolph took center stage.


    It was a clear signal: with Han Sen already planning to leave, the management was preparing for the next season.


    Han Sen didn''t take it personally. In fact, he genuinely hoped Randolph could lead the Grizzlies well in his absence. His departure wouldn''t change the bond he shared with his teammates.


    During the fan Q&A session, a microphone was finally handed to Han Sen.


    "Will we complete the four-peat next season?" a fan asked, throwing out a question that set imaginations racing.


    A four-peat¡ªsomething only the Celtics from the ancient NBA days had ever achieved. Not even Michael Jordan could pull it off.


    In truth, Han Sen didn''t have an overwhelming desire for such a feat. To him, it wasn''t a defining accomplishment. Jordan himself admitted that had it not been for his father''s passing, he might have achieved it, but the effort held little real meaning. As Jordan put it, once you lead a team to a dynasty, the hunger for more titles tends to diminish.


    While Michael Heisley was the primary reason for Han Sen''s departure, it wasn''t the sole factor. Winning was great, but life also held other pursuits worth exploring.


    Still, now wasn''t the time to delve into such topics. The real question was how Han should respond. Announcing his departure during the celebration wasn''t appropriate.


    "We''ll know the answer soon enough," Han replied cryptically, leaving fans to interpret his words as they pleased.


    Once the championship parade ended, Chris Wallace resigned as the Grizzlies'' general manager, sparking a wave of fan speculation.


    As the architect of Memphis'' dynasty, Wallace''s departure carried significant weight. Names like Red Auerbach (Celtics), Jerry Krause (Bulls), Mitch Kupchak (Lakers), and Bob Myers (Warriors) echoed in similar legendary status. The sudden resignation naturally fueled rumors about Han Sen''s future.


    Unburdened by his role, Wallace found himself relaxing in Han Sen''s villa, plotting Han''s next career move.


    After discussing Han''s priorities, Wallace proposed a destination that met all his criteria: the Los Angeles Clippers.


    The Clippers were in a peculiar situation. During the playoffs, owner Donald Sterling had been banned for life over racist remarks, with the NBA forcing the sale of the team. While Sterling technically remained the owner for now, a change was inevitable.


    Among the potential buyers was Microsoft billionaire Steve Ballmer.


    Han hadn''t paid much attention to this development during the playoffs, but Wallace''s mention jogged his memory¡ªBallmer was set to become the Clippers'' new owner.


    Ballmer''s wealth was unfathomable. As fans joked, if the rules allowed it, he could probably buy the entire NBA outright. Moreover, his passion for basketball rivaled Mark Cuban''s, frequently appearing courtside to cheer for his team.


    If investment in the team was the priority, no one outshone Ballmer.


    After his discussion with Wallace, Han called in Chris Rondo and Henry Thomas to weigh in.


    The Clippers were a unique case. Essentially in limbo without an owner, any negotiations would have to go through the front office. Han assigned Thomas to make contact with the Clippers while bringing in the Grizzlies'' new GM, Stu Lash, to relay his desire to join the Clippers.


    And then, it was a waiting game.


    As expected, rumors quickly surfaced linking Han to trade discussions. In the NBA, there was no such thing as keeping secrets¡ªwhere there were talks, there were leaks. Insiders fed reporters, who made a living off these whispers. The line between rumor and fact was thin, often hinging on whether the deal eventually went through.


    Fan speculation intensified. Coupled with Wallace''s resignation, many felt it was certain: Han Sen was leaving Memphis.


    Han, however, stayed silent. He''d prepared a farewell message for the Grizzlies, but that would only be released once the Clippers deal was finalized. It was his way of maintaining control over the narrative.


    After all, his contract didn''t include a no-trade clause. This wasn''t an oversight¡ªby NBA rules, such clauses were only available to players with eight or more years of experience or those signing qualifying offers.


    Meanwhile, across the country, in the Eastern Conference, rumors began swirling about LeBron James.


    "LeBron wants to return to the Cavaliers."


    The whispers grew louder, painting a picture of ''The Akron Son'' returning home. Themes of redemption and loyalty filled the air.


    It was clear Nike''s marketing machine was in full swing.


    Fans weren''t wrong when they nicknamed it the ''Nike League.'' Behind so many NBA stories was the hand of corporate influence.


    From the Lakers acquiring Pau Gasol (Nike) to pair with Kobe Bryant to battle Adidas-aligned Kevin Garnett in Boston, to the Heat''s Nike-backed Big Three winning titles, and now, the potential formation of a Kyrie-LeBron-Love trio in Cleveland, the patterns were undeniable.


    For Nike, Han Sen, as Under Armour''s flagship athlete, had been too dominant, claiming three consecutive championships. Restoring balance was imperative.


    Under corporate pressure, even icons like LeBron had little room to resist. Contracts needed signing, promises needed keeping. For the Cavaliers, it was a lifeline. Years of playoff drought had crippled the franchise''s revenue.


    Players were pawns in a game of corporate chess.


    As the days ticked by, the 2014 NBA Draft loomed on the horizon.


    Then, out of nowhere, an unexpected visitor knocked on Han Sen''s door.


    -End of Chapter-


    TL/n: Mass release for the missed days.

 Chapter 254: Homecoming. (Revised)

    Chapter 254: Homecoming. (Revised)"You''re saying he only mentioned the Clippers?"


    Heisley frowned deeply after hearing Rush''s report.


    He never truly wanted to trade Han Sen, nor could he fully understand why Han would want to leave Memphis.


    This could''ve been resolved by offloading those overpaid contracts of Randolph and Gay, yet it had escalated to this mess.


    Was it because he underbid Han during initial negotiations?


    That''s a common practice¡ªplayers focus on playing while owners handle the finances. If Han had been willing to sacrifice a bit of salary, the Grizzlies wouldn''t have needed to make tough trade decisions last season.


    He had already invested so much in the team. Couldn''t Han understand his predicament?


    Besides, hadn''t he ultimately granted Han the supermax contract he demanded?


    What infuriated him most was that Han now only mentioned the Clippers.


    What was this? A dictated destination!


    To Han, Heisley was invisible as the owner, and Han clearly hadn''t considered what was best for the Grizzlies.


    Yes, Han had indeed led the Grizzlies to a dynasty.


    But was it all Han''s doing?


    Without the players Heisley drafted and traded for, could Han have accomplished anything?


    At the end of the day, Han was just a player.


    And the Grizzlies? This was his team.


    "Get in touch with the Clippers," Heisley said through gritted teeth.


    Even though the rumors had started, Han hadn''t publicly requested a trade.


    "But make sure to entertain offers from other teams as well. We need to do what''s best for the team," he added, calling Rush back to emphasize the point.


    ...


    When Han Sen saw Dan Gilbert, he was genuinely surprised.


    Had it been David Griffin, he wouldn''t have been shocked.


    Rumors were swirling, and it was no exaggeration to say all 29 other teams were interested¡ªincluding the Cavaliers.


    A good horse never returns to the same pasture, but broken mirrors are sometimes pieced together again.


    Gilbert got straight to the point after sitting down.


    "I feel like I owe you an apology."


    Back then, he only traded Han after getting LeBron''s verbal commitment, but regardless of the circumstances, he made the call.


    "Mr. Gilbert, that''s all in the past," Han said calmly.


    He had been furious after the trade, especially because he didn''t know the reason behind it.


    But time had passed, and learning the truth had brought him closure.


    In fact, anyone in Gilbert''s position back then would have chosen LeBron over him.


    Of course, Han didn''t harbor any "I forgive you" sentiments from Gilbert''s apology. If he hadn''t become a superstar, would Gilbert have come to apologize?


    That was why Han remained polite. Often, politeness symbolizes distance, not respect.


    "Someone from Nike approached me. They hope I''ll cooperate with LeBron and say it''s the best choice for me and the Cavaliers," Gilbert said, cutting straight to the chase.


    "But why should I help a traitor rewrite his past? Bringing you back is what''s truly best for us." Gilbert fixed his gaze on Han, his eyes brimming with hope.


    No one had been more excited than Gilbert when trade rumors about Han Sen surfaced.


    After all, Han had once given his all for the Cavaliers and enjoyed unparalleled popularity in Cleveland.


    Cleveland fans had spent years lamenting how foolish it was to trade Han, and their arguments with the front office could fill a book.


    Gilbert was now willing to admit his mistake and correct it, even if it meant enduring ridicule from the outside world.


    Because compared to welcoming back LeBron¡ªthe traitor¡ªthis was the choice he''d rather make.


    Han stared at Gilbert, his mind racing with thoughts.


    Cleveland wasn''t a big-market team, but Gilbert was someone willing to heavily invest in his team.


    LeBron fans often blamed the Cavaliers'' lack of investment for LeBron''s failure during his first stint. That was nonsense.


    Whether during LeBron 1.0 or 2.0, Cleveland''s spending consistently ranked among the league''s highest.


    From 2003 to 2018, the Cavaliers paid the second-highest luxury tax in the league, trailing only the Knicks.


    In 2016, despite winning a championship, the team reported a $40 million loss because they paid $54 million in luxury tax.


    The truth was the Cavaliers'' roster wasn''t bad; LeBron simply wasn''t the right leader.


    People claimed no stars wanted to come to Cleveland, but during that era, no stars were teaming up elsewhere either.


    The "no stars to Cleveland" narrative emerged only after the league shifted toward superteams.


    However, Han recognized a major issue: returning to Cleveland meant no stars would come to join him.


    He''d be left with just Kyrie Irving as his main help¡ªa massive challenge in any championship pursuit.


    On the other hand, there were clear benefits to returning.


    Gilbert was pragmatic and willing to adapt. If he could accommodate LeBron''s every whim in "history," he''d surely do the same or better for Han.


    From a strategic perspective for UA, returning to Cleveland would also disrupt Nike''s plans.


    And then there were the fans of Cleveland¡ªthe ones who cheered "MVP" for him behind LeBron, gathered to send him off when he left, and roared for him when he visited as a Grizzly.


    "We were so close to a championship before it all fell apart because of that traitor. Now we have a chance to restart," Gilbert said, throwing in another "traitor," his disdain for LeBron evident.


    In "history," he had no choice. Now, he did.


    "I want to go to the Clippers," Han finally said.


    While returning to the Cavaliers sounded appealing, he had better options now.


    Gilbert, visibly disappointed, quickly composed himself.


    "I respect your choice. But we won''t give up. Even if we don''t succeed, I''ll wish you a wonderful new journey in Los Angeles."


    Gilbert''s response left Han with a bit of newfound respect for the man.


    For an NBA owner, profit was the priority¡ªmoney talks, after all.


    Han escorted Gilbert to the door.


    Before leaving, Gilbert turned to him again. "Thank you for agreeing to meet me today, no matter what."


    "I told you, that''s all in the past, Daniel," Han replied calmly.


    ...


    With the draft approaching, rumors were intensifying.


    The Miami Heat, initially on the brink of falling apart, had regained some confidence thanks to Han Sen trade rumors.


    The team''s front office was actively working to re-sign Wade and Bosh for one more push.


    However, other sources suggested Miami might let Wade and Bosh go, opting instead to build a new superteam around Kevin Durant.


    Meanwhile, ESPN reported that the Cavaliers had put this year''s No. 1 overall pick on the trade block.


    In late May''s lottery, Cleveland had miraculously won the top pick with just a 1.7% chance.


    This year''s projected No. 1 pick, Andrew Wiggins, had been dubbed the greatest prospect since LeBron James.


    That top pick carried immense trade value.


    In Los Angeles, media reports indicated Kobe Bryant was recruiting stars to join him in his final push for a championship, vowing to make any sacrifices necessary to achieve that goal.


    The day before the draft, Rush visited Han at his home.


    After hesitating, he finally spoke after sitting down for a long time.


    "The Clippers can''t provide what the team needs. We''re sending you to Cleveland," he said, coughing and shifting uncomfortably.


    It was clear he lacked confidence in delivering the news.


    And rightly so¡ªthis decision would upset Han and even alienate Grizzlies fans.


    But this was the decision Heisley had just made.


    "You''re telling me they''re treating the man who brought them a dynasty like this?" Rondo slammed the table and stood up in fury.


    "They didn''t even want me to notify you yet. The trade will finalize tomorrow night... I-I never should''ve taken this GM position!" Rush admitted, shame etched on his face.


    As Wallace''s former assistant GM, he inherited the role by succession. Now, he deeply appreciated Wallace''s foresight in dodging this inevitable scapegoat role.


    Rush''s unexpected outburst left Rondo momentarily speechless.


    "Go tell Michael Heisley this: if he really goes through with this decision, he''ll regret it," Han Sen finally spoke, his tone calm yet cutting.


    Relieved as if a heavy weight had been lifted, Rush nodded apologetically before leaving.


    ...


    "How could Heisley even dare?!" Rondo fumed after Rush left.


    Han Sen didn''t respond.


    From a purely transactional perspective, the trade was logical. The Clippers lacked young stars, with Blake Griffin being their most valuable trade chip. Yet, Memphis already had the "Black and White Bears." Acquiring Griffin would only replace Zach Randolph, leaving the power forward position largely unchanged¡ªessentially trading him away for nothing.


    Draft picks? Just like the picks Miami gave Cleveland post-"The Decision," those picks would lose value with a competitive team.


    In contrast, the Cavaliers had far more enticing trade assets: the 2014 #1 overall pick, last year''s #1 pick Nerlens Noel, the 2012 #4 pick Dion Waiters, and the 2011 #4 pick Tristan Thompson. If pushed, Cleveland might even include Kyrie Irving in the deal.


    All of these were players Memphis could use and avoid the luxury tax in the process.


    No wonder Gilbert had approached Han Sen earlier with such confidence.


    But to Han, this wasn''t just about trade returns.


    He had built a dynasty in Memphis, elevating the Grizzlies to heights they''d never dreamed of.


    Yet Heisley¡ªlike Rondo said¡ªdared to ignore his wishes.


    "Chris, go bring Jamal over," Han instructed after a moment of silence.


    Originally, Han wanted a peaceful departure. After all, winning a dynasty meant Memphis and the Grizzlies were a significant Chapter in his journey.


    But if Heisley insisted on ignoring his demands, Han would ensure the miserly owner paid dearly for his choice.


    ...


    The 2014 NBA Draft was set for June 26th at 8 PM at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.


    However, before the draft began, a bombshell rocked the league.


    The Cleveland Cavaliers traded the 2014 #1 overall pick, the 2013 #1 pick Nerlens Noel, the 2012 #4 pick Dion Waiters, unprotected first-round picks in 2015 and 2017, and a $5 million trade exception to acquire Han Sen and James Johnson from the Memphis Grizzlies.


    While trade rumors had been swirling, the deal''s confirmation sent shockwaves across the league.


    Its impact was likened to Michael Jordan''s first retirement after completing his first three-peat.


    Speculation initially suggested Han might''ve lost interest in contending with Memphis, just as Jordan did with Chicago. Given Han''s achievements, no one could''ve forced his departure unless it was his own desire.


    However, that narrative didn''t last long.


    Within hours, an explosive report from TNT journalist Khalil revealed another side of the story:


    "Han Sen was ready to lead the Grizzlies to a fourth consecutive title, but owner Michael Heisley traded him away to dodge the luxury tax."


    The article included damning details, noting the animosity between Han and Heisley over the owner''s insistence on trading away Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph, which ultimately led to this fallout.


    Much like how Brian Windhorst was known as LeBron''s go-to reporter, Khalil was widely recognized as close to Han.


    The credibility of Khalil''s report instantly incited a firestorm among Memphis fans.


    They believed it wholeheartedly, as it even explained Wallace''s resignation¡ªhe had stepped down to avoid trading Han!


    Heisley wasn''t the only one under fire; new GM Rush also became a scapegoat for the fans'' ire.


    In response, Heisley hurriedly took to social media to issue a denial:


    "Han Sen requested the trade! It was part of the agreement when he signed the supermax contract!"


    He even tagged Wallace and Han''s agent, Thomas, hoping for corroboration.


    But Wallace and Thomas chose silence.


    Even more tellingly, the Grizzlies'' players collectively "disappeared" from social media.


    Then came the truly chaotic part.


    As Adam Silver walked onto the stage to begin his first draft as commissioner, news broke of a shocking incident in Memphis.


    Michael Heisley''s mansion had been stormed and set ablaze by furious fans. His luxury cars in the driveway were vandalized and destroyed.


    Simultaneously, large crowds of Grizzlies fans gathered outside the FedEx Forum, hoisting signs and chanting, "Get Heisley out of Memphis!"


    Reports indicated Heisley fled Memphis on a late-night flight.


    Despite preparing for backlash, Heisley clearly hadn''t anticipated Han to retaliate with such calculated ruthlessness.


    Worse yet, Memphis fans believed Han''s side of the story without question.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Cleveland was abuzz with celebration. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fans spontaneously flooded the streets without any formal rallying call, creating scenes of jubilation.


    Journalists scrambled to capture the surreal moment.


    People held up hastily-made signs with messages like, "Welcome Home, Han!" and "We''ve Missed You, Han!"


    Many donned old #77 Cavaliers jerseys from Han''s rookie season¡ªsome so ill-fitting after years of wear that they looked like spandex¡ªbut their excitement was undeterred.


    Gathering outside Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (formerly The Q), they chanted Han''s name with uncontainable enthusiasm.


    At that moment, it became clear: Han''s popularity in Cleveland wasn''t just a product of his Grizzlies success. It had been cemented during his rookie year with the Cavaliers.


    Cleveland''s king was coming home.


    -End of Chapter-


    TL/n: Sorry for the poor quality of this Chapter. Tried translating on the phone for the first time..


    Edit: Re-translated on 29th Dec, 2024.

 Chapter 255: I’m Back?. (Revised)

    Chapter 255: I''m Back?. (Revised)"What? Han went back to Cleveland?!"


    LeBron James was dumbfounded when Rich Paul told him about what was happening outside.


    This summer, LeBron signed a 4-year, $80 million contract extension with Nike, similar to his previous deal.


    But sneaker deals are like rowing against the current¡ªif you''re not moving forward, you''re falling behind.


    By normal standards, his third deal with Nike should''ve been a lifetime contract.


    Instead, not only was it not a lifetime deal, Nike had shifted its focus, signing Kevin Durant to a 10-year, $300 million extension.


    Despite Durant not winning a title last season, the shift in Nike''s priorities was obvious.


    It wasn''t surprising¡ªLeBron''s performance over the past two years had been underwhelming, failing to deliver any significant achievements.


    And this new deal with Nike came with strings attached: he had to comply with their every demand.


    LeBron''s camp had even explored options with Adidas, but Adidas seemed more interested in a different James¡ªJames Harden.


    In the end, LeBron accepted the offer, especially after Nike executives pitched him on a "hometown basketball" narrative.


    The setbacks he''d endured since The Decision could all be undone by returning to Cleveland and fulfilling his championship promise.


    This "hometown basketball" storyline was set to be a heartwarming Chapter.


    Nike also promised to build a team tailored to his needs:


    - Kyrie Irving, a Nike star with dazzling skills but no playoff appearances, needed LeBron''s veteran guidance.Kevin


    - Love, putting up gaudy stats in Minnesota but also without playoff experience, required a bigger stage to prove himself.


    LeBron was prepared to make The Decision 2, recapturing the spotlight this summer.


    But all of that was now shattered by Han Sen''s trade!


    The rumors were just temporary noise that LeBron could tolerate, as his free agency status meant he''d control the narrative when the time came.


    But now¡ªnow you''re telling him Han Sen went to Cleveland?!


    If Han was in Cleveland, where could LeBron go?


    The whole idea of "hometown basketball" revolved around him being the son of Akron, an Ohio city near Cleveland.


    What was he supposed to do now, claim to be a citizen of the United States and call anywhere his hometown?


    LeBron''s expression twisted into rage as the realization hit him.


    That bastard¡ªout of 28 other teams, why did he have to choose Cleveland?!


    ...


    "Word is Han wanted to stay in Memphis, but the Grizzlies'' owner traded him to save on payroll," Rich Paul said, trying to console him.


    "You believe that?" LeBron shot back, skepticism in his tone. Only the gullible Memphis fans would buy into Han''s nonsense.


    Rich Paul shook his head. "But one thing''s certain: Cleveland wasn''t Han''s first choice. Otherwise, this wouldn''t have turned into such a mess."


    Effective persuasion. Hearing this, LeBron''s anger subsided slightly, but it didn''t ease the sting entirely.


    After all, it meant Han had blocked his path. Cleveland was no longer an option for him.


    ...


    "Nike''s already in contact with me. They''re working on a Plan B and should have an update soon," Rich added.


    LeBron exhaled in relief.


    Nike had invested in him with this new deal and would ensure he had a proper landing spot.


    Still, he was seething inside, needing a way to blow off steam.


    "Call Diddy. See when his next party is."


    ...


    Meanwhile, Han Sen stood on the balcony of his rented villa.


    The house wasn''t far from FedExForum, so he could see the commotion outside the arena.


    As expected, Michael Heisley couldn''t stay in Memphis.


    If Heisley dared return, he might literally get a taste of lead bullets.


    No one was even bringing up the original contract clause anymore¡ªnot the Grizzlies players, not the fans.


    And even if someone did, no one would believe it.


    Han''s departure from Memphis was a done deal, and someone had to take the fall.


    But Heisley had brought this upon himself. Han had intended for a peaceful parting, despite some prior disagreements.


    Some people, however, had a knack for overestimating his tolerance.


    ...


    Chris Rondo stepped out onto the balcony, holding a phone.


    Han had stepped outside to catch some air after watching the NBA Draft with Rondo earlier.


    The Cavaliers had used the first overall pick to select Andrew Wiggins¡ªclearly for Memphis.


    Wiggins'' talent was undeniable, though whether he could shake off his "soft" label in Memphis remained to be seen.


    For veterans like Zach Randolph and Rudy Gay, Wiggins might actually be a decent addition.


    ...


    "The call went through," Rondo said, handing the phone to Han.


    On the other end of the line was David Griffin, the Cavaliers'' general manager.


    The ongoing draft and Cleveland''s top pick had delayed the call slightly.


    "Han, I can''t wait to see you!" Griffin''s excitement was palpable.


    Among the many perks of returning to the Cavaliers, one thing that hadn''t been mentioned enough was Griffin himself.


    Han had a good impression of the GM, who''d once personally handed him his rookie locker plaque, helped him move his belongings, and checked in on him immediately after his injury.


    ...


    "Before we meet, there''s something I need you to do," Han said directly.


    "Anything¡ªjust don''t ask me to trade you back again!" Griffin quipped, still riding the high.


    The last GM to trade for Han, Chris Wallace, was now the Nets'' new president. His promotion was largely thanks to that trade for Han.


    If Griffin could bring Han back to the Cavaliers, it would be the crowning achievement of his career.


    ...


    "Find a way to acquire a late first-round pick and draft a Serbian player named Nikola Joki?," Han instructed.


    Cleveland wasn''t exactly a hot spot for top-tier free agents, so building through the draft was their only option.


    While rookies required time to develop, Han wasn''t in a rush¡ªunlike LeBron.


    In fact, if it weren''t for Wiggins being part of the trade package that brought him back, Han wouldn''t have minded mentoring the ''Tea Prince'' and helping him grow.


    After all, Wiggins had never fully realized his potential in history.


    "No problem," Griffin replied decisively.


    "Make sure it happens," Han reiterated for emphasis.


    Returning to the Cavaliers meant the team wouldn''t have high lottery picks for the next few years. Their best bet was to find hidden gems in the late first round¡ªa process often referred to as ''dumpster diving'' for talent.


    And when it came to hidden gems, none were bigger than Joki?.


    Besides, Cleveland''s backcourt already had Kyrie Irving; their real weakness was the frontcourt.


    "Consider it done," Griffin guaranteed.


    If it had been a lottery pick, he might have needed Dan Gilbert''s approval. But for a late first-rounder, Griffin had full autonomy.


    After hanging up, Han returned to the room.


    The draft was still in its lottery phase, so he picked up his phone and started scrolling through social media.


    ...


    "I''m a Heat fan. Thank you, Heisley! The sun is finally shining in Miami¡ªit''s our time now!"


    "I''m a Spurs fan. That damn bastard is finally out of the West! Now it''s full steam ahead for TD''s final championship run!"


    "The Grizzlies can''t keep paying over $40 million in luxury taxes every year. If Han refuses to let the management trade anyone else, then they have no choice but to trade him."


    "Players shouldn''t meddle in management decisions. Han overstepped his boundaries, so he got traded. I don''t see anything wrong with that."


    "Han''s success depended on the Grizzlies'' system. Nobody wants to play in Cleveland, so he''ll never win another championship there."


    "The Cavs gave up too much to trade for Han Sen. He won''t achieve anything LeBron couldn''t in Cleveland."


    "What''s left in Cleveland? Kyrie and Tristan Thompson? No matter how good Han is, what can he do with that?"


    "This trade ruined the Cavaliers. They could''ve traded Wiggins for Love and brought in LeBron, forming a contender. Instead, now they''re just a playoff team."


    "Even after leading the Grizzlies to a dynasty, Han still has a lot to prove."


    "Brother, basketball is a team sport. Wasn''t Jordan great in his first six years with the Bulls? He still lost."


    "Cleveland has zero championships in the four major sports leagues. That says it all¡ªno one succeeds there!"


    "The Cavs'' management is a joke. Four years ago, they traded Han away, and none of the assets they got in return remain. Now they''ve given up almost everything they''ve built over the past four years to trade him back. Those four years of tanking were for nothing!"


    "Dan Gilbert is about to become the league''s biggest joke. He thinks he''s getting Jordan, but he''ll soon find out Han is no Jordan."


    "Before Han went to Memphis, who thought he could bring a dynasty to that chaotic city? You don''t understand what having him means!"


    "I''m a Cavs fan. Y''all don''t need to worry about us. Han will bring us a championship¡ªI have no doubt!"


    "Ever heard the phrase, ''Sour grapes''? Mark my words: when Han lifts the championship trophy for Cleveland, you''ll all eat those words."


    ...


    The discourse was heated. It was clear that Han''s return to Cleveland wouldn''t be a smooth ride.


    Still, this kind of chatter was better than Han expected¡ªit was generating plenty of [hater points].


    By now, the draft had nearly concluded.


    At the 28th pick, Griffin made his move.


    He traded Tyler Zeller, the 17th overall pick from 2012, to the Miami Heat for their 28th pick this year.


    Han remembered Zeller¡ªa decent rotational player with room to grow, having just finished his second season.


    While the Cavs might''ve lost a bit in this trade, getting Joki? in return made it worthwhile.


    Although the Heat management didn''t play a major role in this, much like the Hornets years ago, fans would likely talk about it for years.


    "The Miami Heat select Nikola Joki?, a 6-foot-11 center from Serbia," Adam Silver announced. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hearing this, Han couldn''t help but smile.


    That sense of securing something valuable was immensely satisfying.


    What Han didn''t know was the scene unfolding in the Nuggets'' draft room.


    The Denver staff were stunned.


    Joki? had been playing in a small Serbian league and was a hidden gem they''d scouted extensively. Unlike prospects like Dirk Nowitzki or Manu Gin¨®bili, who had showcased their skills on larger stages, Joki? was supposed to fly completely under the radar.


    They''d planned to snag him confidently with a second-round pick.


    Now, someone had swooped in and taken him with a first-rounder?


    ...


    Meanwhile, far away in Serbia, Joki? was equally dumbfounded.


    Wasn''t he supposed to go to Denver? How had Cleveland entered the picture?


    Where even was Cleveland? He pulled out a map of America to figure it out.


    ...


    "Big men have less and less room to thrive in today''s league," Rondo remarked, watching how invested Han was in this Serbian player.


    Having spent so much time with Han, this was the first time Rondo had seen him push so hard for a draft pick.


    "He''s not just any big man," Han replied without elaborating.


    Only he, as a time traveler, knew what Joki? would become.


    With Joki?, Kyrie, and Tristan Thompson, the Cavaliers now had a legitimate shot at contention.


    If things went well, they might even win more than one championship before Han''s contract expired.


    Han had no intention of staying in Cleveland long-term. By the time this contract ended, he''d be 30 and ready to prioritize his business ventures.


    At that point, he''d likely move to a major market.


    In fact, if he could''ve joined the Clippers now, he might''ve pulled a LeBron-style ''Not 7'' speech.


    But life rarely goes as planned. The twists and turns are what make it interesting.


    Rondo then handed Han a tablet, showing a video of Cleveland fans gathered outside Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, chanting his name and shouting "Welcome home!"


    The crowd looked massive¡ªeasily several thousand, tightly packed together.


    Surprisingly, despite the lack of police presence, the scene was incredibly orderly.


    It was hard to believe that these were the same fans who had burned LeBron''s jersey and stormed his mansion four years ago, just like Memphis fans were doing tonight.


    To be honest, Han hadn''t expected this.


    He knew Cleveland fans liked him, but he''d underestimated their passion.


    Returning to Cleveland hadn''t been his idea, but seeing this moved him deeply.


    At that moment, he realized his return might not just be fun¡ªit might be meaningful.


    With that thought, Han picked up his phone, opened his social media, and posted:


    "I''m back."


    -End of Volume 2-


    Translator''s note: I couldn''t stockpile enough Chapters. I tried doing it on the phone but I''m not happy with how it turned out. So I''ve decided to go on a hiatus until January next year.


    I''ll revise these last two Chapters when I get back. I just wanted to end volume 2 for now since last Chapter ended on a cliff.


    I know I said I''d keep the daily updates. I lied.


    I''m sorry...


    Edit: Revised on 29th Dec, 2024.

 Chapter 256: The Reunion.

    Chapter 256: The Reunion.(TL/n: Guess who''s back?


    I''ve re-translated the previous two Chapters since they were done on the phone. So for those who want to jog their memories a little, you can re-read those.


    I''ve got a lot of ground to cover now as the original author has since increased the gap to over 100 Chapters...


    Good news is we''re back to the usual shcedule. Expect 3-5 Chapters daily.


    Also I want to thank everyone who''s been sending me power stones through the hiatus. Or else I might''ve just forgotten about this xD.)


    The day after the draft, Han Sen and Rondo drove to Cleveland in Han''s Rolls Royce.


    Gay and Randolph were still in Memphis. When they heard Han was leaving, they came to see him off.


    Gay''s eyes reddened again. A straightforward person''s emotions are always more easily stirred.


    Han patted Gay on the shoulder. "This isn''t some tragic goodbye."


    He''d return to Memphis to play games, not to mention the All-Star Weekend being held there next year.


    As he waved goodbye to Gay and the others, Han''s gaze fell on the Pyramid Arena in the distance.


    At that moment, he felt the peculiarities of life.


    Who would''ve thought that the scene when he arrived four years ago would look exactly the same when he was leaving now?


    But this time, there was no dilly-dallying. They drove straight to Cleveland.


    The familiar fresh air, lush greenery, and cityscapes greeted him again.


    After all this time, he was back in this retirement-friendly city.


    This time, though, they didn''t have to figure everything out themselves. The Cavaliers had already arranged a luxurious villa near the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse for them.


    After the dynasty-building success in Memphis, Han''s return to Cleveland was nothing short of a triumphant homecoming.


    Not long after his arrival, David Griffin came by to see him, bringing along some items¡ªan access card for the arena, a directory of the Cavaliers'' management team, and more.


    Griffin was a very reliable man.


    Having known Han for years, he also understood Han''s needs.


    But Griffin wasn''t just there to deliver these items; he had more to discuss.


    First, the head coaching situation.


    Last season, the Cavaliers had gone all out to make the playoffs.


    They re-signed former head coach Mike Brown, added Jarrett Jack, and later traded for Luol Deng and Spencer Hawes.


    But they still fell short of making the playoffs.


    Though that failure seemed like a blessing in disguise now, the management had decided to part ways with Brown again.


    And yes, Han''s presence did factor into this decision.


    Back when they''d worked together, Han and Brown hadn''t gotten along well. Keeping Brown would only create unnecessary friction.


    With Brown gone, they needed a replacement.


    The leading candidate was Mike Malone.


    When Han left Cleveland, Malone left with him.


    Over the years, Malone had steadily climbed the coaching ladder, becoming the head coach of the Sacramento Kings last season.


    Though Malone got along well with DeMarcus Cousins, the team''s 28-54 record had him on the brink of being fired.


    Given the history between Han and Malone, this seemed like the perfect opportunity.


    Han had no objections to bringing Malone back.


    Though they hadn''t worked together in four years, they''d stayed in touch. Malone congratulated Han after each championship win.


    After years in the NBA, Han had a solid understanding of head coaches. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As long as the coach didn''t create problems and could communicate well with players, they were already better than most.


    Besides, Malone knew his stuff.


    Griffin then shifted the discussion to free agency.


    The NBA evolves quickly. Most of the Cavaliers from Han''s previous stint were either retired, like Shaquille O''Neal and Antawn Jamison, or out of the league.


    The only ones still active were LeBron, Han, Mo Williams, and Delonte West.


    West had played for the Grizzlies on a one-year minimum deal last season and was now a free agent.


    With Billups mostly sidelined, West had seen significant minutes, averaging 6.2 points and 2.5 assists per game.


    Meanwhile, Mo Williams had bounced around the league, playing for the Clippers, Jazz, and Trail Blazers.


    He''d signed a 2-year, $5.6 million deal with Portland, averaging 9.1 points and 4.7 assists last season. He was expected to decline his player option to re-sign.


    Griffin planned to bring both players back.


    Between Malone and former Cavaliers players, it was clear the management was going all out to make Han feel at home.


    Of course, considering what Dan Gilbert had told him before, there was also a subtle motive to prove that Cleveland''s lack of success was LeBron''s fault, not the team''s.


    Han had no problem with any of this.


    However, he didn''t delve deeper into the details with Griffin.


    The Cavaliers were in a state of transition.


    Players like Deng and Hawes had expiring contracts, and Griffin''s roster list showed that only a handful of players¡ªIrving, Tristan Thompson, Dante Cunningham, Jarrett Jack, Anderson Varej?o, and Matthew Dellavedova¡ªwere under guaranteed contracts.


    Altogether, their salaries amounted to just $44 million, nearly $20 million below the cap.


    This meant they had plenty of room to maneuver during the summer.


    But they couldn''t make moves blindly; the team''s playing style had to be determined first.


    The Cavaliers'' situation was completely different from the Grizzlies''.


    When Han joined Memphis, the Grizzlies already had a well-established system. Han was simply a piece of the puzzle.


    Of course, he ended up being the biggest piece.


    The Cavaliers, on the other hand, were starting from scratch.


    With a new coach and a new system, no one knew yet what style they''d adopt next season.


    Only after that was determined could they sign the right players.


    This would all hinge on Malone''s arrival.


    With free agency opening in two days, time was tight for Cleveland.


    After Griffin left, Han got to work.


    He asked Rondo to scout out potential houses.


    Despite spending four years in Memphis, Han never considered buying property there due to safety concerns.


    Cleveland, with its great environment, was a different story. Han planned to buy a home this summer.


    Meanwhile, Han drove to the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.


    Humans crave a sense of belonging, and while Han had played in this arena before, returning as a Cavalier felt entirely different.


    As he parked and prepared to enter, he glanced up at the front of the arena and couldn''t help but smile.


    There, towering over the entrance, was a brand-new poster of himself in a No. 77 Cavaliers jersey.


    Four years ago, he''d complained about the slow updates to the arena''s posters. This time, they''d been astonishingly quick.


    Using the access card Griffin had given him, Han walked straight into the locker room.


    When he stepped into the familiar "locker room sauna," Han Sen noticed that the locker that used to belong to him had been completely cleared out, and his nameplate was already back in place.


    Perhaps it wasn''t the arena staff suddenly becoming more efficient, but rather a directive from the management.


    Han Sen fumbled in his pocket for a moment and pulled out the nameplate Griffin had given him years ago.


    He''d kept it in his wallet as a memento, swapping wallets several times but always keeping the nameplate.


    However, compared to the new one, the old nameplate had yellowed slightly with age.


    He placed the old nameplate in front of the new one.


    Looking at the scene in front of him, he couldn''t help but feel a twinge of emotion.


    It was like those moments in life when you feel as if you just graduated from college yesterday, even though years have passed. Now, being back with the Cavaliers, it felt as if he had never left.


    After putting his bag into the locker, he started changing into his gear.


    He hadn''t trained much over the past few days, and it was about time to get active again.


    The training facility was just as familiar to him, and he quickly settled into his routine.


    After practicing for only a short while, Dante Cunningham walked in.


    The guy had originally gone to Miami for a vacation but took the earliest flight back to Cleveland upon hearing that Han Sen had returned.


    Seeing Han Sen, Cunningham was so excited that if Han hadn''t stopped him, the guy might have launched himself at Han like Harden did to Yao Ming, with all 200 pounds of his body.


    "Boss, why didn''t you tell me earlier that you were coming back? I could''ve picked you up!"


    Hearing the familiar yet distant nickname, Han Sen could only shake his head with a smile.


    After seeing the crazed video of Cavaliers fans welcoming him back, he had chosen to keep things as low-key as possible.


    The new season presented significant challenges, and he needed to focus on getting himself into peak condition before it began.


    "I''m already here. Go get changed and practice with me," Han Sen said while starting his warm-up.


    Cunningham nodded and hurried back to the locker room.


    ...


    Moments later, he returned in his training gear.


    The two played one-on-one for over half an hour.


    Cunningham''s skills, particularly his defense, had improved year by year, which was why he''d managed to remain in the league as an undersized big man.


    However, the gap between him and Han Sen was enormous¡ªHan was basically just warming up.


    After their scrimmage, they sat courtside to chat.


    "Boss, if you didn''t come back, I feel like in two years I''d have no choice but to go play in the CBA," Cunningham joked, alluding to how playing for a weak team for too long could lower a player''s value.


    "But now that you''re here, I don''t think anyone will want to face us next season."


    Han Sen couldn''t help but laugh at that. Clearly, this guy had been keeping up with the news about him.


    "Tell me about the team," Han Sen said.


    He had deliberately avoided discussing the roster in detail with Griffin earlier because, compared to management, players often had a more grounded understanding of their teammates.


    Cunningham had been a reserve for most of his time with the Cavaliers, initially backing up Jamison and later Tristan Thompson.


    After his contract expired last season, the Cavaliers re-signed him to a three-year, $8.9 million deal.


    Though his role and contract weren''t significant, he had gradually become a "veteran" on the team. No one knew the ins and outs of the Cavaliers better than he did.


    "Kyrie is a very contradictory person. He''s extremely confident¡ªhe believes he can handle everything on his own¡ªbut his emotional intelligence is low. Boss, you know what I mean? He''s the kind of guy who says before a game that we need to play as a team, but then goes out there and plays hero ball all by himself."


    Hearing this, Han Sen instinctively rubbed his temples. He''d known Kyrie would be a handful, but it seemed the situation was worse than he had anticipated.


    "That said, off the court, he''s actually a great guy. He gives us Christmas gifts and frequently helps out underprivileged communities."


    Kyrie was undoubtedly one of the NBA''s most complex personalities.


    "TT is the toughest guy I''ve ever seen on the court, but his temper isn''t great. He''s also a regular at nightclubs¡ªwho knows how he manages to show up the next day full of energy after a night out?"


    Han Sen laughed at that.


    Thompson''s nightlife habits weren''t surprising, given that he was the only one in the NBA to break through the Kardashian family''s "full-court press."


    Forget the mythical 28 Club; if anyone was truly unbreakable, it had to be TT.


    "Spencer''s nickname is ''Needle.'' He hasn''t been with the team long, but he''s one of the most popular guys. Just like his nickname suggests, he''s great at threading the needle with his passes, and off the court, he brings everyone together. He''s also a foodie and a hairstylist¡ªreally cool guy."


    Han Sen didn''t know much about Spencer Hawes. From previous matchups, he only remembered him as a three-point-shooting big man.


    Now it seemed he could do much more than that¡ªa bit like a budget version of Jokic.


    "Luol is a very composed guy, a natural leader, and a true team player. But he doesn''t seem happy here; I think he''s likely to leave this summer."


    Deng was the kind of player who often flew under the radar. Han Sen knew from "history" that Deng had later landed a massive contract with the Lakers, though injuries and age eventually caught up with him.


    Before his decline, though, he was one of the best second-tier forwards in the league¡ªa cost-effective, versatile wing with excellent defense, even better than Gay''s.


    "Matthew is the hardest-working player on the team. Boss, I''ve rarely seen anyone train as intensely as you, but he''s one of them."


    Cunningham specifically mentioned Matthew Dellavedova among the reserves.


    Han Sen had a deep impression of Dellavedova, given that Australia''s backcourt duo¡ªDellavedova and Patty Mills¡ªwas still terrorizing opponents in their late 30s.


    Looking at the roster now, the Cavaliers weren''t as bad as they seemed last season. The issue might really have been Kyrie''s inability to lead the team effectively.


    Or, more accurately, the team lacked someone who could keep Kyrie in check.


    Griffin wasted no time. While Han Sen was training at the arena, Griffin had flown to Sacramento.


    That same day, Mike Malone reached a buyout agreement with the Kings and signed a four-year, $10 million contract with the Cavaliers.


    On the eve of free agency, Han Sen met a travel-weary Malone at the Quicken Loans Arena.


    Compared to four years ago, Malone now looked noticeably older. Despite being only 43, streaks of gray had appeared at his temples.


    The pressure of being an NBA head coach was worlds apart from being an assistant.


    The former mentor and student exchanged smiles and shared a firm, heartfelt hug.


    It''s worth noting that the buyout terms for coaches are less favorable than being outright fired, meaning Malone had made financial sacrifices.


    But how could he say no when Han Sen was back with the Cavaliers?


    Back then, they had both been supporting cast members, unable to decide the team''s fate.


    But this time, they would be the ones steering the ship.

 Chapter 257: The 2014 NBA Free Agency.

    Chapter 257: The 2014 NBA Free Agency.Time was of the essence, so after a brief catch-up, Han Sen and Mike Malone quickly dove into work, focusing on the most pressing issue for the Cleveland Cavaliers: the team''s tactical system for the upcoming season.


    In basketball, there are generally two overarching approaches to strategy:


    1. Building a system around the players'' strengths.


    2. Building a roster to fit a pre-established system.


    The Memphis Grizzlies were a prime example of the first approach. With their "Twin Towers," Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, the team had no choice but to adopt a half-court offense. Fast-paced strategies like run-and-gun were simply out of the question, nor could they rely heavily on three-pointers. Excessive attempts from beyond the arc would open them up to fast-break opportunities for opponents, a situation their slow-footed bigs couldn''t handle defensively.


    On the other hand, coaches like Mike D''Antoni, Phil Jackson, and Rick Adelman epitomized the second approach. These tacticians refined systems like the triangle offense or pace-and-space, molding their teams to excel within these frameworks. Jackson''s triangle offense thrived with the Bulls and Lakers, while D''Antoni''s systems elevated his point guards to new heights.


    For the Cavaliers, the first approach was the logical choice. Malone, with limited head coaching experience, hadn''t yet developed his own signature system. The team''s success would revolve around Han Sen and Kyrie Irving, designing a system to maximize their strengths while taking into account the potential free-agent acquisitions.


    Malone wasted no time pulling out a notebook he''d filled during long hours of preparation, including while flying to Cleveland. Inside was a rough sketch of a tactical system: the "Four-Out, One-In" system.


    As Malone began explaining his vision, Han Sen''s eyes widened.


    The concept was surprisingly apt for the Cavaliers. Whether or not Luol Deng returned, Spencer Hawes seemed likely to re-sign. Hawes, a 7''1" center, had transformed into a capable three-point shooter, averaging 3.9 attempts per game last season at a 41.6% clip. After joining the Cavs midseason, his accuracy soared to an astonishing 44.8%. Beyond his shooting, Hawes was skilled at passing, a trait stemming from his early days as a guard, averaging 3 assists per game last season.


    While traditionalists might label him "soft" for his perimeter-oriented game, Hawes'' ability to stretch the floor was invaluable for a "Four-Out, One-In" strategy. Moreover, his rim protection was underrated, consistently averaging over 1 block per game.


    Historically, the Houston Rockets'' back-to-back championships in the mid-1990s utilized a similar system, though with Hakeem Olajuwon as the interior focal point. The Cavaliers'' iteration would shift the primary playmaking from the post to the perimeter.


    Malone''s version of the "Four-Out, One-In" was also versatile. The "star" of the system could be Han Sen or Irving, as both possessed solid three-point shooting and could thrive off-ball. This flexibility even mitigated Irving''s weaknesses as a playmaker, allowing him to focus on driving and kicking the ball out to open shooters.


    "That said," Malone cautioned, "the challenge lies in you, Han. This will require you to transition from a pure scorer to a primary playmaker."


    Han couldn''t help but smile. "Mike," he said, grinning, "just when I think I''ve figured you out, you surprise me."


    Malone raised an eyebrow in curiosity.


    "I thought you''d go with a heavy pick-and-roll system," Han continued. "You know, something built around me and Kyrie, like... well, like what you might do with another big-time duo someday."


    Han''s grin widened, knowing Malone couldn''t possibly understand the subtext. As a time traveler, Han had foreknowledge of Malone''s future success in Denver, where a pick-and-roll-centric offense featuring Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray would become his trademark.


    "But clearly," Han added, "you''re not just a one-trick pony. You''re the kind of chef who knows how to adapt the recipe to the ingredients."


    Malone chuckled. Han''s approval signaled his willingness to buy into the system, a crucial step in implementing the strategy successfully. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once their meeting concluded, Malone rushed off to meet with GM David Griffin to align on free-agency moves. With the tactical framework in place, Griffin''s job was to assemble the right pieces to execute it.


    Han, meanwhile, focused on improving his own game. The new system demanded two critical skills from him: three-point shooting and playmaking. Unfortunately, neither was his strongest suit. His three-point shot was reliable but not elite, and while his passing was solid, it wasn''t at a superstar level.


    With his 700,000+ [hater points], Han still needed more to unlock first-tier upgrades in these areas. He would have to find a way to stir up some major controversy to generate a larger influx of hate.


    ...


    The next morning, the calendar turned to July 1, 2014, marking the official start of the NBA free-agency period.


    The moment the market opened, the atmosphere instantly became electric.


    As expected, the stars of the 2003 draft class¡ªLeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh¡ªall opted out of their player options. Carmelo Anthony also became a free agent as his contract expired, making them the core figures in this year''s free-agent pool.


    Additionally, players like Dirk Nowitzki, LaMarcus Aldridge, Pau Gasol, Kyle Lowry, Paul Pierce, Marcin Gortat, and Luol Deng were also worth watching.


    These were all unrestricted free agents, but this summer also marked the first free-agency period for the 2010 rookie class, who became restricted free agents.


    While a few players like John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins received early extensions, others¡ªsuch as Paul George, Gordon Hayward, Greg Monroe, Avery Bradley, Eric Bledsoe, and Chandler Parsons¡ªwere now restricted free agents and open to offers from other teams.


    For the Cleveland Cavaliers, aside from Spencer Hawes, they were also working hard to re-sign Luol Deng.


    Though not a sharpshooter, Deng could hit around 35% from three-point range. More importantly, his versatility made him valuable. Players worse than Deng wouldn''t demand much less, and those better than him were already All-Stars.


    Cleveland, being a less attractive destination for players compared to major cities, had an even harder time convincing stars or even mid-tier players to sign. Re-signing Deng thus became critical. They also pursued Channing Frye, one of the best three-point-shooting big men in the league. Frye''s advantage over Hawes was his mobility and ability to switch between interior and perimeter roles.


    Meanwhile, some players chose to retire as free agency began: Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Luke Walton, and Shane Battier.


    Among them, two were Han Sen''s former teammates, with Battier being particularly notable.


    Han had known about Battier''s retirement plans for a while. When Battier announced his decision on social media, Han was among the first to leave a congratulatory comment.


    If you had to pick a role player who "won big" in the NBA over the past decade, it would undoubtedly be Battier.


    Originally, he had only hoped to win a single playoff game for the Memphis Grizzlies. Instead, he ended up with three championship rings.


    Many NBA stars, including Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant, also left messages under Battier''s post to congratulate him.


    Battier was a consummate professional both on and off the court, earning unmatched respect across the league.


    While the biggest names in free agency remained undecided, Battier became the focus of the first day.


    Then, on the second day, Pat Riley stole the spotlight.


    Wade had opted out of a two-year, $41 million contract, but Riley offered him only a two-year, $31 million deal.


    The situation was baffling. If Wade signed, it would mean he essentially forfeited $10 million by opting out.


    Fans criticized Riley for being cold-blooded and urged Wade to consider leaving Miami, with some even suggesting he join the Cavaliers.


    Yet somehow, Riley managed to convince Wade to agree to the deal!


    This stunned everyone, including Han Sen.


    Han had assumed that with Durant replacing LeBron, Wade''s decision would be different. Instead, Wade showcased a classic case of "nice guys finish last" and "old habits die hard."


    It was a clear example of personality shaping destiny.


    From a championship perspective, Wade staying in Miami made sense. With Han leaving Memphis, the Heat had the best odds of winning next season. However, loyalty goes both ways, and Miami wouldn''t find a better replacement for Wade in free agency either.


    The first two days of free agency were lively, but the pace slowed considerably over the next two days.


    In Cleveland, progress was steady.


    First, they extended Kyrie Irving with a five-year, $90 million contract that would take effect in the 2015¨C16 season.


    Next, they re-signed Spencer Hawes with a four-year, $24 million deal, securing their starting center from last season.


    Hawes had averaged 13.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game, shooting 45.6% from the field and 41.6% from three-point range. While his stats could warrant a larger contract, his role as a specialist limited his market value.


    The Cavaliers also signed Mo Williams to a two-year, $7.5 million deal with a player option for the second year and brought back Delonte West on a veteran minimum contract.


    However, not every move was successful.


    Frye''s market value was significantly higher than Hawes'', ranging between $8 and $10 million annually. Spending that much on a backup was too extravagant.


    As for Deng, it became clear that he wasn''t particularly interested in staying in Cleveland.


    Deng hadn''t chosen to join the Cavaliers in the first place; he was traded there because the Bulls wanted to avoid luxury tax penalties. With Derrick Rose repeatedly sidelined due to injuries, Chicago''s title hopes had evaporated, leading to the trade.


    Now Deng wanted to play in a bigger city.


    His reason? Real estate.


    While most NBA players preferred to invest in emerging technologies or entertainment, Deng was passionate about real estate. Previously, his investments were focused on Africa and London, but he now had his sights set on the U.S.


    Cleveland, with its excellent medical facilities but stagnant real estate market, was far from ideal for his ambitions.


    As Deng''s departure became inevitable, the Cavaliers shifted their focus to pursuing wings like Trevor Ariza, C.J. Miles, and P.J. Tucker.


    But this process also proved challenging. For instance, Ariza was inclined to return to Houston, where the Rockets offered him a four-year, $32 million deal. To sign with Cleveland, he demanded $40 million over four years.


    Ultimately, the Cavaliers signed Tucker to a three-year, $18 million contract.


    Tucker, the 35th pick in the 2006 draft by the Raptors, had been waived early in his career and spent several years overseas before returning to the NBA in 2012. His defensive prowess helped him secure a starting role with the Phoenix Suns.


    Last season, he averaged 9.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, shooting 38.7% from three-point range.


    With this signing, the Cavaliers secured a starting wing to play alongside Han Sen, but it was only a minor ripple in the free-agent market.


    The real headline came when LeBron James finally announced his decision.


    After Han Sen''s return to the Cavaliers, Nike''s "hometown basketball" strategy was no longer viable for LeBron, making his next move a focal point for the league.


    With Carmelo Anthony signing a five-year, $129 million max deal to stay with the Thunder, LeBron lost the opportunity for a reunion with his "Banana Boat" brothers.


    This time, LeBron announced his decision not via a live TV special but through a heartfelt social media post.


    He spoke about the sacrifices he had made for his family over the years:


    "From South Beach to OKC, and then to New York, I''ve missed out on too much time with my wife and kids. I can no longer prioritize basketball alone; my life and my family come first. I want to give my children an excellent environment to grow up in."


    The post echoed his previous statement, "This is more than basketball."


    The key moment came at the end:


    "I will be joining the Los Angeles Lakers to chase a championship alongside Kobe Bryant."

 Chapter 258: Nike’s Strategy?.

    Chapter 258: Nike''s Strategy?.LeBron James'' decision shook the basketball world to its core.


    During David Stern''s era as NBA commissioner, the league tirelessly promoted the 23 vs. 24 rivalry¡ªLeBron James versus Kobe Bryant. Unfortunately, those dreams never materialized.


    But now? Stern had just retired, and instead of hyping battles, the narrative shifted to 23 + 24.


    "Game over. The Lakers won''t win one, not two, not three..."


    "This is the ultimate combo. They''ll dominate the league until Kobe retires."


    "What the hell? Han Sen just left Memphis, and now this happens? Didn''t Adam Silver try to stop it? Absolute madness!"


    "This is free agency. Why would Silver stop it? A once-in-a-lifetime team-up!"


    "So, who''s the Lakers'' leader now?"


    "Fun fact: LeBron doesn''t have a ''wife.'' He''s never been married. Instead of a letter, he should''ve just said, ''I''m teaming up with Kobe.''"


    "Oh, someone''s triggered. You must be KD''s burner account."


    "Interesting tidbit: Okafor and Pau Gasol''s contracts are expiring this summer. If the Lakers trade Lin, they''ll have cap space for another max-contract player alongside Kobe and LeBron."


    "True NBA endgame. Let''s build a dynasty before Kobe retires!"


    Meanwhile, Knicks owner James Dolan reacted to The Decision 2.0 much like Dan Gilbert had years ago¡ªby cursing LeBron.


    As a proud New Yorker, Dolan had bent over backward to accommodate LeBron, only for him to leave after one year. He labeled the move outright betrayal.


    The public, however, barely batted an eye. LeBron''s repeated departures had desensitized fans. It was like infidelity¡ªif it happened once, it would happen again.


    The question was: Why trust someone who had already betrayed a team before?


    LeBron''s decision also cost him money. Dolan, unlike Gilbert, wasn''t about to help with a sign-and-trade. If necessary, he''d let the Knicks tank¡ªit''s not like New Yorkers wouldn''t still pay for tickets.


    ...


    When Han Sen saw the news, he was stunned.


    Not by the Lakers'' potential dominance¡ªteam chemistry between LeBron and Kobe was already a massive question mark.


    No, he was shocked that LeBron would team up with Kobe at all¡ªand that Kobe would allow it.


    But upon reflection, it made sense. This was LeBron''s only shot to reclaim the spotlight. The narrative around 23 + 24 was even bigger than the Heat''s Big Three era.


    As for Kobe, Han couldn''t wrap his head around it. Even though Kobe had once stated he''d sacrifice for the team, his disdain for superteam tactics made this decision baffling. Perhaps there were unseen factors at play.


    What Han Sen did know, however, was this: Kobe fans (Kobestans) and LeBron fans (LeStans) were now united.


    This was truly a "once-in-a-lifetime" moment.


    ...


    Han quickly logged onto his social media and posted:


    "23 + 24 < 77."


    For years, Han could only trash-talk one group at a time. Kobe and LeBron fans were notoriously hostile toward one another.


    But now? Han could roast both camps simultaneously.


    ...


    Within minutes, Han''s social media turned into a battlefield.


    "Last season, you claimed you''d become the GOAT. Now you''re saying Kobe and LeBron combined don''t match you? What''s next? Solo-carrying to a championship?"


    "Arrogant fool! You''re nothing without the Grizzlies'' system."


    "I can''t wait for the Lakers to destroy you next season. Just start the season already!"


    "When it comes to drawing hate, you''re the true GOAT."


    ...


    Han''s "Hater Points" surged at a breakneck pace.


    In the past, his criticism of either Kobe or LeBron was limited to hardcore fans of one or the other. But this time, even casual supporters of both players were incensed.


    This single post guaranteed sky-high ratings for Cavs-Lakers games next season.


    ...


    While Han was busy amassing hate, the Cavaliers'' front office was making moves.


    They contacted the Knicks immediately. With LeBron gone, New York was heading into a rebuild, which meant their roster was essentially up for grabs.


    Cleveland traded Anderson Varejao and Jarrett Jack to the Knicks in exchange for Andrea Bargnani, J.R. Smith, and a second-round pick.


    Han Sen''s return to the Cavaliers meant Varejao''s departure was inevitable.


    Varejao was now injury-prone, but fortunately, the contract LeBron had gotten him only had one year left. Last season, he surprisingly played in 65 games, with 8.4 points and 9.7 rebounds, making him a tradeable asset.


    Bargnani wasn''t much better, though.


    Andrea Bargnani might not be the worst No. 1 overall pick in NBA history, but he''s certainly one of the least memorable. Many fans don''t even realize he was a former top pick.


    In Toronto, it took him three seasons to deliver a somewhat respectable 21.4 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Unfortunately, injuries derailed his career shortly thereafter.


    Last season, his campaign with the Knicks ended prematurely due to a torn elbow ligament.


    Cleveland hoped he could stay healthy as a backup center, especially since his three-point shooting (career 35% from deep) fit their system. Plus, his expiring contract was a low-risk gamble.


    J.R. Smith, on the other hand, was more of a "throw-in" player.


    Known for his erratic on-court decisions and off-court antics, J.R. had long been a headache for the Knicks. The Cavaliers figured his scoring ability off the bench was worth the gamble.


    With these moves, Cleveland''s roster was mostly set:


    Point Guards: Kyrie Irving, Mo Williams, Matthew Dellavedova


    Shooting Guards: Han Sen, J.R. Smith, Delonte West


    Small Forwards: P.J. Tucker, James Johnson, Sergey Karasev (2013 19th overall pick)


    Power Forwards: Tristan Thompson, Dante Cunningham


    Centers: Spencer Hawes, Andrea Bargnani


    While Cleveland solidified its roster, free agency chaos continued.


    LeBron''s move to the Lakers was just the beginning.


    The next day, Pau Gasol signed a 3-year, $30 million deal (with a player option) with the Miami Heat.


    Han was stunned.


    How did LeBron''s move to the Lakers result in Gasol leaving?


    Could it be that Gasol was the real backbone of the Lakers, someone who disdains the notion of forming superteams?


    Or was this part of a larger Heat strategy?


    Wade''s recent pay cut suddenly made sense. Miami was creating cap space to add Gasol, forming a potential Four Horsemen lineup.


    But Heat owner Micky Arison was notoriously frugal, so something didn''t quite add up.


    Then came another bombshell:


    Miami re-signed Chris Bosh to a 5-year, $118 million deal¡ªonly to trade him to the Rockets for Nikola Vucevic and a $20 million trade exception.


    Pat Riley, a philanthropist? Hardly.


    The only plausible explanation was that Bosh wanted to leave Miami for Houston.


    But why?


    With the Grizzlies weakened, the Heat were arguably the favorites for next season''s title.


    Han''s brain felt like it was overheating trying to make sense of it all.


    Of course, with these moves, the Rockets have become strong contenders for the championship. A trio of Chris Paul, James Harden, and Chris Bosh isn''t necessarily weaker than Kobe Bryant and LeBron James teaming up for the Lakers.


    Meanwhile, the Miami Heat made waves by re-signing Dwyane Wade on a bargain contract, signing Pau Gasol, and acquiring Nikola Vu?evi? for free. Amazingly, they still have $10 million in cap space left.


    From a competitive standpoint, Pat Riley''s moves are critical in breaking the Lakers'' dominance after they united Kobe and LeBron.


    Lakers uncontested in the West? Riley ensured that wouldn''t be the case by creating another powerhouse.


    If the Heat had retained Bosh, their roster would''ve been locked and largely unchanged from last season. By moving him, they gained flexibility and can now use the $10 million in cap space to shore up their perimeter defense.


    After all, last season''s Finals loss stemmed from Wade being unable to contain Han Sen.


    Though the Grizzlies have weakened, Han Sen hasn''t retired like Jordan. Miami knows they must strengthen their wing defense to compete. Keeping Bosh would''ve made that impossible.


    In fact, on the same day they traded Bosh, Miami followed up with more moves. They offered Celtics'' restricted free agent Avery Bradley a four-year, $40 million deal.


    Bradley is a capable playmaker, strong defender, and reliable three-point shooter, far superior to Mario Chalmers.


    Predictably, the Celtics matched the offer quickly, as Bradley is a cornerstone of their future.


    Undeterred, the Heat kept working. They signed Luol Deng to a two-year, $19.68 million contract. Simultaneously, they sent Kendrick Perkins and two second-round picks to the Knicks.


    These moves kept their salary under the luxury tax threshold, enabling them to use the full mid-level exception instead of the mini-mid-level exception.


    They then used most of their mid-level exception to sign "Swiss Army Knife" Thabo Sefolosha on a three-year, $12 million deal.


    The Thunder had marginalized Sefolosha after acquiring Arron Afflalo and drafting Andre Roberson, but his skillset remained solid.


    The Heat''s lineup now features Kevin Durant, Dwyane Wade, Pau Gasol, Luol Deng, Nikola Vu?evi?, Thabo Sefolosha, and Mario Chalmers.


    While it''s not a "Big Three" roster, it''s undeniably deeper and more versatile than before. Erik Spoelstra now has more flexibility in his rotations.


    Most importantly, Pau Gasol''s arrival addresses the Heat''s lack of playmaking.


    Though Gasol''s assist numbers aren''t flashy, his court vision and passing easily surpass those of Wade and Durant, allowing the duo to focus on scoring.


    Defensively and offensively, Gasol isn''t far behind Bosh, but his playmaking adds a new dimension.


    This revamped Heat team is undoubtedly stronger and more balanced than last season.


    The Lakers, meanwhile, made their own roster moves. They signed Channing Frye to a four-year, $32 million deal, signaling that they''re not rushing to form a Big Three just yet.


    There aren''t many suitable big men in this year''s free agency. Players like LaMarcus Aldridge surprisingly opted into their contracts or haven''t extended yet.


    Additionally, Jeremy Lin''s contract remains a challenge. The infamous "poison pill" deal rockets his salary to $14.89 million in its third year, making him difficult to trade despite decent performances.


    The Lakers re-signed Jordan Hill to a one-year, $9 million deal and, along with a future first-round pick, traded him to the Knicks for Anderson Varej?o.


    Finally, they inked Chris Kaman to a two-year, $10 million deal with a team option for the second year.


    "It won''t be easy winning a championship in Cleveland," Chris Rondo remarked as he handed Han Sen a list of vetted property options, taking the opportunity to discuss the free agency frenzy.


    Even though Han is back with the Cavaliers, the challenges he faces are far greater than those LeBron encountered during his time there.


    "That''s unavoidable," Rondo continued. "If Nike doesn''t counterattack now, UA might fully take over the market."


    Han wasn''t fazed by Rondo''s first point but perked up at the mention of Nike.


    In that moment, everything seemed to click.


    This offseason had been chaotic, but the major moves centered around the Heat, Rockets, and Lakers. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The common thread? The stars¡ªKobe Bryant and LeBron James on the Lakers, Chris Paul, James Harden, and Chris Bosh on the Rockets, and Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, and Pau Gasol on the Heat¡ªwere all Nike athletes.


    Nike had orchestrated a massive strategy this summer, adhering to the principle of not putting all its eggs in one basket.


    In the West, both the Rockets and Lakers are top-tier teams. No matter which one emerges victorious, Nike wins.


    In the East, the Heat act as the primary obstacle to Han Sen''s Cavaliers. Even if Cleveland makes it out of the East, they''ll face a battle-hardened team like the Lakers or Rockets in the Finals.


    For Nike, Han Sen''s UA-fueled dominance with the Grizzlies was the last straw.


    "They forgot one thing," Han remarked cryptically.


    Just then, their phones buzzed with breaking news from ESPN:


    The Warriors had parted ways with Mark Jackson and hired TNT analyst Steve Kerr on a five-year, $25 million deal.

 Chapter 259: The Magician.

    Chapter 259: The Magician.Before Han Sen''s time travel, the Lakers hiring J.J. Redick as their head coach was seen as a bold move. However, the Warriors had already set the precedent with a similar gamble.


    Steve Kerr, the Warriors'' new hire, came with a decorated resume as a player¡ªthree rings with Michael Jordan''s Bulls and two more with the Spurs. Post-retirement, he became a successful TNT analyst and even spent three years as the Suns'' GM. Yet, Kerr had zero coaching experience.


    Interestingly, his contract size revealed the Warriors'' belief in him, especially compared to Mike Malone''s deal. This breed of coaches isn''t about intricate tactics but rather grand strategic philosophies.


    Such coaches are typically paired with strong assistant coaches, and the Warriors brought in Alvin Gentry as Kerr''s lead assistant. Gentry, though less famous, boasted a rich coaching history, starting as an assistant with Gregg Popovich in 1989. His standout achievement was leading the aging 2009¨C10 Suns to the Western Conference Finals.


    Veteran fans might recall Gentry''s high praise for Han Sen during his Suns tryout. He even defended Han publicly when his minutes were limited during his early Cavaliers days. Gentry''s coaching evolved over time, eventually embracing the fast-paced "Seven Seconds or Less" offense under Mike D''Antoni.


    If Kerr''s hire was puzzling, Gentry''s addition signaled the Warriors'' intention to go all-in on offense.


    Han Sen was one of the few who took special interest in this news. Historically, similar coaching experiments often failed¡ªnames like Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, and Chauncey Billups came to mind. These legendary floor generals, supposedly tactical masterminds, often struggled as coaches.


    The Warriors, though, were an exception¡ªa unique product of Stephen Curry''s brilliance colliding with shifting league rules.


    Rondo, listening to Han''s analysis, seemed puzzled. Few expected Kerr''s hire to matter much. Even within the Warriors, grumblings arose as anonymous players voiced their support for Mark Jackson.


    Nike didn''t see the Warriors as a threat either. But when the season tipped off, the Warriors would soon redefine "surprise."


    As Han and Rondo discussed, Cavaliers GM David Griffin arrived for a visit. He had pressing matters to address, particularly the upcoming press conference.


    Han''s return, combined with the Cavaliers'' trades and signings, promised a lively event. Griffin also updated Han on Nikola Joki?''s situation.


    Since drafting Joki?, the Cavaliers had been closely monitoring the Serbian prospect, even sending scouts to evaluate him. The findings were troubling: Joki? was overweight¡ªpractically a "walking gas cylinder"¡ªand his skills were still raw.


    Despite his flaws, Joki?''s physical tools (6''11" height, 7''3" wingspan) and passing ability evoked comparisons to Arvydas Sabonis. Still, Griffin admitted the Cavaliers would never have used a first-round pick on him if not for Han''s insistence.


    The current plan was to keep Joki? in Serbia for another year, focusing on weight management and skill development. Bringing him stateside prematurely could jeopardize both his growth and the team''s championship aspirations.


    Han suggested signing Joki? and training him in Cleveland, but Griffin cautioned against it. A contending team couldn''t afford a roster spot for someone so unready. Injuries were inevitable, and a struggling Joki? might be cut or traded prematurely¡ªa scenario reminiscent of Darko Mili?i?''s mishandled NBA entry.


    Reluctantly, Han deferred to Griffin''s judgment. He knew history wouldn''t change overnight, and rushing Joki? could backfire.


    Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, the Lakers held a press conference for LeBron James and their other new additions. Alongside James stood Channing Frye, Anderson Varej?o, Carlos Boozer, and Wayne Ellington. Unsurprisingly, LeBron stole the spotlight.


    "I''ve always been a fan of Kobe. He''s one of the greatest players of this era. Teaming up with him is incredibly exciting," James told reporters.


    He continued, "We''ve already discussed the upcoming season in detail¡ªeven down to tactics. We''re both eager to get started."


    When asked about leadership dynamics, LeBron smiled. "That''s not an issue. We''ll each play to our strengths and focus on winning."


    NBC''s reporter couldn''t resist stirring the pot: "What''s your take on Han''s social media post saying 23 + 24 < 77?"


    Feigning ignorance, LeBron dodged initially. But after the reporter explained, he responded thoughtfully, "Han might not yet understand the importance of a great team. The Grizzlies had four or even five All-Star-caliber players¡ªthat was the key to their success. In Cleveland, he won''t have that luxury. He''ll learn how hard it is to win there."


    Two days later, the Cavaliers'' press conference at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse eclipsed the Lakers'' event. The return of Han Sen brought a media frenzy and throngs of fans outside the arena.


    Since his Cleveland return, Han had kept a low profile, focusing on training. Fans hadn''t seen him yet, making this event even more anticipated.


    The Cavaliers had also quietly added veterans Shawn Marion and Joel Anthony, packing the stage with new faces. But once the press conference began, there was no question who the real star was¡ªHan Sen.


    ...


    "What does it feel like to return to the Cavaliers?"


    The first question came from a reporter from the Cleveland Plain Dealer.


    Before answering, Han Sen glanced at Mo Williams and Delonte West sitting next to him, as well as Karl Malone by his side, and then smiled.


    "It feels like I never left."


    This line truly reflected Han Sen''s feelings about returning to Cleveland, drawing a round of applause from the audience.


    Today, besides reporters from major sports media outlets, there were also many local journalists in attendance.


    "What''s the Cavaliers'' goal for the new season?" a reporter from Yahoo asked.


    "Championship."


    Although Han''s personality was well-known by now, the familiar response still caused a stir in the room.


    It wasn''t just the crowd. Even those onstage couldn''t help but turn to Han.


    J.R. Smith, in particular, had a look on his face that seemed to say: Are we really going this bold?


    This Cavaliers roster didn''t exactly scream "championship contender." Even making it to the Conference Finals would already be considered a huge success.


    But for Han, saying anything less would be unacceptable¡ªespecially when the opportunity to rack up hater points presented itself so perfectly.


    After all, if they didn''t win the championship in the end... wouldn''t that just bring in even more hater points? Han didn''t care about tags like "words with consequences." He wasn''t Jordan, after all, pretending to be some kind of deity.


    "LeBron said your success hinges on having an exceptional team. He believes you''ll realize how hard it is to lead a team to victory with the Cavaliers. What''s your take on his comments?" a TNT reporter followed up.


    In a way, LeBron''s words reflected the hard-earned wisdom of someone who had been through it all.


    "I think he''s never understood one thing: only when you''re strong enough can the people around you become exceptional. When that happens, the team naturally follows suit. If you''re not strong enough and still want to succeed, the only option is to chase after an exceptional team."


    Before joining the Bulls, Dennis Rodman was nearly discarded by the league. Before Pau Gasol went to the Lakers, he was a perennial playoff underachiever, swept three consecutive years.


    LeBron''s Cavaliers and Heat teams were championship favorites before the season even started, yet he still ended up with nobody wanting to team up with him.


    Han''s reply was blunt and unapologetic.


    "You posted ''23 + 24 < 77'' on social media. Are you saying the LeBron and Kobe pairing is inferior to you alone?" asked an ESPN reporter.


    Hearing this, Han broke into a laugh.


    Since he made that post, his hater points had already surged to 1.4 million, though he still needed a bit more to unlock his desired talent.


    And now, without even trying, someone had handed him an assist.


    "I''ve beaten Kobe and LeBron¡ªtwice each in sweeps. Do losers huddling together suddenly become winners? I don''t think so."


    His response caused an uproar in the room.


    Han''s tone made it clear he didn''t take the Kobe-LeBron duo seriously, which was outright disrespectful.


    The upcoming Cavaliers-Lakers matchup wasn''t just going to be a highly anticipated game¡ªit was bound to explode.


    Especially with Kobe''s personality, he would definitely be gunning to tear Han apart.


    After the press conference, Han didn''t immediately leave the arena.


    When he saw the large crowd of fans gathered outside, he asked Griffin to make arrangements and set up an autograph and photo session on the first floor.


    For over two hours, he signed for everyone until they all left satisfied. Only then did Han and Chris Rondo leave the arena.


    Getting into the car, Han couldn''t help but shake his hand to relieve the soreness.


    "You didn''t have to sign for everyone. There were reporters present; picking a few for show would''ve been enough," Chris suggested.


    "Chris, if I didn''t want to be here, even if the Grizzlies traded me, I could''ve refused to report."


    This scenario, though outside the official rules, had happened more than once.


    Steve Francis refused to go to the Grizzlies. Derek Fisher refused to play for the Rockets. Andre Iguodala didn''t want to play for Memphis either.


    Rules are rules, but a player''s willingness can significantly influence trades.


    After all, if you''re a GM and you know the player you''re trading for won''t play for you, would you still go through with it?


    Though this kind of move is extreme and might hurt a player''s public image, as Han pointed out, if he truly didn''t want to return, he could have chosen otherwise.


    The implication of his words was clear¡ªhe stayed for Cleveland''s fans.


    Just like his "I''m back" social media post, it was directed at Cleveland.


    Even after building a dynasty in Memphis, only Cleveland''s fans gave him a sense of home.


    After leaving the arena, they didn''t head straight back to their place. Instead, they went house hunting.


    Cleveland''s real estate prices weren''t high, and Han''s requirements were simple: the location had to be close to the arena, and the surrounding environment needed to be safe and pleasant.


    As for the house''s design? He didn''t care¡ªhe planned to tear it down and rebuild anyway.


    Han wasn''t like many black players with a large entourage of relatives to support, nor did he have illegitimate children. He wasn''t particularly interested in investments either. For him, money in the bank was just numbers.


    As a professional athlete with a controlled diet, the only areas he indulged in were housing and cars.


    When he used to see Shaquille O''Neal renting lavish mansions, he was envious. This time, Han decided to design his own dream home.


    By late July, after another half-month, Han''s hater points had reached the 1.9 million he needed.


    That''s when he unlocked the talent [Magician].


    Compared to improving his three-point shooting, he prioritized enhancing his passing skills.


    [Magician]: Significantly boosts passing vision, fingertip control, body balance during passes, and overall passing accuracy and stability.


    When it comes to the NBA''s all-time best at each position, the least controversial pick is Magic Johnson.


    His 6''9" (2.06m) height as a point guard gave him unparalleled passing vision compared to other guards.


    Not to mention his innate passing talent¡ªhis passes weren''t just imaginative but incredibly precise.


    It was no surprise the system named the talent after him.


    At 6''7" (2.01m) in shoes, Han''s compatibility with this talent was also extremely high.


    -End of Chapter- S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Translator''s notes: Han is 6''6'''' (1.98m) barefoot. The previously mentioned height of Han being 6''8'''' (2.03m) is not wrong. Shoes can easily add one or two inches. However, I assumed he was still growing which is definitely wrong.


    Also, kinda late to ask this but which unit do you guys prefer for height, or do I just include both?

 Chapter 260: A New Journey.

    Chapter 260: A New Journey.After redeeming the [Magician] talent, Han Sen immediately initiated a new session of his summer training camp.


    Familiar faces like Curry, Harden, Irving, and Westbrook all returned.


    For them, it wasn''t just about where they trained but about training alongside Han Sen.


    Oddly enough, the truth was that they got more opportunities to compete and improve their skills at the camp than during an entire season.


    Especially when they played against Han Sen, they always benefited significantly.


    Irving was the first to arrive, and he was brimming with excitement.


    The moment he saw Han Sen, he ran up like a kid, enthusiastically high-fived him, and bumped shoulders.


    "I finally understand what you meant when you said that last year!"


    Irving was ecstatic, but Han Sen looked puzzled. He had said so many things that he couldn''t remember what he told Irving.


    "You said, ''Keep working on improving yourself, and one day, things might change.''" Irving reminded him.


    Han Sen paused for a moment, then broke into a smile.


    He had just said it casually to encourage Irving when he was feeling down, but fate had given it a completely different meaning.


    Yet, in hindsight, it wasn''t wrong¡ªbecause the Cavaliers'' fortunes were indeed about to change.


    This year''s training camp wasn''t just filled with familiar faces; there were plenty of newcomers as well.


    Klay Thompson, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine, Aaron Gordon, Kristaps Porzi??is, Emmanuel Mudiay, Devin Booker¡ªall joined the camp.


    Most of them were rookies or sophomores, with even a few NCAA players included.


    Even Ding Yanyuhang and Zou Yuchen, who had participated in the "Foundation Project," made their way there. (TL/n: For details about the project, check Chapter 231.)


    Han Sen''s training camp was gaining recognition, and inviting these newcomers was also part of UA''s expansion strategy.


    Previously, UA had pursued Irving and Harden but met resistance:


    Irving was seen by Nike as their next-generation brand icon. Harden''s demands were enormous.


    So, UA shifted its focus to betting on rising stars. Of course, this strategy had Han Sen''s approval.


    Passing isn''t just about the passer; it''s also about the receivers.


    With elite teammates, even a slightly off pass could be salvaged.


    But with rookies, the passer had to be more precise and time everything perfectly.


    Halfway through the training camp, UA executives approached Han Sen to discuss their betting strategy.


    They intended to place a major bet on Andrew Wiggins.


    Wiggins was the key trade piece for Han Sen''s move to the Cavaliers and had a natural connection to him.


    In Memphis, Wiggins replaced Han Sen''s position¡ªnot his level of play, just his role.


    If he could even make an All-Star appearance, UA''s third star would be secured.


    Han Sen hadn''t paid much attention initially, but the mention of Wiggins in relation to a shoe endorsement brought back some memories.


    Wiggins was a good player, but not a good brand ambassador.


    He had a history of signing with Adidas but wearing Nike, or endorsing Anta while sporting Adidas.


    Han Sen offered UA two alternative recommendations: Klay Thompson and Giannis Antetokounmpo.


    Thompson''s four-year rookie contract with Nike would expire next summer. Giannis had a meager $10,000-per-year deal from Nike for his first four years.


    Both were not only future stars but also reliable endorsers.


    Especially Thompson, who was the epitome of a dedicated brand ambassador.


    If UA could secure even one of these two, it would significantly expand their market reach.


    By late August, the training camp concluded after a month of intense work.


    The effects of the [Magician] talent were evident, especially in Han Sen''s fingertip control. He could now execute passes with a theatrical flair.


    During this period, Han Sen also inexplicably gained hundreds of thousands of [hater points].


    He hadn''t made any provocative statements, done anything controversial in public, or been the subject of much criticism on social media.


    This left him baffled.


    It wasn''t until the camp ended, and he and Curry embarked on the UA China Tour, that things became clear.


    At a fan event, someone brought up questions about the movie Wolf Warrior.


    It turned out that back in late July, the movie was scheduled for release on April 2 of the following year, and its first teaser trailer had dropped.


    The director had spent seven years working on this project and had high hopes for it.


    To maximize promotion, the teaser included a clip of Han Sen.


    The result? Instant controversy.


    An extreme patriotic movie featured a Chinese basketball star who had never represented the national team.


    If that wasn''t worth criticizing, what was?


    And that was just the trailer. Once the movie hit theaters, Han Sen was sure to face another wave of intense criticism.


    Initially, Han Sen saw the movie as a way to capitalize on its controversy for some extra [hater points].


    But now? He had hit the jackpot.


    The China Tour''s Chengdu leg was carefully planned, including a visit to the panda base.


    Although the schedule was tight, even Anjali joined the trip.


    UA learned from past mistakes and kept the itinerary private this time.


    However, upon arriving at the panda base, everyone was stunned¡ªeven Han Sen.


    The outdoor activity area wasn''t home to one, two, or three pandas¡ªit wasn''t even just seven!


    It felt like pandas were everywhere.


    The Memphis Zoo had risen to the top of national rankings with just two pandas, but here, pandas seemed almost common.


    Anjali couldn''t put her camera down.


    With the staff''s arrangement, they even witnessed a feeding session.


    Watching pandas munching on bamboo was somehow more satisfying than eating their own meals. Seeing it live? They could watch all day.


    Later, they were allowed to take photos with the pandas under the staff''s guidance.


    This wasn''t part of the original plan, but it thrilled everyone.


    The trip was worth it.


    After the panda base, they participated in fan activities before heading to Jiuzhaigou.


    Han Sen had two unfulfilled wishes in his previous life:


    Seeing pandas in Chengdu. Visiting Jiuzhaigou for its breathtaking waters.


    In his last life, caught in the rat race, he never found the time.


    Now, he checked both off his list.


    There''s a saying: "Once you''ve been to Jiuzhaigou, no other water will impress you."


    It perfectly captured the beauty of Jiuzhaigou.


    Han Sen had braced himself for awe, but standing before Five Flower Lake, he was still struck speechless.


    The vivid blue, indigo, and green hues of the water, combined with calcified materials, algae, and submerged trees, created a surreal scene.


    It wasn''t something filters or editing could replicate.


    Curry was so excited he let out a high-pitched squeal like a kid.


    The U.S. had its fair share of stunning landscapes, but they paled in comparison to this.


    In that moment, Han Sen made a decision.


    After retirement, the first thing he''d do was travel across this vast and beautiful homeland he never got to see in his past life.


    ...


    On the flight back to the U.S. from their China tour, Han Sen and Curry sat side by side.


    This time, rather than feeling drained, the trip had left them exhilarated.


    They ended up talking about the upcoming season.


    Curry hadn''t been aware of Nike''s supposed grand plan before, but after listening to Han''s analysis, he realized the mission he carried on his shoulders.


    "I''ll beat every one of them." Surprisingly, Curry was extremely confident, leaving Han Sen¡ªwho had planned to give him some motivational words¡ªat a loss.


    "In our country, there''s a book called Romance of the Three Kingdoms. There''s a phrase in it that goes, ''Zhou Yu''s clever scheme to stabilize the realm lost both the bride and the army.''"


    "What does that mean?"


    "No matter how well you plan, when you meet a stronger opponent, you''ll end up losing everything."


    "I''ll make sure to read it." Curry seemed genuinely interested in picking up some reading.


    When Han Sen returned to Cleveland, the Cavaliers'' new season training camp was just around the corner.


    On the first day of training camp, the entire Cavaliers roster showed up, and Han Sen even spotted the team''s lead assistant coach.


    One look was all it took to confirm¡ªit was Coach Lue.


    Malone was a solid head coach in terms of tactics, but his motivational skills left something to be desired. It was clear the coaching staff had brought in Tyronn Lue to fill that gap.


    Before the training camp even began, Lue was already flexing his motivational chops with a stirring speech.


    To summarize, he spoke about what a great opportunity they had and how meaningful it would be to bring a championship to a city that had never tasted success in the four major sports leagues.


    Han Sen had been in the NBA for five years and heard his fair share of pep talks.


    But even he couldn''t help but feel a surge of excitement after listening to Lue''s speech. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It had to be said¡ªLue had surpassed his mentor, Doc Rivers, in this regard.


    And before training began, when Lue was chatting with Han Sen, he dropped a line that stuck in Han Sen''s memory.


    "You know, I''m actually half Chinese myself."


    Han Sen was puzzled at first¡ªLue''s mixed-race features clearly indicated a black heritage.


    But what Lue said next made him laugh.


    "Because my last name is Lue."


    For reference, the Cavaliers had signed Lue for a four-year, $6.5 million deal, the highest assistant coach salary in NBA history and nearly as much as head coach Malone''s.


    But at that moment, it seemed worth every penny. Lue''s social skills were proving to be an excellent bonding agent for a team with many newcomers.


    The first day''s training was relatively light, focusing on off-ball drills, defense, and shooting.


    It was more about getting players reacquainted with the rhythm after the offseason.


    After practice, Han Sen rounded everyone up for some American-style one-on-one games.


    Basketball might be a complex sport, but in some ways, it''s straightforward.


    When joining a new team, earning respect doesn''t come from flaunting credentials like "I''ve been in the league for 20 years" or "I''m the all-time leading scorer."


    Most players in the NBA will think: What does that have to do with me?


    What they care about is simple: if you''re better than them, they''ll listen to you.


    That''s the law of the competitive jungle.


    And proving you''re the best is even simpler¡ªjust dominate everyone in one-on-one games.


    It was one of the reasons LeBron James struggled to command Kyrie Irving''s respect back in the day.


    Not only did he avoid one-on-one matchups, but he''d also deflect with phrases like, "Basketball isn''t a one-on-one sport." Of course people wouldn''t buy into that.


    The one-on-one games went smoothly. Han Sen''s skill level was so high that he could dominate most players without breaking a sweat.


    But when it was J.R. Smith''s turn, a little drama unfolded.


    Starting with the ball, J.R. was on fire, sinking a three-pointer right off the bat.


    He followed that up with a mid-range turnaround jumper despite Han Sen''s defense.


    Then, stepping back from another drive, he drained a three-pointer, making it eight straight points under Han Sen''s defense.


    After nailing his second three-pointer, J.R. got hyped and started yelling, "Who can stop me?!"


    His teammates looked on, amused¡ªJ.R.''s confidence was almost too much.


    But his show didn''t last long.


    Once Han Sen got serious, he answered with a resounding 15-0 run to end the game.


    He began by blocking J.R.''s shot straight-up, then bulldozed past him for a vicious dunk.


    From there, Han Sen unleashed his full repertoire: drives, footwork, post moves, fadeaways, and three-pointers.


    And he didn''t stop with his game¡ªhe also unleashed a barrage of trash talk with every move.


    His teammates couldn''t get enough. The gym filled with whistles and cheers, the energy reaching a fever pitch.


    For a team with many rookies and average talent, confidence had been sorely lacking.


    But Han Sen''s championship declarations, combined with his dominant performance, made it impossible not to believe in the dream.


    After the games, as players started heading back to the locker room, Mo Williams stopped Han Sen.


    "They asked me to come back, saying they wanted to prove something. Honestly, I didn''t care. I only came back because they offered me the best deal."


    Williams had been a Cavaliers staple, but on that old team, his bond with LeBron was stronger than with Han Sen.


    After all, Williams had been a no-name in Milwaukee before joining LeBron and making an All-Star appearance.


    "But now, I''m glad I made this choice. Compared to LeBron, you have a better chance of leading us to achieve the impossible."


    Han Sen nodded and extended a fist. Williams bumped it in return.


    Han Sen hadn''t interacted much with Williams in the past, but it was clear Williams was pragmatic.


    And dealing with pragmatic people was always straightforward.


    Back in the locker room, Han Sen sat at his spot, taking in the scene around him.


    Kyrie was deep in discussion with Williams about ball-handling techniques, both fully engrossed.


    Spencer Hawes was sketching a haircut design for Andrea Bargnani, who was laughing uncontrollably at the clumsy drawing.


    P.J. Tucker was showing off a pair of limited-edition sneakers, bragging that he had brought an entire box of them to Cleveland.


    Tristan Thompson was fiddling with a camera while Sergey Karasev leaned in curiously to watch.


    It was a typical locker room scene, but to Han Sen, it exuded a kind of vitality he hadn''t felt in a long time.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 261: Return to Memphis?.

    Chapter 261: Return to Memphis?.After two days of warm-up training, the Cavaliers transitioned to tactical drills.


    The traditional "four-out, one-in" system is built around an interior player as the core. Players like Hakeem Olajuwon or Dwight Howard would post up, draw double-teams, and kick the ball out to the perimeter.


    This approach focuses on post play, which consumes relatively less energy, effectively draws double-teams, and creates many open opportunities.


    Han Sen''s post-up game has become a considerable threat. If paired with four shooters¡ªsuch as when Dante Cunningham plays power forward¡ªthe Cavaliers can effectively execute this system.


    However, considering team defense, Tristan Thompson, a mobile big with excellent help-defense skills, is needed in the starting lineup.


    Thus, the Cavaliers'' more frequent setup on the court could be better described as "four-out, one-roll."


    In this setup, Han Sen''s offensive focus shifts to facing up and driving to the basket. Kyrie Irving, another face-up player, also fits into this system.


    This strategy closely resembles the "Moreyball Rockets" style that Han Sen remembers from "history."


    The difference is that the Cavaliers don''t go to Moreyball''s extremes. Moreyball avoids mid-range shots, focusing solely on efficiency. However, if the shooters struggle or the refs call tight fouls to curb drives, the strategy collapses.


    Both Han Sen and Irving excel in mid-range shooting, and Han''s offensive versatility far surpasses Harden''s, making it difficult for opponents to target their game plan.


    This is another reason why Thompson is crucial in the starting lineup.


    Mid-range shots and threes can be streaky. That''s when Thompson, with his career average of 3.5 offensive rebounds per game, becomes invaluable.


    Of course, there are countless tactical nuances involved.


    For example, Spencer Hawes rarely ventures into the paint on offense and often positions himself at the top of the three-point line.


    This not only drags the opposing center out of the paint but also ensures Hawes can quickly retreat on defense.


    There are also pick-and-roll details. Depending on whether Thompson or Hawes sets the screen, the tactical progression changes.


    While "four-out, one-in" seems straightforward in theory, coach Mike Malone drilled every possible variation of the strategy.


    This preparation ensures the Cavaliers will have the most suitable playstyle ready for official games.


    Time flew by, and October arrived.


    Han Sen''s Cleveland mansion was under construction, and the Cavaliers were gearing up for the new season.


    In their preseason opener, they faced the Indiana Pacers on the road.


    The Pacers had been the second-strongest team in the East behind the Heat over the past two seasons, but this summer, they suffered a major blow. Paul George, who had just signed a five-year supermax extension, suffered a gruesome leg injury during a Team USA scrimmage, reminiscent of Shaun Livingston''s infamous injury.


    Still, the Pacers remained a formidable team with their other core players intact.


    This game marked the Cavaliers'' first showing of their potential.


    The Pacers had previously relied on a defensive juggernaut lineup: George Hill, Lance Stephenson, Paul George, David West, and Roy Hibbert. Scoring against them was a grueling task.


    With George sidelined and Stephenson now with the Charlotte Hornets, the Pacers started Solomon Hill, their 23rd pick from the previous year. While a capable defender, he was no match for George.


    The preseason focused on tactical execution and team chemistry, so the Cavaliers leaned heavily on pick-and-rolls.


    Tony Allen''s ability to navigate screens remained elite, but the Cavaliers had two offensive initiators on the floor.


    The biggest victim, however, wasn''t George Hill or Solomon Hill¡ªit was Roy Hibbert.


    Despite his slow foot speed, Hawes excelled in pick-and-roll situations. Last season, his points per possession on pick-and-rolls with the 76ers (1.11) and Cavaliers (1.07) ranked among the league''s best, thanks to his pick-and-pop three-point shooting.


    The Pacers'' defense used screen navigation, but Hibbert couldn''t keep up with Han Sen or Irving when mismatched.


    Hawes punished them by draining threes.


    In the first five minutes, Hawes hit 2 of 4 three-point attempts and assisted Kyrie on another three during defensive rotations.


    Hibbert, a premier rim protector even with the "verticality rule," became ineffective against the Cavaliers'' spacing. On defense, he was a liability.


    Hawes'' hot start set the tone. The Cavaliers shot 50% from deep in the first half, hitting 7 of 14 attempts.


    At halftime, the Cavaliers led 61¨C46, showcasing their offensive explosiveness.


    Han Sen scored a modest 12 points in the half but also grabbed 4 rebounds and dished 5 assists. ESPN analysts began touting him as an emerging all-around shooting guard for the season.


    The second half of preseason games usually focuses on player rotations. Han Sen and the starters sat early, allowing others to shine.


    James Johnson, in particular, impressed with his defense and fast-break play. Despite being labeled as a "hitman" or "bodyguard" after his Finals battle with LeBron James, Johnson displayed skill and awareness.


    Sharing the same draft class as Han Sen, Johnson was only two spots behind him in the draft order. While underutilized with the Grizzlies, his potential was evident.


    As preseason progressed, fan interest remained moderate since starters played sparingly, limiting insight into team strength.


    However, during this period, LeBron James created a stir.


    In a Lakers preseason game against the Bucks, held in Milwaukee, James publicly questioned the NBA''s scheduling.


    Flying over 2,800 kilometers for a preseason game clearly irked him, and he took to social media, asking:


    "Can someone explain why we''re flying all the way to Milwaukee for a preseason game?"


    His comments sparked fan backlash, particularly given NBA players'' lucrative salaries.


    One fan replied, "This is why they pay you over $20 million¡ªto play basketball."


    The reply earned more likes than LeBron''s original post, showing how detached his complaint seemed.


    ...


    The buzz surrounding the incident had yet to die down, so when the Cavaliers flew to Sacramento for a preseason game, Han Sen inevitably faced questions about it.


    "Driving from Los Angeles to Milwaukee takes over 29 hours, so I guess flying would be more efficient," Han quipped, throwing some humor into the mix.


    Since Adam Silver took over as commissioner, there had been significant personnel changes within the league office. That wasn''t unusual¡ªnew leadership often brought new teams. However, this reshuffling led to some questionable scheduling choices for this year''s preseason.


    For the players, though, it was a trivial issue. After all, regular-season travel often required even longer flights.


    Milwaukee, being a central U.S. city, wasn''t nearly as far apart as Los Angeles and Boston¡ªthe real extremes of NBA travel. Back in the day, during the Lakers-Celtics Finals, you didn''t hear players complaining about the journey. It''s safe to say that LeBron''s gripes were a product of his own privilege.


    The amusing part was that LeBron and Kobe were now teammates. One could only wonder what expression Kobe would have when asked about such matters by reporters.


    ...


    With preseason games wrapped up, the 2014¨C2015 season was about to officially begin. At this time, the league released its team power rankings.


    The Nike-backed Lakers, Rockets, and Heat claimed the top three spots. The Grizzlies ranked sixth, the Cavaliers tenth, and the Warriors twelfth.


    The rankings were crafted by Stan, but he deviated from his usual analytical style this time. Instead of basing rankings on team compatibility, the list seemed to be purely about the influence of superstars.


    "Nike''s two best players¡ªthe league''s top scorer and its top playmaker¡ªon the same team is like pairing Michael Jordan with Magic Johnson. This Lakers squad is the most exciting and formidable team heading into the new season," Stan wrote.


    However, his tone shifted dramatically when discussing the Cavaliers.


    "The Cavaliers have missed the playoffs for four consecutive years. Han''s arrival will change some things, but the extent of his impact remains questionable."


    This ranking drew heavy criticism from fans.


    Stan''s reputation was built on defying Nike''s influence and providing objective analysis. Fans noticed his abrupt change in stance, suggesting it wasn''t just about yielding to pressure.


    When reminded by fans that Han was the league''s best scorer, Stan retorted:


    "If you put Kobe on that Grizzlies team, he likely would''ve achieved what Han did. Similarly, putting Han on last year''s Lakers wouldn''t have led to success."


    Such comments didn''t just raise eyebrows¡ªthey undermined Stan''s credibility entirely. His rise to fame was largely due to his 2012 playoff predictions, where he boldly supported Han and the Grizzlies against all odds. Their eventual championship win cemented his status.


    Now, his reversal had fans, especially Han''s devoted supporters, questioning his integrity.


    ...


    The Cavaliers'' first regular-season game was against none other than the Grizzlies.


    Despite preseason scheduling hiccups, the league ensured no errors in spotlighting this showdown.


    Even though Michael Heisley consistently claimed that trading Han Sen was Han''s own decision, Wallace''s silence on the matter lent credence to Han''s statement that he was forced out.


    This narrative added fuel to an already fiery matchup, rivaling even the hype surrounding games against the Lakers.


    Adding to the drama, the Grizzlies were set to hold their championship ceremony at FedExForum, promising a charged atmosphere.


    ...


    The day before the opener, the Cavaliers arrived in Memphis.


    As Han appeared at the terminal gate, he was greeted by a throng of Memphis fans.


    Han, ever the professional, stopped to sign autographs while Kyrie Irving watched in quiet awe from behind.


    Kyrie, a man of strong self-awareness, never blindly trusted media narratives.


    He ignored the official rankings and Stan''s opinions, relying solely on his own judgment.


    As a player, you know better than anyone else who''s dominant.


    When your coach emphasizes the need for double or even triple-teaming a player at all times, you know that player is exceptional.


    Kyrie once idolized Kobe. Now, that admiration belonged to Han. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His gaze also carried longing¡ªa desire to one day be like Han Sen.


    ...


    After dropping off their luggage, Coach Malone led the Cavaliers to FedExForum for a closed practice session.


    While the preseason had gone well, the regular season was a different beast altogether.


    Tonight''s game, especially with Han involved, was destined to be extraordinary.


    Kyrie, for one, was determined to help Han secure a win. To do so, the team needed to be in peak condition.


    Though the practice was private, the reporters were relentless. By the time the Cavaliers left the arena, a horde of journalists awaited outside¡ªall for Han.


    Initially, Han planned to avoid interviews, but with the crowd blocking their way, he decided to stop and answer a few questions, allowing his teammates to leave first.


    The questions ranged from power rankings to his feelings about returning to Memphis.


    One FOX Sports reporter asked, "What''s your take on the league ranking the Cavaliers tenth?"


    "I never pay attention to those rankings, but for our team, it''s just more motivation," Han replied, shrugging off the slight.


    Anyone who gave it a little thought could understand why Stan had shifted his stance. Money talks.


    Stan''s rise mirrored Charles Barkley''s in many ways¡ªgoing against the grain and winning big on bold predictions. This season, however, Nike''s aggressive counterattack against UA wouldn''t leave any stones unturned. Influential figures like Stan were clearly part of their plan.


    But that''s the thing about Barkley. He might flip-flop on his own, but you''ll rarely see him swayed by others.


    An ESPN reporter then asked, "How does it feel to return to FedExForum as a visiting player?"


    "Exciting. I feel like I could drop 100 points tonight," Han joked with a grin.


    Then, after a beat, he added, "If Michael Heisley shows up, that is."


    Han wasn''t known for holding grudges, but he certainly knew how to leave a lasting impression.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 262: The Light of Cleveland.

    Chapter 262: The Light of Cleveland.The FedExForum was packed to capacity for the season opener. As Han Sen and his teammates emerged from the tunnel, the arena lights dimmed, and a spotlight illuminated the center court.


    It was time for the championship ring ceremony.


    A wave of boos, loud and unrelenting, swept through the arena as Michael Heisley stepped into the spotlight.


    Heisley had not returned to Memphis since leaving in July, but as the owner, he couldn''t skip the championship ceremony. Accompanied by his assistant, Rush, and two bodyguards, Heisley''s face was grim.


    Public sentiment often dissipates over time. For example, when LeBron James left Cleveland and faced backlash after "The Decision," some fans burned jerseys and protested at his house. However, when he returned, the outrage had subsided to mere boos.


    Memphis fans were no different in principle, but this was Memphis¡ªa city where unpredictability reigned. Security measures had to be airtight.


    Heisley''s expression darkened further as the ceremony began. Being booed by your own fans during a dynasty''s championship ceremony was unprecedented.


    The event itself lacked grandeur. The championship rings were generic, and the ceremony felt like an obligatory formality. With Han Sen gone and the team''s ownership status uncertain, it was clear the franchise was merely going through the motions.


    When the spotlight shone on Han Sen, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Despite wearing a Cavaliers warmup, the crowd erupted in deafening applause and cheers.


    The fans at the airport yesterday had only been the tip of the iceberg. Regardless of Han Sen''s fallout with Heisley, his role in leading the Grizzlies to three consecutive championships made him a hero in Memphis.


    The stark contrast in reception between Heisley and Han Sen couldn''t have been more apparent.


    As Han walked to the center of the court, he acknowledged the crowd with a wave before approaching Heisley to receive his ring.


    Heisley''s face remained stony as he handed over the ring, but Han Sen didn''t let the moment pass quietly.


    "You''ll regret not selling the team this summer," Han said, his words cutting deep.


    Even Commissioner Silver couldn''t hide his reaction, frowning slightly at Han''s boldness.


    Before Heisley could respond, Han turned to soak in the crowd''s cheers, leaving Heisley fuming. His face twisted in a scowl so dark it seemed murderous.


    Over the summer, rumors swirled that Heisley might sell the team following Han''s departure. Yet, he hadn''t. It wasn''t for lack of desire, but rather strategy¡ªselling under duress would invite lowball offers. He was biding his time, confident the team''s new assets, including Andrew Wiggins, would increase its value.


    But Han''s words landed like a proclamation, and the sting was undeniable.


    The ceremony concluded with the raising of the 2013¨C2014 championship banner, joining the 2011¨C2012 and 2012¨C2013 banners. The three consecutive years symbolized a dynasty.


    As Han looked up at the banners, he felt a mix of pride and frustration. What should have been a moment of triumph was marred by Heisley''s shadow. Han resolved to show the world why those banners were his legacy.


    During warmups, Grizzlies players began greeting Han. Rudy Gay came over first, embracing him tightly, followed by Zach Randolph and Kenneth Faried.


    Though Han was no longer a Grizzly, his bond with his former teammates remained unbroken. None of them cared if Heisley was watching.


    "I won''t hold back tonight," Han joked to Rudy Gay after their hug.


    "Andrew''s in for a rough night," Rudy replied with a grin, hinting that Wiggins would be guarding Han.


    Han welcomed the challenge.


    As the pregame festivities wrapped up, the broadcast cut to split-screen shots of Han Sen and Andrew Wiggins. The matchup was generating buzz not only because of the summer trade but also because of the brands they represented.


    Wiggins was Nike''s prized rookie signee, landing a five-year, $15 million deal after Under Armour (UA) showed interest. In contrast, UA signed Zach LaVine for a more modest four-year, $4 million deal, saving resources to pursue Klay Thompson next year.


    Viewers'' attention soon shifted to Han''s footwear. He wasn''t wearing his signature HS series sneakers but an unfamiliar design.


    The shoes featured a striking panda-inspired design with a black tongue, white laces, and a black-and-white striped band extending to the heel, forming a panda face.


    Fans quickly began investigating and discovered the shoes were part of UA''s new "HS Panda Series." The line wasn''t officially released yet, available only for limited preorders.


    Within minutes, preorder sales exploded, and social media buzzed with discussions. UA''s marketing gamble had paid off handsomely.


    ...


    The game moved into the opening ceremony as both teams'' starting lineups were announced.


    Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Han Sen, PJ Tucker, Tristan Thompson, Spencer Hawes


    Grizzlies: Mike Conley, Andrew Wiggins, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol


    Marc Gasol tipped the ball to the Grizzlies'' side, and the highly anticipated battle officially began.


    With Han Sen gone, the Grizzlies shifted their offensive focus to the inside.


    Marc Gasol received the ball in the low post, executed a series of spins, and finished with a hook shot.


    Despite Hawes'' solid shot-blocking abilities, he struggled to contain Gasol in his prime.


    Han Sen didn''t take the ball immediately.


    Running the offense through a ball-dominant player from the start consumes a lot of energy. Letting teammates go first and stepping up only when they falter is the smarter approach.


    The Cavaliers'' offensive setup had Tucker in the weak-side corner, Han Sen at the 45-degree angle, Hawes at the top of the arc, and Thompson in the dunker''s spot, creating ample spacing.


    Kyrie Irving opted for an isolation against Mike Conley.


    Although Conley''s defense was solid, Irving''s ball-handling was on another level. After a series of crossovers and hesitations, Irving broke past Conley.


    However, Randolph had already rotated under the basket.


    Irving accelerated and attempted a crafty reverse layup.


    The move was gorgeous, but his angle was slightly off. The ball ricocheted off the rim, and Randolph secured the rebound.


    Conley pushed the ball up for another half-court possession.


    This time, Randolph bullied Tristan Thompson in the post, drawing Hawes'' help defense before dishing it to Gasol for an easy dunk.


    The crowd erupted in cheers.


    The disparity in inside strength between the two teams was evident.


    On the next possession, Irving ran a pick-and-roll with Thompson.


    Thompson rolled hard to the rim, showcasing why he averaged 12 points over the past two seasons despite being a blue-collar player.


    But the Grizzlies had a plan. Randolph and Conley blitzed Irving off the pick.


    Under pressure, Irving''s weakness as a passer became apparent. He attempted a lob, but the angle was off, and Thompson couldn''t grab it, resulting in a turnover.


    "TT has no shooting; they''ll keep blitzing you. You need to pass earlier," Han Sen advised Irving during the transition defense.


    The Grizzlies'' core dynasty players didn''t need coaching on what to do during the game; their experience was unparalleled.


    In contrast, the young Cavaliers lacked exposure to high-level competition¡ªa gap only time and games could bridge.


    The Grizzlies returned to their bread-and-butter post offense, with Gasol getting another touch. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Head coach Joerger knew Han Sen''s defensive prowess on the perimeter, so he aimed to exploit the Cavs'' weaker inside defense.


    This time, Han Sen rotated to help.


    He timed his move perfectly, forcing Gasol into a difficult position. However, the veteran center raised the ball overhead and spotted a cutting Wiggins.


    Wiggins caught the pass in stride, soared into the air, and unleashed a ferocious tomahawk dunk.


    The FedExForum erupted.


    Even Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley, watching from his VIP suite, jumped out of his seat, pumping his fists in excitement.


    "Who needs Han Sen? We''ve got Wiggins!"


    The same formula that catapulted the Grizzlies into contention with Han Sen could be repeated with Wiggins¡ªor so the crowd believed.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    Wiggins'' dunk electrified the fans.


    This scene sharply contrasted with Cleveland fans, who cheered Han Sen during his first return as a Grizzly, even chanting his iconic line, "Who is your daddy?"


    But this was Memphis¡ªwhere Han Sen built his dynasty. Such reception was not in the cards.


    Han Sen finally took control of the ball.


    The crowd''s chants instinctively quieted, aware of his menace.


    Wiggins assumed a defensive stance, hyper-focused.


    As someone who attended Han Sen''s summer training camp, he knew how dangerous the former MVP was.


    But in an instant, Han Sen crossed him up and blew by him.


    While Han Sen''s post-up game had become his signature in recent years, longtime fans remembered his deadly face-up skills from his rookie playoff series against Kevin Durant and the Thunder.


    Wiggins recovered quickly, chasing from the side.


    Thompson, learning from earlier mistakes, boxed out Randolph effectively.


    As Han Sen approached the rim, Wiggins leaped to contest.


    Fueled by confidence from his earlier dunk, Wiggins was determined to meet Han Sen at the summit.


    But reality hit hard.


    Han Sen soared higher than expected, with Wiggins only reaching his elbow.


    Boom!


    Han Sen dunked over Wiggins with authority, silencing the arena.


    As he landed, Han Sen shot Wiggins a piercing glare, his eyes seemingly saying, "Welcome to the NBA."


    The Cavaliers'' bench erupted.


    "This is daddy!" Cunningham shouted enthusiastically.


    Irving and Thompson rushed over, hyped up by the display.


    Moments like these were foreign to the young Cavaliers, who previously lacked resilience in adversity.


    Back on defense, the Cavs'' intensity visibly increased.


    Hawes held his ground against Gasol, securing the defensive rebound.


    Irving initiated a fast break but pulled it back as the Grizzlies quickly transitioned into defense, handing the ball to Han Sen.


    Han Sen called for a high pick-and-roll with Thompson.


    He demonstrated masterful timing, accelerating into the paint just as the Grizzlies'' help defense converged.


    Before the defense fully collapsed, Han Sen lobbed the ball to the rim.


    Thompson soared over Gay and threw down a thunderous dunk, drawing a foul in the process.


    The referee''s whistle confirmed the 2+1 opportunity.


    Hawes chest-bumped Thompson in celebration, while Irving exchanged excited words with Han Sen, dissecting the intricacies of the pick-and-roll.


    In that moment, it felt like a ray of light pierced through the dark cloud that had hung over Cleveland for four long years.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 263: The One He Dreams To Be.

    Chapter 263: The One He Dreams To Be.The Cavaliers'' consecutive dunks electrified the arena, showcasing the energy and fire of this young team.


    Youth has its drawbacks, but it also brings advantages¡ªespecially depending on who''s leading the team.


    After Thompson hit the and-one free throw, the score stood at 5¨C6.


    The Grizzlies'' strong start had been effectively countered by the Cavaliers, but the shift in momentum didn''t alter the clear disparity in interior strength between the two teams.


    In their prime, the "Black and White Bears" duo could hold their own against the Miami Heat''s offense when Han Sen went all-in on defense.


    Marc Gasol, holding the ball at the high post, easily blew past Spencer Hawes, charging into the paint and finishing with a high-arcing bank shot that kissed the glass.


    This interior dominance impacted the game on both ends.


    When Kyrie Irving ran a pick-and-pop with Hawes and kicked the ball out to him, Hawes'' three-point attempt from the top of the arc clanked off the rim.


    Marc Gasol grabbed the long rebound, giving the Grizzlies another chance to regain control.


    As Mike Conley brought the ball up the court, he passed it back to Gasol, recognizing the mismatch in the paint. This was their go-to strategy¡ªcapitalizing on Marc''s interior advantage.


    Han Sen sagged into the paint to assist.


    Andrew Wiggins, once again cutting down the middle, leapt to receive a pass from Gasol for an aerial finish.


    But the same trick wouldn''t work twice on Han Sen.


    This time, he anticipated Wiggins'' movement and rotated early, jumping almost simultaneously with the rookie.


    Despite Wiggins'' best efforts to elevate the ball, he couldn''t out-jump Han Sen.


    The ball in Wiggins'' hand was swatted, and the mid-air battle ended with Han sending the rookie crashing to the floor with a thunderous block.


    The crowd erupted in astonishment.


    Rudy Gay, watching from a distance, couldn''t help but cover his face.


    He felt he should''ve warned the rookie earlier: challenging Han Sen, the near-Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) last season, was asking for humiliation.


    This block reinvigorated the Cavaliers'' morale.


    After the Grizzlies inbounded, Conley''s mid-range jumper was heavily contested by Tristan Thompson, causing it to fall short.


    Hawes secured the defensive rebound and quickly displayed his passing ability, launching an outlet pass to Han Sen on the perimeter.


    The Cavaliers executed a swift fast break.


    Han Sen caught the pass and surged forward, but the Grizzlies'' transition defense was just as fast.


    As Han attacked the rim, both Wiggins and Gay converged to double-team him.


    It wasn''t an ideal scoring opportunity.


    Han Sen jumped anyway.


    Both Wiggins and Gay followed suit, believing they''d sealed off his shooting angles. Scoring seemed improbable.


    But just as they rose, their eyes widened in disbelief.


    Han Sen twisted mid-air, spinning as he flung the ball behind his head.


    Following the ball''s trajectory, they turned to see P.J. Tucker, who had trailed the play and was now wide open at the corner three.


    Tucker caught the ball, set his feet, and fired.


    Swish!


    Tucker drained the Cavaliers'' first three-pointer of the night, tying the game at 8¨C8.


    Rudy Gay landed, looking at Han Sen with a wry smile.


    Han Sen was still the same¡ªa force who got better every year.


    But as an opponent instead of a teammate, Gay now fully experienced the helplessness Han inflicted on defenders.


    Gay shrugged it off and responded with a handoff play with Gasol, hitting a smooth mid-range jumper to steady the Grizzlies.


    Though Wiggins had undeniable talent, he was still just a rookie. With Han Sen gone, Gay had become the focal point of the Grizzlies'' perimeter offense.


    Having been tempered by the Grizzlies'' dynasty run, Gay was more than ready for the role.


    Criticism had sparked over Stan''s Nike rankings, but placing the Grizzlies sixth wasn''t unwarranted.


    Yet Han Sen wasn''t done showcasing his dominance.


    On the next possession, he blew past Wiggins for a quick layup. Zach Randolph couldn''t fully commit to help defense without leaving Thompson open for an alley-oop. It was a pick-your-poison situation: let Han score or let him assist.


    For now, the Grizzlies seemed powerless against Han.


    These sequences highlighted one glaring fact: Wiggins had no chance of guarding Han Sen.


    This was a far cry from Han''s early days with the Grizzlies when he immediately squared off against top-tier scorers like Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant.


    Wiggins, blessed with elite athleticism and defensive instincts, wasn''t bad defensively. But drawing Han Sen in his NBA debut was pure bad luck, as Gay aptly put it.


    The Grizzlies tried to respond with a pick-and-roll between Conley and Gasol. Using his speed, Conley darted past Hawes for a layup off the glass.


    But before the ball could touch the backboard, Han Sen rotated back and delivered a chasedown block, pinning it against the glass.


    Not even five minutes into the game, Han had already recorded two blocks.


    The Cavaliers'' bench went wild, and the TNT commentary team couldn''t contain their excitement.


    "If 2.9 steals and 1.5 blocks per game isn''t enough to win DPOY, then just do it again¡ªand do it better!" Charles Barkley shouted.


    One thing was evident: the Cavaliers'' defense was nowhere near the Grizzlies'' level, especially in the paint.


    Hawes'' defensive struggles early on highlighted the gap between defensive stats and actual defensive impact.


    This meant Han had to do even more defensively, making his presence even more pronounced.


    "Michael Heisley made the dumbest decision. If it were me, I wouldn''t trade Han Sen even with a gun to my head," Shaquille O''Neal jabbed.


    Heisley, who had been ecstatic after Wiggins'' earlier dunk, now looked deflated. Han''s performance was systematically dismantling the Grizzlies'' value¡ªjust as he''d promised when he got the championship ring:


    "You''ll regret not selling the team this summer."


    Indeed, the Grizzlies'' veterans were playing well, but it did nothing to boost the team''s future. The rookies, Wiggins and Nerlens Noel, were the real key.


    And Han wasn''t done yet.


    Following his block, Han grabbed the defensive rebound and initiated the fast break.


    As he crossed the three-point line, his driving threat caused the Grizzlies to collapse toward him instinctively.


    They had no choice¡ªif they didn''t converge, Han would waltz to the rim.


    But what Han did next stunned them again.


    With a one-handed fake as if driving, Han flung a cross-court pass from one baseline to the opposite corner.


    This kind of pass¡ªcrossing the court and threading defenders¡ªrequired elite vision and pinpoint accuracy.


    Han delivered it perfectly. Tucker didn''t even have to adjust his stance to catch the spinning pass. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even with Gay''s desperate closeout, Tucker released a smooth corner three.


    Swish!


    Another corner three from Tucker found the net, forcing Grizzlies head coach Dave Joerger to call a timeout.


    If they couldn''t address the Han Sen problem, the Grizzlies had no chance of stopping the Cavaliers'' offense.


    ...


    "Well done!" Mike Malone walked to the scorer''s table and gave Han Sen a high-five, his face barely able to contain his excitement.


    Four years ago, Han Sen was merely a 3-and-D player. Now, he''s terrifyingly dominant!


    After the timeout, Marc Gasol''s low-post spin hook drew a shooting foul on Spencer Hawes. He hit both free throws, stabilizing the Grizzlies'' lineup.


    On defense, Joerger made an adjustment, moving Gasol''s defensive positioning inside the free-throw line.


    Gasol''s rim protection was clearly a tier above Randolph''s, but early in the game, he was stuck defending Hawes near the three-point line. Seeing Hawes struggling with his shooting, Joerger took a calculated gamble.


    And it paid off. When Han Sen drove and kicked the ball to Hawes, the latter missed his second three-point attempt of the night.


    On the other end, while helping on Randolph, Hawes picked up his second personal foul and was subbed out.


    The arena erupted into cheers.


    Less than half a quarter in, the Cavaliers'' starting center was forced to the bench¡ªa huge win for the Grizzlies.


    But as soon as they saw the Cavaliers'' substitute, the cheers faded.


    Though not the flashiest of first-overall picks, Andrea Bargnani was certainly more recognizable than Hawes.


    After all, he had once been the Raptors'' franchise centerpiece.


    The camera cut to Mike Malone, who looked calm and collected on the sideline.


    "Why start Hawes when you''ve got Bargnani?"


    Malone''s expression betrayed no concern. In truth, whether it was Hawes or Bargnani, their primary role in the system was as floor-spacing bigs.


    Starting Hawes was simply a nod to his youth and durability.


    In fact, Malone had planned to sub Hawes out after his second missed three-pointer, foul or not.


    When one cannon misfires, you roll out another.


    The team had GM David Griffin to thank for acquiring such flexibility over the summer.


    Randolph hit both free throws, bringing the score to 13¨C14. The Grizzlies regained the lead.


    On the next possession, Han Sen brought the ball up. The Cavaliers adjusted their offensive alignment, moving Tucker from the weak-side corner to the strong-side corner and Kyrie to the weak side.


    This reduced congestion on the weak side, giving open players better looks without immediate help defense.


    Han Sen, palming the ball with one hand, sized up the floor. Once the spacing was right, he drove at Andrew Wiggins again.


    Wiggins defended with everything he had. His intense focus and effort were evident in every movement.


    But his determination was his undoing. Keeping up with Han Sen''s pace but failing to coordinate his footwork, Wiggins bit on a crossover and fell to the floor.


    As the No. 1 overall pick, Wiggins had plenty of motivation. His opening dunk spoke volumes about his drive.


    Who wouldn''t feel slighted being traded on draft night, even if it was for a player like Han Sen?


    But motivation alone wasn''t enough.


    Han Sen wasn''t LeBron. On defense, he locks you down. On offense, he doesn''t need screens to obliterate you.


    Effort meant nothing when the skill gap was this wide.


    The Grizzlies'' defense collapsed toward Han Sen again, as if he were a gravitational force.


    Han Sen found Bargnani at the weak-side 45-degree angle and whipped him a pass.


    Though both were stretch bigs, Bargnani had the experience Hawes lacked. Anticipating the offensive shift, he had already started positioning himself.


    By the time he caught Han Sen''s pass, Gasol didn''t even bother closing out, opting instead to box out for a rebound.


    It wasn''t a lack of defensive effort¡ªit was simple physics. He couldn''t make it in time.


    Bargnani had all the time he needed to set up his shot.


    Swish!


    The net snapped as Bargnani''s three-pointer found its mark. The Grizzlies'' players looked visibly deflated, and the arena buzzed with energy.


    The Grizzlies had shown last postseason that their Achilles'' heel was opponents'' three-point shooting. Tonight, in just over a quarter, the Cavaliers had already hit three triples.


    Hawes might''ve missed his shots, but someone else always had the hot hand in this system.


    This is the beauty of the Cavs'' one-star, four-shooters offense. A player like Han Sen demands double-teams, leaving it up to the shooters to punish the defense.


    Bargnani then showed his defensive chops in the low post.


    Drafted with a Dirk Nowitzki comparison, Bargnani''s shooting never reached that echelon. Forced to bulk up, he transitioned to a stretch-five role.


    Though added weight increased his injury risk, it also bolstered his low-post defense.


    He stuffed Gasol''s post move, deflected the shot, and corralled the loose ball.


    Despite being a backup, Bargnani delivered a stellar performance.


    More importantly, his three-pointer forced Gasol to defend further out, breaking down the Grizzlies'' defensive structure.


    With the paint now wide open, Han Sen capitalized, storming the lane for a vicious tomahawk slam.


    Boom!


    The deafening impact reverberated through the arena.


    It was his second dunk of the quarter.


    The LED scoreboard displayed Han Sen''s stat line: 6 points, 4 assists, 2 blocks.


    The Cavaliers had 18 points total, with every single basket tied to Han Sen.


    "I''m wondering," Kenny Smith mused from the commentary booth, "did Han suppress his individual game while he was in Memphis?"


    Han Sen''s sacrifices for the Grizzlies were well-documented. His explosive final season stats were proof enough.


    Even then, his usage rate wasn''t particularly high.


    But tonight, especially in this stretch, Han Sen was demonstrating the sheer terror of what happens when a team fully leans on him.


    "I don''t know the answer to that," Charles Barkley quipped, "but I''ll tell you this much: This is how LeBron wishes he played!"


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 264: The Grizzlies Change Hands?.

    Chapter 264: The Grizzlies Change Hands?.To be more precise, Han Sen demonstrated the ideal state of an on-ball perimeter cornerstone.


    Whether it''s LeBron James, James Harden, or even Chris Paul, they can only achieve parts of this state.


    Charles Barkley''s particular focus on James largely stems from the trade between the Cavaliers and Knicks this summer.


    The Cavaliers acquired Andrea Bargnani and J.R. Smith from the Knicks, a team that employed a one-star, four-spread offensive scheme last season. It''s hard not to draw comparisons between Han Sen and LeBron James.


    Not to mention, Han Sen is now on the Cavaliers¡ªa team where James once played as a standard ball-dominant core.


    By around the 10-minute mark of the first quarter, the Cavaliers were leading 24¨C16.


    A team ranked tenth in power rankings was thoroughly outplaying the sixth-ranked team. Fans witnessed, for the first time, the true power of Han Sen running as the ball-dominant engine.


    Han Sen was subbed out at this point to rest as both teams began rotating their lineups.


    Kyrie Irving remained on the court under Coach Malone''s direction.


    With Han Sen on the floor earlier, Irving had fewer opportunities to shine. Now was the perfect time to assess his performance in a one-star, four-spread lineup.


    The lineups on the court:


    Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, J.R. Smith, James Johnson, Dante Cunningham, Andrea Bargnani.


    Grizzlies: Beno Udrih, Dion Waiters, Andrew Wiggins, Kenneth Faried, Nerlens Noel.


    Han Sen''s attention was fixed on Irving.


    In his previous life, he had watched the infamous Cavaliers-Warriors Finals battles, where Irving often led the bench during non-starter stretches.


    However, the results were underwhelming¡ªoften frustrating.


    Back then, Han Sen couldn''t fully understand the shortcomings. But after hearing Cunningham''s insights, he realized the issue: Irving was overly self-assured or, as his personality suggested, excessively self-centered.


    Moreover, the Cavaliers'' past four years had been led by coaches Byron Scott and Mike Brown, both known for their "babysitter" coaching styles.


    Just like with LeBron back in the day, neither coach demanded that Irving address his flaws despite being the team''s centerpiece.


    This left Han Sen curious¡ªafter witnessing his own example, would Irving change?


    ...


    The Grizzlies had the ball first. Wiggins executed a pick-and-roll with Faried, pulling up for a step-back mid-range jumper.


    The play showcased his physical gifts¡ªnot just leaping ability, but rapid movement speed to create space.


    However, perhaps still haunted by his matchup with Han Sen, Wiggins bricked the uncontested shot.


    Fortunately, Noel grabbed the offensive rebound and quickly converted with a putback, showcasing his wingspan and leaping ability.


    While the focus was mostly on Wiggins, many overlooked that this was also Noel''s NBA debut.


    The Grizzlies acquired him to prepare for Zach Randolph''s decline. Once Noel paired with Marc Gasol, the Grizzlies would still maintain a strong interior presence.


    On the Cavaliers'' possession, Irving brought the ball up. Their formation mirrored earlier setups: Bargnani at the top of the arc, Cunningham and J.R. in the corners, and Johnson stationed in the dunker spot.


    Irving had a much easier time against Udrih. A simple crossover blew past him, and Irving quickly drove into the paint.


    The Grizzlies'' defense collapsed immediately.


    Clearly, Coach Joerger knew Irving well.


    Irving didn''t disappoint¡ªhe opted for a turnaround fadeaway in the face of the double-team instead of passing.


    While he avoided the strong-side double, Noel, rotating from the weak side, swatted the shot emphatically.


    Noel roared triumphantly, chest-bumping Faried with a newfound confidence.


    Han Sen shook his head on the bench.


    His earlier optimism was too idealistic. A player''s style doesn''t change after just one quarter.


    However, the season was long, and in prior possessions, Irving did show signs of adapting.


    Han Sen''s attention shifted to Noel.


    This historically underwhelming player now seemed impressive.


    Noel''s defensive instincts and mobility aligned with his nickname from draft night: "Akagi Takenori."


    If Han Sen recalled correctly, Noel began his career with the 76ers, becoming collateral damage in "The Process."


    It''s hard to imagine a rebuilding team hoarding three lottery big men¡ªNoel, Jahlil Okafor, and Joel Embiid¡ªand letting them cannibalize each other like insects in a jar.


    Noel, being a defense-and-lob type center, could grow into a better player than Tristan Thompson if he stayed with the Cavaliers. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Han Sen couldn''t allow Noel to look too good¡ªthis would only raise the Grizzlies'' trade value!


    At the start of the second quarter, the lineups rotated again, and Han Sen returned to the floor.


    The arena erupted with noise as the camera panned to him.


    What''s this? You''re avoiding peak minutes too?!


    On his first possession, the ball naturally went to Han Sen.


    Replacing Johnson, Han was now surrounded by Williams, J.R., Cunningham, and Spencer Hawes¡ªall capable shooters. The spacing was even better than in the starting lineup.


    With Wiggins subbed out, Han faced Vince Carter.


    However, instead of isolating Carter, Han called Hawes for a pick-and-roll.


    He didn''t immediately attack after the screen but waited for Hawes to fully seal Carter, creating a mismatch. Han then drove at Noel.


    A crossover, acceleration, and blow-by. Han breezed past Noel even easier than Wiggins.


    Despite Noel''s impressive mobility, Han''s explosion and footwork were too much. Noel chased hard but was outmatched.


    Han soared into the paint. Noel followed, eyes gleaming at the chance for a highlight block.


    A block on Han Sen could elevate him like Iverson''s crossover on Jordan.


    But mid-air, Noel realized his miscalculation. Han didn''t attempt a straightforward layup¡ªhe executed an acrobatic mid-air spin and a reverse double-handed slam!


    Boom!


    The crowd gasped in awe as Han hammered the ball through the hoop over Noel.


    Noel''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    A reverse poster dunk¡ªa move more stunning than a frontal one¡ªdealt a devastating blow to Noel''s confidence.


    On the sidelines, Wiggins exhaled in relief.


    Seeing someone else suffer alongside him brought him a strange comfort.


    Han''s emphatic dunk energized the Cavaliers, who forced a stop on defense.


    Back on offense, Han targeted Noel in pick-and-roll again.


    This time, after driving past, Han slowed down to initiate contact before finishing through the foul.


    Two consecutive plays left Noel visibly shaken. The camera caught Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley leaving his VIP box early.


    Heisley finally understood Han Sen''s pregame remarks.


    If the Grizzlies'' young players were their hope for appreciation, Han shattered their confidence entirely.


    The arena''s LED screen displayed Heisley''s exit, drawing a mix of cheers and jeers from the crowd.


    Though fans despised Heisley, leaving before halftime? That''s worse than Danny Ferry''s infamous blunders.


    Ultimately, the Cavaliers secured a 112¨C106 road victory over the Grizzlies to start the season strong.


    Han Sen''s explosive performance left a lasting impression: 36 points, 6 rebounds, 13 assists, 3 steals, and 4 blocks.


    With his orchestration, the Cavaliers shot 13-of-28 from three¡ªnearly 50%¡ªand dominated with precision.


    Yet, Han''s triumph on the Grizzlies'' former dynasty night was bittersweet¡ªa fitting end to an era he helped build and now dismantled.


    ...


    Han Sen and Kyrie Irving appeared together at the post-game press conference, and Han naturally became the center of attention.


    A TNT reporter asked, "You recorded 13 assists tonight, which is an incredible number for a shooting guard. How did you manage that?"


    Han replied with characteristic simplicity and honesty, "I just had a lot of the ball in my hands."


    In truth, the so-called "point forward" role is about taking the ball-handling responsibilities typically assigned to a point guard and putting them in the hands of a forward. The point guard is then left to focus on roles traditionally meant for forwards, such as shooting and defense. Forwards often have better passing vision due to their height and greater offensive versatility, allowing them to create opportunities without relying heavily on set plays.


    However, Han wasn''t showing off with this answer¡ªhe genuinely believes he has room to grow. Despite his stellar assists, he also committed five turnovers. While this isn''t a terrible assist-to-turnover ratio, for a championship-caliber team, it''s an area that needs improvement.


    An ESPN reporter followed up, visibly irked by Han''s previous response. "You said pregame that you planned to score 100 points tonight, but your scoring aggression didn''t seem particularly high. What''s the deal?"


    "That was just strategy," Han answered nonchalantly.


    The core principle of the "four-out, one-in" system is to use a superstar''s ability to attract double-teams and then kick out passes to open teammates.


    "Besides," Han added, smirking, "you really believed I''d score 100? Funny how you doubted me when I said I''d lead the Cavs to a title."


    The next question, posed by a WHBQ reporter from Memphis, was directed at Han but clearly aimed to provoke: "Kyrie didn''t have the best game tonight. Are you concerned about his performance?"


    Irving shot 4-for-15, scoring just 14 points with 3 assists¡ªa notable factor in why the game against Memphis was so tight despite Han''s dominance.


    Han, however, was notably kind in his response, a stark contrast to his earlier brevity. "We all know how talented Kyrie is," Han said warmly. "It''s our job to help him feel more comfortable on the court. That''s what we''ll work on moving forward."


    Irving, sitting beside Han, lowered his head instinctively. He didn''t need anyone to tell him how poorly he''d played. Yet Han''s words didn''t offer comfort¡ªthey brought him shame.


    An NBC reporter asked Han, "Last year, you said you planned to participate in this year''s Dunk Contest. Is that still the case?"


    At that time, Han was still with Memphis, and the All-Star Game was set to be hosted there. Now, however, his fallout with owner Michael Heisley added another layer of tension.


    "Why not?" Han replied with his usual brevity.


    Finally, a TMZ reporter inquired, "We noticed you exchanged a few words with Heisley during the ring ceremony. What did you say to him?"


    Han grinned, "I just wished him a pleasant evening."


    Everyone knew Han was always so polite.


    ...


    After the press conference, Han and Kyrie headed back to the locker room.


    "Thanks, Han, for what you said out there," Kyrie said, grateful for Han''s defense.


    "Don''t mention it," Han replied. Then, with a sly grin, he added, "But you''re coming with me for extra practice tonight."


    Caught off guard, Kyrie could only nod, feeling a mix of confusion and pressure.


    Later, after changing into training gear, Han grabbed Dante Cunningham and brought Kyrie along for an extra session. The focus? Passing drills.


    As they worked, Han confirmed what he''d suspected all along¡ªKyrie''s struggles with playmaking weren''t about a lack of skill. His ball control and passing precision were fine. After all, someone capable of those flashy finger-roll layups clearly had elite control.


    No, the issue was Kyrie''s tendency to prioritize his own scoring.


    When the practice ended, Han let Cunningham leave but stopped Kyrie for a private conversation.


    "Kyrie, you can''t lead a team to success playing like this," Han began bluntly, shocking Kyrie into wide-eyed silence. The words hit like a dagger¡ªpainfully direct and brutally honest.


    Seeing Kyrie''s defiance, Han smirked. "If you really want to lead a team, you have to suppress your scoring instincts. You need to focus on reading the game and involving your teammates."


    In "history," Kyrie never adjusted his style. His constant need to prove himself turned him into a "team killer," worse than Rudy Gay in his heyday. To help Kyrie break free from that mentality, Han needed to shift his focus from me to us.


    The conversation wasn''t just for Kyrie''s benefit¡ªit was also about the team. Running an offense through a point-forward like Han was exhausting. While the stats looked great, by the fourth quarter, Han could feel his efficiency dipping. If Kyrie could take on more responsibility as a secondary playmaker, it would allow Han to revert to a more manageable role as the primary scoring and playmaking core, the ideal setup for Cleveland''s four-out, one-in system.


    ...


    As Han and Kyrie continued their conversation, a social media bombshell sparked a wave of fan debate.


    After Memphis''s opening game, team owner Michael Heisley had reportedly finalized the sale of the Grizzlies to Robert Pera, the CEO of Ubiquiti Networks. Sources revealed the sale price was significantly below the franchise''s summer valuation.


    Heisley''s departure was seen as a direct consequence of the team''s decline¡ªand Han''s dominance in their season opener. The symbolic destruction of the Grizzlies dynasty on their "Ring Night" had been nothing short of poetic.

 Chapter 265: Finding Kyrie’s Blueprint.

    Chapter 265: Finding Kyrie''s Blueprint.(TL/n: Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! May this year bring you joy, success, and unforgettable moments both on and off the court. Thanks for the support so far, and let''s keep enjoying the game together!)


    In "history," Zion Williamson''s NCAA debut saw him blow out a pair of PG 2.5s with one step, costing Nike a staggering $1.3 billion. Han Sen''s opening game indirectly leading to the Grizzlies changing ownership is a fitting parallel.


    But transactions involving team ownership don''t happen overnight. They involve complex financial, legal, and debt-related processes. For someone like Heisley, who lacks significant financial resources, loans are often part of the equation.


    The league will also need to conduct thorough evaluations and approvals, meaning the earliest this deal could finalize would be around the All-Star break. If that happens, the All-Star Game will surely have an added layer of intrigue.


    ...


    As December arrives, the season''s first month is in the books. Surprisingly, the most impressive team isn''t the Lakers, Heat, or Rockets¡ªit''s the Warriors.


    Initially projected by Stan Van Gundy to finish 12th in the West, the Warriors stormed through November with a 14-2 record, now standing at 15-2, the best in the league.


    This performance not only embarrassed Van Gundy but also humiliated Nike. While Nike focused its offseason strategy on Han Sen and the Cavaliers, Steph Curry, UA''s #2 man, completely blindsided them.


    With Steve Kerr at the helm, the Warriors boldly promoted Draymond Green and Harrison Barnes to the starting lineup while relegating All-Stars David Lee and Andre Iguodala to the bench. This improved both their starting offense and bench depth, making them the league''s deepest team.


    At the heart of it all was Steph Curry.


    In November, Curry averaged 25.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 1.9 steals, with a stunning 44% three-point shooting. It earned him his first Western Conference Player of the Month award and demonstrated his unleashed potential as the team''s primary focus.


    In the East, Han Sen claimed the Player of the Month title.


    Han posted monstrous November stats: 30.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 3.1 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game on 51.4% shooting, leading the Cavaliers to an 11-5 record.


    Nike executives, who meticulously planned this season, were undoubtedly reeling from seeing UA dominate the opening month with both Player of the Month awards.


    Despite this setback, the season is still young. Nike-backed teams like the Heat and Rockets have performed well.


    The Heat hold the East''s top spot at 13-3, while the Rockets trail the Warriors with a 13-4 record.


    Conversely, the heavily favored Lakers have underwhelmed, sitting at 12-5 and third in the West.


    Their struggles primarily stem from LeBron James.


    Surprisingly, James hasn''t been causing on-court disruptions this time. When sharing the floor with Kobe, he''s embraced the role of facilitator, which aligns with Nike''s larger plans.


    The issue lies in his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.


    The West is stacked with strong teams and elite wing defenders: Iguodala for the Warriors, Leonard for the Spurs, Ariza for the Rockets, Gay and Wiggins for the Grizzlies, and Batum for the Blazers. James is constantly facing challenges, and when he falters, the burden shifts to Kobe.


    At 36, Kobe can no longer sustain prolonged scoring bursts while maintaining efficiency, even if he hasn''t suffered the catastrophic injuries of "history."


    One day, Cavaliers GM David Griffin handed Han Sen his Player of the Month trophy.


    Unlike MVP awards, these minor accolades are simply handed out, often dismissed unless used as a consolation prize in futile arguments.


    Griffin wasn''t just there to deliver a trophy; he also hinted that the team could pursue trades if Han felt it necessary.


    Currently third in the East, the Cavaliers trail only the Heat and the surprising Hawks. However, they''ve shown some vulnerabilities.


    The primary concern is defense. Despite Han''s otherworldly defensive stats, the Cavaliers rank just 10th in defensive efficiency. Defense is never a one-man job.


    Opponents consistently exploit weak links like Kyrie Irving and Spencer Hawes.


    Against the Spurs, their defense was downright disastrous. San Antonio''s mastery of pick-and-roll plays exposed Cleveland''s slow rotations.


    This highlighted why last season''s roster, despite its potential, missed the playoffs. Defense remains the key to winning in any era.


    Even the Warriors learned this lesson. They transitioned from Don Nelson''s pure run-and-gun system to the balanced approach under Mark Jackson, who instilled a defensive mindset before Kerr refined their offense.


    Another issue is Kyrie Irving.


    In November, Irving averaged 15.8 points and 6.8 assists on 42% shooting¡ªwell below expectations. The growing calls for the Cavaliers to trade him are unsurprising.


    Irving has yet to prove himself and is struggling, leading some to suggest Cleveland should cut their losses.


    "David, I''m not LeBron," Han said with a smirk.


    Griffin, though newly promoted, was a veteran of the LeBron era. Trading underperforming teammates had become second nature to him.


    But it''s still early in the season, and Cleveland''s current assets wouldn''t yield better returns. Irving, their most valuable piece, is at his lowest trade value.


    However, Griffin''s comment planted a seed in Han''s mind.


    After Griffin left, Han paid a visit to coach Mike Malone''s home.


    Malone lived in a team-provided villa with his wife, Jocelyn. When Han arrived, Jocelyn prepared coffee for the two before leaving them to talk in private.


    ...


    "You have a good wife," Han Sen complimented.


    "You should think about getting married yourself," Malone replied, hinting at Han''s well-known dating history over the years.


    Han Sen chuckled but didn''t say anything. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Actually, I''ve been meaning to talk to you," Malone said, gesturing for Han to enjoy his coffee before continuing.


    Han Sen raised his cup, a hint of curiosity on his face.


    "I think there might be some issues with how we''re using Kyrie," Malone admitted.


    After taking a sip of his coffee and setting the cup down, Han Sen replied, "That''s actually why I came to see you today."


    It seemed the two of them were on the same page.


    Han Sen''s earlier attempts to convince Kyrie Irving to adjust his playstyle mirrored Shaquille O''Neal''s past efforts with Kobe Bryant¡ªa way to emphasize the importance of teamwork.


    But Kyrie wasn''t Kobe, and Han Sen wasn''t Shaq. Kyrie had listened, but when it came to games, his performance didn''t improve. Instead, it worsened.


    He hesitated¡ªholding the ball when he should pass, failing to score when he should finish. It was as though the adjustments had left him uncertain.


    After a month of games, it became evident that Kyrie wasn''t the type of player who could naturally balance scoring and playmaking.


    Kyrie''s style was already set before he even entered the NBA. Expecting him to change now was unrealistic.


    The best course of action was to design offensive plays around him, letting him focus on scoring¡ªas a pure finisher, similar to how Han Sen had played in his earlier years.


    "I''ll talk to him," Malone said, taking a sip of his still-warm coffee.


    Since they were on the same wavelength, the discussion progressed quickly.


    Han Sen nodded in agreement. It was better for Malone to address Kyrie, considering Han had just recently encouraged him to embrace a more team-oriented approach.


    As for whether this would affect Kyrie''s long-term growth, that wasn''t something Han could concern himself with now. Everyone makes their own choices in life, and he couldn''t dictate how others should live.


    ...


    The Cavaliers hosted the Hornets in their first game of December. While older fans might still refer to them as the Bobcats, the team officially reclaimed the "Hornets" name in May, inheriting the original Hornets'' history.


    Meanwhile, the previous Hornets, now the Pelicans, had rebranded and were forging a fresh identity, much like the Thunder.


    Last season, led by Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson, the Hornets broke a long playoff drought. This year, with the addition of Lance Stephenson, their ambitions were clear.


    Michael Jordan, owner of the Hornets, was present to watch this game in person.


    Given Han Sen''s past declaration to surpass Jordan as the greatest in history, the broadcast cameras occasionally framed them together¡ªa rare pairing of player and owner.


    However, Jordan didn''t stay long. The Cavaliers dismantled the Hornets early, prompting him to leave before the game''s conclusion.


    Stopping Han Sen was expectedly difficult for the Hornets, but their inability to contain Kyrie Irving was surprising.


    Malone''s strategy for Kyrie was straightforward: space the floor and let him go one-on-one.


    And it worked. Kyrie, when tasked solely with scoring, was a natural. He could conjure countless ways to put the ball in the basket.


    His struggles against the Grizzlies were a reflection of their elite defense. But in the Eastern Conference, defenses as suffocating as Memphis''s were rare.


    Interestingly, Han Sen noticed something else during the game. Once Kyrie got into a scoring rhythm, he started finding balance between scoring and playmaking, even dishing out some impressive assists.


    Kyrie truly was a unique player in the NBA.


    The Cavaliers secured a decisive victory in three quarters. Han Sen tallied 26 points, 8 assists, and 4 steals, while Kyrie contributed 20 points and 5 assists.


    While the Hornets weren''t the strongest opponents, the game significantly boosted Kyrie''s confidence.


    ...


    Following the Hornets game, the Cavaliers returned home to face the Bulls, who had made notable offseason moves.


    Although they missed out on Pau Gasol, who chose Miami, the Bulls added Nikola Miroti? and retained a solid frontcourt with Taj Gibson.


    More importantly, after two seasons of waiting, Derrick Rose had returned, and Jimmy Butler had emerged as a reliable star.


    The Bulls boasted a defensively dominant starting lineup with Rose, Butler, Joakim Noah, and Gibson, plus free-agent pickup Robert Covington.


    The game was a hard-fought battle, with the lead changing frequently until the final moments.


    Rose''s last attempt to win the game was blocked by Han Sen, giving the Cavaliers a chance to seal the victory.


    Han Sen faced a double team on the final play but threaded a pass to Kyrie on the perimeter. Before Jimmy Butler could contest, Kyrie sank the game-winning three.


    As the shot went in, Kyrie celebrated with childlike exuberance, running laps around the court before returning to Han Sen for an emphatic high-five and chest bump.


    For the first time, Han Sen saw Kyrie genuinely excited and unrestrained.


    "I''m thrilled and thankful for Han. Ever since he came to Cleveland, he''s been trying to make me more comfortable on the court. If anyone can bring success to Cleveland, I believe he''s the one," Kyrie said postgame, his emotions overflowing.


    Han Sen''s calm response? "I''ve said before¡ªwe all know Kyrie''s talent."


    It wasn''t that Han was unmoved by Kyrie''s heartfelt remarks; he simply knew that proving oneself required more than regular-season heroics.


    Still, the game was a milestone for Kyrie, finally giving him a signature moment to silence his critics.


    The media coverage that followed reignited Kyrie''s confidence, making him the center of attention once again.


    In the first half of December, Kyrie averaged 22.8 points over seven games, shooting career-high percentages¡ª48% overall and 41.5% from three.


    The Cavaliers had finally discovered Kyrie''s instruction manual.


    Or rather, Han Sen had always known it. He just needed to test it to confirm that Kyrie only had one way to play.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 266: Nobody Wants to Play Beside LeBron.

    Chapter 266: Nobody Wants to Play Beside LeBron.As the days ticked down, the anticipation for the Christmas Day matchup grew among fans.


    This year''s Christmas game was set to be an all-time classic, drawing more attention than ever before.


    The allure lay in its historical context. Back in the Stern era, numerous attempts were made to engineer the "23 vs. 24" matchup, which often fell short. The league had to settle for highlighting it during Christmas games instead.


    In those years when LeBron James was still on the Cavaliers, Christmas Day felt like an annual Cavaliers vs. Lakers showdown.


    "23 vs. 24" was a cash cow that brought in massive viewership¡ªno shame in that.


    Fast forward to this year, the matchup was once again Cavaliers vs. Lakers. However, this time, the iconic "23" and "24" were on the same team, facing off against the league''s reigning kingpin, Han Sen.


    What made it even more compelling was the setting: Cleveland''s home court. LeBron''s return to Cleveland was bound to be a spectacle fans wouldn''t miss.


    But just as the buzz was building, Kyrie Irving''s one statement blew up the anticipation for the game into an all-out firestorm.


    It all started after Irving''s game-winning shot against the Bulls during a post-game interview.


    In that interview, Kyrie remarked, "If anyone can bring success to Cleveland, I believe Han Sen is the only one."


    Given the context¡ªIrving scoring the game-winner off Han Sen''s assist¡ªthe comment wasn''t inherently controversial.


    However, it immediately triggered LeBron''s fanbase.


    To be fair, they were already harboring grievances.


    This season, the LeBron-Kobe duo was a polarizing experiment. When the team won, LeBron and Kobe fans united against external criticism.


    But when they lost, things got messy. Neither fanbase wanted their idol to shoulder the blame.


    Given their sheer numbers, the odds of extreme fans instigating conflict were high. And with tensions running high, it didn''t take much to ignite arguments.


    Yet with LeBron and Kobe now teammates, neither side could fully escalate, resulting in a simmering frustration reminiscent of a dysfunctional couple unable to break up.


    So, when Kyrie''s comments surfaced, LeBron''s fans were quick to retaliate on social media.


    "If LeBron returned to the Cavaliers, they''d have a Big Three with Kyrie and Love. Cleveland would be the East''s top seed and a title favorite. LeBron is the only player to have led Cleveland to the Finals¡ªhe''s the one who can bring success to Cleveland."


    The word "if" is the most tantalizing thing in the world, especially for those dissatisfied with their current reality.


    Outnumbered by Kobe fans in debates, LeBron''s fans often resorted to pondering these "ifs" as a coping mechanism.


    And the idea of LeBron returning to Cleveland to lead the team to glory was an enticing narrative for them to latch onto.


    What began as a social media debate soon spilled into mainstream conversations.


    During an open practice, a reporter asked Kyrie about the "what if" scenario.


    Kyrie''s initial response was measured, not giving much away: "That scenario doesn''t take other people''s perspectives into account."


    But when pressed further, Kyrie''s trademark bluntness came through.


    "I don''t want to play with LeBron. Nobody wants to play with LeBron."


    Boom. That statement was a bombshell dropped squarely onto LeBron''s fanbase.


    Kyrie was immediately swarmed with criticism online.


    "Who even is Kyrie Irving? The so-called ''team leader'' of a franchise that got two #1 draft picks in three years?"


    "A player who''s never made the playoffs mocking an MVP-level player? What gives him the right?"


    "Kyrie is the worst franchise player in NBA history, barely an All-Star propped up by Nike''s marketing."


    To be fair, Kyrie''s statement was low on tact.


    Though not untrue, it was controversial coming from a Nike-backed star in the same camp as LeBron.


    This felt like betrayal within the family.


    Later in December, Han Sen attended the grand opening of a Chinese restaurant in Cleveland.


    Since his return to the city, several Chinese companies followed suit with investments, bringing more locals and businesses into the area.


    The restaurant opening attracted a crowd of fans and reporters, who couldn''t resist asking Han about Kyrie''s remarks.


    "Everyone has the freedom to express their opinions," Han replied, giving nothing away.


    What he didn''t add was, "But they''d better be ready to face the consequences of their words."


    Whether Kyrie was prepared for that fallout remained to be seen, but his boldness was undeniable.


    As the situation escalated, reporters continued pressing Kyrie on whether he regretted his words. Kyrie''s response was characteristically defiant:


    "No."


    It was clear that Nike likely had a word with Kyrie, perhaps suggesting he soften his stance.


    But Kyrie''s rebellious streak wouldn''t allow that. The more he was told to back down, the more determined he became.


    And why not?


    Nike''s roster of rising stars was thin, with only Kyrie, Paul George, and Anthony Davis in the spotlight. George had just suffered a season-ending injury, and Davis was a big man¡ªa harder sell.


    If they pushed Kyrie too hard, he might defect to Under Armour, which would be a PR nightmare for Nike.


    Kyrie''s stance, however, put LeBron in a tough spot.


    LeBron couldn''t respond too aggressively, as it would hurt his image to stoop to verbal sparring with Kyrie. Plus, Nike wouldn''t allow it in such a pivotal season.


    But staying silent could be interpreted as tacit approval of Kyrie''s comments.


    Caught between a rock and a hard place, LeBron eventually gave a carefully crafted response to the media:


    "Listen, you can love me or hate me, but one thing you must do is respect me. Respect the way I approach the game and the sacrifices I''ve made for this sport."


    It was a diplomatic approach, reminding Kyrie to show respect while avoiding escalation.


    Kyrie, however, had one final mic drop moment. He posted on social media:


    "I don''t respect anyone, not even Jordan, because I''m here to win."


    This was a famous quote from Reggie Miller, but Kyrie''s timing left no doubt about its intended target.


    Kyrie''s idols were Kobe and Han¡ªboth scoring phenoms. LeBron was never in that category for him.


    This saga only fueled the hype for the Christmas Day game, which was shaping up to be an all-out war.


    ...


    Snow began to fall lightly over Cleveland on Christmas Eve.


    Han Sen drove to the airport to pick up Anjali. Ever since her return from visiting China, her desire to travel had been sparked. Over the past few months, she had been flying across the United States, exploring one destination after another.


    But as winter settled in and the weather turned colder, her adventurous spirit cooled as well.


    Upon parking his car, Han noticed a crowd of fans gathered at the airport entrance.


    Not long after, a group of people emerged, causing a stir among the crowd. Coincidentally, it was the Los Angeles Lakers arriving in Cleveland.


    Typically, teams playing in Christmas Day games would wait until after Christmas Eve to travel, but the distance from Los Angeles to Cleveland was considerable¡ªfarther than even Milwaukee, a city LeBron had complained about during the preseason. Coupled with the unpredictable winter weather, the Lakers opted to arrive a day earlier.


    The presence of fans wasn''t surprising either. Setting aside the LeBron loyalists still residing in Cleveland, Kobe Bryant had supporters in every city.


    Han rolled down his car window and glanced toward the commotion.


    Kobe, smiling as always, stopped to sign autographs and take pictures with fans. LeBron, on the other hand, walked straight to the team bus with a stern expression, accompanied by his teammates.


    His serious demeanor could have been due to Kyrie Irving''s recent comments¡ªor perhaps the fact that he wouldn''t be spending Christmas Eve at home this year.


    If it weren''t for the backlash he faced on social media over his preseason complaints, LeBron might have been muttering right now: "Why do we have to fly to Cleveland on Christmas Eve for a Christmas game?" S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After a while, Han got out of the car as Anjali''s flight landed.


    Soon, Han spotted Anjali stepping out of the arrivals area.


    She was bundled up in a thick, fluffy coat. Cleveland, like most northern U.S. cities, was bitterly cold in winter¡ªnot quite as freezing as Milwaukee, but close enough.


    "Finally!" Anjali exclaimed, her face lighting up as she saw Han.


    Han grinned and opened his arms, catching her in a warm hug. She kissed him on the cheek before slipping her arm around his and pulling him toward the car.


    "I missed you," she said with a small sigh, leaning into him.


    "Missed you too," Han replied. "How was the trip this time?"


    Anjali launched into a lively recount of her travels, sharing anecdotes about the people she met and the places she visited.


    By the time they reached the car, her stories had shifted to how much she had been looking forward to seeing him again.


    As they settled in, just as Han was about to start the engine, Anjali leaned over with a playful smile. "So, here''s the thing¡ªI''m planning to stay with you for a bit this time."


    Han blinked, caught off guard. "Stay with me?"


    "Yeah. Just for a while," she said, her tone casual but her eyes searching his reaction. "I feel like I''ve been all over the place lately, and I need to slow down. Plus, I want to spend time with you. If that''s okay, of course."


    Han hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Sure, why not?"


    As they drove off, Han couldn''t help but reflect on the idea. He''d never really experienced living with someone long-term. The closest thing to it was his childhood with his family in his previous life.


    But maybe this was the right time to find out if they could make it work. Physical attraction fades, but it''s how you live together that really matters.


    ...


    The next morning, Han woke to find Anjali''s side of the bed empty.


    He stretched and wandered into the living room, where he found her practicing yoga, her movements slow and fluid.


    He didn''t interrupt, instead heading to the kitchen where breakfast awaited him. Among the usual dishes, he noticed a heart-shaped egg on his plate.


    Han smirked. It was obvious who had added the extra touch.


    As he ate, he couldn''t help but glance back at Anjali. Watching her move through her routine while he enjoyed a homemade breakfast felt... different.


    For the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of normalcy, a sense of home.


    After finishing his meal, he joined her in the living room as she wrapped up her session.


    "I''ve got practice today," he said. "What''s your plan?"


    "I was thinking of visiting the zoo," she replied, rolling up her yoga mat. "And, of course, I''ll come to the game tonight."


    "Sounds good. I''ll have Rondo arrange a bodyguard for you," Han said.


    "Bodyguard?" Anjali raised an eyebrow.


    "It''s Cleveland. Not as rough as Memphis, but I''d rather not take chances," Han explained.


    "Fair enough," she said with a shrug.


    After a quick kiss, Han grabbed his gear and headed out to practice, leaving her to her plans.


    As he drove off to the arena, Han found himself thinking about the morning. Something about seeing Anjali there, casually going about her day in his space, had left him feeling... grounded.


    And for the first time in a long while, the idea of building something lasting didn''t feel so foreign.


    ...


    At practice, Coach Malone''s methods extended beyond tactics. He adopted unique training drills, including a three-point shooting exercise where players had to face interference from big men. This approach contributed to the Cavaliers'' league-leading three-point percentage.


    Malone also frequently mixed up teams during full-court scrimmages, avoiding traditional divisions of starters, bench players, and reserves.


    Today, he placed Han with the second unit and pitted him against Kyrie Irving and the starters.


    The game was close at first, but as the scrimmage progressed, Han locked Kyrie down on defense and then took over offensively, leading a personal scoring spree that decided the contest.


    With no need to conserve energy for a full game, Han could dominate easily when he wanted to.


    "Boss, you''re more fired up than usual today!" Cunningham remarked as he sat next to Han during a break.


    Han turned to him with a bemused look.


    "You usually save this kind of intensity for actual games," Cunningham added.


    Han chuckled in response.


    In his final season with the Grizzlies, he had donned a metaphorical mask to become the villain, pushing the team''s training intensity to match the rigors of real games.


    But back in Cleveland, he had taken off that mask.


    Living behind a facade was exhausting, and that method often strained relationships with teammates.


    Success might make teammates grateful, but no one truly enjoys being bullied by a peer.


    After Cunningham''s comment, Han couldn''t deny it. Maybe it was because of Anjali''s presence¡ªor perhaps because tonight''s opponent was the Lakers.


    Although the media frenzy had been centered on Kyrie and LeBron''s feud, people hadn''t forgotten Han''s offseason remarks about the Lakers.


    ...


    The Quicken Loans Arena was packed that evening.


    As Han walked into the arena, he noticed plenty of conspicuous signs among the Christmas-themed decorations:


    "LeBron ¡Á Han ¡Ì,"


    "We never needed the traitor LeBron,"


    "I don''t respect you, LeBron,"


    "23+24 < 77."


    Four years had passed since LeBron''s infamous "Decision," yet those memories, once dulled by time, had resurfaced with Han and former Cavaliers players returning, and Kyrie reigniting the flames with his comments.


    Time may dilute emotions, but it doesn''t erase memories.


    It was no wonder LeBron''s expression at the airport had been so grim¡ªhe likely anticipated tonight''s hostile reception.


    Though some Cleveland fans still adored him, there were far more who didn''t, contrary to his earlier claims of being hated by only a few.


    After exchanging a glance and a blown kiss with Anjali in her front-row seat, Han shifted his focus to the game.


    The Lakers were introduced first as the visiting team.


    Players like Anderson Varej?o received cheers from fans, despite his loyalty to LeBron, as he had remained with the Cavaliers and fought hard for the team after LeBron''s departure.


    But when LeBron was introduced, he was greeted with deafening boos rivaling those of his first return to Cleveland after "The Decision."


    Despite expecting it, the combination of boos and vehemently waved signs left LeBron visibly upset.


    Conversely, when Han Sen was introduced as the Cavaliers'' final starter, the arena erupted in cheers far louder than the earlier boos.


    This Cavaliers team didn''t need LeBron anymore¡ªthey had Han.


    As Kyrie had said, in the eyes of most Cleveland fans, Han Sen was the only one who could truly lead them to success.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 267: General Irving.

    Chapter 267: General Irving.Following the opening ceremony, the starting lineups for both teams were announced:


    Lakers: Jeremy Lin, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Channing Frye, Anderson Varejao


    Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Han Sen, P.J. Tucker, Tristan Thompson (TT), Andrea Bargnani


    Since December began, Bargnani''s consistent performances had earned him the starting role over Spencer Hawes.


    This marquee Christmas game drew the attention of TNT''s iconic trio: Kenny Smith, Shaquille O''Neal, and Charles Barkley, who were present courtside.


    Before tip-off, they discussed the dynamics of the game.


    Kenny Smith analyzed, "On paper, the Lakers are a stronger team than the Cavaliers. Cleveland''s wings can''t contain LeBron''s dominance."


    Shaq interjected, "You seem to forget Han Sen is a wing too."


    "But he can''t guard both Kobe and LeBron. It''s a choice¡ªpick one," Smith countered.


    Barkley, however, posed the ultimate question, "And who''s stopping Han?"


    "Kobe," Smith replied without hesitation.


    "36-year-old Kobe guarding Han all night? Really?" Shaq questioned, raising an eyebrow.


    "Maybe LeBron could try?" Barkley teased, eliciting hearty laughter from the commentary team.


    ...


    Meanwhile, LeBron approached the scorer''s table to perform his signature chalk toss ritual. But as he arrived, he noticed the equipment covered in white cloth, seemingly to prevent any damage from the chalk.


    Even the fans near the court mimicked his tossing motion with exaggerated expressions, treating him like a zoo exhibit.


    Frustrated, LeBron abandoned the full toss, instead sprinkling a little chalk onto his hands before heading to the court.


    ...


    As the game began, Kobe and Han Sen immediately matched up against each other.


    "Playing in Cleveland is rough, huh?" Kobe teased, directing his comment toward Kyrie Irving.


    "It''s better than where you are now," Han interjected, glancing at LeBron with a smirk.


    Though blunt, Kyrie''s words weren''t entirely off the mark. If LeBron had found teammates willing to join him, he might have stayed in New York instead of heading to Los Angeles.


    Respect isn''t something you demand¡ªit''s something you earn.


    ...


    Varejao won the tip, and the Christmas Day showdown officially commenced.


    The Lakers'' acquisition of LeBron raised concerns about his compatibility with Kobe, but the issue had been resolved years ago when Chris Paul briefly joined the Lakers. Kobe had no problem playing off the ball, especially as age pushed him toward conserving energy.


    However, on his first off-ball play of the night, Kobe found himself completely locked down by Han Sen.


    Han''s defense, sharp enough to contain Kobe in his prime, easily stifled the 36-year-old veteran.


    With no opportunity for Kobe, LeBron called for a pick-and-roll with Varejao. Though Cleveland opted to double-team, LeBron''s chemistry with Varejao shone through. A bounce pass led to an easy layup, putting the Lakers on the board first.


    LeBron''s struggles in the West seemed to vanish upon his return to the East¡ªhe was back in his comfort zone.


    ...


    On the Cavaliers'' first possession, Han deferred to Kyrie.


    Kyrie''s crossovers left Jeremy Lin in the dust, and he floated a shot over Frye''s help defense for two points.


    Though Cleveland''s interior defense was weak, the Lakers'' wasn''t much better. With Bargnani pulling Varejao outside, Frye alone couldn''t anchor their paint.


    LeBron attacked again, this time skipping the pick-and-roll to charge straight at the rim. Just as he pulled the ball high for a signature tomahawk slam, Han rotated over for the challenge.


    Bang!


    LeBron''s hand slammed into the rim, but the ball flew out of bounds, thanks to Han''s perfectly timed block.


    For a moment, the arena was silent. Then, an eruption of cheers filled the air. Han had blocked LeBron''s most iconic move!


    LeBron stared in disbelief, while Han casually shrugged. It wasn''t the first time¡ªhe''d done the same thing during their first Cavaliers practice years ago.


    ...


    "Kenny, it''s not a choice!" Barkley exclaimed as the commentary booth burst into laughter.


    Han had effectively defended both Kobe and LeBron in the same possession.


    Smith shook his head, chuckling.


    Han might not have been holding the ball much early on, but his impact on defense spoke volumes.


    ...


    The Lakers, short on time, inbounded the ball to Kobe for an isolation play against Han.


    The duel felt like a classic showdown. But as Kobe backed down, his fadeaway jumper turned into an awkward, highly-contested shot, bouncing off the front of the rim.


    Years ago, Han had taunted Kobe by calling him old. Now, it was reality. Without the burst of his youth, Kobe struggled to create clean looks against Han''s elite defense.


    ...


    Back on offense, Cleveland made adjustments. Frye stayed with Bargnani on the perimeter, leaving Varejao to guard Tristan Thompson.


    Seeing this, Kyrie called for a screen from Thompson.


    Lakers coach Byron Scott shouted for a double-team from the sideline, but Kyrie accelerated before it could form, slicing through the defense.


    Varejao''s desperate chase was futile as Kyrie soared into a gravity-defying layup, twisting mid-air for a smooth finish.


    The crowd roared in approval as Kyrie''s flashy play lit up the arena.


    ...


    The Lakers tried another off-ball play for Kobe, but Han shadowed him relentlessly, forcing him to act as a decoy.


    On the other end, Tucker held his ground against LeBron, poking the ball loose during a spin move.


    The loose ball rolled toward midcourt, where Kyrie pounced, scooping it up with precision. His blazing speed barely slowed, even while dribbling.


    LeBron, chasing hard, refused to let Kyrie finish uncontested.


    As Kyrie launched into a layup, LeBron shoved him from behind, earning a whistle for the foul.


    Kyrie, knocked off balance, still managed to release the ball. The shot kissed off the glass and fell through.


    Sitting on the floor after sliding from the impact, Kyrie pumped his fist and roared.


    The crowd erupted.


    Despite his cool demeanor and rebellious streak, Kyrie was fired up. He had read all the criticism from LeBron''s fans. Tonight, he had something to prove.


    ...


    The Quicken Loans Arena was electric.


    This Christmas Day showdown was supposed to highlight Han Sen, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James, but unexpectedly, Kyrie Irving had stolen the spotlight in the opening moments.


    As Han Sen made his way to the frontcourt, he extended his hand, pulling Kyrie up from the floor, then reached out to ruffle his hair.


    Kenny Smith''s earlier assessment wasn''t wrong¡ªon paper, the Lakers were indeed stronger than the Cavaliers. For Cleveland to win this Christmas clash, the key lay on the defensive end.


    Han Sen was more than happy to see Kyrie shine offensively because it allowed him to pour his focus entirely into defense.


    Kyrie sank his free throw, scoring 7 consecutive points and giving the Cavaliers a 7-2 lead over the Lakers.


    Somewhere out there, Curry¡ªwho''s been diving into The Romance of the Three Kingdoms this season¡ªmight just be watching and thinking: I have General Irving, capable of slaying the BOAT.


    Kobe finally managed to free himself for a shot, sinking a mid-range jumper despite Han Sen''s contest. Even with his speed and physical tools declining, Kobe''s signature tough-shot-making ability remained intact.


    On the next possession, Kobe switched onto Kyrie defensively.


    By this point, Kyrie was feeling himself. Seeing Kobe in front of him, he waved off his teammates and began a series of crossovers to attack.


    However, Kobe quickly reminded him of his wisdom and defensive acumen.


    While Kyrie unleashed his dazzling handles, Kobe stayed disciplined, anticipating every move and forcing Kyrie into a dead stop.


    Undeterred, Kyrie went for a step-back jumper, only for Kobe to swat the shot emphatically.


    The crowd buzzed with excitement at the moment. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That sequence perfectly summed up Kyrie Irving¡ªa player who, at times, could make you believe he''s the league''s best guard, only to immediately do something that undermines that belief.


    Luckily for the Cavs, the ball went out of bounds, and they retained possession.


    With just six seconds left on the shot clock, the inbound pass found its way to Han Sen.


    The Lakers sent an immediate double-team, but Han was faster. With a decisive burst, he powered his way to the free-throw line before the defense could collapse.


    By the time the Lakers attempted to close in, it was too late.


    Han Sen exploded into the air, pulling the ball high above his head. His sheer force and grace made it look as though he was flying over the rim.


    BOOM!


    The ball slammed through the hoop like a thunderclap, igniting the entire arena.


    Charles Barkley leaped from his seat in excitement as the crowd erupted, realizing Han Sen''s desire to dominate this Christmas Day showdown.


    If there was still doubt about how badly Han Sen wanted to win, his monstrous dunk had erased it.


    The arena''s LED screen replayed the dunk from multiple angles.


    LeBron James, once known for his iconic tomahawk dunks during his Cavaliers days, had set the standard for that style of dunking.


    But Han Sen''s display just now¡ªwith its superior elevation and extension¡ªhad completely outclassed anything LeBron had done.


    "This might be the perfect year for LeBron to enter the dunk contest," Barkley joked from the commentary booth.


    Han Sen''s thunderous dunk injected a surge of energy into the Cavaliers.


    Cavs coach Michael Malone seized the moment, signaling for Han Sen and PJ Tucker to switch defensive assignments.


    The adjustment was timely. Kyrie struggled against Kobe, but with Kobe now guarding Kyrie, Lin was left to defend Han Sen¡ªa matchup ripe for exploitation.


    Han Sen on defense still meant LeBron, but Malone knew LeBron wouldn''t challenge Han head-on.


    Sure enough, as Han switched onto him, LeBron called for Lin to take the ball before retreating to the three-point line, hands on his hips, watching from a distance.


    Kobe took over as the Lakers'' focal point, running a pick-and-roll with Channing Frye that drew a foul on Tristan Thompson. Kobe sank both free throws, trimming the score to 9-6, with Cleveland still in the lead.


    As the Cavs advanced upcourt, Han Sen took control at the high post.


    Cleveland''s spacing was immaculate: Tucker and Cunningham in the corners, Bargnani at the top of the arc, and Kyrie on the weak side.


    Jeremy Lin''s expression was reminiscent of Mario Chalmers in history, tasked with the impossible job of guarding Kevin Durant.


    Han Sen wasted no time, backing Lin down with overwhelming physicality. The difference in strength was glaring, forcing Lin into a low defensive stance.


    With a quick spin, Han Sen blew past him, leaving Lin trailing in his wake.


    The Lakers'' defense collapsed, but before they could trap, Han Sen spotted Tucker in the corner before firing a laser pass to Kyrie at the wing.


    Kyrie caught the ball and didn''t hesitate, even as LeBron sprinted toward him with an outstretched arm.


    He rose for the shot.


    The ball arced beautifully, just beyond LeBron''s fingertips.


    Swish!


    The net snapped crisply as Kyrie''s three-pointer hit nothing but the bottom.


    And with that, Cleveland''s lead stretched further, the crowd roaring its approval as Kyrie celebrated the moment with a fist pump.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 268: I Want My Damn Respect.

    Chapter 268: I Want My Damn Respect.After sinking the shot, Kyrie Irving celebrated with his signature "pistol holster" gesture, igniting a deafening roar throughout the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.


    While Irving''s earlier bull-headed play left some fans scratching their heads, his performance tonight was undeniably electrifying.


    With that last three-pointer, Kyrie had already racked up 10 points in the quarter. He was clearly determined to steal the spotlight tonight!


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The crowd was fully alive, their energy fueling the Cavaliers'' defensive efforts.


    Cunningham, although not as physically imposing as TT in the paint, brought his own advantage: speed.


    Against an opponent unwilling to play through the low post, his agility allowed for faster rotations on defense¡ªexactly what the Cavs needed tonight.


    The Lakers struggled to execute their plays. At the last second, Kobe received a bailout pass from LeBron but missed the shot. Their offense stalled, and the Cavaliers seized the momentum.


    A chance to widen the gap loomed. If they could sink another three-pointer, the lead would balloon.


    During this transition, an amusing scene unfolded.


    Kobe gestured to LeBron, who appeared hesitant.


    The Cavs pushed forward, and everyone quickly understood their exchange.


    LeBron had taken over as Han Sen''s defender!


    This matchup instantly lit up the arena with cheers and laughter, even drawing chuckles from the commentators.


    The long-awaited duel between these two stars was finally here.


    Han Sen grinned, signaling for an isolation play before squaring up against LeBron.


    LeBron''s eyes darted nervously. Who could blame him? Being repeatedly blown past like a traffic cone was demoralizing.


    Still, he couldn''t outright ignore Kobe''s instructions.


    While LeBron hesitated, Han Sen attacked with a quick crossover, blowing past him toward the basket.


    Though the jerseys on their backs had changed, the result hadn''t.


    Irving''s recent three-pointer had spread the Lakers'' defense thin, and Han Sen effortlessly reached the rim.


    LeBron attempted a desperate chase-down block, but Han Sen spun mid-air and hammered the ball home with a thunderous dunk.


    14¨C6. The lead had grown to eight points.


    Scott had no choice but to call a timeout.


    During the break, Kobe pulled LeBron aside for a stern chat.


    It was clear he was addressing that defensive sequence. While failing to stop Han Sen was understandable, allowing him to blow by without any resistance wasn''t.


    LeBron''s expression said it all¡ªhe was listening, but not really. He resembled a student enduring a lecture, zoning out while nodding along.


    Play resumed with Kobe taking matters into his own hands, but his fadeaway jumper over Tucker missed the mark.


    Thankfully, Varejao was there for a putback, cutting into the lead.


    Bargnani''s performance was solid overall, but his lifelong struggle with rebounding remained glaring. A 7-footer averaging fewer than five boards per game? Hard to explain.


    Han Sen went right back at LeBron.


    This time, LeBron sagged off into a more conservative defensive stance.


    When Han Sen pulled up for a mid-range jumper, LeBron lazily waved a hand at the ball before turning to box out for a rebound.


    Swish!


    The ball found the net, but Kobe''s piercing glare found LeBron.


    It was only then that LeBron realized he hadn''t absorbed a single word of Kobe''s lecture during the timeout.


    LeBron, however, shrugged it off and quickly inbounded the ball, pretending not to notice.


    "Kenny, you were half-right earlier," Barkley quipped, trying to suppress his laughter.


    "It is a multiple-choice question, but only for Kobe."


    The commentary booth erupted in laughter again.


    Despite all this, no one could''ve predicted that Kyrie Irving''s performance tonight would eclipse LeBron''s.


    Kobe pressed on, drawing contact on another drive to the basket and earning free throws. He was visibly winded.


    At this stage of his career, his stamina wasn''t what it once was, and games like this took their toll.


    Scott made a substitution, bringing in Boozer for Frye.


    Boozer, of course, had a history with the Cavaliers. Drafted by Cleveland as the 34th pick in 2002, he showed promise in his first two seasons.


    But in the summer of 2004, after a verbal agreement with the Cavs'' front office, Boozer reneged on their handshake deal. The team had declined his third-year team option to sign him to a six-year, $41 million contract, only for him to jump ship to the Jazz for $61 million instead.


    The Cavs had no leverage, as Boozer became an unrestricted free agent once the option was declined.


    Before LeBron''s arrival, Boozer was considered the ultimate "traitor" in Cleveland sports.


    Ironically, LeBron might''ve drawn inspiration from Boozer''s betrayal when he orchestrated his own move to Miami. A lineage of sorts, just like his nod to Ricky Davis'' infamous antics.


    The Lakers inbounded the ball, and Boozer immediately made an impact with a strong post-up move against Cunningham, finishing with a bank shot.


    Han Sen kept the pressure on with his signature drive-and-kick game, though Bargnani missed his corner three this time.


    LeBron secured the rebound, and Boozer went back to work in the post. His trademark fadeaway jumper was money, cutting the deficit to 12¨C16.


    Han Sen, well-acquainted with Boozer''s game, knew what to expect. During Boozer''s Jazz days, his deadly mid-range game had caused nightmares for Yao Ming.


    Despite being 33, Boozer still had plenty left in the tank. His presence sparked the Lakers'' offense, and Scott''s adjustments began paying off.


    Cunningham became the weak link in the Cavs'' lineup. While the Lakers couldn''t stop Han Sen, forcing Cunningham off the floor would achieve the same goal.


    Han Sen called for a pick-and-roll with Cunningham, exploiting Boozer''s defensive liabilities.


    LeBron had already checked out mentally on defense, happily letting the screen take him out of the play.


    Boozer, knowing he couldn''t match Han Sen''s footspeed, dropped back in coverage.


    Sensing an opportunity, Han Sen pulled up for a mid-range jumper.


    What happened next was beyond anyone''s expectations.


    LeBron, who''d been screened, suddenly shoved Cunningham into Han Sen.


    This wasn''t just switching defense; LeBron was attempting some next-level "push-your-teammate" strategy!


    Caught off guard, Cunningham crashed into Han Sen. Despite the contact, Han Sen drained the jumper.


    The whistle blew¡ªa 2+1 play.


    LeBron''s unorthodox defense hadn''t escaped the referee''s notice.


    LeBron threw up his hands in protest, but the call stood.


    As the replay played on the arena''s big screen, the crowd erupted in boos.


    Han Sen stepped to the line, ready to convert the and-one.


    "Not easy playing with LeBron, huh?" Han Sen shot Kobe''s words from earlier right back at him¡ªright in front of LeBron himself.


    As someone who had been through the experience of playing alongside James, Han''s jab was irrefutable.


    Kobe''s expression was priceless. By nature, he should''ve been furious, but James''s string of plays had left him too exasperated to muster any real emotion.


    In the end, he just pursed his lips and turned away.


    "Don''t be mad; this was your choice," Han added, delivering a brutal finishing blow straight to Kobe''s pride.


    If Kobe hadn''t agreed, not even Nike''s grand plans could have landed LeBron on the Lakers.


    +10 Hater Points.


    Kobe couldn''t hold it in anymore.


    After Han sank his free throw, Kobe took the ball on the other end, waved his teammates away, and signaled for an isolation against Tucker. A quick crossover and a powerful drive later, he was in the paint.


    But Han had already rotated over to help.


    Han wasn''t the type to stir things up without taking responsibility.


    Under his contest, Kobe''s shot clanged off the rim.


    Han grabbed the rebound and immediately pushed the ball upcourt. A behind-the-back dribble evaded LeBron''s defensive effort, and at midcourt, Han launched a bullet pass to Kyrie Irving.


    Kyrie caught it on the move, scanned the court, and, with a glance back at Han, lobbed the ball toward the backboard.


    When Kyrie''s adrenaline is pumping, even he can dish out highlight-worthy assists!


    Han soared in, caught the rebound off the glass, and finished with a thunderous windmill slam.


    The crowd at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse erupted into whistles and cheers.


    12-21.


    The momentum the Lakers had briefly regained thanks to Carlos Boozer''s earlier basket now seemed on the verge of collapsing again.


    Byron Scott was forced to call another timeout.


    Kyrie and Han slapped hands with visible intensity. Kyrie was hyped.


    After the timeout, both Kobe and Han subbed out for a breather, leaving LeBron and Kyrie to lead their respective squads.


    With the familiar staggered rotations, LeBron finally found his chance. Driving into the paint, he drew a foul and earned a trip to the free-throw line.


    As LeBron stepped up to shoot, the boos from the crowd began to rain down.


    It was at that moment Kyrie did something completely unexpected.


    He waved his arms, encouraging the crowd to get louder.


    The boos doubled in intensity.


    Han couldn''t help but laugh at the sight. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    LeBron froze for a moment, turning to see Kyrie''s antics, his face darkening with frustration.


    The distraction worked¡ªhis first free throw clanged off the rim.


    He managed to make the second, finally scoring his first point of the game.


    But as soon as LeBron finished, Kyrie ran a handoff play with Spencer Hawes and drained a three-pointer right in Jeremy Lin''s face.


    That brought his total to 13 points in the first quarter, leading all scorers.


    On his way back down the court, Kyrie turned to LeBron and yelled, "You guys can''t stop me!"


    It was clear¡ªtonight, Kyrie had it out for LeBron.


    LeBron, now fully riled up, called for a screen from Steve Blake on the other end. After slipping the pick, he posted up Kyrie and demanded the ball.


    "If I can''t handle Han, I can handle you," he seemed to say.


    Their size difference was undeniable, but Kyrie, now fully in his zone, didn''t even let LeBron back him down. He poked the ball loose and out of bounds.


    Kyrie''s reaction? Pounding his chest and shouting to the heavens.


    Even Han stood up from the bench to applaud.


    Defense has always been Kyrie''s Achilles'' heel, but tonight, Kyrie wasn''t just Kyrie¡ªhe was Kyrie the Immortal!


    LeBron''s mounting frustration finally boiled over. He shoved Kyrie and yelled, "That''s the last time! The LAST time you disrespect me!"


    Kyrie blinked, stunned, while Han couldn''t help but burst out laughing.


    LeBron and his eternal obsession with "respect."


    Kyrie glanced at Han, saw him laughing, and joined in.


    "Are you not calling a foul for that?" Kyrie looked to the referees, referencing LeBron''s shove.


    The officials stayed silent. With LeBron''s temper already on the brink, calling a foul that might eject him would surely ruin the marquee Christmas game.


    The Lakers inbounded the ball, and LeBron executed a pick-and-pop with Boozer, opting for a mid-range jumper.


    The unexpected shot caught Spencer Hawes off guard, leaving him sagging in the paint. LeBron''s jumper fell cleanly¡ªhis first field goal of the night.


    LeBron turned to face the camera, flexing his right arm and exuding an aura of dominance.


    If you only watched the highlights, you''d think he was putting on a clinic.


    On the other end, Kyrie called for a screen from James Johnson. The Lakers'' strategy was to trap him, but Kyrie''s speed shredded the double team.


    Unlike earlier, this time Kyrie drove straight at LeBron.


    Sensing an opportunity, LeBron leaped for his trademark chase-down block.


    But LeBron underestimated Kyrie''s bag of tricks.


    Kyrie "No Layup Without a Switch-Hand" Irving used a mid-air adjustment, switching the ball from his right to his left hand, and banked in a gorgeous jelly layup.


    The arena erupted again, but this time it was different. From start to finish, Kyrie''s play was designed to humiliate LeBron.


    LeBron''s cries for respect only fueled Kyrie''s defiance.


    The cherry on top? After the bucket, Kyrie turned, looked LeBron dead in the eye, and shrugged.


    Yes¡ªthat shrug. The Han Sen special.


    The crowd went berserk.


    LeBron, now completely unhinged, shoved Kyrie to the ground.


    This time, the refs couldn''t ignore it. They whistled LeBron for a Flagrant 1 foul.


    Byron Scott immediately subbed LeBron out to cool him down.


    Meanwhile, Kyrie''s teammates picked him up off the floor, and his face was plastered with a grin.


    The boos and jeers rained down from the stands.


    Han took a moment to glance at the scoreboard.


    15-26. A double-digit lead.


    It seemed... tonight, he wouldn''t need to step back in.


    -Chapter End-

 Chapter 269: Mechanized Descent.

    Chapter 269: Mechanized Descent.At halftime, the Cavaliers held a commanding 58-43 lead over the Lakers, a 15-point margin.


    The Cavaliers had shot an impressive 7-of-14 from three-point range, boasting a 50% accuracy.


    Kyrie Irving was the primary contributor to the Cavaliers'' strong first-half performance. He made 9 of his 11 field-goal attempts, converted 7 of 8 free throws, and racked up a game-high 27 points.


    ...


    "Do you want this game to end with everyone mocking you for not earning that damned respect? Or do you want to join me and win this damned game?!"


    In the players'' tunnel, Kobe Bryant cornered LeBron James against the wall.


    After enduring a stifling first half, Kobe''s emotions finally erupted.


    This was the first time Kobe had lost his composure since LeBron joined the Lakers.


    LeBron didn''t answer but lowered his head.


    Only at halftime did he realize something¡ªthe entire half, he wasn''t comparing himself to Han Sen anymore. Instead, he was locked in a battle with the younger Kyrie Irving¡ªand he lost, badly.


    All LeBron wanted now was for the game to end quickly so he could escape to Diddy''s party, where the madness would help him forget everything.


    "Hey! Look at me! Who are you?"


    Kobe''s glare was intense.


    "You''re LeBron! Where is the LeBron who didn''t want to be the next Kobe?"


    LeBron finally looked up. Kobe''s words awakened memories buried deep within him.


    Seeing the change in LeBron''s eyes, Kobe knew his message had gotten through.


    "Listen, I won''t demand you guard Han anymore. Just be yourself, but give it everything you''ve got. We cannot lose like this!"


    ...


    When the second half began, the arena was awash in Christmas spirit. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The commentators were busy recapping the first half and predicting the game''s trajectory.


    "Kyrie proved tonight he''s more than just an exhibition-game star," Charles Barkley praised Irving.


    Last season, Irving had surprised many by winning All-Star MVP as the leader of a struggling team. That performance earned him the label of a "showtime player."


    "If nothing unexpected happens, the Cavaliers will wrap this up in three quarters, and everyone can head home for Christmas¡ªincluding Kobe and his Lakers," Shaquille O''Neal jabbed, not missing an opportunity to diss Kobe.


    When LeBron and Kobe teamed up in the summer, Shaq was as shocked as anyone.


    "Why can''t Kobe just relax and play out the next two years before retiring? Why push for 6 > 5 at 36 years old?"


    As they spoke, players from both teams returned to the court to warm up, and the second half began shortly after.


    ...


    Both teams stuck with their starting lineups, but the defensive matchups had shifted. The Cavaliers tasked Han Sen with guarding LeBron.


    The Cavaliers started with possession, and Kobe matched up defensively against Han.


    Kyrie attacked aggressively, and Jeremy Lin, responding to Kobe''s halftime rant, upped his defensive pressure. However, Kyrie exploited this with a drive that drew a foul.


    "Stop fouling!" Kobe barked at Lin.


    Kyrie calmly sank both free throws, pushing the Cavaliers'' score to 60 and the lead to 17 points.


    Kobe answered immediately, utilizing a pick from Varej?o to get open for a mid-range jumper off a LeBron pass.


    Defensively, Cavaliers coach Michael Malone quickly signaled for Han to switch back to guarding Kobe.


    ...


    Irving continued to attack and was one basket away from a 30-point game. Despite Lin''s improved discipline, Kyrie used his ball-handling skills to beat him to the basket.


    But just as the ball kissed the backboard, a figure soared in and pinned the shot against the glass.


    The crowd erupted. The player delivering the emphatic chase-down block? LeBron James.


    LeBron grabbed the defensive rebound and hurled it downcourt to Kobe, who pushed the pace in transition with Han chasing close behind.


    Kobe suddenly dished the ball back. Han turned to see LeBron, who seemed reinvigorated.


    Sensing the change in LeBron''s energy, Han adjusted to defend him, but LeBron passed the ball back to Kobe, who finished with an acrobatic layup.


    The score was now 60-47, with the Cavaliers still holding a 13-point lead, but the Lakers'' energy hinted at a comeback.


    On the next possession, Han handled the ball against Kobe''s intense defense. He managed to beat Kobe off the dribble, but the pressure gave the Lakers time to collapse on him. Han found Tristan Thompson under the basket, but Varej?o took the charge, drawing an offensive foul.


    The boos from the crowd were palpable.


    It was clear the Lakers'' halftime locker room had sparked a transformation. Their energy was entirely different.


    Malone quickly subbed in Dante Cunningham for Thompson.


    On defense, he shouted instructions to his players.


    Kobe attacked off a pick-and-roll with Varej?o, drawing a double-team before feeding Varej?o for a layup. The Lakers kept chipping away.


    Han resumed his role as the Cavaliers'' playmaker. Despite a well-timed pass to an open Andrea Bargnani on the perimeter, the shot missed.


    Han secured the long offensive rebound, drove to the basket, and drew a foul on Kobe. He sank both free throws to stabilize the Cavaliers'' lead.


    ...


    Back on defense, Han switched onto Kobe, tracking his every move.


    LeBron initiated a pick-and-roll with Channing Frye, dishing to Frye for a clean three-pointer, which he drained.


    Han countered with another precise pass, this time to P.J. Tucker in the corner, but Tucker''s three-point attempt also missed.


    LeBron grabbed the defensive rebound and fired a long pass to Lin, who scored on a fast-break layup.


    The score was now 62-54, and the Lakers had cut the deficit to single digits. Malone called a timeout.


    The crowd was buzzing.


    "The Cavaliers'' perimeter shooting has cooled off¡ªa troubling sign," Barkley observed.


    "This one-star, four-shooters system crashes when the outside shots stop falling," Shaq added.


    Out of the timeout, Malone adjusted the lineup, subbing in Spencer Hawes and J.R. Smith for Bargnani and Tucker.


    This time, Han posted up Kobe in the high post.


    Rather than forcing an outside shot, Han leaned on his fundamentals. He caught the ball, reset his pivot foot, and launched a turnaround fadeaway.


    Despite Kobe''s best effort to contest, Han''s height and shooting arc were unassailable.


    Swish!


    Han''s basket reignited the home crowd.


    When the outside game falters, they still have Han.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The chants roared through the arena as the Cavaliers prepared to fend off the Lakers'' comeback.


    However, the cheers from the crowd quickly died down as LeBron James backed down J.R., spun toward the basket, and forced a foul on Spencer Hawes under the rim.


    Amid the deafening boos from the crowd, LeBron calmly sank both free throws.


    In the second half, the Lakers made tactical adjustments. Whichever player Han Sen guarded, they had someone else initiate the offense¡ªexactly mirroring the Cavaliers'' strategy against Kobe Bryant in the first half.


    In fact, comparing the two teams closely, you''d notice striking similarities in their setups this season: both had relatively weak interiors and relied heavily on a dual-core approach.


    Han Sen took the ball on offense again, backing down Kobe Bryant.


    This time, LeBron moved in from the strong side to help with a double-team.


    However, before LeBron could close in, Han Sen spun toward the free-throw line and pulled up for a fadeaway jumper over Kobe.


    Swish!


    Han Sen demonstrated his terrifying scoring consistency, sinking yet another mid-range shot.


    "Don''t forget, the Cavaliers have Han! This is what Han does!" Barkley shouted enthusiastically from the commentary booth.


    Cavaliers coach Michael Malone pumped his fist in excitement from the sidelines.


    Han Sen''s offensive decision-making was nothing short of brilliant.


    Instead of forcing his way to the rim, where the Lakers would inevitably collapse on him given the Cavaliers'' cold shooting from outside, he capitalized on the value of the mid-range.


    As the crowd roared with defensive chants, LeBron charged toward the basket again. This time, Han Sen stepped up to help defend.


    LeBron passed the ball to Varejao, but Varejao''s contested layup was stuffed by Hawes and swatted directly into Han Sen''s hands!


    Han quickly launched a pass to Kyrie Irving, who raced down the court in transition, finishing with a smooth gliding layup for his 31st point of the night.


    56¨C68.


    Thanks to Han Sen''s dominance on both ends, the Cavaliers steadied themselves.


    But the Lakers refused to back down. Kobe capitalized on Han''s rotation to help, finding an opening and nailing a mid-range jumper off LeBron''s pass at the free-throw line.


    After the shot, Kobe and LeBron high-fived with intense, determined expressions.


    In this moment, the Lakers'' key to a second-half comeback became evident.


    Kobe had embraced LeBron''s arrival, just as he stated during the summer. He wanted to make one final championship push in the twilight of his career.


    He wanted 6 > 5. He wanted to win!


    Han Sen continued to back down his defender on the next possession, but the Lakers switched to an aggressive double-team early.


    The Cavaliers'' spacing gave Han the freedom to attack from mid-range, but with the Lakers ignoring Cleveland''s cold-shooting perimeter players, they focused all their energy on stopping Han.


    Han kicked the ball out, this time to Hawes at the arc.


    Hawes launched a three... and missed again!


    The Cavaliers'' shooting struggles in the second half resembled the infamous Rockets'' playoff woes against the Warriors in "history."


    The rim seemed sealed.


    But!


    As the ball bounced high off the rim, Han Sen appeared in the frame alongside it.


    After passing out of the double-team, Han had stayed near the basket, battling Kobe for position. Predicting the rebound''s trajectory, he shoved Kobe aside and exploded into the air.


    Boom!


    Grabbing the rebound mid-bounce, Han slammed it back in with a thunderous one-handed dunk!


    Kobe could only watch as Han completed the putback right in front of him, hanging on the rim with one hand for emphasis.


    For a moment, the arena fell silent. Then, an eruption of cheers followed, quickly transitioning into a unified chant:


    "Who''s your daddy!"


    This was Cleveland''s signature chant¡ªan ode to Han Sen.


    In the second half, both Kobe and LeBron stepped up their games significantly, fully showcasing their abilities.


    But as Han Sen had once said: 23 + 24 is less than 77!


    The chant electrified the Cavaliers'' energy. On the next Lakers possession, Kobe''s jumper was disrupted by Cunningham''s help defense.


    On offense, Han brought the ball to the three-point line.


    Despite the crowd''s frenzy, he remained composed, his mind clear. The Lakers'' aggressive double-teams and Cleveland''s continued cold shooting made post-ups less viable.


    Directing Hawes to space out further from the top of the arc, Han faced Kobe with a series of dribbles.


    As the Lakers prepared another early double-team, Han suddenly faked a hard step, forcing Kobe to retreat slightly. Capitalizing on the space, Han gathered the ball and pulled up for a three.


    Kobe scrambled to contest, but it was too late.


    Han''s shot rhythm was impeccable.


    Though cold shooting could be contagious, Han''s prior mid-range makes confirmed his touch was unaffected.


    Or rather, Han''s scoring consistency was on an entirely different level.


    The ball arced through the air with a smooth backspin.


    Swish!


    The shot crashed through the net like a cannonball.


    58¨C73!


    The lead was back to 15 points.


    Kobe''s expression turned slightly helpless after seeing the shot fall.


    Not far away, LeBron removed his mouthguard and shook his head.


    The Lakers called a timeout.


    On the arena''s LED screen, Han Sen''s third-quarter stats were displayed:


    4-for-4 shooting, 1-for-1 from three, 2-for-2 on free throws¡ª11 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block.


    When the Cavaliers'' other players were struggling, Han single-handedly halted the Lakers'' momentum.


    This scene reminded everyone of Game 6 from last season''s Finals¡ªthe "steam-powered" Han Sen.


    Han Sen, the Terminator Descends!

 Chapter 270: A Total Asshole.

    Chapter 270: A Total Asshole.116 to 103.


    The Cavaliers managed to hold off the Lakers'' second-half surge and secured a victory in the highly anticipated Christmas game.


    From Kyrie Irving''s god-like first-half performance, to the fiery trash talk between him and LeBron¡ªthe two supposed second options¡ªand finally Han Sen''s third-quarter takeover, where he single-handedly battled both No. 23 and No. 24, this game delivered everything the fans could''ve hoped for.


    In the post-game stats, Irving stood out with 37 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists, shooting 12-of-18 from the field and 10-of-11 from the free-throw line.


    Han Sen, who barely broke a sweat, quietly racked up 25 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks.


    On the Lakers'' side, Kobe had 27 points, LeBron contributed 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, along with 2 blocks. Varejao chipped in with 15 points and 11 boards.


    At the post-game press conference, Han and Kyrie sat side by side, facing a room packed with reporters.


    Unsurprisingly, Kyrie, who had stolen the show, was the first to be bombarded with questions.


    "Thirty-seven points on just 18 shots¡ªyour season-high. How did you manage that?"


    "I just did what I was supposed to do. The coach and my teammates gave me their full trust," Irving replied calmly.


    Another reporter quickly followed up. "There seemed to be some tension between you and LeBron during the game. Can you tell us what happened?"


    "We exchanged some trash talk. That''s just part of the game."


    Coming off a stellar performance, Irving''s emotional intelligence seemed to dip again, delivering a blunt response that left everyone in the room chuckling awkwardly.


    Coach Malone, who was watching from the back, wasn''t about to let the moment pass without adding his own flair.


    "We''ve spent some time figuring out Kyrie''s manual. His first half reminded me of vintage Han¡ªunstoppable."


    That comment earned a ripple of laughter.


    When Han was asked the same question about Kyrie''s standout night, he played along.


    "He stole the spotlight from all of us," Han joked, drawing more laughter from the media.


    Then, shifting to a more serious tone, he added, "Tonight, he was our hero. He earned everyone''s respect."


    When another reporter asked for Han''s thoughts on the tension between Kyrie and LeBron, Han simply smiled and said, "Merry Christmas."


    Han had been ready to unleash his full arsenal in this Christmas showdown, but with Kyrie going nuclear, he didn''t need to.


    The energy he saved? It found another outlet¡ªwith Anjali.


    Speaking of Anjali, it was funny to think back to when Taylor Swift couldn''t handle Han''s endless energy. Yet somehow, Anjali seemed unbothered.


    It probably had a lot to do with her athletic lifestyle. She loved working out, practicing yoga, and exploring new activities.


    There was a rumor that yoga was originally invented as a way to enhance sex. Han wasn''t sure if that was true, but Anjali''s endurance certainly made a case for it.


    The morning after the back-to-back Christmas games, Han woke up later than usual. When he got to the living room, Anjali was already done with her yoga session, sitting on the couch with a book in her lap.


    Curious, Han walked over and realized she was reading a Chinese cookbook.


    "What''s got you interested in Chinese cooking all of a sudden?" he asked.


    Since Anjali had moved in, Han had learned more about her. Beyond yoga, she dabbled in music and dance. And now, apparently, she wanted to try her hand at Chinese cuisine.


    "My father used to say, ''The best way to keep a man is to win his stomach,''" she said, looking up at him with a warm smile.


    Han leaned in, kissed her forehead, and took her hand. "I should thank your father, then."


    He had worried about potential issues living with Anjali, considering she came from a wealthy family. His experiences from his past life had left him skeptical of rich kids.


    But it seemed Vivek Ranadiv¨¦ had done a great job raising his daughter.


    Maybe that was why Han hadn''t recognized Anjali back in the pet shop¡ªshe didn''t carry herself like someone born into wealth.


    After the Christmas game, Kyrie Irving''s reputation skyrocketed.


    As Nike''s rising star, he had always been popular, with a flashy playing style that attracted fans. But as Charles Barkley pointed out during the broadcast, Irving had often been labeled a "stat-padder on a bad team" or a "showcase game player."


    That changed after this game.


    Not only had Kyrie posted the highest score of the night, but he also managed to get under LeBron''s skin, pushing him to the point of emotional breakdown. That performance carried far more weight than a buzzer-beater against the Bulls.


    LeBron''s infamous "This is your last time disrespecting me" line became an instant meme.


    However, as January rolled in, the Cavaliers hit some rough patches.


    The first issue? Teams started targeting Kyrie.


    It sounded odd, considering he was already in his fourth season. But for the past three years, opponents hadn''t needed to focus on him to beat the Cavaliers.


    Now, with Han Sen leading the team back into Eastern Conference contention, opponents found it easier to attack Kyrie than Han.


    Kyrie began facing more frequent and earlier double teams, especially from opposing wings. It was a test of his playmaking ability.


    Han''s earlier advice to Kyrie¡ªto adjust his game¡ªwould''ve helped. But Kyrie just wasn''t capable of making that adjustment. He had only one playstyle in his manual.


    And when you''re that predictable, you get targeted.


    Malone''s solution was to have Kyrie play more off the ball. But an off-ball Kyrie wasn''t nearly as lethal.


    The second issue? J.R. Smith started acting out.


    During a game against the Pistons in early January, J.R. untied Greg Monroe''s shoelace at the free-throw line. The league fined him $50,000.


    Not long after, he tugged on Vince Carter''s headband during a game against the Grizzlies, earning himself a technical foul.


    J.R. seemed hellbent on proving that the Knicks had been right to trade him.


    Just two seasons ago, he was a Sixth Man of the Year, averaging over 18 points per game. Now? The Cavaliers were forced to suspend him indefinitely.


    Lastly, the team''s frontcourt depth took a hit.


    Andrea Bargnani suffered an elbow injury in a game against the Bucks, sidelining him for at least a month.


    The Cavaliers had known Bargnani was injury-prone when they traded for him. The plan was to keep his minutes low by having him back up Spencer Hawes.


    But Bargnani had played so well that he earned the starting role¡ªand then promptly got injured.


    Good news, Varejao¡ªpart of the trade package that had brought Bargnani to Cleveland¡ªtore his Achilles after the Christmas game, ending his season.


    Kobe must''ve been regretting his decision to team up with LeBron. One LeBron was headache enough, but pairing him with an injury-prone Varejao? That was a disaster.


    Bad news, the Cavaliers¡ªalready weak in the frontcourt¡ª were now forced to rely on Tristan Thompson at center.


    These setbacks caused the team''s performance in January to fluctuate.


    Their loss to the Rockets highlighted their interior struggles, with Chris Bosh dominating inside and leading Houston to a blowout win.


    In the era of small-ball, your frontcourt could be weak¡ªbut it couldn''t be non-existent.


    ...


    Back in Cleveland, David Griffin paid Han Sen a visit.


    He was there to seek Han''s opinion.


    The team was preparing to trade J.R. Smith.


    Although Han Sen knew that J.R. had a decent run with the Cavaliers in the "history" he was familiar with, seeing J.R.''s antics now made him wonder if LeBron had sold his soul to keep him in check.


    This wasn''t just a troublemaker¡ªthis was a full-blown locker room grenade.


    So Han Sen didn''t have much objection to the trade. He only asked one thing:


    "What can we get for him?"


    "Air."


    Hearing Griffin''s deadpan response, Han Sen couldn''t hold back a laugh.


    If they could use J.R. to bolster the team''s frontcourt, it would obviously be a good move. But air... Cleveland''s air was already fresh enough.


    Then again, it made sense. Even as a time-traveler, Han thought J.R. was a walking disaster. It wasn''t surprising that other front offices would steer clear.


    Still, Han decided to give it one last shot.


    Compared to trading him for nothing, if he could somehow turn J.R. into the version he knew from the "history," it''d be worth it.


    The next day, during practice, while the team ran half-court sets, J.R. shot threes alone on the other end of the court.


    Since he was indefinitely suspended by management, he wasn''t allowed to participate in team drills¡ªstrictly enforced by Coach Malone.


    After practice ended, the players began heading back to the locker room. Han Sen walked toward J.R. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing Han approach, J.R. immediately turned to leave. He loved to stir up trouble, but he knew better than to mess with Han Sen.


    But Han quickly called him out.


    "I''m giving you a chance," Han said, his words instantly grabbing J.R.''s interest.


    "Ten shots, one-on-one. If you score even once, I''ll get the team to lift your suspension."


    "For real?" J.R.''s eyes lit up with excitement.


    He knew how much weight Han Sen carried within the team.


    "Real. But if you lose, you''ll have to answer one question¡ªhonestly," Han added his condition.


    After a moment of hesitation, J.R. nodded.


    Though Han had demolished him during training camp, he was confident in his streaky shooting. Scoring just once? He liked his chances.


    However, once the challenge began, J.R. quickly realized he had been too optimistic.


    Or maybe he had simply forgotten how overwhelming Han Sen could be.


    After blocking J.R.''s first shot attempt, Han proceeded to shut him out in ten straight possessions.


    "This isn''t fair!" J.R. complained. He barely had a chance to showcase his offensive skills.


    "You had your chance," Han said, unfazed. "Now, it''s your turn to answer my question."


    J.R. reluctantly sat down, his expression full of frustration.


    "Why have you been pulling all this nonsense lately?" Han asked directly. If he was going to fix the issue, he needed to understand the root cause.


    "I want more opportunities. I want to start," J.R. admitted, surprisingly candid.


    Han couldn''t help but laugh. "With defense like that?"


    "Basketball isn''t just about defense! Scorers rule the court!" J.R. shot back.


    "What a load of crap. Let me tell you something¡ªwithout defense, you''re nothing but a stat-padder."


    Han''s words shut J.R. up. He wanted to argue, but he lacked the confidence to do so in front of Han.


    "Here''s the deal¡ªif you work on your defense..."


    "You''ll make me a starter?" J.R. cut in eagerly.


    Han''s brow furrowed. "No. But I can get your suspension lifted. Otherwise, you''ll be cut¡ªand you can go back to playing in the CBA."


    With that, Han turned and walked away.


    The last player to face an indefinite suspension and get cut was Delonte West from the Mavericks. Han wasn''t making empty threats¡ªhe was stating facts.


    The next day, during regular team practice, J.R. quietly approached Han Sen.


    Han was chatting with Kyrie Irving when he noticed J.R. standing nearby.


    He signaled Kyrie to continue his drills, then turned to J.R. with a questioning look.


    "What do I have to do to prove I''m working on my defense?" J.R. asked, his tone full of reluctant defiance.


    Hearing this, Han knew his words from the previous day had hit their mark.


    Maybe J.R. had been reminded of his time in the CBA¡ªa period he often referred to as "humiliating."


    "Ten one-on-one possessions. Every day. Until I say you''re good enough."


    J.R.''s face turned red with frustration. This was a completely unfair arrangement. Han had total control over when it would end.


    But after a moment, J.R. puffed out his cheeks, stomped his foot, and grumbled, "Fine! Deal!"


    In the following days, Han made a routine of playing one-on-one with J.R. after practice. For Han, it was more of a way to pass the time.


    Or maybe, deep down, he saw it as a challenge.


    After all, if LeBron could tame J.R. in the "history," then why couldn''t he?


    But as time went on, Han began to realize that things weren''t going as planned.


    Defensive potential was determined by talent¡ªand J.R. certainly wasn''t lacking in that department. The nickname "Highlight Reel Jordan" wasn''t given to just anyone.


    But the minimum level of defensive competence came down to attitude. And J.R. seemed to be fundamentally lacking in that area.


    After a week, Han was ready to give up.


    Sometimes, you just couldn''t save someone who was determined to self-destruct.


    During a break in practice, Han was sitting on the sideline when Coach Ty Lue approached him with a cup of warm water.


    "I know East Asians prefer their water warm," Lue said with a grin.


    Han chuckled, taking the cup. Lue had a knack for reading people.


    Then, Lue glanced toward the other half of the court, where J.R. was shooting alone. "He''s got a story, you know."


    Han raised an eyebrow but didn''t interrupt.


    Lue continued, "Have you noticed the tattoo on his neck?"


    Han shook his head. He had no interest in tattoos. In fact, he avoided anything involving them¡ªeven in movies.


    "On his neck, he has a name tattooed: Andre Bell. That was his best friend."


    Hearing this, Han had a sinking feeling. People didn''t usually tattoo a friend''s name unless that friend was no longer around.


    And sure enough, Lue confirmed it.


    J.R. had been a complete asshole in his younger days. He spat on women who rejected him at bars, posted explicit photos of his girlfriends online, and even threw coffee in an assistant coach''s face¡ªall because he wasn''t satisfied with his role.


    But something changed after Andre Bell died.


    In the summer of 2007, J.R. was driving with Bell in the passenger seat. He was speeding and crashed into a parked SUV.


    Neither of them was wearing seat belts.


    Both were ejected from the car. J.R. walked away with minor injuries. Bell wasn''t so lucky¡ªhe suffered a fatal head injury.


    Han frowned. Sometimes, it was hard to understand the recklessness ingrained in certain communities. It wasn''t logical.


    Bell''s death shook J.R. to his core. From that point on, he vowed to carry Bell''s memory, even tattooing his name on his neck as a reminder.


    "He should''ve tattooed it on the back of his hand," Han said suddenly.


    Lue looked confused. "Why?"


    "You don''t look in the mirror often. But you see your hands every day."


    Han stood up. An idea was forming in his mind.


    -To Be Continued-

 Chapter 271: Han’s Fiery Temper.

    Chapter 271: Han¡¯s Fiery Temper.The day after the Cavaliers'' practice ended, Han Sen tossed a rubber wristband to J.R. Smith. J.R. caught it with a puzzled expression, but as he held it up at Han Sen''s prompting and saw the words printed on it, his face froze.


    The wristband had the name "Andre Bell" printed on it.


    Han Sen wasn''t familiar with J.R.''s backstory. After all, J.R. was just a minor figure in the grand history of the NBA. But Han had heard another story, one connected to Russell Westbrook.


    Westbrook often wore a rubber wristband during games, emblazoned with "KB3." It didn''t stand for Kobe Bryant, but rather for a close friend named Khelcey Barrs.


    Unlike J.R., whose recklessness led to tragedy, Barrs died of a heart condition during a game.


    Barrs was a high school basketball phenom, mentioned alongside Kevin Durant and Gerald Green as future NBA stars. But fate took him before he could realize that potential.


    Since that day, Westbrook wore the wristband to honor his friend''s memory, carrying both their dreams forward.


    That story stuck with Han Sen, which is why he had suggested that J.R. put a name where he''d see it often.


    If this gesture couldn''t awaken J.R.''s spirit, then maybe he was a lost cause after all.


    J.R. slipped the wristband on, and their post-practice workout began.


    Han quickly noticed a change. J.R.''s defensive habits weren''t suddenly perfect¡ªthose take time to fix¡ªbut he was clearly more engaged.


    It seemed the wristband trick worked.


    Andre Bell''s death was seven years ago. Perhaps, as Han suspected, J.R. had long stopped noticing the tattoo on his neck. But now, with the name constantly on his wrist, that memory resurfaced¡ªa constant reminder.


    A week passed. By late January, Han brought both Coach Michael Malone and GM David Griffin to observe a one-on-one game between him and J.R.


    As expected, J.R. still couldn''t guard Han. However, Malone was surprised to see J.R.''s improved defensive effort.


    This wasn''t the same J.R. he had seen all season.


    Han''s plan had worked.


    When the scrimmage ended, Malone agreed to allow J.R. back into team practices. Griffin, too, was willing to lift the indefinite suspension¡ªwith conditions. If J.R. pulled another stunt that hurt the team, the Cavaliers would cut him immediately.


    Meanwhile, as the Cavaliers reinstated J.R., the NBA''s All-Star voting results were announced.


    Han Sen was the leading vote-getter in the Eastern Conference but lost the overall top spot to Stephen Curry by a margin of 100,000 votes.


    Given the Warriors'' dominant season, it wasn''t surprising that Curry outpaced Nike-backed stars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and James Harden.


    What was surprising, however, was Han losing the overall vote crown.


    In previous years, he had won it in landslides.


    Some speculated that moving to Cleveland might have cost Han some votes from his Chinese fan base.


    But that was impossible.


    Even last year, when Han faced widespread criticism for failing to qualify the national team for the World Cup, he still received over a million more votes than the runner-up.


    Something was off.


    Han wasn''t the only player affected. Kyrie Irving also fell behind John Wall and Dwyane Wade in voting, missing out on a starting spot.


    This was especially strange since Han had purposely registered as a forward this year to increase Kyrie''s chances.


    Soon, Chinese fans took to social media to voice their suspicions.


    Their votes were being ignored.


    Fans who tried voting on the official website found their IP addresses flagged, rendering their votes invalid.


    The backlash in China was fierce, but the U.S. media barely covered it.


    It was clear that the NBA had quietly adjusted its All-Star voting process. Years of complaints from American fans and players about Chinses voting dominance had finally led to change.


    Or, more specifically, Adam Silver''s approach to global markets was different from David Stern''s.


    Stern had prioritized international expansion, especially in China, where Nike held significant influence thanks to stars like Michael Jordan. Silver, however, focused more on domestic markets and balance.


    With the rise of Under Armour-backed Curry, Silver saw an opportunity to push back against Nike''s dominance.


    Han, seeing the unfair treatment of his fans, didn''t hold back on social media:


    "Chinses fans are passionate and bring a huge market to the NBA. So why is their support being disregarded in All-Star voting? Is that their crime?"


    His post immediately went viral.


    For fans in China, Han''s message resonated. But it also drew backlash from American fans.


    "Stop whining. You only won those vote titles because of an unfair system!"


    "Han''s just salty he lost. The Cavs aren''t even doing that well this season!"


    "Finally, we get to see our favorite players in the All-Star game without Chinese voters skewing results."


    Han''s post stirred controversy¡ªand gained him more haters.


    But he wasn''t one to let things slide.


    His follow-up statement sent shockwaves through the league:


    "Due to the league''s discriminatory handling of Chinese fans, I will not participate in this year''s All-Star Game."


    The announcement was explosive. Even Adam Silver was taken aback.


    Han wasn''t bluffing.


    Silver flew to Cleveland for damage control.


    During their meeting, he showed Han an internal league document outlining a planned overhaul of the All-Star voting system for the following season. The new system would split the vote 50/50 between fans and players.


    The document also included a newly added clause, likely in response to Han''s protest: starting next year, Chinese fans would no longer face voting restrictions.


    Silver was diplomatic, hoping to appease Han. But Han wasn''t satisfied.


    "That doesn''t change this year''s results," Han replied coldly.


    Silver left Cleveland frustrated. He had learned something crucial: Han Sen wasn''t someone you could pressure or placate with half-measures.


    Han remained firm in his decision to skip the All-Star Game, triggering outrage among American fans.


    Many had voted for Han, hoping to see him play. Now those votes were wasted.


    Worse still, Han had promised to participate in the dunk contest, reigniting excitement not seen since Vince Carter''s legendary 2000 performance.


    Now that, too, was off the table.


    Han Sen''s fiery temper had set the league ablaze.


    ...


    Han Sen''s social media turned into a chaotic marketplace overnight, with voices clashing back and forth.


    Then, the league saw a very different Han Sen.


    Two days after returning from New York, the Cavaliers traveled to Boston to face the Celtics.


    Since the Nets didn''t make that infamous fire sale trade with the Celtics¡ªthanks to acquiring Dwight Howard instead¡ªthe Celtics were already in full rebuild mode. They had let Ray Allen walk, and last summer, Paul Pierce followed suit.


    Of the original Big Three, only Kevin Garnett remained, now reduced to a veteran leader playing around 20 minutes a game with diminished status and touches.


    This game should''ve been a routine win for Cleveland. Yet, Han Sen erupted for 58 points and led the Cavaliers to a 40+ point blowout victory.


    The TD Garden fell into stunned silence as the former persona non grata of Boston utterly dominated.


    Even Garnett lost his cool, picking up multiple technicals and getting ejected in frustration.


    Despite Han Sen''s heavy usage this season, he''d mainly played the role of facilitator. His impressive assist numbers told that story.


    But clearly, some of the American fans'' comments had struck a nerve.


    And this was just the beginning.


    In the following two games against the Thunder and the Raptors, Han Sen dropped 54 points and 50 points, respectively. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Three straight 50+ point games!


    Even more importantly, the Cavaliers strung together a much-needed three-game winning streak.


    Given Cleveland''s inconsistent January performance, especially with tougher opponents like the Thunder and Raptors, this streak was a loud statement.


    Han Sen was responding to those American fans the best way he knew how¡ªwith cold, hard numbers.


    Following Han Sen''s scoring spree, the NBA wasted no time posting a graphic highlighting his historic achievement: Three straight 50-point games, making him only the second player in history to achieve the feat twice, alongside Wilt Chamberlain.


    The caption? Contender for the Greatest of All Time.


    This official acknowledgment silenced the critics.


    There was simply no one else in the league capable of doing what Han Sen had just done. Any further questioning of his legitimacy as an All-Star vote leader suddenly seemed laughable.


    As Han Sen''s scoring clinic concluded, February arrived, bringing with it a highly anticipated showdown: Cavaliers vs. Heat.


    The Heat weren''t expected to be title contenders after trading Chris Bosh. In Stan Van Gundy''s rankings, they were the lowest-rated of Nike''s three superteams.


    But contrary to expectations, the Heat had been the most consistent of the trio.


    As the season progressed, they trailed only the Warriors by two games in the win column. A 60-win season was practically guaranteed.


    For Heat fans, this season felt eerily similar to what Warriors fans were experiencing: Wake up. Check the score. Another blowout victory.


    Their success underscored a critical point: Depth matters more than star power.


    The Grizzlies dynasty had proven that exact point. Their first two championships, especially the second during their title defense, were won with depth, defeating a seemingly unbeatable Heat team.


    And when their depth dwindled in their third season? Their dynasty nearly crumbled.


    For the Cavaliers, this upcoming clash with Miami was crucial.


    To win the East¡ªor even a championship¡ªthey had to go through the Heat.


    A blowout loss, like the one against the Rockets, would be devastating to their confidence and morale.


    However, the challenge was immense.


    The Heat were riding a nine-game winning streak, and unlike the Thunder or Raptors, they weren''t just tough¡ªthey were downright lethal.


    The game would be in Miami. The Cavaliers flew down a day early.


    Upon arriving in Miami, Han Sen immediately took Kyrie Irving to the practice facility.


    They both knew the importance of this game. They needed to fine-tune their form before tip-off.


    What they didn''t expect was a familiar face showing up at the gym.


    That sharp gaze. That unmistakable aura.


    Kevin Durant.


    As the Heat''s leader, it wasn''t surprising to see him there.


    Kyrie recognized Durant and initially planned to greet him. But upon noticing Han Sen completely ignoring Durant''s presence, Kyrie awkwardly withdrew.


    Han Sen acted like Durant wasn''t even there, focusing entirely on his drills with Kyrie.


    But just as they were wrapping up, Durant made an unexpected move¡ªhe walked over.


    This caught Han Sen off guard.


    Since their one-on-one workout years ago, they hadn''t had a private face-to-face like this. Most of their interactions had been through indirect jabs on burner accounts.


    "I''m going to beat you tomorrow. No, scratch that¡ªI''m going to beat you all season long!" Durant declared, initiating a trash-talking session.


    It wasn''t surprising. Ever since Han Sen joined the Grizzlies in 2010, Durant had never won a playoff series against him.


    Now, with the Heat boasting superior firepower, Durant finally smelled blood.


    "Like how Shaq beat Michael in 1995?" Han Sen replied with a smirk.


    Durant thought about it for a moment and nodded. "Exactly. Just like Shaq."


    For context: After leading the Bulls to their first three-peat, Jordan retired. Upon his return, his team fell to Shaquille O''Neal''s Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals.


    It was an apt analogy.


    But the comparison left Kyrie puzzled. Why is Han helping Durant with his own trash talk?


    Then Han Sen dropped his punchline:


    "Thanks for comparing me to Michael."


    Kyrie wiped his brow. Thank God Han''s my teammate and not my opponent.


    Durant, on the other hand, turned red with frustration, unable to come up with a retort. He eventually let out a cold snort:


    "Games aren''t won with words!"


    With that, he turned and stormed out of the gym.


    After Durant left, Kyrie couldn''t help but ask:


    "Do we really have a chance tomorrow?"


    Kyrie knew Durant well enough. If they lost, Durant would never let them hear the end of it.


    Han Sen shook his head and gestured for Kyrie to keep practicing.


    Seeing Kyrie still frozen in place, Han Sen added:


    "Isn''t that what makes it fun?"


    ¡ªEnd of Chapter¡ª


    All-Star Selections:


    Eastern Conference Starters:


    John Wall, Dwyane Wade, Han Sen, Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard


    Reserves: Kyrie Irving, Kyle Lowry, Jeff Teague, Jimmy Butler, Pau Gasol, Paul Millsap, Joakim Noah


    Western Conference Starters:


    Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Anthony Davis


    Reserves: Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Klay Thompson, LaMarcus Aldridge, Tim Duncan, Marc Gasol

 Chapter 272: The True Primary Ball Handler.

    Chapter 272: The True Primary Ball Handler.The American Airlines Arena was electric that night.


    Even though it was just a regular-season game, the excitement among Heat fans mirrored that of Knicks fans years ago¡ªwhen there''s a chance to watch the home team finally defeat the man who has tormented them for years, it''s an opportunity no one wants to miss.


    Sitting courtside was Heat president Pat Riley, the man most eager for this game.


    Back when he was a coach, he had no answer for Jordan. And as an executive, he''d been unable to overcome Han Sen. If Han hadn''t been traded by the Grizzlies, Riley would''ve retired last summer.


    But this year? This year, there was no excuse for the Heat to lose to this Cavaliers team.


    If they did, Riley might as well retire on the spot and hang Han Sen''s No. 77 jersey in the rafters alongside Jordan''s, as he once did for MJ.


    Because it was a marquee matchup, the TNT trio was there to broadcast it live.


    During pregame predictions, both Shaquille O''Neal and Kenny Smith favored the Heat. Even Charles Barkley, who usually backed Han Sen, tempered his tone:


    "Han has burned a lot of energy over the past week. For the Cavs to win tonight, they''ll need to play above themselves."


    As Barkley spoke, the cameras cut to Han Sen warming up.


    He was cracking his knuckles, but unlike what many expected, his expression wasn''t tense. He looked relaxed and eager.


    No one knew where his confidence came from, but seeing his demeanor, some Heat fans in the arena suddenly felt that this game might not be as secure as they thought.


    ...


    The starting lineups were announced after the pregame ceremony.


    Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Han Sen, PJ Tucker, Tristan Thompson, Spencer Hawes


    Heat: Dwyane Wade, Thabo Sefolosha, Kevin Durant, Luol Deng, Pau Gasol


    The Heat had undergone a significant adjustment period at the start of the season. Now, this lineup was their most successful.


    With the crowd''s cheers ringing out, Gasol tipped the ball to the Heat''s side, and Wade brought it up to start the game.


    Gasol received the ball at the right elbow, posting up to initiate the offense.


    The Heat''s decision to sign Pau Gasol after letting Chris Bosh go had proven to be a brilliant move.


    Gasol was averaging 18.5 points per game¡ªhis highest since the 2010-11 season¡ªalong with 11.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists, both career highs. He even averaged two blocks per game.


    Coach Erik Spoelstra had given him a leading role, and Gasol was thriving in his second prime.


    The Cavaliers didn''t double-team him at the start. Gasol, in his signature post-up style, scanned the floor before spinning toward the basket and powering through for a layup.


    Hawes couldn''t handle Gasol''s physicality and could only watch as the ball went in.


    In today''s NBA, where dominant centers are rare, Gasol had the strength advantage.


    The Heat struck first.


    Back on the other end, Kyrie took the ball. He danced past Wade with a series of crossovers but was met by Deng''s help defense. Forced into an early floater, Kyrie missed under pressure.


    This Heat lineup resembled the LeBron-era Heat, with Deng playing a similar help-and-cleanup role that LeBron once had.


    But this team had something different¡ªthe presence of Gasol as a secondary playmaker allowed them to replace Mario Chalmers with Thabo Sefolosha, bolstering their defense.


    Gasol continued to orchestrate. This time, he handed the ball off to Durant, who pulled up for a jumper and nailed it.


    Durant had been hyped since his pregame trash talk with Han Sen.


    More importantly, compared to the LeBron-era Heat, this lineup was much more potent offensively.


    Four minutes in, the score was already 12-3.


    Kyrie struggled to handle the pressure, and his decision-making wasn''t as sharp as it had been during the Christmas game against the Lakers.


    But the Cavaliers'' bigger issue was on defense. The Heat had too many scoring threats and excellent ball movement. It was nearly impossible to guard everyone at once.


    Spoelstra''s game plan was evident¡ªavoid Han Sen at all costs. Most of their plays initiated on the opposite side of the court to prevent Han from providing help defense.


    As the first quarter unfolded, Heat fans finally relaxed.


    If Han Sen were still with the Grizzlies, they might have worried. But this Cavaliers roster? Not a chance.


    "Even if Michael joined this Cavaliers team, they wouldn''t beat the Heat," Kenny Smith offered a rational analysis.


    "But Han''s aiming to surpass Michael," Barkley reminded them.


    Just then, Han Sen took the ball and ran a pick-and-roll with Thompson.


    After TT rolled to the rim, Han Sen pulled up for a mid-range jumper.


    His shot was so decisive that Deng barely had time to react.


    With Sefolosha tracking Thompson, Han had a brief window to shoot.


    Swish!


    Han Sen''s mid-range jumper hit cleanly. For him, an uncontested mid-range shot was practically a guaranteed bucket.


    Contrary to popular belief, Han''s recent scoring spree wasn''t solely about proving a point to American fans.


    His 58-point performance against Boston? Sure, that was for the headlines.


    But after the Thunder game, Han''s understanding of the four-out, one-in offense evolved.


    Previously, he prioritized creating shots for his teammates, letting them find their rhythm first. After all, the success of this system depended on spacing and perimeter shooting.


    Now, Han approached it differently¡ªhe attacked first. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    By establishing himself as a scoring threat, he forced defenses to collapse earlier and more aggressively, creating better looks for his teammates.


    Because when it came to shooters, the difference between elite and great was their ability to hit shots under pressure.


    Guys like Klay Thompson, Ray Allen, and Stephen Curry thrived on contested shots.


    But players like PJ Tucker or Spencer Hawes? They needed clean looks.


    Han had started adjusting his passes accordingly, prioritizing open shots for teammates like Tucker and Kyrie, who had shown higher catch-and-shoot accuracy.


    Still, defense remained a challenge.


    The Heat''s offense was relentless. Deng''s off-ball cut drew a foul from Hawes.


    Malone made a surprising adjustment, subbing in JR Smith for Hawes.


    The message was clear: improve defensive rotations.


    But this came at a cost¡ªthe Cavaliers were now undersized, leaving TT to handle the brunt of the interior defense.


    It was the first time Malone had deployed this lineup all season, a sign of how desperate he was to contain Miami''s offense.


    Deng hit both free throws.


    Back on offense, Han Sen switched things up¡ªposting up Sefolosha.


    With the smaller lineup, the Cavaliers had more spacing.


    Sefolosha held his ground, but Han used a turnaround fake, followed by a quick spin move to draw contact.


    Even though Sefolosha stayed grounded, Han''s relentless drive drew a foul.


    Heat''s defense was feeling the pressure.


    Unless they sent help earlier, there was no stopping this aggressive version of Han Sen.


    "Scoring is like momentum¡ªonce a player gets rolling, it''s hard to stop. Han''s had a heavy workload this past week, but his hunger for points hasn''t faded," Barkley said, his confidence steadily growing as he watched the game unfold.


    Erik Spoelstra rose from the bench, stepping toward the sideline. He could sense Han Sen''s unrelenting scoring intent tonight.


    Han calmly sank both free throws. On the ensuing possession, the Cavaliers forced a stop and quickly launched a fast break. Han orchestrated a no-look bounce pass¡ª"East looks, West delivers" style¡ªto a cutting Kyrie Irving, who finished the layup.


    The Cavaliers'' current lineup bore a striking resemblance to the Warriors'' "Death Lineup"¡ªfaster defensive rotations and lethal transition opportunities whenever they secured a stop.


    9-14.


    The gap had narrowed to just five points.


    Spoelstra immediately called for a timeout.


    "If the Heat make it to the Finals, this game might be a preview of what they''ll face against the Warriors," Kenny Smith analyzed.


    "If the Heat do make the Finals, they''ll win the title. You can''t win a championship with jump shots," Barkley retorted without missing a beat.


    "Charles is right. Jump shooting doesn''t win championships," Shaq surprisingly agreed.


    Coming out of the timeout, the Heat adjusted their offense, running through Pau Gasol in the low post.


    Tristan Thompson played tough defense, and although TT didn''t give up much ground physically, Gasol showcased his finesse, banking in a hook shot over him.


    It was clear that TT wasn''t as effective as someone like Draymond Green¡ªwho combined physicality and a disruptive wingspan to truly challenge opponents in the post.


    Gasol''s basket helped the Heat regain their footing. On the next possession, they double-teamed Han Sen early.


    What came next stunned everyone.


    Han Sen pulled off a classic Rondo move, faking a behind-the-back pass before slicing through the defense.


    But unlike Rajon Rondo, Han had explosive athleticism to back it up¡ªonce he broke through the defense, he took flight and threw down a thunderous one-handed slam.


    11-16.


    The five-point gap remained, but more importantly, Han had personally scored six straight points.


    "You know, what do you think being the All-Star vote leader really means to a player?" Shaq asked the panel.


    Han''s recent scoring spree wasn''t directly tied to losing the All-Star vote, but it was triggered by that event.


    "Nothing," Barkley replied bluntly.


    "It means he''s popular and well-loved," Kenny Smith offered a more measured response.


    "But that''s all it means," Barkley added with a shrug.


    Meanwhile, the Heat''s offense continued clicking. Gasol drew help defense in the post and dished out a perfect pass to Sefolosha, who drained a corner three.


    Maybe Barkley was right. If the Heat reached the Finals, they could secure their first championship of the post-LeBron era.


    Because when a small-ball lineup can''t contain its opponents in the half-court, there''s no speed advantage to exploit.


    On the next possession, the Heat doubled Han Sen even earlier.


    This time, Han didn''t fake a pass. Instead, he executed a move straight out of Jason "White Chocolate" Williams'' playbook¡ªa no-look elbow pass to PJ Tucker in the corner.


    The arena gasped. It was easily the most spectacular pass of the night¡ªpossibly of the season.


    Tucker, wide open, took a moment to set his feet and nailed the corner three.


    As he retreated on defense, Tucker and Han exchanged a hard high-five.


    Truth be told, Tucker was probably a little nervous. Missing that kind of shot would have been criminal.


    The Cavaliers'' defense tightened up once more. Gasol kicked it out to Dwyane Wade, who pump-faked from beyond the arc and drove inside.


    But to everyone''s surprise, JR Smith wasn''t fooled. He swiped the ball away as Wade drove past, and Kyrie quickly scooped it up.


    The Cavaliers launched another fast break.


    Wade hustled back to contest Kyrie''s layup, forcing him to miss.


    But just as Wade was about to grab the rebound, a shadow loomed over him.


    BANG!


    Han Sen followed up with a ferocious putback dunk, sending Wade flying out of bounds.


    16-19.


    For the first time since the opening tip, the Cavaliers had cut the deficit to a single possession.


    The Heat fans, who had been so confident moments ago, now felt a familiar sense of dread creeping in.


    "Why won''t he just let us win for once?!"


    Back on defense, the Cavaliers forced another miss. Gasol''s hook shot rimmed out, and Tucker¡ªrebounding like a true small-ball power forward¡ªsecured the ball.


    The arena buzzed with nervous energy. It was the first time all night that the Heat had gone scoreless on consecutive possessions.


    The Cavaliers'' confidence and energy, driven by Han Sen, were palpable.


    On offense, Han drew another early double-team. This time, he calmly dribbled behind his back, causing every other player on the court to hold their breath.


    Because no one knew what he was going to do next.


    It turned out to be a simple behind-the-back pass to JR Smith, who remained the only person on the court who wasn''t tense.


    Because JR''s brain simply doesn''t process pressure.


    Wade scrambled to contest the shot, but it was too late.


    Han Sen had delivered the ball to the best available shooter at the perfect moment.


    SWISH!


    The net barely moved.


    19-19.


    The Cavaliers had just put together a 16-7 run, tying the game.


    The LED scoreboard flashed Han Sen''s stat line:


    8 points, 3 assists.


    And that was all in the span of just five minutes.


    The four-out, one-in system has its flaws¡ªit''s vulnerable when the shooters are cold. But when the system is firing on all cylinders, its ceiling is limitless.


    The difference lies entirely in the core ball handler.


    The Cavaliers'' roster this season wasn''t much better than last year''s Knicks, but the results weren''t just different¡ªthey were worlds apart.


    Because the true difference-maker was Han Sen.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 273: Despair.

    Chapter 273: Despair.The moment the score was tied, Kevin Durant felt as if a dagger had pierced his chest.


    Why?


    Why is it that even after joining a team like the Cavaliers, Han Sen could still play them to a standstill?


    If this continued, Han Sen would truly become the Michael Jordan of this era, while Durant would be reduced to Clyde Drexler¡ªa player with immense talent but forgotten in the shadows of his time.


    Durant pushed into the frontcourt, signaling for the ball.


    Pau Gasol demonstrated his versatility, setting a solid pick for Durant before quickly rolling to drag Han Sen away from the play.


    Faced with Tristan Thompson, Durant took a simple hesitation dribble before stopping on a dime for a pull-up mid-range jumper.


    Swish!


    The Reaper swung his scythe, ending the Heat''s scoring drought.


    The American Airlines Arena erupted.


    Han Sen''s dominant performance earlier had been a massive weight on their chests, suffocating the crowd.


    Durant''s basket lifted that weight off, igniting the home fans once again.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The Heat faithful chanted in unison, and their team''s defensive intensity soared.


    Following Erik Spoelstra''s instructions, the Heat began tightening their coverage on the Cavaliers'' perimeter shooters.


    But this is where JR Smith''s unique qualities came into play.


    Unlike PJ Tucker, who mainly thrived on catch-and-shoot threes, JR could shoot off the dribble and in motion.


    With Kyrie Irving heavily guarded, JR quickly found his moment to shine.


    Han Sen, ever the maestro, anticipated JR''s movement perfectly, delivering a pinpoint pass right on time.


    As JR rose to shoot, Han Sen turned toward the Heat fans, raising both arms in celebration before the shot even went in.


    Anyone else might have gotten jittery seeing Han Sen''s early celebration, but not JR. He didn''t even notice.


    Swish!


    Another crisp splash¡ªJR nailed the three!


    The Cavaliers took the lead.


    Spoelstra immediately called for another timeout.


    "Wait, JR Smith is still in the league?" Barkley asked, genuinely surprised.


    His confusion was understandable. JR''s reputation had taken a massive hit last season, and after being suspended by the Cavaliers, it was easy to assume he had been cut.


    "I''m not sure what happened, but he''s been revitalized this past week," Kenny Smith chimed in.


    Since returning from suspension, JR''s attitude had notably improved. While his performances hadn''t been as explosive as tonight, there were signs of progress.


    "That''s great news for the Cavaliers. They need a third scoring option, and JR might be that guy," Shaq added.


    Shaq was right¡ªand it was one of the reasons Han Sen invested his time in JR.


    Outside of Han and Kyrie, the Cavaliers lacked reliable scorers.


    Andrea Bargnani was injury-prone, and Mo Williams was past his prime. At 29 years old, JR was the best option available.


    After the timeout, both teams brought in their bench players.


    During this stretch, the Heat regained the lead, largely thanks to Nikola Vucevic dominating inside.


    Vucevic had been a starter for the Rockets in previous seasons, averaging 16 points and 11 rebounds alongside James Harden.


    Although he was now coming off the bench for Miami, that was more due to tactical adjustments than any decline in skill.


    Neither Spencer Hawes nor Joel Anthony could slow him down.


    Watching from the stands, Cavaliers GM David Griffin realized they needed to reinforce their frontcourt¡ªfast.


    At the end of the first quarter, the Heat led 30-24.


    Kyrie wasn''t in rhythm tonight, so Malone sent Han Sen back in to start the second quarter.


    In response, Spoelstra countered with Durant.


    Right out of the gate, Han Sen delivered a perfect assist, setting up JR for his third three-pointer of the night.


    "JR''s performance tonight is unbelievable. He reminds me of ''Mad Max,''" Kenny Smith said with a chuckle.


    The nickname "Mad Max" came from Spike Lee, referring to Vernon Maxwell, a sharpshooter known for his fearlessness in big moments.


    Smith''s comparison wasn''t far off¡ªMaxwell had been a key piece of Houston''s championship runs, despite his streaky shooting.


    Maxwell was notorious for hoisting six three-pointers per game in the 90s, even though his shooting percentage barely hovered above 30%.


    Both Maxwell and JR had the same nickname for a reason¡ªthey were both wild cards.


    However, JR had his own brand of craziness.


    As he backpedaled on defense, he blew kisses to the Heat fans in celebration.


    In his mind, he was just doing what he did best.


    On the other end, Durant sneered at Han Sen.


    "So, you''re just a playmaker now? You don''t score anymore?"


    Han Sen froze for a moment before bursting into laughter.


    He couldn''t believe it.


    Years ago, when he faced the Thunder, he had used trash talk to bait Durant into playing hero ball.


    And now, here was Durant¡ªfalling into the same trap himself.


    "You know it, Kev. Games are won with words," Han replied with a smirk.


    The boomerang had come full circle in just 24 hours.


    Realizing he''d been played, Durant snorted in frustration before focusing on his next possession.


    He tried to score over Han, but his pull-up jumper missed. Without Gasol on the court, Durant struggled to create space against Han Sen''s defense.


    Back on offense, Han Sen drove to the basket, finishing through Vucevic''s foul for an and-one layup.


    Having JR hitting shots and constantly moving without the ball had opened up the paint for Han.


    At the free-throw line, Han Sen turned to Durant and smiled.


    "Keep it up, Kevin. You''re gonna be like Shaq someday." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Durant''s face turned crimson, his irritation obvious.


    Meanwhile, the other players looked confused.


    What did Durant have to do with Shaq?


    But Durant understood.


    Han was comparing Durant to Shaq''s infamous loss to the Bulls in 1996¡ªwhen Shaq finally defeated Jordan, but it was too late.


    At halftime, the Cavaliers led 61-60.


    They shot 10-for-16 from beyond the arc, a blistering 62.5%, with JR accounting for four threes.


    Han Sen finished the half with 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists, including 12 points in the second quarter alone.


    Despite his pass-first mindset in the first quarter, Han couldn''t resist getting buckets when the second unit came in.


    The Heat fans were anxious.


    Sure, the Cavaliers'' lead was largely due to their hot shooting, but who''s to say that won''t continue in the second half?


    Pat Riley was notably absent from the stands during halftime.


    When he finally returned, just before the second half began, his expression was grim.


    It didn''t take long to figure out why¡ªhe had gone to the locker room to give the Heat a stern lecture.


    And based on the sour faces of the Heat players, Riley''s message had hit home.


    At the start of the second half, the Heat intensified their perimeter defense on the Cavaliers.


    But you can''t shut down both Han Sen and the Cavs'' shooters at the same time.


    In the third quarter alone, Han exploded for 24 points, bringing his personal tally to 44 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists by the end of the quarter.


    Thanks to Han''s unstoppable performance, the Cavs held their own against the Heat, keeping the game tied through three quarters.


    When Han''s stats flashed on the LED scoreboard, a wave of excitement and disbelief swept through the arena.


    Three consecutive 50+ games had already silenced the doubters.


    But now, it looked like Han was about to drop another 50+ game tonight!


    Four consecutive 50-point games.


    Before tonight, only Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe Bryant had ever done that.


    And it wasn''t just 50+ points on the horizon¡ªit was shaping up to be a 50-point triple-double!


    With the Cavs frequently using a small-ball lineup, Han was playing as a small forward, giving him more chances to grab rebounds than usual.


    Charles Barkley was already hyping Han from the commentary booth.


    "You know," Barkley started, "if you make two or three shots each quarter and hit four or five free throws, you''ll get 40+ points without even realizing it."


    His comment had Shaq and Kenny Smith laughing.


    It was a playful callback to Michael Jordan''s famous response when asked how he consistently scored 30+ points a game.


    But Barkley''s joke aside, Han''s scoring was no accident.


    The game had been full of defensive adjustments, and Han had adapted accordingly.


    He scored 8 points in the first quarter, 12 in the second, and exploded for 24 in the third, keeping pace with Miami''s changing defensive schemes.


    Both teams rested their starters at the start of the fourth quarter. The game had been so close that most of the key players had played the entire third quarter.


    Sitting on the bench, Kevin Durant glanced up at the LED scoreboard.


    Seeing Han''s stats, he couldn''t help but mutter a curse under his breath.


    Han wasn''t just keeping the Cavs competitive. He was doing it with insane numbers, all while making Durant look like a supporting character in Han''s story.


    The Cavaliers kept it close to start the fourth quarter.


    Finally, Kyrie Irving found his rhythm. He hit a three-pointer and followed up with several drives to the basket, racking up 7 quick points.


    With 8 minutes left, the Cavs led 106-104.


    Both teams brought their starters back for the final showdown.


    The Heat adjusted their defense, focusing on trapping Han Sen.


    The adjustment worked¡ªPJ Tucker missed a wide-open three.


    For shooters, it''s not just about getting open¡ªthey also need rhythm and confidence, which comes from consistent touches.


    Spoelstra''s defensive switches weren''t random.


    The Heat''s success came from team chemistry and tactical precision. Spoelstra was one of the best coaches at making mid-game adjustments.


    On the next possession, Pau Gasol backed down in the post, drawing a double team before dishing the ball to Durant, who drove into the paint, absorbed contact from Tristan Thompson, and finished with a foul.


    "AAAAAHHHH!"


    Durant let out a roar, pumping up the crowd as American Airlines Arena erupted.


    If Durant could lead the Heat to victory, he wouldn''t have to worry about being relegated to a mere footnote in Han''s legacy.


    And Durant wasn''t playing poorly either. After that bucket, he had 30 points on the night.


    He calmly sank the free throw, putting the Heat back in front.


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The chants echoed again, and the Heat looked to pull away.


    They had momentum. If the Cavs'' shooters stayed cold, Miami could seal the game with a decisive run.


    But just as the Heat fans'' confidence peaked, it was doused by a bucket of cold water.


    And the man holding that bucket?


    JR Smith.


    Han Sen whipped a pass to JR, who confidently pulled up and drained his fifth three-pointer of the night.


    Five threes in a game isn''t unusual, but for JR, it''s just another day at the office.


    This was a guy who had hit 10+ threes in a single game three times and once dropped 45 points as a role player.


    It''s no wonder he once told Han Sen, "Scorers rule the court."


    For JR, "cold hands" wasn''t a concept. His shooting depended entirely on his mood.


    Dwyane Wade tried to answer on the other end with a tough isolation drive, but JR stuck with him. Although Wade powered past JR, PJ Tucker was there to help.


    Wade''s contested shot missed.


    Tucker secured the rebound, and the Cavs launched another fast break.


    Han Sen led the charge and delivered a perfect assist to Kyrie, who hit a transition three.


    Kyrie had only made two threes all night, and both came in the fourth quarter.


    But unlike JR, Kyrie wasn''t streaky¡ªhe was finding his rhythm again.


    The pressure shifted to Spoelstra. His defensive adjustments had been effective, but the Cavs were still ahead by four points.


    After some deliberation, Spoelstra reverted to his third-quarter strategy, focusing on Han Sen as the primary threat.


    It turned out to be the right call. The game slowed down into a gritty defensive battle.


    However, there was one unintended consequence:


    Han''s scoring tally continued to climb.


    With 4:18 remaining, Han missed a floater but grabbed his own rebound and put it back in.


    51 points.


    Nine rebounds.


    At 3:34, Han drove again, drawing a foul and hitting both free throws.


    53 points.


    With 2:13 left, the Heat were called for a defensive three-second violation, and Han sank the technical free throw.


    54 points.


    At 1:05, Han finished a tough layup through contact, bringing his total to 56 points.


    Then, with 41 seconds left, JR missed a three, but Han snatched his 10th rebound and drained a mid-range jumper.


    50-point triple-double.


    And that shot gave the Cavs a crucial four-point lead.


    With 18 seconds left, Durant drew a foul on a three-point attempt.


    But after reviewing the play, the refs confirmed his foot was on the line¡ªhe only got two free throws.


    Durant made both, cutting the Cavs'' lead to two.


    The Cavs called a timeout.


    Coming out of the timeout, Han Sen was fouled and went to the free-throw line.


    The arena erupted with cheers, not just because these free throws would seal the win, but because Han was sitting on 58 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists.


    If he made both, he would become the first player in NBA history to record a 60-point triple-double.


    At the line, Durant looked more nervous than Han Sen.


    What Durant thought would be just another loss now looked like his name would be immortalized as part of Han''s record-breaking game.


    Han''s first free throw hit the front rim, bounced up, and dropped in.


    The Cavs had essentially sealed the win.


    Han took a deep breath and lined up his second free throw.


    Swish.


    "A new record is born!" Barkley yelled, unable to contain his excitement.


    What he had hoped for¡ªa special performance from the Cavs¡ªhad turned into a historic night for Han.


    The Heat fans had mixed emotions.


    They had just watched their team lose a crucial game, but they also witnessed history being made.


    During the Heat''s timeout, Durant stood at midcourt, hands on his hips, staring at the scoreboard for a long time.


    It wasn''t until Wade tapped him on the shoulder that Durant finally shook his head and walked back to the bench.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 274: All-Star Weekend Vacation?.

    Chapter 274: All-Star Weekend Vacation?.The Cavaliers pulled off an unexpected road win, defeating the Heat 124-120.


    The post-game box score told the story: Han Sen finished with 60 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, securing his place in history with the NBA''s first-ever 60-point triple-double.


    JR Smith chipped in 20 points, while Kyrie Irving had 17 points and 5 assists.


    For the Heat, Kevin Durant led the way with 36 points, Pau Gasol contributed 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists, Dwyane Wade added 19 points, Luol Deng had 13 points, and Nikola Vucevic posted 14 points and 7 rebounds.


    Even after the game had ended, many Heat fans remained in their seats, stunned by the result.


    This wasn''t how things were supposed to go.


    On the court, players exchanged post-game handshakes.


    When Durant reached Han Sen, he couldn''t hold back his frustration: "It''s just a regular-season game."


    Han smiled, unable to help himself.


    "What''s so funny?" Durant frowned, visibly annoyed.


    "Do you remember what I told you during the playoffs back when we were in the Western Conference? ''I''m not LeBron.''"


    Durant''s expression darkened. Of course, he remembered.


    Han had taunted him back then, reminding him that he didn''t rely on referees like LeBron did.


    "What''s that got to do with anything now?"


    Han chuckled. "You know what LeBron fans always say when they lose?"


    Durant didn''t need further explanation. As a seasoned online surfer, he knew exactly what Han was implying.


    He hadn''t realized it before, but the very words he''d just spoken mirrored the excuses LeBron''s fans often made after a loss.


    Sometimes, the things we consume influence us more than we realize.


    ...


    At the post-game press conference, Han Sen and JR Smith sat side by side.


    For JR, this was his first time attending a post-game presser since joining the Cavaliers. He looked visibly excited.


    However, nearly every question was directed at Han Sen.


    A 60-point triple-double wasn''t just impressive¡ªit was historic.


    Most fans didn''t fully grasp the significance of the achievement, but the reporters had detailed stat sheets to back it up: Han Sen had accounted for 96 points through his scoring and assists, a number even more mind-blowing than Kobe''s famous 81-point game.


    When asked about his performance, Han remained calm and humble.


    "American Airlines Arena is my lucky charm," he joked.


    It was a phrase he''d used during last year''s Finals, and it remained just as fitting. After all, Han had clinched all three of his championships in that very arena. His career-high 61-point game had also come against the Heat in Miami. And now, he had set another record here with a 60-point triple-double.


    There was something magical about this place.


    The reporters fired off one question after another. Han answered a few more before passing the mic to JR Smith.


    "You can ask him questions, too," Han said, motioning toward his teammate.


    The room fell silent.


    No one had a single question for JR.


    For most reporters, Han Sen was the story.


    JR? He was just a role player who''d had a good shooting night.


    In truth, reporters would have preferred to ask JR about his antics¡ªlike untying opponents'' shoelaces or pulling headbands off their heads.


    Those moments made for better headlines.


    The awkward silence grew, but Han quickly defused the tension. He grabbed the mic himself and played the role of a reporter.


    "Mr. Smith," Han began with a grin, "you scored a season-high 20 points tonight. How do you feel?"


    The room froze for a moment.


    Even JR looked stunned, caught off guard by Han''s unexpected gesture.


    When Han handed him the mic, JR hesitated. Then, his eyes reddened with emotion.


    "I feel great. Really great." His voice wavered with emotion.


    Han reached over, patting JR on the shoulder to reassure him.


    "Relax," he whispered.


    After Han''s gesture, some of the quicker-thinking reporters finally began asking JR questions, breaking the awkward atmosphere.


    ...


    As they left the press room, JR turned to Han, his expression one of genuine gratitude.


    "Thank you, man. Really. Thank you."


    His voice carried a sincerity that came from the heart.


    Han raised an eyebrow.


    "Thank me? For what?"


    "For everything, boss." JR''s voice softened. "For trusting me. For passing me the ball. For helping me out there tonight."


    Han frowned.


    "Cut that ''boss'' crap. You got that from Cunningham, didn''t you?"


    JR chuckled, wiping his eyes.


    "Got it."


    Han placed a hand on JR''s shoulder.


    "Respect isn''t given¡ªit''s earned. All I did was judge you fairly, the way Coach Malone would. Now, go earn your respect."


    JR nodded firmly.


    He couldn''t deny his troubled past. He''d been a troublemaker, and most people still viewed him as such.


    But Han Sen had looked beyond his reputation and given him a chance.


    For JR, that was an incredible gift.


    ...


    Later that night, the NBA released a special graphic commemorating Han''s historic performance, featuring the words: "The Best in the Game."


    The league also made a significant announcement:


    The 2016 All-Star voting process would be overhauled, with all official fan votes counting, regardless of location.


    This was exactly what Adam Silver had promised Han privately, though Han hadn''t shown much appreciation at the time.


    Still, the change wasn''t made out of goodwill.


    It was made because of Han''s impact on the league.


    The league had seen what Han was capable of. And they couldn''t afford to lose him for another All-Star Weekend.


    After all, Han had already confirmed he wouldn''t participate this year. The NBA couldn''t risk him skipping next year, too.


    Han Sen''s influence had once again shaped the league''s direction.


    Not with words or complaints, but with his actions on the court.


    Because in the world of basketball, respect isn''t just earned.


    It''s taken.


    ...


    Time flew by, and it was already mid-February. The All-Star Weekend was about to begin, hosted in Memphis.


    Just before the festivities kicked off, the NBA officially approved the Grizzlies'' ownership change. Robert Pera was now the new owner of the Memphis Grizzlies.


    Pera himself made an appearance during the All-Star Weekend, and during Media Day, he dropped a bombshell announcement in front of a room full of reporters:


    "We will be erecting a statue of Han Sen."


    The news came as a huge surprise. After all, statues were typically reserved for retired players, not active ones.


    But from Pera''s perspective, it made perfect sense.


    The former owner, Michael Heisley, had left behind a toxic legacy in Memphis. As the new owner, Pera needed to win over the fans quickly, and honoring the city''s greatest hero was the best way to do it.


    And it worked.


    By the end of Media Day, social media was flooded with Memphis fans celebrating Pera''s arrival and praising him as the best thing to happen to the Grizzlies in years.


    However, the same day, LeBron James made a comment during his Media Day appearance that stirred up a storm around Han Sen.


    When asked why he hadn''t participated in the Dunk Contest ¡ª a question he''d faced every year ¡ª LeBron responded:


    "I''m not the one who says they''ll compete and then doesn''t show up. I''m just waiting for the right time."


    He didn''t name names, but everyone knew he was talking about Han Sen.


    The comment quickly gained traction, setting off a wave of backlash.


    Fans didn''t care why Han Sen had opted out of the Dunk Contest. All they cared about was that he wasn''t there.


    Disappointed fans are quick to turn into angry fans.


    As a result, while Han Sen was vacationing in Big Sky, Montana, he watched his hater points spike dramatically.


    Han couldn''t help but laugh at the irony.


    "I used to wish I could rent LeBron''s ability to attract hate. Turns out, I don''t need to. He''s doing it for me for free."


    At that moment, Han Sen wasn''t paying much attention to social media.


    He was at a ski resort, watching Anjali glide gracefully down the slopes.


    The long season had taken its toll on Han both physically and mentally.


    Now that he was a superstar, even his off-days were packed with endorsement commitments and sponsor appearances.


    He was constantly on the go, barely catching his breath.


    So when he decided to skip the All-Star Weekend, he had Chris cancel all his PR events, and he took Anjali on a well-deserved vacation.


    February was perfect for skiing.


    Unfortunately, due to NBA regulations, skiing was considered a dangerous activity, and players were strictly prohibited from doing it during their careers.


    Back in the day, Lakers player Vladimir Radmanovic was fined $500,000 for injuring himself while skiing, earning him the infamous nickname: "Ski Man."


    So Han had no choice but to watch from the sidelines, admiring Anjali as she navigated the slopes with ease.


    At first glance, Anjali seemed like an ordinary person, but after spending more time with her, Han realized just how talented she was.


    Dance, music, scuba diving, rock climbing, skiing, bungee jumping¡ªthere wasn''t much she couldn''t do.


    Han found himself a little envious.


    Sure, he made a lot of money, but he was still a working man, with a long way to go before retirement.


    Anjali, on the other hand, was living life to the fullest, unrestrained by a nine-to-five grind.


    Since skiing wasn''t an option for Han, he and Anjali spent time exploring Yellowstone National Park, which was nearby.


    Despite living in the U.S. for years, Han had never been to Yellowstone.


    His biggest impression of the park came from the movie "2012", where the Yellowstone supervolcano erupted, wiping out most of America.


    There was even a popular meme:


    "The easiest way to destroy America is to trigger the Yellowstone supervolcano."


    Some people even joked about dropping a nuke into the volcano to make America disappear.


    Yellowstone''s geothermal features were stunning, especially the Grand Prismatic Spring, which displayed vibrant colors even in February.


    Han compared it to China''s Jiuzhaigou.


    "The hot spring is like the Five Flower Lake," he mused.


    Still, Yellowstone''s other natural attractions weren''t quite as breathtaking as Jiuzhaigou.


    No wonder Curry was so excited when he visited Jiuzhaigou.


    But what truly fascinated Han and Anjali were the park''s wildlife.


    One day, they took a helicopter ride to observe Yellowstone''s wild animals.


    Seeing a herd of American bison running through the snow was an awe-inspiring sight.


    Han couldn''t help but feel a bit of the Red Dead Redemption vibe.


    "Maybe we should visit Africa in the summer," Han said, thinking back to the nature documentaries he loved as a kid.


    His dream? Adopt a lion cub from Africa.


    He already had a name picked out: "Sefu." (Swahili for "Sword")


    On the day of the All-Star Game, Han and Anjali stayed in their hotel room, watching the live broadcast with a table full of snacks.


    Watching basketball with your girlfriend?


    That was the ultimate dream for many fans.


    The game started, and the Western Conference quickly took control.


    The talent gap between the East and West was already significant, and with Han Sen skipping the game, it was a blowout waiting to happen.


    What made this year''s All-Star Game particularly entertaining was LeBron''s desperate bid for the MVP trophy.


    He was hyper-aggressive, to the point where he even tried to block Curry''s layup during a fast break¡ªa move that left the crowd stunned. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "LeBron really wants this MVP."


    But Russell Westbrook wasn''t about to let that happen.


    Despite being a reserve, Westbrook dominated the ball whenever he and LeBron were on the court together.


    "You want the MVP? Over my dead body."


    Their on-court rivalry was even more intense than Han and LeBron''s showdown last year.


    Steve Kerr, coaching the West, deliberately gave Westbrook extended minutes, enjoying the drama.


    "The more they fight, the better it is for the Warriors."


    The West won easily, 163-150.


    LeBron finished with 30 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, a classic stat-sheet-filling performance.


    But Westbrook stole the show, dropping 41 points and earning his first All-Star Game MVP.


    Han laughed as he watched the final moments of the broadcast.


    "This is better than playing."


    Even before the game ended, Han had already pulled Anjali over, working on his post-up moves while they watched.


    "No wasted time, even on vacation."


    (TL/n: How do you like the pun? I came up with it hehe...)


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 275: The 2015 NBA Trade Deadline.

    Chapter 275: The 2015 NBA Trade Deadline.When Han Sen returned from his vacation, David Griffin quickly paid him a visit.


    During their initial discussions, Han had emphasized one thing: draft picks.


    Given how difficult it was to attract top-tier free agents to Cleveland, their best hope for building a contender was nailing their draft selections. Especially now, since three of their next five first-round picks were shipped to Memphis in the deal to acquire Han, those remaining picks were even more precious.


    Griffin''s visit had a clear purpose ¡ª he wanted Han''s input on trade options.


    The Cavaliers'' trade assets were limited, and without touching their draft capital, the available upgrades weren''t exactly impressive.


    Han knew that. But even with those constraints, when Griffin laid out the list of potential trade targets, one name left Han a little stunned.


    JaVale McGee.


    Yep, the same JaVale McGee that Han remembered as "Shaqtin'' a Fool''s" most frequent guest.


    McGee had been a starter early in his career with the Wizards but had since slid to a bench role in Denver, where injuries significantly reduced his playing time over the past two seasons.


    Denver had signed him to a 4-year, $44 million deal in 2012, and he still had about a season and a half left on that contract.


    The trade was simple ¡ª Andrea Bargnani for McGee. Salary-matching was perfect, and Cleveland could even snag a protected first-round pick from Denver in the deal.


    Han immediately passed.


    Sure, McGee had the size, length, and athleticism that made him an ideal small-ball center for this era. But his basketball IQ? That wasn''t just low; it was catastrophically low.


    If JR Smith looked like a wild card at times, McGee was a full-on glitch in the system. Bringing in McGee would turn the Cavaliers into a juvenile detention center rather than a serious contender.


    Han wasn''t interested in playing the role of warden.


    Next on the list was Timofey Mozgov.


    Denver had drafted Jusuf Nurkic, who was showing promise, making both McGee and Mozgov expendable.


    Mozgov had one and a half years left on his contract at a much more reasonable price ¡ª around $10 million over two years, with the second year being a team option.


    His numbers? 8.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game ¡ª solid, dependable, and capable of protecting the rim.


    But there was a catch.


    The Nuggets wanted two protected first-round picks.


    Han recalled that in "history," the Cavaliers actually did acquire Mozgov at this very trade deadline.


    Mozgov''s strengths were obvious:


    - Excellent shot-blocker.


    - Explosive around the rim.


    - Strong in traditional defensive schemes.


    But his weaknesses?


    - Lateral quickness was a disaster.


    - Useless on switches.


    - Couldn''t guard out to the perimeter, which was essential in today''s evolving NBA.


    In short, Mozgov was a regular-season big who might be unplayable in critical playoff games when teams relentlessly exploit defensive mismatches.


    Han shook his head.


    If they could swap Spencer Hawes for Mozgov? Sure.


    But two first-round picks? Not worth it.


    Han went through the rest of the list, and frankly, most of the names weren''t exciting.


    Big men who could truly make an impact in today''s game were rare. The league was moving away from traditional centers, and anyone who could thrive in the modern era wasn''t going to be easy to acquire.


    But then, one name made Han stop in his tracks.


    Kevin Garnett.


    Wait... what?


    KG was 39 years old, averaging 7.5 points and 6.8 rebounds on a tanking Celtics team. His shooting percentage had plummeted to 45.5%, and his best days were clearly behind him.


    Also, Han knew that Garnett had a no-trade clause in his contract.


    Then it hit him ¡ª KG went back to Minnesota this year.


    He was traded back to the Timberwolves to finish his career where it all began, a sentimental move to close the circle.


    Would Garnett waive his no-trade clause to come to Cleveland of all places?


    Not a chance.


    Han chuckled. Honestly, there was a better shot at Kevin Durant wanting to join the Cavs.


    Still, the idea made Han smile. If he somehow convinced KG to join Cleveland, the narrative would be wild.


    Imagine the headlines: "Han Sen Forms a Big Three with KG!"


    Garnett wouldn''t even need to contribute much on the court. His mere presence would spark a media frenzy.


    And if Han leaned into the whole "superteam" villain role, his hater points would skyrocket.


    "Let''s keep an eye on KG," Han told Griffin. "If he doesn''t waive his no-trade clause, we might be able to get him after a buyout."


    ...


    Time flew by, and before anyone realized it, the trade deadline was here.


    And boy, did it start with a bang.


    Miami Heat acquired the Dragic brothers from Phoenix in a blockbuster deal!


    The Heat sent two future first-round picks and a package of players to the Suns in exchange for Goran and Zoran Dragic.


    Wait... what?


    Was Pat Riley playing 2K?


    With this trade, the Heat''s new starting five looked scary:


    Dragic, Wade, Durant, Deng, and Gasol.


    It was clear ¡ª the Heat were going all in.


    But there was a catch. The two first-round picks they sent to Phoenix?


    2017 (two years from now). 2021 (six years from now).


    Both were unprotected.


    There was a lot riding on this.


    Why?


    Kevin Durant''s contract expired in 2016.


    If Miami didn''t win it all by then, Durant might leave.


    And if Durant left, those picks would become extremely valuable ¡ª a potential lottery goldmine for Phoenix.


    The Suns weren''t just giving Dragic away for nothing. They were making a calculated bet that Miami could implode in the near future.


    In fact, Dragic had already made it clear he wanted out. The Suns had three starting-caliber point guards ¡ª Dragic, Eric Bledsoe, and Isaiah Thomas ¡ª which created chaos in the locker room.


    The team''s decision to go with a dual point guard system led to frustrations across the board.


    Last season, Dragic averaged 20.3 points and 5.9 assists. Now, his numbers had dipped, and he wasn''t happy about it.


    The Suns realized they couldn''t keep him happy and cashed in while they could.


    The Heat were gambling big. Pat Riley knew that if Miami didn''t win a championship in the next two seasons, Kevin Durant would be gone.


    Whether the recent loss to the Cavaliers before the All-Star break played a role in this aggressive trade was anyone''s guess.


    But one thing was certain ¡ª the Heat''s roster was now terrifying. Their starting five of Dragic, Wade, Durant, Deng, and Gasol, combined with a bench rotation of Chalmers, Sefolosha, and Vucevic, was enough to make any playoff opponent despair.


    As the trade deadline approached, teams across the league started making their moves.


    The Thunder sent Reggie Jackson to the Pistons in a three-team deal and landed Enes Kanter from the Jazz to bolster their frontcourt.


    The Lakers, desperate to fill the void left by Varejao''s season-ending injury, gave up two protected future first-round picks and some minor assets to acquire Timofey Mozgov from the Nuggets.


    Meanwhile, the Celtics, continuing their rebuild, traded the Grizzlies'' first-round pick they had previously acquired, along with some minor pieces, to the Suns for Isaiah Thomas.


    The Suns, having shipped out both Dragic and Thomas, promptly acquired Brandon Knight in another three-team deal.


    At this point, it was obvious why Dragic wanted out of Phoenix ¡ª the team''s front office had no clue what they were doing. They had just offloaded two starting-caliber point guards and immediately traded for another.


    Honestly, sometimes NBA general managers made you wonder if JR Smith was secretly running their front offices.


    In that same three-team trade, the 76ers sent Michael Carter-Williams to the Bucks in exchange for a future first-round pick.


    Once upon a time, MCW''s debut had shocked the league.


    His first NBA game stat line: 22 points, 7 rebounds, 12 assists, and 9 steals ¡ª just shy of a quadruple-double.


    During his first week in the league, he averaged 20.7 points, 9 assists, and 4.3 steals, leading the Sixers to a 3-0 start and becoming the second rookie since Shaquille O''Neal to win Player of the Week honors.


    Back then, fans said he was living up to his name, like the protagonist of a cheat-mode sports novel.


    Though his performance dipped after that hot start, MCW still averaged 16.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists in his rookie season, winning Rookie of the Year.


    And now? He was traded in just his second season.


    For the Bucks, acquiring MCW was like adding a turbo boost to their young core.


    But Han knew the truth.


    MCW, like Mozgov, was born in the wrong era.


    His defense and playmaking were solid, but his lack of shooting was a fatal flaw in the small-ball era. Without a reliable jumper, point guards like him would struggle to stay relevant.


    As time would prove, Ben Simmons would become the most vivid example of this issue.


    Finally, as the trade deadline came to a close, the Cavaliers and Celtics struck a deal.


    The Cavs sent Andrea Bargnani to Boston in exchange for...


    Kevin Garnett.


    KG was really coming to Cleveland!


    Han didn''t have time to figure out how the trade happened or why Garnett waived his no-trade clause. He grabbed his 58 burner accounts and immediately started spreading the "superteam" narrative on social media.


    He even threw in a comparison to Shaquille O''Neal''s stint with the Cavs to spice things up.


    Who cared about 37 versus 39 years old or All-NBA credentials? Those were just details to be ignored.


    As Han expected, the narrative exploded online.


    Especially from LeBron fans.


    For years, they had been searching for proof that Han was just as guilty of forming superteams. And now, they had it.


    From the Heat''s big move to the Cavs'' headline-grabbing acquisition, this trade deadline was insane.


    In fact, 41 players were traded, making it the busiest trade deadline in NBA history.


    It felt like the aftermath of Jordan''s first retirement, with GMs across the league desperately chasing a championship after the Grizzlies'' dynasty crumbled.


    Two days after the deadline, during a Cavaliers practice session, Tyronn Lue strolled into the gym, laughing and chatting with Kevin Garnett at his side.


    No one knew how Lue had pulled this off ¡ª he and KG had never been teammates.


    But there he was, guiding KG straight toward Han Sen.


    When they met, Garnett greeted Han with a handshake and shoulder bump.


    "Welcome to Cleveland Village." Han welcomed him with humor.


    Sure, Han was curious why KG came, but that wasn''t the focus right now. The important thing was ¡ª he was here.


    Even if Garnett wasn''t the "Big Ticket" anymore, his experience could be invaluable to a young, playoff-inexperienced Cavaliers squad.


    As far as past grudges went, if KG didn''t care, Han wasn''t going to, either.


    After their chat, Garnett made his way around, greeting the rest of the team.


    KG''s legacy still commanded respect. Even if his best days were behind him, his reputation as one of the fiercest competitors was well known.


    Lue originally just wanted KG to introduce himself and get acquainted, but things quickly took a different turn.


    KG stripped off his warm-up gear.


    "I''m not here to coast."


    He interrupted Lue mid-sentence and made his intentions clear.


    After a quick warm-up, Garnett joined the team''s full-court scrimmage.


    What surprised Han was how seamlessly KG fit into the "four-out, one-in" system.


    Despite never playing in this modern offensive style, KG''s high basketball IQ was on full display.


    People used to say Garnett was the smartest big man in the league, capable of playing all five positions.


    While that might have been an exaggeration, it was clear KG still had a keen understanding of spacing and positioning.


    But what shocked Han more than KG''s court smarts was his attitude.


    KG''s trash talk didn''t stop for a second.


    Han had played against KG before and knew his mouth never stopped, but this was next-level intensity.


    What was supposed to be a regular practice suddenly felt like a playoff game.


    By the time practice ended, most of the players who had initially welcomed KG were now avoiding him.


    Even Cunningham couldn''t help but complain to Han.


    "Man, David brought us a cranky old dad."


    In American slang, "old dad" referred to someone grumpy and overbearing. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Han simply patted Cunningham on the shoulder without saying much.


    KG wasn''t pretending.


    No one would intentionally piss off their new teammates on Day One.


    The only logical explanation?


    That''s just who KG was.


    Was that a bad thing?


    Han didn''t think so.


    In fact, it reminded him of the role he played back in Memphis.


    Sometimes, every team needs a villain to push them harder.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 276: I’m Always on a Superteam.

    Chapter 276: I¡¯m Always on a Superteam.Kevin Garnett''s desire to play was intense, but Coach Malone wasn''t in a rush to put him on the court.


    On one hand, the five-out lineup had worked wonders against the Heat, and Malone was still experimenting with it in games, making Garnett''s debut less of a priority.


    On the other hand ¡ª and more importantly ¡ª Malone was cautious about using a veteran at the tail end of his career.


    Garnett''s skills were still there. But after tearing his right knee ligament in 2009, his legs had never fully recovered. His knee had become his biggest hurdle, robbing him of his explosiveness and slowing him down significantly.


    Gone were the days when he could patrol the entire court on defense, covering large swathes of space. His age had also started catching up with him, with his availability becoming a concern. Last season, he played only 54 games, and this season, he''d suited up for just 42 so far.


    From a pure performance standpoint, Bargnani was still the better player this season. But the Cavs traded him for Garnett because they feared Bargnani might choke under pressure, much like Chris Paul had in critical moments.


    If they rushed Garnett back and he got hurt, the trade would''ve been for nothing.


    The Cavaliers'' first opponent after the trade deadline was the Washington Wizards.


    With John Wall and Bradley Beal both growing into stars, the Wizards had become an Eastern Conference threat. They were performing even better this season, sitting at fifth in the East.


    Their most notable roster change was swapping Trevor Ariza for Paul Pierce as their starting small forward.


    This game had an interesting storyline.


    The Boston Big Three had long disbanded. Ray Allen was semi-retired, while Pierce and Garnett were now meeting as opponents on different teams.


    During warmups, Pierce and Garnett shared a long conversation at midcourt, catching up like old friends. Their bond remained strong, even if they were now wearing different jerseys.


    When the game started, both teams quickly locked into a tight battle.


    The Wizards weren''t a pushover.


    In addition to Wall, Beal, and Pierce, their frontcourt featured Nene "The One-Balled Warrior" and Marcin "The Polish Hammer" Gortat.


    The Cavs were at a disadvantage in the paint, and they particularly struggled with defending the pick-and-roll.


    Both Nene and Gortat were pick-and-roll maestros, and Wall''s speed made it even harder for Cleveland to defend without switching.


    But once they switched, Wall mercilessly attacked the mismatches, punishing the Cavs'' bigs.


    TT picked up two quick fouls, both drawn by Wall, and had to check out early.


    As TT walked toward the bench, Garnett abruptly stood up.


    This caught everyone off guard ¡ª he wasn''t even on the active roster for the night.


    But Garnett wasn''t trying to sub in.


    Instead, he immediately grabbed TT on the sidelines and started lecturing him.


    "Play tougher."


    "Be a man out there."


    His words were loud and clear, and everyone heard them.


    When TT reached the bench, he grabbed the towel handed to him and angrily threw it to the ground.


    It wasn''t clear whether he was more frustrated with his performance or pissed at Garnett''s scolding.


    The Cavs couldn''t contain the Wizards'' pick-and-roll in the first half.


    But on the flip side, the Wizards couldn''t stop Han''s penetration and kick-outs either.


    At halftime, the score was 54-54 ¡ª a deadlock.


    Han was a bit late returning to the locker room after conducting a courtside interview.


    On his way through the tunnel, he spotted TT lingering there.


    The moment TT saw Han, he rushed over.


    "KG''s gotta chill, man! He''s way too controlling!"


    The Cavs'' frontcourt was already their weakest link ¡ª Malone knew it, which was why he hadn''t criticized them much during the game.


    But Garnett wasn''t holding back. Every time the bigs made a mistake, KG was in their ear immediately.


    As Cunningham put it, Garnett acted like a "cranky old dad".


    Unlike Han''s days in Memphis, when he played the "bad cop" role to perfection, Garnett''s age and new environment made his style feel more intrusive.


    Han couldn''t help but remember the rumors about KG punching teammates back in Minnesota.


    When Han finally stepped into the locker room, he saw Garnett talking with Tucker.


    "Paul struggles off the ball. He gets confused easily. You need to deny him touches as much as possible. And remember, his weakest shooting zones are the left elbow and the top of the key. Force him there."


    Han overheard the conversation and was momentarily confused.


    "Paul?"


    It took him a second to realize Garnett was referring to Pierce.


    That realization made Han pause in surprise.


    The image of KG warmly chatting with Pierce pregame flashed in his mind.


    Now, here he was, spilling all of Pierce''s weaknesses without hesitation.


    The contrast was jarring.


    Han walked over and called TT to his side.


    "Hey, you''re up for free agency this summer, right?"


    TT, still grumpy, nodded.


    He and Kyrie Irving were from the same draft class. Kyrie had been the first overall pick, while TT was the fourth pick.


    Last summer, Kyrie had already secured a max contract extension from the Cavs, but TT hadn''t. He would become a restricted free agent this coming offseason.


    "KG''s a veteran with tons of experience. His entire career has been built on pick-and-rolls. He''s an expert at defending them. You should learn from him ¡ª it''ll help you a lot."


    Han Sen''s words left TT completely stunned.


    He had been expecting Han to talk to Garnett and ask him to ease up on the criticism. Instead, Han flipped it around and urged him to take the initiative to learn.


    "A man needs his pride. But setting aside your pride for a moment can earn you greater respect in the future."


    Han knew this wasn''t an easy pill to swallow, especially for someone as proud as TT.


    TT didn''t respond immediately. He hesitated for a while before eventually standing up and walking toward Garnett.


    Han watched as TT approached KG.


    There were two possible outcomes.


    Either the two would argue, maybe even come to blows.


    Or they would start a meaningful conversation. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After observing for a bit, Han noticed that things were moving toward the second outcome.


    Maybe it was Han''s words that had swayed TT. Or maybe TT realized that if he wanted a big contract, he needed to improve. Either way, he chose to lower his head and take the first step.


    Whatever the reason, it was a positive development. In fact, this could be an unexpected benefit of having Garnett on the team.


    Even if TT couldn''t learn all of KG''s defensive skills, any improvements on defense would be a big boost for the Cavaliers.


    And that would be great news for Cleveland.


    After all, Jokic might arrive in the NBA next season, but as a rookie, his role in the paint would be limited. TT would remain the key to their interior defense.


    ...


    Second Half Begins


    The game resumed after halftime.


    Han Sen opened the half by posting up Bradley Beal and scoring easily, setting the tone for the Cavs.


    On the next possession, the Wizards ran another pick-and-roll between Beal and Nene.


    But this time, TT''s defensive approach had clearly changed.


    Instead of charging out early, he held his ground inside the paint, positioning himself to protect the rim. This way, he could limit Wall''s driving lanes while still challenging any floaters or layups.


    It worked.


    Wall''s layup missed, and TT grabbed the defensive rebound.


    "Great job! That''s it! Keep doing that!"


    Suddenly, Garnett leaped to his feet from the bench, pumping his fists and cheering TT on.


    The Cavs players on the bench couldn''t hide their mixed expressions.


    It was hard to process.


    Wasn''t this the same KG who had been tearing into TT with trash talk just a moment ago?


    And now he was fervently cheering for him?


    The contrast was jarring.


    But Han Sen wasn''t surprised. Watching the scene unfold, he knew his earlier assessment of Garnett was spot on.


    KG wasn''t "playing the villain." He had become one.


    This wasn''t malice. It was a deeply ingrained competitive mindset.


    It was the same mentality that players like Jordan and Kobe had. They were hard on their teammates, not out of spite, but because they wanted to win.


    They would scold teammates for mistakes and celebrate them when they performed well.


    In their world, there were no "coworkers" or "polite formalities" on the court.


    The only goal was to win.


    Put simply, KG was a workaholic.


    You wouldn''t want a boss like him. But he could make your team better.


    After confirming this, Han understood why Garnett chose to join the Cavaliers at the trade deadline.


    Despite his age, KG''s mentality hadn''t softened. He wasn''t looking for a comfortable end to his career. He wanted to compete.


    In the original timeline, he had no choice in Brooklyn. The Nets wanted to win, but his abilities no longer matched his contract, leaving him with no options but to return home to Minnesota.


    But now?


    With a chance to join a competitive team, he took it without hesitation.


    ...


    The Cavaliers dominated the second half, outscoring the Wizards 50-35 and securing a 104-89 victory.


    The formula was simple: Han Sen was unstoppable offensively.


    If the Cavs could tighten up defensively, they would win games.


    It was a promising start.


    The Cavaliers followed it up by defeating the Hornets, Sixers, and Knicks, extending their winning streak to four games since the trade deadline.


    Sure, those teams weren''t strong, but that''s the East''s benefit. Wins are wins, and the Cavs would take them.


    Their next game, however, was a serious challenge ¡ª a rematch against the Lakers.


    It was the second meeting of the season, and Coach Malone had finally decided to let Garnett make his debut.


    With just over a month left in the regular season, Malone wanted KG to start building chemistry with the team.


    The Cavaliers arrived in Los Angeles a day early for the game.


    During the open practice session, a large number of reporters gathered.


    After practice, the reporters swarmed to interview players. Kyrie Irving, who had shined during the Christmas game, and Kevin Garnett, who was about to make his Cavs debut, were both popular targets.


    Of course, Han Sen drew the biggest crowd.


    The first question wasn''t about the upcoming game.


    "Do you have any thoughts on Chris Bosh''s situation?"


    The biggest post-trade-deadline news wasn''t about any deals but about Bosh''s unfortunate diagnosis.


    After the All-Star break, Bosh had been diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs, forcing the Rockets to announce that he would miss the remainder of the season on February 22nd.


    "I''m praying for him. I hope he recovers soon."


    Han offered his well-wishes. He didn''t know Bosh well, but nobody wanted to see something like this happen.


    He also knew that this might signal the end of Bosh''s career.


    Then came the spicy question.


    "Some people on social media are calling KG''s move to Cleveland ''forming a superteam.'' What''s your take on that?"


    Han grinned.


    "I''m lucky. I''m always on a superteam."


    His response stunned the reporters.


    "I mean, when I was in Memphis, people said the same thing. They claimed we had five All-Stars on that team."


    His comment got a good laugh from the reporters. After all, nobody considered the Grizzlies a contender anymore.


    The final question:


    "Will you participate in the dunk contest?"


    "Yes, I''ll join next year''s contest."


    "Are you sure this time?"


    Han smirked.


    "Tell LeBron I''ll be waiting for him at the dunk contest."


    Han directly called out LeBron, referencing James'' comments from the All-Star break.


    His bold statement sparked huge pregame buzz.


    The league had already announced new voting rules, so Han had no reason to skip next year''s All-Star Game.


    And this public challenge put LeBron in a tough spot.


    If LeBron refused, it would look like he chickened out.


    But if he accepted, he wasn''t confident he could beat Han.


    Given LeBron''s history of avoiding difficult challenges, Han guessed he''d ignore the invite.


    But there was always a chance Nike might pressure LeBron to join for business reasons.


    Han smiled to himself.


    LeBron must be regretting running his mouth.


    Because Han wasn''t one to hold grudges.


    But he always got his revenge.


    ...


    The next night, Staples Center was packed to capacity.


    The Cavaliers had been hot since the deadline, while the Lakers were riding a three-game winning streak.


    During warmups, the cameras constantly focused on Han.


    The Cavs were now second in the East, thanks to Han''s leadership.


    His personal stats were jaw-dropping: 32 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 9.2 APG, 3.1 SPG, 1.4 BPG.


    It was clear ¡ª Han Sen was the undisputed best player in the league.


    As the game approached, Han entertained the crowd by throwing down a between-the-legs, self-lob, 360 dunk.


    The fans went wild, thinking it was another jab at LeBron.


    But Han wasn''t thinking about the dunk contest.


    He was excited for something else.


    After the game against the Pacers, he had finally reached a bottleneck with his [Magician] talent.


    Tonight, at Staples Center, was the perfect stage to break through.


    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 277: KG, the Villain.

    Chapter 277: KG, the Villain.After warmups ended, the starting lineups were announced amid the dazzling lights and cheers from the arena.


    Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Han Sen, P.J. Tucker, Tristan Thompson (TT), Spencer Hawes


    Lakers: Jordan Clarkson, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Channing Frye, Timofey Mozgov


    One of the biggest pregame storylines was whether Kevin Garnett would start for the Cavs. After all, despite his age, Garnett had been a starter throughout his entire career, with his last bench appearance dating all the way back to his rookie season.


    But Coach Malone decided to break that streak.


    Garnett''s legacy was already legendary. He didn''t need to cling to meaningless streaks like "consecutive starts" to validate his greatness ¡ª much like Jordan never needed to brag about his 1225-game double-digit scoring streak.¢Ù


    Records like those were about longevity, not true greatness.


    On the Lakers'' side, an interesting adjustment had been made.


    Jeremy Lin was benched, replaced by Jordan Clarkson, a second-round rookie from the latest draft.


    The change was likely due to Lin''s poor defense on Irving in the Christmas game.


    The tip-off went to the Lakers, and the game began.


    The two teams knew each other well after their last encounter, so there were no surprises in how things started.


    Han Sen was matched up against Kobe Bryant, while LeBron initiated the Lakers'' offense.


    LeBron ran a pick-and-roll with Mozgov.


    The Cavs chose to double-team LeBron, but it didn''t work.


    Mozgov cut hard to the basket after setting a screen, and caught a bullet pass from LeBron, posterizing TT with a vicious dunk.


    The entire arena erupted in cheers.


    Mozgov''s strengths were on full display with that play.


    His lateral movement might be slow, but his straight-line speed and explosiveness were impressive for someone his size. When he jumped, it was like a bomber plane taking off.


    But what stood out most was his attention to detail in the pick-and-roll.


    Most players, after setting a screen, face the ball-handler to ensure they''re ready to catch the pass.


    Mozgov did the opposite.


    He immediately turned toward the basket after setting the screen, focusing on his cut. This made him faster to the rim and better positioned to receive the pass from a playmaker like LeBron.


    The Lakers scored first, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.


    After all, with Chris Bosh out for the season, the Rockets'' championship hopes had dimmed, making the Lakers the strongest Nike-backed team in the West.


    But the cheers hadn''t even died down before Irving responded in kind.


    He ran a pick-and-roll with Hawes, split the defense, and hit a floater over Mozgov.


    Mozgov''s slow lateral movement was once again exposed. He couldn''t even react in time to contest Irving''s shot.


    Four minutes into the game, the Cavs led 9-8.


    Mozgov''s offensive threat was underestimated, and the Lakers were getting favorable whistles, with four of their eight points coming from free throws.


    But Irving was on fire, shooting 4-for-5 to start the game, scoring six points early on.


    LeBron attacked Hawes again, drawing his second foul, sending Hawes to the bench.


    As Hawes checked out, a sharp whistle blew from the Cavs'' bench.


    Kevin Garnett stood up to sub in.


    The arena erupted into a wave of boos.


    But those boos weren''t out of hatred ¡ª they were a form of respect.


    Decades of rivalry with LeBron and Lakers fans had earned Garnett that reaction.


    LeBron hit one of two free throws, tying the game.


    On the next possession, Kobe switched onto Irving.


    The Lakers'' decision to start Clarkson was to contain Irving, but Irving always seemed to turn up against the Lakers.


    Han Sen brought the ball up the court.


    Garnett came up to set a screen.


    Even though Garnett didn''t have Hawes'' size, his screens were on another level.


    He lowered his center of gravity, set a solid pick on Mozgov, and then popped out to the free-throw line.


    With Han Sen''s scoring threat, the Lakers had no choice but to send two defenders after him.


    But this wasn''t just a double-team ¡ª the Lakers had tried to engulf Han completely, taking away both his scoring and passing lanes.


    It didn''t matter.


    Han lowered his shoulder, pulled off a sudden deceleration move, and created space.


    Then, with a flick of his wrist, he fired a no-look, behind-the-back pass to Garnett.


    The crowd gasped in astonishment.


    Garnett caught the ball, glanced around, and seeing no one rushing at him, calmly rose up for his signature free-throw-line jumper.


    Swish!


    His first points in a Cavs jersey.


    It came faster than expected, but that''s because his fundamentals hadn''t vanished with age.


    As they ran back on defense, Garnett and Han shared a high-five.


    Garnett''s jump shot was still money, provided he got good looks. His athleticism might have waned, but his technique was evergreen.


    The Lakers went back to LeBron-Mozgov pick-and-rolls.


    Once again, Mozgov''s screen was solid, leaving LeBron with a favorable switch against Garnett.


    LeBron drove, lowered his shoulder, and knocked Garnett back.


    But he hesitated after the first contact.


    That moment of hesitation gave Garnett just enough time to recover.


    As LeBron went up for the shot, Garnett swatted it off the backboard.


    The ball went out of bounds, but it was still Lakers'' possession.


    Garnett pounded his chest and let out a primal roar.


    He then turned to TT, who was nearby, and chest-bumped him with ferocious intensity.


    For a moment, the fans caught a glimpse of the old "Big Ticket."


    TT, now hyped, let out a roar of his own.


    Garnett wasn''t just spewing trash talk ¡ª on the court, he was pure passion personified.


    The Lakers inbounded the ball, and LeBron chose to post up Tucker. After a quick spin, he powered his way toward the basket. But when he saw Garnett rotating over, he hesitated, passing the ball to Kobe on the perimeter instead of taking the easy layup.


    There were only three seconds left on the shot clock when Kobe received the pass. He had no choice but to take a contested jumper over Han Sen, and the ball rimmed out.


    The crowd murmured in disbelief.


    Garnett, at 39 years old, had just shut down LeBron James twice in a row.


    It seemed unbelievable. But the issue clearly wasn''t Garnett ¡ª it was LeBron.


    Maybe seeing Garnett triggered memories of those Celtics teams that used to bully LeBron. Or maybe years of losing to Han Sen had eroded his confidence.


    Regardless, LeBron wasn''t himself. A more aggressive LeBron, especially with tonight''s whistle-happy officiating, would''ve dominated the game.


    But here''s what made it interesting ¡ª Kobe didn''t complain.


    Kobe wouldn''t hesitate to call out LeBron''s defensive lapses, but when it came to last-second bailout passes, he only blamed himself for not converting the opportunity.


    In that way, LeBron and Kobe were oddly perfect teammates.


    Back on offense, Han Sen ran another pick-and-roll with Garnett.


    This time, the Lakers adjusted their defense, refusing to leave Garnett open. Han took full advantage, splitting the defense and driving past Mozgov for a layup while drawing a foul from the big man.


    Kobe was pissed.


    He grabbed Mozgov during the stoppage, laying into him.


    "Either don''t foul at all, or foul hard enough to make sure he doesn''t get the and-one!"


    It was a lesson from the Jordan era.


    Why did Michael Jordan face so many brutal fouls in his career?


    Because soft fouls only put him at the free-throw line after already scoring. If you fouled MJ, you made sure he felt it.


    As Han Sen lined up to take his free throw, LeBron wandered over to chat with Garnett, who was standing on the same side of the lane.


    "You shouldn''t have come to Cleveland," LeBron said, sounding concerned but clearly aiming to mess with Garnett''s mindset. "It''s brought you a lot of hate."


    LeBron''s trash-talking game had leveled up.


    But Garnett wasn''t fazed. Instead, he bent down to adjust his shorts, acting like LeBron hadn''t said a word.


    Then, with LeBron looking puzzled, the referee handed the ball to Han Sen for his free throw.


    And right at that moment, Garnett dropped the bombshell:


    "If you were in Cleveland... I wouldn''t have come."


    Clang!


    Han Sen''s free throw clanked off the front of the rim.


    Garnett''s words caught Han completely off guard.


    Damn it, KG!


    Han barely suppressed a laugh as he realized the pure villainy of Garnett''s trash talk.


    He used to think he was the bad guy. Now he knew ¡ª Garnett was worse.


    Luckily, Garnett boxed out perfectly and secured the offensive rebound.


    He tried to go up for a putback, but without his old explosiveness, he couldn''t get a clean shot off. Frye rotated over, forcing Garnett to kick the ball back out.


    Except Han Sen didn''t catch it.


    Instead, he spiked it volleyball-style to TT, who was wide open in the paint.


    It was an unbelievable display of fingertip control.


    The Lakers'' defense had collapsed on Garnett, and then scrambled toward Han.


    But nobody saw TT.


    Boom!


    TT slammed it home with both hands, then let out a primal roar, releasing all the pent-up energy Garnett had stirred up earlier.


    Suddenly, with Garnett on the floor, the Cavs transformed into a team full of fire and intensity.


    And the biggest change?


    Their defense.


    The Cavs weren''t known for defense, but Garnett''s presence had them playing with unprecedented urgency.


    Back on defense, Mozgov set a screen, leaving Garnett matched up against LeBron again.


    This time, LeBron avoided the paint, settling for a pull-up mid-range jumper.


    Garnett lunged at him, even though it was clear he wouldn''t reach the ball.


    Still, LeBron''s shot fell short ¡ª way short. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Airball.


    TT boxed out Mozgov while Han Sen grabbed the rebound.


    And before the Lakers could react, Han launched a fast break.


    Kobe picked him up, shadowing Han from baseline to baseline.


    Just as Han approached the free-throw line, he extended the ball toward Kobe, as if offering it to him on a silver platter.


    When Kobe''s attention locked onto the ball, Han pulled it back and dished a no-look pass to the trailing Kyrie Irving.


    Layup. Bucket.


    17-9.


    Since Garnett entered the game, the Cavs had gone on an 8-0 run.


    The Lakers called timeout.


    The crowd buzzed with excitement and confusion.


    Not just because of the Cavs'' scoring burst, but also because of the replay flashing on the Jumbotron.


    Han''s no-look pass looked eerily familiar.


    It was the kind of control and creativity they''d only seen from one other player in Lakers history.


    "Magic" Johnson.


    Han already possessed elite scoring. Now he was throwing Magic-level passes?


    How the hell were you supposed to defend that?


    What next? Try to "emotionally connect" with Han like Byron Scott''s strategy against MJ?


    "Nice shot, Han."


    "Good pass, Han."


    ...


    As the timeout ended, LeBron''s face darkened.


    He wasn''t mad about the game ¡ª he was fuming over what just happened during the timeout.


    You see, during the break, Kobe had his own "pep talk" for LeBron on the bench.


    When the game resumed, LeBron came out aggressive, immediately driving into Garnett and drawing a foul.


    Kobe pounded his chest, giving LeBron a nod of encouragement. And it worked ¡ª LeBron seemed more confident.


    At the free-throw line, Garnett didn''t let up.


    "Hey Kobe, you guys planning to beat us with ten times the free throws?" he smirked.


    Han couldn''t hold back. He burst out laughing.


    It was a double-edged barb.


    Kobe hated relying on free throws. Even during the infamous Lakers-Grizzlies playoff series, when refs blatantly helped LA, Kobe never chased fouls.


    But LeBron thrived on whistles. Without them, his efficiency took a hit.


    So Garnett''s jab hit both of them.


    LeBron''s first free throw clanged off the rim.


    And then Han Sen joined in.


    "Kevin, ten times? Nah... fourth-quarter makeup calls are coming. You know the drill. Not everyone watches the whole game."


    This time, Garnett laughed so hard he nearly doubled over.


    Clang!


    LeBron''s second free throw missed as well.


    Two missed free throws.


    It was effectively a turnover.


    Watching it all unfold, Kobe suddenly realized something.


    Garnett hadn''t just brought defensive energy to the Cavs.


    He''d created a monster duo of trash-talk titans.


    This wasn''t just basketball anymore.


    This was psychological warfare.


    ...


    Garnett grabbed the defensive rebound and immediately pushed the ball in transition.


    Han led the fast break and delivered another perfect pass, but Kyrie missed the shot.


    Still, Han followed up and tipped the ball in.


    The lead ballooned to double digits.


    Kobe had enough.


    He started to aggressively call for screens, using pick-and-rolls to get separation.


    He finally managed to draw a foul on Garnett after slashing into the lane.


    Just then, the LED scoreboard displayed the foul count for both teams.


    Including Kobe''s two upcoming free throws, the Lakers had already attempted 10 free throws in the first quarter.


    Meanwhile, the Cavaliers had taken only one ¡ª the and-one Han had missed earlier.


    10 to 1.


    The number on the screen was so blatant that even Shaquille O''Neal ¡ª a Lakers legend ¡ª couldn''t stay quiet in the commentary booth.


    "This is ridiculous!" Shaq growled. "You can''t call the game like that! You''re making the Lakers players look like... well... b*tches!"


    Shaq understood why the refs might favor the Lakers tonight. Nike''s hopes in the West all rested on the Lakers now.


    But this was way too obvious.


    "They might as well put the refs in Lakers jerseys and just declare them the winners right now," Shaq added sarcastically.


    "They wish."


    Barkley jumped in, grinning.


    "Trust me, they wish they could do that. But the real problem is that tonight''s Lakers just can''t get it done."


    As Barkley spoke, he pointed to the scoreboard.


    The Lakers were still down by 10 points, even with a 10-to-1 free throw advantage.


    "Ten times the free throws, but still down by 10?"


    Tonight''s Lakers were making history ¡ª just not the kind they wanted.


    -End of Chapter-


    ¢Ù: Kevin Garnett holds the record for 1381 consecutive starts, placing him third in NBA history, behind only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1560) and Karl Malone (1443).

 Chapter 278: The Han Sen Effect?.

    Chapter 278: The Han Sen Effect?.Kobe Bryant''s mental toughness was legendary. A man who once said, "I''d rather go 0-for-20 than 0-for-9" wasn''t someone who crumbled under pressure.


    What had happened so far didn''t faze him. He calmly sank both free throws, cutting the Lakers'' deficit to single digits.


    But on the very next possession, Han Sen faced off against Jordan Clarkson. Seeing that the double-team wasn''t coming immediately, Han spun gracefully into a fadeaway jumper and knocked it down with ease.


    Clarkson, the half-Filipino rookie, could do nothing but look up in awe.


    After hitting the shot, Han spread his hands toward Kobe''s direction, as if to say, "What else can you do?"


    Kobe couldn''t be everywhere at once, and LeBron was practically a walking ATM for Han, coughing up easy points. Whenever the Lakers'' defense was even a step slow on rotations, Han effortlessly capitalized.


    It looked eerily similar to the third quarter of the Christmas game, when Han had obliterated the Lakers.


    The Cavaliers were riding a wave of momentum, and it showed.


    ...


    Kobe came back down the court and used a high pick-and-roll with Mozgov, freeing himself up for a quick mid-range jumper.


    His physical abilities had declined, but Kobe still refused to chase fouls like LeBron. He didn''t rely on baiting defenders to rack up points.


    And honestly, no one would''ve blamed him if he had. Aging stars often leaned on their experience when their athleticism waned.


    But that wasn''t Kobe. He was just as stubborn and obsessive as Kevin Garnett.


    Unfortunately, his shot didn''t fall.


    Mozgov couldn''t set a strong enough screen to keep Han away, and Han''s agility rendered size advantages meaningless.


    To stop Han, you needed someone like Draymond Green ¡ª a mobile big with just enough sneaky physicality to toe the line of what the refs allowed.


    The Cavaliers, however, failed to secure the rebound.


    Mozgov crashed the boards, grabbed the offensive rebound, and powered through Garnett to score a putback.


    At 39 years old, Garnett clearly wasn''t what he used to be. His pre-game intensity and trash talk made it seem like he was still the Wolf King, but LeBron had been the only one fooled.


    The Lakers cut the lead back to single digits, and Kobe switched back to guarding Han.


    Han didn''t give the ball to Kyrie. He went straight at Kobe.


    Given his previous gestures and trash talk, it was clear Han was sending Kobe a message: "You''re old."


    But credit to Kobe ¡ª he managed to slow Han''s drive, allowing his teammates to rotate over for help defense.


    Unfortunately for the Lakers, Han wasn''t just a scorer.


    With perfect timing, Han whipped a pass around Mozgov from out of bounds, delivering it to Tristan Thompson under the basket.


    The ball spun like a tennis shot, hitting TT right in the hands.


    Too easy.


    BANG!


    TT slammed it home with both hands, and Lakers coach Byron Scott immediately called a timeout.


    Despite facing Han during the Christmas game, Scott was still stunned by Han''s court vision and creativity.


    "It''s like Han leveled up his passing overnight," Scott muttered to his assistants.


    But it hadn''t been overnight ¡ª only three months had passed since their last meeting.


    ...


    At the commentary table, Shaquille O''Neal couldn''t hold back anymore.


    As a Lakers legend, Shaq had seen his share of Magic Johnson''s passes, and while he never had the chance to play alongside Magic, he''d studied his tapes endlessly.


    "This is Han''s Showtime!" Shaq declared.


    The Showtime Lakers were famous for their fast breaks and dazzling plays. Watching them was pure entertainment.


    While this Cavaliers team didn''t have the same depth of talent, Han was more individually dominant than anyone on those Showtime squads.


    Shaq continued, "The Showtime Lakers had a system. But Han IS the system!"


    The only good news for the Lakers was that the rotation players came in, giving them a brief respite as Han rested.


    But it didn''t last.


    The moment Han checked back in for the second quarter, his highlight reel continued.


    On the first possession, he faked a no-look pass, holding the ball high in one hand before dropping it behind his back to a cutting Kyrie Irving for an easy layup.


    The Staples Center crowd was already buzzing.


    It was uncanny.


    Outside the arena stood the statue of Magic Johnson, but inside, #77 was running wild with flashy passes and breathtaking assists.


    There was one major difference, though.


    Magic had to pass to thrive.


    Han? He passed because he wanted to.


    If the Lakers tried to shut down his playmaking, he would simply start dropping 50 on them.


    ...


    At halftime, the Cavs led 62-43.


    Han already had a double-double with 18 points and 12 assists.


    After the second quarter, Lakers coach Byron Scott spoke to reporters.


    "We need to reevaluate Han''s passing threat," Scott admitted.


    In the past, opposing teams focused more on Han''s scoring. The general strategy was to force the Cavaliers'' other players to beat you.


    But tonight was different.


    Han wasn''t just scoring ¡ª he was carving them up with passes.


    "Shooting can be streaky," Scott continued. "But passing? That''s pure skill."


    Unfortunately, Scott''s halftime analysis didn''t come with solutions.


    The second half felt like d¨¦j¨¤ vu for Lakers fans.


    It was like facing Jordan all over again.


    When a player excels in both scoring and passing, the only thing that can slow them down is fatigue.


    But the Lakers weren''t going to outlast Han.


    Even though Kobe had a brief outburst in the third quarter, the Lakers only managed to break even, playing the Cavs to a standstill.


    When the quarter ended, the Lakers were still down by 20 points.


    79-99.


    The Staples Center crowd was silent.


    They had come hoping to see greatness.


    They did.


    It just wasn''t wearing purple and gold.


    ...


    The final score wasn''t the most humiliating thing for the Lakers that night.


    What stood out more was the free throw disparity: 33 to 8.


    Yes, they made history that night. But even the referees couldn''t save them.


    An interesting scene occurred right before the third-quarter rotations.


    The glaring free throw difference from the first half must have caught the referees'' attention because they started blowing more whistles for the Lakers.


    At one point, LeBron was called for a defensive foul, and as he spread his arms and stared at the referee in disbelief, Han Sen casually walked over to the official.


    "You shouldn''t have called that foul," Han said, smirking. "You didn''t call those earlier. You need to stay consistent."


    Han wasn''t defending LeBron ¡ª far from it.


    He just wanted to make sure that the absurd free throw disparity stayed on display for everyone to see.


    The officials, though tasked with ensuring certain outcomes, couldn''t completely ignore Han''s influence in the league.


    So, by the time the third quarter ended, the free throw count was still as ridiculous as ever.


    In the fourth quarter, Lakers coach Byron Scott kept LeBron on the court, hoping to stage a comeback.


    But those hopes quickly died when LeBron elbowed JR Smith on a drive and got called for a flagrant foul.


    The game lost all suspense after that.


    The Cavaliers won in a blowout: 124 to 100 ¡ª a 24-point victory on the Lakers'' home floor.


    ...


    Post-Game Stats:


    Han Sen: 24 points, 5 rebounds, 16 assists (career-high)


    Kyrie Irving: 18 points, 5 assists


    Kevin Garnett: 8 points, 4 rebounds


    Kobe Bryant: 24 points


    LeBron James: 21 points (on 16 free throw attempts, making 11)


    Mozgov: 14 points, 11 rebounds


    ...


    At the post-game press conference, Han Sen and Kevin Garnett took the stage together.


    With 16 assists, Han had set a new career-high and naturally became the center of attention for reporters.


    "I didn''t do anything special," Han shrugged. "Their defense just fell apart. You know, they have two All-Defensive Team players out there."


    His casual dismissal of the record was hilarious.


    But when it came to taking shots at opponents, Han was in his element.


    "Either their coach screwed up their defensive schemes, or the people voting for the All-Defensive Team have serious issues."


    Han''s mockery sent the room into a frenzy.


    He''d once again fired shots at both LeBron and Kobe ¡ª at the same time.


    After all, the flaws in their defensive accolades had long been an open secret.


    And there was no way to argue against Han''s point.


    Because the Lakers'' defense was atrocious.


    Letting a player rack up 16 assists in three quarters was beyond embarrassing.


    Simply put:


    If the Lakers weren''t so terrible, Han''s assists would''ve easily hit 20+.


    Han didn''t forget to praise Kevin Garnett, though.


    "KG brought us energy. He raised our defensive intensity. That doesn''t always show up in the box score."


    Having a workaholic like Garnett around wasn''t always pleasant, but Han understood his value.


    Looking back at his own experience in Memphis, Han realized that Garnett''s fiery leadership was like a manifestation of his own villainous persona.


    And that could help the Cavs go further in the playoffs.


    Garnett, meanwhile, was equally impressed with Han.


    "I don''t throw around MJ comparisons lightly," Garnett began.


    "I played against prime Michael.


    I''ve competed with Kobe my entire career.


    But right now, I''ll say this ¡ª Han is on that level. He can do whatever he wants on the court."


    It was high praise, and the reporters ate it up.


    Later that night, the NBA''s official social media account posted a highlight reel of Han''s assists under the caption:


    "Witness the Legend of No. 77".


    What made the post go viral was that the tagline was one of Han''s own.


    He had originally posted that phrase on social media as a joke to bait haters.


    Now, it was NBA-official.


    The final month of the season became Han''s passing showcase. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fans soon realized that Han wasn''t just about scoring.


    Passing was just as thrilling ¡ª especially when he fully embraced it.


    Once you start enjoying the process, it''s hard to stop.


    Some fans lamented that Han fell just short of 20 assists against the Lakers.


    But he made up for it against the Raptors shortly after.


    24 points and 21 assists.


    A double-20 performance.


    As Shaq put it: "This is Han Sen''s Showtime."


    The impact was massive.


    Han''s move from Memphis to Cleveland had shattered the notion that he needed a team-oriented system to thrive.


    Fans now realized: Han''s individual talent was enough to carry any team.


    And more importantly: Han could be anything fans wanted him to be.


    He could light up the scoreboard.


    He could control the game with his passing.


    It all depended on his mood.


    People began to discuss Han the way they once discussed Jordan.


    No one talked about LeBron''s return to Cleveland anymore.


    For Cleveland fans, Han was their king now.


    "LeBron who? Sorry, never heard of him."


    ...


    Cavs owner Dan Gilbert couldn''t be happier.


    Han''s showmanship was fueling a resurgence in Cleveland''s economy.


    The Quicken Loans Arena was sold out every night, and merchandise sales skyrocketed.


    One of the most popular items?


    The "Han Sen Bobblehead", which sold over 10,000 units in its first week.


    Fans from all over the country were now traveling to Cleveland just to watch Han play.


    What once seemed impossible ¡ª a dying industrial city revitalized by basketball ¡ª was becoming a reality.


    Gilbert proposed renovations to Quicken Loans Arena to accommodate the overwhelming demand.


    He also unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art training facility next to the arena.


    Interestingly, despite the Cavs'' star power, they weren''t even over the salary cap.


    Because Kyrie''s new contract wouldn''t kick in until next season, the Cavs had managed to stay under the luxury tax.


    And with the team now contending in the East, Gilbert was raking in profits.


    Looking back, his trade package for Han Sen seemed like a steal.


    Two No. 1 picks. A rising star.


    And three unprotected first-rounders.


    Was it expensive?


    No.


    In Gilbert''s eyes: It was dirt cheap.


    If kneeling before Han would''ve sealed the deal, Gilbert would''ve done it without hesitation.


    And if Han ever delivered a championship to Cleveland, Gilbert just might do it for real.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 279: The 2014-2015 NBA Season Ends.

    Chapter 279: The 2014-2015 NBA Season Ends.By early April, the 2014-2015 season officially came to a close, marking the end of a five-and-a-half-month marathon.


    It was a rollercoaster season, with the three Nike-backed superteams only having one team truly live up to expectations ¡ª the Miami Heat.


    On the other hand, UA''s two flagship teams performed beyond anyone''s wildest expectations.


    The Golden State Warriors shocked everyone right from the start and maintained that momentum throughout the entire season.


    They finished with an incredible 67-15 record, setting a new franchise record for wins and comfortably clinching the league''s best record.


    Stephen Curry averaged 24.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists, shooting an impressive 44.8% from three-point range. He emerged as one of the leading candidates for MVP.


    Meanwhile, Steve Kerr, in his rookie season as head coach, made history by leading his team to the most wins ever for a first-year coach.


    Kerr''s basketball philosophy wasn''t new, but he found the perfect storm ¡ª a generational talent like Curry and a league shifting towards a three-point-centric game.


    ...


    Western Conference Standings


    Behind the Warriors, the Lakers secured the second seed in the West with a 58-24 record.


    There had been concerns about Kobe Bryant''s health, especially after Anderson Varejao went down with a season-ending injury. But Kobe proved everyone wrong, playing 70 games and averaging 25.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists on 46.3% shooting.


    LeBron James also stepped up, playing 69 games and averaging 26.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists, with a shooting percentage of 48.8%.


    Despite losing Chris Bosh for the season, the Houston Rockets held on to the third seed with a 56-26 record, thanks to their dynamic backcourt duo.


    The Oklahoma City Thunder finished fourth with 52 wins, while the San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies both ended with 55 wins, but ranked fifth and sixth, respectively.


    The Thunder''s fourth-place finish ¡ª despite having fewer wins than the Spurs and Grizzlies ¡ª sparked discussions about the outdated playoff seeding system that gave division winners priority.


    Fans were calling for reform, arguing that modern broadcasting and travel no longer required such outdated rules.


    The Portland Trail Blazers and Dallas Mavericks rounded out the Western Conference playoffs with 51 and 50 wins, respectively.


    Even without Han Sen, the West remained as competitive as ever.


    ...


    Eastern Conference Standings


    In the East, the Miami Heat dominated, finishing with a 62-20 record.


    Kevin Durant had a phenomenal season, averaging 28.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting 50.3% from the field. He was also considered one of the top MVP candidates.


    The Atlanta Hawks surprised everyone by finishing second in the East with a 60-22 record.


    They went on an impressive 12-game winning streak toward the end of the season, solidifying their position.


    The Cleveland Cavaliers, led by Han Sen, finished third with a 58-24 record.


    Han Sen delivered one of the most dominant individual seasons in NBA history.


    He averaged:


    - 31.5 points


    - 6.2 rebounds


    - 10.3 assists


    - 3 steals


    - 1.4 blocks


    He shot 51.6% from the field and 38.5% from three.


    Han Sen claimed the scoring title, assist title, and steals title, becoming the first player in NBA history to lead the league in all three categories in the same season. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    No one had ever done it before.


    ...


    Players who had led the league in assists and steals in the same season were relatively common ¡ª five players in total, with Chris Paul being the most notable name.


    Players who had led the league in scoring and steals were Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson.


    But leading in scoring and assists?


    That had only been done once, by Nate "Tiny" Archibald in the 1972-1973 season, when he averaged 34 points and 11.4 assists. Unfortunately, his team, the Cincinnati Royals, failed to make the playoffs that year.


    Han Sen became the first player ever to simultaneously win the scoring title, assist title, and steals title in the same season!


    ...


    Behind the Cavs, the Brooklyn Nets finished fourth with 51 wins.


    The Toronto Raptors followed with 49 wins, and the Chicago Bulls took sixth with 48 wins.


    The Washington Wizards secured the seventh seed with 46 wins, and the Milwaukee Bucks rounded out the playoff picture with 41 wins.


    The Cavaliers'' first-round opponent?


    The Chicago Bulls.


    ...


    The day after the regular season ended, the Cavs held a training session at Quicken Loans Arena to prepare for their upcoming first-round matchup against the Bulls.


    With home-court advantage, the series would begin in Cleveland.


    During practice, the arena echoed with Garnett''s trash talk.


    But halfway through the session, Garnett noticed something ¡ª the players weren''t slacking off; they were too tense.


    It made sense.


    Even with Garnett in the starting lineup, only he and Han Sen had playoff experience.


    Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson, and PJ Tucker were all playoff rookies.


    It was like discussing human anatomy with a girl for the first time ¡ª the tension was inevitable.


    After practice, Han Sen sat courtside to catch his breath when Cunningham joined him.


    Technically, some of the older Cavs players also had playoff experience.


    Back in Han Sen''s rookie season, they had made it to the Eastern Conference Finals.


    But Cunningham wasn''t here to talk about the playoffs.


    He wanted to talk about the MVP race.


    The MVP would typically be announced after the first round of the playoffs.


    If Han Sen won it, he would become a back-to-back MVP winner.


    And if he did it with two different teams?


    He would be the first player in NBA history to achieve that.


    When Cunningham brought it up, Han simply stood up.


    "Instead of wasting time thinking about MVP, why not practice with me?"


    To Han, MVP didn''t mean much. The only award he truly cared about was Finals MVP ¡ª because winning that meant winning a championship, and it proved his impact on the court.


    Everything else?


    Even Shaquille O''Neal only had one MVP.


    Did anyone really think Karl Malone or Steve Nash were better players than Shaq?


    Instead of the MVP award, Han was more focused on the Bulls.


    The Cavs and Bulls split their four regular-season matchups, each winning two games.


    The Bulls started the season strong, but Derrick Rose''s injuries had caused them to stumble.


    Even Jimmy Butler, who was heavily overused by Thibodeau, missed several games.


    Now, both Rose and Butler were healthy.


    The Bulls were arguably the most dangerous team in the bottom half of the East bracket.


    The Cavs couldn''t afford to take them lightly.


    ...


    While Han Sen and Cunningham stayed late after practice for extra shooting drills, the Chicago Bulls arrived at Quicken Loans Arena for their pregame workout.


    After the Bulls'' open practice, Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler declined interviews, but Joakim Noah stuck around to face the media.


    Noah, who snatched the Defensive Player of the Year award from Han Sen last season and made First-Team All-NBA and First-Team All-Defense, had just come off the best year of his career.


    This season, Noah hadn''t lost a step, still putting up double-doubles with solid assists numbers. He was also the Bulls'' lone All-Star this year.


    When asked about the upcoming showdown with Cleveland, Noah radiated confidence.


    "A lot of people haven''t realized it yet, but this is the first time since 2011 that we''re heading into the playoffs fully healthy. I don''t care what the outside world says. I believe we''re the best team. Yes, that''s exactly what I''m saying: If we stay healthy, we can beat anyone ¡ª including Han Sen."


    The next question came fast.


    "Like how you won DPOY last season?"


    Noah smirked.


    "Exactly, just like that."


    For years, the Bulls had been an afterthought. After Rose''s injury derailed their rise as the "revival team", they slowly faded from the spotlight.


    But Noah''s bold remarks drew attention back to Chicago.


    Maybe, just maybe, the Bulls had something special brewing this year.


    After all, while Han Sen was undeniably dominant, his Cavs roster was visibly weak.


    Aside from an overhyped former No. 1 pick (Kyrie Irving) and a 39-year-old Garnett, the rest of the team was mostly forgettable.


    JR Smith? Sure, but most people remembered him for his antics, not his play.


    After finishing his drills, Han Sen headed to a local radio show ¡ª "Up Close with Han Sen".


    Initially, Han treated the weekly appearances as a chore.


    But as time passed, he discovered that it was fun ¡ª and more importantly, a goldmine for hate points.


    The show attracted listeners from all over the world, not just Cleveland fans. That meant wild encounters were a regular occurrence.


    Some listeners asked about his personal life.


    Some professed their love for him.


    And, of course, some just called to talk trash.


    Despite the long wait times and slim chances to get through, people would still waste their shot just to yell obscenities.


    Like today, for example...


    The very first caller sounded like a classic Chicago gangster. He didn''t hold back.


    "You''ll NEVER surpass Michael! F*ck you Han!"**


    The radio host cut the call immediately, but Han couldn''t stop laughing.


    Then, he responded on air.


    "Chicago will never have another Michael. The Bulls will never rise again. That''s just the brutal truth."


    Ding! Mission accomplished. More hate points added.


    The second caller was a Memphis fan.


    "When will your statue be unveiled?"


    Han smiled.


    "Maybe this summer."


    Initially, he thought Robert Pera''s statue announcement was just a PR stunt to win over the Memphis crowd.


    But it turned out, Pera was serious.


    He had reached out to Han, even inviting him to participate in the design process.


    Although Han had bad blood with former owner Michael Heisley, his time in Memphis was filled with fond memories. He couldn''t bring himself to turn down Pera''s heartfelt invitation.


    Besides, having a statue before retirement?


    That''s legacy material.


    The third caller was from Los Angeles ¡ª a Han Sen fan from Lakerland.


    It sounded weird but also showed Han''s growing influence.


    "What''s your take on the first-round matchup with the Bulls?"


    Before answering, the host briefed Han on Noah''s comments.


    Han smiled knowingly. He wasn''t surprised.


    "I heard about Noah''s encounter with KG," Han began. "Before he entered the league, he was a huge KG fan. When they first matched up, he tried to bond with KG. KG''s response? ''Who the f*ck do you think you''re talking to?'' And then he spent the entire game trash-talking him."


    The caller chuckled, then pressed on.


    "So, are you gonna trash-talk Noah, too?"


    Han grinned.


    "No. But if he calls me ''sir,'' maybe I''ll go easy on him."


    The next morning, Han woke up to a viral social media post.


    A Cleveland fan, who happened to be a sci-fi enthusiast, had quoted Liu Cixin''s famous novel "The Three-Body Problem":


    "To destroy you, it is no concern of mine."


    The fan''s interpretation was spot-on.


    Whether Noah talked big or showed respect, Han''s response would be the same: He would lead the Cavs to victory.


    ...


    On game day, an hour before tip-off, Quicken Loans Arena was already 80% full.


    Fans piled in early because Han had revived his old pregame routine from Memphis ¡ª an epic dunk contest-style warmup session.


    It was Han vs. JR Smith, two of the most explosive dunkers in the league.


    The highlight?


    Han''s scorpion-tail dunk, which brought the house down.


    The energy in the arena was off the charts before the official opening ceremony even started.


    The Bulls'' starting lineup was announced first.


    Rose, Butler, Covington, Gibson, and Noah.


    When Noah''s name was called, boos rained down from the crowd.


    But Noah, ever the competitor, clapped along with the boos, soaking it all in.


    The mental scars from KG''s trash talk might still linger, but they had also toughened him up.


    Finally, it was time for the Cavs'' introductions.


    The crowd roared before the DJ even spoke.


    And when Han Sen was the last to emerge, Quicken Loans Arena erupted.


    For four long years, Cavs fans had endured heartbreak ¡ª especially last season, when the team just missed the playoffs.


    But now, their hero was here.


    Finally, they were contenders again.


    The Cavs'' starting five: Irving, Han Sen, Tucker, TT, and... Garnett.


    Despite being careful with Garnett''s minutes, Coach Malone decided to start him tonight.


    Why?


    Perhaps inspired by Han''s radio show comments, Malone played his own psychological game.


    Noah once got roasted by Garnett''s trash talk.


    So, why not start things off with that matchup?


    -Chapter End-

 Chapter 280: Yet to Be Surpassed?.

    Chapter 280: Yet to Be Surpassed?.As both teams'' starters took to the court, the tip-off began with Kevin Garnett facing Joakim Noah at center court.


    The moment Noah locked eyes with Garnett, his gaze turned blood-red with fury.


    Coach Malone''s psychological tactics had worked even before the game began.


    Amid the roar of the crowd, Noah tipped the ball back to his side, and the Bulls took the first possession.


    The Bulls initiated their offense with Noah orchestrating from the high post, delivering a perfect handoff assist to Derrick Rose, who drove in and hit a teardrop floater.


    Noah hadn''t always been such a polished facilitator.


    In his first two seasons, most of his assists came from grabbing defensive rebounds and throwing outlet passes in transition.


    But even back then, his court vision was evident.


    Over the years, especially during the seasons when Rose was injured, the Bulls had shifted their offensive focus to Noah, and he''d rewarded Coach Thibodeau''s trust by growing into one of the best playmaking big men in the league.


    On the Cavaliers'' first possession, Kyrie Irving brought the ball up the court.


    But his opening play turned into a comedic blunder.


    After dazzling Rose with a series of crossovers, Irving drove into the paint, only to dribble the ball off his own foot and out of bounds when Robert Covington slid over to help.


    The Bulls'' defense under Thibodeau was their bread and butter.


    With Carlos Boozer gone, their offense had regressed, but their defense had remained elite, thanks to Taj Gibson and Covington stepping up as defensive anchors.


    Back on offense, Rose came off a double screen set by Gibson and Noah at the top of the arc.


    He sliced through the Cavs'' defense once more, forcing them to collapse.


    Rose then fired a pinpoint bounce pass to Gibson, who sank a mid-range jumper from the elbow.


    Two possessions. Two made baskets.


    The Bulls were off to a hot start offensively.


    It was Han Sen''s turn to take control.


    During yesterday''s practice, it had already become clear that the Cavs'' younger players weren''t fully locked in.


    That much was confirmed in the game''s opening minutes.


    When the team struggled, there was only one solution ¡ª Han needed to stabilize them by taking over.


    As Han drove toward the free-throw line, the Bulls collapsed on him immediately, surrounding him with defenders.


    It was clear as day: Thibodeau had written "Jordan Rules" all over the game plan, and Han was the primary target.


    But Han, unfazed, threaded a bounce pass through the sea of defenders, hitting Tristan Thompson right under the basket.


    TT caught the ball, adjusted, and went up for a two-handed dunk.


    But Noah wasn''t done yet.


    Flying in from behind, Noah timed his leap perfectly and swatted the dunk attempt away with a thunderous block!


    The crowd erupted as Noah grabbed the rebound and led a fast break. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Noah pushed the ball up the court himself, something he was famous for as a playmaking center.


    Rose trailed the break, caught the pass from Noah, and finished a layup in transition.


    6-0.


    An unexpected start for the Bulls.


    Malone didn''t hesitate. Seeing his team on the ropes, he immediately called a timeout.


    Noah was fired up.


    As he walked past the Cavs'' bench, he pumped his fist and let out a primal scream in their direction.


    Malone''s mind games had worked ¡ª but Noah had channeled that energy into domination.


    During the timeout, Garnett pulled TT aside and offered some blunt advice.


    "Go up strong the first time. Don''t adjust. Their rotations are too fast. You won''t get a second chance."


    Back in the huddle, Malone scanned the faces of his players.


    The panic was visible.


    They had opened the game poorly, and it showed in their expressions.


    "Guys, take a deep breath." It was Tyronn Lue who spoke first.


    "Relax. Just do what you''ve always done. We''ve got Han, and as long as we''ve got Han, everything will be fine."


    All eyes turned to Han Sen.


    Han nodded silently, a calm reassurance.


    Malone finally picked up his clipboard to draw up a play.


    ...


    When play resumed, Han took over again.


    This time, Garnett set the screen for him.


    The Bulls trapped Han aggressively, sticking to their "Jordan Rules" philosophy of not letting him get clean shots.


    But Han didn''t wait for the screen to fully set.


    Instead, he burst forward with a quick first step, catching the Bulls off guard.


    The speed of his second dribble was equally shocking, leaving no time for help defense to react.


    Han''s drive was relentless, and Noah stepped up to meet him.


    Noah was known for his elite rim protection, capable of guarding smaller players in the paint.


    But Han unleashed his signature move ¡ª the Euro step.


    Noah, a big man, simply couldn''t adjust in time to the quick change of direction.


    Before Noah could recover, Han exploded off the floor, twisting in midair and slamming the ball down with one hand.


    BOOM!


    The ball rocketed through the rim with a force that sent Noah tumbling out of bounds.


    The crowd erupted.


    The entire arena came alive.


    The Quicken Loans Arena, which had been quiet after the Cavs'' slow start, was now rocking with energy.


    In that moment, every fan had the same thought:


    "We''ve got Han. We''re going to be fine."


    On the broadcast, Charles Barkley shook his head in disbelief.


    "Noah made the mistake of poking the bear. He just pissed off the one guy you absolutely don''t want to anger."


    Shaquille O''Neal chuckled.


    "They''ll learn. It''s a process, but they''ll learn."


    Back in the ''90s, Byron Scott hadn''t thrown triple teams at Jordan until Jordan proved he could dominate everyone.


    This was what it meant to be a true generational player.


    ...


    "Defense! Defense!"


    The chants filled the arena, echoing with a passion that had been dormant for four years.


    On the court, the Cavs'' defensive intensity skyrocketed.


    Tyronn Lue had a way with people. His empathy and understanding allowed him to connect with everyone.


    With Han as their anchor, the Cavs'' anxiety melted away.


    The Bulls'' half-court offense was shut down once again.


    On the other end, Han Sen continued to run the offense. Garnett stepped up for another screen.


    This time, Han didn''t attack immediately. Instead, he dished the ball to Garnett, who popped out to the free-throw line after the pick.


    What happened next showed Garnett''s experience. He didn''t rush his shot. He took a moment to observe Han''s movement off the ball.


    When he saw Han slipping past Jimmy Butler''s defense, Garnett didn''t hesitate ¡ª he delivered a perfect bounce pass through Noah''s outstretched arms, leading Han directly to the basket.


    Han caught it mid-stride, evaded Gibson''s help defense with a graceful twist, and finished the gliding layup.


    When it comes to playmaking from the post, Joakim Noah is still a student, and Garnett is the master.


    The pick-and-roll, mid-range dagger, and playmaking from the high post ¡ª these three weapons are what Garnett can still bring to the team offensively.


    Back on defense, the Cavaliers'' intensity remained high.


    Derrick Rose''s driving layup was contested fiercely by TT, forcing him into a tough miss.


    Noah leapt for the offensive rebound, but Garnett boxed him out perfectly, preventing him from getting a hand on the ball.


    TT secured the board, and with each possession, you could sense the Cavaliers shedding their early-game nerves.


    "Let''s go, Cavs!" The fans shifted from defensive chants to cheers of encouragement.


    The ball was back in Han''s hands.


    Garnett came up for another screen.


    No one knew how the rest of the Cavaliers would perform tonight, but Han and Garnett, both battle-tested playoff veterans, were rock-solid.


    After the screen, Garnett once again popped out to the perimeter. This time, the Bulls didn''t send an immediate double-team at Han.


    Han took one hard dribble toward the paint and pulled up for a mid-range jumper.


    It was a simple decision, but the right one. The Bulls'' wing defenders ¡ª Covington and Gibson ¡ª were already shifting over to cut off his driving lane.


    Passing out to the perimeter was an option, but what the Cavaliers needed now was a leader who could score under pressure.


    Noah anticipated the shot and lunged forward with his long arms to contest it.


    His timing was perfect, and his expression radiated confidence.


    Swish!


    Han drained the jumper, ignoring Noah''s outstretched hand.


    It was pure personal ability, the type that makes defense irrelevant.


    The crowd erupted into cheers.


    Han had just single-handedly erased the Bulls'' 6-0 opening run with his own 6-point streak to tie the game.


    As he landed, Han shrugged toward Noah, palms up in a casual, almost dismissive gesture.


    Han didn''t need to say anything. His body language spoke louder than any trash talk.


    The big screen at the United Center showed a close-up of Noah''s frustrated expression, drawing a wave of jeers from the crowd.


    ...


    Noah had called Han out by name before the game, vowing to stop him. But now, it was clear he couldn''t.


    The Bulls pushed the ball up quickly, looking to retake the lead.


    The possession ended with Jimmy Butler taking a corner three.


    Butler, like Han, started his career as a 3-and-D player. This season, his three-point shooting had improved to 37.8%.


    But Butler''s biggest flaw was a lack of natural talent. Once Han closed out on him, the shot came up short, clanking off the front rim.


    The ball bounced high, hitting the floor once before heading toward the sideline.


    Both PJ Tucker and Noah sprinted after it ¡ª Tucker from under the basket, Noah from the free-throw line.


    The ball was too fast for Tucker to reach it in time. Instead, he made a smart play by positioning himself to cut off Noah''s path.


    But what happened next shocked everyone.


    Noah twisted his body mid-run, avoiding Tucker, and dived headfirst toward the ball, fully extending his arm to save it from going out of bounds.


    It was a reckless, dangerous play, but Noah succeeded in pulling off what seemed impossible.


    He crashed into the front-row crowd, but the ball was back in play.


    Jimmy Butler appeared out of nowhere, grabbed the ball, and glided in for a layup.


    The crowd roared with excitement.


    For Bulls fans, Noah''s dive evoked memories of Dennis Rodman''s iconic horizontal dive to save a ball from going out of bounds.


    Even Han couldn''t help but look at Noah differently as he ran back onto the court.


    Noah''s big mouth before the game had made him easy to dislike. But his fearless effort? That was worthy of respect.


    With Rose''s explosiveness fading and Butler still growing into his role, it was Noah who seemed like the Bulls'' true leader.


    Now, Han could understand why Noah had talked so much pregame.


    The Bulls had once carried the hopes of an entire city, tasked with restoring the franchise''s glory. But injuries had shattered that dream.


    This season was their chance at redemption.


    ...


    Back on offense, Han was immediately doubled as soon as he crossed half-court.


    Thibodeau''s defensive schemes were extreme, but effective.


    Han waited for the double to commit, then calmly passed to Kyrie Irving, who was wide open for a three-point attempt.


    Irving caught, shot, and released smoothly. The shot looked perfect ¡ª great form, great trajectory ¡ª but it rimmed out.


    The Cavs'' nerves hadn''t fully settled, particularly among the role players.


    Watching them, Han was reminded of the 1991 Chicago Bulls, who had nerves in their first-ever Finals appearance, with only Jordan and Pippen scoring in double figures in Game 1.


    Coach Tyronn Lue''s pregame speech had been motivational, but stepping onto a new stage always brings pressure.


    Noah grabbed the rebound and quickly pushed the ball upcourt.


    The ball found Jimmy Butler, who attacked the basket for another fast-break layup attempt.


    But Han was already chasing him down.


    Butler rose for the layup, but Han soared from behind, pinning the ball against the glass for a chase-down block.


    The arena exploded.


    Noah''s desperate dive had ignited the Bulls'' spirits.


    If Butler had converted that fast break, the Bulls'' momentum would have snowballed.


    But Han''s block shut them down.


    He grabbed the rebound, immediately turned, and pushed the ball in transition.


    Butler tried to foul him, but Han spun behind his back and accelerated past him.


    The crowd watched in awe as Han streaked down the court like a one-man fast break, unstoppable.


    The only Bull left to stop him was Noah, who had barely crossed half-court.


    At the free-throw line, Han made his move.


    A quick crossover left Noah behind, but Noah recovered quickly and lunged to contest the shot.


    Han, already anticipating the contest, adjusted midair, switching to a left-handed layup with a smooth up-and-under finish.


    The ball dropped through the hoop as the crowd erupted once more.


    One-man coast-to-coast.


    Han''s relentless attack left Noah stunned.


    For the first time, Noah''s confident expression wavered.


    He realized something terrifying:


    Playoff-mode Han Sen was far more dangerous than he had imagined.


    ...


    The Bulls'' half-court offense was shut down once again by the Cavaliers'' defense.


    In the "original timeline," Pau Gasol had joined the Bulls this season, becoming a key pillar of their half-court game.


    Without him, Chicago could only rely on Derrick Rose''s drives or Joakim Noah''s playmaking from the high post. But with Rose''s diminished explosiveness and Noah''s lack of scoring threat, the Bulls'' half-court offense wasn''t as potent as it once was.


    In fact, under Tom Thibodeau, this Bulls team had risen to prominence largely because of their defense-first, fast-break system.


    When they couldn''t stop the opposing offense, their overall effectiveness took a massive hit.


    This was one of the major reasons ¡ª aside from injuries ¡ª why the Bulls never found success.


    In the frontcourt, Han Sen held the ball and immediately faced a double team.


    This time, however, he didn''t pass out of it. Instead, he accelerated before the defenders could fully close in, cutting toward the basket from the other side.


    His drive was decisive, quickly reaching the free-throw line.


    But the Bulls'' help defense was impressive. They quickly collapsed on him, with Noah raising both arms, charging toward Han Sen, who had already left his feet.


    Noah had one goal ¡ª stop Han Sen from attacking the paint at any cost, even if it meant committing a foul.


    The collision was fierce. Noah was knocked to the floor, and Han Sen was disrupted mid-air, unable to complete a normal layup.


    But Han Sen''s incredible body control allowed him to adjust mid-air, switching to a pull-up floater instead of a layup.


    Swish!


    It was a high-difficulty shot, yet Han Sen still made it look easy.


    At the same time, the referee''s whistle blew.


    The call? Blocking foul on Noah.


    The crowd erupted.


    Fans jumped to their feet, pumping their fists in the air, their cheers reverberating through the arena. The noise level exploded.


    Still lying on the floor, Noah stared at the ceiling, then slowly turned his head to see the referee''s outstretched arm signaling the and-one.


    Noah exhaled heavily, letting his head fall back against the hardwood. His chest rose and fell as he tried to catch his breath. But it wasn''t the physical toll that weighed on him.


    It was the thought creeping into his mind ¡ª a thought that had been there before, but now refused to leave.


    He had seen it every time he walked by the statue outside the United Center.


    The words beneath it: "The best there ever was. The best there ever will be."


    It was meant to be a statement of fact, a reminder of what the Bulls franchise represented.


    But now, lying there on the court, Noah couldn''t help but question it.


    Was Jordan truly untouchable?


    Or was Han Sen proving the world wrong?


    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 281: Noah’s Breaking Point?.

    Chapter 281: Noah''s Breaking Point?.After Han Sen nailed that floater, the Cavaliers took the lead for the first time that night.


    Even as Thibodeau''s "Jordan Rules" defense zeroed in on him, Han Sen carried the team, scoring Cleveland''s first 10 points while his teammates struggled to find their rhythm.


    When he stepped up to the free-throw line, the arena erupted in chants of "MVP! MVP!"


    It wasn''t the first time Han had heard that since returning to Cleveland, but it was the first time the chants echoed through Quicken Loans Arena in the playoffs¡ªsomething the city hadn''t experienced in five long years.


    "This year''s Bulls are strong," Shaquille O''Neal said from the commentary booth. "But they''re still not on the Cavaliers'' level."


    Shaq''s voice carried a weight of nostalgia. Five years ago, he sat on that same Cavaliers bench with Han, dressed in suits, both injured, as they watched their team face the Bulls in the first round.


    Times had changed. Han was still wearing the Cavs'' jersey, but Shaq had traded his seat on the bench for a spot at the TNT commentary table.


    Han sank the free throw, pushing the score to 11-8.


    The defensive chants boomed again, and the Cleveland faithful showed no signs of quieting down.


    The Bulls'' offense stalled once more.


    Back on offense, Han signaled for a pick-and-roll with Garnett, eliciting another roar from the crowd.


    Six straight possessions¡ªHan had carried the Cavaliers'' offense entirely by himself.


    His stamina was surely taking a hit, but the look in his eyes sent a clear message:


    I''m not stopping.


    With Garnett setting the screen, Han cut sharply to the other side, drawing the Bulls'' defense like a magnet.


    Suddenly, he whipped the ball behind his back with his left hand. The pass flew straight to Kyrie Irving at the weak-side 45-degree three-point line.


    By the time the Bulls realized what had happened, it was too late.


    Kyrie had the cleanest look he''d seen all night.


    He adjusted his feet, took his shot.


    Swish!


    Finally, someone other than Han got on the board.


    Kyrie let out a rare roar, punching the air as he ran back on defense. The frustration of the first quarter washed away in that single moment.


    The scoreboard now read 14-8, with the Cavaliers riding a 14-2 run over the past five minutes.


    The Bulls ran a clean offensive set, and Covington got a wide-open look from the corner, but his three-point attempt clanked off the rim.


    Momentum had shifted, and now it was the Bulls who felt the weight of pressure.


    Han rested on the weak side while Kyrie orchestrated the next play.


    With Garnett providing a high screen, Kyrie blew by Derrick Rose and attacked the basket. But the Bulls collapsed on him fast, forcing him into a contested layup.


    The ball bounced off the rim.


    Joakim Noah was ready to snatch the rebound¡ªuntil a hand poked the ball away at the last second.


    The ball sailed straight into the hoop.


    Noah whipped his head around in disbelief, only to see Han Sen walking away with a calm expression.


    How is it always him?


    Does he ever get tired?


    Does he ever leave?


    With that putback, the Cavs pushed their lead to 16-8, edging closer to a double-digit cushion.


    Thibodeau quickly called for a timeout.


    As his players trudged off the court, Thibs unleashed his fury on Jimmy Butler, clearly upset with Butler''s off-ball defense.


    "Chicago is tough," Shaq said during the break. "I wouldn''t call Noah''s pre-game comments arrogant¡ªthey''re one of the league''s top-five defensive teams this season."


    "But they can''t stop Han," Charles Barkley cut in. "Han can do whatever he wants on the court."


    The game resumed, and Rose and Noah ran a flawless pick-and-roll. Rose stopped on a dime and sank a mid-range jumper.


    Kyrie tried to respond with his own jumper, but Gibson''s aggressive closeout forced him to miss.


    The broadcast displayed Kyrie''s stats on the screen: 1-for-4 shooting, 3 points, 1 turnover.


    It wasn''t pretty.


    Noah grabbed the rebound, and Chicago quickly pushed the pace.


    Rose found Noah on the fast break. Noah then dished it to Butler, who nailed a right-side three-pointer¡ªthe Bulls'' first triple of the game.


    The crowd went quiet.


    After years of injuries, Derrick Rose was no longer the "Windy City Assassin" who had captured the league''s imagination.


    But he''d evolved.


    The flashy speed and acrobatics were gone, replaced by a slower, smarter, more deliberate style of play.


    The score narrowed to 16-13.


    Whenever the Cavs threatened to pull away, Chicago found a way to claw back.


    Noah. Rose. Butler.


    The Bulls never gave up.


    At halftime, Cleveland led 48-41.


    ...


    Walking toward the locker room, Malone caught up with Han.


    "Twenty-four points, six assists," Malone noted. "Your numbers are MVP-caliber, but you''re burning a lot of energy."


    Malone''s concern was clear.


    Both of them knew the risks of relying too heavily on Han.


    They''d chosen the one-star, four-shooter system together. They knew its strengths¡ªand its glaring weaknesses.


    If Han ran out of gas, it would all fall apart.


    "I''m fine, Mike," Han reassured, stopping in the tunnel.


    "Maybe Kyrie will step up in the second half," Han added with a hopeful smile, patting Malone on the shoulder. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    Back from the break, Malone adjusted his lineup, replacing TT with JR Smith to roll out Cleveland''s version of the "Death Lineup."


    Garnett, despite being 39, stayed in to keep working on Noah''s psyche.


    The Cavs'' possession opened with Kyrie getting a mid-range jumper to fall.


    The coaching staff erupted in excitement.


    Jordan didn''t conquer the league alone.


    It wasn''t about Jordan being weak¡ªit was about 48 minutes.


    If Kyrie could grow into a Pippen-like co-star, it would make Han''s job exponentially easier.


    But their excitement was short-lived.


    Butler nailed a three on the next possession, and Kyrie missed a contested floater on the following trip down.


    Suddenly, Garnett muscled his way in for an offensive rebound.


    He went back up for a putback but got swatted by Noah.


    This time, Noah grabbed the ball and ripped it away from Garnett.


    There was no mistaking the extra force behind that grab.


    This wasn''t about securing a rebound¡ªit was personal.


    As Garnett hit the floor, the referee''s whistle blew.


    Foul on Noah.


    Noah stood over Garnett, glaring down at him with fire in his eyes.


    On the floor, Kevin Garnett clenched his fists as he lay flat on his back.


    Given his fiery reputation, everyone braced for him to get up and confront Noah.


    But to everyone''s surprise, he flipped over, braced himself with clenched fists, and started doing push-ups right there on the court!


    The sight of Garnett doing push-ups on the hardwood sent the crowd into a frenzy.


    Not one, not two ¡ª he kept going, completing seven push-ups before finally standing up.


    "I''m good. I''m good," Garnett assured his teammates with a nod.


    This wasn''t just for show. It was his way of channeling his emotions without getting into unnecessary confrontations. The Cavs had the upper hand in the game, and Garnett knew that starting a fight would do them no favors.


    But while Garnett was keeping his cool, Noah was losing his.


    Still fuming from the call, Noah barked at the referee ¡ª earning himself a technical foul.


    The boos from the crowd grew louder.


    What happened next caught everyone off guard.


    Instead of sending their best free-throw shooter to the line, coach Malone pointed directly at Garnett.


    Garnett stepped up, took the ball, and sank all three of his free throws¡ªflawlessly.


    Even as he shot, he kept glancing toward Noah with a smirk, offering some friendly "trash talk" in between.


    Noah was livid. He couldn''t believe what he was seeing.


    ...


    Back on defense, Noah received the ball at the high post, ready to orchestrate a play. But instead of waiting for his teammates to get into position, he spun toward the basket and drove hard.


    His bulky frame made it tough for defenders to react in time. He shrugged off Garnett and barreled toward the hoop.


    Just as he thought he had a clear shot, a familiar figure soared in from the weak side.


    Bam!


    Han Sen swatted Noah''s shot against the glass and snagged the rebound in one fluid motion.


    Without missing a beat, Han Sen launched a full-court pass to a streaking Kyrie Irving, who caught the ball in stride and finished with a graceful finger-roll.


    The crowd erupted again.


    Thibodeau, ever the perfectionist, stormed the sideline, screaming instructions ¡ª or more likely, scolding Noah for his reckless drive.


    The fiery coach''s criticism seemed to fall on deaf ears. As soon as Noah received the ball on the next possession, Garnett started clapping his hands and taunting him.


    "Come on, little kitty! Let''s see what you''ve got!" KG bellowed, arms wide, egging him on.


    If there''s one thing KG excels at ¡ª aside from basketball ¡ª it''s getting under people''s skin.


    Noah snapped. He forgot all about Thibodeau''s yelling. His focus was solely on shutting Garnett up.


    He went straight at KG.


    "That''s a terrible decision," Shaquille O''Neal said from the broadcast booth, shaking his head. "Even I wouldn''t do that."


    Garnett might have lost a step, but against someone like Noah, he still had plenty left in the tank. Predicting Noah''s move, he slid into position, cutting off the drive and forcing a stop.


    Noah tried to pivot into a hook shot, but he didn''t notice P.J. Tucker sneaking in from behind.


    Swipe! Tucker stripped the ball clean.


    The Cavs launched another fast break. This time, Kyrie brought it up himself. As he crossed half-court, he saw Jimmy Butler closing in.


    Without hesitation, Kyrie lobbed the ball toward the rim.


    Han Sen flew in from the left, catching the pass mid-air and slamming it home with a gliding tomahawk dunk.


    The "Han-to-Kyrie Connection" left the arena in chaos.


    Even coach Malone was clapping from the sideline, clearly pleased.


    His original game plan had been to slow the game down and play a more methodical half-court offense against the Bulls'' stingy defense.


    But seeing Han Sen''s exhaustion from carrying the offense, Malone decided to switch it up, opting for a faster, small-ball lineup to reduce Han''s workload.


    So far, the strategy was paying off. The Cavs were outpacing the Bulls in transition, and the Bulls'' famed defense couldn''t keep up.


    Score: 43-57. The Cavs opened the second half with a 9-2 run.


    Malone''s adjustments were working wonders.


    And Garnett? His presence had been pivotal.


    Oddly enough, Noah had once idolized KG. Their playing styles ¡ª and fiery tempers ¡ª were strikingly similar. But today, Noah was learning the hard way that you should never meet your heroes.


    Thibodeau called for a timeout, pulling Noah out of the game for Nikola Mirotic.


    The camera zoomed in on Noah as he sat on the bench, visibly frustrated but powerless to change anything.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Derrick Rose and Mirotic executed a pick-and-roll on the next possession, with Rose finishing at the rim after shaking off Garnett.


    The Cavs'' small-ball lineup worked well in transition but the problem was that Garnett struggled to keep up with quicker guards.


    Malone quickly signaled for TT to check back in.


    As Thompson approached the scorer''s table, the Cavaliers got another stop on defense.


    Han Sen grabbed the rebound and pushed the ball upcourt himself.


    Crossing half-court, he accelerated into the lane and soared over Taj Gibson for a vicious poster dunk.


    The dunk was so savage that it left the crowd gasping.


    Han Sen turned toward the Bulls'' bench, a smirk on his face.


    "Who said they''d beat me? I don''t see them anywhere!" he shouted.


    Noah, still seated on the bench, clenched his fists. His whole body tensed as he stared at Han Sen, veins bulging on his forehead.


    He''s driving me insane.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 282: Han’s Basketball Philosophy.

    Chapter 282: Han¡¯s Basketball Philosophy.Thanks to Coach Michael Malone''s halftime adjustments, the Cavaliers surged in the third quarter, outscoring the Bulls by 30-20 in that period.


    Although the Bulls, led by Jimmy Butler, showed resilience by cutting into the deficit early in the fourth quarter, the hole they dug in the first half was too deep. Once the starters returned, Han Sen''s scoring outburst sealed the victory for the Cavaliers.


    As it turns out¡ªjust like with Michael Jordan in the past¡ªeven the best defense could only limit Han Sen, never fully stop him.


    The truth was simple: give Han Sen any bit of rest, and he would carry the team to victory.


    Han Sen finished with 46 points, 6 rebounds, and 11 assists. Kyrie Irving, making his playoff debut, shot 5-for-16, ending with 14 points and 5 assists. JR Smith added 13 points, Kevin Garnett had 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, and Tristan Thompson contributed 8 points and 8 rebounds.


    For the Bulls, Jimmy Butler led the team with 18 points, while Derrick Rose chipped in 14 points and 10 assists, Taj Gibson had 11 points and 4 rebounds, and Joakim Noah finished with 8 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists.


    ...


    Post-Game Press Conference


    Han Sen and Kyrie Irving sat side by side, answering questions from reporters.


    "Mike is one of the most underrated coaches in the league," Han Sen said, referring to Malone. "I worked with him five years ago when I was here, and I''ve always known what he''s capable of. His adjustments changed the entire game."


    At halftime, Han was prepared to go all-out if needed. But Malone''s tactical changes allowed the team to take control of the game without him needing to do so.


    While Han trusted his own ability to win games through sheer will, it was far less exhausting to win through smarter adjustments.


    When asked about Kyrie''s shaky debut, Han responded calmly:


    "I''m not worried about Kyrie. He was just a bit too excited¡ªthis is his first playoff game, after all. I trust he''ll adjust in the next few games."


    Han wasn''t one to publicly criticize teammates, even if their performances were below expectations.


    You might hear LeBron blame "role players not stepping up" in moments like this, but you''d never hear that from Han Sen.


    However, after leaving the press conference, Han did pull Kyrie aside for a private conversation:


    "If you don''t want people to doubt you, you''ve got to prove them wrong with your play."


    ...


    After a two-day break, Game 2 resumed at Quicken Loans Arena.


    This time, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau made a major defensive adjustment. Instead of doubling Han Sen, the focus shifted to wearing him down.


    Game 1 had already proven that no defensive scheme could completely stop Han Sen. But Thibodeau noticed weaknesses in the Cavaliers'' roster:


    - Kevin Garnett was too old to sustain high minutes.


    - Kyrie Irving was too inexperienced to take on a secondary scoring role.


    - The Cavs'' bench was shallow and unreliable.


    Without Han Sen, the Cavaliers were no better than the team that had missed the playoffs last season.


    The strategy worked.


    While Han Sen still scored at will, his energy drained quickly. And whenever he took a breather, Kyrie failed to step up to fill the scoring void.


    It wasn''t about attitude¡ªKyrie wasn''t unwilling to lead, he just wasn''t ready.


    In games against weaker defensive teams, Kyrie could dominate with his elite finishing ability¡ªlike he did against the Lakers.


    But against a defensive juggernaut like the Bulls, his struggles were inevitable.


    ...


    By halftime, the Bulls led 48-41.


    In the third quarter, Han Sen came out even more aggressive.


    If you won''t double me, I''ll bury you.


    Coach Malone deployed the Cavs'' Death Lineup, and Han Sen exploded for 23 points in the third quarter, single-handedly tying the game.


    But by the fourth quarter, Han''s energy dipped, and his efficiency dropped.


    The Bulls, sticking to their game plan, ground Han Sen down and pulled out a 96-90 victory, tying the series at 1-1.


    Han Sen finished with 45 points, his second consecutive 40+ point game, but it wasn''t enough to preserve home-court advantage.


    Jimmy Butler, meanwhile, had another standout performance, scoring 21 points and emerging as the Bulls'' top scorer for the second straight game.


    ...


    Butler''s ascent was a story in itself. He wasn''t the most talented player on the floor, nor was he the best ball handler. But his resilience and work ethic had earned him the Most Improved Player award, averaging 20 points per game this season.


    What truly stood out, though, was his defense. Despite guarding Han Sen for nearly the entire game, Butler never mentally collapsed. He maintained his defensive intensity from the first quarter to the fourth.


    In contrast, Andrew Wiggins and Nerlens Noel had been reduced to shells of themselves after trying to guard Han Sen in past matchups.


    Butler''s mental toughness set him apart. Whether or not the "Jordan''s illegitimate son" rumors were true, one thing was clear ¡ª Butler''s success stemmed from his unshakable mindset.


    ...


    The Game 2 loss unleashed a wave of criticism toward Kyrie and the Cavaliers:


    "They should''ve traded Kyrie when they had the chance."


    "No one can carry this Cavs team to success¡ªnot even Han Sen."


    "Han Sen, you owe Cleveland nothing. Leave while you can."


    The narrative quickly spiraled out of control.


    Two days later, the Cavaliers arrived in Chicago for Game 3.


    Malone gave the team the day off, prioritizing rest for Han Sen.


    Unlike the Cavs from five years ago, this roster was severely lacking in playoff experience. If 39-year-old Garnett was now their most reliable big man, the team''s shortcomings were glaring.


    Perhaps Kyrie, TT, and the others would grow from this playoff run. But those improvements wouldn''t come overnight.


    ...


    Despite the day off, Han Sen wasn''t one to relax. After checking into his hotel room, he immediately headed for the United Center for some extra practice.


    He couldn''t shut out the outside noise, but his mindset was simple:


    If 40 points isn''t enough to win, I''ll score 50. If 50 isn''t enough, I''ll get 60.


    As he was about to leave, he found Kyrie standing outside his door.


    "Perfect timing," Han Sen said with a smile. "Let''s hit the gym."


    He had been about to call Cunningham, but Kyrie showing up saved him the trouble.


    During the drive to the arena, Kyrie opened up about his frustrations.


    "I want to help you, Han. I want to take some of the weight off your shoulders. But... I''m not sure how."


    At a red light, Han Sen glanced over at Kyrie and grinned.


    "Believe in yourself, Kyrie."


    Playing alongside Han came with enormous pressure. Cleveland was under a microscope now, and the criticism was relentless.


    Most players would buckle under that scrutiny, just counting the days until the season ended.


    But Kyrie hadn''t run from it. He hadn''t asked to be traded.


    Changing his playstyle wasn''t an option. The only thing Kyrie could do now was to trust himself more.


    Han knew that confidence was the key. Kyrie''s best games had come when he played fearlessly.


    All he needed to do now was embrace that mindset.


    ...


    Instead of heading straight to the United Center''s underground garage, Han Sen parked the car in the ground-level lot.


    He had played at the United Center many times before, but each time it was the same routine¡ªthe team bus would drive directly into the underground garage, they''d play the game, and then head out on the bus without ever taking in the sights.


    There was one statue in particular outside the United Center that Han had never taken the time to look at.


    Today, he decided to change that.


    The reason?


    He had been thinking about the statue Memphis planned to build for him this summer.


    But a statue wasn''t just about the sculpture itself¡ªit was about the inscription beneath it.


    Since it wasn''t a game day, there weren''t too many people outside the arena. Han and Kyrie Irving walked over to the statue and stopped in front of it.


    The Michael Jordan statue stood tall and commanding. Unlike Kobe Bryant''s statue, which felt half-hearted, or Dwyane Wade''s, which made people wonder, "Who is this supposed to be?", the Jordan statue was truly iconic.


    It depicted Jordan in his signature airborne pose, soaring over an unseen defender for a dunk.


    When the statue was first unveiled, many fans speculated about who the defender beneath Jordan might represent.


    Some thought it was Joe Dumars or Isiah Thomas, since Jordan had overcome the Pistons'' defense to achieve greatness. Others believed it was Patrick Ewing, remembering Jordan''s famous dunk over Ewing in the 1991 playoffs¡ªwidely regarded as one of the best dunks of his career.


    However, the statue''s designer, Omri Amrany, offered a different, more profound explanation:


    "The defender isn''t any specific player," he said. "It represents an entire era of opponents Jordan conquered."


    That''s why the face of the defender wasn''t sculpted in detail¡ªit wasn''t meant to represent a single person, but rather all the players Jordan dominated during his career.


    It was a masterful artistic choice. Amrany managed to elevate Jordan''s legacy while offending no one.


    But it wasn''t just the statue itself that made it iconic¡ªit was the inscription beneath it.


    "The best there ever was, the best there ever will be."


    In simpler terms: "Unmatched in the past, and unmatched in the future."


    Han turned to Kyrie.


    "What are you thinking right now?" he asked.


    Kyrie gazed at the statue for a moment before replying.


    "Michael was a great player."


    It was the obvious answer, the first impression anyone would have when standing in front of the statue¡ªawe at greatness.


    "And?" Han pressed.


    "I want to be like him," Kyrie said, catching Han a little off guard. But Han nodded in approval.


    The Jordan statue was famous for its ability to inspire. Like a mystical monument in a fantasy novel, it could make those who gazed upon it discover their own path.


    For Kyrie, that path was about ambition.


    And ambition wasn''t a bad thing¡ªwithout ambition, there was no drive to improve.


    Han took another look at the statue, and in that moment, he realized what the inscription on his own statue in Memphis should say.


    Han then motioned for Kyrie to head inside for practice.


    But Kyrie couldn''t hold back his curiosity any longer.


    "Han, what were you thinking just now?" he asked.


    Han had asked about Kyrie''s thoughts, but hadn''t shared his own.


    Han paused for a moment before answering:


    "I want to smash it to pieces."


    Kyrie froze, stunned by the response.


    "Don''t you think this statue, aside from being great, also feels arrogant?" Han continued, his gaze unwavering.


    Kyrie turned back to the statue, rubbed his chin thoughtfully, and looked at the inscription again.


    Now that Han had pointed it out, it made sense.


    The phrase "The best there ever was"? That part was acceptable.


    After all, Jordan had elevated basketball to heights no one before him had ever reached.


    But "the best there ever will be"? That part was pure arrogance.


    No one could predict the future.


    And as far as the present was concerned, Han Sen was already making a case as a worthy successor.


    In just five seasons, Han had led Memphis to a dynasty, a feat that made him a legitimate contender for that "future" title.


    Han didn''t say anything more.


    He knew he wasn''t ready to smash that statue yet.


    But one day, he would be.


    Here''s a little-known fact about the Jordan statue:


    It was erected in 1994, right after Jordan''s first three-peat.


    At the time, Jordan had only won three titles, and yet the statue already declared him the best there ever would be.


    In truth, most fans remember Jordan''s second three-peat more vividly¡ªthe one with Pippen, Rodman, Kerr, Kukoc, and Ron Harper.


    In later debates, LeBron fans would use this fact to criticize Jordan, much like people criticized Han Sen''s Grizzlies dynasty by saying, "That doesn''t count¡ªit was a superteam!"


    By comparison, Jordan''s first three-peat was less well-known. Aside from Pippen, most fans couldn''t even name his teammates from that era.


    At best, some old Lakers fans might recall Horace Grant, but few could name anyone else without looking it up.


    Even then, they''d discover that during Jordan''s first three-peat, none of his teammates aside from Pippen were ever All-Stars.


    Jordan hadn''t just built a dynasty¡ªhe did it with a bunch of nobodies.


    And that was why the statue''s bold inscription felt earned.


    ...


    The following night, the Cavaliers faced the Bulls at the United Center for Game 3.


    Because of Han Sen''s controversial comments on a radio show, where he claimed "Chicago will never rise again", the Bulls crowd was hostile.


    Some fans even threw out thinly veiled threats, like "Stay safe, Han."


    Years ago, as a rookie, Han might''ve been shaken by such hostility.


    But after four years in Memphis, none of it fazed him anymore.


    Tom Thibodeau stuck to his Game 2 strategy¡ªsingle coverage on Han Sen.


    Having won Game 2, he saw no reason to change tactics.


    But this time, the victory didn''t belong to Chicago.


    Han Sen dropped 55 points.


    If 45 points wasn''t enough to win, then he''d score 55.


    Han set a new career playoff high in the United Center, leaving the Bulls and their fans in shock. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jimmy Butler''s mental toughness finally cracked.


    No matter how strong a defender was, getting 100 points dropped on you in two games was too much¡ªespecially in the playoffs.


    The United Center crowd?


    Stunned into silence.


    Three consecutive 40+ point playoff games.


    Everyone expected Han to slow down after his first two 40-point games, given the intensity of the playoffs.


    But they underestimated Han''s resilience.


    When the game ended, Kyrie sat on the bench, watching Han, drenched in sweat but breathing steadily.


    In that moment, Kyrie was completely in awe.


    He didn''t understand how Han managed to do it, but he knew one thing for certain:


    Han wasn''t just talking about smashing the statue¡ªhe was dead serious.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 283: MVP & DPOY.

    Chapter 283: MVP & DPOY."55 points! How did you do it? I mean, you just had back-to-back 40+ games!"


    The postgame reporters were ecstatic. After all, Han Sen''s 55-point performance in the playoffs ranked ninth in NBA history for a single game¡ªand that didn''t even include the context of his consecutive 40-point games.


    If you added a classic "LeBron-style qualifier", then Han had achieved yet another "NBA first".


    Only three players in history had ever scored 40+ points in three straight playoff games: Jerry West, Michael Jordan, and Bernard King. Now, Han Sen was part of that elite club.


    Han''s response?


    "You''ll get used to it."


    There it was¡ªa subtle flex, and the deadliest kind of confidence.


    His message was clear: if Tom Thibodeau kept using this defensive strategy, Han wouldn''t hesitate to keep putting up monster numbers.


    As for fatigue? That wasn''t a concern.


    After all, Han was only 25 years old.


    ...


    After a two-day break, Game 4 resumed at the United Center.


    Interestingly, the anti-Han signs that had flooded the arena during Game 3 were now almost nonexistent.


    At the end of the day, fans care more about what you do than what you say.


    And after watching Han drop 55 points in their house, no one wanted to risk provoking him further.


    For Game 4, Thibodeau made adjustments again.


    He returned to the "Jordan Rules" defense from Game 1, throwing multiple defenders at Han and forcing the ball out of his hands.


    Thibodeau also found a way to counter the Cavs'' Death Lineup, subbing out Taj Gibson for Mike Dunleavy to go with a four-out, one-in formation.


    It was a strategy that resembled the way the Grizzlies once countered the Heat.


    Thibodeau''s adjustments were spot on.


    But what he didn''t anticipate was Kyrie Irving''s awakening.


    After watching Han''s heroic performances in the first three games, Kyrie finally stepped up.


    With Han drawing constant double-teams, Kyrie took 23 shots, making 10 of them. He also attacked the rim, getting to the free-throw line five times and sinking 9 of 10 free throws.


    Kyrie finished with a career playoff-high 30 points.


    After being in Han''s shadow for three games, Kyrie finally found his moment.


    Han, meanwhile, scored 28 points, but it didn''t matter¡ªthe Cavaliers cruised to a 106-91 victory, their largest margin of the series so far.


    ...


    Postgame Press Conference


    At the postgame press conference, Han was all smiles¡ªmore than he''d been after any of the previous games.


    "If I could, I''d love to have nights like this all the time," Han joked.


    For Han, records were just numbers. Winning was all that mattered.


    And with the Cavaliers now leading the series 3-1, they were one win away from advancing.


    After the Game 2 loss, the Cavaliers had faced a storm of criticism. Pundits claimed they were destined to fail.


    But now, after two road victories, the narrative had completely flipped.


    Han was thrilled, and for good reason¡ªKyrie finally showed up when it mattered.


    If Kyrie could maintain that level of play, the Cavs had a real shot at the title.


    But Kyrie''s success didn''t last long.


    ...


    In Game 5, he delivered his worst performance of the series, shooting 3-of-14 and scoring just 11 points.


    Thibodeau wasn''t one to let a player''s weaknesses go unexploited. He targeted Kyrie relentlessly, forcing him into tough shots and limiting his impact.


    Meanwhile, the Bulls showed incredible resilience.


    After a quiet series, Derrick Rose exploded, scoring 30 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and dishing 7 assists on 10-of-26 shooting.


    Despite Rose''s performance, the game remained a back-and-forth battle.


    With five seconds left, the Cavs were down by three.


    Han, guarded by Joakim Noah, calmly rose up from beyond the arc and drilled a game-tying three-pointer.


    But with five seconds left, Rose took the ball, used a screen from Noah, and launched a bank-shot three-pointer at the buzzer to win the game for the Bulls.


    Final Score: Bulls 101, Cavaliers 98.


    The series now stood at 3-2, heading back to Chicago.


    ...


    "This was Rose''s night. He deserved this win," Han said at the postgame press conference.


    Though Rose wasn''t known for his three-point shooting, superstars always find ways to make the impossible happen in big moments.


    It was no different from Jordan''s six three-pointers in a Finals half¡ªsometimes, it was just their night.


    But Han wasn''t done.


    "However, we''re not going back to Cleveland."


    ...


    Two days later, the Cavaliers closed out the series in Game 6, winning 94-74 in Chicago to advance to the second round.


    From the opening tip, Coach Malone went with the Death Lineup, and Han Sen went full Memphis mode, guarding Rose full court from the start.


    In doing so, Han completely shut down Rose, holding him to just 9 points for the game.


    It was a risky strategy, given how much the Cavs relied on Han offensively. But Han bet on his defense, and it paid off.


    The Cavaliers played their best defensive game of the season, using the Bulls'' own defense-first identity against them.


    The series exposed a key weakness in the Bulls'' small-ball lineup.


    With Noah on the floor, the Bulls didn''t have a reliable interior scorer to punish Tristan Thompson. That allowed the Cavs to fully commit to their Death Lineup.


    However, the Cavs received bad news early in the game:


    Kyrie collided with Jimmy Butler and injured his knee, leaving the game after just 12 minutes.


    Thankfully, postgame tests showed it was just a sprain.


    He would need time to recover, but no surgery was required.


    ...


    After the game, Han visited Kyrie in the locker room.


    Seeing Kyrie''s injury triggered a memory from his past life.


    Though Han was a transmigrator, he wasn''t a walking encyclopedia. His memories of "history" only surfaced during key events.


    Seeing Kyrie''s injury reminded Han of the 2015 Finals.


    In that timeline, Kyrie had fractured his left kneecap in Game 1, which not only ended his season but also permanently affected his athleticism.


    That injury had stemmed from playing through a prior knee injury, forcing Kyrie to play hurt until his body gave out.


    With that in mind, Han made a decision.


    "Rest. Completely. Don''t come back until you''re fully healed," Han told Kyrie.


    "But..." Kyrie hesitated. If he took the time to recover, he''d be out for at least two weeks, and the Conference Finals would already be underway by then.


    "Do you really think I can''t make the East Finals without you?" Han asked with a calm confidence that left Kyrie speechless.


    In truth, Han could carry the team past the first round on his own. The only difference was that without Kyrie, the series might have gone to seven games instead of six.


    "Get healthy. That''s what matters most."


    Han didn''t want just any version of Kyrie¡ªhe needed the best version of Kyrie.


    And that could only happen if Kyrie was healthy.


    ...


    The day after the Cavaliers advanced to the second round, the first round of the NBA playoffs concluded for both the East and West.


    In the East, the Cavaliers'' second-round opponent would be the Atlanta Hawks, who defeated the Wizards 4-2.


    Elsewhere:


    - Nets eliminated the Raptors 4-1.


    - Heat swept the Bucks 4-0, marking their third consecutive postseason meeting with the Bucks.


    All the higher seeds in the East advanced.


    ...


    The West, however, was much more chaotic.


    Warriors and Lakers had comfortable series, both winning 4-1 against the Mavericks and Trail Blazers, respectively. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But both the Rockets and Thunder were upset.


    The Thunder were routed, losing 4-1 to the Spurs.


    The Rockets played well but ultimately fell to the Grizzlies 3-4.


    The Thunder''s loss wasn''t surprising. They had benefited from the playoff format, securing a higher seed despite being weaker than the Spurs.


    As for the Rockets, their defeat was more understandable¡ªthey lost a key big man to injury, and when facing a team like the Grizzlies, you need a strong interior presence.


    Even without Han Sen, the Grizzlies still had their "Twin Towers"¡ªMarc Gasol and Zach Randolph. The Rockets simply couldn''t keep up.


    The Rockets'' loss sent shockwaves through the league:


    First, one of the Nike-sponsored teams was eliminated in the first round¡ªsomething no one anticipated at the start of the season.


    Second, Chris Paul once again failed to reach the Western Conference Finals.


    Third, the playoffs reignited criticism of the playoff seeding system, prompting the NBA to announce a new rule change: starting next season, division winners would no longer be guaranteed a top-four seed.


    Lastly, the Grizzlies and Lakers¡ªlongtime playoff rivals¡ªwould face each other again. However, this time, the Grizzlies no longer had Han Sen.


    ...


    Before the second round began, the NBA announced the regular season MVP.


    The top three contenders were: Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Han Sen.


    - Curry had the worst stats of the three but led the Warriors to the league''s best record. 67 wins.


    - Han Sen had the best stats but the weakest team record. 58 wins.


    - Durant fell somewhere in between, with strong stats and a solid record, only five wins behind the Warriors.


    The voting results were tight:


    - Curry: 21%


    - Durant: 23%


    - Han Sen: 26%


    Han Sen was crowned MVP for the second consecutive season!


    ...


    Upon hearing the results, Han was visibly surprised.


    The NBA was still very much a Nike-driven league. He hadn''t expected to beat Durant in the voting.


    Had Nike lost its grip?


    Had the media forgotten how Han clashed with them before?


    The reality was simpler: Han had barely edged out the win, but the victory underscored just how insane his season had been.


    Han averaged 32 points, 10 assists, and 3 steals, leading the league in scoring, assists, and steals¡ªan absolutely dominant stat line.


    And his impact on the Cavaliers was undeniable.


    During a TNT segment, Charles Barkley summed it up perfectly:


    "If the Cavs didn''t have Han, forget about 58 wins¡ªwould they even make the playoffs?"


    The comparison to Jordan''s 1987-88 season was clear.


    That year, Jordan averaged 35 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, leading the league in scoring and steals, and carried the Bulls to an unexpected 50 wins.


    The Bulls'' record that season was worse than the Cavs'' this year, yet Jordan still won MVP.


    MVP criteria may vary, but ultimately, transforming a team is what truly defines value.


    And when that transformative factor is singular, the title of Most Valuable Player becomes indisputable.


    Han''s MVP win also reflected his first-round dominance.


    He averaged an astonishing 40.5 points per game over six games against one of the best defensive teams in the league¡ªthe Bulls.


    There was no padding; Han''s numbers were entirely legitimate.


    ...


    Of course, Han''s MVP sparked controversy.


    Critics pointed to the Cavs'' fourth-place finish in the league standings, questioning whether a player from a non-elite team deserved the award.


    Fans also criticized the voting process, claiming media bias from including playoff performances in a regular season award.


    In response, the NBA announced a significant change: starting with the 2016-17 season, all voting would conclude before the playoffs, with a Hollywood-style awards show to follow.


    The move confirmed what many already knew:


    Adam Silver listens to feedback, whereas David Stern ignored it entirely.


    Silver was a reformer, though opinions varied on whether those changes were for better or worse.


    ...


    While debate over Han''s MVP raged on, the second round tipped off.


    The Cavaliers announced that Kyrie Irving would miss the entire series, which thrilled Hawks fans.


    After all, the Hawks had won 60 games, two more than the Cavs, and now Cleveland was without one of their stars.


    It seemed like the Hawks had the series locked up.


    The Hawks were in for a shock.


    The Cavaliers brought the same defensive intensity they''d shown against the Bulls.


    While four Hawks players scored in double figures, none scored more than 15 points.


    Meanwhile, Han Sen dropped 30+ points and dished out 13 assists.


    Under his leadership, JR Smith scored 18 points, and even P.J. Tucker chipped in 13.


    Was Kyrie important? Of course.


    But Han Sen was indispensable.


    The Hawks'' system relied on team play and lacked a true go-to scorer in half-court situations. Without a strong counter to the Cavs'' defense, their offense stalled completely.


    Defensively, the Hawks weren''t on the Bulls'' level, giving Han complete control of the game.


    Within a week, the Cavaliers swept the Hawks 4-0, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.


    Even Han was surprised by the sweep; he''d expected the series to last longer to give Kyrie more time to recover.


    But it turned out the Hawks were just playoff pretenders.


    During the sweep, the NBA announced the winner of the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award.


    After narrowly missing out last season, Han Sen claimed the 2014-15 DPOY with his stellar defensive performances throughout the season.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 284: I Am the Impossible.

    Chapter 284: I Am the Impossible.?Not long after sweeping the Hawks, the Cavaliers prepared to face the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Heat had also swept their opponent, the Nets, in the second round.


    The Nets, plagued by Deron Williams'' injuries, had seen their competitiveness decline over the years. However, even a weakened Nets team was still stronger than the Hawks.


    Yet despite their playoff experience, the Nets couldn''t win a single game against the Heat.


    The Heat''s average margin of victory across the first two rounds was an astonishing 15+ points per game, a clear sign that they were playing at a higher level than any other team.


    Their success wasn''t just about roster fit. It was fueled by an intense hunger for a championship.


    With Goran Dragi? and Nikola Vu?evi? both in contract years, this season represented their best chance to win a title. And for this group, there wouldn''t be a better opportunity.


    The win-or-bust mentality they displayed was reminiscent of the 2011 Mavericks, who overcame the odds to win a championship.


    ...


    Before the Conference Finals tipped off, the NBA announced the All-NBA Teams.


    Han Sen was named to both the All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team, completing a clean sweep of major individual honors for the season¡ªMVP, DPOY, and now First-Team selections.


    With the awards announced, the league ramped up promotion for the two highly anticipated matchups in the Conference Finals:


    Cavaliers vs. Heat in the East. Warriors vs. Lakers in the West.


    The Warriors eliminated the Spurs 4-2, while the Lakers took down the Grizzlies by the same margin.


    The Grizzlies remained tough and scrappy, but without Han Sen''s presence in clutch moments, they ultimately fell short.


    Interestingly, both matchups turned into a direct battle between UA and Nike-sponsored teams, driving media narratives to a fever pitch.


    ...


    Predictions and Opinions: The TNT Roundtable


    The Inside the NBA crew kicked off their predictions segment with Ernie Johnson leading the discussion.


    "Alright, fellas. We''ve got two big matchups coming up in the Conference Finals. In the East, it''s Cavs vs. Heat. In the West, it''s Warriors vs. Lakers. Let''s start with the West. Who''s got the edge?"


    Barkley leaned back in his chair with his signature smirk.


    "Lakers. Easy. Look, the Warriors are a great team. They shoot the ball well, they''ve got that splashy offense, but this ain''t the regular season. Playoff basketball is a whole different beast."


    Shaq nodded in agreement. "Preach."


    "Man, Kobe and LeBron¡ªthose two have been through wars, alright? They know what it takes. The Warriors? They''re like kids at the grown-ups'' table. They just got here."


    Ernie jumped in. "So you''re saying experience wins out?"


    Barkley chuckled. "Exactly. Kobe and LeBron have been eatin'' steaks at this table for years. The Warriors? They''re still sippin'' on juice boxes." sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Shaq, always ready to stir the pot, cut in.


    "Chuck, you gotta stop hatin'' on these young dudes. The Warriors are no joke. I mean, you saw what they did to the Spurs."


    Barkley waved him off. "Shaq, come on now. The Spurs were old. Tim Duncan out there lookin'' like me tryin'' to run a fast break."


    Kenny laughed. "Chuck, you couldn''t run a fast break if your life depended on it."


    The studio erupted in laughter.


    "Okay, okay," Shaq said, cutting through the noise. "Let me tell you why the Lakers are winning this series. Defense wins championships. Period. The Warriors? They live and die by the jump shot."


    Barkley nodded. "Exactly! Jump-shooting teams don''t win titles. How many times I gotta say it? You need a strong post presence to win it all."


    Kenny finally chimed in, always the more measured voice.


    "Listen, I hear what y''all are saying, but the Warriors are different. This ain''t just a jump-shooting team. They''ve got the best defense in the league, and they''ve got depth."


    He pulled up his stat sheet.


    "Look at this. Second in offensive efficiency. First in defensive efficiency. The last team to do that? The ''96 Bulls. And we all know what happened that season."


    Shaq leaned in. "So what''s your call, Kenny?"


    "Warriors in 7. They''ve got youth, depth, and health on their side. The Lakers? They''re gonna have to grind for every bucket."


    Ernie redirected the conversation to the East.


    "Alright, what about the East? Cavs vs. Heat."


    Barkley didn''t hesitate.


    "Heat in 5. Look, I love Han. Y''all know that. He''s a beast. But the Heat? They''re on a mission. They''ve been steamrolling everyone. And the Cavs? They ain''t got Kyrie."


    Shaq nodded in agreement.


    "Heat in 6. But I''m giving Cleveland a little more respect. Han Sen can steal a game or two, but the Heat are too complete."


    Ernie glanced at Kenny. "What do you think?"


    Kenny sighed.


    "I gotta go with the Heat too. Their offensive efficiency is off the charts, and the Cavs'' defense ranks ninth. That''s not good enough against a team like Miami."


    Barkley leaned forward, looking straight into the camera.


    "Lemme say this. If the Cavs beat the Heat, I''ll get out there and race Kenny on a fast break."


    Shaq burst out laughing. "Chuck, you''d lose to a tortoise."


    The studio erupted in laughter again, but the consensus was clear¡ªthe Heat and Lakers were the favorites.


    ...


    The day before the series began, the Cavaliers prepared to fly to Miami.


    However, at the airport, Kyrie Irving showed up unexpectedly.


    The original plan had been for Kyrie to stay in Cleveland and return for Game 3 once fully recovered.


    But Kyrie had other ideas.


    "If you''re not going to let me play, trade me," he said, with an unusually firm tone.


    Han was a little taken aback by Kyrie''s insistence.


    Kyrie was typically self-focused, and Han had expected him to prioritize his health.


    In most cases, players returning early from injury did so because of fan pressure, accused of not being tough enough.


    But Kyrie''s resolve was real.


    Given the Heat''s strength, Han didn''t argue. Even with Kyrie, beating the Heat would be difficult.


    Still, Han warned Kyrie of the risks:


    "If you come back too soon, you''re at risk of re-injury or something worse."


    But Kyrie remained steadfast. "If we lose because of me, I can''t stay in Cleveland."


    Kyrie wasn''t exaggerating.


    His subpar first-round performance, combined with his absence in the second round, had already put him under intense scrutiny.


    If the Cavaliers lost the Conference Finals, Kyrie would take the blame.


    Management might even consider trading him for a Pippen-like player, allowing Han to focus solely on scoring, much like his time with the Grizzlies.


    After listening to Kyrie, Han smiled.


    "Do you know what inscription I''m planning to put on my statue in Memphis?" Han asked.


    Kyrie looked at him curiously.


    Han continued: "I Am the Impossible."


    No one believed the Grizzlies could win a championship, and even fewer believed they could build a dynasty.


    But Han proved them wrong.


    That inscription perfectly captured what he had achieved in Memphis.


    Hearing those words, Kyrie''s eyes lit up with excitement.


    Turning the impossible into reality¡ªwhat could be more worthwhile?


    ...


    After arriving in Miami, the Cavaliers held an open practice.


    Despite being overwhelming underdogs, the team''s morale was high.


    This wasn''t surprising.


    The Cavaliers hadn''t been favored all season, yet they had made it to the Conference Finals.


    When they tied the series against the Bulls at 1-1, many thought they''d lose in the first round. Yet here they were, still standing.


    For many players on the roster, this was their first time in the Conference Finals.


    Even veterans like Mo Williams and old Cavaliers players were motivated.


    They had reached this stage during LeBron''s first stint but never made it to the Finals.


    They still carried the sting of those losses, particularly the infamous "8-on-5" series against Dwight Howard''s Magic.


    This time, though, there was no LeBron to carry them into history''s hall of shame.


    Most importantly, Han Sen wasn''t injured this time like 5 years ago.


    This time, they were ready to fight their way to the NBA Finals.


    ...


    At the Cavaliers'' open practice session, a surprising visitor showed up.


    When Han Sen saw Shaquille O''Neal walk into the gym, he was visibly caught off guard, but quickly broke into a smile and walked over.


    "You''re a big ol'' fish now, Shaq," Han teased.


    Shaq grinned and pulled Han into a bear hug so tight it could''ve crushed a smaller man.


    "Yeah, well, give it time. You''re gonna blow up faster than me once you retire."


    Han laughed, but Shaq''s playful jab wasn''t done.


    "Man, I''m tellin'' you, I wanna come back and play right now!" Shaq said, eyeing the Cavaliers players warming up. He couldn''t help but clench his fists. That competitive fire never really left him.


    "I can call David Griffin," Han joked, "and see if we can make you security captain at the arena. That''s close enough, right?"


    Shaq erupted in laughter. "You know I always wanted to be a cop."


    After a bit more playful banter, the two sat down on the sidelines. Shaq quickly got serious, his gaze shifting toward the court.


    "So... you ready for the Heat tomorrow night?" he asked.


    Han shook his head. "Man, they''re strong. And after getting Dragic? Ridiculous."


    Shaq nodded slowly. He knew the odds weren''t in the Cavaliers'' favor. That''s why most analysts, including himself and Barkley, hadn''t given Cleveland a chance.


    "They''re saying y''all can''t even win a game," Shaq reminded him.


    Han smirked.


    "I just want to win one."


    "And then?"


    "Win two."


    "And after that?"


    "Win three."


    Shaq paused for a moment, then burst into laughter, clapping Han on the shoulder. He got the message¡ªHan wasn''t thinking about the whole series at once. He was taking it one game at a time.


    Shaq''s tone shifted again, this time more reflective.


    "I heard about that thing with KD," he said, his face suddenly serious.


    Han raised an eyebrow. "You''re not offended by that comparison, are you?"


    Shaq snorted. "Man, KD ain''t even close to me. But that''s not the point. The point is... I''ve been where the Heat are right now."


    Han looked confused. "What do you mean?"


    Shaq leaned back, arms crossed.


    "Back in ''95, when we beat Michael Jordan''s Bulls, we thought we were unstoppable. We''d just taken down the GOAT. And who''d we face in the Finals? The Houston Rockets."


    Shaq''s expression turned somber.


    "We thought we were gonna sweep them. The media thought so too. Hell, everyone thought so."


    Han nodded. He knew what came next.


    Shaq sighed. "And then? They swept us. We walked in thinkin'' we were invincible, but anything can happen."


    His voice softened. "That''s what I''m sayin'', Han. Don''t listen to the noise. Don''t let the odds fool you.Anything can happen."


    Han understood. Shaq had come to encourage him.


    "Thanks, Shaq," Han said sincerely, looking at the big man with genuine gratitude.


    "I''ll win this series for you."


    ...


    As the Cavaliers wrapped up practice and headed out, they crossed paths with the Heat players arriving at the gym.


    Seeing Dwyane Wade, Han couldn''t help but call out, "Hey, DW! Who''s guarding me tomorrow?"


    Wade grinned. "Who else? You think they''re gonna put Dragic on you?"


    Han laughed. "Fair enough."


    Wade, ever the considerate teammate, asked, "How''s Kyrie doing?"


    Han shook his head with a fake look of concern.


    "Not great. He probably won''t play tomorrow."


    Wade nodded sympathetically. "Tell him to take his time. One game won''t decide the series."


    Han smirked, his tone turning playful. "You be careful, too. Don''t get hurt again. People still say I only beat you last time because of your injury."


    Wade burst out laughing. "Man, you never change." He gave Han a friendly pat on the shoulder before joining his teammates in the gym.


    ...


    The next night, American Airlines Arena was packed to capacity.


    Heat fans were buzzing with excitement, ready to witness what they believed would be a dominant series victory.


    In the regular season, the two teams had played three times, with Miami winning two out of three. The only loss? A game where Han Sen dropped a 60-point triple-double.


    But this was the playoffs, and no one expected Han to replicate such a feat¡ªespecially after the Heat acquired Goran Dragic at the trade deadline.


    This series felt like a victory lap for Miami fans.


    Even Pat Riley was in attendance, sitting courtside with his arms crossed, looking calm and confident.


    As warmups ended, both teams prepared for the opening ceremony.


    The Cavaliers, as the visiting team, were introduced first: Irving, JR Smith, Han Sen, PJ Tucker, Tristan Thompson.


    Coach Malone''s decision to start with the Death Lineup wasn''t surprising¡ªit was a go-big-or-go-home move.


    Heat coach Erik Spoelstra didn''t flinch.


    He knew the Cavaliers needed to take risks to have a chance.


    But when Wade saw Kyrie Irving starting, his eyes widened in surprise.


    "Wait, wasn''t he supposed to be out?"


    The Heat''s starting five followed: Dragic, Wade, Durant, Luol Deng, Pau Gasol.


    Spoelstra had no choice but to stick Wade on Han Sen, as neither Dragic nor Durant could handle that assignment.


    Wade had meant it when he told Han he''d be the one guarding him.


    ...


    Just before the final preparations, Kevin Durant walked toward the court¡ªand noticed a woman in the stands. She caught his eye immediately.


    Durant couldn''t resist. He threw a playful look her way, raising an eyebrow.


    The arena''s LED screen caught the moment, displaying it for the whole crowd to see.


    The woman looked confused, but the crowd went wild, cheering loudly.


    In the TNT studio, Barkley couldn''t help but laugh.


    "Well, looks like KD''s ready for the win tonight!"


    ----


    All-NBA Teams


    First Team: Stephen Curry, Han Sen, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Anthony Davis


    Second Team: Chris Paul, James Harden, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol


    Third Team: Russell Westbrook, Dwyane Wade, Klay Thompson, Tim Duncan, Joakim Noah


    All-Defensive First Team: Chris Paul, Han Sen, Kawhi Leonard, Draymond Green, Anthony Davis


    All-Defensive Second Team: John Wall, Jimmy Butler, Tim Duncan, Andrew Bogut, Marc Gasol


    -End of Chapter-


    Translator''s note: One of you asked about the increased number of bold text I''ve been using in recent Chapters. It was something new I was trying out. They were meant to emphasize key phrases, but looking back I see that I was kinda overdoing it.


    I''ll now use them to highlight key dramatic moments only, like I used to before. Sorry about the last couple Chapters, I''ll try and revise them later when I have the chance.


    Also, I wrote the entire TNT segment. The raws just mentioned their predictions. Let me know what you guys think.


    Do you want me to weave other media personalities into the story, too? Think Skip Bayless stirring the pot, Stephen A. Smith going off, or Bill Simmons dropping deep-cut NBA analogies...

 Chapter 285: Charge!

    Chapter 285: Charge!?Amid the roaring cheers of the crowd, Pau Gasol tipped the ball back to the Heat''s half, and the Eastern Conference Finals officially began.


    The Heat showed no signs of panic in the face of the Cavaliers'' Death Lineup. They immediately went to Pau Gasol in the post for their first offensive possession.


    With great spacing on the floor, the Cavaliers'' help defense couldn''t fully collapse. Gasol backed down Tristan Thompson, spinning into a hook shot to give the Heat the opening bucket.


    The Cavaliers had already used this Death Lineup against the Heat during the regular season, and their biggest issue had been TT''s inability to defend Gasol in the post.


    But Coach Michael Malone didn''t react. He stood there calmly, as if he''d expected this all along.


    On the other end, Kyrie Irving took control. In isolation, he danced with the ball, shifting directions multiple times to blow past Goran Dragi?.


    Dragi? wasn''t a bad defender¡ªhe was above average by league standards. But against Kyrie, it just wasn''t enough.


    Seeing Kyrie beat his man, Luol Deng and Gasol moved in for a trap defense.


    PJ Tucker was wide open in the corner, but Kyrie didn''t even glance that way. Instead, he drove straight into Gasol, absorbing the contact and drawing the foul.


    No acrobatics. No signature reverse layup. Just direct, aggressive basketball.


    It was a small detail, but it revealed something important: Kyrie''s mindset had changed.


    On the sidelines, Erik Spoelstra protested to the referees. Gasol picking up an early foul was a serious blow to the Heat.


    But the referee patiently explained the call. It was a clear foul, and Gasol had never been great at guarding quicker players, especially now that age was catching up to him.


    Besides, Kyrie was still part of the Nike family. He was bound to get some favorable whistles.


    As Kyrie stepped to the free-throw line, the Miami crowd erupted into boos.


    Some fans heckled him relentlessly, even shouting:


    "They should trade you!"


    But Kyrie''s mental toughness showed through. He calmly sank both free throws.


    The Heat''s next possession went through Kevin Durant, who tested his rhythm with a mid-range jumper after a quick off-ball cut. Dragi? found him perfectly, and KD''s shot was silky smooth.


    Dragi? wasn''t called ''Little Nash'' for nothing. His scoring and playmaking abilities were elite.


    Durant jogged back on defense, but not before searching the crowd for the woman he''d spotted earlier. This time, he blew her a kiss.


    The woman''s face turned bright red, and the arena erupted with cheers and laughter.


    The Heat''s offense was off to a smooth start, which wasn''t surprising. The Cavaliers'' defense ranked only ninth in the league, and slowing down this Heat team was always going to be difficult.


    But Kyrie wasn''t done yet.


    Coming off a screen from Tristan Thompson, Kyrie drove hard to the basket and finished with a floating layup. Four straight points.


    "Kyrie looks fantastic tonight!" Shaquille O''Neal exclaimed from the broadcast booth.


    "For the Cavaliers, there''s no better news than that," Charles Barkley added.


    It was impossible for Han Sen to single-handedly beat this Heat team. Kyrie''s return was starting to feel like a lifeline.


    On the next defensive possession, TT held his ground, forcing Gasol to miss a post-up attempt.


    From the bench, Kevin Garnett leapt to his feet, wildly waving his towel in celebration.


    TT had swallowed his pride months ago to learn from Garnett, and now the results were showing. His defense had improved dramatically.


    After securing the defensive rebound, TT quickly passed out to Han Sen, who pushed the ball up the floor.


    Han approached the frontcourt at full speed, faking a behind-the-back pass to JR Smith. Both Wade and JR bit on the fake, and Han quickly pulled the ball back for a smooth, uncontested layup.


    To everyone''s surprise, the Cavaliers were trading punches with the Heat to start the game.


    But the Heat''s offensive firepower wasn''t going to be easily contained.


    After his early struggles in the post, Gasol adjusted. He moved to the high post, facilitating the offense. From there, he found Luol Deng cutting to the basket, and Deng finished over PJ Tucker.


    Spoelstra jumped to his feet, encouraging his players as they hustled back on defense.


    Han Sen caught the ball in the high post, facing up against Wade.


    With Kyrie playing so well, the Heat weren''t eager to double-team Han too early.


    Han backed down Wade, taking his time. When he spun toward the free-throw line, Dragi? finally collapsed to help.


    But Han quickly reversed direction, turning back toward the baseline for a fadeaway jumper.


    Wade contested the shot, but Han''s release point was too high.


    From the corner of his eye, Han saw Deng rushing over to block the shot.


    Han adjusted mid-air, pulling the ball down for a floating shot.


    Swish!


    As he landed, Han clenched his fist in celebration.


    What he''d told Shaq was simple: one game at a time.


    And now, he was breaking it down even further: one possession at a time.


    The Heat''s roster was powerful, but there was only one ball on the court. The number of possessions was limited.


    If the Cavaliers could keep their offense efficient and prevent Miami from pulling away early, their chances in the fourth quarter would skyrocket.


    At the nine-minute mark, the score was 26-24. The Heat held a slight lead.


    But the Miami crowd began to murmur.


    Something felt off.


    Han Sen wasn''t dominating the scoring, and yet, the game was still close. The Heat were supposed to control this game easily. So why hadn''t they pulled away?


    Even Pat Riley, who had looked calm and relaxed at the start of the game, now sat a little more upright.


    This wasn''t how things were supposed to go.


    Meanwhile, Spoelstra remained calm on the sidelines.


    The Cavaliers'' offense was performing better than expected, but Spoelstra wasn''t too concerned.


    He knew Malone''s rotations. And with JR Smith starting, the Cavaliers'' bench was even weaker than usual.


    The Heat, on the other hand, had great depth. When the rotations began, the gap would show.


    Both teams started making substitutions.


    Han Sen was subbed out to rest, while Kyrie stayed on the floor.


    On the Heat''s side, Kevin Durant stayed in to lead the second unit.


    Durant went to work immediately, pulling up for a mid-range jumper over PJ Tucker.


    Even late in the quarter, Durant''s energy remained high. He was still fresh, thanks to the Heat''s multiple scoring options.


    But Kyrie answered right back, driving hard to the basket and drawing a foul on Nikola Vu?evi?. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Tonight, Kyrie wasn''t holding back.


    Just as he''d told Han before the series started ¡ª


    If he didn''t prove himself now, he''d be out of Cleveland.


    By the end of the first quarter, the score was 34-31 in favor of the Heat.


    But the Cavaliers were still right there.


    ...


    "The Cavaliers are showing real hunger to win tonight!" Shaquille O''Neal exclaimed from the commentary booth, visibly excited.


    The Heat hadn''t been playing poorly¡ªthe problem was that the Cavaliers'' offense was simply too good tonight.


    And it wasn''t just Han Sen doing all the work.


    "They''ve got a long way to go," Kenny Smith quickly doused Shaq''s enthusiasm.


    "Exactly. This stretch is going to be the toughest part for them," Charles Barkley added, his eyes glued to the court.


    ...


    As the second quarter began, Kyrie Irving took a seat to rest.


    The Heat''s depth wasn''t just about having three excellent bench players¡ªit was about their rotational versatility.


    Their starting five all had the ability to be offensive focal points, and Erik Spoelstra could shuffle those players into various combinations during the game.


    On the floor now:


    Cavaliers: Mo Williams, JR Smith, James Johnson, Jared Cunningham, Kevin Garnett.


    Heat: Mario Chalmers, Dwyane Wade, Thabo Sefolosha, Pau Gasol, Nikola Vu?evi?.


    The talent gap between the two squads was clear.


    JR''s first shot of the quarter was off target, heavily contested by Wade.


    Having started the game, JR had only rested for about two minutes, so he hadn''t yet recovered his stamina.


    At the other end, Wade exploited a screen from Vu?evi? to drive past Garnett for a smooth layup.


    It didn''t feel like the two teams were even on the same level.


    From the bench, Spoelstra glanced over at Michael Malone.


    Would Malone bring Han Sen back in early to stop the bleeding?


    If he did, Han''s fatigue would inevitably become an issue. Even if they managed to keep things close through three quarters, how would Han hold up in the fourth?


    The Cavaliers had already lost to the Bulls earlier in the playoffs due to Han''s energy being drained too early.


    But if Malone didn''t make a move, the Heat were poised to blow the game wide open.


    Swish!


    Just as Spoelstra turned back to the court, Mo Williams drained a three-pointer off a pick-and-roll with Garnett.


    The shot tightened his chest for a moment.


    But the Heat responded immediately. Gasol posted up Cunningham, drew Garnett''s help, and dished to Vu?evi?, who finished with an easy layup.


    The arena erupted in cheers.


    The Cavaliers, whether starters or reserves, struggled to stop the Heat''s offense.


    It felt like the only team capable of slowing the Heat down was the league''s top defensive squad¡ªthe Warriors.


    On the next possession, Williams went right back to the pick-and-roll with Garnett.


    Spoelstra was already on his feet, reminding his players to stay alert on defense.


    The Heat had a clear talent advantage, but the substitution periods weren''t long. If the Cavaliers managed a scoring run, it would erase any advantage the Heat had built.


    Williams, still fleet-footed at 32, quickly exploited the Heat''s defensive collapse. He drove into the paint before kicking the ball to Cunningham in the corner.


    The nickname ''No-Pass Mo'' no longer applied¡ªafter 11 years in the league, his passing skills had developed.


    More importantly, he wanted to win.


    Cunningham caught the pass with no defender in sight.


    The Heat''s twin-tower lineup was a nightmare to handle in the paint, but it also made them slow and clunky on the perimeter.


    This three-pointer was critical.


    If Cunningham missed, the Heat would collapse even more on defense.


    Miss once, and it becomes contagious.


    Cunningham had ample time to adjust. Since joining the Cavaliers six years ago, he''d started training his three-point shot on Han Sen''s recommendation.


    Now, his shooting was far better than in the version of history Han knew.


    The ball left Cunningham''s hands with perfect backspin, arcing beautifully.


    Even before the ball began to descend, the crowd buzzed with anticipation.


    Spoelstra, sensing danger, grimaced.


    Swish!


    Cunningham nailed the three-pointer!


    The Cavaliers had started the second quarter with two consecutive threes, giving them a 6-4 scoring advantage in the quarter.


    Incredibly, the Cavaliers were hanging on against a much more talented Heat team.


    Shaq''s voice boomed from the commentary booth.


    "See that? Talent doesn''t always decide the game! Sometimes, it''s just about making your shots!"


    From the bench, Han Sen stood up, waving a towel enthusiastically for Williams and Cunningham.


    No one had expected these two old Cavaliers to make such an impact.


    But Han knew. They had been waiting for their chance to prove themselves.


    "Never underestimate your opponent!" Shaq shouted, pounding the desk.


    At that moment, Coach Malone called David West to check in.


    Gasol''s post-up attempt against Cunningham resulted in an intentional foul, stopping the play.


    A short whistle blew from the sidelines, signaling the substitution.


    West replaced JR Smith.


    Now, with Han still resting, the old Cavaliers squad was fully assembled.


    The Heat inbounded the ball, sending it straight to the post.


    West collapsed into the paint to help Cunningham.


    This season, West hadn''t seen much playing time, stuck behind Mo Williams and JR Smith in the rotation.


    But with Malone relying more on small-ball lineups, both West and Matthew Dellavedova had been called into action more frequently.


    West''s experience and awareness gave him an edge over younger players. He correctly chose to leave Wade open, knowing Wade''s three-point shot was unreliable.


    Gasol kicked the ball out to Wade, who, true to form, didn''t take the three. Instead, he drove inside.


    West recovered quickly, cutting off Wade''s lane, which gave Cunningham enough time to help contest the shot.


    Under pressure, Wade''s attempt clanked off the rim. The Cavaliers finally got a stop.


    Cunningham grabbed the rebound, and the Cavaliers immediately pushed the pace for a fast break.


    The Heat''s twin-tower lineup had another drawback¡ªslow transition defense.


    The Heat had only three players able to get back in time.


    Meanwhile, all five Cavaliers were on the run.


    Leading the charge were Williams and West, with Cunningham trailing close behind.


    West drew Wade''s attention by sprinting to the wing.


    Williams, meanwhile, bullied Chalmers off the dribble before dropping the ball off to Cunningham.


    Cunningham caught the pass in stride and soared toward the basket.


    Two-handed dunk!


    The play brought Han Sen to his feet again, pumping his fist as he waved his towel.


    At the commentary booth, Shaq stood up straight, visibly pumped.


    "Han''s back in Cleveland, and the old Cavaliers are leading the charge!"


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 286: True King.

    Chapter 286: True King.To everyone''s surprise, the Cavaliers not only avoided falling behind during the bench rotation, but they even tied the game by the time the starters returned.


    No one had expected it.


    But they had witnessed it with their own eyes.


    Everyone had underestimated this team''s hunger to win.


    And that made all the difference.


    At halftime, the score was tied at 64.


    The Heat''s offensive firepower was undeniable. The Cavaliers hadn''t been able to stop them, but through relentless effort and efficient scoring, they had managed to keep the game close.


    "If the Heat don''t pull away in the third quarter, they''re in trouble," Charles Barkley said excitedly from the commentary booth.


    Spoelstra''s game plan made sense. But if Han Sen entered the fourth quarter with his stamina intact, it would spell trouble for the Heat.


    After all, who could outscore Han in the clutch?


    As the second half began, Kevin Durant became more aggressive on offense.


    Spoelstra showed his tactical prowess¡ªif they couldn''t stop the Cavaliers from scoring, they would wear down Han''s stamina by forcing him to play more defense.


    There''s more than one way to win a game.


    Malone quickly responded, signaling PJ Tucker to switch onto Durant.


    Though less experienced than Spoelstra, Malone had sharp in-game instincts.


    However, Tucker couldn''t stop Durant.


    At almost thirty years old, Tucker was still relatively inexperienced in the NBA, having spent much of his early career in overseas leagues. Technically, he was only in his third NBA season.


    Seeing Durant go to work, Han Sen decided to increase his own offensive output.


    He targeted the Heat''s weak points with precision.


    Kyrie''s aggressive start to the game had opened up opportunities for Han to exploit.


    Pau Gasol, who had picked up an early foul in the first quarter and sat for much of the second, was now in foul trouble with three fouls.


    Han called for a pick-and-roll with Tristan Thompson, taking advantage of the Heat''s defensive spacing issues. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Heat''s offense ranked first in the league, but their defense ranked only seventh. While solid, it wasn''t elite.


    A high pick-and-roll near the three-point line made it difficult for the Heat to send help defense.


    This was exactly why Golden State''s Death Lineup was so lethal. With full-floor spacing and constant movement, one defensive breakdown could lead to disaster.


    TT''s pick-and-roll mechanics had improved dramatically under Garnett''s guidance.


    After setting the screen, he quickly rolled to the basket, forcing Wade to follow.


    Han patiently waited for the mismatch to form, then isolated Gasol.


    Drawing fouls doesn''t require memorizing rules at 4 a.m.. For a true elite scorer, if they want to draw a foul, they will.


    Unless you play passive defense, you''ll eventually get caught.


    Han blew past Gasol, stopping at the free-throw line for a pump fake.


    Gasol bit, jumping into the air.


    Whistle.


    Fourth foul.


    As soon as the whistle blew, Spoelstra threw his hands over his head.


    He realized Han''s strategy, but it was too late.


    There was nothing more he could have done.


    With Gasol forced to sit, Nikola Vu?evi? checked in for the Heat.


    Vu?evi? could reliably rack up double-doubles given enough time, but he wasn''t nearly as impactful as Gasol.


    He lacked the passing ability that Gasol provided.


    And more importantly, his defensive shortcomings were glaring liabilities in high-level playoff games.


    Both teams continued targeting each other''s weaknesses throughout the third quarter, and neither side gained an edge.


    This was great news for the Cavaliers, as the game seemed headed for a tight, three-quarter battle.


    And crucially, Han Sen hadn''t overexerted himself.


    Now it all depended on how the Cavaliers handled the upcoming rotations.


    With three minutes left in the third, Han took a seat to rest.


    Kyrie stayed on the floor to lead the offense.


    Spoelstra countered by sending Dragi? and Wade out together.


    Wade took the defensive assignment on Kyrie, clearly intending to create separation in the score before the final quarter.


    It doesn''t take long to build a lead¡ªa few successful possessions can do it.


    Spoelstra''s lineup looked perfect on paper.


    But things didn''t go according to plan.


    Wade couldn''t stop Kyrie.


    Kyrie had one plan tonight:


    Attack the paint.


    Wade, plagued by years of knee injuries, couldn''t match Kyrie''s explosive first step.


    And when double-teamed, Kyrie didn''t settle for fancy finishes.


    Instead, he drew contact and got himself to the free-throw line.


    By the end of the third quarter, Kyrie had only taken seven field goal attempts.


    But he had already attempted eight free throws.


    With efficient shooting¡ªseven attempts, four makes¡ªhis scoring output was scary.


    The third quarter ended with the Heat holding a slim 103-102 lead.


    When Wade missed a buzzer-beater, Pat Riley could be seen frowning from the stands.


    The game was heading toward exactly the kind of scenario Riley didn''t want to see.


    The fourth quarter began with Spoelstra''s plan finally clicking.


    He had rested Durant late in the third to ensure he''d be fresh at the start of the fourth.


    Gasol, who had rested early, was back on the floor, too.


    Durant moved to power forward, giving the Heat a potent lineup.


    Spoelstra had clearly learned from his mistakes in the first half.


    The old Cavaliers couldn''t handle this kind of firepower.


    Durant attacked immediately, driving inside to draw a foul on Garnett.


    He sank both free throws.


    On the next possession, Thabo Sefolosha disrupted Mo Williams'' shot, leading to a Heat fast break.


    Gasol secured the rebound and pushed the ball upcourt, finding Durant on the wing for a pull-up three.


    Splash.


    Durant fist-pumped as he ran back on defense, roaring toward the crowd.


    The arena exploded.


    Durant had scored five straight points to give the Heat momentum.


    The Cavaliers had Han Sen.


    But the Heat had their own MVP.


    Just then, Han Sen walked toward the scorer''s table.


    At the next dead ball, Han checked in, replacing Cunningham.


    This substitution meant he would be directly matching up with Durant.


    Clearly, this wasn''t Malone''s decision¡ªit was Han''s request.


    As Han stood near the scorer''s table, he gave Cunningham a quick fist bump before gently patting his head.


    "The rest of the game is mine."


    Cunningham and the rest of the old Cavaliers had already done more than enough tonight.


    The Heat had possession.


    The score was 108-102.


    Durant hadn''t expected Han to guard him, but he immediately began his off-ball movement.


    Yet, no matter how he ran through screens or darted around the court, Han was right there with him.


    Up to this point, Malone had tried to preserve Han''s energy, just as he had asked PJ Tucker to guard Durant earlier.


    But now, everything had changed.


    Durant finally took the ball from Gasol on a handoff, but his shot was heavily contested by Han and bounced off the rim.


    That''s what happens when you face the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.


    Kevin Garnett grabbed the defensive rebound and immediately saw Han streaking past the three-point line.


    Without hesitation, Garnett launched a full-court pass.


    Han caught the ball on the run, sprinted to the basket, and threw down a thunderous tomahawk dunk, leaving Chalmers in the dust.


    The arena exploded in chaos.


    The moment Han stepped back on the court, the Cavaliers'' energy transformed.


    Back on offense, Durant continued his off-ball movement, but he couldn''t shake Han.


    Finally, he gave up and started talking to Han during the play.


    "Aren''t you worried you''ll run out of gas?"


    Durant had a point. Chasing him on defense and attacking in transition would sap anyone''s energy.


    But, just like before, Han''s response left him speechless.


    "As long as you''re still standing, so am I."


    Durant cursed under his breath.


    He wished he could slap himself for asking in the first place.


    Han''s impact was immediate and undeniable.


    The Cavaliers not only held the scoreline during the rotation but, with Han''s defensive intensity, they even tied the game.


    The pressure now shifted to Spoelstra.


    He realized one crucial fact: until Han left the court, he couldn''t afford to rest Durant.


    Because with Han running at full throttle, the Cavaliers might actually pull ahead if Durant sat.


    And Han?


    He showed no signs of wanting to sit out the fourth quarter.


    By the time both teams brought their starters back, it was clear¡ªHan and Durant were locked in for the entire final quarter.


    With about five minutes left, Kyrie Irving drove hard to the basket, drawing Gasol''s sixth foul, sending the veteran big man out of the game.


    Gasol wasn''t just an addition to the Heat''s offense.


    He was their core engine.


    Without him, their offensive firepower dropped significantly.


    But the Cavaliers couldn''t capitalize right away, either. Han''s earlier exertion began to show, and his shooting efficiency dipped.


    The game shifted from a shootout to a brick-fest.


    With a minute remaining, Durant finally broke the deadlock, nailing a jumper to give the Heat a 126-125 lead.


    Malone immediately called a timeout.


    It seemed early, but it was Tyronn Lue''s suggestion.


    The goal?


    To give Han a breather.


    Lue even handed Han a water bottle himself.


    That''s how Lue earned the respect of players.


    "The Cavaliers have fought their way to a last-minute chance to win this game!" Barkley exclaimed, his excitement surpassing even Shaq''s.


    His initial prediction¡ªthat the Cavaliers might win one game in the series¡ªnow looked comically conservative.


    And it seemed the Cavaliers might take Game 1 right away.


    "The Heat are feeling the pressure now," Shaq added. "This isn''t just about losing Game 1¡ªit''s about their confidence."


    Han had beaten the Heat too many times before.


    If he kept doing it, wouldn''t that confirm he was unstoppable?


    Out of the timeout, Cleveland had possession.


    Kyrie brought the ball up the court and quickly passed to Han Sen, who stood just outside the three-point line.


    Kyrie then moved to the weak side, clearing space for Han to operate.


    Han squared up at the 45-degree angle, facing off against Dwyane Wade.


    Seven years ago, Wade would never have imagined that the scrawny kid from a Division II college, who once worked as a ball boy for the Heat, would now stand before him as a rival.


    Back then, Han was weak but fearless.


    Now, he was strong¡ªand terrifying.


    The defense chants from the crowd rang out, but there was fear in those chants.


    Han wasted no time.


    Holding the ball in one hand, he took a quick step forward.


    Wade tried to keep up, but Han''s elite ball-handling skills¡ªthanks to his [Uncle Drew] talent¡ªwere too much.


    With a massive crossover, Han left Wade in the dust.


    One-on-one, no one could stop Han Sen.


    After taking one step inside the arc, Han pulled up for a mid-range jumper.


    He had missed his last two shots, but the timeout had rejuvenated him.


    The Heat''s help defense was too slow, leaving only Wade''s desperate contest.


    Han''s shot arced beautifully, the ball tracing a perfect curve through the air.


    Swish!


    The crowd fell dead silent.


    The Cavaliers were back on top, 127-126, with 40 seconds left.


    Spoelstra quickly called a timeout.


    "That''s Han!" Shaq roared from the commentary booth. "In the clutch, you can always count on him!"


    Five years ago, Han had already earned his nickname:


    The Scorer''s Table Terminator.


    Coming out of the timeout, Spoelstra drew up a play for Durant.


    Durant shook off Tucker and got the ball in a prime shooting position.


    But his jumper clanged off the rim.


    Han''s words echoed in Durant''s mind:


    "As long as you''re standing, so am I."


    Durant''s legs were shot.


    His stamina was gone.


    TT grabbed the crucial defensive rebound.


    Malone didn''t call a timeout.


    Han Sen took the ball and pushed it up the court.


    Wade''s heart sank as he recognized what was happening.


    Memories of Han''s past dagger shots flooded his mind. He lunged for a steal, but Han spun away with a behind-the-back dribble.


    "Stop him!" Wade screamed, chasing Han down.


    He even shouted at Durant, trying to get him to contest the shot.


    But Han reached the three-point line before Durant could react.


    Durant took a half-step back, expecting Han to drive.


    It was the right call against most players.


    But Wade knew it was over.


    Han pulled up for a transition three.


    Durant jumped to contest, but it was too late.


    The ball sailed over his outstretched hand, dropping toward the rim.


    Swish!


    Game over.


    Shaq couldn''t contain himself.


    He jumped out of his seat, tearing off his headset in the process.


    "Cleveland, your true king has returned!"


    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 287: Two Hundred.

    Chapter 287: Two Hundred.Han Sen''s clutch three-pointer was a dagger.


    Though there were still 24 seconds left on the clock¡ªexactly one full possession¡ªthis shot had turned a one-point lead into four.


    A four-point deficit wasn''t something you could erase in just one possession.


    That''s why Shaq had been so excited.


    Meanwhile, the Heat fans in American Airlines Arena sat in stunned disbelief, holding their heads in their hands.


    Even Pat Riley wore an expression of pure shock.


    Was Han Sen really going to force the Heat to retire his No. 77 jersey right next to their No. 23?


    On the court, Han remained calm, as if what he had just done was no big deal.


    Spoelstra called a timeout.


    As Garnett walked over to Han, he fist-pumped in excitement and leaned in close, pressing his forehead against Han''s.


    "You killed them! You killed them!"


    Like fire meeting ice, the scene was the perfect post-game poster for Game 1.


    Out of the timeout, the Heat ran a three-point play.


    At this point, they had no other choice.


    Malone, naturally, anticipated this move, and the Cavaliers'' defense extended to the perimeter.


    Durant ended up forcing a deep three, taking the shot a full meter behind the arc.


    If Durant had fresh legs, he might''ve made it. But fatigue had set in, and the shot fell short, clanging off the front rim.


    Vu?evi? grabbed the offensive rebound, but the Cavaliers'' small-ball lineup cut off his passing lanes.


    With time running out, Vu?evi? was forced to take a quick two-pointer.


    That was it. The Heat lost their chance.


    Malone called another timeout, setting up a sideline inbounds play for the Cavaliers.


    Han calmly passed the ball to Kyrie Irving.


    Having gone 8-for-8 from the free-throw line earlier in the game, Kyrie knocked down both free throws, sealing the victory for the Cavaliers.


    132-128.


    The final buzzer sounded, but Heat fans remained frozen in their seats, struggling to process what had just happened.


    On the court, Durant pulled out his mouthguard, staring at the scoreboard for what felt like an eternity.


    When he finally looked away, his eyes were filled with frustration and resignation.


    The Heat had scored 128 points, a total that would normally guarantee a win.


    But the Cavaliers had put up 132.


    What could you even say to that?


    At the post-game handshake, Wade approached Han with a smile, shaking his head.


    "You lied to me."


    Kyrie hadn''t just played tonight; he had dropped 23 points, shooting 6-for-9 from the field and a perfect 10-for-10 from the line.


    Without Kyrie''s performance, the Cavaliers wouldn''t have won this game.


    Han, however, responded with a sly grin.


    "But we''re opponents, aren''t we?"


    Why would anyone trust their rival?


    At the post-game press conference, Han and Kyrie sat side by side.


    The first question was about Shaq''s now-famous quote from the broadcast:


    "He called you Cleveland''s true king."


    Han shook his head, smiling faintly.


    "No, I don''t like that title."


    Having lived through the LeBron Cavaliers 1.0 era, Han had no love for titles like ''king'' or ''emperor''.


    "I''ve always said American Airlines Arena is my lucky court."


    His humor drew laughter from the press room, but Han soon turned serious.


    "The key to tonight''s win was that everyone on the team played their best."


    Han had scored 35 points, which wouldn''t have been enough to beat the Heat on a normal night.


    But tonight, the Cavaliers had five players in double figures:


    - Kyrie Irving: 23 points


    - JR Smith: 18 points


    - Mo Williams: 14 points


    - Tristan Thompson: 11 points


    - Cunningham: 8 points


    "I''m just following Han''s lead," Kyrie added.


    "He''s the best player in history." sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    The following day, the Golden State Warriors crushed the Lakers in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, winning 121-106.


    As it turned out, Kenny Smith had been right all along.


    The Warriors dominated both offensively and defensively, but more importantly, Timofey Mozgov was unplayable against the Death Lineup.


    The Lakers were forced to play on the Warriors'' terms, and it wasn''t pretty.


    With two UA teams drawing first blood in the Conference Finals, fans began to wonder:


    "Could Nike''s three superteams all fail to make the Finals?"


    It seemed unthinkable, but it was now a real possibility.


    The Heat, however, quickly silenced those whispers.


    Despite losing Game 1, they stormed back to win the next two games, taking a 2-1 lead.


    In Game 3, Han scored 44 points, but it wasn''t enough to secure a win.


    The Cavaliers had played well, but their margin for error against this Heat team was razor-thin.


    Role players might step up for one game, but expecting them to carry that performance through an entire series was too much.


    Before Game 4, Malone delivered a stirring pre-game speech:


    "We either rise tonight, or we die tonight."


    Though it was only Game 4, the Cavaliers were on the brink. A loss would put them down 1-3, with Game 5 back in Miami.


    Lose this game, and they were as good as finished.


    Perhaps Malone''s words resonated, or maybe it was just the law of averages, but the Cavaliers finally hit their ceiling in Game 4.


    They shot the lights out, sinking six threes in the first quarter alone.


    With such strong perimeter shooting, Han was able to focus his energy on defending Durant.


    The Heat had multiple scoring threats, but their offense ran through Durant.


    By the end of the game, the Cavaliers had set a new NBA playoff record, making 20 of 38 three-point attempts.


    They won 123-106, tying the series 2-2 and forcing a Game 5.


    But in Game 5, despite Han''s 51-point performance, the Heat secured the win and took a 3-2 series lead. ¢Ù


    Han''s effort was heroic, but the disparity in team strength was clear.


    The Heat could win with solid play, while the Cavaliers needed miracles.


    And miracles have cooldown periods.


    After the Game 5 loss, the Cavaliers'' locker room was somber.


    Doubt crept in.


    If 51 points from Han couldn''t get the win, what could they do?


    It was then that Tyronn Lue stepped up.


    "Everyone, hand me $200."


    Without waiting, Lue pulled out his own wallet, setting $200 on the table.


    Malone and Griffin followed, clearly in on the plan.


    The players, though confused, complied.


    When Lue had collected all the cash, he wrapped it in paper and hid it in the ceiling of the visitor''s locker room.


    "We''ll come back for it in Game 7, right?"


    Though it sounded like a question, it wasn''t.


    Han smiled, shaking his head in admiration.


    Lue''s speeches were always on point.


    Han was the first to extend his hand, and one by one, the entire team piled their hands together.


    "Let''s go get it back."


    ...


    Game 6 returned to Cleveland, marking the final home game of the series for the Cavaliers.


    Before the game, Kyrie Irving experienced knee soreness.


    Throughout the series, Kyrie had shown improvement compared to his struggles against the Bulls. While he still had issues with defense and handling double teams, his performance looked much better.


    Part of this improvement was due to Miami''s defense being weaker than Chicago''s, but Kyrie also played more aggressively.


    He was averaging 9.5 free-throw attempts per game in this series, a significant jump from his regular-season numbers.


    As Han Sen had told him, confidence was the key. Before Kyrie made any changes to his game, he needed to play with conviction.


    However, this new aggressive approach was starting to take a toll on his body.


    An often-overlooked fact was that Kyrie''s body was fragile.


    Before being drafted into the NBA, he had only played 11 games in college, barely one-third of the season.


    In his first two NBA seasons, he had only appeared in 50+ games each year.


    Throughout his career, Kyrie rarely played 70+ games in a season.


    For many years, missing 30-40 games became the norm.


    His injury list was long: knee injuries, shoulder issues, back problems, toe injuries...


    To put it in a less flattering way, his injuries were as diverse as his offensive moves.


    Would this soreness turn into a major injury like the one Han Sen knew from history?


    Han didn''t know.


    But one thing was certain: There was no way Kyrie would sit out this elimination game.


    To miss a do-or-die game at home? That would be career suicide for Kyrie in Cleveland.


    ...


    Game 6 at Quicken Loans Arena was electric.


    The arena was packed, and outside, fans who couldn''t get tickets gathered en masse to soak in the atmosphere.


    Unlike newer arenas, Quicken Loans Arena didn''t have a giant screen for outside viewing, meaning these fans simply wanted to be as close as possible to the action.


    It was madness¡ªa testament to the fanbase Han had rebuilt during his return to Cleveland.


    And once the game started, the fans'' energy never waned.


    The roars from the crowd were deafening, a 360-degree wall of sound that filled the entire arena.


    Playing in such an intense atmosphere sent adrenaline surging through the Cavaliers.


    Every player looked like they were on fire.


    Even Han Sen, usually composed, shifted his focus from jump shots to attacking the paint and drawing fouls.


    But drawing fouls wasn''t going to be easy tonight.


    Adam Silver''s balancing act clearly didn''t want an all-UA Finals, so critical officiating decisions were bound to go against Cleveland.


    Still, Miami struggled to score.


    Adrenaline often has a greater impact on defense than offense, and tonight, the Cavaliers were playing defense with their lives on the line.


    When Kevin Garnett, at 39 years old, risked career-ending injury by diving into the stands to save a ball, the message was clear.


    This was all-out war.


    The intensity affected the Heat as well.


    Even Kyrie, despite his sore knee, played with more aggression than in Game 1 and performed exceptionally well.


    The game was neck-and-neck heading into the final quarter.


    Once again, Jordan Rules were deployed against Han Sen.


    It was a familiar sight.


    But this time, Kyrie stepped up.


    He scored 12 points in the fourth quarter, using his driving ability to draw fouls and punish the Heat defense.


    In the end, Cleveland edged out Miami 108-103, forcing a Game 7.


    Han Sen finished with a 40-point triple-double: 40 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists.


    Kyrie set a new career playoff high, scoring 32 points.


    The Quicken Loans Arena erupted into pandemonium.


    But amid the celebrations, Kyrie sat on the bench, visibly limping.


    With the help of team doctors, he was escorted to the locker room.


    Game 1 was won through team unity.


    Game 4 came from lights-out shooting.


    But Game 6? It was won through sheer willpower.


    As Han Sen had said, one game at a time.


    But Game 6 came at a steep cost.


    ...


    After the press conference, Han Sen received a message from David Griffin.


    The results of Kyrie''s hospital tests were in:


    He had suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee and would need at least a month of rest.


    For Han, the injury was all too familiar.


    He had seen Marc Gasol go through the same injury in Memphis, missing two months before returning.


    The bad news?


    Kyrie was out for the season, effectively done for the playoffs.


    The good news?


    It wasn''t the career-threatening patellar fracture Han had feared.


    Han Sen went to visit Kyrie at the hospital.


    "Do you regret it?"


    Kyrie smiled.


    "No. This journey has been incredible."


    Kyrie seemed at peace.


    From a personal standpoint, he had redeemed himself in this series.


    From an experience standpoint, as he had said, it was worth it.


    Success wasn''t always about winning a championship. Sometimes, it was about giving everything you had in pursuit of it.


    And Kyrie had done just that.


    As for playing through injuries with painkillers like Kobe or Curry?


    That was never Kyrie''s style.


    And it wouldn''t have made a difference.


    Without being at his best, Kyrie''s presence on the court would have done more harm than good.


    After winning Game 6, the Cavaliers'' odds of making the Finals had climbed to 36%, the highest of the series.


    But once news of Kyrie''s injury broke, those odds plummeted to 3%.


    Without Kyrie, Han Sen was the only offensive weapon left.


    Could Han carry the Cavaliers to victory against this Heat team all by himself?


    -End of Chapter-


    ¢Ù There have been four instances in NBA history where a player scored 50+ points in a playoff game and still lost:


    1. 1989: Michael Jordan (50 points) vs. Cavaliers, Game 4


    2. 2006: Kobe Bryant (50 points) vs. Suns


    3. 2009: Ray Allen (50 points) vs. Bulls


    4. 1986: Michael Jordan (63 points) vs. Celtics


    TL/n: Would Han Sen add his name to this list?


    With Kyrie Irving sidelined and the Cavaliers'' season hanging by a thread, can Han Sen defy the odds once again?


    Will Cleveland witness a new Chapter of greatness, or will Miami finally conquer their biggest nightmare?


    Find out in the next episode of... HAN SEN: LEGEND OF THE HATER KING!

 Chapter 288: Fifty Is Not Enough.

    Chapter 288: Fifty Is Not Enough.The outside sentiment was grim, but aboard the plane to Miami, the Cavaliers were in surprisingly high spirits.


    At Han Sen''s suggestion, they even started a game of Texas Hold''em during the flight.


    For this Cavaliers squad, forcing a Game 7 against the Heat was already a success.


    They carried no pressure now. All that was left was to give it their all in this do-or-die showdown.


    Losing would be expected. Winning would be a miracle.


    As the Cavaliers headed to Miami, the Western Conference Finals had already concluded.


    The Golden State Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in six games, advancing to the Finals.


    With that result, the Nike-backed Western strategy completely crumbled¡ªonly the Heat remained standing in the East.


    Upon arrival in Miami, Malone led the Cavaliers to practice at the American Airlines Arena.


    Their first order of business? Retrieving the cash stash hidden in the ceiling of the visitor''s locker room.


    But Tyronn Lue wasn''t ready to give the money back just yet. Instead, he made the team a bet.


    "If we win tonight, I''ll give you ten times the amount. Are you willing to take that gamble?"


    The stash amounted to $4,000, which meant $40,000 if they pulled off the upset.


    Even for the most expensive assistant coach in NBA history, that wasn''t pocket change.


    But that was exactly the point.


    If Lue, a mere assistant coach, was willing to risk that much for a win, what did the players have to fear?


    That night, the American Airlines Arena was packed to capacity.


    Despite this, Heat fans were visibly tense.


    On paper, the Cavaliers had no chance tonight. But theory was one thing¡ªreality was another.


    In Game 1, Cleveland had already turned the impossible into possible.


    As long as Han Sen was playing, who could say they wouldn''t do it again?


    Pat Riley was also in attendance. This time, he wasn''t seated in the stands but right behind the Heat bench, alongside the team''s staff.


    Even Riley looked nervous.


    "The Cavs have no real chance tonight," Barkley insisted. He had been firmly in the Heat''s corner all series.


    "I agree, but if they somehow pull it off, it''ll be historic," Shaq countered, unable to hide his admiration for Han Sen''s resilience.


    Deep down, Shaq couldn''t help but regret turning down Han Sen''s comeback offer.


    The starting lineups were announced.


    Cavaliers: Delly / JR Smith / Han Sen / PJ Tucker / Tristan Thompson


    Heat: Dragic / Wade / Durant / Deng / Gasol


    With Kyrie Irving out, Malone made a surprising move by starting Matthew Dellavedova.


    The strategy was clear¡ªCleveland''s entire offense would revolve around Han Sen.


    It was a straightforward and brutal game plan, but it also showed Han Sen''s determination.


    Even if their chances were only 3%, he was ready to give it his all.


    The opening tip went to the Cavs.


    From the outset, the Heat threw double teams at Han Sen. It was the obvious choice¡ªshut down Han, and the Cavs'' offense would collapse.


    But on the very first possession, Delly hit a three-pointer off a Han Sen pass.


    Dellavedova''s talent was unremarkable. He wasn''t even drafted into the NBA.


    But as Cunningham once told Han, Delly worked as hard as anyone in the league.


    Hard work couldn''t improve his athleticism, but it allowed him to perfect the things he could control¡ªdefense and open threes.


    Despite Delly''s early success, Spoelstra didn''t adjust the defense right away.


    But when JR Smith nailed another three-pointer on the next possession, he started to waver.


    After all, Game 4 had been decided by a Cavaliers'' three-point explosion.


    If it happened once, what was stopping it from happening again?


    On the Cavs'' third possession, Han Sen finally got a one-on-one opportunity.


    Defender: Luol Deng.


    Deng was a solid all-around defender, with size, experience, and technique. His only weakness? Age had slowed him down.


    Han faced up, took a single dribble, then pulled up for a jump shot.


    Swish.


    Han''s scoring spree had begun.


    You could see Deng bumping Han at every opportunity. It was clear Spoelstra''s strategy was to wear him down.


    But Han had prepared for this. He chose simple, efficient attacks to conserve energy.


    ...


    First Quarter:


    Han Sen played all 12 minutes and scored 18 points.


    The Cavs trailed 28-32.


    But as the second quarter began, the Cavs struggled against the Heat''s bench depth.


    Despite Mo Williams stepping up, Miami pushed the lead into double digits.


    When Han returned to the floor, the Cavs were already down by double figures.


    Han wasted no time.


    On his first possession back, he blew past Deng for a quick layup.


    No matter how solid Deng''s defense was, he couldn''t stop Han one-on-one.


    Han scored another 15 points in the quarter, reaching 33 points by halftime.


    The Cavs trailed 52-58 at the break.


    "We have every reason to believe Han will drop 50 tonight," Barkley predicted as the halftime buzzer sounded.


    ...


    The second half opened with Han Sen immediately facing a double-team.


    But PJ Tucker drilled a corner three off Han''s pass.


    Sure, $2,000 was no small amount, but the motivation that money brought far outweighed its monetary value.


    They couldn''t provide Kyrie Irving-level scoring, but they could do everything else to perfection.


    On the next possession, Han wasn''t double-teamed anymore.


    Spoelstra tested the waters but stuck to his main game plan: wear Han down.


    By this quarter, his strategy started showing results.


    Although Han still scored 14 points in the third, his energy and efficiency began to wane.


    This forced Malone to bring in Mo Williams earlier than planned to share the ball-handling duties.


    The Heat capitalized and stretched their lead back to double digits.


    ...


    47 points through three quarters.


    Han Sen embodied the "fearless warrior" archetype that had defined his entire career.


    Or, perhaps more fitting now that he was back in Cleveland, a relentless knight.


    But this time, he wasn''t facing opponents he could defeat with sheer bravery alone. His adversaries were armed with long spears, ready to pierce through any bold charge.


    As the fourth quarter began, Han was on the bench.


    He had to rest¡ªhis energy was completely drained.


    Sweat poured from his face like a faucet. He wiped it away with a towel, but fresh beads immediately formed.


    And that''s when a voice inside his head whispered:


    "You''ve done everything you can. Rest now. Losing to this Heat team is no shame¡ªjust like when Jordan lost to the Magic. No one will blame you."


    That insidious voice grew louder.


    Physical exhaustion inevitably brought mental fatigue. And as the Heat widened their lead, it became even harder to block out.


    ...


    On the sidelines, Malone was tense, watching his team struggle during the bench stretch.


    Suddenly, a whistle blew.


    Mo Williams collided with Vucevic on a drive, crashing to the floor.


    Malone''s heart skipped a beat.


    If Mo went down too, the Cavs were finished.


    Thankfully, Mo got back up, stretching out his shoulder to signal he was okay.


    Malone exhaled deeply in relief.


    Then, a familiar voice spoke from behind.


    "Coach, I''m ready to go back in."


    Malone turned to see Han Sen standing there.


    He hadn''t even noticed Han approach¡ªhis focus had been entirely on Mo.


    "Rest two more minutes," Malone suggested, noting Han''s sweat-drenched face.


    But Han shook his head.


    "I''ll have plenty of time to rest after the game."


    Malone hesitated. But after seeing the determination in Han''s eyes, he nodded.


    The Cavs were down 13 points. If they didn''t cut into the lead now, there would be no clutch moment to fight for.


    A short whistle blew.


    Han Sen subbed in for JR Smith.


    When this moment appeared on the LED scoreboard, the arena buzzed with shock and murmurs.


    "Already? Fourth quarter just started!"


    Han had barely rested two and a half minutes.


    Was Han Sen made of steel? How could anyone endure such intensity and still keep going?


    Spoelstra sighed with relief.


    He knew that if Han was subbing back in this early, there was no way his stamina would hold until the end.


    Cavs lineup: Mo Williams / Han Sen / PJ Tucker / Cunningham / Garnett


    Heat lineup: Chalmers / Sefolosha / Durant / Deng / Vucevic


    Han walked to the free-throw line and fist-bumped Mo Williams.


    The camera zoomed in on Han Sen, chewing gum.


    In the 90s, chewing gum was a staple among NBA players. It helped with stress relief, focus, and keeping the mouth moist during games.


    But over time, gum was replaced by mouthguards, as swallowing gum during intense play posed a choking hazard.


    Han typically wore a mouthguard, too.


    But just before re-entering the game, he took it out and asked Garnett for a piece of gum.


    Now, on camera, he even blew a bubble.


    It was relaxing, calming.


    Maybe Curry''s mouthguard-biting habit wasn''t so strange after all.


    ...


    Mo Williams sank both free throws, cutting the deficit to 90-101.


    But on the next play, Durant hit a mid-range jumper.


    A fully energized KD was still unstoppable.


    Back on offense, Han saw that the double-team didn''t come this time.


    So, he attacked Sefolosha with a quick crossover, driving hard to the basket.


    The interior help defense was late, and Han finished through contact.


    No whistle.


    It was obvious¡ªthe Silva system was in play tonight. The Cavs weren''t just battling the Heat; they were fighting the league''s balance-keeping agenda.


    On the next Heat possession, Spoelstra called for a Durant iso.


    At this stage, maintaining offensive efficiency was critical. All the Heat needed to do was hold the lead until Han ran out of gas.


    Durant backed down PJ Tucker, then spun for a layup.


    But Cunningham swooped in, using his quick feet and timing to block KD''s shot against the backboard.


    Durant was stunned¡ªhe hadn''t expected Cunningham to be capable of that.


    Tucker grabbed the rebound and launched a quick outlet pass to Han Sen.


    The Cavs pushed the pace.


    Han threw a full-court bounce pass, hitting Mo Williams perfectly in stride for a fast-break layup.


    92-101.


    The deficit was back to single digits!


    Spoelstra couldn''t sit still. He called for Gasol to check in.


    Durant, looking for his signature mid-range jumper, was disrupted by Garnett flying in to contest.


    The Cavs'' energy had shifted completely with Han''s return.


    Han Sen was like a rallying flag, raising team morale the moment he stepped onto the court.


    On the next play, Tucker secured the rebound and handed the ball to Han Sen.


    This time, Han and Mo led a 2-on-1 fast break.


    After a series of quick passes, Han received the ball from Mo and went for the layup.


    Chalmers wrapped him up, trying to force a trip to the line.


    But Han powered through, finishing the and-one despite the contact.


    The whistle blew.


    Han stepped back and fist-pumped, letting out an excited roar.


    In Game 1, it had been the old Cavs veterans leading the charge.


    Now, in Game 7, it was Han Sen leading them into one final battle.


    As Han approached the free-throw line, the crowd''s boos echoed through the arena.


    Taking the ball, Han chewed his gum, exhaled deeply, and lined up his shot.


    Swish!


    The free throw dropped.


    Score: 95-101.


    The deficit was now just six points.


    Seeing enough, Spoelstra called timeout.


    On the LED scoreboard, Han Sen''s stats were displayed:


    52 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 3 fouls, 3 turnovers.


    At that moment, Shaquille O''Neal couldn''t hold back his excitement.


    "If 50 points isn''t enough to win, how about 60?"


    The statement sounded simple, but it carried immense weight.


    Because, in NBA history, there had only been two playoff games where a player scored 60+ points:


    - Michael Jordan''s 63 against the Celtics. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    - Elgin Baylor''s 61 in the Finals.


    Han Sen was on pace to become the third.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 289: History Rewritten Tonight!

    Chapter 289: History Rewritten Tonight!The timeout ended, and Spoelstra immediately brought back all his starters.


    He''d realized he fell behind Malone''s rotation adjustments. If he''d made the substitutions when Han Sen returned, the momentum wouldn''t have shifted so rapidly.


    But it wasn''t too late.


    A 6-point lead could be preserved with the starting lineup back on the floor, ensuring victory for the Heat.


    Gasol took the ball in the low post, backing down TT.


    PJ Tucker slid in for help defense.


    Gasol kicked it out to Luol Deng.


    JR Smith rotated to cover Deng.


    Deng passed to Wade, but Delly was already switching onto him.


    Han Sen had taken over the Cavaliers'' offensive burden, allowing his teammates to focus all their energy on defense.


    And with Han''s scoring spree, the Cavs'' morale was sky-high.


    The Heat''s offensive system broke down. They resorted to star power.


    Wade drove on Delly, attacking the paint.


    But shockingly, Wade''s floater missed under Delly''s relentless defense!


    First Cunningham, now Delly¡ªplayers who were once dismissed as invisible were stepping up when the team needed them most.


    The Cavs ran a fast break.


    Han Sen charged ahead, but this time, the Heat fouled hard to stop him.


    Dragic yanked Han down mid-air, preventing another and-one.


    As Han hit the floor, JR Smith stormed over, confronting Dragic.


    The two butted heads, and tensions flared.


    Neither side could afford to lose.


    The Cavs refused to give up.


    The Heat couldn''t afford to lose.


    At this stage, sparks were inevitable.


    Han Sen stepped to the free-throw line.


    The arena erupted with deafening boos.


    But Han, unfazed by the commotion, sank both free throws.


    The Cavs'' defense wasn''t elite, but their desire to win drove them to play top-tier defense in the fourth quarter.


    With their defense fueling fast breaks, they cut the lead to just 4 points.


    A 13-point deficit seemed insurmountable, but 4 points?


    That was within striking distance.


    ...


    Durant finally woke up.


    Facing JR''s contest, KD drained a mid-range pull-up.


    When plays broke down, the game came down to stars making tough shots.


    On the next possession, the Heat double-teamed Han Sen again.


    At this stage of the game, with everyone fatigued, the double-teams were more effective.


    Han passed to Delly, but this time Delly missed the three.


    You couldn''t expect a $1 million role player to make $20 million superstar plays in crunch time.


    But TT came to the rescue, grabbing an offensive board.


    Without hesitation, he passed back to Han, who sliced through the defense, twisting mid-air to avoid Gasol''s contest before finishing with a reverse layup.


    The deficit shrank to 4 points again.


    And with that bucket, Han reached 56 points.


    Han had already broken the playoff scoring record he set earlier in the first round.


    And with over five minutes left, he was on pace to become only the third player in NBA history to hit 60+ points in the playoffs.


    He might even surpass Jordan''s legendary 63-point game.


    But KD wasn''t done.


    He caught a pass from Dragic and hit another mid-range jumper over PJ Tucker.


    For the Cavs, this was the worst possible scenario¡ªKD heating up in the clutch.


    The American Airlines Arena erupted.


    Even Spoelstra, usually composed, fist-pumped in excitement.


    For Durant, Han Sen had long been his nightmare. To cement his legacy, he had to conquer Han.


    Tonight, Durant was doing just that.


    ...


    On the next possession, Han Sen played off-ball, but even then, the Heat doubled him.


    Fatigued, Han''s contested jumper fell short.


    Gasol grabbed the defensive board, and Spoelstra exhaled in relief.


    "One more bucket," Spoelstra thought.


    "If we push the lead to 8, it''s over."


    The momentum would fully swing back to the Heat.


    And judging by Han''s missed shot, it was clear he was running on empty.


    "Let''s go, Heat!"


    The crowd''s chants intensified.


    Suddenly, Han switched onto KD.


    This wasn''t ego¡ªit was strategy.


    Recognizing the Heat''s defensive adjustments, Han knew that forcing fast breaks off defensive stops was their best shot at winning.


    Standing face-to-face with KD, Han Sen smirked.


    "Kevin, you''ll never beat me."


    Durant''s expression hardened.


    Han always knew how to hit his nerve.


    Durant called for the ball, waving off Gasol''s screen.


    He wanted a clear iso.


    With his hot hand, not even Han could stop him.


    It was a classic showdown between two MVPs.


    KD shielded the ball with his body, then suddenly spun into a pull-up jumper.


    Durant''s game had evolved. His approach was simple yet deadly.


    But Han, locked in on defense, timed his swipe perfectly, disrupting KD''s rhythm.


    The best way to defend KD?


    Annoy him, disrupt his balance, and attack his lower body.


    KD''s shot clanked off the rim.


    TT grabbed the rebound.


    The Cavs ran another fast break.


    Han drew the entire defense, then, at the free-throw line, dished a no-look pass to JR.


    JR pulled up for three.


    Swish!


    The ball splashed through the net.


    You couldn''t rely on role players to do superstar things.


    But you could trust JR Smith when the lights were brightest.


    "JR''s not crazy¡ªhe''s an All-Star every day!"


    ...


    104-107.


    The Cavs cut the deficit to 3 points¡ªjust one possession.


    What was supposed to be an 8-point lead had shrunk to 3.


    Spoelstra couldn''t stay calm anymore.


    He called another timeout.


    On the bench, Han Sen was gasping for air.


    He couldn''t even control his breathing anymore.


    Garnett handed him a new piece of gum.


    Han spit out the old one, took a swig of water, and began chewing the fresh piece, focusing on steadying his breath.


    Then, Tyronn Lue''s voice cut through the air:


    "There are two most important days in a person''s life. The day you''re born, and the day you find out why."


    "To me, you were all born to win."


    No more tactics were necessary.


    The only strategy left was to dig deep and fight to the end.


    Mark Twain''s words, remixed by Lue, struck a chord.


    The Cavs'' bench erupted, fists raised in unison, yelling their team chant as they prepared to rewrite history.


    ...


    Coming back from the timeout, Gasol set up at the free-throw line to facilitate the Heat''s offense.


    Spoelstra knew what he needed¡ªhigh-percentage shots.


    But the defensive intensity from the Cavs on the floor was unbelievable. They were playing like men possessed, locking down every possible passing lane.


    Wade''s floater clanged off the rim. The Heat failed to score on their first possession back.


    Han Sen secured the rebound and pushed the ball up court, triggering another fast break.


    The five Cavaliers on the court sprinted like gazelles, storming the court with relentless energy.


    The Heat''s transition defense couldn''t keep up.


    The crowd didn''t know what was happening.


    All they saw was a team playing out of their minds.


    Delly passed the ball back to Han Sen, who spotted Dragic trying to foul him again.


    This time, Han lowered his shoulder, powered through, and went up with all his strength...


    BOOM!


    Han threw down a ferocious dunk, shaking the rim.


    The whistle blew.


    Dragic was called for a defensive foul as he lay on the floor.


    The arena fell silent in shock.


    Han Sen can still dunk like that?!


    As Han landed, he shot a death stare at Dragic before turning away.


    Taking a deep breath, Han adjusted his stance.


    That one explosive play had drained his energy again.


    But it was worth it.


    The Heat''s morale took a massive hit.


    They knew it. The Cavs were about to tie the game.


    Han Sen stepped to the free-throw line, greeted by a wave of boos from the Miami crowd.


    It was just like Game 1.


    Those weren''t taunts¡ªthey were cries of fear.


    After steadying his breath, Han sank the and-one free throw.


    His total for the night? 59 points.


    There were still three and a half minutes left in the game.


    "There''s no stopping Han from getting 60!" Barkley exclaimed from the commentary booth.


    But what no one expected was that both teams would go scoreless for the next two minutes.


    The game devolved into a defensive war.


    Both sides locked down the paint.


    The Heat focused on transition defense, preventing the Cavs from capitalizing on fast breaks.


    With 90 seconds remaining, Gasol missed a post-up and his own putback attempt.


    But then the whistle blew.


    TT was called for a defensive foul, sending Gasol to the free-throw line.


    TT protested loudly, insisting he hadn''t touched him.


    Seeing TT getting worked up, Han pulled him back.


    "Let it go. If we get a tech now, everything we''ve fought for is wasted."


    Han then approached the referee himself.


    "If you''re going to call fouls, at least be consistent."


    Han hadn''t said a word to the refs all game, even when he got hacked or took hard hits.


    But now, he knew the officiating would be critical.


    Gasol hit both free throws, putting the Heat back up by two points.


    Malone called timeout.


    The situation was dire.


    Not only were the Cavs forced into half-court sets, but the momentum had swung to Miami.


    The timeout wasn''t just to draw up a play¡ªit was to give Han Sen a breather.


    When play resumed, Mo Williams checked in for Delly.


    The final minute began with the Cavs running a surprising set play.


    Mo held the ball while Han set a high screen.


    Watching from the commentary booth, Shaq''s eyes widened.


    "That''s the old Cavs playbook! That''s what they used to run for LeBron!"


    Back then, Han was just a 3-and-D player, setting screens for LeBron or Mo Williams.


    But now, Han was the focal point.


    After setting the screen, Han rolled out to the perimeter, taking Dragic with him.


    Mo drove into the paint, and for a moment, it looked like he was going for a surprise layup.


    But suddenly, Mo kicked it back out to Han on the wing.


    Wade flew out to contest the shot.


    What happened next shocked everyone.


    Instead of his usual quick release, Han hesitated for a split second, letting Wade close in before drawing contact.


    Whistle!


    Wade was called for a three-point shooting foul.


    The crowd was stunned.


    No one saw it coming.


    It wasn''t just Han''s scoring skill on display¡ªit was his basketball IQ.


    "If you''re going to call ticky-tack fouls against us, at least give us ours."


    It was a brilliant move.


    With his legs fatigued, Han''s outside shot wasn''t as reliable.


    Getting to the free-throw line was the smartest choice.


    The crowd erupted with chants of "Referee sucks!"


    But Han wasn''t fazed.


    He stepped to the line and calmly sank all three free throws.


    62 points.


    Han was now officially part of the NBA''s exclusive 60+ playoff club.


    With 40 seconds left, Spoelstra didn''t call a timeout.


    He knew giving Han a break would be a mistake.


    Instead, he gestured for Dragic to run a quick play.


    The Heat caught the Cavs off-guard.


    Durant drove into the lane, drawing a foul on PJ Tucker.


    The arena fell silent.


    KD hit both free throws, putting the Heat back up 110-111 with 22 seconds left.


    With no timeouts left, Mo Williams pushed the ball up.


    No one in the arena was sitting.


    It was all or nothing.


    Han posted up on the left wing, calling for the ball.


    Deng tried to front him, but Han sealed him off with pure strength.


    Mo lobbed it in.


    As soon as Han caught the ball, Dragic closed in for a double-team.


    But Han faked a pass to Mo, forcing Dragic to retreat.


    In the next instant, before the double-team could fully form, Han spun and rose for a fadeaway jumper.


    He could''ve driven for contact, but he didn''t trust the refs.


    Instead, he relied on what he knew best.


    His turnaround was lightning quick.


    Deng was a split-second too late.


    Han elevated.


    In that moment, all he saw was the basket.


    The motion was pure muscle memory.


    As the ball spun toward the rim, every eye in the arena was glued to it.


    They knew it was going in.


    Swish!


    64 points. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    History was rewritten.


    Han Sen had surpassed Jordan.

 Chapter 290: So Close Yet So Far.

    Chapter 290: So Close Yet So Far."This is the greatest scoring performance ever!" Barkley couldn''t sit still anymore.


    He had expected Han Sen to hit 60 points, but he hadn''t imagined he''d break Jordan''s record.


    And now, it wasn''t just about breaking a record¡ªthe Cavaliers looked like they were about to win the game.


    No, win the series.


    No matter how many points you scored, no matter how spectacular your performance was, if your team lost, people would always call it stat-padding.


    Even Elgin Baylor''s 61-point game in the Finals didn''t escape criticism because the series wasn''t won.


    But now, Han Sen and the Cavs were right on the verge of victory.


    With 12 seconds left, the Heat had one final shot to win the game.


    Spoelstra called his last timeout.


    The Miami crowd was tense.


    Many fans had begun praying.


    For the Heat, even if they didn''t win the championship this year, they still had one more season to make another run.


    But losing the Eastern Conference Finals to this Cavaliers team?


    That would be an unbearable pill to swallow.


    ---


    The short timeout felt like it lasted an eternity.


    When play resumed, both teams returned to the court.


    The Cavaliers made a subtle adjustment¡ªGarnett replaced Mo Williams.


    The Cavs lineup instantly got bigger.


    This unexpected move caught Spoelstra off guard, but with no timeouts left, he couldn''t make any more adjustments.


    The Heat inbounded the ball.


    Their first play was a double-screen action for Durant.


    But Han Sen stuck to KD like glue, and Gasol couldn''t get him the ball.


    Wade took the pass instead, looking to feed KD again, but Han Sen''s positioning made the pass too risky.


    Spoelstra''s game-winning play had failed.


    In a split-second, Gasol improvised, setting a high screen for Wade on the other side.


    Wade, ever the seasoned veteran, took advantage of the screen, breaking free for a mismatch against Garnett.


    Malone had subbed in Garnett to shore up rebounding and protect the paint, especially after TT had been called for a foul on a missed rebound.


    No one knew if the refs would call another foul.


    But Wade and Gasol were too experienced to let that weakness go unnoticed.


    Wade blew past Garnett and attacked the rim, launching a high-arcing floater just before the buzzer.


    The entire arena held its breath.


    Miami''s hero.


    The man who brought the franchise its first championship.


    Was he about to save them again?


    ---


    But their hopes were quickly dashed.


    Because Han Sen, who had anticipated the play, was already in position under the basket.


    As the ball reached its peak, Han Sen soared.


    Like a god reaching for the moon, Han Sen snatched Wade''s floater out of the air.


    The last flicker of hope for Miami fans was extinguished by the man who had tormented them for years.


    BZZZ!


    The final buzzer sounded.


    The Cavaliers had won.


    Against all odds.


    With Irving out for the season.


    In a series where no one believed in them.


    ---


    "This is the greatest victory!" Shaq couldn''t hold back his excitement.


    His large frame leapt from his seat, as though he was still part of the Cavs team.


    On the court, the Cavs players swarmed Han Sen, shouting and celebrating.


    It wasn''t a championship, but to this team, it felt just as monumental.


    For most of these Cavaliers, this was their first playoff run. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For veterans like Mo Williams and Cunningham, the victory held even deeper meaning.


    They had proven that the Cavs'' past failures weren''t their fault¡ª


    It was LeBron who wasn''t enough.


    The camera zoomed in on Han Sen.


    64 points.


    A legendary performance.


    Han Sen had proven that he was the ruler of this era.


    Even on a team that had never tasted success and with a lackluster roster, Han Sen had carried them to the Finals.


    It was unprecedented.


    It was shocking.


    ---


    The Heat players rushed through the handshake line and quickly left the court.


    They didn''t have much time to process what had just happened.


    Han Sen also left for the locker room right after the handshake.


    He was exhausted and needed to recover.


    At the post-game press conference, Han Sen and Malone faced the media.


    "I wasn''t thinking about any scoring record during the game," Han Sen said.


    "I just wanted to make every shot and help my team win this series."


    The media, of course, focused on his record-breaking performance, but Han didn''t dwell on it.


    After all, he wasn''t someone who cared much about MVPs or personal accolades.


    "But I''m feeling pretty good right now. Winning and breaking a record? That''s a good night."


    Breaking Jordan''s record only made it sweeter.


    Because surpassing Jordan was a multi-dimensional feat.


    This was why LeBron in history always emphasized being first in every category.


    Even as LeBron''s career wound down, Jordan still topped most leaderboards.


    Han wouldn''t say it aloud, but he, too, aimed to rewrite those records.


    When asked to rate his performance, Han gave a surprising answer.


    "This wasn''t my victory alone. No one can win a game by themselves. Without TT''s rebounds, JR''s threes, Delly''s defense, and everyone else giving their all, we wouldn''t have won this game."


    It wasn''t just humility.


    Han was making a statement¡ªjust as Jordan alone wasn''t enough in ''86, basketball is a team sport.


    ---


    The media frenzy exploded:


    "Playoff 64: Han Sen Surpasses Jordan to Become the Greatest Scorer in History!"


    "Turning the Impossible Into Reality: The Greatest Player Will No Longer Be No. 23, But No. 77!"


    "The Two Most Important Days: Why Tyronn Lue Is the Highest-Paid Assistant Coach Ever"


    ---


    Fans had thought Han''s first-round performance against the Bulls was insane.


    But no one expected him to take it even further in the Eastern Conference Finals.


    Once again, he had four consecutive 40+ point games, including two 50+ games.


    And one of those performances shattered Jordan''s playoff scoring record.


    It was the pinnacle of individual greatness.


    A feat that seemed impossible to replicate.


    Or maybe there was one player who could do it again.


    Han Sen himself.


    ---


    Upon returning to Cleveland after the Eastern Conference Finals, large crowds of fans gathered at the airport, welcoming their team like returning heroes.


    The moment Han Sen appeared, the scene erupted into chaos.


    Some fans even started chanting, "Emperor! Emperor!"


    Though Han Sen had previously said he didn''t like the title, it didn''t stop fans from using it to express their fervent emotions.


    It had taken Han Sen just one season to make the people of Cleveland forget the man who had spent seven years there.


    Because compared to the self-proclaimed king, Han Sen was the true basketball emperor¡ªthe one who could lead them to success.


    The media quickly captured this moment, spreading the footage across all platforms.


    Even the NBA''s official account released a poster of Han Sen''s game-winner, captioned:


    "The True Emperor."


    Adam Silver was clearly unhappy with this result, but there was nothing more he could do.


    He had already tried everything in his power, but in the end, nothing could stop Han Sen.


    At this point, it really felt like destiny had taken over.


    With endless reports flooding the media, some were ecstatic, while others were heartbroken.


    ---


    In one corner of the country, LeBron James was suffocating.


    He had endured a season of humiliation.


    And now, not only had he failed to reach the Finals, but even the nickname he cherished most was being ripped away from him.


    On social media, Chinese fans were already joking:


    "LeBron is the Little Emperor. Han is the Emperor. There''s no conflict there."


    LeBron couldn''t bear to imagine what it would be like if Han Sen really brought a championship to Cleveland.


    It wouldn''t just be Han''s success.


    It would be a complete denial of LeBron''s legacy in Cleveland.


    For a man who had been wandering from team to team, desperately chasing success, his Cleveland years were the only bright spot left in his career.


    No. He couldn''t let that happen!


    He called Rich Paul and had him bring a ''new supplement''¡ªone that LeBron had once scoffed at.


    Next season, he would transform.


    ---


    Meanwhile, reports of Han Sen''s Eastern Conference performance continued, while the league began building hype for the upcoming Finals.


    It was at this moment that everyone realized:


    The three superteams Nike had built last summer were all eliminated before the Finals.


    Holding The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, already halfway through the book, Stephen Curry finally understood Han Sen''s words from earlier in the season:


    "The Finals will be a civil war between the UA teams."


    What had once seemed an impossible matchup at the start of the season was now a reality.


    But the contrast between the two teams couldn''t be more striking.


    The Warriors boasted top-two offensive and defensive ratings, had two All-Stars, two All-NBA selections, two All-Defensive players, and the deepest bench in the league.


    The criticisms of the Warriors'' legitimacy had disappeared after they defeated the Lakers.


    Even Barkley and Shaq had reluctantly admitted:


    "The Warriors are the best team in the league this season."


    For the Cavaliers, the Finals posed an even greater challenge than the Heat series.


    Because Kyrie Irving wouldn''t be playing.


    Sure, Han Sen might score 64 points in a game. But could he do that every game?


    On paper, winning a single Finals game seemed like an impossible task for the Cavaliers, let alone winning the championship.


    But because of Han Sen, no one dared to count them out.


    After the Eastern Conference Finals, Han Sen had become the man who made the impossible possible.


    ---


    Game 1 of the Finals at Oracle Arena.


    The game shocked everyone.


    Theoretically, after such a draining series against the Heat, the Cavaliers¡ªespecially Han Sen¡ªshould''ve been crushed by the stronger Warriors in Game 1.


    But reality proved that momentum and morale could carry over.


    And the Warriors clearly weren''t mentally prepared for the Cavs'' intensity.


    The game remained deadlocked for nearly the entire time.


    It wasn''t until the fourth quarter, when the Cavs'' energy finally waned, that they lost.


    In this game, Cleveland''s small-ball lineup was no match for Golden State''s.


    Draymond Green was more versatile than TT, capable of spacing the floor on offense, which gave the Warriors a major advantage.


    Game 2 played out similarly.


    The Cavs played well, but once they ran out of tricks, they had no other way to win.


    After two games, the Cavs trailed 0-2.


    Even with Han Sen, some people started to believe Cleveland might not win a single game in the Finals.


    But then, back in Cleveland, the Cavs pulled out something they hadn''t been known for:


    Defense.


    Defense wasn''t the Cavs'' identity, but it had helped them win key playoff games throughout the season.


    In Game 3, Han Sen took it upon himself to guard Curry.


    Curry was instantly reminded of those days facing the Grizzlies, when Han locked him up.


    Even though Kerr''s system provided plenty of off-ball actions for Curry, Han''s relentless defense made it hard for him to find a rhythm.


    With the Warriors'' offensive efficiency down, the Cavs finally had opportunities to run their fast break.


    Of course, the Cleveland fans played a massive role.


    Their non-stop chanting, just like during the Eastern Conference Finals, kept the players'' adrenaline pumping.


    The Quicken Loans Arena, once considered an ordinary venue, was now being called a ''house of horrors'' for visiting teams.


    Through sheer defensive effort and Han''s 50+ point explosion in Game 4, the Cavs defended their home court, tying the series 2-2.


    Once again, everyone was shocked.


    But that was the Cavs'' limit.


    Adrenaline can make you fearless for a while, but the body will eventually pay the price.


    Like Irving''s injury, the physical toll became evident after the fact.


    With the clear talent gap, the Cavs dropped the next two games, ultimately losing the series 2-4.


    ---


    After Game 6.


    Han Sen embraced Curry and offered his congratulations.


    Meanwhile, the Cleveland crowd gave their team a standing ovation.


    Though they hadn''t won the championship, the Cavs had far exceeded expectations and given their fans a season to remember.


    At the post-game press conference, Han Sen and Malone faced the media.


    No one likes to lose, but as Han Sen once said:


    "Failure shapes people in different ways."


    Some will dwell on failures, while others will learn and grow.


    This time, Han''s words were different:


    "We were so close."


    Indeed, the Cavaliers were close.


    They had beaten the Heat.


    They had done the impossible.


    They had sparked endless dreams among Cleveland fans.


    While hypotheticals about Irving''s health were meaningless, one thing was clear:


    Next season, Cleveland would be stronger.


    With Irving returning and the entire roster gaining valuable playoff experience, the future looked bright.


    This season, the Cavs had been surprising.


    Next season, they would be terrifying.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 291: An Important Note.

    Chapter 291: An Important Note.Hey everyone,


    I''ve got something important to talk about regarding ''The No.1 Anti-Fans in Basketball.''


    Recently, one of you reached out to let me know that Webnovel has started publishing a new translation of this story. From what I''ve seen, it''s got premium Chapters and lists the original author''s name, which makes me think it''s likely an official translation.


    Now, I''m not 100% sure if it''s official, but here''s where I stand:


    From the start, I never locked any Chapters behind paywalls because I''m not the original author. I love this story, and I just wanted to share it with more readers and enjoy the journey together. The idea of monetizing something where the original author isn''t getting support never sat right with me.


    That''s why, if this Webnovel version turns out to be the official translation, I''m seriously considering taking down my version out of respect for the author. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But I don''t want to make any big decisions without hearing from you first!


    What do you think? Does it look official to you? Could it be another fan translation with a premium contract?


    Let me know your thoughts in the comments or reviews. Let''s figure this out together.


    Also, I just want to say THANK YOU. This project has been such a wild ride, and it''s been amazing to share it with you all. Your support and excitement have meant the world to me.

 Chapter 292: Follow-Up Note.

    Chapter 292: Follow-Up Note.Hey everyone,


    Wow. I''m honestly floored by the outpouring of support from you all. I wasn''t expecting this kind of response when I posted the note. Reading your comments has been a mix of humbling, hilarious, and just downright heartwarming.


    I''ve seen some of you call this version ''the best NBA translation'' and say that the premium one feels like a different story altogether. To hear that you think my translation has captured the soul of the novel better than the official one? That really hit me. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Let me be real for a second ¡ª when I started this, I never thought it would get this far. I wasn''t trying to outdo anyone; I just loved the story and wanted to share it with others who would love it too. But seeing how much you guys value this version has made me think twice about stopping.


    So, What''s Next?


    At this point, I''m not 100% sure if that premium version is official, but all signs point to it being the case. If it''s confirmed that it''s from the original author or licensed by them, I''ll have to take this down out of respect.


    But ¡ª and here''s the important part ¡ª I haven''t made that call yet.


    Why? Because your comments made me realize that this translation means something to you all. You''ve stuck with it through 290+ Chapters, and you''ve been a part of this journey as much as I have.


    What I Need from You:


    I want to keep things transparent. If you guys have any updates or info on whether that premium version is truly official, let me know.


    In the meantime, I''ll keep going.


    No paywalls. No locks. Just the story as it was meant to be shared.


    If it does turn out that I need to take this down, I''ll find a way to keep you all updated (whether through another platform, as a few of you suggested).


    A Huge Thanks:


    I can''t say it enough ¡ª thank you for all the love and support. You guys really turned what was a tough decision into something I''m excited about again.


    We''ve come this far together. Let''s see how far we can take it.


    Much love,


    Your Translato

 Chapter 293: Logo Killer.

    Chapter 293: Logo Killer.The Warriors lifted their championship trophy for the first time in 40 years, but Curry wasn''t happy.


    Although he smiled while hugging Han Sen after the game, it was clear that it was a forced smile.


    Despite averaging 26 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists in the Finals, the Finals MVP went to Klay Thompson, who averaged 18.3 points and 4.3 rebounds.


    Not only did Curry not win the Finals MVP, but he didn''t even receive a single vote.


    The fans immediately questioned the results.


    In the history of Finals MVP voting, there had never been a situation like this. It was like giving the Oscar to a stunt double instead of the lead actor.


    The media claimed that Curry''s decline in performance, starting in Game 3 when Han Sen began guarding him, justified the selection of Klay Thompson as MVP.


    Of course, no one believed this explanation ¡ª it was downright absurd.


    But the reason behind this was clear: it was Silva''s balancing act at play.


    The Finals being a UA vs. UA showdown was unavoidable, so the award had to go to a Nike player to show the world that the Warriors'' victory wasn''t about UA, but about Nike.


    This move? It was giving major Jerry Krause vibes¡ªlike trying to overshadow the players who actually delivered the wins. It might seem clever, but it just comes off as petty and awkward.


    Unlike Stern, who openly favored Nike, Silva''s manipulation was sloppy by comparison.


    Back when the Grizzlies won their first championship despite the infamous ''5 vs. 8'' refereeing, there were still complaints, but the controversy wasn''t as intense as this one with Curry.


    While Curry''s situation garnered sympathy, Han Sen was facing his own unfavorable situation.


    Although rational fans accepted the Cavaliers'' Finals loss ¡ª considering the mere fact they reached the Finals was already a miracle ¡ª many trolls immediately began resurfacing Han''s bold proclamations from earlier in the season.


    LeBron stans, Kobe stans, and even Jordan stans ¡ª all the fanbases Han had offended over the years ¡ª were ready to pounce.


    They pointed out that Han had vowed to bring a championship to Cleveland this season, and he''d failed to deliver.


    For the first time in his career, after years of bold statements, Han didn''t follow through.


    Even Jordan stans jumped in, repeating the old adage: "Jordan never lost in the Finals. You''ll never surpass Jordan."


    Han was catching more flak than Curry because, let''s be honest, Curry''s accomplishments still didn''t compare to Han''s.


    The more famous you are, the more haters you attract.


    ---


    ???? First Take: Stephen A. Smith vs. Skip Bayless


    Stephen A. Smith: "Skip, I don''t care what you say. What Han Sen did this postseason was nothing short of extraordinary. The man took a Cavs team that nobody believed in and dragged them to the Finals. That''s the definition of greatness."


    Skip Bayless: "Oh, please. He lost. End of story. Great players don''t lose in the Finals. Michael Jeffrey Jordan never lost in the Finals, Stephen A. And you want to put Han in the same conversation? Ridiculous."


    Stephen A.: "Skip, you''re being absurd! You know what? I''m sick and tired of you moving the goalposts. First, you said he couldn''t win without a stacked team. He proved you wrong by carrying Cleveland to the Finals. Then you said he couldn''t win against the Heat. He beat them. Now you''re saying Finals losses disqualify greatness? What''s next?! You gonna say he needs to beat Goku in a one-on-one?!"


    Skip Bayless: "Stephen A., facts don''t lie. Han talked big all year about winning the chip. He didn''t deliver. That''s what matters. And don''t get me started on his postgame antics, chewing gum like some ''90s throwback. We''re not in Chicago anymore, buddy."


    Stephen A.: "Oh, stop it! You''re grasping at straws. The man''s got grit, heart, and determination. You think this loss will crush him? Hell no! He''s gonna come back stronger. You know it, I know it, and deep down, Skip, you know it too!"


    Skip Bayless: [pausing] "...Let''s see if he can win when it counts."


    Stephen A.: "He already did, Skip. He''s just getting started!"


    ---


    But Han wasn''t alone. His fans fought back, too.


    For instance, they countered the Jordan narrative with:


    "So... losing in the Conference Finals is more honorable than losing in the Finals? Make it make sense."


    They also pointed out that the talent gap between Han''s Cavaliers and the Heat was far greater than the gap between Jordan''s Bulls and the Magic in 1995.


    And, of course, there was the biggest argument of all:


    "If Kyrie didn''t get injured, the Cavs probably would''ve won the championship."


    While the internet was ablaze with debates, Han was calmly scrolling through the chaos. Watching his hater count skyrocket, his mood wasn''t as sour as some might expect.


    Losing sucked, but like he always said: "No one stays a winner forever. The important thing is to keep moving forward."


    For Han, the real prize wasn''t in sulking over a loss ¡ª it was in converting hate into Hater Points and unlocking new talents.


    Two days after the Finals, Han had accumulated enough points to unlock a Tier 1 three-point talent.


    His 2.5 million Hater Points weren''t all from the Finals loss; he''d been stacking them up ever since he won MVP.


    This new talent would cost more points than any of his previous unlocks ¡ª but it made sense.


    Three-point shooting, after all, was arguably the most impactful skill in modern basketball.


    [Kid''s Blessing]: Greatly enhances both catch-and-shoot and pull-up three-point shooting. Significantly boosts long-range three-point accuracy.


    The talent description was brief but packed a punch.


    Especially that last bit about long-range threes.


    Han couldn''t help but think ahead to next season. It was going to be Curry''s year.


    Curry''s long-range shooting would earn him the first and only unanimous MVP in NBA history.


    When defenders have to guard a player starting at the half-court line, the spacing and offensive dynamics completely change.


    Han didn''t necessarily plan to play exactly like Curry, but having this talent would make defending him harder than ever before.


    (TL/n: Lmk which talent name you guys prefer: [Infinite Range], [Logo Killer] or the current one.)


    After unlocking the talent, Han immediately texted Cunningham to meet him at the training facility.


    "Boss, aren''t you going to take a couple days off?"


    Cunningham wasn''t complaining. He''d shown up even earlier than Han, but he was surprised Han was already back to work.


    Han''s response?


    "We''re not having a championship parade this year, so no need to rest."


    It was simple logic, and it shut Cunningham up immediately.


    Han hadn''t called Cunningham over to just rebound for him, though.


    He wasn''t planning to test his deep threes just yet ¡ª he wanted to test his contested threes.


    His existing three-point talent, [Eagle Eye], was just a Tier 3 starter skill.


    It had gotten him into the NBA as a reliable 3-and-D player, but its impact was mostly on wide-open looks. It didn''t boost his contested three-point shooting, which was crucial for top-tier shooters.


    Now, with his new Tier 1 talent, Han wanted to see just how much his ability to shoot under pressure had improved.


    "Go all out. Don''t worry about fouling. Just do whatever you can to stop me from getting my shot off."


    Han''s instructions were clear.


    Cunningham didn''t ask why ¡ª if Han told him to do something, he''d do it.


    Of course, he wasn''t going to actually foul Han. But he''d give it everything he had to disrupt Han''s rhythm.


    After more than half an hour of intense training, Han Sen couldn''t hide the grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.


    Although he had just unlocked his new shooting talent, and his overall shooting percentage hadn''t drastically improved yet, he could feel the difference.


    The key point? Cunningham''s best defensive efforts barely affected him.


    More importantly, he was still using his two-motion shooting form ¡ª a style that relies on separating the shot into two phases, allowing for greater balance and stability.


    And that was a good thing.


    Switching to a one-motion shot, like Curry''s, wasn''t necessary. Curry adopted that form because his physical build couldn''t handle the rigors of the two-motion shot. For someone with Han Sen''s physique, sticking to the traditional style made more sense.


    In fact, most players in the league use the two-motion form for a reason ¡ª while it''s slightly slower, it''s much more resistant to defensive pressure.


    Over the next few days, Han Sen and Cunningham practically lived in the gym, honing his shooting with relentless focus.


    During one of these sessions, Han Sen checked his Hater Points after practice and noticed a huge spike.


    Curious, he checked the news ¡ª and instantly understood why. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It had to do with the Warriors'' championship parade.


    ---


    @WarriorKing91: "Draymond really out here calling it a dynasty after ONE ring? Slow down, bruh."


    @CavsFanForLife: "Han Sen is HIM. Dude just made history in the playoffs, and people still doubting? Y''all crazy."


    @SkipGoated: "Skip Bayless is right. MJ never lost in the Finals. Han ain''t the GOAT. Period."


    @StephenAHive: "If y''all don''t stop disrespecting Han Sen... dude carried Cleveland on his back and made it to the Finals. That''s GOAT material."


    ---


    During the event''s Q&A session, Draymond Green, never one to shy away from the mic, boldly declared:


    "We took down Han! This is the start of our dynasty!"


    Classic Draymond.


    Green had no filter. He wasn''t about to analyze the Cavs'' roster limitations or Han''s heroic performance. Nope. All that mattered to him was talking his talk.


    In fact, this was peak Draymond energy ¡ª reminiscent of when LeBron casually dubbed himself the GOAT. It cheapened the concept of a dynasty, making it sound like a stroll in the park.


    Han Sen? He loved it.


    The Warriors winning the title had inadvertently helped cultivate the ultimate Hater King: Draymond Green.


    Over the past season, the Warriors had amassed a passionate fanbase, and Green ¡ª despite being despised by opponents ¡ª was beloved by Warriors fans.


    They viewed him as their very own Dennis Rodman.


    For Han Sen, this was a goldmine. As long as the Warriors kept winning and Green kept yapping, his Hater Points would never dry up.


    ---


    ???? Inside the NBA: Post-Finals Roundtable


    Kenny Smith: "Alright, fellas. Let''s talk about this Finals. Warriors win the chip after 40 years, but man, what a postseason for Han Sen and the Cavs."


    Charles Barkley: "You know I love me some Warriors. They deserved that title. But let''s be real¡ªthis Finals MVP thing? It''s straight-up bizarre. Klay over Steph? Come on, man."


    Shaquille O''Neal: [laughs] "That was crazy. And listen, I love Klay¡ªbig-time player, big-time moments¡ªbut how you gonna tell me Steph doesn''t get a single vote? That''s like saying I wasn''t the most dominant big man on the court when I was killin'' everybody."


    Barkley: "Well, we know what''s up. That''s the league trying to send a message¡ª''this isn''t about UA.'' Jerry Krause vibes all over again. ''Organizations win championships''? Nah, Chuck Daly once said, ''Superstars win championships.'' And that''s what Han Sen is¡ªhe''s a superstar."


    Kenny Smith: "But let''s focus on Han for a second. The guy carried the Cavs through the entire playoffs. 64 points in the Eastern Conference Finals, and he almost knocked off a dynasty-in-the-making Warriors squad without Kyrie. That''s wild."


    Shaq: "It''s simple. Han''s got that dawg in him. Ain''t no quitting in that man. He''s different. When we talk about great playoff performances, this one goes right there with the best of them. And you know what''s scary? He''s still getting better."


    Barkley: [grinning] "Yeah, and you know he''s sitting in a gym somewhere right now, watching Draymond talk about a ''dynasty'' and thinking, ''Bet. I''ll see y''all next season.''"


    ---


    Around this time, Cavs GM David Griffin visited the practice facility to discuss the upcoming NBA Draft.


    Cleveland didn''t have a first-round pick this year ¡ª they''d traded it to Memphis. The Cavs were left with just the 56th overall pick in the second round.


    Of course, there were ways to improve their draft position. Teams often bundled late-second-round picks with cash to move up, or even outright bought a higher pick.


    Han Sen skimmed through the draft prospects and mock drafts.


    The projected first overall pick? Karl-Anthony Towns from Kentucky.


    Han wasn''t surprised. The draft wasn''t weak, but it wasn''t exactly stacked either. Towns had been the consensus No. 1 for a while.


    What did surprise him was the team with the first pick ¡ª the Boston Celtics.


    Caught up in the playoffs, Han hadn''t paid attention to the draft lottery results. But seeing Boston at No. 1? The butterfly effect was in full swing.


    Historically, the Celtics hadn''t had much lottery luck. Their only previous No. 1 pick was in 1950.


    Han couldn''t help but think of Red Auerbach, who had once moved mountains trying to land Tim Duncan. Stern denied him back then.


    If Auerbach could see the Celtics finally land another top pick after 65 years, he might''ve shed a tear in the afterlife.


    Meanwhile, the Cavs? They''d won the lottery six times ¡ª the most in NBA history. And yet, none of those picks had ever led to a championship.


    As Han reviewed Towns'' scouting report, he noticed something curious: Towns'' NBA comparison was Andrew Bogut.


    That made him pause.


    In his memory, Towns was always seen as an offensive powerhouse with defensive deficiencies. Yet this profile flipped that narrative.


    Then again, Towns landing in Boston could change everything. The Celtics had a reputation for molding players into defensive studs. His development there might differ from what it had been with Minnesota.


    Skimming the first-round predictions, Han took note of two names:


    Kristaps Porzi??is and Devin Booker. Both stood out ¡ª but both were out of the Cavs'' reach.


    Turning to the second-round prospects, two more names caught his eye:


    Josh Richardson and Norman Powell.


    The latter name made him chuckle. ''Powell Kobe,'' as East Coast fans liked to call him.


    The scouting report for Powell? ''Tony Allen.''


    Han rolled his eyes. These scouts weren''t even trying.


    Still, there was a reason these players were projected to go late.


    It''s like Kawhi Leonard''s pre-draft report ¡ª no one thought he''d develop a jumper. Sometimes scouts just whiff.


    In the end, Han chose to target Richardson and Powell.


    Not just because they were potential steals, but because the Cavs'' small-ball lineup needed more guard depth.


    A lack of capable guards had hurt Cleveland in the Finals. Players like Delly and Mo Williams weren''t built for that level of competition.


    Just as they wrapped up their draft discussion, something clicked in Han''s mind.


    "Wait... Jokic!"


    The Cavs had drafted Nikola Jokic the previous year, but he''d stayed in Serbia for further conditioning.


    Why hadn''t he reported to Cleveland yet?


    "He said he''ll come by the end of July," Griffin replied, looking a bit uncomfortable.


    "Why so late?" Han frowned.


    "Apparently, he wants to finish competing in some local horse racing event."


    Han rubbed his temples. "Kid''s serious about his horses, huh?"


    Jokic wasn''t just a fan ¡ª he lived for horse racing.


    The guy would probably celebrate a horse race win more than an NBA championship.


    "Bring him over."


    "Excuse me?" Griffin blinked.


    "If he won''t come, I''ll fly to Serbia and drag him here myself."


    Griffin wasn''t sure if Han was joking ¡ª but knowing Han, he probably wasn''t.


    Han was already planning a trip to Africa to adopt a lion, so making a pit stop in Serbia didn''t sound too far-fetched.


    Griffin, wisely, took the hint. "I''ll handle it."


    Watching him leave, Han couldn''t help but shake his head.


    "That kid better be ready. The Cavs'' frontcourt isn''t exactly intimidating. He''s gonna need some tough love this summer."


    And tough love?


    Han Sen was the best in the business at delivering it.


    -Chapter End-


    Translator''s Note: If you''ve noticed, this Chapter is larger than usual. It''s because I wrote and added all the media segments myself. As promised, I featured different media peronalities.


    I also added more fan reactions from social media. The ones that have a username were added by me lol.


    Let me know what you think. Was it too much? Does it flow well with the story?

 Chapter 294: The Last Feast.

    Chapter 294: The Last Feast.Before Nikola Joki? could make it to Cleveland, the 2015 NBA Draft took place at the Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets.


    The Boston Celtics used the No. 1 pick to select Karl-Anthony Towns, a choice that surprised no one.


    After the pick, Celtics GM Danny Ainge confidently declared to the media: "Our rebuild is over!"


    The Minnesota Timberwolves, holding the second pick, selected Duke''s Jahlil Okafor. Known for his polished post game, Okafor''s draft comparison was none other than Tim Duncan ¡ª a name rarely thrown around lightly in draft profiles.


    With the third pick, the Philadelphia 76ers took D''Angelo Russell, pairing him with Joel Embiid as their new core for a classic inside-out rebuild.


    The Knicks, despite tanking for a top pick, only managed to secure the fourth overall selection. Their new president, Phil Jackson, chose Latvian prospect Kristaps Porzi??is.


    The 7-foot-2 teenager, who had been playing in Spain''s ACB League, averaged 10.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1 block per game.


    As expected, Knicks fans erupted in boos at the draft, furious about another ''project player.''


    At seventh overall, the Denver Nuggets selected Emmanuel Mudiay, a former top high school prospect who had spent the past season playing in China''s CBA.


    Mudiay pulled a Han Sen move by revealing a bold gesture during his handshake photo with Commissioner Silva: he opened his suit jacket to reveal the bright red flag of China, earning him the nickname ''Silk Road Star''.


    At 13th, the New Orleans Pelicans picked Kentucky guard Devin Booker, who had averaged 10 points and 2 rebounds per game.


    As one scout put it: "When you don''t know who to pick at 13, just grab a shooting guard."


    Meanwhile, Han Sen was too focused on his training sessions with Cunningham to follow the draft.


    After practice, GM David Griffin shared the Cavs'' draft results.


    Josh Richardson went undrafted, but the Cavs used their 46th pick to snag Norman Powell.


    Han was surprised Powell fell that low. ''That scouting report really did its job,'' he thought.


    Griffin handed Han Powell''s contact info. Han wasted no time dialing him up.


    When Powell realized who was calling, there was a loud thud on the other end of the line.


    "Uh, sorry," Powell stammered when he picked up again, clearly emotional. "I dropped my phone..."


    Hearing from the best player in the league was the last thing Powell expected after being drafted in the second round.


    But Han wasn''t calling to offer pleasantries.


    "I''m hosting a summer camp. Be there."


    The message was clear: If the Cavs were going to bounce back next season, everyone had to give their all.


    Just as Han hung up, he received a text from Ding Yanyuhang, who was excited to share his own news:


    He''d been drafted 52nd overall by the Dallas Mavericks.


    Since joining Han''s development program, Ding had spent the past two years playing for the Texas Longhorns in the NCAA. After a slow freshman season, he broke out in his second year, averaging 11.5 points as the team''s second option.


    With the Mavericks'' long history of signing Chinese players ¡ª from Wang Zhizhi to Yi Jianlian ¡ª Ding''s selection wasn''t a shock. Mark Cuban saw the potential for growing the team''s Chinese fan base.


    Though it was a late second-round pick, Ding''s selection marked a significant milestone:


    He became the second Chinese perimeter player to be drafted into the NBA, after Han Sen.


    It was proof that Han''s development program was working.


    A few days later, Han flew to Memphis at the invitation of Robert Pera.


    Pera, grateful for everything Han had done for the city, had gone all out to commission a statue of Han outside the FedExForum. He even brought in the sculptor behind Michael Jordan''s iconic statue at the United Center.


    For Pera, this statue wasn''t just about honoring Han''s legacy ¡ª it was the ultimate marketing move to ensure sellout crowds for years to come.


    Han was asked to help pick the pose for the statue.


    The Grizzlies dynasty had provided plenty of iconic moments:


    His return to the court after an ankle injury during the first title run. The clutch mid-range dagger in Game 6 of the second championship. The ''steam punk'' game in the third title, when he played through a high fever.


    After some deliberation, Han chose the ankle-tape comeback moment for his statue.


    Why?


    Because that first championship was the most improbable and, therefore, the most meaningful.


    After wrapping up the statue design, Han met up with old Grizzlies teammates Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph at a local spot on Madison Avenue.


    Randolph, still known as the team''s ''Black Bear,'' remained a core piece for Memphis. But Gay?


    His role had diminished. The team prioritized developing Andrew Wiggins and Dion Waiters, and Gay''s touches were drying up.


    Both players were set to hit free agency. Randolph''s re-signing seemed likely, but Gay''s future was murkier.


    Over drinks, Gay finally opened up: "I''m done with Memphis."


    Han cut to the chase. "What do you want? Rings or money?"


    If it was rings, Han could pull some strings to bring Gay to Cleveland.


    The Cavs had financial hurdles with Irving''s new contract and pending renewals for TT and JR, but Dan Gilbert was willing to pay the luxury tax.


    Gay would be a significant upgrade over P.J. Tucker and could bolster the Cavs'' second unit.


    "Money," Gay replied without hesitation.


    Fair enough. At 29, with three rings already in hand, Gay wanted to cash in before his prime years ended.


    Han didn''t tell him where to go, but he did offer advice:


    "Do what LeBron did."


    LeBron''s basketball skills might be questionable, but his business team?


    That''s a whole different story.


    LeBron''s 1+1 contract strategy gave him flexibility and maximized his earnings. Gay could do the same.


    And with next year''s cap boom, it was the perfect time to chase a big payday.


    Gay seemed intrigued.


    In fact, he already had a plan in mind.


    "Then I guess... it''s time for me to be a real King."


    Han chuckled.


    ---


    The day after drinking himself into a stupor, Han Sen received a call from Griffin.


    Jokic had been ''kidnapped'' and brought to Cleveland.


    After saying goodbye to Gay and the guys, Han Sen headed back to the city. When he arrived at the Cavaliers'' practice facility and saw Jokic in person, a knowing smile crept across his face.


    "Of course..." Han thought.


    While Jokic wasn''t quite as round as Griffin had described the year before, his physique was very close to what Han remembered from the highlight reels. Seeing it up close, though, was a different level of shock.


    The dude was big. Chunky. Or, as fans might say ¡ª like someone stuffed an entire vending machine into a jersey


    Jokic, meanwhile, looked miserable. His expression was that of someone carrying a world of grievances on his shoulders.


    Han turned to Griffin and asked about Jokic''s current weight.


    "Oh boy..." Griffin sighed. "He''s at 300 pounds ¡ª 136 kilograms. That''s almost peak Shaq weight!"


    Griffin explained the source of Jokic''s gloomy demeanor.


    Turns out, Jokic was still hung up on the fact that he had to miss his beloved horse-racing event to be here.


    Han wasn''t too worried. After all, Jokic was a nobody in the NBA right now. Once he made a name for himself, he could spend every offseason horse racing if he wanted.


    But first, Han wanted to see what Jokic could do on the court. He called Cunningham over for a quick 1-on-1 test.


    What followed left Han Sen stunned.


    Cunningham couldn''t guard Jokic. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sure, Jokic had a size advantage, but he hadn''t played a single NBA game yet. Cunningham, meanwhile, was a rotation-level player known for his defense.


    Han expected Jokic to fumble the ball, maybe get stripped a few times. Instead, Jokic''s low-post game, especially his back-to-the-basket moves, looked polished.


    Clearly, keeping Jokic in Serbia for another year had been the right call.


    He was further along than Han had expected. With some fine-tuning, he could contribute to the Cavaliers right away.


    But first ¡ª the man had to lose weight.


    Griffin shared a story from the training staff.


    "Jokic used to love drinking Coke. Like, really love it. He''d drink three liters a day. They had to wean him off of it, and he finally drank his last can on the plane to Cleveland."


    Han chuckled. "Sounds like a kid at a gaming rehab camp."


    "The team has him on protein shakes now," Griffin added.


    But then Griffin dropped a surprise.


    "The trainers also told me he doesn''t have much confidence in making it in the NBA."


    Han watched Jokic bully Cunningham in the post again and smiled.


    "That''s about to change."


    It reminded Han of a story about Yao Ming.


    Back in the day, Yao wasn''t sure if he could make it in the NBA ¡ª until he dominated Tyson Chandler, the third pick in the draft.


    After a while, Han switched things up.


    Now, Cunningham would attack, and Jokic had to defend.


    That''s when Jokic''s weaknesses were laid bare.


    He couldn''t keep up laterally. His foot speed was slow, his defensive reactions sluggish, and his physical strength underwhelming. His bulk was only good for shock absorption.


    Cutting weight and building muscle was non-negotiable.


    Luckily, Han knew exactly who could handle it ¡ª the best trainer in the world.


    After wrapping up the scrimmage, Han took both Jokic and Cunningham out for a big meal.


    Jokic was sulking over missing his horse-racing event, and Cunningham looked like a man who''d just been steamrolled by a rookie. They both needed a pick-me-up.


    Han chose an Eastern European restaurant.


    When they walked in and the smell of roasted meat hit their noses, Jokic''s sour expression finally lifted.


    And when plates of beef, sausages, and cheese were set down, his eyes lit up like a kid at Christmas.


    Between mouthfuls of food, Han asked, "Got a place to stay?"


    Jokic paused, chewed, and shook his head. "They gave me some advance money... so I can look for a place."


    "Have Dante go with you. You''re new here ¡ª easier to get ripped off."


    "Sure thing, boss," Cunningham replied before Jokic could.


    Despite getting worked over in practice, Cunningham seemed to genuinely like Jokic.


    Jokic glanced from his plate to Han. "Thank you."


    "No need to thank me," Han smiled.


    "We''re both foreigners playing ball in a foreign land."


    Han knew the importance of finding common ground. After all, he''d yanked Jokic away from a horse-racing event ¡ª he had to offer something in return.


    But more importantly, Han understood the challenges international players faced in the U.S. It wasn''t just about on-court performance. Language barriers, diet changes, cultural adjustments ¡ª all of it mattered.


    Y¨© Ji¨¤n Li¨¢n''s struggles in the NBA came to mind. He hadn''t failed because of a lack of talent, but because he hadn''t navigated those off-court challenges well.


    Jokic seemed to get it.


    He nodded firmly at Han, then went back to devouring his food.


    But by the time the meal was done, Jokic wore a pained expression.


    Because Han had just laid out the post-meal plan.


    A 996 training schedule ¡ª 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week.


    And dietary restrictions, too.


    As Jokic stared at the empty plates in front of him, he realized something horrifying:


    The last can of Coke on that plane?


    That wasn''t just his last Coke.


    This dinner?


    That had been his last feast.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 295 - 2015 NBA Free Agency Madness?.

    Chapter 295: 2015 NBA Free Agency Madness?.The following day, Han Sen arrived at the Cavaliers'' locker room, dressed in his training gear, and noticed Jokic wasn''t there yet.


    Just as he suspected Jokic had overslept, the big man walked in¡ªright on time, but barely.


    Today, besides Cunningham, there was another familiar face in the training facility¡ªTim Grover.


    Han Sen had called Grover the previous day, and the legendary trainer flew in first thing in the morning.


    While Han Sen and Cunningham continued with their training routines, Jokic was handed off to Grover for an evaluation.


    During a break, Han Sen took a moment to glance at the other side of the court, where Grover was working Jokic hard.


    What surprised Han Sen was how diligently Jokic was training.


    Gone was the lazy, nonchalant attitude he''d seen before.


    Jokic now looked like a man on a mission.


    Han Sen chuckled to himself¡ªthis guy reminded him of his own younger self: someone who didn''t want to work but had to grind hard to survive.


    While things were running smoothly in Cleveland''s training facility, the NBA free agency period officially opened on July 1, 2015, and the league wasted no time in delivering bombshell news.


    The first shockwave?


    Pat Riley announced that Erik Spoelstra would step down as head coach to become the Heat''s assistant general manager.


    And then came the stunner¡ªPat Riley himself was returning to the sidelines to coach the Heat!


    But Riley wasn''t done yet.


    In his signature no-nonsense style, he dropped a fiery statement:


    "If I can''t lead the Heat to a championship, I''ll retire for good¡ªand I''ll hang Han Sen''s No. 77 jersey in the rafters of the American Airlines Arena."


    This wasn''t the usual calculated Riley.


    This was an emotional, desperate move.


    Why? The Heat were on the verge of collapse.


    Had they lost to the Warriors in the Finals, they could''ve given it one more shot.


    Durant still had one year left on his contract¡ªan option year, but he likely would''ve returned to try again.


    But losing to the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals changed everything.


    Durant might opt out. Wade might walk.


    Dragic and Vucevic''s rookie deals had expired.


    The Heat were staring down the barrel of total disintegration.


    If that happened, Riley''s legacy would be cemented as a failure¡ªfour Finals appearances, one ring, and nothing to show for it.


    So Riley made his move.


    This wasn''t 2006, when he swooped in to grab the glory from Stan Van Gundy.


    This time, he wasn''t stealing the spotlight¡ªhe was trying to save the franchise.


    And that bold statement about retiring and raising Han''s jersey to the rafters?


    It was less about respect and more about lighting a fire under his players.


    Translation: "You guys really want this dude''s jersey hanging here? You''re just gonna roll over and accept that?"


    Riley''s league-wide clout soon became evident.


    Both Durant and Wade announced they would opt in for one more year, effectively doubling down for another run.


    The Heat then secured Goran Dragic on a five-year, $86 million deal.


    With the salary cap increasing from $63 million to $70 million, the luxury tax hit wasn''t as bad as expected.


    However, this meant they couldn''t afford to keep Nikola Vucevic, who signed a four-year, $54 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers.


    The Blazers, meanwhile, were looking to fill the void left by LaMarcus Aldridge, who signed a four-year, $84.1 million deal with the Spurs.


    Just when it seemed like the Heat were cooling off, Riley pulled another rabbit out of his hat.


    He convinced David West to sign a veteran minimum contract with Miami.


    The 34-year-old West, who had just declined a $12 million player option with the Pacers, left everyone stunned.


    Why would a player give up that kind of money?


    West''s response on social media was short and sweet:


    "Everything for the ring."


    Fans were floored. The Heat, already stacked, were now even scarier.


    "When you thought they couldn''t get any stronger, they just did."


    The Heat were now fully loaded for a win-or-bust season.


    If titles were handed out based on roster strength alone, Miami would already have their rings.


    But just when fans thought the summer drama was over, the Lakers stole the spotlight.


    LeBron James opted out of his deal, and with Anderson Varejao''s contract expiring, the Lakers had massive cap space.


    Enter Kevin Love.


    Love opted out of his player option with the Timberwolves and agreed to a five-year, $113 million sign-and-trade deal with the Lakers.


    In return, the Wolves received three future first-round picks and some filler contracts.


    Love was coming off a season where he averaged 25.4 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists with a 37.3% three-point shooting percentage.


    And this wasn''t just any Kevin Love¡ªthis was fully evolved Kevin Love, with refined passing skills and deadly range.


    The shocking part?


    The Wolves never wanted to part with him.


    But Nike pulled the strings, and Love''s desire to win a title sealed the deal.


    With LeBron, Kobe, and Love, the Lakers had formed a Super Team.


    LeBron then re-signed another 1+1 contract, maintaining flexibility while the Lakers kept their frontcourt depth intact.


    Suddenly, the Lakers'' big man rotation became the deepest in the league.


    Social media exploded with fans clowning David West, telling him he joined the wrong super team.


    ...


    Han Sen learned about Love''s move to LA after finishing practice.


    Griffin, grinning ear to ear, broke the news.


    Han was surprised, but not shocked.


    Kobe was aging, and the Lakers¡ªalong with Nike¡ªhad to seize this opportunity.


    ''They''ve gone all in,'' Han thought. ''But not everyone''s Elon Musk. This gamble could backfire hard.''


    Even if the Lakers made the Finals, they still had to get past the Warriors in the West.


    And Han knew something others didn''t¡ªnext season was Curry''s true breakout year.


    Still, with two Western Conference superteams (Warriors and Lakers) and one Eastern Conference juggernaut (Heat), the 2015-16 season was shaping up to be legendary.


    Whoever won that title wouldn''t just be champions.


    They''d be immortalized.


    And for Han Sen?


    Only that kind of title was worthy of Cleveland''s first-ever championship.


    Seeing Han Sen''s calm demeanor, Griffin relaxed. After all, Han had stunned the world by beating the Heat last season.


    If Han said there was nothing to worry about, then Griffin was inclined to believe him.


    While Han resumed his training, Griffin gave him a quick rundown of the Cavaliers'' summer moves.


    The Cavs'' primary goal for the offseason was straightforward: retain their core roster and make targeted signings to strengthen their rotation.


    Naturally, J.R. Smith and Tristan Thompson were top priorities for re-signing. Both had played pivotal roles in the Cavaliers'' playoff run against the Heat.


    J.R., known for his erratic performances throughout his career, had found stability playing alongside Han. Meanwhile, Thompson had taken significant strides under the mentorship of Kevin Garnett.


    However, their contract situations were quite different.


    J.R. Smith tested the free-agent market after declining his $6 million player option. But to his shock, he couldn''t secure a better deal elsewhere.


    On paper, his playoff performance warranted an $8-9 million annual contract. But the reality was harsher¡ªmost GMs couldn''t trust him just yet.


    "You''ve been unpredictable for years," they seemed to say. "One good season doesn''t erase all that."


    In the end, the Cavs got a bargain: a two-year, $12 million deal with a player option for the second year.


    Thompson, however, came in swinging for the fences. He demanded a five-year, $80 million contract.


    Griffin glanced at Han, hoping for input, but Han waved it off.


    "That''s your job. Don''t worry about me."


    Han wasn''t about to meddle in contract negotiations¡ªespecially not when the asking price was clearly inflated. Unlike the Conley extension back in Memphis, this one wasn''t based on fair market value.


    Griffin only needed Han''s blessing to proceed. Given that no other team had made an offer for Thompson yet, the Cavs could afford to play the waiting game.


    The Cavs also re-signed key veterans Mo Williams and Kevin Garnett.


    Both players were hungry for redemption after falling short in the Finals.


    And to bolster their bench, Cleveland signed Mike Dunleavy to a three-year, $14.4 million contract.


    Han was surprised by the addition. Dunleavy had been a starter for the Bulls, but in Cleveland, he''d be relegated to a bench role.


    Griffin''s reasoning was simple: "He joined us because of you. In fact, several other players wanted to come here too, but we just don''t have the cap space."


    Han wasn''t shocked. His performances had been nothing short of dominant, especially in the playoffs. It was only natural that players¡ªespecially those who had faced him firsthand¡ªwould want to join forces.


    Han had played against Dunleavy during his time with the Grizzlies. Dunleavy was the prototypical high-IQ player¡ªlimited athleticism, but excellent off-ball movement and spacing. He was a plug-and-play guy, and his addition would solidify the Cavs'' bench.


    One of the reasons for signing Dunleavy was the impending departure of James Johnson.


    Johnson had broken into the Cavs'' rotation during the regular season but saw his minutes dwindle in the playoffs.


    Like Rudy Gay, Johnson valued playing time and financial security over another ring.


    The Raptors offered him both.


    Han fully supported Johnson''s decision. He understood the importance of career planning¡ªjust like how Charles Oakley had left Jordan''s Bulls to find a better fit with the Knicks.


    Players had to prioritize their own futures. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    There had also been an attempt to recruit Paul Pierce.


    Garnett tried to convince his former Celtics teammate to join Cleveland. But Pierce, ever the stubborn Han hater, chose loyalty to Boston instead, signing a three-year, $10.5 million deal with the Celtics.


    As free agency neared its conclusion, Han began preparing for his annual summer training camp.


    But before the camp kicked off, Kyrie Irving showed up at the practice facility earlier than expected.


    His recovery had taken longer than anticipated, but he was finally back to full strength.


    ---


    The moment Kyrie saw Han, he strode over with fierce determination.


    "Help me get stronger!"


    Jokic, who was working with Grover, froze mid-drill. He glanced at Kyrie with a confused expression, as if to say:


    Bro, chill. It''s just work. Why so serious?


    Even Han was taken aback by Kyrie''s intensity. But he could see it in Kyrie''s eyes¡ªthis wasn''t just about getting back into shape.


    Kyrie had been thinking a lot during his time off.


    The biggest thought lingering in his mind?


    I missed out on my first championship.


    That realization was exactly what Han had been waiting for.


    Kyrie''s renewed determination was a good sign for the Cavs.


    With limited cap space and few roster changes, the team''s best shot at improving was through internal development.


    And Kyrie had two areas that needed major improvement.


    First: Playmaking.


    Kyrie wasn''t expected to become a Chris Paul-type of point guard, but he needed to show more willingness to distribute the ball.


    The Cavs had given him a pass last season to focus on scoring. But this season, Han knew they''d need Kyrie to step up as a facilitator.


    Second: Defense.


    Right now, Kyrie''s defense was a glaring liability.


    During the Heat series, Dragic had repeatedly blown past him with ease.


    Kyrie didn''t need to become a lockdown defender. But with his current baseline being so low, there was plenty of room for improvement.


    Even reaching average defensive standards would make a huge difference.


    If Kyrie could improve in both areas, he wouldn''t just be an All-Star. He''d be in the conversation for an All-NBA team spot.


    For now, Han was optimistic.


    If Kyrie truly committed to these changes, the Cavs'' chances against the Heat, Lakers, and Warriors would significantly improve.


    It wouldn''t be easy. But then again, Han Sen had never been one to shy away from a challenge.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 296: Nike’s Fall From Grace?.

    Chapter 296: Nike¡¯s Fall From Grace?.(TL/n: Sorry for the missed updates. Life got a bit hectic the past two days. Good news is, I''m back on track, and the missed Chapters will be dropping slowly throughout the day.)


    As the free agency frenzy simmered down, the Lakers made a surprising move ¡ª they decided not to re-sign Jeremy Lin. Instead, they scooped up last season''s Finals standout, Matthew Dellavedova, on a veteran minimum contract.


    Dellavedova''s decision to leave the Cavaliers was simple. In Los Angeles, he''d get more minutes and possibly even a starting role.


    The Lakers'' second-year guard, Jordan Clarkson, showed promise but was more suited for a sixth-man role. Meanwhile, Dellavedova''s gritty defense and three-point shooting fit the Lakers'' current needs perfectly.


    In addition to Dellavedova, the Lakers kept stacking their roster with veterans. Richard Jefferson, one of the famed ''Nets Big Three,'' joined the team. Perkins, who had previously played alongside LeBron James, also signed on. Even Amar''e Stoudemire and Seth Curry ¡ª Steph''s younger brother ¡ª inked deals with the purple and gold.


    The Lakers'' offseason moves had fans reminiscing about the 2010 Heat. Once again, LeBron was building a superteam, plugging in experienced veterans to bolster their championship chances.


    The new-look Western Conference was shaping up to be a brutal battleground.


    The defending champions, the Warriors, remained a powerhouse. The Spurs had bolstered their roster by signing LaMarcus Aldridge. The Rockets welcomed back a fully healthy Chris Bosh. And, of course, the Lakers now boasted a superteam with their ''epic'' Big Three.


    These four juggernauts were in a league of their own. The West was no longer the chaotic, free-for-all battlefield it had been in the past. Instead, it was top-heavy, with a clear hierarchy.


    Even the perennial playoff race would feel the squeeze. Gone were the days when the eighth seed in the West could notch 50 wins.


    One Western team that did make waves, however, was the Kings.


    Following Han Sen''s advice, Rudy Gay signed a two-year, $24 million contract with Sacramento, with a player option for the second year. The Kings also picked up Rajon Rondo and paired him with their franchise centerpiece, DeMarcus Cousins.


    Suddenly, the Kings had a roster that could cause trouble.


    ---


    Over in the East, another team that quietly improved was the Toronto Raptors.


    The Raptors poached DeMarre Carroll from the Hawks on a four-year, $60 million deal. They added depth by signing James Johnson, Luis Scola, and Bismack Biyombo to shore up their frontcourt. Combined with their All-Star backcourt of DeRozan and Lowry, the Raptors were a team to watch in the upcoming season.


    Meanwhile, back in Cleveland, the Cavaliers continued to tweak their roster.


    After Dellavedova left, the Cavs re-signed Delonte West to a one-year deal and filled James Johnson''s departure by bringing in Han Sen''s old teammate, Dahntay Jones.


    As for Tristan Thompson? After some tough negotiations, the Cavaliers locked him in with a five-year, $70 million contract.


    With their new rookie Norman Powell and veteran signing Tayshaun Prince rounding out the roster, the Cavaliers were locked and loaded:


    Position: Starter, Back-up, Reserve


    Point Guards: Kyrie Irving, Mo Williams, Delonte West


    Shooting Guards: Han Sen, JR Smith, Norman Powell


    Small Forwards: PJ Tucker, Mike Dunleavy, Dahntay Jones


    Power Forwards: Tristan Thompson, Dante Cunningham, Tayshaun Prince S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Centers: Kevin Garnett, Spencer Hawes, Nikola Jokic


    ---


    While free agency settled down, the sneaker market erupted in chaos.


    Klay Thompson became UA''s newest ambassador, signing a six-year, $48 million deal. The move made Klay the third key figure in UA''s growing roster.


    The deal shocked the basketball world. After all, Nike had practically handed Klay the Finals MVP as a way to keep him in their stable. Yet Klay walked away, joining UA anyway.


    And that was just the tip of the iceberg.


    Top draft picks like D''Angelo Russell, Emmanuel Mudiay, and Devin Booker all chose not to sign with Nike.


    Though not all of them signed with UA, it was clear that Nike''s influence was waning. The days of players clamoring to be part of the Swoosh brand were over.


    Years of playoff losses by Nike-sponsored teams, combined with questionable decisions like the Finals MVP vote, had visibly hurt Nike''s reputation among players.


    ---


    By late July, Han Sen''s annual summer camp was underway.


    Familiar faces like Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Zach LaVine, and James Harden arrived early to join the workouts.


    However, notable absences like Russell Westbrook, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Carmelo Anthony stood out.


    Nike had cracked down. The rivalry between Nike and UA had intensified, and those players were told to avoid anything associated with UA ¡ª including Han''s camp.


    But Kyrie Irving? He showed up anyway.


    Han wasn''t surprised. "Stubborn as ever," he joked.


    "I''m not missing this," Kyrie said with a shrug. "It''s my teammate''s camp."


    Jokic and Cunningham both joined Han at the camp, and it didn''t take long for Jokic to steal the spotlight.


    Over the past month, Grover had pushed Jokic hard, helping him slim down from 300 pounds (136kg) to 260 pounds (118kg). Still, the big man''s frame remained hard to miss.


    And it wasn''t just his size that turned heads ¡ª it was his playmaking.


    His passing instincts were uncanny. But, as Han observed during the summer league, Jokic''s creativity often led to turnovers when his teammates couldn''t catch his no-look dimes.


    At the camp, however, things were different. Surrounded by better talent, Jokic''s passes started connecting.


    By the end of the first day, Curry couldn''t hold back his curiosity.


    "Yo, who''s the big guy?" Curry asked during a break, pointing toward Nikola Jokic.


    Han chuckled. "Our rookie."


    Curry squinted at Jokic, watching him casually thread a behind-the-back pass to Zach LaVine for an easy dunk.


    "Wait... that''s your rookie?" Curry raised an eyebrow.


    "Where''d you find him?"


    "Serbia."


    Curry shook his head in disbelief. "Man''s got touch."


    "That''s not all he''s got." Han crossed his arms, clearly proud. "Give him time."


    Jokic quickly became a camp favorite. His awkward, almost goofy demeanor off the court contrasted sharply with his smooth, creative play on it. The veterans couldn''t help but take notice.


    During a scrimmage, Jokic tossed a no-look, over-the-shoulder pass to Harden, who barely managed to catch it before finishing at the rim.


    "Where the hell did you get this guy?" Harden asked, wiping sweat from his face.


    Han grinned. "Told you. Serbia."


    ---


    On the second day of camp, the focus shifted.


    During a scrimmage, Curry noticed something odd.


    "Hold up," Curry shouted, halting mid-drill. "Since when do you shoot from that deep?"


    Han grinned after nailing a shot from the logo. "Why not?"


    Klay shook his head. "Bro, that''s our thing."


    Han laughed. "Well, I guess I borrowed it."


    "Borrowed?" Curry shot him a look. "You mean stole."


    Han shrugged playfully. "Guess we''ll see how it works next season."


    With camp over, most players headed back to their teams.


    Before parting ways, Han and Curry shared one last conversation.


    "Next season''s going to be rough for you guys," Han remarked.


    Both Splash Brothers were now UA athletes. Getting to the free-throw line would be a nightmare for them.


    Curry, however, was unfazed. "You beat Miami last year, didn''t you?"


    Han chuckled. "See you in the Finals."


    That was the goal.


    Han hadn''t forgotten how things ended last season.


    And he wouldn''t consider himself truly ''back'' until he beat the Warriors and took the title.


    ---


    After bidding farewell to the other players from the camp, Han Sen took Cunningham and the two Cavs rookies ¡ª Nikola Jokic and Norman Powell ¡ª on a stroll through a nearby shopping mall.


    Passing by an NBA merchandise store, Han casually waved them inside.


    "Go ahead. Pick whatever you want," Han said with a grin. "It''s on me."


    Both rookies lit up. They had just signed their contracts, and their bank accounts weren''t exactly overflowing yet.


    Han stayed outside, taking a seat near the entrance while they browsed. He wasn''t in a hurry.


    Jokic was the first to emerge, carrying a pair of Shaq Attaq retro sneakers, a vintage Orlando Magic All-Star jersey with O''Neal''s name on the back, and a large duffel bag with the NBA logo.


    Han glanced at the haul and chuckled. "Big Shaq fan, huh?"


    "Who isn''t?" Jokic shot back with a grin.


    His English had improved significantly over the past month, and his confidence was starting to show.


    A few minutes later, Powell stepped out, carrying only a basic basketball training outfit.


    Han glanced at the price tag ¡ª $100.


    "That''s it?" Han stared at him, dumbfounded. "I said anything. And you grabbed the cheapest thing in the store?"


    Powell scratched his head awkwardly. "Didn''t want to go overboard..."


    Han shook his head. "Man, you''re killing me. You think I care about saving a few bucks?"


    Powell grinned sheepishly but didn''t say much.


    Cunningham chuckled from the side and whispered something in Han''s ear.


    Once they were back in the car, Han reached into a shopping bag and pulled out a box.


    "Here," Han said, tossing it to Powell.


    Powell caught it, confused. "You need me to hold this?"


    "Nah," Han said. "It''s for you."


    Confused, Powell opened the box ¡ª and his eyes immediately widened.


    Inside was a pair of high-end basketball sneakers he had admired in the store earlier. He had picked them up, checked the $1,500 price tag, and quickly put them back.


    "Coach won''t like me eating ramen for a month," he had muttered to himself at the time.


    Now, here they were.


    His hands trembled slightly as he pulled the shoes out of the box. "I... Thank you, boss."


    Han waved it off. "Don''t mention it."


    But seeing Powell''s reaction stirred a memory in Han. He recalled the phone call he''d made to Powell after the draft, and the disbelief in Powell''s voice when he realized who was on the other end.


    Han shook his head, smirking. "And seriously, stop with that ''boss'' stuff. Don''t be like Dante."


    Powell laughed softly, wiping at his eyes. "Got it."


    Han glanced at the rearview mirror, noting Powell''s red eyes.


    Kid''s got a good heart, Han thought.


    ---


    With the camp wrapped up, Han and Anjali finally set off for their long-planned trip to Africa.


    This wasn''t a business trip like Han''s previous visits to China. No press conferences, no brand launches. This time, it was just the two of them, taking a well-deserved break.


    Their destination? Tanzania ¡ª one of Africa''s top tourist spots, famous for its Serengeti National Park and the idyllic Zanzibar Island.


    "I''ve wanted to come here for years," Anjali said as they landed in Zanzibar.


    Han squeezed her hand as they walked toward their hotel. "Well, now we''re here. Time to check it off the list."


    Over the next few days, they soaked in the island''s beauty. The beaches were pristine, and the ocean sparkled under the sun. Han, who had never been much of an ocean guy, found himself captivated by the underwater world during their first snorkeling trip.


    "This is insane," Han said, coming up for air. "It''s like a completely different planet down there."


    Anjali laughed, brushing saltwater from her hair. "Told you! I knew you''d love it."


    After their dive, they sat by a beachside shack, enjoying a fresh seafood feast ¡ª lobster, crab, fish, and clams, all caught that morning.


    Han marveled at the abundance of natural resources. "No wonder they say this place produces lazy people. If I could catch dinner like this every day, I wouldn''t hustle either."


    Anjali rolled her eyes. "You''re not exactly known for taking it easy."


    "True," Han admitted. "But I could get used to this."


    They took turns grilling a freshly caught grouper over an open fire. Han sprinkled salt, cumin, and Sichuan pepper onto the fish, listening to the sizzling sound as the spices hit the flames.


    "You''re really getting into this, huh?" Anjali teased.


    Han grinned. "Hey, I''m a quick learner. Besides, nothing beats fresh food."


    After Zanzibar, the couple visited Serengeti National Park. It was there that Han''s attention was drawn to a playful lion cub. Unlike the others, this one wasn''t shy or aggressive. It seemed genuinely curious about the humans nearby.


    Han crouched down, meeting the cub''s gaze. "This one''s got personality."


    Anjali smiled. "You thinking what I''m thinking?"


    "Yeah," Han said, nodding. "Let''s bring him home."


    Before they left Tanzania, Han arranged for the cub''s safe transport back to the U.S.


    "Welcome to the family, Sefu," Han said as the cub playfully pawed at his shoe.


    ---


    By the time Han returned to the U.S., it was early September. Although he didn''t have any major overseas commitments this summer, his calendar quickly filled up with sponsorship events and commercial appearances.


    It was during one of these events that TMZ dropped a bombshell ¡ª James Harden had been spotted on a date with Khlo¨¦ Kardashian.


    The revelation sent the media into a frenzy.


    Khlo¨¦ had filed for divorce from Lamar Odom back in 2013, but the paperwork had yet to be finalized. The timing of her new relationship with Harden was enough to stir controversy.


    Reporters cornered Han at a charity event, eager for his take on the drama.


    "I don''t really know much about U.S. marriage laws," Han replied, dodging the question. But internally, he shook his head.


    Harden''s about to get locked up on defense.


    The Kardashian curse was real, and only Tristan Thompson had managed to break through it.


    However, it didn''t take long for another headline to overshadow the dating drama.


    ESPN broke the news: a massive Adidas truck had pulled up in front of Harden''s Houston mansion, marking the official start of his 13-year, $200 million endorsement deal with the brand.


    The news sent shockwaves through the league.


    Adidas had made Harden their new face ¡ª and in doing so, they had poached him right from under Nike''s nose.


    For Nike, it was a devastating blow.


    The Rockets were one of the three superteams Nike had banked on last summer. Now, with Harden switching to Adidas, Nike had effectively lost Houston as an ally.


    In the West, Nike was down to just the Lakers.


    And in the East?


    Sure, the Heat looked stronger on paper. But could anyone guarantee they''d beat the Cavaliers?


    After all, Cleveland had already knocked Miami out last season. And this year, their young core was only getting better.


    With Klay Thompson''s switch to UA and the growing trend of rookies signing with non-Nike brands, the writing was on the wall:


    Nike''s decline was no longer a question of if.


    It was happening.


    And if they failed to reclaim the championship this season?


    The league might truly become a UA League.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 297: This Will Be My Final Season.

    Chapter 297: This Will Be My Final Season.By mid-September, NBA teams were ramping up their training camps, signaling the end of a long offseason. For the Cavaliers, this year''s camp carried a different energy.


    On the first day, everyone showed up on time, ready to work. Unlike last year, Kevin Garnett didn''t need to yell trash talk to fire up the team ¡ª the hunger was already there. After a summer filled with reflection and regret, the players were eager to get back to work and prove themselves.


    Kyrie Irving, in particular, was laser-focused. His playmaking still needed time to develop through actual games, but his defensive effort stood out more than ever.


    ''Defense wins championships,'' Han thought to himself, satisfied with the team''s mindset.


    When your star point guard starts putting in extra work on defense, it sets the tone for everyone else. Teams often reflect their leaders, and when those leaders show up and grind, the rest of the squad follows.


    "Fire runs faster when the locomotive pulls hard," Han remembered hearing back in China.


    In Cleveland, he was that locomotive.


    What made Han even happier, though, was the transformation of Nikola Jokic.


    Over the summer, while Han was traveling in Africa, Jokic''s weight loss journey continued. He further dropped from 260 pounds (118kg) down to 250 (113kg) ¡ª a perfect weight for his 6''11" (210.82cm) frame.


    The difference in his mobility and strength was already evident. His lateral movement was still a work in progress, but his interior defense and agility had noticeably improved.


    What surprised Han even more was how quickly Jokic gelled with the team. He was no longer the shy, awkward rookie who barely spoke. Now, he was cracking jokes with Kevin Garnett and engaging with his teammates.


    "He''s finally settling in," Han observed with a smile.


    Jokic''s playful nature resurfaced. Before long, he became the team''s resident jokester ¡ª always cracking up the locker room.


    Of course, one thing hadn''t changed: Jokic still had a habit of cutting it close with punctuality. He''d show up right on time for practice and always be the first to leave afterward.


    "Gotta respect his consistency," Han chuckled.


    As September came to a close, training camps across the league wound down, leading to one of the NBA''s most anticipated events: Media Day.


    Media Day, a tradition established by David Stern, marked the transition from preseason preparations to the official start of the season. Teams gathered for photos, promotional shoots, and press interviews.


    For rookies like Jokic and Norman Powell, Media Day was a novelty. Jokic made a point to showcase his goofy side, posing for photos with wide eyes and a playful grin.


    During interviews, he openly expressed his love for Cleveland.


    "It reminds me of my hometown," Jokic shared. "The pace of life here, the comfort ¡ª it''s very similar."


    When asked about his rookie season expectations, Jokic smiled. "I''ll do my best... even if that means just waving the towel."


    The room erupted in laughter. Jokic had already won over the media with his quirky charm.


    For Han, however, Media Day had become routine. Now entering his seventh season, he knew the drill.


    When asked about his goals for the upcoming season, Han typically talked about chasing a championship. But this time, his answer was more pointed.


    "To hang my No. 77 jersey in the rafters at AmericanAirlines Arena," he declared.


    It wasn''t just a personal goal. It was a message ¡ª a clear shot aimed at the Miami Heat.


    The Cavaliers'' true challenge in the East wasn''t the Raptors, Hawks, Bulls, or Wizards.


    It was the Heat.


    Last season''s win over Miami had been monumental, but Han knew it wasn''t a definitive statement. Pat Riley''s decision to return to coaching was proof enough that the Heat were ready for war.


    Han''s message was simple: The fight is far from over.


    His bold statement instantly fueled the brewing rivalry between Cleveland and Miami.


    But Han''s comment wasn''t the biggest headline of the day.


    Over in Los Angeles, the Lakers were hosting their own Media Day. The room was packed with reporters eager to hear from the most talked-about team of the offseason.


    LeBron James, as expected, kicked things off with confidence. "You''re going to see the best version of me this season."


    The media barely reacted. At this point, LeBron''s declarations were seen as little more than entertainment. After years of switching teams and failing to secure a single title, his credibility had taken a hit.


    But then came the real bombshell.


    Kobe Bryant took the mic.


    "I''ve decided this will be my final season."


    The room froze.


    Reporters scrambled to process what they''d just heard. Cameras clicked furiously, and hands shot up with follow-up questions.


    Everyone knew Kobe was nearing the end of his career, but to hear him say it ¡ª to officially declare his retirement ¡ª was a moment that shook the entire league.


    ---


    After finishing his interview, Han Sen glanced at his phone, only to be greeted by the shocking headline: Kobe Bryant had officially announced that this season would be his last.


    Han sat down at the court''s edge, processing the news. In his memories, Kobe did indeed start a farewell tour this season ¡ª but that was after a devastating Achilles injury.


    This time, things were different. Kobe was still relatively healthy. In fact, his performance last season was better than most All-Stars. He might not have been top five anymore, but he was certainly still top ten. There was no reason, at least physically, why he couldn''t play until he was 40.


    As he sat there, Han''s initial surprise began to fade, and the logic behind Kobe''s decision became clearer.


    For Kobe, this season was an all-or-nothing moment.


    If the Lakers won the title, Kobe would finally have six rings ¡ª one more than Shaq. His legacy would be untouchable, and he''d have no reason to keep playing.


    But if they lost?


    There''d be no face-saving comeback. No redemption arc.


    Because assembling a superteam, as Wade had once told Han, was a move without retreat. It was either triumph or humiliation.


    Han chuckled to himself, imagining Kobe standing before LeBron and Love, essentially giving them an ultimatum: "This is my last season ¡ª and your last chance."


    There was no doubt about it. Kobe would be more ruthless, more relentless than ever before.


    And facing that version of Kobe in a playoff series? Against peak Curry and the Warriors?


    Han could already see the Western Conference erupting into fireworks.


    But Han also understood the cost. Kobe would be burning through the last reserves of his body''s energy. After this season, there would be no more comebacks. No second chances.


    As someone who had faced Kobe countless times on the court, Han couldn''t help but feel reflective.


    "Boss, you good?" Cunningham asked, noticing Han''s contemplative look.


    Han shook his head with a smile. "Yeah. Just thinking about a few things."


    He wasn''t just thinking about Kobe.


    This season wouldn''t only be Kobe''s last dance. If things went as expected, the league''s Stoic King ¡ª the ''Greatest of His Era'' in Han''s words ¡ª would also be hanging it up.


    Unlike Kobe, Duncan wouldn''t make a big deal out of it. He''d walk off the court quietly, just like he had played his entire career ¡ª understated, graceful, and effective.


    And it wasn''t just Duncan.


    Kevin Garnett, still on the Cavaliers'' roster, would likely call it a career after this season too. His body wasn''t what it used to be, and Father Time always wins.


    Han sighed, realizing this season wouldn''t just be about chasing a title. It would be the end of an era ¡ª the final Chapter for some of the game''s fiercest competitors.


    But instead of feeling sentimental, a fierce determination ignited within him.


    Players like Kobe, Duncan, and Garnett didn''t want pity.


    They wanted battles.


    Epic, memorable battles.


    The best farewell gift Han could offer them?


    Defeat them all. One by one.


    ---


    Social media exploded with reactions to Kobe''s announcement.


    Although he was no longer the undisputed face of the league, fans who had grown up watching him couldn''t fathom an NBA without Kobe Bryant.


    Players around the league shared their thoughts, expressing disbelief and admiration for Kobe''s career. Some teams even announced plans to honor Kobe with special tributes during their home games, as a gesture of respect.


    Kobe''s career hadn''t been as mythic as Jordan''s. He''d faced his share of controversies, both on and off the court. But the respect he earned through his relentless work ethic and on-court brilliance was undeniable.


    Respect earned through action is always more powerful than respect demanded.


    By late October, the NBA preseason had come to an end, and the Cavaliers had wrapped up their preparation.


    The biggest revelation of the Cavaliers'' preseason? Nikola Jokic.


    Originally slated to be the team''s third-string center, Jokic had completely leapfrogged Spencer Hawes on the depth chart.


    To put it bluntly, Jokic could do everything Hawes could ¡ª and more.


    Hawes was known for his three-point shooting and passing. Jokic had both of those skills, with a slight edge in passing. But what set Jokic apart was his low-post game ¡ª an area where Hawes offered little.


    Of course, Jokic wasn''t perfect. He committed too many fouls and had trouble setting solid screens during pick-and-rolls. Instead of properly sealing defenders, he often slipped too early, putting ballhandlers in difficult positions.


    These flaws would take time to fix, but overall, the Cavaliers had landed a gem in Jokic.


    David Griffin couldn''t hide his astonishment.


    "Honestly," Griffin confided to Han one day, "no one but you saw this coming. We basically stole him for a late first-round pick."


    Han chuckled. "Sometimes you just gotta trust your gut."


    After practice one afternoon, Han was sitting with Jokic, going over some pick-and-roll strategies, when Cunningham approached with a frustrated look.


    "Boss, you see the power rankings?" Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Han raised an eyebrow. "Nope. Haven''t bothered."


    "They''ve got us ranked fifth!" Cunningham fumed. "We made the Finals last year! We knocked out Miami!"


    Han glanced at Jokic, who shrugged with a smile. "Fifth sounds pretty high."


    Han couldn''t help but laugh. "You don''t know last season''s rankings, do you?"


    "Nope." Jokic scratched his head. "Where were we?"


    "Before you joined? Tenth."


    "Now we''re fifth?" Jokic blinked. "Because of me?"


    Han nodded with a grin. "Guess you''re stronger than you thought."


    Jokic rubbed his head sheepishly. "Didn''t know I was that good."


    Cunningham sighed. "Man, you''re killing me."


    He quickly rattled off the four teams ranked ahead of them: the Lakers, Heat, Warriors, and Rockets.


    Han nodded. "Sounds about right."


    "But did Bosh really recover?" Han asked, surprised. In his memory, Chris Bosh''s career had ended due to blood clots.


    "Yeah," Cunningham confirmed. "He played three preseason games. Looked solid."


    Han leaned back, deep in thought. "Huh. That''s unexpected."


    Butterfly effect? Or was his memory off?


    Regardless, power rankings were just for fun. Last season''s Finals featured the 10th and 12th-ranked teams, after all.


    Besides, Han had more pressing matters to think about.


    The Cavaliers'' season opener?


    It was against the Warriors.


    And it wasn''t just any game.


    Han would be standing courtside, watching the Warriors receive their championship rings ¡ª the ultimate reminder of what he''d lost last season.


    And Draymond Green''s words during the championship parade still echoed in his mind:


    "We beat Han! The dynasty starts now!"


    Han cracked his knuckles, the competitive fire burning in his eyes.


    Time to prove him wrong.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 298: The Clash of Eras.

    Chapter 298: The Clash of Eras.As a continuation of last season''s Finals showdown, the league scheduled the Cavaliers vs. Warriors rematch as the season opener.


    Promotions for the game kicked off early, with the league''s marketing machine in full swing. Even though the NBA remained a ''Nike league'', Adam Silver clearly wanted Under Armour to continue growing its presence.


    This was because of one critical, looming matter ¡ª Adidas'' jersey sponsorship deal with the NBA was set to expire at the end of the season.


    In a world without UA''s rise, Nike would have already locked in the next deal. But now? That spot was up for grabs, and this season would decide who claimed it.


    As the hype built, headlines surrounding the season opener flooded the media.


    The Warriors received bad news before the season even tipped off. Surprisingly, it wasn''t a player injury ¡ª it was their head coach.


    Steve Kerr had undergone back surgery during the offseason. While he hadn''t timed it as poorly as his former teammate Dennis Rodman, complications from the procedure meant Kerr would be sidelined for at least two to three months.


    In his absence, the team''s first assistant coach stepped up. But it wasn''t Alvin Gentry ¡ª he had accepted the head coaching job with the Pelicans after his success with the Warriors. The new man in charge? Luke Walton, a former Lakers role player and second assistant from last season.


    But did it really matter?


    Not really. The Warriors'' system was so polished that they could win with a bench coach ¡ª or, as some joked, even with a mascot in a suit on the sidelines.


    Kerr''s absence wasn''t the focus. What really drew attention was Draymond Green''s media day comments, which resurfaced right before the opener.


    Initially drowned out by the frenzy surrounding Kobe''s retirement announcement, Draymond''s words were now front and center:


    "Everyone keeps saying Han is the best player in the league, but we beat them. So Steph is the best. And based on what I''ve seen from him in camp, he''s going to be the MVP this season."


    Though Klay Thompson had been the Finals MVP, Green knew better than anyone who the Warriors'' true anchor was. And Draymond? He had no problem riding that coattail for the rest of his career.


    When the Cavaliers arrived in Oakland, reporters wasted no time asking Han for his thoughts on Green''s comments.


    Han didn''t take the bait. He sidestepped the topic entirely.


    Trash talk from Green? That was just another stream of hater points for his system.


    But his teammates weren''t as diplomatic.


    "That guy''s just riding Steph''s coattails. Without him, Green''s a nobody," TT fired back during media availability.


    Green, of course, had a response ready. "We''re champions. They''re not. Simple."


    ---


    Opening Night ¡ª Oracle Arena


    Oracle Arena was packed to the brim for the Warriors'' long-awaited ring ceremony.


    For most fans, the franchise''s previous title, won over 40 years ago, was little more than a distant memory. After all, many of those in attendance weren''t even born back then.


    To add some nostalgia, the Warriors invited long-time fans who had witnessed the 1975 championship to participate in the event, each receiving a commemorative team T-shirt.


    Most of them were well into their 70s or 80s. Even the youngest of that group was 58. They might not have been die-hard fans anymore ¡ª but hey, money talks.


    The Warriors put on a show. Their ownership spared no expense to make this ring ceremony unforgettable.


    According to reports, each championship ring cost a whopping $1 million. Designed by renowned jeweler Jason Arasheben, the rings were reportedly the most expensive in NBA history.


    Han wasn''t entirely buying the $1 million price tag. ''Probably 80% of that is just designer fees,'' he thought. ''There''s only so much you can fit on a ring that size, even if you cover it in diamonds.''


    Still, when the spotlight hit those rings, they dazzled.


    The ceremony began with all the rings placed on a central stage, glistening under the arena''s lights.


    Han watched as each Warriors player stepped up to claim their ring.


    When it was Steph''s turn, he took a moment to show off the details to the cameras ¡ª the team''s iconic bridge logo, set in gold with blue sapphire accents, alongside his jersey number ''30''.


    The crowd roared with approval. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers'' bench? Their eyes burned with determination.


    Other than Han and Garnett, the rest of the Cavs roster had never tasted championship glory. Watching this ceremony only fueled their hunger.


    After the festivities, both teams took the court for the national anthem and player introductions.


    Starting Lineups:


    Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Han Sen, P.J. Tucker, Tristan Thompson, Kevin Garnett


    Warriors: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green, Andrew Bogut


    Aside from Kyrie Irving, both teams'' lineups were nearly identical to last season''s Finals.


    With tipoff moments away, Han glanced around the arena.


    This wasn''t just any game. It was a statement game. For the Warriors, it was about proving they were still the top dogs. For the Cavs, it was about redemption.


    ---


    The Warriors'' biggest offseason addition was... Anderson Varej?o.


    LeBron''s old loyal sidekick, who had outlived his usefulness, was unceremoniously dumped by Cleveland and scooped up by Golden State.


    To make room for Draymond Green''s massive extension ¡ª a 5-year, $85 million deal ¡ª the Warriors had also shipped out David Lee to Boston.


    It was one of the reasons analysts were skeptical about the Warriors'' chances of defending their title this season.


    TT won the opening tip against Bogut, giving the Cavaliers the first possession of the season opener. The game was officially underway.


    But it didn''t take long for the whistle to blow.


    TT was called for an offensive foul ¡ª an off-ball tussle with Draymond.


    It wasn''t a bad call. TT had gotten too physical during a no-ball screen, shoving Draymond out of frustration.


    Why?


    Simple. TT had never liked Draymond.


    It wasn''t just on-court antics.


    The truth was, TT had demanded a huge contract from the Cavs during the offseason because Draymond Green got paid by the Warriors ¡ª 5 years, $85 million.


    TT believed he deserved the same, if not more, to prove he wasn''t inferior. Eventually, the Cavs settled with TT at 5 years, $70 million, but it left him with a chip on his shoulder. Every time he saw Draymond on the court, that lingering frustration resurfaced ¡ª a constant reminder that he was still chasing respect.


    On the sidelines, Coach Michael Malone stood up, motioning for TT to cool down.


    After the quick interruption, the game resumed.


    The Warriors ran their first play ¡ª a familiar pick-and-roll between Curry and Green.


    Draymond slipped the screen.


    But instead of hitting him on the roll, Curry pulled up from half a meter behind the three-point line.


    It wasn''t a heat-check shot.


    The play hadn''t even fully developed yet.


    Han knew Curry had that range ¡ª but this early? Straight off the tip?


    It was like someone turning a car''s ignition and immediately flooring the gas pedal.


    Most players would blow the engine.


    But not Curry.


    The shot went in.


    Curry wasn''t called a revolutionary player for just hitting open threes.


    It was because he made those insane, seemingly unreasonable shots look routine.


    The Oracle crowd erupted.


    But the Cavs didn''t get rattled.


    Han took the ball up, calling for a pick-and-roll with Garnett. After shedding Bogut, Han pulled up for a smooth mid-range jumper.


    The Cavs weren''t going to get baited into the Warriors'' three-point barrage.


    They had their own pace to dictate.


    Back on defense, Kyrie pressed up on Curry, showcasing the improved footwork and discipline he had honed over the summer.


    Curry tried to shake him, but Kyrie stuck with him.


    So, Curry passed to Draymond and went for a handoff.


    That subtle move ¡ª handoff, head fake ¡ª caught Kyrie off balance. He bit on the fake, jumping to contest a shot that wasn''t coming.


    Curry blew past him, weaved through TT, and floated a soft layup over Garnett.


    Han watched from the sideline, a little surprised.


    This wasn''t the Curry he had faced in the Finals.


    Curry had taken things up another level.


    On the next play, Han called for another screen from KG.


    This time, he hit the gas, driving straight at Bogut.


    But Draymond was waiting in the paint, ready to contest.


    Han didn''t slow down.


    Their collision was inevitable.


    Draymond extended his arms, but Han soared higher ¡ª faster ¡ª and slammed the ball down with authority.


    BANG!


    Han dunked over Draymond, sending him crashing to the floor.


    Oracle fell silent for a moment before the collective "OHHHHHH!" erupted from the stands.


    Draymond lay on the court, stunned.


    His mind flashed back to all those extra hours he had put in during the summer, convincing himself he was ready to go toe-to-toe with the league''s best.


    But in that moment?


    His confidence cracked.


    Han landed and glanced down at Draymond.


    For a second, it looked like Han was about to step over him ¡ª Iverson-style ¡ª but he held back.


    Still, the message was clear.


    Draymond stayed frozen, not daring to move. He knew if he did, Han would absolutely walk over him.


    The Warriors came back on the other end, trying to respond.


    Draymond set a high screen for Curry, slipped out, and got the ball back.


    His three-point attempt clanked off the rim. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Garnett grabbed the rebound and quickly pushed it up the floor.


    The Warriors'' defense scrambled back, forcing the Cavs to settle into a half-court set.


    Han took the ball in the post, backing down Klay.


    With the double-team looming, Han faked one way, spun back the other, and rose for a fadeaway jumper.


    Splash!


    Pure.


    Han had opened the game with six straight points, giving the Cavs their first lead.


    On the sidelines, Jokic was already waving his towel.


    Curry wasn''t done.


    He ran through a maze of screens, catching the ball beyond the arc. The Cavs sent a double-team his way, but before they could trap him, he fired a no-look pass behind his back.


    Right into Klay''s shooting pocket.


    Klay caught, squared up, and drained a three.


    Their chemistry was undeniable. Four years of playing together had made their connection seamless.


    The Cavs tried to answer with a Kyrie pull-up three, but it rimmed out.


    Draymond grabbed the board and quickly pushed the pace.


    Curry trailed the play, stopping at least a meter behind the arc.


    Most players would wait for the offense to set.


    Not Curry.


    The moment he caught the pass, he launched it.


    Kyrie, glancing away for a split second, turned back just in time to see the ball arc over his head.


    Swish.


    6-11.


    In a blink, the Warriors had not only regained the lead but extended it to five.


    The Oracle crowd went wild again.


    This wasn''t just the same Warriors team that won the title last season.


    No ¡ª this was an even better version.


    But just as the noise reached its peak, Han took the ball and stormed right back at them.


    Driving into the paint, he absorbed contact from Klay and Bogut, finishing through the foul.


    "And-one!"


    After knocking down the free throw, the Cavs were back within one possession.


    Nine minutes into the first quarter, the score stood at 31-27 in favor of the Warriors.


    It was a shootout. Both teams came out firing.


    Curry already had 14 points, while Han had put up 16.


    Draymond''s trash talk before the game had sounded bold, but on offense, Curry was backing it up.


    The difference?


    Curry''s offense was all about precision ¡ª three-pointers, floaters, and lightning-quick drives. His game was the epitome of modern basketball: efficient and deadly.


    Han''s game?


    It was a throwback.


    He worked the post, lived in the mid-range, and relentlessly attacked the basket.


    Watching the two of them go at it felt like watching two different eras clash on the court.


    It wasn''t just a game.


    It was a battle of ideologies.

 Chapter 299: Duel from the Logo.

    Chapter 299: Duel from the Logo.When Kyrie Irving sat on the bench, he was visibly lost in thought.


    A staff member handed him a towel, but he ignored it completely.


    Kyrie wasn''t the type to wear his emotions on his sleeve, unlike someone like Jokic. But it was obvious that he wasn''t in a good place mentally.


    And it wasn''t hard to figure out why ¡ª he was feeling the same frustration as Draymond Green.


    After grinding all summer to elevate his game, Kyrie had expected to make a statement in the season opener. Instead, he got hit in the face with reality.


    His defense on Steph Curry in the first quarter wasn''t just ineffective ¡ª it was nonexistent.


    And what made it worse? Curry''s style of play shattered Kyrie''s perception of basketball.


    Steph''s threes were as effortless as Kyrie''s layups.


    Who the hell shoots like this?


    Han Sen''s focus had been on Jokic, who was about to check into the game. But when he noticed the ignored towel and Kyrie''s dazed expression, he turned his attention to his teammate.


    "If the destination is too easy to reach, it''s probably not worth going there," Han said.


    He had come to understand Kyrie over the past season. Beyond his occasionally self-centered nature, Kyrie was a bookworm.


    And not the performative kind ¡ª the type who actually read, highlighted passages, and scribbled notes in the margins.


    Han''s cryptic advice resonated more with someone like Kyrie.


    The simple translation? Success isn''t supposed to be easy.


    Kyrie nodded slightly. Whether he fully grasped it or not, Han couldn''t tell. But at least he wasn''t sulking anymore.


    Soon, Kyrie''s gaze drifted to the court, where Jokic had just checked in.


    Jokic''s first possession? A turnover.


    He had an easy scoring opportunity but opted to pass it to J.R. Smith, who wasn''t ready for it.


    "Nikola! Be more decisive!" Han yelled as Jokic hustled back on defense.


    Jokic''s preseason performance had been solid, but his reluctance to score was frustrating.


    Some people loved being in the saddle themselves. Others preferred watching someone else ride ¡ª Jokic belonged to the latter group.


    The good news? Jokic took feedback seriously, especially when it came from Han.


    The next possession, Jokic posted up Festus Ezeli.


    Williams fed him the ball inside.


    Being the team clown had its perks ¡ª everyone loved him enough to give him extra chances.


    Ezeli wasn''t an easy matchup. The former Warriors starter stood at 7 feet tall (2.13m) with a 7''5" (2.26m) wingspan and weighed over 260 pounds (118kg).


    Jokic''s post moves couldn''t budge him. After several spins, he still couldn''t find a comfortable shot.


    With no better option, Jokic resorted to a Dirk-esque one-legged fadeaway.


    The form wasn''t the cleanest. His release was slow, and Ezeli contested the shot well. To avoid the block, Jokic added a ridiculous arc to the ball ¡ª it looked more like a golf chip shot.


    The degree of difficulty? Maxed out.


    Yet, somehow, the ball swished through the net.


    The Warriors'' bench fell silent in disbelief, while the Cavs'' bench erupted in cheers.


    Even Han stood up to clap.


    That''s what makes a fan favorite ¡ª moments like this.


    Jokic''s soft touch wasn''t just for passing; his shooting touch was equally refined.


    Big men with that kind of touch were rare. It was one of the reasons Yao Ming had thrived in the league.


    And Jokic wasn''t done.


    On the next possession, instead of posting up again, he set a pick for Williams and popped out to the three-point line.


    His screen wasn''t great, but it was enough to free Williams. The Warriors doubled him, forcing a quick pass to Jokic.


    Ezeli hesitated to close out, while Leandro Barbosa stayed near the paint.


    The Warriors clearly weren''t familiar with Jokic.


    Steph Curry, standing on the bench, frantically waved his hands. "He can shoot!"


    But it was too late.


    Jokic, seeing the space, calmly launched a three.


    Swish!


    The ball sailed cleanly through the hoop, leaving Oracle Arena buzzing.


    Who is this guy?


    Luke Walton quickly called a timeout.


    As Jokic walked to the bench, Han met him with a playful grin.


    "Still think you''re not that good?"


    Jokic scratched his head with a shy smile. "Maybe... not too bad."


    The Warriors came out of the timeout with more urgency.


    Barbosa ran a pick-and-roll with Ezeli, darting past Jokic for a reverse layup off the glass.


    Jokic''s weaknesses were apparent. His lateral quickness was lacking, and he struggled to defend the pick-and-roll.


    On the next possession, Jokic returned to the top of the arc.


    Ezeli had no choice but to step out.


    With both Cavs'' bigs stretching the floor, Williams saw a wide-open lane. He drove hard to the basket, drawing a foul from Barbosa.


    Jokic''s best role was as a playmaker, but as a rookie, he wouldn''t be handed the keys to the offense right away.


    Still, even without the ball in his hands, he was making an impact as a surprise weapon.


    In last season''s Finals, the Warriors'' deep bench had overwhelmed the Cavs'' second unit.


    This time? The Cavs were holding their own.


    At halftime, the score was tied at 58.


    The Warriors were visibly better than last season. But so were the Cavs.


    Their depth had significantly improved ¡ª and Nikola Jokic was a big part of that.


    From the coaches to the players, Cleveland''s bench was buzzing with excitement. On the other side, Warriors interim head coach Luke Walton remained unfazed.


    ---


    When the second half began, Walton made a bold adjustment ¡ª Andre Iguodala replaced Andrew Bogut in the starting lineup.


    This wasn''t new. The Warriors had used this lineup in last season''s Finals. But with Curry''s evolution, the infamous ''Death Lineup'' had become even deadlier.


    On the very first possession, Curry took a handoff from Draymond Green and casually drilled his fourth three-pointer of the night.


    In the past, Curry hitting four threes in a game would''ve been impressive. But tonight? It felt like he was just getting started.


    The Cavs responded quickly with a signature mid-range jumper from Kevin Garnett at the high post.


    Golden State''s small-ball lineup thrived on defensive rotations and quick help, but Cleveland had learned how to counter it after last season''s Finals.


    What the Cavs didn''t anticipate was the Warriors'' next move.


    While Garnett was pounding his chest in celebration, Draymond Green inbounded the ball quickly. Curry pushed it up the court at lightning speed.


    Even Green, after passing the ball, sprinted down the floor. The rest of the Warriors charged forward, turning defense into offense in the blink of an eye.


    Typically, when a team scores, the game slows down into a half-court set. But the Warriors had no intention of slowing down.


    With Curry leading the break, it was nearly impossible to stop them.


    Curry crossed half-court, glanced at the rim, and gave Kyrie Irving a subtle head fake before accelerating toward the basket.


    The Warriors'' spacing formed a classic ''V'' shape, spreading the floor.


    As the Cavs'' defense collapsed to stop Curry''s drive, he whipped a no-look pass to Iguodala in the corner.


    Iguodala caught the ball, adjusted, and drained the corner three.


    Curry wasn''t Steve Nash, but his offensive gravity made the Warriors'' fast break just as lethal as the Suns'' famed ''Seven Seconds or Less'' offense.


    On the Cavs'' sideline, Michael Malone called J.R. Smith off the bench.


    Garnett wasn''t punishing Green in the post. Jokic was too green to handle Curry''s relentless attack in a high-stakes game. The only option left?


    Small ball vs. small ball.


    On the next possession, Han Sen drew the defense and fed Tristan Thompson for a powerful two-handed dunk.


    Even with the Warriors'' quick defensive rotations, Han''s court vision made him nearly impossible to trap. Every time he was double-teamed, he found the open man.


    But the Warriors pushed the pace once again.


    This time, Curry crossed the half-court logo and, without any hesitation, launched a deep three.


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    Irving stood there, stunned.


    Han''s advice from earlier echoed in his mind. He had taken it to heart, but this?


    How the hell are you supposed to defend that?


    The scoreboard read 67-62.


    The Cavs had scored on every possession to start the second half, yet they still trailed by five points.


    Their hard-earned points felt insignificant under the Warriors'' three-point barrage.


    Malone called for a timeout.


    "Steph is changing the game right before our eyes!" Shaquille O''Neal exclaimed from the broadcast booth.


    He and Charles Barkley had once famously said, "You can''t win championships with jump shots."


    The Warriors had already proven them wrong. And now, Curry was taking it a step further, leaving even Shaq and Chuck in awe.


    During the timeout, Han Sen sat on the bench, lost in thought.


    Memories flooded back.


    "Warrior Third-Quarter Blitz."


    "Third-Quarter Knockout."


    The Warriors'' signature run wasn''t just a myth. They thrived on relentless pace, riding Curry''s shooting to demoralize opponents in a matter of minutes.


    Han knew that if the Warriors got hot, you couldn''t beat them by playing traditional basketball.


    He had to make a change.


    When play resumed, J.R. Smith replaced Garnett.


    "Defense! Defense!" the Oracle Arena crowd roared, still energized from Curry''s logo three.


    Han brought the ball up, signaling for a high pick-and-roll with Thompson ¡ª at the three-point line.


    Instead of driving to the basket, Han stepped back beyond the arc and launched a three.


    The sudden change in approach caught the Warriors off guard.


    Draymond Green lunged to contest the shot.


    Everyone knew Han could shoot threes. But the positioning of the screen? It was eerily familiar to the Warriors.


    Green''s contest barely affected Han''s shot.


    Swish!


    The net snapped cleanly as the ball passed through.


    The crowd fell silent, while the Cavs'' bench exploded with cheers. Han''s three-pointer was exactly the answer they needed.


    Inspired by Han''s shot, Kyrie locked in on Curry.


    This time, he denied Curry the chance to push the pace. When Green attempted another handoff, Kyrie disrupted the passing lane.


    Forced to improvise, Green passed to Klay Thompson, who came off a screen for a catch-and-shoot three.


    But Han was there, contesting the shot.


    Clank!


    The Warriors'' three-point streak was finally broken.


    P.J. Tucker grabbed the defensive rebound and started the fast break.


    Han secured the outlet pass and immediately launched a full-court pass to Kyrie, who had sprinted ahead of Curry.


    Kyrie caught the ball in stride, glided through the air, and twisted his body for a smooth reverse layup.


    Finally, Kyrie had a moment to release his frustrations. As he landed, he let out a primal scream.


    The Cavs had clawed their way back with a 5-0 run, tying the game at 67.


    But the celebration didn''t last long.


    On the very next possession, Curry casually stepped over the logo and pulled up for another deep three.


    Kyrie rushed forward to contest, but Curry''s release was lightning-fast.


    This wasn''t just a quick shot.


    It was instantaneous.


    Swish!


    Curry''s arc wasn''t particularly high, but it didn''t matter. The ball found the bottom of the net.


    His third three-pointer of the quarter.


    In just over six minutes, Curry had already matched his first-half total.


    This is why they call it the Third-Quarter Blitz.


    As the crowd erupted once more, Curry celebrated with his signature move ¡ª the shoulder shake.


    He was officially on fire.


    The Cavs pushed the ball up the floor. This time, it wasn''t Klay Thompson guarding Han ¡ª it was Iguodala.


    Andre''s defensive instincts and experience far surpassed Klay''s. He crowded Han, sticking close to deny him the ball.


    When Han finally received the pass, he was near the logo.


    He gestured for another screen, drawing Iguodala''s attention.


    Andre glanced over his shoulder to see Thompson coming up to hedge the screen.


    In that split second, Han did something no one expected.


    He shot.


    From the logo.


    The ball arced high, like a missile launched from a distant continent.


    Swish!


    The Oracle crowd fell silent.


    Han locked eyes with Curry.


    Bring it on. Let''s see who blinks first.

 Chapter 300: Countdown.

    Chapter 300: Countdown."What did he just do?!" Shaquille O''Neal''s eyes were wide with disbelief from the commentary booth.


    Curry making wild threes wasn''t exactly new. That''s his bread and butter. Sure, his deep-range shots were mind-boggling, but people had come to expect the unexpected from him.


    But Han?


    Three-pointers had never been his primary weapon. He had an arsenal of offensive moves inside the arc that made defenders sweat. But a logo three? With perfect form and zero hesitation?


    That was something else entirely.


    And it wasn''t a lucky heave either. It was clean, calculated, and the arc was pure beauty.


    He had that range.


    That realization hit like a truck. It meant Han''s offensive threat now extended from the rim all the way to the logo.


    Full-court coverage.


    Sure, Curry had that too. But when a player with Han''s physical dominance adds a logo three to his bag? It was like giving Michael Jordan an extra weapon ¡ª one that shouldn''t exist.


    The Cavs'' bench erupted in cheers.


    Unlike Shaq''s stunned reaction, the players were buzzing with excitement.


    They''d seen glimpses of this in training camp. But practice was one thing. Doing it in a game? On this stage?


    That was different.


    Even the Cavs on the court were hyped. Kyrie sprinted back on defense, grinning ear to ear as he slapped hands with Han.


    He''d been frustrated all night, feeling overwhelmed by Curry''s barrage of threes.


    But now? He wasn''t alone. His team had a sniper too.


    Meanwhile, the Warriors'' bench ¡ª and even Luke Walton ¡ª looked shell-shocked.


    The Splash Brothers were used to watching Curry pull off the impossible. But seeing an opponent do it? That hit differently.


    "This isn''t how basketball is supposed to be played!" you could almost hear their thoughts echo.


    Han glanced at Curry, eyes locked, as if issuing a silent challenge.


    Your move.


    Curry tried to respond immediately, weaving through screens like a snake, but Kyrie was glued to him. He chased Curry relentlessly, fighting through every pick.


    Kyrie didn''t have the physicality to muscle someone like Kobe in the post, but his agility made him a perfect foil for Curry.


    Finally, after running a looping figure-eight route, Curry broke free and launched a quick-release three.


    Han saw it coming. He rotated just in time to contest the shot.


    Curry managed to avoid getting blocked with his lightning-quick release, but the shot was off.


    The ball clanked off the back rim and bounced high.


    Missed.


    TT secured the rebound and pushed the ball upcourt. Han got the ball and immediately went into attack mode.


    He gave a hard pump fake from deep. Iguodala, wary of Han''s sudden shooting spree, bit on the fake and jumped.


    Han wasted no time. He drove hard, then quickly stepped back beyond the arc.


    Iguodala scrambled to recover, but once you''ve been faked out, it''s tough to catch up.


    Curry saw the play developing and left Kyrie to sprint over for a desperation contest.


    Han felt Curry rush past underneath him as he released his shot.


    Too late.


    Splash!


    Han''s third consecutive three-pointer ripped through the net.


    Oracle Arena went dead silent.


    73-70.


    The Cavs had taken the lead.


    The camera zoomed in on Curry.


    Every Warriors fan in the arena ¡ª hell, probably in the Bay Area ¡ª had their hopes riding on the shoulders of this undersized, 6''2" (1.88m) guard.


    The Warriors tried to push the pace again, but Cleveland had adjusted. They got back on defense quickly, forcing Golden State into a half-court set.


    Curry caught the ball at the three-point line, with Kyrie draped all over him.


    Then, he pulled out something new.


    A step-back ¡ª from beyond the arc.


    Was it a step-back three? Or a three-point step-back?


    Did it even matter?


    Curry created just enough space, and Kyrie flew at him as Curry unleashed another lightning-quick release.


    The ball sailed over Kyrie''s outstretched arm, kissed the net, and dropped through.


    Splash!


    Curry''s counter was successful.


    His fourth triple of the quarter.


    On the Cavs'' bench, Nikola Jokic couldn''t believe his eyes.


    Back in Europe, basketball was all about creating the best shot possible through teamwork and precision.


    What Curry and Han were doing?


    It was like watching two players yell at traditional basketball, "Go to hell!"


    Jokic''s entire understanding of the game was being rewritten in real-time.


    Back on the court, Iguodala had adjusted his defense.


    No more sagging off Han. He picked him up full-court, denying him the ball as much as possible.


    The Warriors weren''t going to let Han have another clean look from deep.


    But Han switched tactics.


    He made a sharp backdoor cut to the basket. The Warriors'' defense, stretched to cover the perimeter, couldn''t recover in time.


    Kyrie lobbed a high pass toward the rim.


    It wasn''t perfect. The ball sailed a bit too far.


    But Han adjusted mid-air, snagged the ball, and threw down a vicious one-handed alley-oop dunk.


    BOOM!


    Even the Oracle crowd couldn''t help but gasp in awe.


    Everyone knew the best dunks come from imperfect passes.


    Warriors players stood frozen, stunned. Curry, in particular, stared at the giant LED screen, watching the replay with thinly veiled envy.


    Walton didn''t call a timeout. He figured if Han was going to score, he''d rather see him do it inside than from deep.


    As the Warriors brought the ball back up, Malone signaled for Cleveland''s defense to extend out.


    Curry had already hit seven threes in the game, and he was gunning for more.


    Draymond Green orchestrated the offense from the top of the key.


    Unlike Mark Jackson, who built the Warriors around Curry''s shooting, Steve Kerr prioritized ball movement. And Walton? Walton leaned heavily on Draymond''s playmaking.


    Draymond found Curry cutting backdoor.


    The pass was crisp, threading through defenders.


    Curry caught it in stride and bolted toward the rim.


    But instead of his usual quick layup, Curry did something unexpected.


    He jumped ¡ª both hands gripping the ball ¡ª and dunked.


    The dunk wasn''t flashy. His jump wasn''t high. But he slammed it home.


    BOOM!


    The Oracle crowd exploded.


    Curry landed and roared, more hyped than he''d been after any of his threes.


    Han watched the entire sequence unfold.


    He hadn''t expected Curry to dunk.


    "Guess a shooter''s not complete without a dunk," Han muttered to himself, smirking.


    Golden State Lavine? Not just a joke anymore.


    What stood out was that both Han and Curry had adapted their games.


    Neither relied solely on their shooting streaks. Instead, they used that threat to create space and attack the rim.


    Their logo shootout had turned into a relentless assault on the paint.


    At least, for now.


    As the quarter wound down, both teams returned to perimeter play once their defenses began to collapse inward.


    Curry hit another deep three.


    Han answered with two of his own.


    With five seconds left in the third quarter, Han faced Iguodala.


    A quick crossover sent Iguodala stumbling. Han stepped back ¡ª this time from the 45-degree angle, half a step behind the arc.


    The Cavs trailed 94-96.


    A three-pointer would give them the lead heading into the final quarter.


    The crowd held its breath.


    Splash!


    Han''s sixth three of the quarter swished through.


    O''Neal shook his head, a bemused smile on his face. He grabbed his mic and said, "What else is there to say?"


    Nothing.


    This was a shootout for the ages.


    ---


    Back when critics doubted Michael Jordan''s three-point shooting, he silenced them with a legendary Finals performance, hitting six threes in the first half. The doubters had no choice but to shut up.


    Han Sen wasn''t dealing with doubters tonight ¡ª but he just hit six threes in a single quarter.


    This wasn''t just an evolution of his game; it felt like a dimensional downgrade for his opponents.


    Just when it seemed Han had won the duel with Curry, something jaw-dropping happened again.


    After a quick inbound pass from Draymond Green, Curry brought the ball up the court. The Cavs were clearly fatigued, a step slow on defense due to rotations and exhaustion.


    Curry pushed along the sideline, a meter beyond the three-point line. Without hesitation ¡ª and with no clock pressure ¡ª he pulled up.


    Quick release.


    JR Smith scrambled to contest but was too late.


    The ball traced a low arc, like an artillery shell, before slamming into the net with a resounding swish.


    Curry had just hit his sixth three-pointer of the quarter!


    The duel wasn''t over.


    If anything, Curry had pulled even.


    In fact, you could say he''d won the quarter. The Warriors entered the fourth with a two-point lead, 94-92.


    The Oracle crowd roared, their faith in their beloved ''Baby-Faced Assassin'' fully restored.


    As the third quarter stats flashed on the big screen, the numbers told the story:


    Curry: 28 points in the quarter. Han: 30 points in the quarter.


    Both had shattered their personal single-quarter scoring records.


    "If they keep this pace up for four quarters," Barkley quipped from the commentary booth, "we''re looking at two guys hitting 100 points in the same game."


    A hundred points required 25 per quarter. It suddenly seemed... possible.


    By the end of three quarters, Han and Curry both had 40+ points. The real question now was: who would break 50 first?


    ---


    The fourth quarter began with Nikola Jokic back on the floor.


    Maybe it was the inspiration ¡ª or sheer pressure ¡ª from watching Han and Curry''s fireworks display, but Jokic wasn''t looking to post up.


    Instead, he stood at the top of the arc, waiting for his moment.


    The Warriors knew he could shoot, so they stayed close. But that gave Jokic a chance to show off his passing.


    Feigning a three-point shot, Jokic fired a no-look bullet pass to a cutting JR Smith.


    JR caught it mid-air and threw down a spectacular reverse dunk.


    Oracle Arena gasped in awe.


    Jokic''s court vision was on full display.


    Big men with passing skills were rare enough, but Jokic''s touch made him special. The Cavs had found their secret weapon.


    The Cavs kept pace, refusing to let the Warriors pull away.


    The game remained tight.


    ---


    Small Ball to the Finish Line


    Luke Walton had planned to use the ''Death Lineup'' to deliver a knockout blow in the third quarter. But with the game still hanging in the balance, he had no choice but to stick with it.


    Cleveland did the same. Both teams committed to small ball, knowing it was a race to see whose legs would give out first.


    The intense back-and-forth felt like a constant series of 100-meter sprints. It wasn''t just basketball anymore; it was a test of cardiovascular endurance.


    That''s why teams didn''t start games with small ball. It wasn''t about protecting the paint ¡ª it was about protecting the lungs.


    But neither team dared revert to a traditional lineup.


    The pace slowed a bit, shots clanged off rims, and Oracle Arena briefly transformed into a blacksmith''s workshop, echoing with the sound of bricks.


    Still, Han and Curry stood out.


    Han''s endurance had been forged during last season''s grueling playoff run ¡ª especially the infamous 64-point game that pushed his stamina to new limits.


    Curry, meanwhile, was a machine. His trainer, Brandon Payne, had emphasized endurance in his workouts, and Curry had led the league in distance covered during games for years.


    Despite the relentless pace, neither superstar showed signs of slowing down.


    Curry nailed two more threes, bringing his total to 11 for the night ¡ª just one shy of the NBA record of 12, shared by Kobe Bryant and Donyell Marshall.


    Han, on the other hand, shifted his focus. He took fewer threes, relying more on mid-range jumpers and aggressive drives to the basket.


    ---


    With a minute left, the Warriors led 119-117.


    Han attacked the paint, barreling through Draymond Green to score a tough layup. He drew the foul, too ¡ª Green''s sixth of the night.


    Draymond had to sit.


    His final stat line? 7 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 fouls.


    Clearly frustrated, Green threw his towel in disgust as he headed to the bench. His night was over.


    Han calmly sank the free throw, giving the Cavs a 120-119 lead and pushing his point total to 55.


    By comparison, Curry had 48.


    The Warriors called timeout.


    When play resumed, Andrew Bogut replaced Green. The Warriors cleared out the paint, giving Curry all the space he needed.


    There were 40 seconds left.


    The crowd expected Curry to launch a three and chase history.


    But Curry wasn''t chasing a record ¡ª he was chasing a win.


    He used a screen from Bogut to switch Kyrie off him, ending up one-on-one with Tristan Thompson.


    Everyone assumed he''d fire a step-back three.


    But instead, Curry threw in a pump fake, sending TT off balance, and drove inside.


    He pulled up for a mid-range jumper ¡ª a rarity in his game.


    The shot was pure.


    Warriors: 121-120.


    Cavs called timeout.


    With 28 seconds remaining, the Cavs had a chance to take the lead.


    The tension in Oracle was palpable.


    The Warriors were nervous. Despite holding a slim lead, they knew what was coming.


    Cleveland had the league''s best closer.


    As the Cavs returned to the floor, all eyes were on Han. But something unusual happened ¡ª Han didn''t demand the ball.


    Instead, Kyrie dribbled out the clock, setting up for the final shot.


    With 10 seconds left, he made his move.


    Kyrie blew past Curry and into the paint. He had an open floater from just outside the restricted area ¡ª one of his signature shots.


    But he missed.


    TT snatched the offensive rebound, towering over Bogut, and without hesitation, he fired the ball back out to the perimeter.


    Right into Han Sen''s hands.


    Han caught the ball, and for a moment, time itself seemed to slow. The entire arena held its breath, eyes locked on him.


    The Warriors scrambled to close out. Curry and Thompson rushed toward Han, desperate to prevent him from getting a clean look.


    But Han?


    He didn''t flinch. No rush, no panic. Instead, he glanced at the clock ¡ª and with deliberate calm, raised three fingers.


    Three.


    The defenders hesitated, their feet caught between closing the gap and bracing for a drive.


    Two.


    Han lowered one finger, his eyes locked on the rim. The anticipation built, tension crackling in the air.


    Curry slowed his sprint, unsure of whether Han was bluffing.


    One.


    Han dropped the final finger and rose up from the logo. The shot was high and pure, a perfect arc slicing through the air as the buzzer blared.


    SWISH!


    The ball ripped through the net, clean and decisive.


    Han held his follow-through, fingers still in the air, like a maestro conducting his symphony''s final note.


    Then, as he turned back toward the stunned Warriors bench, he tapped his wrist.


    Time''s up.


    Game.


    The final score flashed:


    Cavs 123, Warriors 121.


    For a moment, Oracle Arena was dead silent.


    And then?


    Chaos.


    ---


    Broadcast Booth: TNT Reaction


    Shaq:"Yo, hold up. Did he really just... count them down?"


    Shaq''s voice boomed over the broadcast, his eyes wide with disbelief. He leaned back in his chair, shaking his head slowly. "Nah, that ain''t real."


    Barkley:"Oh, it''s real, big fella. You saw it. We all saw it."


    Chuck leaned forward, pointing at the replay on the monitor. "Dude stood there like he was Mozart conducting a symphony. Three, two, one... BANG. That''s gotta be the coldest thing I''ve ever seen on a basketball court."


    Kenny Smith:"Forget disrespectful ¡ª that was stone-cold. Ice in his veins."


    The trio watched the slow-motion replay of Han raising his hand, counting down while the Warriors frantically closed out.


    Shaq:"See, that''s the difference between me and you shooters. You hit a big shot, you wanna make a statement. Me? I''d just dunk on you and stare you down."


    Kenny:"Shaq, if you ever hit a shot from the logo, the world would stop spinning."


    The entire booth burst into laughter.


    Barkley:"Man, if Shaq took a shot from the logo, he''d be calling for a sub right after."


    Shaq:"You wish, Chuck. I could''ve pulled from the logo if I wanted to. I just didn''t need to ¡ª I had y''all little guys to do the shooting."


    As the replay looped again, Barkley shook his head, a rare moment of seriousness creeping in.


    Barkley:"Listen, you can say what you want about disrespect, but that was the kind of moment that lives forever. You hit a game-winner like that, counting it down? That''s legendary."


    Kenny:"It''s one thing to make a big shot. It''s another thing to call your shot ¡ª and let everyone know it''s coming."


    The clip switched to a shot of Han jogging back to the bench, his grin unmistakable as he high-fived his teammates. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Shaq:"You know what? That''s some MJ-level stuff right there. Remember when MJ shrugged after hitting all those threes against Portland? Same energy."


    Barkley:"Nah, it''s different."


    Kenny:"How?"


    Barkley:"MJ didn''t count it down. Han did. And that''s a whole different level of bad-ass."


    Shaq:"And you can''t do a damn thing about it."


    ---

 Chapter 301: The Process?.

    Chapter 301: The Process?.Silver, sitting in the stands, couldn''t help but chuckle.


    The season opener couldn''t have been better for the league''s ratings. The Han Sen vs. Steph Curry duel had instantly elevated the season''s attention to a whole new level.


    After the final buzzer, Han and Curry met at half-court, shook hands, and exchanged jerseys.


    It wasn''t about winning or losing ¡ª it was just a regular-season game. Both had dropped 50+ points, a moment worth commemorating.


    The two stars stood together for a courtside interview, both grinning as they answered questions.


    For UA? This was a massive win.


    Back in the locker room, just as Han was finishing his cooldown, Coach Lue walked in.


    "Han, I need you and Kyrie for the postgame presser."


    "Kyrie?" Han glanced around the room, realizing for the first time that Irving wasn''t there. "Wait, where is Kyrie?"


    "I saw him by the elevator," Spencer Hawes said. "I tried to say hi, but he walked right past me. Guess he went straight back to the hotel."


    Han nodded in understanding. It wasn''t surprising. After getting outplayed by Curry and then missing the potential game-winner, Kyrie was probably stewing in frustration.


    Han didn''t press the issue. Instead, he turned to Nikola Jokic, who was quietly packing up his things.


    "Nikola, you''re coming with me."


    Jokic looked up, wide-eyed. "Me? Why?"


    "It''s your first NBA game, and you''re already getting postgame presser duties. Big moment," Han said with a grin.


    On the way to the press room, Jokic couldn''t contain his curiosity.


    "Are you sure we shouldn''t call Kyrie? He looked... upset."


    Han shook his head. "He''ll be fine by tomorrow."


    Jokic frowned. The nickname ''boss'' had been spreading through the Cavs locker room like wildfire, and he couldn''t help but address Han that way.


    "Boss," Jokic said hesitantly, "Kyrie helped me a lot in practice. He''s a good guy. I didn''t expect him to be... this sensitive."


    Han chuckled. "You''ll get used to it. He''s complicated, but he''ll bounce back."


    Jokic didn''t fully understand, but he let it go. His attention shifted as they entered the press room and he saw the sea of reporters waiting for them.


    His body tensed. The crowd, the cameras ¡ª it was overwhelming.


    ''I barely did anything tonight,'' Jokic thought to himself. ''Why am I even here?''


    But once the press conference started, Jokic relaxed. The media''s focus was entirely on Han. He figured he could sit back, stay quiet, and get through it without much trouble.


    The first question came from an ESPN reporter. "Han, first of all, congratulations on a phenomenal performance. How does it feel to open the season with a win like that?"


    Han grinned. "Feels great. Anytime you get a win against the defending champs, it''s a good night."


    The follow-up came quickly, from a reporter for The Athletic.


    "Let''s talk about that final shot. You counted down before you took it ¡ª three, two, one. Was that planned, or just spur of the moment?"


    Han chuckled, shaking his head. "Planned? Nah. It wasn''t something I thought about beforehand. In the moment, it just felt right. The crowd was loud, the game was tight, and I wanted to make it clear ¡ª this one''s ending with me."


    The press room buzzed with murmurs of agreement, but the next question shifted the focus.


    "You and Steph both put up 50 tonight ¡ª 58 for you, 51 for him," a TNT reporter began. "After a battle like that, do you think we''re witnessing the start of a new rivalry between you two?"


    Han leaned back, crossing his arms. "Rivalry? Maybe. But Steph''s a competitor. I respect him a lot. We both pushed each other tonight, and that''s what makes the game fun."


    The mention of Curry prompted a ripple of excitement through the room, but Han glanced sideways at Jokic, who had been sitting quietly, hoping to avoid the spotlight.


    A Cleveland reporter caught the shift and went for it.


    "Han, you''ve spoken highly of your teammates before. Can you share your thoughts on Nikola Jokic''s performance tonight?"


    Han''s lips curled into a knowing smile. "Nikola? He''s the future."


    The words hit like a bombshell. Reporters straightened in their chairs, cameras snapping furiously as they turned toward Jokic, who froze in place, eyes wide.


    "In a few years," Han continued, his voice steady, "Nikola Jokic will be an All-Star."


    The room went silent for a moment, stunned by the declaration. Then came the chaos of shutters clicking and murmured exclamations.


    Jokic blinked, his mouth opening slightly in disbelief. "Wait, what?" he whispered, barely audible over the noise.


    The questions came fast.


    "Are you saying Nikola is on track to become an All-Star?" someone pressed.


    Han nodded confidently. "I''m not just saying it. I believe it."


    Jokic shifted uncomfortably, his face a mix of shock and confusion. "Uh... thank you?" he muttered, earning a few chuckles from the reporters.


    Han grinned, leaning in. "No pressure, big guy."


    Another reporter jumped in, this time from Bleacher Report. "Han, you''ve never made a prediction like that before. Why now?" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Han didn''t miss a beat. "Because I see it. I''ve seen it in practice, I''ve seen it in games. The kid''s got skills most bigs don''t have. Vision, touch, basketball IQ ¡ª he''s special."


    Jokic looked down, avoiding eye contact, clearly overwhelmed. "I just want to help the team," he mumbled.


    The room broke into laughter.


    It wasn''t long before someone brought up the game-winning shot again, this time from a Bay Area reporter. "Han, that final countdown before the shot ¡ª was it a psychological move? Something to mess with the Warriors'' heads?"


    Han smirked. "You could call it that. Or you could just say I like to make things memorable."


    The press room buzzed with amusement, but the questions kept coming.


    "Steph also hit some incredible shots tonight," the reporter continued. "There was even a moment when you two had a dunk contest going. Any thoughts on his performance?"


    Han couldn''t help but laugh. "Steph? I hope he hears this ¡ª I think he should join me in the dunk contest."


    That drew more laughter from the room, even Jokic cracking a smile.


    The press conference wrapped up soon after, but the buzz carried on well after Han and Jokic had left the stage.


    Later, back in the TNT studio, the crew was still reeling from the night''s events.


    "Wait a minute," Shaq said, leaning forward with a wide-eyed expression. "Did Han just say Jokic is going to be an All-Star?"


    Kenny Smith nodded. "That''s exactly what he said."


    Chuck leaned in. "And you know what? I believe him. Jokic has that old-school big man feel, but with a modern twist. You don''t see that every day."


    Shaq shook his head, still processing. "Calling it this early, though? That''s bold. I respect it."


    "You''ve gotta trust Han''s eye for talent," Kenny added. "He''s proven he knows how to spot the real deal. If he says Jokic is the future, I''m buying stock."


    Chuck grinned, pointing at the monitor where Jokic''s goofy grin from the press conference was frozen on the screen. "Look at that kid. He''s already got the charisma of a star. Just needs to polish his game."


    They all laughed, but the conversation didn''t lose its weight.


    "Han just made a promise," Shaq said, leaning back in his chair. "And the whole league''s gonna be watching to see if he keeps it."


    ---


    Meanwhile, the league''s season opener wasn''t the only headline of the night.


    Later that evening, the Lakers hosted the Bulls.


    The result? Lakers 128, Bulls 98.


    The Bulls were no slouches. Their roster hadn''t changed much from last season, and Derrick Rose was fully healthy. They''d boasted one of the league''s top defenses the previous year.


    But against the Lakers? They shattered under the relentless pace.


    Sometimes, you can''t underestimate the power of morale.


    Just like how Han''s return lifted the Cavs to a Finals run last season, the Lakers were riding the emotional wave of Kobe''s farewell tour. It wasn''t just lifting the Lakers ¡ª it was setting a tone across the league. Everyone knew this season would be special.


    Because they had a back-to-back game the next day, the Cavaliers flew back to Cleveland that same night.


    ---


    The morning after the Warriors game, Han Sen was back in the gym early, as usual, for his first training session of the day.


    Joining him were Dante Cunningham and Delonte West, his usual training partners.


    Since returning to Cleveland, Han had brought back a key tradition from his Grizzlies days ¡ª the ''Breakfast Club.'' It was a simple concept: train before sunrise, then eat together to refuel and bond.


    The strength workout was intense, and as the trio wrapped up and prepared to grab breakfast, Han spotted someone he never expected to see this early.


    Nikola Jokic.


    Han stopped in his tracks, eyebrows raised. "Nikola?"


    Jokic, typically the last one to show up for practice ¡ª always right on the dot ¡ª was here an hour early.


    Cunningham grinned as he walked over. "Nikola, did you set your alarm wrong or something?"


    Jokic scratched his head, then shook it. "No... I just... thought maybe I should train more."


    Han chuckled, catching on immediately. The praise he''d given Jokic during the press conference must have made an impact. Jokic wasn''t just feeling inspired ¡ª he felt guilty for not doing enough.


    "That''s exactly the right mindset," Cunningham said, giving Jokic a thumbs-up.


    Han nodded in approval. "Welcome to the Breakfast Club."


    Jokic blinked. "Uh... thanks?" He paused, then tilted his head. "Wait ¡ª what''s the Breakfast Club?"


    He got his answer soon enough. When they arrived at their breakfast spot after training, Cunningham explained it: a pre-practice workout to get a head start on the day.


    Jokic''s eyes widened, realization dawning.


    He''d signed up for extra workouts ¡ª every day.


    "Wait... no, no..." Jokic muttered to himself, his expression one of pure regret. He''d only wanted to make a good impression, not join some elite, no-rest training regime.


    But it was too late to back out now. Han''s praise weighed heavily on him, and he couldn''t bring himself to refuse.


    By the time they arrived back at the practice facility, the rest of the team had started trickling in. It was a back-to-back game day, with a morning practice scheduled for 9 a.m.


    As expected, Kyrie Irving showed up ¡ª smiling, laughing with teammates like nothing had happened the night before.


    Jokic watched, stunned.


    Wasn''t this the same guy who had looked crushed after the Warriors game? Now he was acting like nothing was wrong?


    Is he bipolar or something? Jokic thought to himself. What a rollercoaster personality...


    Han, of course, knew better. Kyrie just needed time to process things on his own. He''d bounce back when he was ready ¡ª and clearly, today was that day.


    That night, the Cavs faced the Portland Trail Blazers.


    Portland, still reeling from losing LaMarcus Aldridge and Wesley Matthews over the summer, was far from the powerhouse they once were. They had taken a serious hit.


    For Han, it was the perfect opportunity to switch things up. He cut back on his usual ball-handling duties and let Kyrie take the reins.


    Han had learned his lesson from last season''s grueling playoff run. One man couldn''t carry a team to a title. This season, it was all about building Kyrie up, giving him the reps he needed to thrive under pressure.


    It wasn''t going to be a smooth process, but it was a necessary one.


    And tonight, Damian Lillard paid the price.


    Lillard was good ¡ª no question. But comparing him to Curry? That was a stretch.


    There was an old saying that summed it up best: ''The only advantage Lillard has over Curry is that he''s younger.''


    How good was Curry? In his first four seasons, Curry''s three-point shooting percentage was higher than Lillard''s overall field goal percentage.


    Lillard was, simply put, a less efficient, knockoff version of Curry.


    Unfortunately for him, Kyrie was still smarting from the previous night''s loss ¡ª and tonight, Lillard was his punching bag.


    On defense, Kyrie locked Lillard down, hounding him on every possession. On offense, he attacked relentlessly.


    By the end of the game, the scoreboard told the story.


    Lillard: 19 shots, only 5 makes. 17 points.


    Kyrie? He dropped 29 points on 20 shots, erasing the frustration of the season opener.


    The Cavs rolled on, defeating the Magic and the Knicks to start the season with a 4-0 record.


    Thanks to an opening-night loss by the Heat to the Raptors, Cleveland sat atop the Eastern Conference standings.


    Not bad for a team that made no major moves in the offseason.


    But despite their strong start, the media''s attention was focused elsewhere.


    The Lakers were dominating.


    They opened their season with a 4-0 streak, winning each game by an average margin of 15 points. That included a road game against their historic rivals ¡ª the Celtics.


    That game, in particular, drew significant media attention.


    Paul Pierce, now back in Boston, faced off against Kobe Bryant one last time. Before tip-off, the Celtics honored Kobe with a tribute video and presented him with a piece of the iconic parquet floor from the old Boston Garden.


    It was a gesture of respect rarely seen between such fierce rivals.


    Han, catching the news later, couldn''t help but feel a twinge of nostalgia ¡ª and irony.


    In history, it had been LeBron James who famously knelt on the Celtics'' court, a moment that symbolized the end of his time in Cleveland.


    Imagine if Kobe had seen that, Han thought, smirking to himself. He''d have said, ''You knelt for this piece of wood? They gave me the same thing ¡ª as a gift.''


    As the season progressed, the Cavs'' hot streak cooled during a six-game West Coast road trip.


    They finished with a respectable 3-3 record, but it wasn''t enough to maintain their top spot in the East. The Heat reclaimed first place, followed by the Raptors.


    Criticism soon followed.


    Fans questioned the Cavs'' strategy ¡ª particularly the coaching decisions.


    Head coach Michael Malone was taking the brunt of the heat. Since the season opener, Han''s ball-handling duties had decreased, while Kyrie''s had increased. But Kyrie''s playmaking skills weren''t on par with Han''s, and fans weren''t happy.


    "Why force Kyrie into a role he''s not suited for? Just let him be a pure scorer!"


    "Han looks uncomfortable. Kyrie looks uncomfortable. And the team''s struggling. What''s the point?"


    "Fire Malone already! He''s Han''s mentor, but he clearly doesn''t know who his best player is!"


    The backlash created a tense atmosphere around the team.


    Back in Cleveland, Han appeared on a local radio show, where fans bombarded him with questions about the team''s struggles.


    His response was simple ¡ª just three words:


    "Trust the process."


    Every team had its comfort zone. But to improve, you had to step outside of it. And that wasn''t always going to be easy.


    As Han had told Kyrie before: "If the other side is too easy to reach, it''s not worth the journey."


    Han knew there would be bumps along the way. He''d discussed it in depth with Malone.


    Repeating last year''s approach wouldn''t be enough to overcome the Warriors, Heat, or Lakers this season.


    The Cavs'' best shot was to let Kyrie carry more of the load in the first three quarters ¡ª allowing Han to conserve his energy for the clutch moments.


    It was a long-term strategy.


    And in the Eastern Conference, where the playoff race wasn''t as cutthroat as the West''s, the Cavs could afford a few regular-season losses along the way.


    The journey wouldn''t be smooth.


    But Han knew one thing for sure:


    The process was worth it.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 302: The Birth of Joker?.

    Chapter 302: The Birth of Joker?.December arrived in the blink of an eye.


    The Cavaliers had wrapped up the first month of their season, finishing November with a record of 10 wins and 5 losses. They stood third in the East, behind the Heat and the Raptors.


    While their record wasn''t as strong as last season''s, the Cavs had gained more than expected from this opening stretch.


    Kyrie Irving delivered the best month of his career, averaging 25.8 points, 7.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.


    Even more impressive than the numbers was his growing ability to handle double teams with composure.


    It''s a simple truth in basketball: give any player the ball for long enough, even a role player, and they''ll look like an All-Star with enough media hype.


    Kyrie wasn''t just any role player, though. He had the talent, and now he understood what he needed to improve. With enough space to make mistakes and grow, his potential could be fully unleashed.


    But Han''s decision to share the ball wasn''t just about Kyrie.


    Nikola Joki? had an encouraging debut, struggled for a few games, but quickly showed his ability to adapt.


    In mid-November, he recorded a career-high 4 assists against the Bulls. On Thanksgiving, he scored in double digits for the first time against the Bucks. And by the end of the month, in a game against the Magic, he posted his first career double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. His progress was undeniable.


    The Cavaliers'' first game of December was against the Spurs.


    At the start of the season, the Spurs hadn''t cracked the league''s top-five rankings. But after November, they were right behind the Warriors and Lakers as one of the Western Conference''s powerhouses, surpassing the Rockets.


    They had posted an 11-4 record in November.


    While the addition of LaMarcus Aldridge was a factor, the real key to their success was Kawhi Leonard. He had blossomed into a star, averaging 22.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2 steals per game.


    Don''t let the scoring numbers fool you ¡ª in San Antonio''s team-first system, putting up 20+ points per game was no small feat. It was a testament to Kawhi''s efficiency, similar to Han''s early days with the Grizzlies, when his impact went far beyond the stat sheet.


    For the Cavaliers, the opener against the Warriors had been a battle, and this matchup with the Spurs would be another tough one.


    Fortunately, it was a home game. They''d have the advantage of rest and preparation.


    ---


    On the morning of game day, Coach Malone walked into the locker room before practice.


    All eyes turned to him, wondering what was going on.


    He made a beeline for Joki?.


    "You''ll be in the starting lineup tomorrow."


    Joki?, initially confused, froze. He thought he was in trouble. Instead, it was great news.


    As soon as Malone left, the locker room erupted. Teammates rushed over to congratulate Joki?.


    As the team''s resident ''mascot'', Joki?''s promotion to starter was cause for celebration.


    Even Kevin Garnett gave him a nod of approval."Wait," Joki? said, frowning. "Does this mean you''re going to the bench, Kevin?""If it helps the team, I''m happy to do it," Garnett replied, his tone genuine.


    Clearly, this wasn''t a surprise to KG ¡ª he and Malone must have discussed it beforehand. Garnett, after all, wasn''t eager to burn himself out as a starting center at this stage of his career.


    During practice, Malone placed Joki? with the starting unit.


    It wasn''t a completely unfamiliar role for Nikola. His minutes had been steadily increasing, and he''d often shared the floor with the starters.


    Still, during practice, his nerves were evident.


    Malone noticed but didn''t make a big deal out of it. Everyone''s first start comes with jitters.


    ---


    After practice, Han was scrolling through his phone, stressing over Christmas gift ideas.


    It didn''t matter how rich you were ¡ª finding the right gift for your girlfriend was never easy.


    He sighed, locking the screen and putting the phone down. It wasn''t happening today.


    Just then, Joki? plopped down beside him.


    Han glanced over and couldn''t help but chuckle. Joki?''s eyebrows were arched in a worried expression, making him look like a human emoji.


    "Nikola, why do you look like that?" Han teased. "It''s just a start. Relax."


    "I''m not worried about starting," Joki? mumbled, shaking his head. "It''s who I''m starting against."


    Han blinked. "Right. TD''s their starting center now."


    Joki? nodded solemnly.


    With Aldridge in San Antonio, Tim Duncan had moved to the center spot. And now, Nikola''s first career start would be against the Tim Duncan ¡ª the man who defined sustained greatness for two decades.


    It made sense why Joki? was feeling the pressure.


    "When I was with the Cavs," Han said, leaning back, "it took me six games to crack the starting lineup."


    Joki?''s eyes widened in admiration. "No wonder they call you the boss."


    Han smirked, shaking his head. "That''s not the point. My first start? Guess who I had to guard."


    "Who?"


    "KD."


    Nikola sat up straighter, eyebrows rising even higher. Kevin Durant. The league''s second-best player, right behind Han himself.


    "How''d it go?"


    Han grinned. "He dropped 34 on me."


    Joki? winced.


    "But," Han continued, "it took him 29 shots to get there. I held him to five turnovers. And I put up 20 on him."


    Nikola let out a low whistle.


    "I''m not scoring 20 on Tim Duncan," Joki? muttered, shaking his head.


    "There''s your problem." Han frowned. "You''re too hard on yourself, Nikola. Way too hard."


    Joki? scratched the back of his head awkwardly. It wasn''t that he didn''t appreciate the vote of confidence. He just couldn''t wrap his head around why Han believed in him so much.


    Han leaned forward. "Look. I faced prime KD. You''re up against a 39-year-old Duncan. What''s the worst he''s gonna do? Flop for a foul call?"


    Nikola froze for a second, then broke into a grin.


    Han chuckled, imagining Duncan pulling a KG-style flop. "Come on. Stop him? No. You''re gonna dominate him."


    Nikola nodded slowly, but Han noticed he still couldn''t bring himself to repeat the word dominate.


    Han sighed, shaking his head. Lighting a fire under Joki? wasn''t going to be easy.


    But once it was lit? The whole league would burn. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Han picked up his phone again, scrolling for gift ideas.


    But after that unexpected exchange with Joki?, he felt more stressed than ever.


    "Boss, are you picking out a gift for your girlfriend?"


    Han looked up, surprised. Nikola hadn''t left. Instead, he''d wandered over, curious.


    Han nodded, sighing as he locked the screen again. Yeah, this wasn''t happening today.


    "What does she like?" Nikola pressed on.


    Han gave him a look.


    There was no way Nikola had an interest in Anjali ¡ª he hadn''t even met her. The kid was clearly just trying to help.


    But seriously? A rookie giving advice on gift-giving? It felt like taking poker tips from someone who''d never played a hand.


    "You got a girlfriend?" Han asked, half-joking.


    Nikola nodded without hesitation.


    Now Han was the one caught off guard.


    "Wait. You have a girlfriend?"


    "Since I was sixteen," Nikola said casually.


    Han''s jaw dropped.


    Damn.


    This goofy kid? He''d been in a relationship for years.


    "Alright," Han said, warming up to the idea. "What do you think I should get her?"


    "Well, what does she like?"


    "Basketball. Animals. Working out. Writing songs. That''s about it."


    Nikola''s eyes lit up. "You''re lucky, Boss. Finding someone who loves basketball? That''s a blessing."


    Han chuckled. "Yeah. She''s one of a kind."


    "I think you should get her a pet," Nikola suggested. "A cat or a dog. Something that matches her interests. And if she takes care of it every day, she''ll always remember you gave it to her."


    Han paused, considering it.


    Then, with a grin, he clapped Nikola on the shoulder.


    "Good idea, Joker."


    Joker.


    The nickname had slipped out naturally ¡ª a nod to Nikola''s calm demeanor and ability to surprise people in the most unexpected ways.


    As it turned out, Han and Anjali had met at a pet market.


    Maybe Nikola was onto something.


    ---


    That evening, the Cavs hosted the Spurs at Quicken Loans Arena.


    The place was packed, as usual.


    Before the game, Gregg Popovich was asked about Han Sen.


    "I think he''s a greater player than Jordan," Pop said with a deadpan expression. "He can do anything he wants on the court."


    The comment sent a ripple through the Cavs fan base.


    After last season''s playoff run, it seemed even Pop was ready to give Han his flowers.


    But older fans? They weren''t buying it.


    They remembered the history between Han and Pop.


    That wasn''t praise.


    It was a setup.


    After the opening ceremony, the starting lineups were announced.


    Spurs: Tony Parker, Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge, Tim Duncan.


    Cavs: Kyrie Irving, Han Sen, P.J. Tucker, Tristan Thompson, Nikola Joki?.


    Popovich visibly hesitated when Joki?''s name was called in the starting five.


    The Cavs hadn''t hinted at this lineup change.


    It was a curveball.


    ---


    The game tipped off with Duncan and Joki? at center court.


    Neither of them had much bounce left in their legs, but the younger Nikola got the better of Timmy and secured the first possession for Cleveland.


    Kyrie started as the primary ball-handler, calling for a pick-and-roll with Joki?.


    He drove hard at Duncan.


    But Nikola''s screen was shaky, leaving Kyrie caught in a double team.


    Still, Kyrie spun out of trouble, creating just enough space to thread a bounce pass to Nikola in the paint.


    Joki? caught the ball near the rim.


    But Kawhi Leonard was already rotating over.


    Most rookies panic in that moment.


    Not Nikola.


    He calmly raised the ball high, using his size to shield it from Kawhi before flipping up a soft shot.


    Except Kawhi wasn''t having it.


    Leonard swatted the ball out of the air, sending it flying toward the sideline.


    Parker scooped it up and led a fast break, spinning past Kyrie for his signature layup.


    But he didn''t see Han trailing behind him.


    As Parker floated the ball toward the rim, Han exploded from behind and pinned it against the backboard.


    The crowd roared as Han snatched the rebound, already looking upcourt.


    Spotting Joki? just past the three-point line, Han launched a perfect outlet pass.


    Nikola caught it in stride.


    It was just him and Duncan now.


    In that moment, Han''s words echoed in his mind:


    "This isn''t prime Duncan. He''s just an old man now."


    Nikola pressed forward.


    He wasn''t fast, but his movements were deliberate, like he was playing chess in his head.


    The crowd buzzed with anticipation.


    Joki? had mostly played as a post-up bruiser or spot-up shooter.


    But clearly, there was more to his game.


    As he approached Duncan, he suddenly shifted directions with a crossover.


    The move caught Duncan off guard.


    Was it surprise? Or age catching up to him?


    Either way, Tim couldn''t keep up.


    Joki? glided past him.


    But Duncan wasn''t done.


    Even at 39, he was a competitor. He turned and gave chase, his long arms stretching out to contest the shot.


    But Nikola made another adjustment.


    Instead of going for a layup, he powered through for a two-handed slam.


    The arena exploded.


    It wasn''t just a dunk.


    It was a statement.


    Sure, Duncan was past his prime.


    But he was still Tim Duncan.


    Moments like these ¡ª like when Iverson crossed over Jordan ¡ª had a way of sticking in people''s memories.


    Joki?''s dunk felt like one of those moments.


    Over at the TNT broadcast booth, Shaq''s booming voice filled the air.


    "That''s Joker right there!"


    Barkley snorted. "Come on, Shaq. Joker? You just made that up."


    Shaq grinned. "Nah. Look at him. He''s always got a trick up his sleeve. He just clowned Tim Duncan. That''s Joker."


    The nickname landed instantly.


    As Joki? jogged back on defense, he kept his head down, refusing to celebrate.


    He wasn''t about to let anyone blow past him for an easy bucket.


    Watching from the backcourt, Han chuckled to himself.


    Nikola might be quiet off the court.


    But when the lights came on?


    He delivered.


    And that, Han knew, was a special kind of talent.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 303: Doesn’t Look Like One.

    Chapter 303: Doesn¡¯t Look Like One.Joki? scored the first points for the Cavs, and on the next possession, Aldridge posted up TT on the low block.


    Popovich was using Aldridge as if he were prime Tim Duncan.


    And Aldridge lived up to that expectation ¡ª catching the ball, turning for his signature fadeaway, and sinking the shot with ease.


    Back on offense, Kyrie waved his hand to call a play, signaling for Joki? to get a post-up opportunity.


    It was a rare ''reward'' for the rookie.


    Joki? quickly established position, backing down Duncan.


    The crowd at Quicken Loans Arena roared in approval.


    They''d just seen Nikola score on Duncan one-on-one. Now he was demanding the ball again with confidence.


    It was hard to believe this guy was a rookie.


    Popovich, standing near the sideline, made a gesture to his players: No help defense.


    If Duncan couldn''t stop a rookie by himself, he might as well retire on the spot.


    "This isn''t a good matchup," Kenny Smith said from the TNT booth, playing the voice of reason.


    And Kenny was right.


    Joki? couldn''t move Duncan in the post.


    Duncan might have lost a step, but his height, wingspan, and defensive instincts remained elite in static, one-on-one situations.


    Joki? tried to shake Duncan with some shoulder fakes, but when he forced a shot, Duncan swatted it away with ease.


    That was two blocks on Joki? in the opening minutes ¡ª Kawhi had stuffed him earlier. It was clear Nikola still had a lot to learn against top-tier defenders.


    But what happened next stunned everyone.


    Instead of retreating or showing frustration, Joki? calmly stretched out his arm, snatched the blocked ball out of the air, spun around, and launched a hook shot.


    Swish. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The crowd erupted, and the TNT crew fell silent.


    Kenny Smith, who had just doubted Nikola, was left speechless.


    Even Duncan''s eyes widened in surprise.


    It wasn''t the hook shot that impressed Tim ¡ª it was the kid''s mentality.


    Most players would be rattled after getting blocked twice in a row.


    Not Joki?.


    He played as if nothing had happened.


    If Joki? weren''t on the opposing team, Duncan might''ve considered mentoring him.


    Han clapped Joki?''s hand on the way back to defense.


    Off the court, Nikola seemed like an ordinary guy ¡ª someone who hated early mornings, doubted himself, and didn''t care much about others'' opinions.


    But once the game started?


    He was all business.


    The contrast between the laid-back off-court Joki? and the hyper-focused on-court Joki? was so stark that it felt like two different people.


    The Spurs went back to Aldridge on the next possession.


    This time, Tucker slid over to help, but it didn''t matter. Aldridge spun baseline and hit another fadeaway jumper.


    Aldridge wasn''t the most athletic player, but his 7''5" (2.26m) wingspan gave him a massive advantage. With that reach, his fadeaway was nearly unstoppable ¡ª a move as deadly as Dirk Nowitzki''s one-legged fade.


    Two years ago, he had torched Houston''s defense with that exact move in the playoffs.


    TT was tough, but against Aldridge''s finesse game? He struggled to contest effectively.


    Han responded with a mid-range pull-up jumper, getting his first field goal of the night.


    On the next Spurs possession, Malone made a key adjustment.


    TT switched onto Duncan.


    Joki? took Aldridge.


    To the casual fan, this seemed like a risky move. TT was a better defender than Joki?, after all.


    But Malone knew better.


    TT''s strength lay in low-post battles and switch-heavy defense. But against a finesse player like Aldridge? His lack of height and length was a disadvantage.


    Joki?, despite his slower foot speed, had the size and wingspan to bother Aldridge''s shot.


    The adjustment paid off immediately.


    Aldridge went to his patented post move, but Joki? anticipated the spin and used his long arms to contest the shot.


    The ball clanged off the rim.


    Joki? quickly turned, boxed out Duncan, and snagged the defensive rebound.


    Even Han was impressed.


    People often overlooked Nikola''s rebounding ability, focusing more on his passing and scoring. But the truth was, Joki?''s instincts for positioning and timing were elite.


    It wasn''t raw athleticism that made him a great rebounder.


    It was his brain.


    And he wasted no time putting that brain to work.


    Holding the ball high to avoid any strips, Joki? scanned the court like a quarterback, spotting Kyrie streaking down the floor.


    Without hesitation, he launched a perfect full-court pass.


    Right on target.


    Kyrie didn''t need to slow down or adjust. He took two strides and finished with a flying layup.


    "I like this kid!" Shaq boomed from the broadcast booth.


    "He''s got post moves, he can defend, and now he''s throwing dimes like a damn quarterback! That''s not a rookie ¡ª that''s a future star."


    Barkley nodded. "Shaq''s right. It''s hard to find a big man with this kind of vision. We''re witnessing something special."


    Popovich stood on the sideline, frowning deeply.


    His game plan had revolved around stopping Han and Kyrie.


    He hadn''t anticipated Joki? making such an impact.


    He''d seen plenty of European big men over the years ¡ª some good, some soft, some overhyped.


    But Nikola?


    He wasn''t like the others.


    Something about him felt... different.


    Fortunately, Parker quickly calmed Popovich''s nerves with his classic pick-and-roll with Aldridge.


    With Aldridge''s deadly mid-range game, the Cavs were forced to switch defenders.


    Joki? got stuck guarding Parker on the perimeter, and his lack of lateral quickness was immediately exposed. Parker blew past him for an easy layup.


    Back on offense, Kyrie ran another pick-and-roll with Joki?. This time, Nikola popped out to the perimeter after the screen.


    The Spurs switched defenders.


    Unlike Walton''s Warriors, Pop wasn''t clueless about Joki?''s skill set. He wasn''t about to let Nikola roam free beyond the arc.


    Kyrie took advantage of the switch, driving at Duncan and hitting a floater over the big man.


    It was a smart read ¡ª pass when necessary, attack when possible. Kyrie''s growth was visible.


    6-8.


    The score wasn''t much different from last season''s games, but the Cavs'' offense clearly was.


    Last year, the Spurs knew how to handle the Cavs: shut down Han and keep Kyrie from exploding.


    But now?


    There were too many threats to handle.


    And Han hadn''t even started cooking yet.


    On defense, Malone adjusted again, switching Joki? back to Duncan.


    Parker wasn''t done targeting Nikola, though. He called for another pick-and-roll with Duncan, hoping to exploit the rookie.


    This time, the Cavs collapsed in the paint.


    Duncan received Parker''s pass at the elbow, lined up his signature bank shot ¡ª and missed.


    Joki? had closed out on him, providing just enough of a contest to throw Duncan off.


    Two years ago, Duncan would''ve sunk that shot effortlessly.


    But this wasn''t the same Duncan.


    With Aldridge now the focal point of the offense, Duncan''s role had diminished. His touches were at a career low, and for the first time, his scoring average had dipped below double digits.


    Age was catching up to him.


    Still, his basketball IQ remained sharp.


    Seeing Joki? grab the rebound and prepare for a quick outlet pass, Duncan immediately fouled him to stop the fast break.


    The Cavs reset in the half-court.


    Han called for another pick-and-roll with Joki?.


    Nikola''s screens weren''t perfect, but his offensive versatility had already pushed him above TT in Malone''s pick-and-roll hierarchy.


    The Spurs couldn''t afford to switch on Han, so they tried to fight through the screen.


    Duncan stepped up to briefly contest Han, buying time for Green to recover.


    But this opened up space for the screener.


    This time, Joki? rolled hard to the basket instead of popping out.


    Han spotted the opportunity, threading a bounce pass behind Duncan''s back.


    Aldridge rotated over to help, but his defensive instincts weren''t great.


    Joki? took a long stride and threw down another two-handed slam.


    Quicken Loans Arena exploded.


    6-10.


    Pop called a timeout.


    Han walked to the bench with a satisfied grin.


    He had only scored 2 points so far, but the Cavs already had a clear advantage.


    Last season, they couldn''t dream of controlling a game without Han doing the heavy lifting. Now, they were thriving with a balanced attack.


    Even more surprising?


    Joki? had 6 of those 10 points.


    Despite being blocked twice early, the rookie''s composure had allowed him to bounce back.


    It looked like tonight might be Joki?''s breakout game.


    ---


    After the timeout, Popovich made a surprising substitution.


    He pulled Duncan and sent in Boban Marjanovi? ¡ª the 7''4" (2.24m) Serbian giant the Spurs had signed in the offseason.


    Boban wasn''t just huge; his hands were so massive that the basketball looked like a toy in his grip.


    Pop had a clear plan: use Boban''s size to neutralize Joki?.


    And there was an added psychological factor.


    Both players were from Serbia.


    Though they hadn''t been national teammates, Boban was the senior player ¡ª someone Nikola had grown up watching.


    Would Joki? feel the pressure?


    Boban made an immediate impact.


    His lack of speed was glaring, but his size created problems.


    On one possession, he set a massive screen on Kyrie, pinning him completely. Parker used the screen to drive past Joki? and draw Tucker''s help, kicking the ball out to Kawhi for a mid-range jumper.


    Parker''s high basketball IQ was on full display. He was targeting Joki? every chance he got, hoping to force the rookie into mistakes.


    But the Cavs weren''t about to let the Spurs dictate the game.


    Kyrie ran another pick-and-roll with Joki?.


    This time, Han drifted to the weak side, catching the Spurs'' defense off guard.


    Kyrie drove inside, drawing the defense in, then kicked the ball out to Han.


    Han attacked the collapsing defense, forcing the Spurs to adjust again.


    Then came the pass.


    Without even looking, Han whipped a cross-court pass to Joki? on the strong-side corner.


    Nikola had smartly popped out to create space. Boban, stuck in the paint, didn''t have the speed to close out.


    The ball reached Joki? before the defense could react.


    Without hesitation, Joki? rose up for a three.


    Swish.


    The crowd went wild.


    The arena''s LED screens lit up with Nikola''s stats: 6-for-4 shooting, 9 points in the first quarter.


    Kenny Smith couldn''t help but laugh. "Man, I think Shaq was onto something earlier. Joker is pulling out all kinds of tricks tonight."


    Shaq leaned back, grinning like a proud father. "See? I told you. He''s Joker! Every pass, every move ¡ª it''s like he''s got a trick up his sleeve every time."


    Barkley nodded slowly, clearly impressed. "I''ll admit, I didn''t expect this from him. He''s playing like a veteran out there. Not many rookies would try that spin move on Boban, let alone finish through contact."


    Shaq chuckled. "He''s not just finishing ¡ª he''s putting on a show. And the best part? He ain''t even sweating it."


    Kenny added, "It''s crazy. He''s got that laid-back vibe, but on the court? He''s a killer."


    Barkley grinned. "Yeah, well, Pop''s gotta be thinking the same thing right now: How the hell did the Cavs land this kid?"


    On the sideline, Popovich remained silent, his mind racing.


    Parker went at Joki? again, drawing a foul this time.


    As Nikola walked to the bench, Garnett pulled him aside, offering some quick defensive tips.


    Parker sank both free throws, keeping the Spurs within reach.


    Back on offense, Han called for Joki? again.


    This time, after setting the screen, Nikola rolled to the rim.


    Boban sagged into the paint, raising his massive arms to contest.


    Joki? caught the pass, took one dribble, spun, and launched a floating layup through contact.


    The whistle blew ¡ª and-one.


    The ball bounced off the back rim, hung in the air, and dropped through the net.


    Joki? nodded, expressionless, as if it were no big deal.


    But the crowd?


    They were losing it.


    TT chest-bumped Joki?, shouting in excitement.


    Tonight, the world was going to learn exactly who wore #15 for the Cavs.

 Chapter 304: Prove You Belong.

    Chapter 304: Prove You Belong.The Cavaliers secured a hard-fought 119-108 victory over the Spurs at Quicken Loans Arena, kicking off December with a statement win.


    This victory mattered. After an up-and-down November, the Cavs had faced growing skepticism. But more than the win itself, what stood out was the emergence of a reliable starting center.


    Nikola Joki?''s stat line spoke for itself: 32 minutes, 8-of-13 shooting, 1-of-1 from three, 6-of-6 from the line, 23 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks.


    Even Han, who had encouraged Joki? before the game, hadn''t expected this kind of breakout performance.


    Back in the locker room, the celebration was on.


    As soon as Joki? walked in, his teammates ambushed him with a barrage of water bottles.


    "Welcome to the big leagues, Joker!" TT shouted, grinning as he emptied a bottle over Nikola''s head.


    "Joker?" Joki? froze, water dripping from his hair. "Wait... me? Why Joker?"


    "Shaq gave you that nickname during the broadcast," Kyrie explained, tossing a towel at Nikola. "Said you''ve always got a trick up your sleeve."


    Nikola''s expression shifted from confusion to amusement. "Wait... Shaq?"


    "Yeah, man! You''ve got a nickname from the Diesel himself!" Tucker laughed, patting Joki? on the back. "That''s like Hall of Fame validation right there."


    Joki? chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "I''m not sure I deserve it."


    Han leaned over, smirking. "It''s not about whether you deserve it. It''s about whether you live up to it."


    Nikola''s smile widened as he nodded. "Okay. Joker it is."


    The room erupted in cheers once more.


    Han chuckled as he watched the rookie bask in the moment. Joki? wasn''t just fitting in ¡ª he was thriving.


    Unlike his stoic demeanor on the court, the drenched Joki? joined in the loud cheers and laughter, shouting along with the rest of the team.


    For him, this moment probably mattered more than his stat line.


    "Alright, Joker," Kyrie teased. "Time to get serious. You''re going to the presser."


    Nikola''s eyes widened. "Me?"


    Han clapped him on the back. "You earned it this time."


    ---


    At the press conference, Han and Joki? sat side by side. Han wasted no time shifting the spotlight to Nikola.


    "Go ahead," Han said, sliding the microphone toward Joki?. "He''s the star tonight."


    The first question came from a reporter from the Cleveland Plain Dealer.


    "Nikola, can you rate your own performance tonight? You finished with 23 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks."


    Joki? blinked. "I scored 23 points? That many?"


    Even if you don''t check the box score mid-game, shouldn''t you at least glance at it afterward?


    After receiving confirmation from the reporter, Joki? scratched his head sheepishly.


    "I knew I scored a lot... just not that much," he mumbled, sneaking a glance at Han.


    Laughter rippled through the room.


    "You didn''t check your stats?" the reporter asked, amused.


    Joki? shook his head. "No. I knew I had some points, but I didn''t know it was that much."


    Han grinned, leaning into his mic. "For context, my first career start? I only scored 20."


    The room erupted in laughter again, while Nikola''s hand shot up to scratch his head faster.


    "I need to thank my teammates," Joki? said, his voice softening. "Kyrie, Han, KG... and Coach Malone. I''m just a rookie. They''re the ones who keep passing me the ball and telling me what to do. Not every rookie gets that kind of support."


    It was a perfect answer, showcasing Joki?''s humility and gratitude.


    When asked about the home crowd, Nikola''s honesty shone through again.


    "The atmosphere tonight was amazing. We have the best fans in the league. And playing at home? No long trips, no jet lag... I wish we could play all our games here."


    His charm had the reporters eating out of his hand.


    Another reporter chimed in. "Nikola, how do you feel about the nickname ''Joker'' that Shaquille O''Neal gave you?"


    Joki? chuckled, shaking his head as if he still couldn''t believe it. "Honestly... at first, I didn''t know how to feel about it. I thought, Why Joker?" He glanced at Han, who grinned at him. "But then I found out it was Shaq who said it."


    Nikola paused, scratching the back of his head in that familiar, bashful way.


    "And I mean, it''s Shaq," he added with a wide grin. "If Shaq gives you a nickname... you keep it. You don''t argue with Shaq."


    The room burst into laughter.


    "But," Joki? continued, a playful glint in his eye, "I''m not sure if he meant it because I have tricks... or because I look funny."


    Han chimed in, laughing as he leaned into the mic. "Definitely the tricks."


    Nikola gave a small shrug. "I''ll take that."


    The crowd laughed again, appreciating Joki?''s self-deprecating humor.


    Then, with a more serious expression, he added, "It''s an honor. Really. It means a lot."


    The sincerity in his voice was evident, and the reporters quickly scribbled down their notes. In that moment, Nikola''s humility and charm won over everyone in the room.


    Han couldn''t help but grin as he watched Nikola handle himself with ease.


    When the spotlight turned to Han, the questions shifted to the Cavs'' outlook.


    "Han, you''ve been vocal about Joki?''s potential before. Tonight, he really delivered. What do you think this means for the team moving forward?"


    Han nodded thoughtfully. "A month ago, I stood here and said Nikola would be an All-Star. I think most people thought I was joking." He paused, letting the pun land. "But after tonight, I believe more people will agree. He''s a gem. And gems don''t stay hidden forever."


    ---


    After the press conference, Han didn''t lead Joki? back to the locker room. Instead, he guided him toward the practice court.


    "Where are we going?" Nikola asked, confused.


    "You''ll see," Han replied with a grin.


    Waiting on the court was a towering figure ¡ª Shaquille O''Neal himself.


    Joki?''s eyes widened, his usually calm demeanor cracking as disbelief spread across his face. This wasn''t just any postgame chat¡ªthis was Shaq, the man he''d grown up idolizing.


    "Go on," Han said, nudging him forward. "Say hi to your idol."


    Nikola looked back at Han, disbelief written all over his face. "You remembered?"


    "Of course," Han replied. "You mentioned it at the mall that day."


    Shaq stepped forward, a wide grin on his face. "Nikola! The Joker! I like what I''m seeing, big fella."


    For a moment, Nikola reverted to a shy kid, scratching his head nervously. But Shaq wasn''t having it.


    "C''mere," Shaq said, pulling him into a bear hug. "You''ve got skills, man. Big men like us? We gotta stick together."


    Nikola beamed as they posed for photos, his nervousness melting away.


    After the pictures, Han spoke up again.


    "Shaq, I''ve got a favor to ask."


    "Anything for you, Han."


    "Work with him a little. Give him some pointers."


    Shaq''s grin widened. "Oh, you want me to coach him?"


    "Just for tonight."


    Shaq clapped his massive hands together. "Let''s do it."


    Joki?''s jaw dropped. "Really?"


    Han patted him on the back. "Yeah. And don''t worry ¡ª this is one overtime shift you''ll actually enjoy."


    Nikola laughed. "Okay. Let''s go."


    As they started working on post moves, Han leaned back against the wall, watching with a satisfied smile.


    ---


    Joki?''s breakout game against the Spurs had fans buzzing.


    Some even claimed the Cavs now had a ''Big Three.''


    However, reality soon struck.


    It only took a few games for Nikola to hit the dreaded ''rookie wall.''


    Unlike Han''s early days, where his first start came with limited scouting, Joki? now had a target on his back.


    Opponents quickly zeroed in on his weaknesses.


    They attacked him mercilessly on defense, exploiting his lack of lateral quickness. Trying to overcompensate, Nikola found himself in foul trouble, which disrupted his offensive rhythm.


    After a few rocky games, Malone had no choice but to move him back to the bench.


    The highs and lows of NBA life had hit Nikola hard.


    Fortunately, his steady demeanor helped him weather the storm.


    Returning to a bench role, he found his groove again.


    Against the Timberwolves, he posted 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists in just 25 minutes ¡ª despite picking up five fouls.


    As Shaq said, defense was Joki?''s biggest hurdle.


    But with time and gradual improvement, success was inevitable.


    The Cavs weren''t in a rush.


    Their core was still Han and Kyrie.


    And with Kyrie continuing to develop, the Cavs were already in a position to challenge the Heat and Lakers for supremacy.


    Nikola Joki? was just the icing on the cake.


    A very promising icing.


    ---


    As December drew to a close, the much-anticipated Christmas Day showdown between the Cavaliers and the Lakers was fast approaching.


    For the past month, the league had been running an all-out promotional campaign for the game.


    Aside from the appeal of a marquee Christmas matchup, one factor drove interest through the roof ¡ª the Warriors'' jaw-dropping start to the season.


    Since losing to the Cavs on opening night, Golden State had gone on an incredible 21-game winning streak, which included a victory over the Lakers.


    Now sitting at 24-2, the Warriors had the best record in the league, and talk of a potential 70-win season ¡ª and even a challenge to the Bulls'' legendary 72-10 record ¡ª was heating up.


    It was impossible for fans and media to ignore such a dominant performance.


    Adam Silver, who had been clearly favoring the Lakers this season, leaned into the Christmas matchup promotion even harder.


    If David Stern had once built up the 23 vs. 24 narrative with LeBron and Kobe, Silver was pushing for 77 vs. 23+24 this season.


    The Christmas Day game was set to take place at the Lakers'' home court.


    With favorable weather in Cleveland, the Cavs didn''t fly to Los Angeles on Christmas Eve, unlike the Lakers last year. Instead, the team planned to fly out on Christmas morning, allowing players to spend Christmas Eve with their families.


    While most of the players didn''t have family in Cleveland, as long as they made it to L.A. for the morning practice session, it wasn''t an issue.


    Of course, not every player celebrated Christmas.


    For instance, Nikola Joki?, being from Serbia, didn''t grow up celebrating Christmas in December. His family followed Orthodox Christian traditions, observing Christmas on January 7, according to the Julian calendar.


    ---


    On Christmas Eve morning, the Cavs held their final practice before the big game.


    After practice, the locker room buzzed with cheerful chatter. Christmas was a time for family and celebration ¡ª much like Lunar New Year in East Asia or Diwali in India ¡ª and the players were excited to reunite with their loved ones.


    However, amid the festive atmosphere, Han Sen noticed Norman Powell sitting quietly in a corner, looking unusually downcast.


    It wasn''t like him.


    Powell was a California native, and he should''ve been thrilled to be heading back home for Christmas before the game.


    Curious, Han turned to Dante Cunningham. "What''s up with Norm?"


    Dante shook his head. "Tough break. They sent him down to the G League this morning."


    Han frowned.


    Powell had received the notification that morning ¡ª he was being sent to the G League for a game the next day, and he had to report by the afternoon.


    It wasn''t surprising. Powell hadn''t been getting much playing time with the Cavs, and a stint in the G League would give him more minutes to develop.


    But the timing? That was brutal.


    The assignment meant Powell would miss the chance to spend Christmas with his family.


    As the locker room gradually emptied out, Han noticed that Powell remained seated, head bowed.


    The image reminded Han of their summer camp days.


    Han vividly recalled how Powell had struggled at camp, often overlooked because he didn''t have the flashiest skill set or the loudest personality.


    But he also remembered Powell''s resilience ¡ª the way he kept showing up, putting in the work, determined to earn his spot. Han had admired that about him.


    It was a feeling Han knew all too well.


    In his past life, Han had been a skilled trainer, but no matter how hard he worked, his dreams of playing in the NBA had been crushed by one simple, unchangeable fact: his height.


    No matter what he did, the system was stacked against him.


    Seeing Powell now ¡ª dejected, questioning his own worth ¡ª brought those memories rushing back.


    Han approached him quietly.


    Norman looked up, his eyes red.


    When he saw Han, he exhaled shakily, as though relieved to have someone to talk to.


    "Why today?" Norman asked hoarsely. "Why did they have to send me down today?"


    The frustration and hurt in his voice were evident. He had worked so hard to make it to the NBA, yet here he was ¡ª missing Christmas with his family, sent to the G League. It felt like all his effort was for nothing.


    In that moment, Han didn''t know how to console him.


    Because this was the harsh reality for fringe players.


    No one was going to schedule things around their feelings.


    Han placed a hand on Norman''s shoulder and said softly, "Norman, if you don''t think you belong there, prove it to them."


    It was a simple statement, but it hit home. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Norman blinked, staring at Han, as if weighing the words.


    Han could see the gears turning in his head. The anger and despair were still there, but now there was something else ¡ª a flicker of determination.


    For a moment, Norman sat in silence, processing Han''s words.


    Tears still glistened in his eyes, but clarity replaced his frustration.


    Han was right.


    Anger and despair wouldn''t change anything. He was a second-round pick ¡ª disposable in the eyes of the league.


    The only thing he could do was prove that he didn''t belong in the G League.


    Norman took a deep breath and wiped his face.


    "Thanks, Boss."


    Han hadn''t expected his words to have such a profound effect, but perhaps he had seen something in Powell during the summer ¡ª a spark that just needed a little encouragement.


    As Norman stood to leave, Han watched him quietly.


    In that moment, Han was reminded of something important.


    He had been given a second chance in this life. But there were plenty of players ¡ª like Powell ¡ª who wouldn''t get that kind of grace.


    Han clapped Norman on the back once more and offered a small smile. "Good luck."


    Because in the end, luck had nothing to do with it.


    The real battle was always proving that you belonged.


    ---


    Later that evening, Han invited Joki? over to his house to celebrate Christmas.


    It wasn''t favoritism ¡ª just Han''s way of repaying Joki? for the Bengal cat gift suggestion, which had turned out to be a massive success.


    Han had found a beautiful Bengal kitten as a Christmas present for Anjali, and let''s just say... that night, she wasn''t the only wildcat in the house.


    But the invitation wasn''t just for Nikola.


    To be precise, Han had invited both Nikola and his longtime girlfriend, Natalija Ma?e?i?.


    Natalija, a sophomore at Seminole State College, had moved to the U.S. before Nikola and was a major reason behind his decision to pursue the NBA.


    In a way, his basketball journey was never just about chasing a dream ¡ª it was about staying close to her.


    When Nikola arrived at Han''s estate ¡ª or, more accurately, Han''s compound ¡ª his eyes widened in disbelief.


    The towering gates alone featured two massive iron emblems of Han''s jersey number: #77.


    Beyond the gates were seven sprawling buildings. There was an outdoor pool, a tennis court, a basketball court, a golf course, and even a helipad.


    Nikola couldn''t stop gawking.


    His eyes darted around like a kid seeing Disneyland for the first time.


    Han, noticing his awe, chuckled. He remembered having a similar reaction when he first visited Shaq''s mansion.


    "Don''t worry," Han said, smirking. "You''ll get used to it."


    Nikola shook his head, still looking around. "This isn''t a house... it''s a village."


    ---


    After a sumptuous Christmas dinner, Anjali led Natalija to the yoga room, leaving Han and Nikola at the table, sipping wine.


    Nikola glanced around the dining room ¡ª the grand chandelier, the sleek marble floors, the artwork lining the walls ¡ª before exhaling deeply.


    "Boss, your life..." Nikola began, shaking his head. "It''s something to envy."


    Joki? wasn''t one to sugarcoat things.


    A max contract. A luxury estate. The face of the league. A beautiful, talented girlfriend from a wealthy family. Han had it all.


    Even if Anjali wasn''t the wealthiest heiress, Han''s life was still in a league of its own.


    Han chuckled, swirling his wine glass. "One day, you''ll have it too."


    And he meant it.


    Even if Nikola had joined the Nuggets instead of the Cavs, he was destined to become the league''s best player. That part of history wouldn''t change.


    But Nikola shook his head, a soft smile playing on his lips.


    "No," he said quietly. "I don''t want this."


    Han raised an eyebrow, caught off guard. "What do you mean?"


    Nikola leaned back in his chair, glancing toward the window, where the lights from Han''s estate sparkled in the night.


    "I just want to earn enough money to go back home," Nikola said. "Live a quiet life with Natalia. Maybe have a ranch. And... maybe do some horse racing."


    Han stared at him, surprised by the simplicity of the dream.


    For a moment, he couldn''t help but reflect on his own journey. He''d fought for recognition, for success, for greatness. It was never enough ¡ª he always wanted more.


    But Nikola?


    Nikola was different.


    His dream wasn''t about fame or fortune. It wasn''t about dominating the league or building a legacy.


    It was about peace.


    Han swirled his wine glass, lost in thought.


    "You know," he finally said, breaking the silence, "that sounds... nice."


    Nikola smiled. "It is."


    And in that moment, Han realized something important.


    Greatness didn''t look the same to everyone.


    Some chased it through championships and accolades.


    Others?


    They just wanted a quiet life.


    Han raised his glass toward Nikola.


    "To peace," he said with a grin.


    Nikola chuckled, clinking his glass against Han''s.


    "To peace."


    And for once, it felt like the perfect toast.


    -End of Chapter-


    TL/n: This Chapter is probably the most edited so far. Might as well be different altogether lol.

 Chapter 305: The Emperor’s Verdict.

    Chapter 305: The Emperor¡¯s Verdict.Hearing Nikola Joki? talk about his simple dream of a quiet life, Han Sen couldn''t help but recall a news article he''d read in his past life. The story mentioned that after leading the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever championship, Joki? had briefly considered retirement.


    Back then, Han had rolled his eyes, thinking Joki? was just being dramatic.


    Who wins a title and immediately considers walking away? Han had wondered.


    After all, human desires never stop growing. One championship only makes you crave another. First, you chase a second ring, then a third ¡ª and before long, surpassing Jordan becomes the ultimate dream.


    But now?


    Han realized that everyone''s aspirations are different. Not everyone was driven by legacy or records.


    For Joki?, it wasn''t about building a dynasty. It was about earning his money, winning a ring, and stepping away to enjoy the simpler pleasures of life. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Still, fame comes with strings attached. Once you become a star, your choices are no longer entirely your own.


    There are expectations. From the team. The fans. Sponsors. Contracts.


    Even for regular people, youthful dreams often get crushed by reality. The spontaneous road trip you planned in your head? It''s more likely to be a trending video on social media than something you actually do.


    But that was all in the future.


    Right now, Nikola hadn''t earned enough to walk away.


    Han leaned back, watching Joki?''s relaxed demeanor as he sipped his wine.


    Maybe his love for horse racing was the key to motivating him.


    ---


    "Wait, you''re into horse racing?" Han asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Nikola''s face instantly brightened. "Of course! It''s the best sport in the world!"


    Han smirked, swirling his wine. "You? On a horse? I don''t know, man... I''m not sure that''s fair to the poor animal."


    Nikola burst out laughing, shaking his head. "No, no, no. We don''t ride the horses. It''s different."


    He leaned forward, his eyes lighting up as he explained. "In Serbia, we do harness racing. You sit in a little cart behind the horse and guide it. It''s all about strategy and timing."


    Han''s eyes lit up with interest. "Like chariot racing?"


    "Exactly!" Nikola beamed. "It''s a tradition in my hometown."


    Han nodded, picturing it. "Alright, how about this ¡ª when the season ends, we''ll go to Serbia, and you''ll take me to one of those races."


    Nikola blinked, caught off guard. "You''d really come?"


    "Why not?" Han shrugged. "Think of it as my way of paying you back for coming to Cleveland early."


    Nikola''s grin widened, but then his expression faltered, his smile dimming.


    Han noticed immediately. "What''s up?"


    Nikola sighed, scratching the back of his head. "I don''t have a horse. I was going to use my rookie contract advance to buy one... but I needed that money for rent."


    Han tilted his head, a mischievous grin forming. "Tell you what. If we win the championship this season, I''ll buy you the best horse in your hometown."


    Nikola''s eyes widened. "You serious?"


    "Dead serious," Han replied, extending his fist. "We win it all, and you''ll have a horse that''s faster than anyone else''s."


    Nikola bumped fists with Han, his grin returning. "Deal, Boss."


    Han chuckled, watching the excitement in Nikola''s eyes. For all his calm, composed demeanor on the court, the kid lit up like a firework when talking about his passions.


    And that, Han realized, was what made Joki? special.


    It wasn''t about the stats, the fame, or even the rings.


    Nikola Joki? would go far because he knew what he wanted.


    And he never pretended to be anything else.


    ---


    On Christmas morning, Han woke early to catch a flight to Los Angeles with some teammates, including Joki?, Tucker, and members of the coaching staff.


    As they flew toward LA, a piece of news was spreading like wildfire across social media.


    The Christmas game had been heavily promoted by the league''s marketing machine, and the buzz was at an all-time high.


    Naturally, LeBron James, one of the main stars of the showdown, was a key focus in media interviews.


    One particular question brought up Han''s earlier remarks about superteams.


    LeBron''s response? It set the internet ablaze.


    "I''ve never played for a superteam," LeBron said. "I don''t agree with that label. Before I joined the Heat, they were a 47-35 team. It''s the same with this Lakers squad. There''s no superteam here."


    Social media exploded.


    "You didn''t join a 47-win Heat team. You joined a 47-win team PLUS Chris Bosh."


    "Funny how you mention the team''s record but conveniently leave out your teammates'' stats."


    "If it wasn''t a superteam, how were you bold enough to say you''d win more than seven titles?"


    It didn''t take long for people to realize that the biggest ''LeBron hater'' might actually be LeBron himself.


    Han saw the headlines after landing in Los Angeles.


    He shook his head. LeBron could''ve responded to the question in a thousand different ways. This? This was the last thing Han expected.


    When the Cavaliers held an open practice session at the arena, reporters naturally asked Han for his thoughts on LeBron''s comments.


    Han''s initial response was measured.


    "I think even kids know what a superteam is."


    Then, he elaborated with a sly grin.


    "If we''re talking about a team''s strength from the previous season, sure, maybe they weren''t a superteam then. But when you add top-five and top-ten players like D-Wade and Chris Bosh? That''s a superteam."


    Han paused, letting the reporters hang on his words.


    "So... is LeBron saying he was just a role player back then?"


    The reporters erupted in laughter.


    It was classic Han ¡ª logical, cutting, and just provocative enough to fuel the media fire.


    As expected, the headlines that followed were sensational.


    "Han Says LeBron Was Just a Role Player."


    The buzz around the Christmas showdown reached new heights.


    By the time the Cavaliers arrived at Staples Center, the arena was packed to capacity.


    When Han stepped out from the tunnel, he was greeted by a wave of boos.


    He shrugged it off and glanced across the court toward the Lakers'' side.


    Kobe and Love were both warming up, their expressions tense.


    Han couldn''t help but smirk.


    LeBron''s comments had put his own teammates in an awkward position.


    Take Kobe, for example.


    He had begrudgingly joined a superteam, sacrificing his farewell tour to try for one last championship. Now, LeBron''s dismissal of the superteam label made that sacrifice seem meaningless.


    Han figured that Kobe''s retirement announcement last season had been influenced, at least in part, by LeBron''s unpredictable antics.


    This Christmas game wasn''t just a basketball game anymore.


    It was a battle for legacy.


    And with LeBron''s controversial comments fanning the flames, Han knew one thing for sure:


    Staples Center was going to be an absolute cauldron.


    ---


    After the pregame ceremonies, both teams'' starting lineups were announced.


    Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Han Sen, P.J. Tucker, Tristan Thompson, Kevin Garnett.


    Lakers: Matthew Dellavedova, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Love, Timofey Mozgov.


    Amid the cheers from the crowd, Mozgov tapped the ball back toward the Lakers'' half, and the game was officially underway.


    The Lakers'' first possession saw LeBron and Mozgov run a pick-and-roll, with LeBron charging aggressively toward the basket.


    Cleveland''s defensive strategy was to double-team him, but LeBron''s speed caught them off guard. He split the defenders and soared into the paint, slamming the ball home with both hands to put the Lakers on the board first.


    The Cavs'' opening possession was initiated by Kyrie, but his shot missed the mark.


    Dellavedova wasn''t an elite defender, but having played for the Cavs last season, he knew their tactics and Kyrie''s tendencies well.


    Love grabbed the defensive rebound, and Han immediately moved to block LeBron''s transition.


    After all, who knew LeBron''s fast-break instincts better than someone from Cleveland?


    But Han underestimated LeBron''s physicality. Without the ball, LeBron bumped Han out of position, creating space for Love''s signature outlet pass.


    Catching the ball in stride, LeBron charged down the court like a freight train, finishing with a trademark tomahawk dunk.


    Han gave chase from behind but couldn''t catch up in time.


    What the hell? Is LeBron on something?


    Han hadn''t been following LeBron''s stats this season, but the numbers didn''t lie. LeBron''s offensive efficiency was at an all-time high.


    For whatever reason, he was playing the best basketball of his career.


    After completing the dunk, LeBron flexed his biceps, showing off his strength as he turned to Han with a smirk.


    The Staples Center crowd erupted.


    The sun was shining again. The rain had stopped. LeBron felt like he was back on top of the world.


    The Lakers opened the game with a 4-0 lead, with all four points coming from LeBron. Given Han''s pregame comments about LeBron being a ''role player'', the energy in the arena was electric.


    As the Cavs pushed the ball up the court again, chants of "Defense!" echoed throughout the arena.


    Han took the ball from Kyrie outside the three-point line, facing a locked-in Kobe Bryant.


    Han held the ball in one hand, taking a measured step forward. When Kobe leaned in, Han planted his foot, pulling the ball back to force Kobe to overcommit.


    With his new talent, [Logo Killer], Han didn''t need to rely solely on threes, but it certainly made him more unpredictable.


    (TL/n: Talent name changed from Kid''s Blessing to Logo Killer, since the latter won out in the comments)


    The instant Kobe shifted his weight, Han burst past him.


    At this level, the margin between winning and losing was razor-thin.


    Han left Kobe no chance to recover, pulling up for a clean mid-range jumper near the free-throw line.


    Love hesitated to contest, wary of Han''s passing ability, giving Han a clean look at the basket.


    Swish.


    The Cavs were on the board.


    Back on defense, LeBron ran another pick-and-roll, crashing the paint once more.


    This time, Garnett slid over to help, but LeBron muscled through him, absorbing the contact and finishing the layup. The whistle blew ¡ª and one.


    Han had rotated over to help, but LeBron evaded his block.


    Han couldn''t shake the feeling.


    LeBron''s on something.


    His speed, power, and explosiveness were all on another level.


    Sure, people talk about off-season grind stories... but this? This feels different. He wasn''t this good after getting swept last year.


    Han shrugged it off.


    I''ve got a system. If he''s juicing, it''s fair game.


    He motioned for a switch with Tucker and pulled Kyrie aside.


    "Do whatever it takes to shake off Delly," Han instructed.


    LeBron sank his free throw, starting the game with seven straight points.


    Kyrie took the ball up the court, calling for a screen from TT. Using TT''s solid pick, Kyrie pulled up for a mid-range jumper over Love and drained it.


    Love''s offensive game was more polished than Chris Bosh''s, but defensively, he was a step slower, particularly in pick-and-roll situations.


    On the Lakers'' next possession, LeBron noticed Han had switched onto him.


    This time, he didn''t back down.


    He called Mozgov over for a screen, but Han opted to fight through it.


    Seeing Han slip past the screen, LeBron settled for a mid-range jumper.


    The ball clanged off the rim.


    PEDs can boost your athleticism, but they won''t magically improve your shooting.


    TT grabbed the defensive rebound and kicked it out to Han, who pushed the ball up the floor. Crossing midcourt, Han fired a bounce pass to Kyrie on the opposite wing.


    Kyrie attacked the rim, but LeBron came charging back for one of his signature chase-down blocks.


    Kyrie saw him coming.


    In mid-air, he pulled the ball back, adjusted his body, and switched to a reverse layup, absorbing contact from LeBron as the ball kissed off the glass and dropped through the net.


    The referee''s whistle followed.


    Kyrie tumbled out of bounds, pumping his fist in excitement as he sat on the floor.


    Han walked over, offering a hand to pull him up, ruffling his hair playfully.


    Progress wasn''t instantaneous. Kyrie''s growth ¡ª in both skill and confidence ¡ª had been nurtured game by game.


    Kyrie calmly knocked down the free throw to tie the game.


    As the Lakers brought the ball up the court, Han kept a close eye on LeBron.


    When he saw LeBron hesitate to call for the ball, Han smirked.


    "You still don''t have the guts to go one-on-one with me?" Han taunted. "Then what''s the point of all that muscle?"


    Translation: You''re juiced up, but you still won''t take me? Then why bother?


    Something clicked.


    LeBron turned and extended his hand, demanding the ball.


    The Staples Center erupted in cheers.


    Finally, LeBron was stepping up to the challenge.


    Back to the basket, LeBron began backing Han down.


    The crowd roared in anticipation.


    LeBron''s strength was greater than Han had expected. After a couple of powerful dribbles, he spun quickly toward the baseline.


    In one fluid motion, he slipped past Han and drove to the rim.


    Garnett slid over to contest, but LeBron ignored him. He''d already proven Garnett couldn''t stop him.


    Rising high, LeBron cocked the ball back for another signature tomahawk slam.


    BAM!


    Just as LeBron brought the ball down, Han soared in from behind, swatting it out of bounds with authority.


    The arena fell silent for a moment before erupting in astonishment.


    Han''s chase-down block was vicious.


    Landing softly, Han glanced at LeBron, now fully understanding the level of his opponent.


    He walked toward him slowly, locking eyes, and spoke in a cold, deliberate tone:


    "You''ll never win a championship."


    LeBron''s expression froze.


    Han''s words weren''t a taunt.


    They were a prophecy.

 Chapter 306 - 45° Assassin - No Look, No Doubt?.

    Chapter 306: 45¡ã Assassin: No Look, No Doubt?."I''m winning it this season," LeBron said, removing his mouthguard and glaring at Han Sen.


    "I believe you," Han replied with a smirk that practically begged for a punch.


    LeBron clenched his jaw. "You don''t actually think you can succeed in Cleveland, do you?"


    "What do you think?"


    Han''s amused expression left LeBron speechless.


    Thankfully, the referee''s whistle interrupted their tense exchange.


    ---


    The Lakers had a sideline inbound with little time on the shot clock. Kobe ran through a screen, caught the pass, and took a contested fadeaway jumper.


    Tucker was right there with solid defense, but Kobe''s shot still swished through the net.


    LeBron''s explosive performance wasn''t the sole reason the Lakers were a top team in the West. After announcing his retirement, Kobe had found another gear, pushing himself to the limit.


    As the Cavs brought the ball upcourt, Kobe and Dellavedova switched defensive assignments.


    Kyrie had already scored five points early on, and Kobe was never one to back down from a challenge ¡ª even if it meant putting himself in the crosshairs.


    The Cavs swung the ball to the weak side, and Han received the pass from Kyrie. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He called for a screen from Tucker.


    This time, LeBron didn''t hide behind Dellavedova or try to force a switch. He stepped up to defend Han directly.


    Every drug has side effects. Han smirked to himself.


    The crowd sensed the tension and began to stir as Han dribbled toward LeBron, isolating him at the top of the key.


    Their previous exchange was now playing on the arena''s giant LED screen.


    This was LeBron''s chance to prove himself.


    Han sized up LeBron, taking a deliberate dribble step back. LeBron, fully focused, stepped forward to close the space.


    That''s when Han made his move.


    He blew past LeBron with a lightning-quick first step. LeBron recovered quickly and chased him down, ready to block Han''s shot.


    Han had anticipated this.


    As he soared toward the rim, he twisted his body mid-air, avoiding LeBron''s outstretched hand and delivering a reverse windmill slam.


    BAM!


    LeBron''s block attempt swiped through nothing but air.


    Han, a man who had committed to participating in the dunk contest, made sure the entire arena knew what he was capable of.


    After hanging on the rim for a moment, Han dropped down and casually spread his hands toward LeBron.


    "That boost doesn''t seem all that effective."


    The crowd erupted.


    LeBron had started the game strong, dominating early. But in back-to-back plays, Han had stolen the spotlight.


    The Lakers'' next defensive possession further emphasized the shift in momentum.


    Han ran a pick-and-roll with Tucker, forcing a switch that left LeBron guarding him again.


    Instead of facing up, Han turned his back to LeBron and went into a post-up.


    The arena buzzed with anticipation.


    A physical showdown between two giants? Yes, please.


    LeBron relished the challenge, his eyes locked on Han. The size difference favored LeBron, especially given his enhanced physical state.


    But Han had something else in mind.


    He hit LeBron with a smooth spin fake, causing LeBron to bite hard. Then Han quickly pivoted back the other way, leaving LeBron out of position as he finished with an easy layup.


    Han had figured out the side effects.


    LeBron puffed out his cheeks in frustration, a telltale sign of his rising anger.


    Han widened his eyes in exaggerated surprise. "Damn, this stuff has more side effects than I thought," he said with a smirk, his words dripping with sarcasm.


    By the nine-minute mark of the first quarter, the Lakers led 30-26.


    Han had already racked up 12 points ¡ª his most aggressive first-quarter performance of the season.


    But despite Han''s strong start, the Lakers'' overall strength was undeniable.


    Both teams made substitutions, with Han taking a seat on the bench.


    LeBron, however, remained on the floor.


    Despite his intense early effort, LeBron showed no signs of fatigue.


    Looks like that boost enhances stamina too, Han thought, genuinely intrigued.


    During the starter''s rest period, LeBron''s aggression kicked up a notch.


    After a pick-and-roll with Kaman, LeBron charged toward the rim for another signature tomahawk dunk.


    He didn''t even register Joki? standing in his path.


    Why would he? The European rookie was just another big body to muscle through.


    SMACK!


    The unexpected happened.


    Joki? met LeBron at the rim and stuffed his dunk attempt.


    But what shocked everyone even more was Joki?''s reaction.


    "MY HORSE!"


    The bench went wild.


    They had never seen Nikola that fired up ¡ª and certainly hadn''t expected that outburst.


    "What horse?" the players whispered, bewildered.


    Han, momentarily stunned, burst into laughter.


    Even the most laid-back personalities have their passions. For Joki?, it was all about that horse.


    Fueled by dreams of owning the best horse in Serbia, Nikola was playing with newfound intensity.


    The Lakers retained possession, and LeBron quickly called for another pick-and-roll, forcing Joki? to switch onto him.


    This time, LeBron waved everyone off.


    Han''s trash talk was one thing, but Joki?''s outburst? That stung.


    "What did he mean by ''my horse''? Does he think I''m his ride?" LeBron fumed internally.


    LeBron went into isolation mode, determined to punish the rookie.


    Nikola, knowing he couldn''t match LeBron''s speed, sagged back toward the paint, anticipating the drive.


    LeBron tried to fake him out, but Joki? stayed grounded, using his size and smarts to disrupt LeBron''s rhythm.


    Forced to take a contested shot, LeBron''s jumper clanked off the front rim.


    Joki? secured the rebound with ease, raising the ball high above his head in a classic big-man move.


    LeBron jumped, trying to swipe it.


    Too late.


    Joki? immediately looked upcourt and launched a pinpoint outlet pass.


    JR Smith caught it in stride, sprinted downcourt, and delivered a stunning 360-degree dunk.


    32-32.


    Despite LeBron staying on the court, the Cavs'' bench unit had erased the deficit and tied the game.


    By halftime, the Cavs led 61-60.


    The season opener against the Warriors had been a Han-centric victory. But tonight, it was clear the Cavs were evolving.


    This wasn''t the same team as last season.


    They were becoming something more.


    ---


    After halftime, Malone made an adjustment to the starting lineup, subbing in JR Smith to roll out the Cavs'' small-ball lineup.


    However, unlike last season''s traditional ''Death Lineup'', this wasn''t a pure five-out approach. Instead, it was a four-out, one-in formation ¡ª with Nikola Joki? at the five instead of Tristan Thompson.


    It was clear this was another experiment by Malone, specifically designed with the Warriors in mind.


    After last season''s failure to outmatch the Warriors with small ball, Malone knew he needed a new strategy.


    The Cavs opened the second half with possession.


    Kyrie Irving ran a pick-and-roll with Joki?, who popped out to the perimeter after setting the screen.


    Unlike Thompson, Joki? had a reliable outside shot, forcing the Lakers into a difficult defensive situation.


    Mozgov couldn''t step out to contest Joki?''s shot, leaving it to Delly to close out. But that created a mismatch for Irving, who drove into the paint, drawing the defense.


    The Lakers'' weak-side help rotated, and Irving found a wide-open PJ Tucker in the corner.


    Splash!


    Tucker nailed the three-pointer, and just like that, the Cavs'' offense started to look eerily similar to the Warriors'' unstoppable five-out system.


    The challenge, of course, was defense. Joki? didn''t have Draymond Green''s mobility to switch across positions and provide rim protection.


    Fortunately, against the Lakers, that wasn''t much of a concern.


    Mozgov had no shooting range, allowing Joki? to camp in the paint.


    On the perimeter, Kyrie''s improved defense prevented him from being an easy target, while Han and Tucker formed a solid defensive network.


    Faced with this setup, the Lakers'' best option was to run post-ups for Kevin Love.


    ---


    It''s time to give Love his due.


    Often overlooked in LeBron''s shadow, Love''s ability to dominate in the post had been questioned ever since his Minnesota days.


    Back with the Timberwolves, he had played at a hefty 275 pounds (about 125 kg), using his bulk to compensate for his relatively short wingspan (6''11" or 211 cm).


    When he joined LeBron in Los Angeles, he slimmed down to around 245 pounds (about 111 kg) to improve his mobility for spacing purposes.


    But that weight loss came at a cost ¡ª his post-up game wasn''t as dominant as it used to be.


    Still, against Tucker? Love had enough size to work the low block.


    On one possession, Love backed Tucker down, forcing Han to sag off LeBron to help.


    Love spotted the double team and kicked the ball out.


    LeBron, left wide open from three, fired.


    Clank!


    Joki? boxed out Mozgov and grabbed the rebound.


    This is where Joki?''s value over Thompson became even more apparent.


    Joki? wasn''t just a big body; he had elite court vision and passing ability.


    He launched a quarterback-style outlet pass down the court.


    Han caught it on the run, blew past LeBron, and finished with a gliding windmill dunk.


    The Staples Center erupted in a mix of gasps and boos.


    The Cavs had opened the half with a 5-0 run.


    Malone''s two-year-long experiments had finally borne fruit ¡ª Cleveland''s version of the small-ball lineup was taking shape.


    ---


    Byron Scott quickly subbed in Channing Frye for Mozgov, matching Cleveland''s spacing with his own stretch lineup.


    On the court, Kobe Bryant took charge.


    The Lakers couldn''t afford to waste possessions. They needed efficient offense to slow Cleveland''s fast-break opportunities.


    Kobe ran a pick-and-roll with Mozgov, stopping at the free-throw line for a mid-range jumper.


    But Han left LeBron to help, forcing Kobe to pass.


    LeBron found himself with another wide-open three-point look.


    This time, however, he hesitated.


    Watching from the weak side, Han shook his head.


    Drugs can enhance performance, Han thought. But they can''t change who you are.


    LeBron''s hesitation allowed Han to recover and contest.


    The Lakers scrambled, with Kobe eventually bailing them out by taking a rushed shot off a Mozgov screen.


    Clank!


    Joki? snagged another rebound.


    The Lakers'' transition defense was faster this time, so Joki? didn''t see an immediate outlet opportunity.


    Instead, he handed the ball to Han, who pushed the tempo.


    As Han approached the three-point line at the 45-degree angle, he found himself face-to-face with LeBron.


    Han repeated his signature move ¡ª a hesitation dribble followed by a gathering step.


    LeBron didn''t fall for it this time, taking a small step back to avoid being blown by.


    So, Han pulled up.


    Straight into a logo-range three-pointer.


    LeBron lunged forward, trying to contest, but it was too late.


    Han didn''t even hold his shooting form.


    Instead, as soon as the ball left his fingertips, he turned around and raised his hands, celebrating before the ball even hit the net.


    LeBron turned, just in time to see the ball swish through the hoop.


    Splash!


    The Staples Center crowd gasped in shock.


    Han''s back remained to the basket, arms still raised in triumph.

 Chapter 307: LeBron Joins the Dunk Contest?.

    Chapter 307: LeBron Joins the Dunk Contest?.After the opening tip-off, the Cavaliers launched an 8-0 run, forcing Lakers coach Byron Scott to call a timeout.


    If he didn''t, the game could spiral out of control quickly.


    When play resumed, Scott adjusted by bringing in Channing Frye.


    The Lakers now had a full spacing lineup on the court ¡ª LeBron''s favorite kind.


    LeBron initiated a pick-and-roll with Kevin Love, barreling toward the rim and drawing in defenders. Once the Cavs collapsed on him, he kicked it out to Frye on the perimeter.


    Frye didn''t disappoint. Fresh off the bench, he drained a smooth three-pointer.


    If you couldn''t make shots around LeBron, you wouldn''t last long on his team. Players like Frye survived because they delivered.


    The three was crucial, but on the other end, the Lakers faced a new problem.


    With Mozgov off the floor, the Cavs shifted their strategy. Nikola Joki? took advantage, posting up Love in the low block.


    Sure, if Cleveland just needed a stretch big, they could''ve played Spencer Hawes. But Joki? brought more to the table. He had a post game.


    Against strong defenders, Joki? still struggled at times. But Love, having slimmed down to increase mobility, lacked the heft to hold his ground in the post.


    Joki? backed Love down with two hard dribbles before executing a sweeping spin move, finishing with a layup at the rim.


    The camera panned to Scott, who rubbed his chin in contemplation.


    This wasn''t the same small-ball lineup Golden State had popularized. Unlike Draymond Green, Joki? provided a legitimate post threat.


    Despite the Lakers'' adjustments, Joki? added a new wrinkle the Warriors hadn''t had to deal with.


    Fortunately for L.A., Frye''s presence sped up their transition defense.


    After Love''s three-point attempt missed, the Lakers quickly reset on defense.


    Seeing Joki? call for the ball again, Scott yelled from the sideline. The Lakers immediately doubled him.


    At first, it seemed like Joki? was trapped.


    But with the ball held high above his head, he calmly scanned the court.


    Someone was open.


    Without hesitation, Joki? flicked the ball behind his head, hitting a cutting Han Sen perfectly in stride.


    Han took off, soaring through the air for a one-handed tomahawk slam.


    The Cavs'' bench exploded as Han and Joki? exchanged a celebratory fist bump.


    Last season, Han had been the one setting the table for others. This year? He was feasting.


    Even as a rookie, Joki?''s passing instincts were undeniable. His vision? It rivaled Magic Johnson''s, maybe even surpassing it, given his height.


    The scoreboard read 73-63.


    The Cavaliers had built a double-digit lead.


    The Lakers fans in attendance grew restless.


    Stopping Han and Kyrie was one thing. But now they couldn''t even handle a rookie?


    The scene was eerily reminiscent of the 2015 Finals. Back then, it seemed like Golden State''s death lineup was unstoppable.


    Mike Malone''s strategic adjustments were paying off. Unlike his predecessors, Malone excelled at both coaching tactics and player relationships.


    Meanwhile, Scott looked out of his depth. His rigid approach left the Lakers scrambling for answers.


    By the end of the third quarter, the Cavs outscored the Lakers 35-21, extending their lead to 15 points.


    But as the fourth quarter began, Han''s earlier prediction came true.


    LeBron still looked fresh.


    Amazingly, he executed first-quarter moves with fourth-quarter energy.


    LeBron''s relentless effort fueled a Lakers comeback, cutting the deficit to single digits.


    But when the Cavs needed a stabilizing force, Han delivered, scoring in isolation to keep the Lakers at bay.


    In the end, Cleveland triumphed 120-110, claiming victory in the highly anticipated Christmas Day matchup.


    ???? Final Stats:


    Han Sen: 31 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists


    Kyrie Irving: 27 points, 9 assists


    J.R. Smith: 15 points


    Nikola Joki?: 14 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists


    LeBron James: 35 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists


    Kobe Bryant: 24 points


    Kevin Love: 16 points, 8 rebounds


    Channing Frye: 11 points


    ---


    Back in the locker room, the Cavs were buzzing with excitement.


    Winning the Christmas game was a reason to celebrate. But more importantly, they didn''t need a last-second miracle like they did against the Warriors in the season opener.


    The win had come with relative ease.


    Considering how strong the Lakers were, this victory proved just how much the Cavs had improved since the start of the season.


    The players were convinced ¡ª this year, they had a real shot at making history.


    Coach Malone entered the locker room, carrying something unusual in his hand.


    A massive gold chain with the Cavaliers'' logo hanging from it.


    The players exchanged puzzled glances.


    Malone began by breaking down the game, analyzing the key moments. Then, he shifted to individual performances.


    "Han is our MVP tonight. He led us to victory when it mattered most. And by the way, that no-look three? Ice cold."


    Laughter echoed through the room.


    "Kyrie was our Swiss Army knife tonight ¡ª scoring, passing, and keeping us together. That''s exactly what we need from him."


    "P.J. brought energy by locking down Kobe. He''s a leader for our role players."


    Finally, Malone''s gaze settled on Joki?.


    "Nikola."


    Joki? stood up, looking surprised.


    "This," Malone said, holding up the chain, "is yours."


    Joki? blinked in confusion. "What... why?"


    Malone smiled. "You stretched the floor, punished them in the post, and dropped some insane dimes. Oh, and let''s not forget that block on LeBron and your and-one. You were the difference-maker tonight."


    The room erupted in cheers as Joki? sheepishly walked up to receive the chain.


    He held it in his hands, turning it over, noticing something odd.


    "It''s plastic," he whispered to Han.


    Han smirked. "Yeah. You gotta give it back."


    Joki? chuckled.


    It was all in good fun ¡ª a team-building gesture that symbolized appreciation.


    Then, Malone delivered the best news of the night.


    "No practice tomorrow. You guys earned it."


    The room exploded with joy. Nothing beat an unexpected day off.


    As the players dispersed, Joki? leaned over to Han.


    "Boss, you free tomorrow?"


    Han nodded. The day off had been a surprise, so he had no plans.


    "Norman has a game tomorrow. Wanna go watch?"


    Han raised an eyebrow.


    He had assumed Joki? would suggest something more self-serving. Instead, he wanted to support Norman Powell.


    Han smiled, clapping a hand on Nikola''s shoulder.


    "Sure. Let''s go."


    ---


    Han Sen and Nikola Joki? attended the postgame press conference together.


    In theory, Han should have brought up the possibility of LeBron James using performance-enhancing drugs.


    But in reality, there wasn''t much point.


    It was the same story as drug testing in the Olympics ¡ª the standards for testing never kept up with advancements in pharmaceuticals.


    Did people really think those millions spent annually on research and development were going to waste?


    This was why athletes could show obvious signs of enhancement, yet still pass tests with flying colors.


    But drugs had a way of making people dependent.


    Once you''ve experienced the boost they bring, can you really go back?


    Forget advanced substances ¡ª even something as basic as sildenafil has left people unable to function without it after trying it once.


    There''s an old saying: ''The dose makes the poison.'' And the worst side effects? They often don''t show up until after you''ve retired.


    Back in Cleveland, Han and Joki? made a surprise visit to the Canton Charge, the Cavaliers'' G League affiliate, to catch Norman Powell''s game.


    At the time, the league was still called the NBDL, and the stands were nearly empty. It wasn''t a league that garnered much attention.


    Neither Han nor Joki? told Powell they were coming. They wanted it to be a true surprise.


    When they finally took their seats just before tip-off, Powell''s expression said it all.


    Pure joy.


    Seeing two of his NBA teammates in the stands? That meant everything.


    With Han and Joki? cheering from the sidelines, Powell had a phenomenal game, dropping 31 points.


    Say what you want ¡ª Powell was a rookie, but his scoring instincts were undeniable.


    As the game wound down, Joki? leaned over to Han with a sheepish grin.


    "Boss... when we go down to the locker room, maybe don''t tell him it was my idea to come?"


    Han raised an eyebrow. "Why? Afraid of a little gratitude?"


    Joki? chuckled, scratching his head. "I don''t want him to feel like he owes me anything. I just... know what it''s like to feel forgotten."


    Han''s expression softened. For all his laid-back demeanor, Joki? had a way of cutting straight to the heart of things.


    "You''ve got a big heart, Nikola," Han said quietly.


    Joki? shrugged. "I just try to be what I needed when I was in his shoes."


    Han smiled, then extended his fist. "Respect."


    Nikola bumped fists with him, grinning. "Let''s go show him some love."


    After the game, the two of them caught up with Powell for a while before Han took him out for dinner.


    Powell was clearly moved, his gratitude shining through every word. At one point, he even said, "This feels like family."


    Han chuckled softly. "Norman, believe in yourself. Keep grinding. Soon, you''ll show everyone you belong in this league."


    For a moment, Powell''s eyes glistened.


    Han couldn''t help but think, If this were ancient times, Powell might''ve pledged loyalty right here and now.


    Though Powell might never become an All-Star like Joki?, Han knew from ''history'' that the kid was destined for a solid NBA career ¡ª and a well-earned big contract.


    ---


    With the final second of 2015 ticking away, the new year of 2016 began.


    This special season was moving faster than Han had anticipated.


    And the storylines were endless.


    Kobe Bryant''s farewell tour had become a phenomenon.


    In Philadelphia, the city that once hated him for crushing their championship dreams, fans welcomed him home with open arms.


    In Charlotte, his idol ¡ª Michael Jordan ¡ª recorded a tribute video for him.


    And in Toronto, the city haunted by his 81-point game, Raptors fans stood and gave him a standing ovation.


    Though this farewell tour wasn''t exactly like the one in ''history'', where Kobe visited arenas for the last time due to the Lakers missing the playoffs, it only made the send-offs more emotional.


    Han couldn''t help but wonder what his own farewell would look like.


    ---


    Meanwhile, the Warriors'' incredible run continued. They lost just one game in December, inching closer to breaking the NBA''s all-time win record.


    Han wasn''t particularly thrilled about it. He''d seen what happened when teams overexerted themselves in the regular season ¡ª the Heat''s collapse three years ago was proof enough.


    But opportunities to make history don''t come often. Sometimes, teams couldn''t resist chasing them.


    The Miami Heat, after a shaky start due to coaching changes, had found their rhythm. They, too, lost just one game in December and solidified their grip on the top spot in the East.


    It wasn''t just Kevin Durant. Even Dwyane Wade seemed rejuvenated, playing better than ever after overcoming his knee issues.


    The Spurs? They turned San Antonio into a fortress, remaining undefeated at home.


    And then there was the upcoming All-Star Game.


    With Kobe''s farewell looming, the event garnered unprecedented attention.


    But it wasn''t just about Kobe.


    On January 1, a reporter asked Han to confirm whether he would participate in the Slam Dunk Contest.


    Han''s response? A resounding yes.


    He even doubled down, inviting both Stephen Curry and LeBron James to join him.


    Curry, in turn, extended his own challenge to Han, inviting him to the Three-Point Contest.


    Six years ago, Han had beaten Curry in the Three-Point Contest and famously told him, "The future is yours."


    That defeat clearly stuck with Curry.


    Last season, Curry had finally won the Three-Point Contest, beating Klay Thompson. This year, he was aiming to defend his title.


    Naturally, he wanted a rematch with Han.


    Han''s response? Another emphatic yes.


    Which meant Han would be participating in both the Three-Point Contest and the Dunk Contest.


    For someone who once treated All-Star Weekend as a vacation, Han''s sudden enthusiasm made him the league''s busiest All-Star.


    But Han wasn''t just focused on his own accolades.


    During a radio appearance, he took the opportunity to campaign for Kyrie Irving.


    "I think there''s no better point guard in the East this year than Kyrie."


    With the All-Star voting system revamped to give fans 50% of the vote, Han''s words carried significant weight.


    And he wasn''t wrong. Kyrie was averaging 24.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game, shooting 47.3% from the field and 40.1% from three ¡ª his best season yet.


    Han''s endorsement had an immediate impact.


    In the second round of voting, Kyrie, who had trailed Wade, surged ahead to claim the second spot among East guards.


    If the All-Star Game were held that day, Kyrie and Han would be starting together for the East.


    Around this time, Powell finished his brief G League stint.


    In eight games, he averaged 25 points on 50% shooting.


    He had proven, without a doubt, that he didn''t belong in the G League.


    Then, in mid-January, a bombshell rocked the league.


    LeBron James took to social media to announce that he would be participating in the 2016 Slam Dunk Contest.


    For years, fans had begged LeBron to join. His constant excuse? The timing wasn''t right.


    But now?


    The wait was over.


    No one knew why LeBron had suddenly changed his mind. It wasn''t a move that aligned with his usual cautious persona.


    Speculation ran wild on social media.


    The most upvoted theory? Nike was pulling the strings, using the Dunk Contest as part of their ongoing battle with Under Armour.


    Han''s reaction when he saw the news? S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yup. Told you. Side effects."

 Chapter 308: The Future Is Still Mine.

    Chapter 308: The Future Is Still Mine.No matter the reasons behind it, the news of LeBron James joining the Dunk Contest sent fan expectations through the roof.


    With Han Sen already confirmed, last year''s champion Zach LaVine, and now LeBron, this lineup promised a showdown even more anticipated than Vince Carter''s legendary dunk contest.


    Time flew, and by the end of January, the results of the All-Star fan voting and player votes were officially announced, along with the coaches'' picks for reserves.


    After finishing as the runner-up in last year''s fan vote, Han reclaimed the title of All-Star vote leader in dominant fashion.


    Kyrie Irving, too, earned a starting spot alongside Han in the Eastern Conference backcourt.


    Additionally, the list of participants for this year''s skills contests was revealed.


    In the Three-Point Contest, the participants included Han Sen, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, J.J. Redick (who was leading the league in three-point percentage), Devin Booker, and Chris Bosh.


    For the Dunk Contest, the final slot was awarded to the Magic''s sophomore forward Aaron Gordon.


    Another noteworthy twist came in the coaching assignments. With Steve Kerr ineligible to coach due to the Warriors'' success last season, Lakers coach Byron Scott was selected to coach the West.


    In the East, Pat Riley stepped in as head coach after the Heat''s mid-season coaching change.


    As February rolled in and the All-Star Weekend drew closer, the league saw a wave of minor injuries.


    Most notably, Chris Bosh suffered a calf strain, ruling him out of the All-Star Game.


    DeMarcus Cousins replaced him on the West roster, while the Lakers'' Channing Frye took Bosh''s spot in the Three-Point Contest.


    Meanwhile, the Cavaliers had their own injury setback. Mo Williams was sidelined with an elbow issue, opening the door for Norman Powell to step into the rotation.


    Though Powell wasn''t a natural playmaker, his role alongside Nikola Joki? gave him the freedom to shine as a scoring guard.


    In a game against the Clippers, Powell showcased his potential with a hot shooting performance ¡ª 8-of-10 from the field for 24 points.


    For Han, the good news was that his [Logo Killer] talent had hit a key milestone, boosting his confidence heading into the Three-Point Contest.


    There was also a playful moment leading up to the All-Star break.


    Nikola Joki?, selected for the Rising Stars Challenge, wasn''t exactly thrilled.


    "They really want me to play in this?" he sighed, plopping down next to Han during practice. "Feels like a waste of time."


    Han smirked. "You''ve got to represent, Joker. Besides, it''s good exposure."


    Nikola rubbed his temples. "Think I can say I''ve got a groin strain? Just for the second half?" he added with a mischievous grin.


    Han rolled his eyes. "Come on, man."


    Joki? shrugged. "Fine, fine. I''ll play. But only if it doesn''t cut into my nap schedule."


    Han laughed. "How about this? You play your game, and then you help me at the Dunk Contest."


    "Help how?" Nikola asked, suspicious.


    "You''ll be my assistant," Han grinned. "I need someone to throw me lobs."


    Nikola''s eyebrows shot up. "Wait ¡ª you trust me with that? You sure I won''t mess it up?"


    "Of course I trust you," Han replied. "Besides, if I win, the prize money''s yours."


    Nikola''s eyes widened. "Fifty grand? Seriously?"


    "Yep."


    Nikola scratched his head, clearly considering it. "Okay, deal. But if you miss one, I''m blaming the pass."


    Han clapped him on the back. "Fair. Just make sure you''re not too tired from your game."


    "Please," Nikola scoffed. "I''ll be fresh. I don''t do dunks."


    ---


    On February 12, Han, Kyrie, Joki?, and Coach Malone boarded Han''s private jet en route to Toronto.


    The All-Star Game was all about fun, and naturally, none of them traveled alone.


    Malone brought his wife. Han arrived with Anjali. Joki? was accompanied by his girlfriend, Natalija Ma?e?i?. And Kyrie? He brought Kelly Rivers.


    Yes, Doc Rivers'' youngest daughter.


    The flight was lively, filled with laughter and conversation.


    Once in Toronto, Han''s schedule quickly became packed.


    Canada may be America''s northern neighbor, but Toronto was thriving ¡ª a global city brimming with opportunity. Under Armour wasn''t about to miss its chance to capitalize.


    Han, the Splash Brothers, Zach LaVine, Devin Booker, and other UA athletes were front and center at promotional events, showcasing the brand''s growing influence.


    It wasn''t lost on fans that this year''s Dunk Contest and Three-Point Contest were essentially UA-dominated affairs.


    Some speculated that LeBron''s participation was less about winning and more about keeping Nike in the conversation.


    The All-Star Weekend kicked off with Media Day.


    Last year, Han''s bold declaration of surpassing Jordan made headlines, but this year, the spotlight was firmly on Kobe Bryant.


    "Kobe, do you want to win the All-Star Game MVP this year?" a reporter asked.


    The question brought back memories of Jordan''s second retirement and his last All-Star Game ¡ª when everyone bent over backward to give him the perfect send-off, only for Kobe to ruin it with a late-game foul.


    Kobe smiled, clearly reminiscing. "No, I just want to enjoy the game."


    While Kobe played down his MVP chances, others weren''t so modest.


    "We''re going to get him that MVP," LeBron told reporters. "He deserves a perfect send-off."


    Stephen Curry echoed the sentiment. "He''s our generation''s icon. I''ll do everything I can to set him up."


    Reporters naturally turned to Han for his thoughts.


    "Han, we all know this is Kobe''s final All-Star Game. You''ll be matching up against him. How will you defend him?"


    The question was a clear nudge ¡ª would Han ease up and let Kobe have his moment?


    Han''s response caught everyone off guard.


    "I''m going to give it my all. That''s the best way to honor him."


    The answer hinted at a familiar narrative ¡ª the same competitive spirit that had fueled Kobe throughout his career.


    The differing viewpoints made this year''s All-Star Game all the more intriguing.


    In a quieter corner of Media Day, Joki? wrapped up his Rising Stars Challenge appearance.


    The format pitted Team USA against Team World, with Team USA winning a high-scoring affair, 157-154.


    Zach LaVine scored 30 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to win the MVP.


    Joki? put in a solid performance as well, notching 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists ¡ª flirting with a triple-double.


    When Day 2 of All-Star Weekend arrived, the spotlight shifted to the Skills Challenge.


    This year, the format had changed, splitting participants into Big Men and Guards categories.


    Players like Draymond Green, DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, and Karl-Anthony Towns represented the bigs.


    In a surprising turn, Karl-Anthony Towns emerged victorious, sinking a clutch three-pointer in the final round to defeat Isaiah Thomas.


    The result underscored a growing trend ¡ª in today''s NBA, even big men needed to have a reliable outside shot to succeed.


    Following the Skills Challenge, it was time for the Three-Point Contest to take center stage.


    As the participants began to make their entrances, the crowd''s energy surged uncontrollably.


    Given the high-profile lineup, Kenny Smith, who was hosting on the court, decided to interview each contestant during their introductions, asking them to share a pregame statement.


    Naturally, the spotlight was on the Splash Brothers and Han Sen, the three favorites to win the contest.


    First up, Klay Thompson, who aimed his statement directly at his Warriors teammate.


    "I lost last year, but this year I''m taking it back."


    Next came Steph Curry, ever playful and confident. After famously quoting Han Sen two years ago with "Nobody wants to face us next season," Steph once again paid tribute to Han.


    "So... are you guys here to fight for second place?"


    The crowd erupted in cheers and laughter. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When it was Han''s turn, the arena noise reached deafening levels.


    Many fans hadn''t witnessed Larry Bird''s famous trash talk during his legendary three-point performances, but six years ago, they had witnessed Han Sen pull a similar stunt.


    Back then, Han was one of the most hated players in the league. But over time, that moment had become a fan-favorite, a tale shared with reverence.


    Once the cheers died down, Han leaned into the mic, smirking.


    "Steph, remember when I told you ''the future is yours''? ...I lied."


    Before Han could even finish his sentence, Steph burst out laughing, and the crowd followed with loud applause and whistles.


    It was peak Han Sen, delivering a show-stopping line that set the tone for the event.


    ---


    Klay Thompson was the first to step up, and the crowd roared in anticipation.


    In the first half of the season, Steph was on his own tier (T0) as the best shooter in the league. Han and Klay were right behind him (T1).


    Despite the pressure of going first, Klay did not disappoint, posting 22 points ¡ª a solid start.


    Next, James Harden and Kyrie Irving followed, each scoring 20 points, maintaining the high standard.


    However, JJ Redick struggled and finished with just 15 points, getting eliminated early.


    Devin Booker kept pace with another 20-point round, while Channing Frye failed to impress, scoring only 13 points.


    That left only Steph Curry and Han Sen, and they faced an unusually brutal field.


    The bar? Score 20 or go home.


    Under pressure, Steph was up first.


    Feeling the weight of expectations, Steph delivered a clutch 21 points ¡ª just enough to secure a spot in the finals.


    But his expression showed disappointment. He hadn''t performed up to his usual standards.


    Han, as the final participant, stepped up.


    Was Han feeling the pressure?


    No. Just like six years ago, Han wasn''t sweating it at all.


    Back then, he had nothing to lose. Now, it wasn''t about proving himself ¡ª his status as one of the league''s top players was unquestioned.


    His main goal? To have fun and promote both the league and Under Armour.


    That said, three-point contests are all about rhythm. Han''s shot started a little cold, but he warmed up as he went along, finishing with 22 points, tying Klay for first place in the preliminaries.


    On the sidelines, Harden, Kyrie, and Booker could only shake their heads.


    They were just there to fill out the field.


    The top three contenders ¡ª Han, Steph, and Klay ¡ª were exactly who the fans wanted in the finals.


    ---


    Steph was up first, visibly tense as he took deep breaths.


    Despite the pressure, Steph scored 23 points ¡ª a strong showing, though not as record-breaking as last year''s 27-point performance.


    Steph exhaled deeply as he finished, relieved to have posted a solid score.


    But then Klay stepped up, and Steph''s relief quickly faded.


    Klay caught fire, hitting every money ball in the final rack to score 27 points, tying Steph''s record from last year!


    Klay let out a triumphant yell, pumping his fists toward the cameras.


    Even though it was a Warriors-friendly showdown under the Under Armour banner, Klay still took immense pride in outshooting Steph.


    Han took the court as the final shooter.


    For the first time that night, he felt some pressure.


    But once he got into rhythm, Han looked visibly sharper than in the preliminaries.


    By the time he reached the final rack, Han had already amassed 19 points.


    The math was simple: If he hit all five money balls, he''d beat Klay and set a new record.


    The crowd was on edge, cheering wildly.


    But as Han lined up his final shot, he adjusted slightly too much, and the ball rimmed out.


    The sound of the miss echoed throughout the arena.


    For a split second, it felt like the collective heartbreak of thousands of fans.


    But that sorrow quickly transformed into excitement.


    Han had tied Klay at 27 points! Both players had matched the all-time record.


    With both players tied, Kenny Smith approached them, asking how they wanted to settle it.


    The usual options?


    A 30-second shootout or a full extra round.


    But Han had a different idea.


    "How about we both shoot ¡ª at the same time?" Han suggested.


    The crowd gasped.


    Normally, the Three-Point Contest isn''t a head-to-head battle, but Han''s proposal would make it feel like one.


    Klay immediately agreed.


    After all, if they were going to crown a champion, what better way than a direct showdown?


    As the arena staff prepared for the simultaneous shootout, the fans'' anticipation reached a fever pitch.


    The whistle blew, and Han and Klay began shooting, one on each half of the court.


    Fans in the arena faced a dilemma ¡ª they couldn''t watch both shooters at the same time!


    That only made the showdown more thrilling.


    After the first two racks, both players were neck and neck at 9 points.


    The tension was palpable.


    But at the fourth rack, the difference became clear.


    Klay hit a cold streak, missing several shots in a row.


    Meanwhile, Han had found his rhythm, transforming into a relentless shooting machine.


    Heading into the final rack:


    Klay: 16 points.


    Han: 20 points.


    Klay finished first, scoring a respectable 24 points.


    But Han didn''t miss a single money ball, finishing with an unprecedented 30 points!


    Han Sen had just ushered the Three-Point Contest into the 30-point era.


    With his trademark confidence, he raised his arms in celebration before the final shot even dropped.


    Han''s words to Steph had been prophetic.


    Back then, he''d said: "The future is yours."


    But now?


    The future was still his.


    ---


    All-Star Starters and Reserves:


    East Starters: Kyrie Irving, Han Sen, Paul George, Kevin Durant, Pau Gasol.


    East Reserves: Kyle Lowry, Isaiah Thomas, Dwyane Wade, DeMar DeRozan, Jimmy Butler, Al Horford, Andre Drummond.


    West Starters: Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant, Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, Anthony Davis.


    West Reserves: Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, James Harden, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, LaMarcus Aldridge, Chris Bosh.


    -End of Chapter-


    Scoring Note: In 2010, the Three-Point Contest max score was 30 points.


    Starting in 2014, with the addition of the full money ball rack, the max score became 34 points.

 Chapter 309: LeBron’s Leap, McGrady’s Nine.

    Chapter 309: LeBron¡¯s Leap, McGrady¡¯s Nine."First off, respect to the guys out here tonight. This contest? Historic. Twenty points couldn''t even make the finals, and twenty-seven wasn''t enough to win. That''s the bar we set."


    The crowd roared as Han gestured toward Thompson and Curry.


    "Klay. Steph. You two? You make the game better. Every shot we take, every record we chase ¡ª it''s all part of something bigger. And this? This is what we live for."


    He let the applause wash over him, then leaned into the mic with a grin.


    "But Steph..." Han turned toward Curry, his voice playful yet pointed. "You asked if we were all just playing for second tonight."


    The audience held their breath.


    "Funny thing is ¡ª you might be right."


    The crowd erupted in laughter, a mix of cheers and playful jeers. Curry shook his head, grinning as he clapped along.


    Han straightened up, his tone growing more reflective.


    "And one more thing," he added. "Records? They''re made to be broken. Just don''t get too comfortable ¡ª because we''re not done yet."


    The ovation hit like a tidal wave.


    Even Curry and Thompson, the two fiercest competitors of the night, couldn''t resist. They stood and clapped, their admiration genuine.


    Han''s speech was brief but hit every mark ¡ª part celebration, part challenge. It reminded everyone why he wasn''t just an All-Star player, but an All-Star personality.


    The Three-Point Contest had been electrifying. But for the fans, it was just a prelude.


    Because what came next?


    The night''s main event ¡ª perhaps the highlight of the entire All-Star Weekend ¡ª the Dunk Contest.


    Fans had waited over a decade for this. LeBron James in the Dunk Contest. It was the question that had lingered for years. And now, finally, they would see the answer.


    What kind of show would he put on?


    Could Zach LaVine, last year''s champ with his graceful aerial artistry, defend his crown? sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And most of all... what kind of jaw-dropping, gravity-defying dunks would Han Sen bring?


    The anticipation inside the arena was palpable, the atmosphere crackling with excitement.


    Riding the momentum from the Three-Point Contest, Kenny Smith decided to crank things up even more.


    He turned to Steph Curry, who was sitting courtside after narrowly missing a repeat title, and asked, "Steph, who''s taking the crown tonight?"


    Curry gave a thoughtful shake of his head, the crowd hanging on his response.


    "It''s tough," Steph began. "Logically, LaVine should win again. He''s got the experience, the grace."


    Then, with a grin, he added, "But my gut? My gut says Han will be the dunk king."


    "Why''s that?" Kenny pressed, leaning in.


    Steph''s grin widened. "Dunker''s intuition."


    The crowd erupted in laughter. Even after losing, Curry knew exactly how to win the moment.


    But on social media? Not everyone was laughing.


    LeBron fans weren''t happy. Why hadn''t Steph mentioned LeBron? Wasn''t he the greatest in-game dunker ever?


    The chatter online only fueled the hype.


    Back inside the arena, the judges were introduced.


    The panel featured legends: Shaquille O''Neal, Dikembe Mutombo, George Gervin, Magic Johnson, and Tracy McGrady.


    But there was one glaring omission.


    Everyone knew who should''ve been sitting on that panel in Toronto.


    Vince Carter.


    His absence wasn''t just noticeable ¡ª it was symbolic. The wounds from his departure still hadn''t healed. Toronto wasn''t ready to welcome him back.


    It was the contest''s only flaw.


    ---


    When the contestants made their entrances, the crowd roared with excitement.


    First up was Aaron Gordon.


    His pre-dunk declaration perfectly fit his underdog narrative.


    "After tonight, a lot more people will know my name."


    The crowd responded warmly. It took guts to stand on that stage, especially against such massive stars.


    Next came Zach LaVine.


    Tradition would have the reigning champ introduced last. But this year? Tradition went out the window. This wasn''t just any Dunk Contest.


    "I''m bringing my best tonight," LaVine said, his quiet confidence shining through.


    The fans knew what he was capable of. His performance last year was legendary.


    Then came LeBron James.


    His declaration was true to his character.


    "Winning or losing isn''t the most important thing. I just want everyone to enjoy the show."


    The crowd gave him a standing ovation.


    Say what you want about LeBron''s career choices ¡ª finally stepping into the Dunk Contest deserved respect.


    Finally, it was Han Sen''s turn.


    Just like during the Three-Point Contest, the arena erupted before he even spoke.


    On social media, debates raged. Some fans claimed LeBron was still the greatest in-game dunker. Others insisted that Han Sen had taken that title from Vince Carter.


    Han''s in-game dunks weren''t just highlight-worthy. They were art. His blend of power, grace, and creativity put him in a class of his own.


    When the cheers finally died down, Han stepped up to the mic.


    "I''m finally here."


    Three simple words.


    But they hit like a sledgehammer.


    The arena exploded into a frenzy.


    Last year, Han had pulled out of the contest at the last minute, leaving fans disappointed.


    This year?


    He was here.


    And he wasn''t just here to participate.


    He was here to dominate.


    ---


    The contest kicked off with Aaron Gordon.


    At 6''8" (2.03m) with a 7-foot wingspan (2.13m), Gordon''s build was remarkably similar to LeBron''s.


    But Gordon''s raw athleticism? It was even more impressive.


    Starting from the baseline, Gordon launched into his first dunk ¡ª a reverse windmill that began with the ball behind his head, dipped through his legs, and finished with a powerful two-handed slam.


    The sheer difficulty and fluidity of the dunk stunned the judges.


    After a brief moment of shock, the crowd erupted into deafening applause.


    Gordon had set the bar high.


    The judges awarded him a score of 48.


    Boos echoed through the arena. The fans felt it deserved a perfect 50.


    The judges'' reasoning was understandable. With only two dunks in the preliminary round, giving out a perfect score too early would make judging difficult later.


    Still, Gordon had set the tone.


    Next up was Zach LaVine.


    LaVine''s dunk? Effortless elegance.


    A self-lob from the baseline, followed by a left-hand through-the-legs, behind-the-back reverse slam.


    It looked easy. Too easy.


    LaVine was a master of making the impossible seem routine.


    The judges awarded him a 50.


    The contest was off to an electric start, and the pressure was on LeBron.


    He stood courtside, deep in conversation with Kobe Bryant, before finally rising to his feet.


    It was time to show the world what he could do.


    Han Sen''s eyes locked on LeBron James, curiosity piqued. He was genuinely interested in what kind of dunks LeBron would bring to the contest.


    LeBron walked to the far side of the court, positioning himself for a long-distance run-up.


    Watching him, Han could already guess what was coming.


    A full-speed sprint from half-court, a powerful leap from just inside the free-throw line ¡ª and then, in mid-air, LeBron cocked the ball back and delivered a thunderous tomahawk jam.


    The arena exploded.


    Given LeBron''s size and weight, pulling off a free-throw line dunk carried an incredible visual impact. The sheer power behind it was undeniable.


    But for LeBron to use this dunk right off the bat? It was clear ¡ª he was feeling the pressure.


    The judges didn''t hesitate, holding up cards that read 50. A perfect score.


    The crowd went wild.


    Had it not been for Aaron Gordon''s slightly undervalued opening dunk, every first-round dunk so far would''ve received a perfect score. This was unprecedented.


    The fans'' expectations? Completely blown away.


    Now, the pressure shifted to Han Sen.


    Han didn''t seem fazed as he stood up, but he wasn''t going out there alone.


    To everyone''s surprise, Nikola Joki? stood up with him.


    The sight of Joki? walking toward the court with a basketball in one hand instantly sparked curiosity from the fans.


    Approaching the hoop, Joki? placed the ball on his outstretched palm and held it out in front of him on the left side of the basket.


    The crowd began to buzz.


    It was obvious ¡ª Han was going for a grab dunk.


    These dunks were notoriously difficult, requiring perfect timing, control, and explosiveness. The moment Han stepped back for his run-up, the arena buzz turned into deafening whistles and cheers.


    Han did a quick stretch, cracking his elbow joints, then began his sprint amid the crowd''s growing excitement.


    He took off from just inside the free-throw line, snatching the ball from Joki?''s palm in mid-air and whipping it into a massive windmill dunk.


    For most players, a windmill grab dunk would already be a highlight.


    But Han wasn''t done.


    The fans watched in awe as Han''s leap carried him higher than expected ¡ª his head was level with the rim.


    And the finishing touch?


    Instead of slamming the ball with his hand, Han jammed it into the basket with his forearm, stuffing his entire arm inside the hoop. Just like Vince Carter''s iconic dunk.


    In Toronto.


    The moment hit differently. It wasn''t just a tribute to Carter ¡ª it was an evolution.


    Carter''s legendary dunk had been a simple arm jam. Han? He''d added a windmill grab before doing the same.


    The arena erupted.


    It was as if Carter''s spirit had returned to Toronto ¡ª but this time, better.


    The judges didn''t even deliberate. Another perfect 50.


    Four competitors, four first-round dunks complete.


    Three perfect scores.


    "This might be the craziest Dunk Contest in NBA history!" Charles Barkley exclaimed from the commentary booth, his disbelief evident.


    The contestants weren''t the only ones feeling the heat now ¡ª the judges had just stepped into the spotlight.


    With only two dunks in the preliminary round, two of the four competitors would be eliminated.


    And choosing who to cut? Nearly impossible.


    "I''m just glad I''m sitting here in the booth and not at the judges'' table," Barkley quipped.


    Shaquille O''Neal, who was one of the judges, suddenly didn''t look so smug. Earlier, he''d bragged about his spot on the panel. Now? He looked like he was regretting it.


    ---


    Aaron Gordon stepped onto the court for his second dunk ¡ª and he wasn''t alone.


    By his side was Stuff the Magic Dragon, the Orlando Magic''s mascot, decked out in full costume.


    The crowd watched in fascination as Gordon set up the play.


    With a running start, Gordon leaped over the mascot, grabbing the ball from Stuff''s outstretched hand. In mid-air, he twisted into a seated position, passing the ball under both legs before slamming it home.


    One fluid motion.


    The crowd? Stunned.


    Han Sen? Completely speechless.


    Even knowing this dunk was coming didn''t prepare him for seeing it live. The power, the creativity, the execution ¡ª flawless.


    The judges couldn''t argue. 50.


    Gordon''s two dunks? A combined 98 points.


    That meant one thing: Anyone who didn''t score two perfect 50s wouldn''t make it to the finals.


    Next up was Zach LaVine.


    For the first time all night, LaVine didn''t look so relaxed.


    He took a deep breath, then began his run-up from the corner.


    As he approached the free-throw line, he took off, soaring through the air with a perfect windmill motion.


    A windmill dunk ¡ª from the free-throw line.


    The crowd? Jaw on the floor.


    It instantly made LeBron''s free-throw line dunk look mundane.


    Even Barkley couldn''t contain himself. "Is he even human?" he shouted.


    The cameras zoomed in on LaVine, and his HS Panda 1 sneakers caught everyone''s attention.


    Under Armour was cashing in big time.


    The judges had no choice. Another perfect 50.


    Two dunks. Two perfect scores.


    LaVine became the first to advance to the finals.


    And that left Han Sen and LeBron James.


    One of them? Wouldn''t make it out of the prelims.


    The tension in the arena was suffocating as LeBron James stepped onto the baseline.


    For years, fans had begged him to participate in the Dunk Contest. Now, here he was ¡ª in the most stacked contest in NBA history.


    LeBron stood on the baseline, ready to begin.


    Standing under the hoop? His teammate, Channing Frye.


    Frye wasn''t holding a ball. He was just... standing there.


    Confused murmurs rippled through the crowd.


    LeBron started his approach, sprinting from the baseline.


    As he reached the basket, Frye jumped, extending his arms as if to block LeBron''s dunk.


    What happened next? Nobody saw coming.


    LeBron, in mid-air, contorted his body, avoiding Frye''s block attempt with a mid-air twist, then completed the dunk.


    The crowd? Silent for a beat, processing what they''d just seen.


    Then? Pandemonium.


    Even Han Sen stood there, wide-eyed. "He did what?"


    The judges were visibly torn.


    The dunk wasn''t as technically difficult as LaVine''s or Gordon''s, but the creativity was unmatched.


    One by one, the judges raised their scores.


    10. 10. 10. 10...


    The tension in the air was suffocating as McGrady took one last look at his scoring card.


    And then...


    9.


    The arena gasped.


    Any other night, McGrady might''ve given a perfect score.


    But tonight? Not in this contest.


    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 310: The Flight Beyond Limits.

    Chapter 310: The Flight Beyond Limits.The arena erupted in murmurs as the score for LeBron''s dunk was revealed.


    Aaron Gordon looked up at the scoreboard, his expression conflicted. He shook his head with a bitter smile.


    That score meant he was eliminated in the first round.


    It also meant that the rest of the dunks he had prepared would never see the light of day.


    A pang of regret hit him. He should''ve saved his second dunk for the first round.


    Han Sen''s expression reflected mild surprise, but it wasn''t because he thought the score was unfair ¡ª it was because Tracy McGrady had the guts to give LeBron a nine.


    If LeBron James got knocked out in the first round, McGrady would be the prime target of LeBron''s fans.


    "LeBron didn''t lose to his opponents. He lost to a garbage judge like McGrady."


    Han could already picture the backlash McGrady would face online.


    The camera shifted to Han.


    With LeBron scoring 49 points, Han now needed a perfect score to secure his spot in the finals.


    ---


    Han stood up, and the crowd showered him with cheers and encouragement.


    In this historic Dunk Contest, no one''s elimination could be considered a surprise.


    LeBron''s near-exit was proof that Han had to bring a jaw-dropping dunk to the table if he wanted to get the points he needed.


    Nikola Joki? once again joined Han as his assistant, standing under the basket. This time, however, Joki? wasn''t facing the three-point line but the crowd. He tucked the ball on the back of his neck, crouching slightly.


    Han prepared for his dunk from the baseline.


    The crowd watched with bated breath as Han took off.


    He sprinted toward the basket and leaped from about half a meter away.


    To everyone''s astonishment, he soared past the hoop without any clear chance of making a straightforward dunk.


    Did Han just botch his dunk?


    That thought crossed the minds of everyone in the crowd.


    According to the contest rules, each contestant had three attempts per dunk. Even if he missed the first try, Han still had two more chances.


    But in this all-time great showdown, every dunk so far had been a first-attempt success. A failed first attempt meant Han''s chances of a perfect score were slim.


    Perhaps the judges would give him a 49, forcing a dunk-off between him and LeBron to determine who would face Zach LaVine in the finals.


    As those thoughts swirled in the fans'' minds, Han, still mid-air, pulled off an impossible move.


    Flying past the basket, Han twisted mid-air like he was defying gravity itself. His eyes locked on Joki?, who stood motionless under the hoop, the ball perched on the back of his neck.


    In one seamless motion, Han reached behind his head, snatching the ball as he soared past. But it wasn''t just a grab ¡ª it was a contortionist''s twist, a reverse scorpion move, his body arching backward, right arm stretched to its limit.


    The crowd thought he was too far past the basket.


    No way he can pull this off.


    But Han''s wrist snapped forward, and the ball slammed through the hoop with a thunderous finish. His arm, fully extended, swung down like a whip as he hung in the air for a split second longer ¡ª just long enough for the crowd to take it all in.


    The crowd? Stunned.


    The commentators? Speechless.


    "God Almighty!" Charles Barkley bellowed, throwing up his hands. "I''ve never seen anything like it!"


    Shaquille O''Neal, sitting at the judges'' table, was frozen in place.


    The arena went completely quiet as fans replayed the dunk in their heads, trying to process what they''d just witnessed.


    Joki?? He just shrugged and walked back to the bench.


    "I told you he''d need me," he muttered to no one in particular.


    On the far end of the judges'' table, Tracy McGrady whispered to a staff member. Moments later, the giant LED screen in the arena displayed a slow-motion replay of Han''s dunk.


    The crowd lost it.


    The move, reminiscent of a ''scorpion dunk'', defied human anatomy. Even in slow motion, it looked utterly inhuman.


    This wasn''t a dunk Han invented. It was inspired by a dunk from Canadian streetball legend Jordan Kilganon, who fans called the ''White Jordan''.


    Han had long believed that the best dunks came from streetballers. He often studied their moves, incorporating them into his performances.


    When the replay ended, the judges raised their scorecards.


    Five tens.


    Han got the perfect score he needed.


    Like Gordon and LaVine before him, Han had delivered a dunk that deserved more than 50 points.


    As the perfect score appeared on the screen, the arena filled with cheers and applause.


    Gordon''s first dunk score had been too low, and McGrady''s nine for LeBron was unexpected. But by the end of the round, it was clear that LaVine and Han were the two most deserving finalists.


    Under Armour was making a killing from this event.


    But LeBron''s fans? They were left in an awkward position.


    In their eyes, LeBron should''ve been the undisputed favorite. Yet he was eliminated in the first round.


    It felt like he''d shown up without truly showing up ¡ª a paradox that perfectly captured the night''s strange energy.


    As for LeBron himself, while he looked a bit disappointed, it wasn''t devastating. He had already set up his narrative with his pre-contest statement.


    If he''d won? ESPN would have run with the "Greatest Dunk King" storyline all night. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If he''d lost? Blame the judges. He gave it his all, and he''d lose with honor.


    ---


    Before the finals began, Kenny Smith conducted quick interviews with the two remaining contestants.


    LaVine remained humble as ever, promising to give his best performance.


    Han''s response? Short and direct.


    "I''m looking forward to it."


    He wasn''t one for long speeches, especially now. He knew exactly what LaVine was capable of. In Han''s mind, LaVine wasn''t just the best dunker of his era ¡ª he was better than Vince Carter.


    The difference? Carter''s bulkier frame made his dunks look more powerful. But when it came to creativity and pure verticality? LaVine was in a class of his own.


    This final wouldn''t be easy.


    The format remained unchanged: two dunks each, judges scoring each one.


    LaVine stepped up first, just as he had in the prelims.


    And, like before, he went with a self-lob dunk.


    The crowd leaned in, anticipating something special.


    Self-lob dunks weren''t just about flair; they demanded absolute precision. The toss had to be perfect. The bounce had to be perfect. And then? The dunker had to make it look effortless.


    LaVine tossed the ball, chased after it, and, as it bounced back up, he snatched it out of the air.


    One fluid motion.


    360-degree rotation.


    Right-hand slam.


    The arena exploded.


    Han, watching from the sidelines, nodded in approval.


    LaVine wasn''t holding back. He was showing his full potential right from the start.


    The cameras zoomed in on the judges, capturing their reactions. The crowd held its breath, waiting for the scores.


    No hesitation.


    50.


    Because how could it be anything else?


    Giving that dunk anything less would''ve been an insult to the contest itself.


    ---


    Han stood up, and the crowd responded with thunderous cheers. They knew it was his turn to answer.


    This time, Nikola Joki? remained seated.


    Han approached the three-point line, casually dribbling the ball a few times before rolling his shoulders and stretching his arms.


    At first, fans found his warm-up routine odd. Now? They understood.


    This was preparation for another reverse-joint dunk ¡ª a move that could easily lead to injury if miscalculated.


    Han had spent hours preparing for this contest. Not for validation. Much like the Three-Point Contest, he didn''t need the trophy to prove his worth.


    But once he committed to competing? He went all in.


    This was about respect.


    After the previous year''s controversy, where he''d pulled out of the contest due to fan-vote drama, Han knew he had a debt to repay.


    He wasn''t going to let fans down again.


    Cradling the ball in his left hand, Han took off toward the hoop.


    At the free-throw line, he launched off his left foot, twisting his body mid-air.


    With his left hand, he swung the ball behind his back and tossed it upward in a reverse arc.


    The crowd''s eyes locked on the ball''s trajectory.


    It floated perfectly ¡ª almost too perfectly.


    And then, it missed.


    The ball bounced off the rim.


    The arena let out a collective groan.


    But what was strange was that the energy in the building hadn''t deflated. If anything, the anticipation grew stronger.


    Because everyone knew what Han was trying to do.


    Without wasting time, Han collected the ball and reset for his second attempt.


    This time, the toss was flawless.


    The ball soared up in a perfect arc, and Han''s next move became clear.


    As he tossed the ball, his right arm swung in a phantom windmill motion.


    At first, it seemed pointless ¡ª he wasn''t holding a ball.


    But as the ball reached its peak, Han''s right hand came down like a hammer, snatching the ball out of the air mid-spin and slamming it through the hoop with unreal power.


    From the baseline, it looked surreal. Impossible.


    But for fans seated directly in front of the basket? It was like watching a move straight out of Kuroko no Basuke. One moment, Han''s hand was empty. The next? The ball appeared, as if from nowhere.


    The arena?


    Pandemonium.


    Shaquille O''Neal jumped out of his seat, holding up his scorecard.


    "10!"


    "This dunk is even crazier than the scorpion dunk!" Barkley shouted from the booth. "Even if he missed it twice, it''s still a damn 10!"


    The other judges followed Shaq''s lead.


    10. 10. 10. 10. 10.


    Another perfect 50.


    The arena shook from the noise of the crowd.


    Han Sen had done it again.


    Barkley, shaking his head in disbelief, leaned into the mic.


    "People are gonna remember this day forever."


    For the fans, the contest had already hit legendary status after the preliminary round. But the finals? It was exceeding every expectation.


    What made it even crazier?


    Most contestants had already pulled out their best dunks to make it to the finals.


    But Han and LaVine?


    They still had more to show.


    ---


    All eyes turned to Zach LaVine.


    He stepped behind the half-court line once more.


    Another free-throw line dunk?


    The crowd''s anticipation reached a fever pitch.


    What else could LaVine possibly pull off from that distance?


    Fans weren''t disappointed.


    After sprinting toward the basket, LaVine executed a between-the-legs dunk from the free-throw line.


    One motion. Perfect execution.


    The arena went wild.


    "Insane..." someone muttered.


    A free-throw line dunk would be a perfect 50 in most contests.


    But for LaVine? It was just a warm-up.


    Even Barkley was in awe. "Three-pointers keep getting further out. Now we''ve got dunks doing the same?"


    The judges exchanged looks, clearly struggling.


    If they awarded another 50, LaVine would have a perfect score ¡ª and it would put immense pressure on Han for his final attempt.


    After a brief discussion, the judges raised their scorecards.


    50.


    It wasn''t a decision they could avoid. Anything less would have disrespected the artistry on display.


    The crowd erupted, but the excitement wasn''t over.


    Han Sen still had one more dunk.


    As the score appeared on the screen, Han chuckled softly.


    "We''re going into overtime."


    He had no doubt that his second dunk would earn a 50, too.


    ---


    Han''s setup took longer than expected. The crowd''s curiosity grew as a car drove onto the court from the player tunnel.


    A BYD electric vehicle.


    It wasn''t just a prop ¡ª it was Han''s endorsement deal with the Chinese automaker.


    At the time, BYD was still growing, but Han knew what the company would achieve in the future. As a time traveler, he was making a long-term bet on history.


    This Dunk Contest would go down as one of the greatest ever. Han wanted BYD to be part of that moment.


    When the car stopped under the hoop, the crowd''s excitement skyrocketed.


    This wasn''t the first time a car had been used in a Dunk Contest. Blake Griffin famously dunked over a car hood in 2011 to win the contest.


    But Han? He wasn''t here to replicate. He was here to surpass.


    When Nikola Joki? popped his head out of the car''s sunroof, the crowd erupted into laughter.


    Han wasn''t jumping over the hood ¡ª he was clearing the entire middle section of the car.


    And with Joki? inside, it also showed off BYD''s impressive interior space.


    Joki?, ever the assistant, stood inside the car with the ball placed on the back of his neck, just as he had before.


    Han stretched at the baseline, shaking his arms and taking a deep breath.


    The crowd fell silent, holding their breath.


    This dunk wasn''t just about difficulty. It was dangerous.


    All or nothing.


    Han Sen started his sprint, leaping with full force about half a meter before reaching the car.


    In that instant, it was clear ¡ª his head was already level with the rim shortly after takeoff.


    As he soared forward, Han spread his legs wide.


    This wasn''t just a jump over a car. He was also clearing Joki?, who was sticking out of the sunroof.


    Grabbing the ball firmly with both hands, Han flew over Joki?''s head with precision and grace.


    The crowd couldn''t hold back. Cheers erupted before Han even finished the dunk.


    As he completed the jump, Han twisted in mid-air, slamming the ball home with a reverse dunk. Releasing the rim quickly, he twisted his body into an arch and landed on the other side of the car ¡ª barely avoiding a dangerous fall.


    The landing made Charles Barkley instinctively clutch his chest.


    "Man, that almost gave me a heart attack!" Barkley exclaimed.


    The crowd was no longer sitting. Fans had left their seats, cheering and clapping wildly for Han''s audacious dunk.


    Even Zach LaVine shook his head in disbelief, letting out a small laugh.


    "That''s the dunk of the night," LaVine admitted. "No question."


    The judges didn''t hesitate this time. Another perfect 50.


    Both finalists ¡ª Han Sen and LaVine ¡ª had scored 100 in the finals.


    Overtime was inevitable.


    "I could watch them dunk all night!" Barkley''s comment perfectly summed up the fans'' mood.


    The tiebreaker rules were simple: one dunk each.


    LaVine was up first. Once again, he opted for a self-lob dunk.


    But this time, instead of a free-throw line jump, he threw the ball from behind the backboard.


    This wasn''t just about jumping high ¡ª it required perfect bounce control. If LaVine jumped too far, he''d risk hitting his head on the rim.


    LaVine''s dunk? A through-the-legs, reverse slam off a self-lob from behind the basket.


    One try. Nailed it.


    The difficulty level? Off the charts.


    But after the wild night, the crowd''s expectations had skyrocketed. While impressive, the dunk didn''t electrify them like earlier attempts.


    The judges, however, remained professional. They deliberated briefly before revealing the scores.


    Four 10s. One 9. Total: 49.


    The lone 9?


    Tracy McGrady ¡ª again.


    McGrady had already taken the heat for scoring LeBron''s dunk low. Now? He didn''t mind being the villain twice in one night.


    This time, though, the fans understood. It was clear that LaVine''s dunk arsenal was running thin after such an intense contest.


    The show had been so electrifying that continuing too long would inevitably lower the quality of the contest.


    Now, all eyes turned to Han Sen.


    The crowd''s cheers erupted once again. They knew the winner was about to be decided.


    Han had a chance to claim victory. But if his dunk didn''t exceed LaVine''s, the judges might still hand the trophy to LaVine.


    Han took his position ¡ª starting from beyond midcourt.


    The fans started buzzing with speculation.


    Was Han planning a free-throw line dunk, just like LaVine?


    LaVine''s free-throw dunks had drawn gasps, but Han hadn''t tried one yet. The fans figured he might replicate LaVine''s moves to outshine him.


    They were wrong.


    Because Han wasn''t just going for a free-throw line dunk.


    As he soared through the air, Han spun his entire body mid-air before even reaching the basket.


    The crowd lost it.


    Han Sen was attempting a 360-degree dunk from the free-throw line.


    Fans in the stands were seen clutching their heads in disbelief, overwhelmed by the sheer difficulty of the attempt.


    This wasn''t just a dunk. It was a statement.


    As Han twisted through the air, ball in hand, it felt like time had slowed down.


    Then came the finish.


    BOOM!


    The ball crashed through the hoop with a thunderous slam.


    At that moment, there was no debate left.


    The greatest dunk king in NBA history had just been crowned.


    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 311 - 2016 NBA Trade Deadline?.

    Chapter 311: 2016 NBA Trade Deadline?."It''s over!" Charles Barkley shouted from the commentary booth, rising to his feet with both hands raised.


    The arena was already shaking from the deafening roar of the crowd.


    The three most difficult dunks in history?


    The double-ball dunk.


    The 720 spin.


    And now?


    The free-throw line 360.


    Zach LaVine stood and joined in the applause for Han Sen.


    He knew the truth¡ªif he had managed to pull off a free-throw line 360 in the tiebreaker, the trophy would be his.


    But Han did it first. And LaVine knew it was over.


    The judges wasted no time.


    50 points.


    Five dunks. Five perfect scores.


    Han Sen was officially the champion of the greatest Dunk Contest ever.


    And with this victory, he became the first player in NBA history to win both the Three-Point Contest and Dunk Contest in the same All-Star Weekend.


    Had anyone ever won both contests before¡ªeven in different years?


    Still no.


    And LeBron James?


    Once again, overshadowed by Han Sen¡ªcrushed, without even putting up a fight.


    But unlike a regular game, LeBron couldn''t just walk off early. He had to stay and watch the celebration unfold.


    Han stepped up to the mic as the arena buzzed with energy.


    He started by acknowledging all the participants¡ªincluding LeBron.


    "Without him," Han smirked, "it just wouldn''t have been the same."


    He turned to Aaron Gordon, offering words of encouragement.


    "You put on a show, man. I hope to see you take this crown one day."


    Then, he saved his biggest praise for Zach LaVine.


    "This battle with LaVine? That''s what made tonight unforgettable."


    As Han finished, Nikola Joki?, grinning, handed him the Three-Point Contest trophy as well.


    Now, Han stood at center court, a trophy in each hand.


    One for the Three-Point Contest.


    One for the Dunk Contest.


    The cameras flashed.


    A moment forever etched in basketball history.


    That night, the All-Star buzz reached new heights.


    Han''s performances in both contests had not only rewritten history but had also pushed All-Star Weekend to record-breaking viewership levels.


    And with all eyes now locked onto the final event¡ªthe All-Star Game itself¡ªanticipation had never been higher.


    ---


    In the All-Star Game, Han stayed true to his word from Media Day.


    He didn''t play along with the narrative of giving Kobe Bryant a farewell MVP.


    Despite Stephen Curry''s constant passes to Kobe, the Lakers legend wasn''t forcing his shots.


    Kobe did exactly what he said he would¡ªhe enjoyed the game without chasing stats.


    On the other hand, LeBron James showed everyone why he''s been labeled with one phrase throughout his career:


    "Say one thing, do another."


    LeBron played like a man possessed, dropping 38 points in an all-out push for MVP.


    But it wasn''t enough. The Western Conference lost.


    Han Sen dropped 31 points and secured his second All-Star Game MVP trophy.


    At the final buzzer, Kobe walked over, a knowing smile on his face as he extended his hand.


    "Man, you really weren''t gonna let me have this, huh?" Kobe chuckled.


    Han shook his head, smirking. "Wouldn''t have felt right. You don''t need a scripted farewell, Kobe. You''ve written your own legacy."


    Kobe nodded, his grin widening. He pulled Han into a hug, patting him on the back.


    "Respect," Kobe said simply. "You did it the right way."


    Privately, Kobe was grateful. Without Han, LeBron and the others would''ve boxed him into chasing an MVP he didn''t want. But because of Han, he got to enjoy the game on his terms.


    ---


    After the All-Star Weekend, Han kept his promise and gave the $50,000 Dunk Contest prize to Nikola Joki?.


    Joki?''s first move back in Cleveland? Upgrading to a bigger apartment.


    Living up to his mantra: "Nobody enjoys life more than me."


    With the All-Star break behind them, the first half of the season officially came to a close.


    Next up?


    The trade deadline.


    The Cleveland Cavaliers were active in the market.


    Their rotation was mostly set, but they were looking to address one key weakness:


    They needed a tough, defensive-minded center to anchor their interior.


    True centers were becoming rare in the league, but there were still a few options.


    One notable target?


    Dwight Howard.


    The Brooklyn Nets were struggling, sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference. If the Cavs faced them in the first round, Howard would be a matchup nightmare for both Joki? and Kevin Garnett.


    He wasn''t guaranteed to crack the Cavs'' rotation, but having a defensive big man as insurance could prove invaluable.


    As for Spencer Hawes? He had already fallen out of the rotation. His departure was inevitable.


    However, due to the upcoming salary cap spike, teams were cautious in making moves. Most expected the trade deadline to be quieter than usual.


    ---


    As expected, a few minor trades trickled in.


    The Cavaliers struck a deal with the Orlando Magic, sending Tayshaun Prince and a future second-round pick in exchange for Dewayne Dedmon.


    Dedmon, an undrafted player from the 2013 NBA Draft, had bounced around the league, spending time with the Warriors and 76ers before finding a role in Orlando.


    Standing at 6''11" (2.11m) with a 7''4" (2.24m) wingspan, Dedmon lacked offensive polish but was a solid rim protector and shot-blocker. This season, serving as Brook Lopez''s backup, he averaged 4 points and 4 rebounds per game.


    Most teams made similarly minor moves.


    But just when it seemed like the trade deadline would end quietly, a last-minute blockbuster shook the league to its core.


    ---


    Three-Team Trade: Nets, Celtics, Hawks


    Boston Celtics received: Al Horford (6''10" / 2.08m, 7''1" / 2.16m wingspan)


    Atlanta Hawks received: Dwight Howard (6''10" / 2.08m, 7''5" / 2.26m wingspan), Future first-round pick


    Brooklyn Nets received: Amir Johnson (6''9" / 2.06m, 7''1" / 2.16m wingspan), Jared Sullinger (6''9" / 2.06m, 7''1" / 2.16m wingspan), Two future first-round picks


    Shortly after the trade was finalized, reports surfaced that the Nets were negotiating buyouts with Deron Williams and Joe Johnson.


    This series of moves signaled a major shift for the Nets¡ªthey were officially entering a rebuild. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When Mikhail Prokhorov took over the Nets in 2010, he promised to build a dynasty. He moved the team to Brooklyn, spent recklessly, and sold the dream of a powerhouse franchise.


    But after years of burning through millions, the result? Not a single Conference Finals appearance.


    And now?


    They were barely clinging to playoff hopes.


    Prokhorov had just proven a hard truth about the NBA¡ªspending money doesn''t guarantee success.


    ---


    Why Did the Hawks Trade for Dwight Howard?


    Al Horford had a player option for the upcoming summer, and most expected him to decline it in search of a long-term max contract.


    Still haunted by last year''s playoff sweep at the hands of the Cavaliers, the Hawks'' front office hesitated to commit a max contract to Horford.


    Rather than risk losing him for nothing, they pivoted.


    Bringing Dwight Howard home to Atlanta gave them a defensive anchor and a marketable superstar.


    ---


    For the Celtics? It Was Highway Robbery.


    In exchange for two role players and a future pick, they landed Al Horford.


    Pairing Horford with Isaiah Thomas (All-Star) and Karl-Anthony Towns (Rookie of the Year frontrunner), along with a deep supporting cast, made the Celtics legitimate contenders overnight.


    As Danny Ainge had promised, Boston''s rebuild was complete in just one season.


    ---


    Winners and Losers of the Trade Deadline


    Biggest Winner: Boston Celtics.


    Biggest Loser: Houston Rockets.


    The Rockets stood pat, despite Chris Bosh being ruled out for the season due to blood clot complications.


    Bosh had now suffered back-to-back seasons cut short by the same condition. Even worse? The Rockets had signed him to a five-year max contract in 2014, and only two years had been completed.


    When GM Daryl Morey first orchestrated the trade for Bosh, Rockets fans hailed him as a genius.


    Now?


    The same fans were calling for his ouster.


    Adding to the Rockets'' woes, James Harden was struggling, and Houston had slipped from a top-four seed in the West.


    The once-feared three-team war between the Warriors, Spurs, and Rockets had now collapsed.


    Instead?


    The West was once again a three-way race between the Lakers, Warriors, and Spurs.


    ---


    Before the Cavaliers'' first game after the All-Star break, Han Sen met Dewayne Dedmon for the first time.


    Han had very little impression of Dedmon¡ªnot just in reality, but even in ''history''. His only memory of him came from 2K Online, where Dedmon was labeled as a ''refugee center'' by players.


    (TL/n: 2K Online was an online basketball game developed by 2K Sports and Tencent, specifically for the Chinese market.)


    Still, based on that limited impression, Han thought Dedmon might be a solid fit for the Cavaliers. He wasn''t just a defensive big¡ªhe could also knock down three-pointers, making him a rare 3-and-D center.


    Of course, he wasn''t as versatile as perimeter 3-and-D players, but for a center, that skill set was incredibly rare.


    At least, that''s what Han believed.


    Until he stepped onto the practice court.


    Within minutes, Han realized something wasn''t right.


    Dedmon didn''t shoot threes. At all.


    For a second, Han wondered if his memory was playing tricks on him. Had he mistaken Dedmon for someone else? Maybe he had the wrong player entirely? After all, plenty of guys in the NBA shared the same last name.


    But after thinking it through, that didn''t seem possible. Sure, there were a lot of players named James, but only one LeBron James.


    That left only one logical explanation¡ªDedmon didn''t have a three-point shot now but would develop one later.


    It made sense.


    As the NBA shifted toward small-ball lineups, many traditional bigs had no choice but to expand their range just to survive.


    The best example? Brook Lopez.


    In his first eight seasons, Lopez attempted a grand total of three three-pointers.


    Over the next six seasons? He shot 649 of them¡ªand at a respectable percentage.


    Of course, shooting wasn''t something any big could just develop.


    No matter how much Dwight Howard worked on his jumper, he was never going to become a legitimate floor spacer.


    Shooting was a talent.


    But if a big-bodied, rim-protecting center like Dedmon could one day stretch the floor, that would be a fascinating evolution to watch.


    For now, though?


    That wasn''t the Cavaliers'' concern.


    They acquired Dedmon for one reason only¡ªto provide a defensive presence in the paint.


    ---


    The Trade''s Biggest Impact? Nikola Joki?.


    Dedmon''s arrival didn''t shake up the Cavaliers'' roster too much¡ªexcept for one key change:


    Joki? was back in the starting lineup.


    With Dedmon in place as insurance, head coach Michael Malone could afford to give Joki? more freedom to develop.


    It was a low-risk, high-reward move.


    If Joki? struggled with foul trouble, Dedmon was there to hold down the paint.


    But if the Cavaliers wanted to reach another level, they needed Joki? to take that next step.


    They weren''t under the same pressure to chase wins like last season, so this was the perfect time to experiment and develop their young core.


    ---


    March 1st: Cavaliers Extend Their Win Streak to Five.


    Joki? was still struggling with occasional foul trouble, but compared to the start of the season, he had already improved significantly.


    Part of that was due to his strong adaptability, but the real difference?


    Repetition. Experience. Learning through mistakes.


    Like Kyrie Irving before him, the Cavaliers were giving Joki? the freedom to grow, knowing that the only way to improve was through trial and error.


    If LeBron were still in Cleveland?


    Joki? might have already been traded away.


    ---


    March 1st: The Buyout Market Heats Up.


    With the Nets officially entering a rebuild, the biggest names in the buyout market were Deron Williams and Joe Johnson.


    Deron agreed to a buyout with Brooklyn and weighed offers from Dallas and Los Angeles before choosing the Lakers.


    Once considered one of the best point guards in the league, Deron had suffered a steady decline due to knee injuries.


    This season, he was still averaging 13 points and 6.6 assists, but his efficiency had plummeted¡ªhis shooting percentage had dipped to 38.7%.


    Still, a declining Deron Williams was better than most backup guards, and his experience made him valuable to any contender.


    So why did he choose the Lakers?


    Simple.


    They were desperate for a point guard and could offer him a starting role.


    With Kobe, LeBron, Love, and Mozgov, the Lakers had firepower¡ªbut lacked a true floor general.


    With Deron in the mix, the Lakers'' starting five now looked like this:


    Deron Williams | Kobe Bryant | LeBron James | Kevin Love | Timofey Mozgov


    Just seeing those names together?


    Fans could hardly believe it.


    Meanwhile, Joe Johnson, after securing his buyout, signed with the Miami Heat.


    The key reason? Pat Riley.


    Reports revealed that Riley and Johnson had a lengthy conversation¡ªover an hour long¡ªbefore Riley convinced him that joining the Heat was his best shot at reviving his career.


    More importantly, Riley promised Johnson a key role off the bench as Miami''s sixth man.


    Riley''s ability to sell a vision was legendary.


    He convinced Wade to take a pay cut.


    He convinced LeBron to come to Miami in 2010.


    And now?


    He convinced Joe Johnson to embrace a bench role.


    If nothing else, Riley''s persuasive skills were top-tier.


    ---


    Cleveland''s Rivals Got Stronger.


    Between Miami and Los Angeles, the Cavaliers'' competitors all made moves.


    But Han Sen?


    He wasn''t worried.


    Because both the Lakers and Heat were in their last-ditch effort mode.


    This was their final push.


    ---


    March 2nd: Cavaliers vs. Lakers ¨C Final Regular-Season Matchup


    The Lakers traveled to Cleveland for their second and final game against the Cavaliers.


    Newly signed Deron Williams didn''t make the trip, still finalizing his transition to the team.


    Before tip-off, the Cavaliers honored Kobe Bryant with a tribute video.


    Unless the Lakers made the NBA Finals, this would be Kobe''s last-ever game in Cleveland.


    Like their first meeting, the game was a hard-fought battle.


    But this time?


    Kobe came out firing.


    He had no interest in chasing All-Star Game MVPs, but against Han Sen, he had something to prove.


    LeBron James? A much quieter night.


    In the end, the Cavaliers walked away with the win.


    Lakers fans weren''t ready to concede.


    "Just wait until Deron suits up. Then we''ll take you down."


    One problem.


    The regular-season series was already over.


    If the Lakers wanted another shot at Han Sen''s Cavaliers, there was only one way.


    The NBA Finals.


    But could they even make it that far?


    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 312: The 2015-16 NBA Season Comes to an End?.

    Chapter 312: The 2015-16 NBA Season Comes to an End?.With only a month left in the regular season, the playoff picture in both conferences was beginning to take shape.


    In the Western Conference, three teams stood far above the rest¡ªthe Warriors, Lakers, and Spurs. The rest? A noticeable decline.


    This wasn''t a coincidence. It was a consequence of Nike''s power moves, stacking superstars on specific teams while leaving others in mediocrity.


    It was a familiar story¡ªwhen the Miami Heat''s Big Three formed, many owners pushed back, arguing it distorted the league''s competitive balance.


    Some things may not break the rules, but they certainly break the spirit of competition.


    In contrast, the Eastern Conference had one of its most competitive seasons in years.


    The Raptors and Hornets were both having their best seasons in franchise history.


    The Celtics had fully completed their rebuild.


    The Pacers had Paul George back and looked dangerous again.


    For the first time in years, the East felt stronger than the West overall.


    Meanwhile, the Cavaliers?


    Locked into a top-three seed, Mike Malone was in no rush. Instead, he focused on developing Nikola Joki?, as if the chaos of the East had nothing to do with them.


    ---


    Joki?''s Growing Pains


    However, Joki?''s defensive struggles weren''t his only issue.


    His conditioning was another major concern.


    Big men naturally burn more energy than smaller players due to their size. Even Yao Ming used to struggle with stamina, often tiring out by the third quarter.


    And Joki??


    Still a rookie, still far from peak conditioning.


    Even as a starter, his playing time was carefully managed¡ªrarely exceeding 27-28 minutes per game to avoid a steep performance drop-off.


    Luckily, the Cavs didn''t need him to do too much.


    With Han Sen and Kyrie Irving leading the charge, Joki? could develop at his own pace.


    ---


    April: The Final Stretch


    As the regular season neared its final weeks, most playoff teams began resting their stars in preparation for the postseason grind.


    But in the East?


    The Hawks, Hornets, and Pacers were still fighting tooth and nail for position.


    The stakes were clear¡ªwhoever finished last among them would likely have to face Cleveland in the first round.


    And while the media ranked the Cavs below the Warriors, Lakers, and Heat, no team wanted to deal with Han Sen in the opening round.


    It was less about pride and more about survival.


    Even though Han had only been back in the East for a season, last year''s playoff dominance had left a lasting impression.


    And in the West?


    One team was still going all out¡ªbut not for seeding.


    They were chasing history.


    ---


    The 2015-16 NBA regular season ended.


    And in their final game, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Memphis Grizzlies to set an all-time record: 73-9.


    The Chicago Bulls'' legendary 72-10 record from 1996 had officially been broken.


    Four years ago, LeBron''s Heat couldn''t do it.


    But the Warriors had done it.


    "We can go ahead and hand them the 2015-16 championship now!"


    Some fans were already popping champagne for the Warriors.


    Meanwhile, the Lakers finished 67-15¡ªthe second-best record in franchise history.


    And the Spurs?


    66 wins, breaking their own franchise record.


    For the first time ever, three teams in the same conference had 65+ wins in a season.


    But that dominance came at a cost¡ªthe rest of the West was weak.


    4th seed: Thunder (51-31)


    5th seed: Rockets (45-37)


    6th seed: Grizzlies (44-38)


    7th seed: Blazers (43-39)


    8th seed: Mavericks (41-41)


    ---


    The East, on the other hand, looked more like the West from previous years.


    1st: Heat ¨C 63-19(fourth straight 60+ win season, matching the 1984-88 Lakers)


    2nd: Cavaliers ¨C 58-24


    3rd: Raptors ¨C 56-26(DeRozan and Lowry''s best seasons yet) S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    4th: Celtics ¨C 50-32(closed the season strong with a winning streak)


    5th: Hawks ¨C 48-34


    6th: Hornets ¨C 48-34


    7th: Pacers ¨C 47-35(set to face Cleveland in Round 1)


    8th: Pistons ¨C 44-38(clinched the final playoff spot over the Bulls)


    Meanwhile, Chicago collapsed¡ªfinishing 42-40, barely missing the playoffs.


    With Joakim Noah injured and Derrick Rose a shell of himself, the Bulls'' championship window had all but closed.


    ---


    The Cavaliers finished the season 58-24, identical to last year. However, this wasn''t the same team. This time, they weren''t just chasing regular-season success¡ªthey were refining their identity, fine-tuning their chemistry, and preparing for a deep playoff run.


    Last season, they relied heavily on Han Sen, who led the league in scoring, assists, and steals, carrying a massive offensive burden.


    But this year? Han took a step back¡ªnot because he had to, but because he chose to.


    Even in a ''scaled-back'' role, his numbers remained absurd: 30.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 7.1 APG, 2.7 SPG, 1.5 BPG, shooting 51.8% from the field and 41.5% from three.


    And the biggest beneficiary? Kyrie Irving.


    With more freedom to operate, Kyrie put up the best season of his career: 23.4 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 6.8 APG, shooting 47.3% from the field and 40.1% from deep.


    Meanwhile, Nikola Joki?, in his rookie year, showed flashes of brilliance: 11.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.5 APG, shooting 51.2% from the field and 34.8% from three¡ªa clear sign of things to come.


    ---


    Han hadn''t expected to face the Pacers in Round 1.


    At the start of the season, Indiana looked dangerous, bringing back Paul George and signing Monta Ellis.


    But down the stretch?


    Internal drama derailed them.


    Why?


    Well, let''s just say it involved a model, two teammates, and a fight over who went first.


    In another timeline, there were rumors about a certain Suns team with seven players and one model.


    NBA players finding ''off-court entertainment'' wasn''t uncommon.


    But when Paul George and Roy Hibbert set their sights on the same person, things got ugly.


    One was the franchise star.


    The other was a literal giant.


    Neither backed down.


    Fists were thrown.


    The result?


    Hibbert, already struggling under new defensive rules, fell off a cliff, averaging just 5.9 points and 4.9 rebounds.


    Paul George?


    He posted a career-high 23.1 PPG¡ªbut with a career-low 41.8% shooting.


    If you asked Han?


    George should''ve been first in line¡ªnot because of seniority, but because in situations like this, order matters.


    Jokes aside, despite their issues, the Pacers were still a tough opponent.


    Their defense was strong, and they weren''t much worse than last year''s Bulls team.


    For the Cavs, this was a perfect first-round test¡ªand a chance to see just how much they''d improved since last season.


    ---


    Before the season started, the NBA announced that this would be the final year where regular-season awards were revealed during the playoffs.


    As always, the first batch of awards announced included Coach of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Sixth Man of the Year.


    No surprises in the Coach of the Year voting¡ªSteve Kerr finally took home the trophy after being snubbed last season.


    The Most Improved Player award went to CJ McCollum.


    Despite the Trail Blazers losing several core players in the offseason, they still made the playoffs¡ªthanks in large part to McCollum''s emergence.


    Last year, he averaged just 6.8 points per game¡ªa borderline rotation player.


    This season? 20.8 PPG, solidifying himself as Damian Lillard''s right-hand man.


    But the biggest shock of the night?


    Sixth Man of the Year.


    Because the winner was... Nikola Joki?!


    Even Han Sen was caught off guard.


    At first, it didn''t make sense¡ªuntil he realized Joki? had only started 23 games all season, meaning he was technically eligible for the award.


    And the final voting?


    Joki? won with 29.5% of the votes, narrowly edging out Andre Iguodala (24.62%).


    For context, Iguodala averaged just 7.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and 3.3 APG.


    On pure stats, Joki? was the clear winner.


    ---


    The morning before Game 1, the Cavaliers held a light practice at home.


    When Nikola Joki? strolled into the team''s breakfast club, still half-asleep, Dante Cunningham greeted him with a grin.


    "Congrats, big fella!"


    Joki? blinked, groggy. "For what?"


    Cunningham chuckled. "Sixth Man of the Year, man!"


    Joki? just stared, looking completely lost.


    He didn''t even know he''d won.


    And when it finally clicked?


    His first reaction almost made Han Sen spit out his food.


    "Wait... do I get prize money?"


    Han shook his head, laughing. Of course. After pocketing $50,000 from the Dunk Contest, Joki? had just assumed every NBA award came with a cash bonus.


    "The award itself? No," Han said. "But the recognition? That gets you endorsements. And endorsements? They pay a whole lot more than fifty grand."


    Joki? scratched his head, still processing.


    Then Han leaned in, smirking.


    "But playoff wins? Those come with bonuses."


    That woke Joki? up real quick.


    His sleepy eyes suddenly lit up. "How much?"


    Han grinned. "Championship team splits $2.46 million."


    Of course, that total was divided between players, coaches, and staff. But one thing was certain¡ªif the Cavaliers won it all, Joki? was getting way more than $50K.


    Joki? didn''t hesitate.


    "I''m full."


    He pushed his plate away, stood up, and started walking out.


    Cunningham raised an eyebrow. "Where you going?"


    Joki? didn''t even look back.


    "Extra training."


    "For the bonus!"


    Cunningham facepalmed.


    Han? He just laughed.


    ---


    That morning, the Pacers'' team bus arrived in Cleveland.


    As the Cavaliers wrapped up practice, they ran into their first-round opponents in the parking lot.


    Just as Han was about to leave, someone called out to him.


    He turned¡ªTony Allen.


    A former teammate from his Memphis days, now playing for Indiana.


    They exchanged a few words¡ªcatching up, cracking jokes¡ªbefore Han felt another presence nearby.


    He turned his head.


    Paul George was staring at him.


    And the look in George''s eyes?


    Pure determination.


    Han was surprised.


    George entered the NBA the same summer Han moved to the Western Conference.


    Then, by the time Han returned to the East, George had suffered his gruesome leg injury.


    Before this season, they had barely faced each other.


    But now, thinking back¡ªevery time the Cavs played Indiana this year, George had gone all out.


    And it wasn''t just effort.


    George had played well against Cleveland, almost like he had something to prove.


    Han recognized the energy.


    It was the same fire Kyrie had whenever he faced LeBron James.


    A rivalry¡ªnot out of hatred, but competition.


    The difference?


    George and Han had no off-court drama.


    So if this was about proving himself, it could only mean one thing¡ª


    George wanted his shot at taking Han down.


    This wasn''t the Paul George Han remembered.


    His strongest memory of George?


    Demanding a trade with a preferred destination.


    But maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªhistory was already changing.


    When Han chose Cleveland, the NBA''s balance shifted.


    In the past, George and DeRozan were trapped in the East, watching LeBron form superteams year after year.


    Eventually, they gave up.


    But now?


    LeBron was still chasing something.


    And George?


    He wasn''t looking to leave anymore.


    He was looking to win.


    The same way Jordan''s rivals once did.


    The same way the league had always worked.


    No shortcuts.


    No excuses.


    Just one goal¡ªbeating the best.


    And right now?


    That was Han Sen.


    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 313: Playoff P Arrives.

    Chapter 313: Playoff P Arrives.Game 1 against the Pacers. Quicken Loans Arena was packed to capacity.


    It was just the first round, but Cleveland fans had been waiting long enough. The energy in the building was electric, the pregame introductions drowned out by deafening cheers.


    But across from them, the Pacers weren''t backing down either.


    They weren''t the same team from two years ago, but they came in with confidence.


    And it showed early.


    Monta Ellis and Paul George attacked the Cavaliers'' defense relentlessly, using screens to get into the paint. Joki? was trying, but he was still a rookie. And like most rookies, he had to pay his dues.


    Barely five minutes in, Joki? picked up his second foul and had to sit.


    The difference in playoff officiating hit him immediately¡ªcalls were tighter, physicality was different, and the adjustment period was real.


    Frank Vogel saw the weakness and went straight for it, targeting Cleveland''s interior.


    But despite that early success, the Pacers couldn''t build a lead.


    Because Joki?, while a key piece, wasn''t the key to Cleveland''s success.


    As long as they had Han Sen, they had a chance.


    And this season? They had a fully evolved Kyrie Irving.


    Irving wasted no time, exploding for 14 points in the first quarter, giving the Cavaliers a 30-23 lead.


    In the second, it was Paul George''s turn.


    He started with a pull-up jumper over P.J. Tucker, then followed it with a three off the dribble¡ªfive quick points right out of the gate.


    Before his injury, George had relied more on off-ball movement and driving to the rim. But after his return, with his explosiveness slightly diminished, his game had shifted¡ªhe took on more on-ball responsibilities, leaning into his pull-up game.


    It made him less efficient, but it also gave Indiana a true go-to scorer.


    With David West gone and Roy Hibbert no longer effective, the Pacers had abandoned their post-heavy offense, placing everything on their perimeter players.


    George was feeling it, pouring in 13 points in the second quarter.


    By halftime, Cleveland''s lead had shrunk to 54-50.


    It was a close fight.


    Then, in the third quarter, Mike Malone pulled out his ace¡ªCleveland''s small-ball lineup. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And right away, Joki? made his presence felt, burying a three from the top of the arc.


    Foul trouble had kept him out of rhythm in the first half, but after a reset in the locker room, he was back in form.


    And against Hibbert? It was a nightmare matchup.


    It was modern basketball exposing the old school in real-time.


    If Hibbert stepped out to contest Joki?, Indiana''s paint defense collapsed.


    If he stayed inside, Joki? made him pay from deep.


    But the real damage wasn''t the spacing¡ªit was the pace.


    Indiana had no answer for Cleveland''s transition game. Hibbert, unable to keep up, became a liability.


    In just five minutes, Cleveland''s lead ballooned to double digits.


    Vogel had no choice. Timeout.


    When play resumed, he made adjustments, pulling Hibbert and subbing in Myles Turner and George Hill.


    Indiana''s lineup: George Hill, Monta Ellis, Tony Allen, Paul George, Myles Turner.


    It wasn''t their ideal five, but it matched up better with Cleveland''s speed.


    And immediately, it paid off.


    Irving ran pick-and-rolls with Joki?, but the Pacers had answers.


    First, Turner contested Irving''s jumper.


    Next, he denied Joki? at the rim.


    Turner, the 11th pick of the draft, had already shown flashes of defensive brilliance in his rookie year, averaging 10.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game.


    If not for Hibbert''s contract clogging the roster, Turner would have been Indiana''s full-time starting center.


    At 6''11" (2.11m) with a 7''4" (2.24m) wingspan, Turner wasn''t just physically on par with Joki?¡ªhe was quicker.


    Cleveland''s small-ball attack stalled, and by the end of the third, their lead stood at 83-75.


    Still comfortable, but not enough to close the game.


    The cameras panned to Mike Malone.


    No panic. No frustration.


    Just calm confidence.


    Because if Cleveland''s small-ball couldn''t end it?


    They still had Han Sen.


    ---


    The fourth quarter belonged to Han.


    First possession¡ªbackdown, spin, fadeaway jumper over Tony Allen.


    Bucket.


    Allen had evolved into an All-Defensive caliber player since leaving Memphis.


    But Han knew him too well.


    Allen had no real weaknesses¡ªquick feet, fast hands, elite at navigating screens.


    You couldn''t attack him off the dribble. You couldn''t shake him with a pick.


    But height?


    Height was one thing he couldn''t change.


    So Han backed him down, forcing Indiana to adjust.


    After a couple more buckets, the Pacers started collapsing on him.


    A year ago, Han would''ve fought through it, forcing tough shots just to prove he could.


    But this year?


    He didn''t have to.


    Because now he had Irving.


    And Joki?.


    Especially Joki?.


    Every time the double came, Joki? flashed to the rim.


    Han found him every time.


    And just like that, Cleveland closed it out.


    Han put up 18 points in the fourth, sealing a 109-96 victory.


    ---


    Box Score


    Cavaliers:


    Han Sen ¨C 41 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST


    Kyrie Irving ¨C 25 PTS, 7 AST


    J.R. Smith ¨C 11 PTS


    Nikola Joki? ¨C 10 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST


    Tristan Thompson ¨C 8 PTS, 8 REB


    Pacers:


    Paul George ¨C 27 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST


    Monta Ellis ¨C 20 PTS, 5 AST


    George Hill ¨C 15 PTS, 4 AST


    Myles Turner ¨C 8 PTS, 10 REB, 2 BLK


    ---


    "We all know what PG went through two years ago. Seeing him come back and perform at this level¡ªI''m happy for him."


    At the postgame press conference, Han Sen acknowledged Paul George''s resilience and performance.


    But compliments aside, Cleveland had taken care of business in Game 1. And two days later, it was time for Game 2 at Quicken Loans Arena.


    The Cavs weren''t just looking for another win¡ªthey wanted to send a message.


    Mike Malone had already made his adjustments.


    First, he reinforced the paint, assigning Tristan Thompson to provide extra help for Joki? against Indiana''s drives.


    Second? He gave Han the green light to go on the attack from the jump.


    Malone''s strategy was clear¡ªdon''t let the series drag out. End it before Indiana even thinks they have a chance.


    And Han wasted no time, scoring on back-to-back isolations.


    Indiana adjusted.


    But instead of doubling him, Paul George stepped up to take the one-on-one assignment himself.


    George had the size, length, and quickness to at least challenge Han¡ªmore so than Tony Allen in a pure matchup situation.


    For a brief moment, Han thought of an old rival.


    But just like before, it didn''t matter.


    George couldn''t stop him either.


    Han adjusted his approach, attacking more with face-up moves and working through screens instead of forcing post-ups.


    And once he and Joki? started running pick-and-rolls?


    It was curtains for Hibbert.


    If Hibbert sagged off, Han buried a pull-up three.


    If Hibbert stepped up, Han blew past him.


    By the time the first quarter ended, Han had already poured in 21 points, leading the Cavs to a 35-22 advantage.


    The Pacers looked rattled.


    Cleveland never let them recover.


    Final score: 114-98.


    Series: 2-0.


    Indiana had come in hoping to steal one on the road.


    Instead, they left with a reality check.


    ---


    With the series shifting to Indiana, Cleveland had a chance to take full control.


    So far, the Cavaliers had dominated. If nothing changed, Game 3 should''ve been no different.


    But Frank Vogel had other plans.


    His biggest adjustment? Roy Hibbert was benched.


    Myles Turner was now the full-time starter.


    And the impact? Immediate.


    Turner gave Indiana much-needed mobility on defense and better spacing on offense.


    Hibbert had once been a reliable mid-range shooter, but this season, his touch had completely abandoned him¡ª0-for-4 in the first two games.


    Turner, on the other hand, could stretch the floor, forcing Cleveland''s defense to adjust.


    And on the other end?


    Paul George was on fire.


    For the first time in the series, Cleveland found itself in a real fight.


    Game 3 came down to the wire.


    Indiana''s crowd was electric.


    Despite two blowout losses, if the Pacers could defend home court, they''d be right back in the series.


    With 20 seconds left, Monta Ellis attacked the rim, drew a foul, and calmly sank both free throws.


    108-108.


    Cleveland called timeout.


    Everyone in the building knew what was coming.


    Han Sen.


    One-on-one.


    Paul George stepped up to take the challenge.


    Han hit him with a deadly crossover, shifting George off balance, then a ghost-step move to the rim.


    Tony Allen rotated over¡ªtoo late.


    Contact. The whistle blew. And the ball rolled in.


    AND ONE.


    The arena went silent.


    They''d seen this before.


    The same helplessness the Heat felt in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.


    Han stepped to the line.


    Nothing but net.


    111-108.


    Six seconds left.


    The Pacers had one last shot.


    George inbounded from the sideline.


    Down three, they had no choice but to go for the deep ball.


    Vogel''s play was drawn up for Ellis¡ªbut Cleveland had him locked down.


    Even Turner, trying to make a desperate pass, had the ball tipped by Joki?.


    But then¡ª


    Paul George swooped in, snatched the loose ball, and fired from deep.


    A step beyond the arc.


    Low percentage. Off-balance.


    Swish.


    The arena exploded.


    George turned to Han and hit the three-finger celebration.


    For the first time, Han felt George''s challenge.


    But that was all it was¡ªa moment.


    Because once overtime started, Indiana was finished.


    Han took over.


    Pull-up threes.


    Driving layups through contact.


    Fadeaways over Tony Allen.


    A thunderous dunk through George at the rim.


    Every single bucket in overtime? Han Sen.


    Final score: 121-113 (OT).


    ---


    Box Score:


    Cavaliers:


    Han Sen ¨C 46 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST


    Kyrie Irving ¨C 26 PTS, 7 AST


    Nikola Joki? ¨C 12 PTS, 9 REB, 4 AST


    J.R. Smith ¨C 10 PTS


    Tristan Thompson ¨C 9 PTS, 10 REB


    Pacers:


    Paul George ¨C 39 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST


    Monta Ellis ¨C 23 PTS, 5 AST


    George Hill ¨C 14 PTS


    Myles Turner ¨C 10 PTS, 11 REB, 3 BLK


    ---


    "PG was incredible tonight. No doubt about it," Han said postgame. "He''s going to be a superstar. I hope to see him succeed in Indiana."


    George had pushed Cleveland to the edge.


    Had Han not hit the clutch and-one before George''s three? The Cavs would''ve lost.


    For the first time, this series had real tension.


    And if George didn''t demand a trade like he did in ''history''?


    His career might take a completely different path.


    Of course, even if Han eventually forced him out of Indiana, it wouldn''t matter.


    George, whether in a Pacers jersey or somewhere else, would always be in Han''s way.


    Down 0-3, the Pacers didn''t roll over like Miami did last year.


    They fought back.


    George delivered another masterpiece, carrying Indiana to a hard-fought Game 4 win at home.


    Series: 3-1.


    But that was all they had left.


    Back in Cleveland for Game 5, Han took on the full defensive assignment against George.


    The game? Over before it even started.


    Cleveland never trailed.


    Final score: Cavaliers win 4-1.


    The Pacers had put up a tougher fight than last year''s Bulls.


    But in the end?


    They still only managed one win.


    Cleveland was on another level.


    This wasn''t just about adding Joki?.


    This was about Han. Kyrie. The entire roster.


    Everything was better.


    And their next opponent?


    The Toronto Raptors.


    Round 2 was set.

 Chapter 314: The North Remembers.

    Chapter 314: The North Remembers.Shortly after the Cavaliers wrapped up their first-round series against the Pacers, the NBA announced the regular-season MVP.


    Once the Warriors secured 73 wins, the award was never in question.


    With a historic season¡ªaveraging 30.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 2.1 steals, and shattering records with 402 three-pointers¡ªStephen Curry claimed his first MVP trophy.


    For Under Armour, this was another massive win, following Han Sen''s back-to-back MVP seasons. At this point, UA might as well have been printing money.


    But for the Warriors'' front office and their fans, this moment of triumph came with an uneasy reality.


    Because in Game 4 of their first-round matchup against the Mavericks, Curry slipped and suffered an MCL sprain.


    Golden State never disclosed the exact severity of the injury, but even a Grade 1 sprain would require at least two weeks of recovery.


    Han had expected this.


    Winning 73 games was a monumental feat, but it came at a price¡ªjust like it had for Dwyane Wade years ago.


    Some players, like Michael Jordan or Han himself, could push their bodies to the extreme and still hold up. But for guys like Curry or Wade, with a history of nagging injuries, pushing beyond their limits was always a gamble.


    And now?


    Gregg Popovich and LeBron James had to be grinning from ear to ear.


    Curry was the Warriors'' engine. Without him, the machine wouldn''t run¡ªno matter how good the other parts were.


    And, of course, Nike''s executives had to be thrilled.


    The Warriors had been the undisputed dominant force of the regular season. If they were at full strength, few teams had a real shot at beating them in a playoff series.


    But now?


    Suddenly, the Heat and Lakers had a real opening.


    ---


    While waiting for their second-round opponent, the Cavaliers continued their routine practices.


    Han, meanwhile, spent his nights studying Miami''s playoff film.


    His takeaway?


    The Heat were a serious threat.


    Pau Gasol and Dwyane Wade had naturally declined with age, but Miami''s depth was absurd.


    Adding Joe Johnson had only made them more dangerous.


    Playing alongside elite talent, Johnson faced far less defensive pressure, making his scoring look effortless.


    And any potential chemistry issues?


    Pat Riley had them locked down.


    But the most dangerous piece?


    Kevin Durant.


    This was, without question, the best version of Durant Han had ever seen.


    Still freakishly athletic. Still an elite shooter. But now, with more experience, more composure.


    And then Han realized something.


    In this timeline, Durant had left the Thunder early¡ªmeaning he had never suffered the infamous foot fracture.


    That alone changed everything.


    For a brief moment, Han wondered...


    What if Rudy Gay had joined him in Cleveland?


    But he dismissed the thought almost immediately.


    If he started recruiting players like that, how was he any different from LeBron?


    Winning was important.


    But how you won mattered just as much.


    Besides, this was Han''s path to true greatness.


    His Hater System had fewer talents left to unlock, but he still had room to grow.


    Because the system only provided talent.


    Skill?


    That had to be earned.


    As long as he was better today than he was yesterday, there was no one he couldn''t beat.


    ---


    Cavaliers vs. Raptors ¨C Round 2 Begins


    On paper, Toronto had finished just two games behind Cleveland in the standings.


    That made them seem like an even matchup.


    But basketball wasn''t just about numbers.


    Compared to the Pacers, the Raptors were better offensively¡ªbut worse defensively.


    DeMar DeRozan was an elite scorer, but defensively? He was average at best.


    And Toronto''s biggest weakness?


    They lacked a dominant rim protector.


    That meant they had no real way to slow down Han or Kyrie.


    From Game 1, Han took on the assignment of guarding DeRozan.


    DeRozan played an old-school game¡ªheavy on mid-range, light on threes.


    And without elite speed, he relied on footwork and rhythm to create shots.


    Against Han?


    That wasn''t going to work.


    DeRozan''s one-on-one game was completely shut down. He had to rely on fast breaks and off-ball movement just to get looks.


    Game 1 was a massacre.


    Cleveland dismantled Toronto 112-84.


    DeRozan?


    Just 8 points.


    Only six shot attempts.


    And that was in three quarters.


    Game 2?


    Same story.


    Raptors coach Dwane Casey tried to adjust, giving DeRozan more touches.


    Statistically, it worked¡ªDeRozan scored 20.


    But he needed 21 shots to do it, and Cleveland still cruised to a 105-89 victory.


    Down 0-2, with both losses in blowout fashion, Toronto looked even less threatening than Indiana had.


    With the series shifting to Toronto, the Raptors were desperate to respond.


    ---


    As the Cavaliers arrived in Toronto, the league announced the Defensive Player of the Year award.


    Han had missed out on MVP, ending his bid for a three-peat.


    But he successfully defended his DPOY title.


    Statistically, his defensive numbers weren''t as eye-popping as last season.


    But because he had sacrificed some offensive load, his energy on defense had increased¡ªleading to more signature defensive plays.


    And perhaps most importantly?


    For the first time, Cleveland finished top-five in defensive efficiency.


    That sealed the deal.


    Han became the first perimeter player since Sidney Moncrief to win back-to-back DPOY awards.


    And unlike Moncrief¡ªwho won in the 1980s when defensive metrics were limited¡ªHan''s dominance was undeniable.


    At this point, the league knew:


    Han Sen was coming for everything.


    And Toronto was next.


    ---


    That Night at Scotiabank Arena


    From the moment the game began, the cameras kept zooming in on Han Sen.


    It wasn''t just about his accolades¡ªit was about what had happened in this very arena three months ago.


    Toronto fans still remembered it vividly: Han dominating All-Star Weekend, winning the Three-Point Contest, the Dunk Contest, and the All-Star Game MVP.


    To the fans in Canada, Han Sen wasn''t just a basketball superstar¡ªhe was a legend.


    But when the game tipped off, the Raptors came out looking completely different from the team that got blown out in Cleveland.


    Through the first two games, DeRozan had struggled against Han''s defense. But Kyle Lowry hadn''t been much better either¡ªKyrie Irving''s improved defense had stifled him as well.


    Fans had even started calling them the ''Trash Brothers''.


    But back at home, everything changed.


    Lowry let it fly from deep¡ªand he couldn''t miss.


    By forcing Kyrie to guard him tighter, his driving lanes opened up, making him even more dangerous.


    As for DeRozan? Han''s defense hadn''t dropped off, but somehow, DeRozan kept making tough shots.


    That''s when Han realized something.


    DeRozan wasn''t just dealing with a physical matchup¡ªhe had mental hurdles too.


    Only players with psychological barriers struggled this much between home and road games.


    In the end, Toronto''s so-called ''Trash Brothers'' flipped the script¡ªLowry hit 4-of-7 threes on his way to 35 points, while DeRozan shot 14-for-23 and put up 32.


    Behind their resurgence, the Raptors took Game 3, 114-108.


    ---


    Postgame Press Conference


    An ESPN reporter asked the obvious question:


    "You just won Defensive Player of the Year, yet tonight we saw DeRozan and Lowry have big games. Does that frustrate you?"


    The implication was clear¡ªthey were questioning whether Han truly deserved DPOY.


    After all, both Kawhi Leonard and Draymond Green had strong cases this season.


    But Han? He just smirked.


    "No, I hope they keep playing like this."


    The reporters were stunned.


    Was Han Sen a masochist?


    Of course not.


    The first two games had been too easy.


    And when things come too easy, complacency follows.


    If Cleveland wasn''t locked in by the time they faced Miami, they could take a brutal punch to the mouth.


    But now?


    Now the Raptors had forced them to wake up.


    It was like riding a horse¡ªif the horse doesn''t resist, there''s no thrill.


    But when it fights back?


    That''s when it gets exciting.


    ---


    Game 4 ¨C Back in Toronto


    Scotiabank Arena was packed once again, but this time, the energy felt different.


    The home crowd had real belief.


    Even rapper Drake showed up courtside, wearing DeRozan''s No. 10 jersey.


    Indiana''s Game 4 win in the last round hadn''t meant much¡ªthey were down 0-3.


    But 1-2? That was different.


    If Toronto could hold serve again, they''d tie the series and force a Game 5 in Cleveland.


    And once a series reaches 2-2, anything can happen.


    Dwane Casey made another adjustment¡ªhe benched Jonas Valan?i¨±nas and started Bismack Biyombo instead.


    That decision paid off immediately.


    Biyombo won the opening tip, and Lowry came out firing, drilling a three on the first possession, picking up right where he left off.


    On the other end, Kyrie and Joki? ran a pick-and-roll, but Kyrie''s floater was swatted by Biyombo.


    Like Serge Ibaka, Biyombo was a defensive force from the Congo¡ªlong, physical, and an elite shot-blocker.


    Unlike Ibaka, though, he had zero offensive game.


    His entire offensive role was setting screens and catching lobs.


    But defensively? He was a problem.


    And just as he turned to secure the defensive rebound¡ª


    A shadow came crashing down from above.


    BAM!


    Han Sen posterized Biyombo with a vicious one-handed dunk.


    The crowd went wild, as if they had been transported back to the Dunk Contest.


    And on the very next possession?


    Han and Joki? ran a pick-and-roll, Han drove past Biyombo, and mid-air, spun 360¡ã for an acrobatic layup.


    The fans had seen Han''s iconic free-throw line 360 dunk before, but this?


    This still sent a shockwave through the arena.


    It took only two possessions for the Toronto crowd to realize¡ª


    Han Sen wasn''t here to mess around tonight.


    Casey noticed it too. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He immediately called for a double-team.


    But Toronto didn''t have Indiana''s defensive depth.


    Before the double-team could even form, Han spun baseline and drilled a fadeaway.


    Then Casey tried an even bolder move¡ªtrapping Han at the three-point line.


    Han simply rifled a pass through traffic, hitting Kyrie in stride.


    Kyrie?


    Nothing but net.


    Casey was now facing the same nightmare Sam Mitchell once had when he coached the Raptors.


    Back then, Mitchell had planned to single-cover Kobe Bryant.


    Now, Casey had to decide:


    Single-cover Han Sen and watch him destroy them?


    Or double him and let the Cavaliers'' shooters light them up?


    Either way, they were going to lose.


    Casey picked his poison.


    He chose to let his team focus more on offense¡ªhoping to outscore Cleveland instead of shutting them down.


    ---


    By the end of the first quarter, Han had already dropped 20 points, leading Cleveland to a 32-24 advantage.


    In the second quarter, his shot cooled off, managing just 10 points.


    At halftime, the score was 55-50¡ªCleveland still led, but Toronto had kept it close.


    Casey believed his strategy was working.


    Then Cleveland went small.


    The Cavaliers cranked up the pace.


    And Toronto?


    They couldn''t keep up.


    Unlike Indiana, who had Tony Allen and Paul George to throw at Han, the Raptors only had DeMarre Carroll and DeRozan.


    Carroll could hold his ground in half-court sets, but in transition?


    He was toast.


    Midway through the third, Joki? secured a rebound and immediately fired an outlet pass to Kyrie.


    Kyrie pushed the break and lobbed the ball to the opposite wing.


    Han?


    He soared through the air, catching it in stride for a windmill alley-oop.


    The arena fell silent.


    Toronto fans sat frozen, hands on their heads in disbelief.


    Then the scoreboard updated.


    Han Sen¡ª44 points.


    And in that moment?


    The fans realized something.


    They had seen this before.


    They were watching history repeat itself.


    They weren''t just playing against the Cavaliers.


    They were playing against Han Sen.


    And that meant only one thing¡ª


    They were about to become another footnote in his story.


    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 315: The Riley Doctrine.

    Chapter 315: The Riley Doctrine.?As the third quarter ended, Raptors fans were left with both good and bad news.


    The good? Dwane Casey made key adjustments, subbing out Luis Scola for Terrence Ross to stabilize the game. The Cavaliers hadn''t managed to blow it open in the third.


    The bad? The Raptors were still in the fight.


    And that meant one thing¡ªHan Sen, who had already racked up 51 points through three quarters, would be back on the floor in the fourth.


    Another historic moment felt inevitable.


    As Cory Joseph and Patrick Patterson led the Raptors in keeping the score close early in the quarter, some fans jokingly wished they could call Casey.


    One playoff game was just that¡ªa game.


    But becoming the backdrop of NBA history?


    That lasted forever.


    Toronto had already been immortalized as the background for the NBA''s highest-scoring regular season game.


    Surely, the postseason record should belong to Miami.


    Unfortunately, Casey wasn''t picking up calls.


    But when the starters returned, he adjusted the defensive approach, doubling Han again.


    Even if he hadn''t taken calls from the fans, he was clearly on the same wavelength.


    From a tactical standpoint, this made sense. Cleveland''s supporting cast hadn''t been heavily involved in the first three quarters. With their rhythm likely off, forcing them to take shots was the Raptors'' best chance at a comeback.


    And for a while, it worked.


    Cleveland''s shooters started missing.


    Toronto clawed back, cutting the deficit to single digits.


    Just when it seemed they might get another glimmer of hope¡ªHan changed tactics.


    He went off-ball.


    The first-round series against Indiana had seemed one-sided, but it had been a valuable learning experience for Cleveland.


    One of Han''s takeaways? Off-ball movement.


    With Kyrie and Joki? as strong playmakers, the Cavaliers didn''t need to run everything through Han. Even without the ball in his hands, he could create chaos.


    Against Indiana, this strategy had been less effective due to Tony Allen and Paul George''s defense.


    But Toronto?


    Neither DeMarre Carroll nor DeRozan could keep up with Han''s movement.


    With a minute left in the game, the crowd''s expressions turned to despair.


    Han shook off Carroll, cut to the rim, and finished a soaring layup¡ªbringing his point total to 63.


    That tied his own playoff scoring record from last year''s series against the Heat.


    But it wasn''t over.


    With seconds remaining, Terrence Ross fouled Han on a drive, sending him to the free-throw line.


    Swish.


    Swish.


    A new NBA playoff scoring record¡ªset in Toronto.


    Adding insult to injury?


    The player who had guarded Kobe when he set his 81-point game?


    Jalen Rose.


    And now, the man who allowed Han to break the playoff record?


    Another Rose¡ªTerrence.


    The Toronto crowd clutched their heads in disbelief.


    Not only had the Raptors lost, but they had officially become the only team in NBA history to serve as the background for both the regular season and postseason scoring records.


    "Toronto might be an even better scoring haven than New York," even the legendary Mike Breen couldn''t help but joke from the broadcast booth.


    Final score: 114-106.


    Cleveland took a 3-1 series lead¡ªone step away from the Conference Finals.


    ---


    Two days later, back in Cleveland, Casey went all-in on stopping Han.


    He deployed a Box-and-One defense¡ªessentially surrounding Han with a defensive cage, restricting both his movement and shot attempts.


    It was an extreme approach, even more aggressive than the famed ''Jordan Rules.''


    This strategy was usually seen in high school or middle school games¡ªwhere teams only had one reliable scorer.


    Clearly, Casey wasn''t just trying to win. He was trying to save face. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But he overcorrected.


    Han took only 13 shots, finishing with 23 points.


    And Cleveland?


    They destroyed Toronto, 113-87, closing out the series in five games.


    Their next opponent had already been decided.


    The Miami Heat had bulldozed their way to the Conference Finals, sweeping both Detroit and Boston without breaking a sweat.


    The Celtics had been one of the East''s best teams post-trade deadline, following the acquisition of Al Horford.


    On paper, they were the third-strongest team in the conference.


    Didn''t matter.


    They hadn''t even won a single game against Miami.


    That spoke volumes about the Heat''s dominance.


    And they had home-court advantage.


    ---


    The night before the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavaliers flew to Miami.


    As their plane touched down at Miami International Airport, Han couldn''t help but feel a sense of familiarity.


    This was the city he had battled in more than any other¡ªoutside of Memphis and Cleveland.


    Once they landed, a breaking news alert popped up on his phone.


    The Western Conference Finals were set.


    In a Game 7 classic, Kobe Bryant turned back the clock, dropping 41 points to eliminate the San Antonio Spurs, sending the Lakers to face the Golden State Warriors in the Conference Finals.


    Golden State had faced an early 2-1 scare against the Thunder, but Stephen Curry''s return led to back-to-back blowouts, sealing the series in five games.


    Now, it was Heat vs. Cavaliers in the East.


    Lakers vs. Warriors in the West.


    For fans, it felt like the NBA had rewound a decade, bringing back some classic matchups.


    Once off the bus, Mike Malone wasted no time, taking the Cavaliers straight to American Airlines Arena.


    He wasn''t taking any chances.


    The Heat were locked in¡ªCleveland needed to be, too.


    As the team arrived, the Heat were just finishing their practice.


    That''s when Han spotted Dwyane Wade.


    A year ago, Han had gotten some valuable insight from Wade about the Heat.


    This time?


    He was looking to pick up some more.


    And Wade didn''t hold back.


    "Han, I''ve been waiting all year for this."


    There was no hesitation in Wade''s voice.


    Last year''s Eastern Conference Finals loss to Cleveland?


    It haunted him more than any Finals defeat.


    Because that was a series the Heat should have won.


    That was their best chance at a championship.


    And yet, they had let it slip away.


    Han nodded, a knowing smile on his face.


    "I''ve been waiting too."


    He had known it all season long.


    If the Cavaliers wanted the championship?


    They had to go through Miami.


    ---


    Before the series began, the league announced the All-NBA Teams.


    No surprises¡ªHan was once again First-Team All-NBA and First-Team All-Defense.


    Kyrie Irving?


    For the first time in his career, Third-Team All-NBA.


    Last season, Kyrie was more name than game.


    This season?


    He had earned it.


    And Joki??


    He landed on the All-Rookie First Team, making it clear Cleveland''s young core was here to stay.


    Han grinned at his big man.


    "Well, Nikola, looks like I don''t have to buy you that horse after all."


    Joki? smirked.


    "Horses are expensive in Sombor."


    Han chuckled.


    He wasn''t going to back out of his promise.


    But if Cleveland won it all?


    He had something even better in mind for his rookie.


    ---


    The following night, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals tipped off.


    From the start, Dwyane Wade and Kyrie Irving set the tone, attacking the rim and scoring in quick succession.


    Then, it was Han Sen and Kevin Durant''s turn¡ªboth finding their rhythm with mid-range jumpers.


    The game had barely begun, yet the level of play already felt like the NBA Finals.


    The Heat crowd was loud, but their eyes held surprise.


    This wasn''t the same Cavaliers team they had seen last year.


    Kyrie was a different player now¡ªthe reckless young guard who only knew how to drive had transformed into a polished, all-around offensive weapon.


    And Nikola Joki?? Despite being a rookie, he held his own against Pau Gasol, looking nothing like a first-year player.


    Miami''s firepower was relentless, but Cleveland didn''t back down¡ªthe starting unit fought them to a standstill.


    Then, the game took an unexpected turn.


    ---


    In theory, Miami had the deeper rotation.


    They had the personnel to run a fast-paced, high-energy game, maximizing their depth advantage.


    But Pat Riley had other plans.


    Instead of expanding the rotation, he tightened it.


    Mario Chalmers played just two minutes in the first half.


    Meanwhile, Miami''s starters logged heavier minutes than usual.


    It was a confusing approach, but its effect was clear¡ªMike Malone had to respond.


    If Malone stuck to his usual rotation, Miami would blitz Cleveland''s bench and break the game open.


    So, he had no choice.


    He extended his starters'' minutes, mirroring Riley''s strategy.


    And because of that?


    Cleveland couldn''t unleash their small-ball lineup in the third quarter like they had planned.


    Pushing the pace would have burned too much energy¡ªthey needed to save their legs for the fourth.


    Even with all the adjustments, one major difference surfaced in crunch time.


    Cleveland?


    Only Han Sen could reliably score.


    Miami?


    Still had multiple weapons firing on all cylinders.


    And that was the difference.


    The Heat pulled away in the final minutes, securing a 126-116 win.


    When the final buzzer sounded, Miami''s players swarmed Pat Riley, celebrating around their legendary coach.


    Just like Wade had said before the series¡ª


    They had been waiting all season for this moment.


    A shot at revenge.


    ---


    That night, Han Sen pored over Game 1''s film, replaying key moments again and again.


    And after hours of dissecting every possession, he saw what he had missed¡ªsomething that wasn''t obvious in the moment.


    On paper, Miami hadn''t changed much from last year.


    Their only major moves?


    - Nikola Vu?evi? out. David West in.


    - Joe Johnson added as a veteran scorer.


    Nothing that should''ve swung the balance.


    And it wasn''t like Cleveland had regressed. If anything, they were stronger.


    So why had Game 1 felt so different?


    Execution.


    The Heat were nearly flawless.


    Every good look they created? They converted.


    Every mistake Cleveland made? They punished.


    And it wasn''t just Durant and Wade.


    Even Miami''s role players¡ªWest, Joe Johnson¡ªexecuted with machine-like precision.


    Han dug deeper.


    Joe Johnson had been washed in Brooklyn¡ª11.8 points per game, 40.6% shooting, his worst season in years.


    In Miami?


    51.8% shooting. 41.7% from three.


    David West?


    His final season with the Pacers, he shot a career-low 47.1%.


    Now? 54.5%.


    Sure, playing with better teammates helped. But this wasn''t just talent.


    This was something else.


    This was Pat Riley.


    In NBA front offices, Riley was "The Godfather."


    But as a coach?


    He had a different nickname¡ªThe Devil.


    And it wasn''t because of his personality.


    It was because of how he broke players and rebuilt them in his image.


    Shaquille O''Neal had once called Riley''s practices hell on earth¡ªthe moment he could, he bolted from Miami.


    Because to Riley, talent wasn''t enough.


    To him, basketball wasn''t just skill. It was conditioning. Discipline. Muscle memory.


    Talent might win you games, but when a series turned into a war of attrition?


    Fundamentals won championships.


    That was Riley''s philosophy.


    Superstars could hit tough shots¡ªbut could they do it with exhaustion in their lungs, legs like lead, and the game on the line?


    Role players could knock down open threes¡ªbut could they still hit them after running defensive schemes to perfection for 40 minutes?


    That wasn''t skill.


    That was reflex¡ªdrilled into them, rep by rep, until their bodies didn''t know any other way.


    That was why Miami didn''t crumble in crunch time.


    They were conditioned for it.


    And it was why, even if their talent level hadn''t changed much, they were more dangerous than last year.


    Most superstars hated playing for Riley¡ªhis methods were too brutal.


    But for the ones who endured?


    He created killers.


    And right now, Miami was one of them.


    ---


    Han shut the laptop. He had seen enough.


    Without a word, he grabbed his bag and headed to the gym.


    Originally, he had thought this series would be easier than last year.


    Cleveland had grown. They had improved.


    But if they were going to win this series?


    He had to be even better than last year.


    Halfway through his late-night workout, his phone rang.


    Mike Malone.


    Han answered, told him where he was, then kept training.


    By the time he finished, Malone was sitting courtside, arms crossed, staring at the hardwood in deep thought.


    For a long moment, he said nothing.


    Then, finally, he sighed.


    "...That guy. Riley."


    He exhaled again, shaking his head.


    "He''s a goddamn devil."


    Han glanced at his coach.


    Malone wasn''t frustrated.


    He was uncertain.


    Because this wasn''t just about schemes or matchups.


    It was about basketball philosophy.


    Miami had spent an entire season forging themselves into an execution machine.


    How do you adjust to that in a seven-game series?


    Han looked away, staring at his reflection in the polished court.


    He didn''t have the answer.


    But he''d been in moments like this before.


    He knew what separated those who broke from those who found a way.


    "Mike."


    Han finally spoke, his voice steady.


    "When you''re up against the devil... humans only have one weapon."


    Malone turned to him, waiting.


    Han met his gaze.


    "Courage."


    Would courage guarantee victory?


    No.


    But without it, they had no chance.


    Because courage pushed you beyond your limits.


    It was like The Three-Body Problem had said¡ª


    "Courage is humanity''s greatest anthem."


    It had been Han''s belief his entire career.


    Malone studied him for a long moment.


    Then, slowly, he nodded.


    Because if there was one player who could make the impossible happen¡ª


    It was Han Sen.


    Two days later, Game 2 tipped off in Miami.


    Cleveland made their first move.


    A starting lineup adjustment.


    Kyrie, J.R. Smith, Han, P.J. Tucker, and Joki?.


    Malone wasn''t waiting to make changes mid-game.


    This time, he was showing his best hand right from the start.


    -End Of Chapter-


    --------------------


    Translator''s note:


    What Were the Jordan Rules?


    The Jordan Rules were a defensive strategy used by the Detroit Pistons'' "Bad Boys" in the late 1980s and early 1990s to slow down Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.


    How It Worked:


    The Pistons'' game plan was all about physicality and disruption.


    - Hard Fouls & Physical Play ¨C Every time Jordan drove inside, he got hit. No easy layups.


    - Double & Triple Teams ¨C As soon as Jordan touched the ball, he was swarmed.


    - Forcing Jump Shots ¨C The Pistons forced him to take contested jumpers instead of attacking the rim.


    - Denying His Spots ¨C Defenders positioned themselves to cut off his drives and force him into uncomfortable areas.


    Why It Worked (For a While):


    - The NBA was much more physical back then, and referees let them get away with it.


    - The Bulls lacked strong secondary scorers, so shutting down Jordan hurt the whole team.


    Why It Eventually Failed:


    Jordan adapted. He got stronger, improved his mid-range game, and the Bulls added better teammates. By 1991, the Bulls swept the Pistons and never lost to them again.


    What Is the Box-and-One Defense?


    The Box-and-One is a defensive scheme where four defenders form a box-shaped zone near the paint, while one defender plays tight man-to-man defense on the opponent''s best scorer.


    How It Works:


    - The "Box" ¨C Four players cover the interior, protecting the rim and cutting off driving lanes.


    - The "One" ¨C A single defender sticks to the opposing star, denying them the ball at all costs.


    Strengths:


    - Shuts down a dominant scorer by forcing their teammates to make plays.


    - Protects the paint while still applying perimeter pressure.


    Weaknesses:


    - Leaves the defense vulnerable if the offensive team has multiple shooters.


    - The box defenders can be stretched out by good ball movement.


    Both the Jordan Rules and Box-and-One are defensive strategies designed to shut down an elite player. But just like Jordan once did, Han Sen has the skills to break through.


    What is The Three-Body Problem?


    The Three-Body Problem "ÈýÌå" is a famous Chinese sci-fi novel by Liu Cixin, known for its deep exploration of physics, philosophy, and human resilience. It won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 2015, becoming the first Asian novel to do so.


    The story revolves around humanity''s contact with an advanced alien race, the Trisolarans, who come from a chaotic three-sun system where survival is unpredictable. Facing destruction, they set out to invade Earth¡ªbut because of the vast distance, the invasion will take 400 years to arrive. This creates a unique dilemma: how does humanity prepare for an enemy they can''t fight yet?


    One of the novel''s key themes is how humans respond to impossible odds, with the famous quote:


    "Courage is humanity''s greatest anthem."


    This means that even when faced with overwhelming threats, courage is what pushes humanity forward.


    Han Sen''s battle against Pat Riley''s Miami Heat mirrors this concept¡ªtalent alone won''t win; resilience and courage will decide everything.

 Chapter 316: No Mercy, No Brakes.

    Chapter 316: No Mercy, No Brakes.?(TL/n: Here''s the revised Chapter¡ªappreciate all the feedback!


    I''ll keep experimenting, so keep sharing your opinions. Every day, I''m working to improve¡ªafter all, it gets boring for me if I don''t switch things up.)


    As the final three minutes of pre-game preparations wound down, the intensity inside American Airlines Arena reached a fever pitch.


    Pat Riley stood in front of his Heat players, his expression as serious as ever.


    "They''re coming at us with everything tonight. Break them. The championship is within reach."


    He could sense it¡ªthe Cavaliers were playing like a team with nothing to lose.


    On the other side, Tyronn Lue had his own final words for Cleveland.


    "If we go down, we go down standing over their corpses!"


    The Cavaliers had thrown all their cards on the table. Whether that would be enough remained to be seen.


    The short whistle at the scorer''s table echoed through the arena.


    Players stepped onto the court, their eyes burning with intensity.


    There were no heroes or villains tonight¡ªjust two teams that had to win.


    The ball was tossed into the air.


    Pau Gasol reached up, tipping it back toward Miami''s half. Game 2 was officially underway.


    ---


    Kevin Durant started the game moving off-ball, trying to shake free.


    But P.J. Tucker wasn''t having it. He lunged, deflecting the pass.


    Dwyane Wade reacted instantly, diving to the floor, scrambling for possession.


    Tucker hit the deck too. Both players wrestled for control, but neither could claim it cleanly.


    The referee blew the whistle¡ªjump ball.


    The crowd roared.


    One play in, and both teams were already in the trenches.


    Wade won the tip, keeping possession with Miami.


    Goran Dragi? saw a gap in Cleveland''s defense¡ªjust for a second.


    He exploded forward, cutting through the lane with a slick Euro step.


    He had beaten Tucker. He had slipped past Nikola Joki?.


    One last step, the layup was up¡ª


    BANG!


    Joki? recovered and swatted the shot from behind!


    He didn''t scream. He didn''t celebrate. But in his mind, one thought echoed:


    "That''s for my horse!"


    Tucker grabbed the loose ball off the rebound, then collided into Joki? as he sprinted forward.


    The Cavaliers ran the break at full speed.


    Kyrie Irving got the outlet pass and tore down the court.


    Miami scrambled to get back.


    Dragi? recovered, sliding in front of Irving at the rim.


    Kyrie countered with a lightning-quick Euro step¡ª


    But Wade, coming from behind, leapt at the last second!


    Kyrie adjusted in mid-air, trying to avoid the block.


    Too tough. The ball rolled off the rim.


    But just as it did¡ª


    BOOM!


    Han Sen had already read the play, soaring in to grab the rebound and slam it home.


    Cavaliers strike first!


    ---


    Miami came back down, running a high pick-and-roll.


    Dragi? dropped it to Gasol at the free-throw line.


    Irving switched onto him, jumping repeatedly to contest any shot.


    Gasol didn''t force it. Instead, he put the ball on the floor and drove inside.


    Before he could finish, Cleveland''s defense collapsed.


    J.R. Smith came out of nowhere¡ªsteal!


    Fast break opportunity.


    But before J.R. could take off¡ª


    Swipe!


    Wade knocked it loose right back!


    Quick pass to Gasol under the rim.


    Gasol was off-balance but muscled through Joki? for the basket.


    The crowd erupted.


    On the Miami bench, Riley sat back, stroking his chin.


    The Cavs were playing at full intensity from the jump.


    It was a risky strategy.


    If they didn''t establish a big lead early, their energy would drain fast.


    Malone''s game plan was bold. But was it the right one?


    ---


    Cleveland''s offense reset. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Irving worked a pick-and-roll with Joki?.


    Joki? popped outside after the screen, drawing Gasol out with him.


    That opened the lane.


    Miami reacted instantly.


    Luol Deng rotated over.


    Wade collapsed to the corner.


    But they left J.R. Smith wide open.


    Irving saw it.


    A quick pass.


    J.R. rose up.


    Splash!


    Cleveland extended the lead.


    Miami came right back.


    Dragi? passed to Gasol at the high post, looking to facilitate.


    Wade made a backdoor cut, dragging defenders.


    Durant worked a pick with Deng, freeing himself for a catch-and-shoot.


    But just as he caught the ball¡ª


    Han flew in from behind, ripping it right out of his hands.


    Gasps from the crowd.


    Han barely touched the floor before he launched the pass ahead¡ª


    Fast break!


    Irving sprinted down the court, weaving past Dragi?.


    One smooth gather, left-hand finish.


    Cleveland 7, Miami 2.


    The Cavaliers had all the momentum.


    The crowd murmured.


    ---


    Riley leaned forward.


    Then, he made his call.


    New play.


    Miami set up.


    Dragi? stopped at the wing.


    Durant and Gasol ran an off-ball screen action.


    Gasol''s screen wasn''t solid enough. Han fought through it.


    Durant caught it in the post.


    No hesitation.


    One turn, one fadeaway.


    Hand in his face.


    Swish!


    Durant drained it anyway.


    A statement shot.


    Miami wasn''t going down easy.


    The Heat picked up their defense.


    Irving attacked but got trapped between Deng and Wade¡ªmiss.


    Dragi? grabbed the rebound and pushed it.


    Fast break.


    Layup.


    Cleveland 7, Miami 6.


    The crowd exploded.


    The Cavs had thrown the first punch.


    But Miami was still standing.


    Riley sat back, nodding.


    This fight was just getting started.


    ---


    Han Sen extended his hand, calling for the ball right in front of Riley''s bench.


    Joki? saw the signal and quickly fed him the pass.


    As soon as Han caught it, Joki? stepped out beyond the three-point line to set a screen.


    The pick wasn''t the cleanest, but his roll was fast¡ªforcing Luol Deng to follow.


    Han immediately called out Gasol, isolating him at the top of the key.


    One hesitation, a quick fake toward the basket¡ªGasol bit.


    Han switched gears, blew past him, and attacked the lane.


    As Deng scrambled back to contest, Han flipped a pass to Joki?.


    Joki? didn''t waste a dribble¡ªjust one step and an easy finish.


    Cleveland 11, Miami 6.


    ---


    Dragi? went right back to Durant.


    But Han had locked in.


    Durant spun into his patented fadeaway¡ªmiss.


    Gasol fought for the putback.


    He tipped it, but Joki?''s box-out kept him from guiding it in.


    Instead, Joki? snatched the rebound, pivoted, and with Gasol all over him, heaved a full-court pass.


    Irving tore down the floor.


    He kicked it to J.R. on the weak side¡ª


    Pull-up three.


    Miss.


    But Han was already there for the offensive board.


    A quick pump fake sent Dragi? flying past him.


    Han dumped it inside¡ªIrving, uncontested, laid it in.


    ---


    Miami was damn good, and as Han and Malone had studied, their execution was top-tier.


    But tonight?


    Execution didn''t matter.


    This wasn''t about precision.


    Cleveland was throwing everything at them.


    On defense, someone was always there, contesting every shot, forcing Miami to grind for every point.


    And in transition?


    It was an all-out sprint.


    The Cavaliers weren''t just running the break.


    They were playing like their lives depended on it.


    ---


    At the 9-minute mark¡ª


    Cleveland 28, Miami 18.


    Double-digit lead.


    Riley adjusted.


    Dragi?, Durant, Gasol, Deng? All out.


    In came Chalmers, Sefolosha, Joe Johnson, and David West.


    It was a complete shift in strategy.


    Game 1? Riley had slowed Cleveland down and crushed them with discipline.


    This time?


    He flipped the script.


    Instead of matching Cleveland''s all-in approach, he absorbed it.


    Like a sponge soaking up a bullet.


    His plan was simple:


    Let Cleveland burn their energy early.


    By the second half, they''d have nothing left.


    Because basketball wasn''t won in one quarter.


    It was won over four.


    Malone saw the move.


    And he didn''t counter.


    He knew Miami''s bench was deeper.


    If Cleveland tried to match subs, they''d just repeat Game 1''s mistakes.


    Instead, he made minimal changes:


    - Tristan Thompson in.


    - Mike Dunleavy in.


    J.R. and Joki? got a breather.


    That left Cleveland with its two biggest weapons¡ªHan and Kyrie¡ªstill on the floor.


    The message was clear:


    Now or never.


    Either they kill this game here¡ª


    Or they''d be out of gas by the second half.


    ---


    Riley Raises an Eyebrow.


    He hadn''t expected this from Malone.


    During the regular season, Malone was methodical, a coach who valued stability.


    But this?


    This was reckless.


    A gamble.


    If Cleveland didn''t bury Miami with this run¡ª


    They were dead in the water.


    ---


    Wade slowed the game, feeding David West in the post.


    Miami needed to kill momentum.


    Clock control.


    West had the space.


    But TT wasn''t giving him an inch.


    They banged inside.


    West forced a tough shot¡ªoff the rim.


    Tucker boxed out.


    Rebound.


    And then¡ªCleveland ran again.


    Han hit Irving in stride.


    Kyrie attacked Chalmers.


    A quick hesitation¡ªdrive, layup, bucket.


    30-18.


    ---


    Wade came back down and used a West screen to get inside.


    His signature step-back floater¡ª


    Blocked.


    TT got a piece of it!


    Kevin Garnett¡ªwatching from the sidelines¡ªpumped his fist.


    Two years under KG, and TT''s defense had taken a massive leap.


    Tucker dove on the loose ball.


    He didn''t even wait¡ªhe flung it to Han while still on the floor.


    Another fast break.


    This time, Miami scrambled back.


    Han slowed at the top of the key, scanning the floor.


    Sefolosha turned his head¡ªbad mistake.


    Han saw the opening.


    He exploded past him.


    Straight to the rim.


    Joe Johnson stepped up¡ªtoo late.


    Han launched himself, elevating like a damn springboard.


    Contact. Layup. AND-ONE.


    The whistle blew.


    The crowd erupted.


    Han stepped to the free-throw line.


    If he hit this, Cleveland''s lead would be 15.


    Riley hesitated.


    Then, he turned.


    "KD, get back in."


    Durant returned, checking in for Sefolosha.


    Han sank the free throw.


    33-18.


    ---


    Durant immediately made an impact.


    His movement kept Cleveland''s defense on edge.


    And Cleveland''s starters?


    They were feeling the toll.


    Joe Johnson finally got loose.


    But as he reached for the catch¡ª


    Han came flying in.


    Intercepted!


    Johnson didn''t even see him coming.


    By the time he looked up¡ªHan was already past halfcourt.


    Miami had no chance to catch him.


    Han soared in¡ªBAM!


    A vicious tomahawk slam.


    ---


    30 seconds left.


    Durant dribbled it out near halfcourt.


    He waited for the shot clock to wind down¡ª


    Then used a West screen, curling to his spot.


    Pull-up mid-range¡ª


    Clank.


    West got the offensive board.


    Went up for the putback¡ª


    TT DENIED IT!


    Irving grabbed the ball, immediately pushing.


    Clock ticking¡ª6 seconds.


    Han sprinted ahead.


    Wade lunged, trying to slow him down¡ªHan spun past him.


    One more dribble.


    Top of the arc.


    Three seconds left.


    Han pulled up.


    Deep three.


    Riley jumped up.


    "CLOSE OUT!"


    Too late.


    SWISH!


    The buzzer sounded.


    Cleveland had just torched Miami 10-0 in the final three minutes.


    The lead?


    20 points.


    Riley had tried to slow Cleveland down.


    But what he never expected¡ª


    Was that Malone wouldn''t stop pressing.


    The Cavaliers saw an opening¡ªand went for the kill.


    All gas, no brakes.


    Miami had a long night ahead.


    -End Of Chapter-

 Chapter 317: The Real Trump Card.

    Chapter 317: The Real Trump Card.(TL/n: I''ve revised the previous Chapter. I''ve changed a couple things which continue to here, so I''d recommend going through that again. Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts in the comments!)


    The biggest comeback in NBA playoff history was 31 points¡ªa 20-point lead wasn''t insurmountable.


    Especially with Miami playing at home, they weren''t just going to roll over.


    Over the next three quarters, the Heat kept chipping away at the lead.


    Cleveland, as expected, started feeling the effects of fatigue in the second half.


    By the fourth quarter, Miami had managed to cut the deficit to single digits.


    But the hole they had dug was just too deep.


    Final Score: Cavaliers 113, Heat 106.


    After the game, Mike Malone handed the team''s gold chain¡ªtheir honorary MVP award¡ªto Han Sen.


    Han had scored 8 of the team''s crucial 10-0 run to close the first quarter, which set the tone for the entire game.


    But Han didn''t keep it.


    Instead, he placed the chain around Malone''s neck.


    This win wasn''t about individual dominance¡ªit was about tactical execution.


    Malone had found the one opportunity to strike, and he took it.


    ---


    Pat Riley''s Press Conference ¨C Post Game 2


    Pat Riley walked into the press room with his usual composed demeanor, but there was no mistaking the tension in his expression. He adjusted his suit jacket as he sat down, running a hand through his slicked-back hair before grabbing the mic.


    Reporters wasted no time.


    "Coach, you guys fought back hard, but that first-quarter hole¡ªhow much did that affect the rest of the game?"


    Riley exhaled through his nose, his fingers tapping against the table.


    "We gave up 38 points in the first quarter. Thirty-eight. That''s... a problem," he said, emphasizing the number like it physically pained him. "We put ourselves in a position where we had to climb uphill all night. Against a team like Cleveland? You do that, and you''re asking for trouble."


    "Did you expect Cleveland to come out that aggressive?"


    Riley let out a dry chuckle. "I don''t coach expecting my opponent to roll over. Of course, I expected them to respond." He leaned forward slightly. "Look, they played with urgency. We didn''t match it early, and it cost us. Simple as that."


    "Do you regret the substitution pattern in the first quarter?"


    His lips pressed into a thin line. "Next question."


    That was Riley for you. If there was one thing he wouldn''t do, it was publicly admitting a tactical misstep.


    "Your team fought back and cut it to single digits in the fourth. What changed?"


    "Our guys locked in," he said immediately. "We started executing at the level we should have from the jump. It wasn''t some magic adjustment¡ªit was discipline, attention to detail, and effort. When we play the way we''re supposed to, we control the game. The problem was, we didn''t do that for the full 48."


    "There were some criticisms about the defensive approach on Han Sen. He had 40 tonight¡ª"


    Riley cut the reporter off with a sharp shake of his head.


    "Yeah? And? He''s one of the best in the world. You think he''s just gonna take the night off?" He scoffed. "I''ve coached against the greats¡ªMichael, Kobe, LeBron. You don''t ''stop'' guys like that. You make them work. And I''ll tell you this¡ªnext game, he''s gonna have to work a hell of a lot harder."


    The room went quiet for a second.


    That was Riley''s way of saying adjustments were coming.


    "Coach, this loss means Cleveland takes home-court advantage. How big of a shift is that for this series?"


    Riley sat up, folding his hands together. "Look, we knew this wasn''t going to be a four-game series. We knew it was going to be a battle. Yeah, they got one here. It''s our job to get one back in Cleveland. It''s that simple."


    "Final question¡ªwhat''s the mindset going into Game 3?"


    Riley locked eyes with the reporter.


    "Win."


    No hesitation. No extra words. Just pure confidence.


    He pushed back his chair and walked off, leaving the room in silence.


    ---


    Cleveland had stolen home-court advantage with their Game 2 win.


    But in Game 3?


    They gave it right back.


    Back in Cleveland, Miami responded with a 114-106 victory, a game that was pure playoff warfare from start to finish.


    This time, Riley adjusted.


    Instead of Luol Deng, he started David West at power forward, opting for more size to counter Cleveland''s small-ball approach.


    And it worked.


    P.J. Tucker couldn''t hold his ground against West inside, forcing the Cavaliers into constant defensive rotations.


    That, in turn, opened up Miami''s shooters.


    And when this Heat team got rolling?


    They were damn near unstoppable.


    They were already the only team to beat the 73-win Warriors twice in the regular season.


    Now, with their offense clicking, they looked every bit like a championship contender.


    Malone had no choice but to abandon small-ball and bring in Tristan Thompson to match Miami''s size.


    And just like that¡ªGame 3 turned into another grind, a war of attrition, just like Game 1.


    ---


    After Game 3, ESPN ran a headline that sent shockwaves through the NBA:


    "This Is Kevin Durant''s Year."


    The Heat now led the Cavaliers 2-1, with Durant averaging 36 points per game.


    Out West, the Warriors held the same 2-1 lead over the Lakers.


    If both teams stayed on course, the Finals would be Heat vs. Warriors¡ªa matchup Miami had already swept in the regular season.


    And if the Heat won it all?


    Kevin Durant would officially take over.


    Nike''s new face.


    The brand''s savior.


    Social media would be flooded with KD tributes, legacy debates, and even documentary rumors.


    The story was writing itself.


    Now, all Durant had to do... was finish it.


    ---


    The night before Game 4, Han Sen invited the entire Cavaliers squad to his estate.


    A bonfire crackled in the backyard, casting long shadows across the grass. The team sat around it in foldable chairs, plates loaded with grilled food, beers in hand for the guys who wanted one. It wasn''t just a gathering¡ªit was a reset, a chance to breathe before walking back into war.


    Kyrie, as expected, stole the spotlight.


    Right in the middle of the circle, he broke out into some kind of tribal dance, stomping and swaying like he was summoning spirits.


    J.R. Smith squinted at him, chewing on a rib.


    "Yo, what the hell is he doing?"


    "Man, that''s his Native American ancestry coming out," Tristan Thompson chuckled.


    "Or he''s just lost his damn mind," J.R. shot back.


    A few guys laughed, some pulled out their phones to record it. But through the jokes, the atmosphere felt lighter. Less tense.


    For a team on the verge of possibly losing their season, that mattered.


    Off to the side, away from the noise, Han and Mike Malone sat near the fire, both staring at the flames, deep in thought.


    "Feels different this year," Malone muttered.


    Han took a sip of water, nodding. "Yeah. Last year, we caught them by surprise. This time? Riley''s ready for every move we make."


    Malone exhaled sharply. "We throw out small-ball, he punishes us with size. We play big, he spaces us out. Every time we adjust, he''s already two steps ahead."


    Han leaned back in his chair, stretching his legs. "I''m taking KD next game."


    Malone turned to him. "You sure?"


    Han nodded. "It''s the only way. If we let him keep getting comfortable, this series is over."


    The coach rubbed his chin, watching Irving still dancing like a madman. "If you''re taking KD, that means Kyrie has to take on a bigger scoring load. You think he''s ready for that?"


    Han glanced over at Kyrie, who had now started chanting along with the music playing on the speaker, completely in his own world.


    He smirked.


    "We spent the whole season getting him to this point, didn''t we?"


    Malone chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah... we did."


    The two sat there for a moment, watching the fire crackle.


    Tomorrow, they''d walk into war.


    But for tonight?


    They just let the flames burn.


    ---


    By the time Game 4 tipped off, Quicken Loans Arena was packed to capacity¡ªnot a single empty seat in sight.


    And outside?


    The streets were overflowing with thousands of fans who couldn''t get tickets.


    Cleveland''s arena renovation plans had already been approved, but construction wouldn''t begin until the offseason.


    In the meantime, to accommodate the demand, the team had converted a parking lot across the street into a massive fan zone¡ªcomplete with a giant LED screen for public viewing.


    The first two rounds? Crowds outside were modest.


    But this series?


    Different story.


    The entire city was locked in.


    This was a must-win game.


    Fall behind 1-3, then head to Miami for Game 5?


    That wasn''t just a tough situation. That was a death sentence.


    The Cavaliers knew it.


    But so did Miami.


    A win in Cleveland would put them one step from the Finals.


    Their hunger matched Cleveland''s.


    And in a game where everything was on the line¡ªonly one team would walk out a step closer to history.


    ---


    As the pregame festivities wrapped up, both teams'' starting lineups were announced.


    Miami Heat: Goran Dragi?, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, David West, Pau Gasol.


    Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, J.R. Smith, Han Sen, P.J. Tucker, Nikola Joki?.


    Pat Riley raised an eyebrow when he saw Cleveland''s lineup.


    With three minutes left before tip-off, he gathered his players and delivered a simple but ruthless order:


    "If Malone really thinks this lineup can beat us again, break him until he realizes he''s wrong."


    ---


    Joki? won the opening tip for Cleveland.


    Irving quickly ran a pick-and-roll with him, testing his mid-range jumper. It rimmed out.


    Miami wasted no time attacking the mismatch inside¡ªfeeding David West in the post.


    Cleveland didn''t send help.


    Malone had made up his mind after Game 3¡ªWest was still skilled, but he wasn''t the player he used to be.


    If he burned them in the post? So be it.


    Tucker battled hard, but the physical mismatch was clear. West turned, faded, and knocked down the jumper¡ªMiami struck first.


    West was 36 years old now. Most big men declined past 35, but skilled post players? They aged differently.


    ---


    Back on offense, Irving and Joki? ran another pick-and-roll¡ªthis time, Irving attacked the rim.


    Miami''s defense was just a step slow, and that was all he needed. Layup, good.


    Scoring and playmaking work like shooting and driving¡ªone opens up the other.


    Irving''s court vision through three games had forced Miami to respect his passing.


    Now?


    They weren''t blitzing him anymore.


    And if you give Kyrie one-on-one matchups all night? Especially against bigger, slower defenders?


    That''s his bread and butter.


    This was why Malone stuck with this lineup.


    This was why Han Sen trusted Irving to carry the offense.


    ---


    Five minutes in, neither team had a real edge.


    Cleveland wasn''t getting transition buckets, but their half-court offense was holding up.


    Really, the opening stretch was just Irving vs. West, trading buckets back and forth.


    Then, as expected, West''s efficiency dipped.


    But Irving? Still going strong.


    Cleveland took control.


    Malone had bet on time catching up to West, and he was right.


    Father Time was undefeated.


    And Irving?


    He had just spent five minutes proving he could carry a team in the playoffs. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Riley had no choice.


    He subbed in Luol Deng.


    Truth be told, Miami''s only weakness was their frontcourt depth.


    After trading Nikola Vu?evi?, their backup center was Tyler Zeller¡ªa guy they couldn''t play in a series like this.


    ---


    Miami adjusted.


    Dragi? orchestrated. Durant and Gasol worked off-ball screens.


    But Durant quickly realized something:


    Gasol wasn''t the issue.


    He couldn''t even get open.


    Han walled him off completely.


    It was like an invisible barrier surrounding him.


    Two straight possessions¡ªDurant couldn''t even touch the ball.


    Riley clenched his jaw.


    Then he waved at Wade.


    A switch.


    ---


    The adjustments were clear.


    1. Wade took Irving.


    2. Han locked in on Durant.


    This wasn''t about regular-season matchups anymore.


    These were playoff counters.


    Wade was older, but he still read plays better than anyone¡ªhis ability to fight over screens completely neutralized Joki?''s picks.


    Irving had to face Wade straight up.


    And even though Wade wasn''t as quick as he used to be, his instincts and defensive IQ were still elite.


    Cleveland''s offense slowed down.


    But Miami had the same issue.


    Their entire offense revolved around Durant and Wade.


    And Durant?


    Still locked up.


    Gasol, Dragi?, Deng¡ªall good players, but secondary scorers.


    Suddenly, what had been a high-scoring series turned into a defensive war.


    ---


    Malone exhaled.


    This was exactly what he wanted.


    Trying to outgun Miami was suicide.


    Cleveland''s only path to victory was through defense.


    And they had top-five defensive efficiency for a reason.


    But across the court?


    Riley stayed calm.


    Why?


    Because defensive wars were wars of attrition.


    And Miami didn''t get tired.


    ---


    End of the third quarter¡ª71-71.


    One quarter left.


    Riley wasted no time.


    Three minutes in, he sent all his starters back.


    Forcing Malone to match him.


    This was Riley''s signature strategy¡ªpush the pace when everyone''s exhausted, because Miami always outlasted their opponents.


    Then, something changed.


    Riley''s eyes narrowed.


    Han Sen had the ball.


    And for the first time in the entire series, he looked fresh.


    ---


    Durant was playing 37 minutes per game in this series.


    Han had chased him all night, and that takes energy.


    But Durant had barely attacked him in isolation.


    Instead?


    He just stood weakside for stretches, catching his breath.


    Which meant Han had been conserving energy too.


    For the first time all series, Han entered the fourth quarter fully charged.


    And now, Riley had a problem.


    Cleveland could neutralize Durant.


    But who the hell could stop Han?


    ---


    Miami threw Wade.


    Didn''t work.


    Tried Thabo Sefolosha.


    Same result.


    They could slow him down, make him work harder¡ªbut stopping him outright?


    Impossible.


    Riley clenched his fists.


    This wasn''t just losing a matchup.


    This was a realization.


    For the first time since his coaching days in New York, he felt that helplessness again.


    Back then, it had been #23 in Chicago.


    Now?


    #77 in Cleveland.


    ---


    Riley sent double teams.


    Han just split them with Joki? in the pick-and-roll.


    On the sidelines, Malone watched and thought:


    "Maybe it''s time we elevate Joki? in the offense next season."


    Because from Indiana to Miami, the rookie''s passing had been flawless.


    Riley gave up.


    There was no slowing Han down.


    Instead, he turned to Durant.


    With Han now leading the offense, Tucker had shifted back onto KD.


    Durant answered immediately¡ªburying a contested mid-range jumper.


    He was fresh.


    His shots were dropping.


    It became Han vs. Durant.


    A duel.


    Back and forth.


    Shot for shot.


    But when the buzzer sounded¡ª


    Cleveland 103, Miami 96.


    Game over. Series tied.


    Five years ago, Han and Durant met in the playoffs for the first time.


    Back then, Han had won on pure guts.


    Five years later?


    He didn''t need guts anymore.


    He had already surpassed Durant.


    And for fans watching at home¡ª


    It finally hit them.


    When Cleveland unveiled their small-ball lineup in Game 2, people thought that was their trump card.


    But it wasn''t.


    Han Sen was.


    ---


    [TNT Inside the NBA Postgame Segment]


    Ernie Johnson:"The Cleveland Cavaliers have tied the Eastern Conference Finals at two games apiece with a 103-96 victory over the Miami Heat. Han Sen with another dominant fourth quarter, and gentlemen... we''ve got ourselves a series."


    Charles Barkley:"Man, I told y''all¡ªwhoever wins the Han vs. Durant matchup is winning this series. First two games? KD was cooking. Tonight? Han put him in lockdown!"


    Kenny Smith:"He wasn''t just locked up¡ªHan had Durant standing around like he was waiting for an Uber!"


    Shaq:"KD spent more time in the corner than a broke dude at a strip club!"


    Charles:"Ain''t no way, big fella. At least the broke dude gets to look!"


    Ernie:"Gentlemen, let''s focus¡ªwhat changed for Cleveland tonight?"


    Charles:"Two things. First, Malone didn''t panic. He stuck with the small-ball lineup early, and it paid off. And second¡ªHan entered the fourth quarter fresh for the first time in this series. That''s the biggest reason Cleveland closed this game out."


    Ernie:"Shaq, you''ve been in these kinds of playoff battles. What''s going through Pat Riley''s mind right now?"


    Shaq:"Oh, he mad. And you know Riley¡ªhe don''t do mad, he do revenge. That''s a man who''s been around since the ''80s, seen every superstar, and right now? He''s getting flashbacks to when a certain #23 used to ruin his life. Now, 30 years later? Han Sen''s doing the same thing."


    Charles:"And that''s what makes Han different. This ain''t just about getting numbers¡ªthis is about controlling the damn game. Every time Miami got close? He put ''em right back in their place."


    Ernie:"So, is Miami in trouble?"


    Charles:"Hell yeah, they''re in trouble! You had a 2-1 lead, you let Han get comfortable, AND you lost to a team that wasn''t even at full strength offensively?! That''s bad news."


    Shaq:"Chuck, when are you gonna stop yelling?"


    Charles:"When teams stop doing dumb stuff, big fella!"


    Kenny:"Look, Miami still has home-court advantage, but this is the first time all series where they looked... I don''t know, out of control? Durant''s shots were falling, but Han was deciding the pace. That''s the difference."


    Ernie:"And speaking of Durant¡ª32 points tonight, but what do you make of his performance?"


    Shaq:"Listen, man. KD was hoopin'', but that ain''t the point. Han''s buckets felt like knockouts. Every time Miami got close¡ªboom, Han punched ''em right in the mouth. Durant? He got his points, but it never felt like he was in control."


    Charles:"Exactly. KD was scoring. Han was winning. That''s what separates great players from all-timers."


    Ernie:"Final thoughts before we head to commercial?"


    Shaq:"Miami better hope Han oversleeps before Game 5."


    Charles:"Nah, that man different. You could drop him in the middle of nowhere and he''d still find a way to get buckets!"


    Ernie:"Game 5 in Miami is going to be a war. Stick with TNT for all your NBA Playoff coverage!"


    [CUT TO COMMERCIAL BREAK]


    ---


    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 318: The Death of Jordan Rules.

    Chapter 318: The Death of Jordan Rules.2-2.


    The Eastern Conference Finals were heading into another do-or-die Game 5.


    Another win-or-go-home moment.


    The phrase ''again'' was fitting¡ªbecause this exact scenario had happened last year.


    Same teams. Same city. Same stakes.


    In Miami.


    And just like now, the Heat had taken Game 5, putting the Cavaliers on the brink of elimination.


    That night, Han Sen had poured in 51 points¡ªonly for Cleveland to come up short.


    Everyone knew this Game 5 would be even more brutal than the ones before it.


    With the series tied, the margin for error had vanished.


    While the East was still in a deadlock, the Western Conference Finals were becoming clearer.


    The Warriors had taken another game off the Lakers, pushing the series to 3-1.


    Unless something unexpected happened, Golden State was going back to the Finals.


    That meant Miami''s championship window was getting bigger.


    And Pat Riley knew it.


    ---


    "We''ll handle it."


    Pat Riley stood before the media at an open practice, his voice steady, his expression unreadable.


    It wasn''t just coach-speak. He meant it.


    Shaquille O''Neal, now on the other side of the game as an analyst, wasn''t buying it.


    "Man, I don''t know what he''s talking about. They ain''t got a single guy who can handle Han Sen. Miami''s in trouble."


    Riley, never one to back down, fired back when asked about Shaq''s comments.


    "I don''t care what he says. He''s been out of the league too long. He doesn''t know basketball anymore."


    A direct shot at the former Lakers and Heat champion.


    The jab sparked debate, but as the Miami sun dipped below the skyline on game night, none of it mattered.


    The only thing that did?


    The war about to unfold on the hardwood.


    ---


    The arena was packed to capacity.


    Outside, thousands more fans flooded the streets, eager to witness history.


    Miami''s hunger for a championship was just as strong as Cleveland''s desperation to keep their season alive.


    In fact, the night before, local police had arrested a Heat fan at the Cavaliers'' hotel¡ªsomeone who had disguised themselves as a ghost, hoping to ''haunt'' the team.


    A ridiculous stunt.


    But in Florida?


    Just another day.


    ---


    Starting Lineups


    Miami Heat: Goran Dragi?, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, Luol Deng, Pau Gasol


    Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, J.R. Smith, Han Sen, P.J. Tucker, Nikola Joki?


    ---


    Riley had reverted to his original starting five, but the most notable change was on defense.


    From the opening tip, Wade was matched up against Kyrie Irving.


    Miami''s offense had been overpowering all series.


    But Riley was willing to sacrifice a little firepower if it meant slowing down Cleveland''s guards.


    Then came the real plan.


    The first time Han drove to the rim, three defenders collapsed on him.


    He kicked the ball out to the corner.


    P.J. Tucker, wide open.


    Splash.


    A possession later, Han attacked again¡ªthis time, David West body-checked him mid-air, forcing free throws.


    That was the pattern.


    Anytime Han tried to score inside, Miami swarmed him.


    Hard fouls. Traps. Physicality.


    It didn''t take long to see what Riley was doing.


    He had reintroduced an old-school defensive strategy.


    The Jordan Rules.


    Back in the late ''80s, the Pistons had used this very system to beat a young Michael Jordan.


    Now, Riley was using it to break Han Sen.


    The idea was simple:


    - Make his life hell inside the paint.


    - Hit him. Bump him. Wear him down.


    - Force him into difficult, inefficient shots.


    - If he passes? Let the role players beat you.


    It wasn''t a bad plan.


    Miami had the personnel to execute it, and so far, it was working.


    By the midway point of the first quarter, the Heat had built a 16-8 lead.


    For the first time all series, they were dictating the game from the start.


    The crowd could sense it.


    The championship was within reach.


    Then Han adjusted.


    ---


    Han signaled for a screen.


    Joki? stepped up, setting a high pick.


    Irving''s pass was right on time.


    Han took one step forward¡ªthen immediately pulled back behind the three-point line.


    A deep, step-back three.


    That wasn''t a shot he usually relied on.


    But Miami had left him no choice.


    Swish.


    Heat defenders exchanged glances.


    Riley remained still.


    This was fine.


    Forcing Han to shoot threes was already half the battle won.


    If he started settling for jumpers, they''d live with it.


    The problem?


    Han wasn''t settling.


    The next time down, Durant responded with a mid-range jumper.


    Then Han came right back.


    Another high screen from Joki?.


    Another hesitation.


    Then he cut back to the perimeter, ran a handoff play, and launched again.


    Splash.


    Two straight threes.


    Riley finally shifted in his seat.


    The Jordan Rules had a fundamental weakness.


    They were designed to cut off driving lanes, to physically wear down an attacker.


    But against a three-point shooter?


    They didn''t work.


    Jordan had never fully mastered the three-ball during his era.


    Han Sen, on the other hand?


    He wasn''t just a shooter¡ªhe was a smart shooter.


    It wasn''t just about making deep shots.


    It was about hunting for the best possible ones.


    And the way Miami defended?


    There were plenty of openings.


    A moment later, Han fired up another three.


    Third make in four attempts.


    Riley sighed and finally called for a timeout.


    The old ways didn''t work anymore.


    It was time for a new plan.


    ---


    As the timeout buzzer sounded, Pat Riley stood courtside, his trademark slicked-back hair and sharp suit giving him the usual ''Godfather'' aura.


    But for the first time in a long time, he felt like the old Don being stared down by a young enforcer, one who had just pulled a gun and whispered¡ª


    "Times have changed, old man."


    Riley had never been one to resist the evolution of basketball. Unlike Charles Barkley, who still swore that ''jump shooting teams can''t win championships'', Riley had long been a prophet of the game''s future. He was one of the earliest to predict that basketball''s endgame would be ''five forwards on the floor''.


    But knowing the future and accepting it are two different things.


    Because even he wasn''t ready for the reality of a Jordan who could shoot threes like Reggie Miller.


    Every player has weaknesses¡ªevery great one has a flaw to exploit.


    Yet, watching Han Sen carve through his defensive schemes like a surgeon, Riley realized he had no answer.


    Coming out of the timeout, Riley made a change. Pau Gasol out. David West in.


    It was a near-version of his ideal ''five-out'' lineup, the pinnacle of positionless basketball.


    Except, he hadn''t wanted to go there.


    He was forced into it.


    And it didn''t take long for that reality to set in.


    On Cleveland''s very next possession, the Heat defenders lined up just inside the three-point arc, mirroring the way teams defended Steph Curry all season.


    Han Sen had become just the second player in the league to demand that kind of coverage.


    Before he could even call for the ball, Joki? had already slipped the screen and cut to the rim.


    Han barely flicked his wrist¡ªthe pass was there in an instant.


    Joki? took one dribble, planted, and slammed it home with both hands.


    And as he hung on the rim for a moment, he let out a roar¡ª


    "My horse!"


    It was clear¡ªJoki? really wanted that damn horse.


    ---


    Riley stood still on the sideline, one hand on his chin, staring at the floor with a look of rare concern.


    Joki? wasn''t dominant¡ªnot yet, at least.


    At this level of competition, he was still an inexperienced big, not someone who should be tilting a conference finals.


    But that was the issue.


    Han Sen and Kyrie Irving drew so much defensive attention that Miami had to ignore Joki?.


    And that was a problem.


    Because even as a rookie, Joki? was a high-IQ big man. He wasn''t going to overpower anyone, but he damn sure knew how to take what the defense gave him.


    And the defense was giving him a lot.


    On the next possession, West managed to hold his ground in the post. He forced Joki? into a tough turnaround shot, but Joki? grabbed his own miss and put it back in with ease.


    Riley wanted to run his hand through his hair, but the gel wouldn''t allow it.


    Instead, he did something else.


    With a small wave, he gave his players a new signal¡ªdrop the overcommitment on Han Sen, focus on the paint.


    If Han Sen was going to torch them, so be it.


    He''d rather lose to him than watch a rookie tear them apart.


    And in theory?


    It wasn''t a bad plan.


    Forcing Han Sen to carry the offensive burden would wear him down. If Miami kept it close, they could outlast Cleveland in the fourth quarter, just like in Game 3.


    That was the idea, at least.


    But as the game went on, Riley was reminded of an inconvenient truth¡ª


    Three is more than two.


    Han Sen, now fully engaged in his shooting rhythm, was firing from deep like a man possessed.


    And it wasn''t just the makes.


    It was how he was getting them.


    He wasn''t taking desperation heaves or contested prayers. He was patiently working his way into the best three-point looks possible.


    After burying two quick threes, Riley saw the danger ahead.


    For the first time all game, he leaned forward.


    The Jordan Rules were built around one core principle: do whatever it takes to keep the opponent from scoring¡ªdouble teams, hard fouls, relentless physicality.


    But that only works when you have time to react.


    And against Han Sen?


    They didn''t.


    Not when he was pulling up from 30 feet.


    Not when he was moving without the ball like a ghost. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Not when every Heat defender had to decide instantly whether to step up or get burned.


    If they overcommitted?


    Joki? made them pay.


    If they sagged off?


    Han Sen drilled another three.


    It was the one flaw in the Jordan Rules¡ª


    And Han Sen was exposing it in real-time.


    By the time his fourth three-pointer fell, Riley wasn''t just leaning forward anymore¡ª


    He was standing.


    And when Han Sen crossed halfcourt and fired a pull-up dagger from 32 feet, Riley snapped.


    "Timeout!"


    ---


    Final Score: Cavaliers 122, Heat 114.


    Han Sen: 45 points, 10 assists, 9-of-18 from three.


    After the buzzer, Riley didn''t bother waiting for the first reporter''s question.


    Instead, he leaned into the mic himself.


    After the buzzer, Riley didn''t bother waiting for the first reporter''s question.


    Instead, he leaned into the mic himself.


    "Tell me, then." He looked out at the sea of reporters. "How exactly are you supposed to guard Han?"


    His frustration was raw.


    Because he knew¡ªif Jordan couldn''t escape the Jordan Rules, nobody should be able to.


    But here Han Sen was, breaking a defense designed to break him.


    Not even a Box-and-1 could save them¡ªToronto had already proven that scheme was useless against him.


    And now?


    With Miami down 3-2, heading back to Cleveland?


    One more loss meant more than just the end of their season.


    It meant the end of this Heat team.


    And possibly, Riley''s coaching career.


    ---


    Postgame Fallout


    On Inside the NBA, Shaquille O''Neal couldn''t hold back his satisfaction.


    "Pat Riley thought he had it all figured out, man." Shaq shook his head. "But what he forgot is, he never figured out Jordan either."


    Chuck laughed. "That man saw Jordan cook his Knicks for a decade and thought he was gonna stop Han? C''mon now."


    Even Kenny Smith nodded. "At the end of the day, sometimes great offense beats great defense. Han Sen wasn''t just great tonight¡ªhe was unstoppable."


    Shaq wasn''t done.


    "Nah, listen¡ªRiley talked big before this game. But what''s he supposed to do now? Han made the Jordan Rules look useless. This ain''t the 90s, man. You can''t just beat a guy up and expect him to stop scoring."


    Ernie Johnson, as always, kept it professional.


    "So, gentlemen, does this mean the series is over?"


    Shaq grinned.


    "They might as well call it now, Ernie. ''Cause unless Riley finds a sixth defender, Miami''s done."


    And as the cameras cut away, the basketball world knew¡ª


    Han Sen had officially broken Miami.

 Chapter 319: I Am The Impossible.

    Chapter 319: I Am The Impossible.At this stage of the series, there were very few adjustments left for either team¡ªeverything now depended on execution.


    Cleveland fans received both good news and bad news right after tip-off.


    The good news was that Kyrie Irving was in excellent form, scoring repeatedly over Dwyane Wade''s defense to start the game.


    The bad news was that the Heat had escalated their physicality against Han Sen. Every time he attempted a shot, they fouled him hard, sending him to the free-throw line.


    Riley wasn''t gambling on Han missing free throws¡ªhe was disrupting his shooting rhythm.


    And it worked¡ªhalfway.


    Han''s mid-range shots remained as steady as his free throws, but his three-point shooting was clearly affected.


    As Han had said before, three-pointers are a weapon that heavily relies on rhythm.


    That''s why teams facing the Warriors often wore down Curry on offense before fouling him aggressively on defense.


    Wade''s shooting wasn''t great tonight either, forcing him to rely more on attacking the rim. But each time he drove against Han Sen, it only reinforced the feeling that Flash was past his prime.


    Wade had still averaged 19 points per game this season, but it was clear¡ªhe had regressed into just a regular All-Star rather than a superstar.


    But the basketball gods are fair¡ªbecause Kevin Durant was on fire.


    In the Heat''s biggest game of the season, the Reaper swung his scythe relentlessly.


    Or to be more precise, Durant had been spectacular all series, all postseason.


    No doubt¡ªthis was the best version of Kevin Durant that Han Sen had ever seen.


    And perhaps, the luckiest.


    In ''history'', Durant spent nine years with OKC, making one Finals appearance and losing. In his final season¡ªthat very season¡ªhe blew a 3-1 lead against the 73-win Warriors, got eliminated, and ultimately earned the nickname ''Snake Durant'' for his infamous decision.


    But in this world? Durant spent five years in OKC, four in Miami, and reached two NBA Finals. Since he didn''t make the Finals last year, even if he joined the Warriors this summer, he wouldn''t be labeled a ''traitor'' like in history. At worst, he''d just be ''Bandwagon Durant'', similar to how LeBron was seen when he formed the Big Three.


    Against this version of Durant, Han made his decision.


    Just like in Game 4, he shifted his focus¡ªletting Kyrie carry the offense, while he dedicated himself to locking down Durant on defense.


    But this time, it didn''t work.


    Durant was too hot.


    More importantly, after experiencing being locked down by Han before, Durant had adjusted.


    Instead of forcing one-on-one plays, he kept things simple¡ªhandoffs with Pau Gasol, quick shots after screens.


    When he focused solely on catch-and-shoot, he became the deadliest shooter in the league.


    By halftime, the Heat had built a commanding 58-46 lead.


    Durant had 28 points in just two quarters.


    ---


    Halftime Interview


    Before heading to the locker room, Durant spoke to an ESPN reporter about his scorching first half.


    His words resonated deeply¡ª


    "I don''t want my time in Miami to end tonight. I''m doing everything I can to stop that from happening."


    Durant and LeBron had always been polar opposites¡ª


    LeBron would say one thing but do another.


    Durant? He spoke exactly what was in his heart.


    Before the second half began, Riley¡ªwalking out of the locker room¡ªwas stopped for a sideline interview.


    Back straight, jaw sharp, he looked more like The Godfather than Al Pacino ever did.


    Perhaps trying to recover his lost composure after his post-Game 5 meltdown, Riley smirked at the cameras.


    "We''ll end this in Miami."


    At that exact moment, behind him, unseen¡ªHan Sen walked past.


    The battle for the second half was about to begin.


    ---


    Coming out of halftime, the Cavaliers had the first possession.


    Han Sen and Joki? ran an off-ball screen, with Han faking a cut inside before suddenly reversing direction and sprinting out to the perimeter.


    It was a beautiful move, but perhaps due to Han''s shaky outside shooting tonight, Kyrie hesitated and didn''t pass immediately.


    By the time Han Sen called for the ball and Kyrie delivered the pass, the Heat''s defense had already collapsed on him.


    But this time, Han didn''t look to pass.


    With an explosive dribble, he blew past Wade with a violent crossover and surged toward the rim.


    Luol Deng had already collapsed into the paint, trying to stop him.


    But Han attacked harder than Deng expected.


    Deng grabbed Han mid-air, but Han still got the shot off.


    The ball bounced twice on the rim¡ªand then rolled out.


    A collective sigh swept through the arena.


    Deng exhaled in relief.


    Han stepped to the free-throw line, but as he walked up, he turned to Kyrie with an icy tone:


    "When I''m open, pass the damn ball."


    Kyrie patted his chest in acknowledgment, accepting the blame.


    He didn''t know exactly what flipped Han''s switch, but he sure as hell knew now wasn''t the time to argue.


    Han sank both free throws, cutting the deficit to 10 points.


    And as the Cavaliers ran back on defense, Han stayed glued to Durant.


    It felt like d¨¦j¨¤ vu¡ªlike Game 7 from five years ago.


    But tonight, Durant was different.


    His rhythm never wavered, and no matter how tightly Han defended, KD kept creating just enough space to get his shot off.


    Then¡ªHan Sen fouled him, hard.


    Riley''s Jordan Rules were nothing new.


    Han was about to throw some trash talk to rattle Durant¡ªbut Durant didn''t say a word.


    He just walked straight to the free-throw line.


    It was clear¡ªDurant''s desire to win outweighed his instincts to respond.


    ---


    Han''s three-point struggles continued¡ª


    Like a woman who''s angry for reasons unknown, his shot refused to be consoled.


    But if his shot wasn''t falling, his drives became even more relentless.


    Miami racked up fouls quickly, forcing Riley to expand his rotation earlier than planned.


    And with that¡ªthe Heat''s offensive efficiency dropped.


    Every strategy had its price, and Han was making Riley pay for his.


    And on the defensive end?


    Han''s pressure on Durant finally started taking its toll.


    By the time the third quarter ended, the Cavaliers had closed the gap¡ª75 to 80.


    ---


    As the final period began, Miami''s depth advantage became obvious.


    It wasn''t Riley''s original plan, but it was an edge they always had.


    When the starters returned, the Heat pushed the lead back into double digits.


    And Durant?


    His rhythm was back.


    But then again¡ªso was Han Sen''s three-point shot.


    The game reverted to a Game 4-like duel¡ªa fourth-quarter shootout between Durant and Han.


    But this time, there was one key difference¡ª


    Cleveland entered the clutch minutes trailing by double digits.


    With 1:30 left, the Cavaliers were still down 100-108.


    Cleveland called timeout.


    As Han walked to the bench, he spotted Riley smiling.


    That look¡ª


    As if the legendary coach had already calculated the ending at halftime.


    "The Cavaliers better start thinking about how they''ll survive Game 7 in Miami." Chuck Barkley sighed from the broadcast desk.


    Even though he supported Han Sen, tonight simply belonged to Miami and Durant.


    Up in the VIP suites, Cavs owner Dan Gilbert had already begun making plans to travel with the team to Miami.


    Sure, the Heat had the Game 7 home-court advantage,


    But Cleveland had already won a game in Miami before.


    So who''s to say they couldn''t do it again?


    ---


    The buzzer signaled the end of the timeout.


    As the Cavaliers took the court, Coach Malone locked his eyes on Han Sen''s back.


    "Get me the ball. I''m taking us to the Finals."


    When Han Sen said it, you believed it was possible.


    Kyrie sprinted upcourt and fed Joki? at the top of the arc.


    Cleveland''s final offensive game plan was simple¡ªget the ball to Han.


    But unlike Tyronn Lue, Michael Malone actually had a designed play.


    Joki? was the best passer on the team outside of Han, making him the ideal initiator.


    Han and Joki? ran a handoff, but Miami''s entire defense collapsed toward Han.


    After watching Han bury his first three of the fourth quarter, Riley knew¡ªHan had his rhythm back.


    So Miami''s defense went all-in on stopping him.


    Han didn''t shoot immediately.


    Instead, he executed a hard crossover retreat dribble, using Joki?''s massive frame for a second screen.


    This was¡ª a modified version of the Cunningham pick.


    Joki? reacted instantly, sealing off the defender.


    Han pulled up¡ªstepback three.


    Riley''s eyelid twitched.


    SWISH!


    The purest net sound rang through Quicken Loans Arena.


    And the crowd erupted.


    "Stop him! Don''t let him shoot another three!"


    For the second time tonight, Riley lost his composure.


    He knew¡ªif Han caught fire from deep,


    no lead was safe.


    ---


    Dragic brought the ball up the court, deliberately burning the clock.


    At this moment, time was Cleveland''s greatest enemy¡ªand Miami''s greatest asset.


    A full 14 seconds drained away before Dragic finally swung the ball to Durant.


    But with Han Sen locking him down, Durant couldn''t create a shot.


    He kicked it to Wade, who drove into the paint for a floater just as the shot clock expired.


    Swish.


    The ball dropped through the net at the buzzer, sending a wave of tension through the arena.


    Wade had found his rhythm at the perfect time¡ª


    Even the basketball gods seemed to favor Miami tonight.


    With 55 seconds remaining, the Heat led by five points.


    Kyrie pushed the ball up fast and immediately swung it to Joki? at the top.


    Han Sen kept moving toward Joki?, forcing Miami''s defenders to swarm the perimeter.


    Their defensive discipline was flawless¡ª


    No more clean threes for Han Sen.


    But just as the Heat overcommitted to the perimeter, Han cut hard to the basket.


    Joki? reacted instantly, firing a perfect pass.


    Han caught it in stride, leaving his defender behind.


    Only Luol Deng stood between him and the rim.


    Deng went for the hard foul¡ªwrapping up Han mid-air.


    But Han still got the shot off.


    The ball arced high¡ª


    And dropped in.


    And-One.


    Deng shook his head in disbelief.


    Han Sen''s rhythm was fully restored.


    Riley stood up, pacing the sideline for the first time all game¡ª


    The man was nervous.


    Han converted the free throw¡ªa three-point play,


    And the Cavs cut the lead to just four points.


    ---


    Dragic brought the ball up again, but this time,


    Kyrie''s defense was relentless.


    Wade shouted a warning¡ª


    "Watch out!"


    Just as Dragic clutched the ball tight, Han Sen''s hands clamped down like a vice.


    And in the very next second¡ª


    He ripped it away.


    By the time Han sprinted toward the other end,


    no one could catch him.


    He soared for a fastbreak layup.


    The Heat called timeout.


    40 seconds left.


    Han Sen had scored eight points in 50 seconds.


    The Cavs were now within two.


    "MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE!"


    Shaq roared into the mic, echoing the very inscription''s theme under Han Sen''s statue.


    After all his verbal battles with Riley, Shaq desperately wanted Cleveland to win.


    ---


    Out of the timeout, the ball found its way to Wade,


    who bled the clock before handing it to Durant.


    10 seconds on the shot clock.


    Durant used Gasol''s screen to shake free from Han Sen,


    rose up over the contest¡ª


    A pull-up three.


    A ridiculous shot.


    But he made it.


    The arena fell silent.


    Durant let out a primal scream.


    Even though Han had slowed him down,


    this shot pushed Durant''s second-half total to 18 points.


    He now had a career playoff-high of 46.


    And more importantly¡ª


    With 20 seconds left, Miami''s lead was back up to five.


    "That''s the dagger." Chuck Barkley sighed.


    The Cavs called timeout.


    As Riley walked toward Durant, his expression was warmer than a father''s pride.


    After the timeout, Malone made a bold move.


    Tristan Thompson checked in for Tucker,


    and the Cavs went into a starburst formation.


    Down five with 20 seconds, there was only one option¡ªthree-pointers.


    Joki? inbounded to Han Sen, who used Thompson''s massive screen to get open.


    TT''s pick was on another level, but Wade anticipated the play and rotated over.


    Riley knew exactly what was coming.


    Miami collapsed on Han before he could even rise up.


    Han Sen pulled back¡ªa step-back three.


    The moment mirrored opening night when the Cavs played the Warriors.


    Wade knew Han could make this shot.


    He lunged forward, trying to block it.


    But Han waited¡ª


    Just long enough for Wade to fully commit¡ª


    Then leaned into the contact.


    Three-point foul.


    Wade realized too late, jerking back¡ª


    but he still clipped Han''s arm.


    And just as the whistle blew¡ª


    Han tucked his knees mid-air, adjusting his body¡ª


    And still got the shot off.


    The ball floated toward the rim¡ª


    Swish.


    3+1.


    "OH MY GOD!" Barkley clutched his head.


    The difference between a three-pointer and a four-point play was everything.


    If Han had only hit a three, the Cavs would still need to foul and pray for a miss.


    But now?


    With one more free throw, Han could cut it to one point¡ªgiving Cleveland a real shot.


    Riley stood frozen.


    Wade had been Miami''s most disciplined veteran¡ª


    Yet even he panicked.


    ---


    Han sank the free throw.


    112-113.


    Nine seconds left.


    Miami successfully inbounded to Durant, and Han immediately fouled him.


    The arena boomed with noise.


    But Durant didn''t flinch¡ª


    He drilled both free throws.


    A new career-high 48 points.


    Cavs burned their final timeout.


    Now, Cleveland had one shot to tie.


    The tension was suffocating.


    Out of the timeout, Miami''s defense stretched to the arc¡ªcompletely denying the three.


    Han couldn''t get free. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With the five-second count ticking,


    he suddenly cut inside and received Joki?''s pass.


    A quick layup.


    Still a one-point game¡ªbut only six seconds left.


    The Heat called timeout.


    Miami now had one job¡ªsecure the inbound.


    For the Cavs?


    They needed a miracle steal.


    And at that moment¡ª


    The jumbotron flashed Han''s last 90 seconds.


    He had scored 14 points in 90 seconds.


    If the Cavs win this, it''s officially Han Sen Time.


    ---


    Miami inbounded without issue.


    They got the ball to Wade¡ªCleveland couldn''t foul fast enough.


    Again, it was a reminder¡ªthe Cavaliers weren''t facing just any team.


    This was Pat Riley''s Miami Heat.


    The best-executing team in basketball.


    If Cleveland had been playing any other team, this game would already be over.


    But against Riley''s squad? They wouldn''t give you that chance.


    Riley gathered his players, whispering last-minute instructions.


    As Wade stepped to the free-throw line, Riley rubbed his chin, deep in thought.


    Only 4.6 seconds remained.


    If Wade hit both free throws, Miami would be untouchable.


    He had already instructed his players¡ª


    Deny Han Sen at all costs. If necessary, foul him before he could shoot a three.


    He knew in the final moments, the refs would swallow their whistles.


    Wade''s first free throw¡ªpure.


    The arena roared with noise, trying to shake him.


    Before the second shot, Wade took a deep breath.


    One more make, and they would force a Game 7 in Miami.


    Clang!


    The ball bounced off the rim!


    Joki? snatched the critical rebound!


    Wade instantly realized his mistake.


    He rushed toward Joki?, trying to foul immediately.


    But Joki? dodged.


    Wade grazed his arm, but¡ª


    No whistle.


    Just as Riley feared¡ª


    The refs had let the players decide the game.


    Wade tried to recover, but Joki? launched the ball downcourt.


    The ball sailed toward the other end¡ª


    Han Sen was already beyond the three-point line.


    Dragic and Durant sprinted behind him.


    The clock ticked down.


    The entire arena held its breath.


    Han Sen had no time left.


    One step beyond the frontcourt three-point arc¡ª


    He knew he couldn''t push forward any further.


    He planted his feet¡ª


    Pulled up for three.


    His feet were just on the edge of the logo.


    The moment the ball left his hands¡ª


    The backboard''s red light lit up.


    Buzzer.


    Time froze.


    Han Sen had hit a logo-range game-winner against Golden State before.


    But this?


    This wasn''t the same.


    This was a running, contested, buzzer-beating three.


    A shot so difficult, it shouldn''t exist.


    Bang!


    The ball slammed the backboard¡ª


    Swish!


    It dropped in!


    Han Sen buried the impossible shot!


    Quicken Loans Arena exploded.


    Cleveland had won.


    Han Sen just erased Miami''s dynasty in the most poetic way possible.


    Shaquille O''Neal stood up, laughing maniacally.


    "PAT RILEY! GO HANG HIS #77 JERSEY IN MIAMI''S RAFTERS!"


    Heat fans grabbed their heads in disbelief.


    Riley?


    His face was frozen, stiff as a corpse.


    Like he had just witnessed something unnatural.


    ---


    Han Sen walked toward the scorer''s table¡ª


    Jumped on top.


    Pointed down at the court beneath him.


    "THIS IS MY HOUSE!"


    Joki?, still in a daze, muttered to himself.


    "...he still remembers my horse?"


    The crowd lost their minds.


    This was a night for the ages.


    Kenny Smith, still in shock, shook his head.


    "This... this isn''t real."


    Han Sen had scored 17 points in the final 90 seconds.


    The only performance close to this was Isiah Thomas'' legendary 16-point burst¡ª


    But the Pistons lost that game.


    Han Sen?


    He won it.


    He led Cleveland to the most insane comeback in NBA history.


    And he shattered Miami''s dynasty in the process.


    ---


    As Han walked toward the tunnel,


    He spotted Dan Gilbert, already waiting for him.


    The Cavs owner had come down from the VIP suite early¡ª


    But Han never expected what happened next.


    The moment Gilbert saw him,


    He sprinted forward¡ªarms wide¡ª


    And then¡ª


    He dropped to his knees.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 320: Your Finals Opponent Is…

    Chapter 320: Your Finals Opponent Is...?"I blew this game. It''s all on me."


    Wade''s eyes were bloodshot.


    For the first time in years, he emotionally unraveled after a game.


    A reckless 3+1 foul, a crucial missed free throw in the final seconds.


    Even he probably couldn''t believe how many mistakes he made.


    Tonight, he wasn''t just a liability¡ªhe was the reason Miami collapsed.


    And worse?


    It was as if he personally ended the Miami Heat era.


    "I did everything I could. I owe Miami nothing."


    Durant''s words sounded like a farewell.


    And Wade?


    It felt like someone had just shoved a dagger deeper into his already bleeding wounds.


    Because this year was different from every other year.


    In the past, they could always say¡ª S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "We lost this time, but we''ll come back stronger."


    But now?


    There was no ''next time''.


    This was the end of the road.


    "Will you guys be back next season?"


    An ESPN reporter asked the most meaningless question of the night.


    "Let''s see what happens this summer."


    Durant was as good as gone¡ª


    Miami simply had no way to improve further.


    But there was a small chance he''d stay¡ª


    After all, he didn''t have many better options, and staying in Miami meant signing the biggest max contract in NBA history.


    Right now, Miami was nothing more than his backup plan.


    ---


    "THE REFS RUINED THIS GAME! THEY MISSED THE FINAL FOUL!"


    Riley lost control once again, screaming at the officials.


    Had Wade''s foul on Joki? been called, Joki? would''ve gone to the free-throw line.


    A rookie center in the clutch?


    The chances of him missing at least one were high.


    Even if Joki? hit both, Miami would still have the final possession.


    And with Durant''s touch tonight?


    They''d either win it at the buzzer or at worst force overtime.


    As for his own instructions to foul Han Sen before he could shoot a three?


    Well... since that never happened, why bring it up?


    "Coach Riley, will you honor your preseason promise... and hang #77 in the rafters at Miami''s arena?"


    A TNT reporter fired off the most brutal question of the night.


    This wasn''t something Han Sen himself had pushed for, but it was a question that carried weight.


    Like how a certain indie game didn''t need an award to prove its greatness¡ª


    but if you''re gonna give it a golden robe, well, it''s still a golden robe.


    Riley, who had been raging seconds ago, suddenly froze.


    The question hit deep.


    For a brief moment, he looked completely lost.


    "...Next question."


    He refused to answer.


    ---


    As the Heat left their press conference, they crossed paths with Han Sen and Kyrie Irving,


    who were walking in for their own interviews.


    Both had been sensational tonight¡ª


    Han Sen: 47 points, including an insane 17-point burst in the final 90 seconds and the logo three-pointer buzzer-beater.


    Kyrie: 31 points, carrying the Cavs through the first three quarters.


    And of course, Durant''s 48-point masterpiece couldn''t be overlooked either.


    There was a winner and a loser, but this was a game that deserved to be called great.


    Han Sen took a moment to speak with Wade before giving him a pat on the shoulder.


    Wade wasn''t just mourning tonight''s loss¡ªhe was mourning the end of an era.


    Durant was brought in via trade, but Wade?


    He was the last surviving member of the Big Three.


    No doubt¡ª


    The past six years had been a failure.


    His legacy didn''t take a hit, but it didn''t rise either.


    ---


    "Nobody believed we still had a chance in the last 90 seconds," Han Sen told reporters.


    "But I''ve always liked a quote from The Godfather¡ª''Never say impossible. Nothing is impossible.''"


    The entire room tensed up.


    If it wasn''t clear before, it was now¡ª


    Han Sen was throwing shade at Riley.


    And yet, this line felt so natural coming from Han.


    After all, it was eerily similar to the inscription under his statue.


    "Kyrie has grown into his own man. He was one of the biggest reasons we won tonight. Without him, we don''t take this game."


    Despite yelling at Kyrie mid-game,


    Han gave him nothing but praise afterward.


    Classic leadership¡ª


    "Win as a team, lose on my shoulders."


    "You''ve led the Cavs to back-to-back Finals appearances¡ªsomething never done in franchise history. Would you rather face the Lakers or the Warriors?"


    A reporter from NBC threw the question.


    Han Sen''s response was deadly simple.


    "Doesn''t matter who. The goal is the same¡ªchampionship."


    With that, the press conference ended.


    ---


    Walking back to the locker room, Kyrie couldn''t help but ask¡ª


    "Do you really think they''ll hang your jersey in Miami''s rafters?"


    Reporters had asked Han the same question they asked Riley.


    Han chose to dodge it¡ªjust like Riley did.


    He simply shook his head.


    "I don''t know. I''m not Riley."


    But based on what he knew of the man?


    Probably.


    Because Riley still wanted to stay relevant in the league.


    If he didn''t, he wouldn''t have said "The end of my coaching career"¡ªhe would''ve just retired completely.


    A true mastermind always leaves himself a backdoor.


    ---


    The media coverage exploded.


    Han Sen''s performance defied logic, leading many to debate whether he was on track to surpass Jordan.


    The ring count wasn''t there yet¡ªHan was still three titles short.


    But context mattered.


    Cleveland was a sports wasteland.


    Winning there was like trying to land a 360 windmill dunk¡ªinsanely difficult.


    Even past NBA stars who played there¡ªLuol Deng, Deron Williams, Joe Johnson¡ªhad left for better chances.


    Winning in Cleveland?


    It meant more.


    TNT went all in, officially ranking Han''s ''90 seconds, 17 points'' alongside:


    - T-Mac''s ''35 seconds, 13 points''


    - Reggie Miller''s ''Miller Time'' moments


    as one of the three greatest miracle moments in NBA history.


    Meanwhile, the Dan Gilbert kneeling meme flooded the internet.


    Normally, a team owner bowing to a player would be ridiculous¡ªbut after witnessing Game 6?


    Nobody questioned it.


    In fact, some Cavs fans posted pictures of themselves


    watching the game on their knees.


    It was memes becoming reality.


    But Then... Breaking News


    The next morning, this historic game was overshadowed¡ª


    Because over in the Western Conference Finals...


    The Lakers won again.


    ---


    In Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, at the Lakers'' home court, Stephen Curry experienced something he never had before¡ª


    Fouling out for the first time in his career.


    If Dwight Howard was watching, he was probably howling with laughter.


    Finally, someone else knew what it felt like.


    Back when the Lakers got swept by the Mavericks, fans joked that LA should have tried to pull off a 5v4 comeback.


    But now?


    The Lakers, who were once down 1-3, were actually pulling off a real comeback against the Warriors.


    And this time, it wasn''t just a meme¡ª


    It was something that had a lot of people furious.


    "They''re trying to get us out. They got paid off. They''re a bunch of b*tches!"


    Draymond Green let it all out in the postgame press conference.


    And honestly?


    Even if they had whistled Draymond out instead of Curry, it still would''ve been a better outcome for the Warriors.


    Compared to David Stern''s era, Adam Silver''s way of handling things was too damn blatant.


    Watching the flow of the game, it was clear¡ªif Curry hadn''t fouled out, the Lakers probably wouldn''t have won.


    So yeah, the league was dead set on getting Golden State out.


    Han Sen didn''t hold back either.


    "There has never been a more disgusting game. Give the game back to the players!"


    Curry wasn''t someone who usually voiced his emotions publicly¡ªDraymond was the Warriors'' loudspeaker.


    But when it came to calling out the league?


    Draymond had no pull.


    Han Sen?


    Han Sen''s words carried weight.


    And this wasn''t just about supporting Curry as a fellow Under Armour guy¡ª


    Han Sen was pissed because he wanted to face the Warriors for revenge.


    If the league really eliminated them, who the hell was he supposed to settle the score with?


    Fight the air?


    ---


    Two days later, Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals tipped off at Oracle Arena.


    The East was already settled¡ªbut the West had gone to war.


    With controversy from Game 6, this game had all eyes on it.


    Han Sen?


    He watched it live.


    Golden State came out firing.


    Draymond and Curry hit back-to-back threes, making it clear¡ªthey were ready to finish this.


    And this time?


    The officiating was normal.


    Han Sen''s influence mattered¡ªwhen he called out the league, they had to keep things clean.


    But as the game went on, the Lakers forced it into their own pace.


    They did more than just double-team Curry.


    On offense?


    They had LeBron and Kobe take turns isolating Curry one-on-one.


    It was exactly what Riley had done to Han Sen in the Eastern Finals¡ªtaking targeted defense to the extreme.


    Only Curry''s frame wasn''t built like Han Sen''s.


    He couldn''t power through this kind of relentless attack.


    ---


    As the game wore on, Golden State''s two biggest flaws became clear.


    1. Their interior was a disaster.


    After Bogut went down, they had to start Ezeli¡ªbut he got dominated by Mozgov. That forced the Warriors to go small-ball more than they wanted.


    2. Harrison Barnes fell apart.


    Since Game 5, Barnes had been in a complete shooting slump.


    - Game 5: 2-for-14


    - Game 6: 0-for-8


    - Game 7: Missed his first two threes.


    This allowed the Lakers to completely ignore him and collapse on Curry and Klay.


    Without offensive flow, the Warriors had to expend everything on defense.


    Curry''s weakness on D was exposed, but small-ball''s strength had always been rotations and team defense.


    Meanwhile, on offense?


    Draymond had the game of his life.


    9-for-8 from three.11-for-15 overall.32 points, 15 rebounds, 9 assists.


    But it wasn''t enough.


    Because Curry and Klay never found their rhythm.


    And then¡ªKobe happened.


    With the final possession, Kobe hit the game-winner.


    Lakers 93, Warriors 91.


    In his retirement season, Kobe had personally carried the Lakers to the Finals.


    ---


    "ARE YOU F*CKING SERIOUS?"


    Han Sen lost it when Kobe''s shot went in.


    It felt like d¨¦j¨¤ vu.


    Like when Kobe lost the 2008 Finals, then spent an entire year preparing for a Celtics rematch...only to get Orlando instead.


    Han Sen had been waiting for revenge against Golden State.


    And now?


    It was the Lakers.


    Still, he sent Curry a text¡ªa small message of encouragement.


    Golden State lost Game 7 because of their own flaws.


    But if Draymond hadn''t been suspended earlier in the series, the Warriors would''ve already been in the Finals.


    And while a 73-win team not making the Finals was cruel,


    According to Jordan fans'' logic...


    Not making the Finals means never losing in the Finals.


    By that standard, wasn''t this a good thing?


    At least this way, no one could call them the ''73-win runner-up Warriors.''


    After texting Curry, Han Sen sat back and thought.


    Playing the Lakers wasn''t so bad.


    A clash against Kobe in his final season was still a dream matchup.


    But more importantly¡ª


    LeBron James.


    The thought alone made Han''s blood boil.


    If he could win this title, with all of LeBron''s old teammates at his side...


    And force LeBron to watch as he lifted the trophy in front of him?


    That would be the most satisfying and most poetic thing in the world.


    Han Sen got up immediately and headed to the gym.


    Because this could go one of two ways.


    If Han won, he''d make sure LeBron never got a ring. But if LeBron won, then his fans¡ªand even Nike¡ªwould go insane.


    Forget ''One ring and he''s better than Jordan''¡ªthe media would scream ''One ring and he''s better than Han Sen.''


    This Finals?


    It wasn''t just about a championship.


    It was about legacy.


    And Han Sen wasn''t about to let anyone rewrite his.


    Time to lock in.


    ---


    While Han Sen was grinding in the gym, ESPN''s hype machine was already in full motion.


    -"The Greatest Comeback in NBA History."


    -"LeBron Led the Series in Five Major Statistical Categories."


    -"The First Team to Defeat a 71+ Win Team."


    Forget about the fact that multiple teams have come back from 1-3 before.


    And don''t ask why they''re calling it 71 wins instead of 70.


    The point is¡ªjust hype it up.


    And this was just the Conference Finals.


    If the Lakers actually won the championship?


    Then expect headlines like¡ª


    - "The Greatest Championship in NBA History."


    - "One Ring Greater Than Jordan."


    ---


    With the matchup set, the NBA''s marketing engine roared to life.


    Sure, it wasn''t Warriors vs. Cavaliers,


    so there was no revenge narrative anymore.


    But when it came to storylines?


    Lakers vs. Cavaliers had plenty.


    - Kobe''s Last Dance ¨C His final shot at proving 6 > 5.


    - Cleveland''s Title Drought ¨C The chance to bring the city''s first Big Four sports championship.


    - LeBron vs. Han Sen ¨C A rivalry years in the making.


    - LeBron vs. the Cavs & Gilbert ¨C The ultimate grudge match.


    - 77 vs. 23 & 24 ¨C The Christmas Day showdown now becoming the NBA Finals.


    - Delly''s Betrayal ¨C Matthew Dellavedova, the former Cav turned Laker.


    If one had to summarize this Finals in a single phrase¡ª


    It would be ''The NBA''s Super Bowl.''


    ---


    Of course, a pre-Finals poll was mandatory.


    And so were player interviews.


    After the Western Conference Finals, both Kobe and LeBron were asked about facing the Cavaliers.


    LeBron: "Playing them doesn''t mean anything to me. I have no memories of that place. My only goal is my first championship."


    Years of Cleveland''s resentment had completely hardened LeBron.


    By now, he knew¡ªno amount of goodwill would change anything.


    So he didn''t bother being polite anymore.


    And even if he wanted to reconcile with Han Sen,


    Nike would never allow it.


    So instead, he chose to play the villain.


    Though, let''s be real¡ªhe wasn''t all that convincing at it.


    Compared to LeBron, Kobe''s response was much simpler¡ª


    "Unless they carry me off this court, no one is stopping me from finishing this."


    If Kobe won this ring¡ª


    - He''d achieve 6 > 5.


    - He''d tie Jordan in championships.


    - And Kobe fans would have legitimate ammo for the GOAT debate.


    For Kobe personally, this would be the fairytale ending to his career.


    The Last Dance.


    The Last War.


    One final battle for the throne.

 Chapter 321: LeBron’s Worst Nightmare.

    Chapter 321: LeBron¡¯s Worst Nightmare.The day before the NBA Finals tipped off, the Cavaliers landed in Los Angeles. Coach Michael Malone gave the team the day off¡ªno practice, no film study, just a chance to relax. Of course, he warned them not to get reckless.


    This was L.A.¡ªa city built for distractions.


    Han Sen tried to rest at the hotel but found himself wide awake. So instead, he grabbed Cunningham and headed to the Staples Center practice facility.


    What he didn''t expect¡ªwas to already hear the sound of a basketball bouncing inside.


    When they stepped in, they saw Kobe Bryant and his trainer, soaked in sweat, locked in a shooting drill. He''d clearly been at it for a while.


    So it wasn''t just Han Sen who couldn''t sleep tonight.


    Han didn''t walk over to greet him. Instead, he silently started shooting on his own. Eventually, after a few drills, Han sat down to rest¡ªand that''s when Kobe approached him.


    After a brief greeting, Kobe sat beside him, talking as if they were old friends catching up.


    It felt strange to Han Sen.


    They weren''t that close.


    In fact, as someone who had built his name by stirring controversy, he had slandered Kobe countless times¡ªsecond only to LeBron.


    But he understood. When a player''s career is winding down, they tend to soften up.


    Kobe''s career was in its final moments. And deep down, Han Sen knew he had helped Kobe a little during this year''s All-Star Game.


    Han wiped his face with a towel, glancing at Kobe. "Can''t sleep either?"


    Kobe smirked. "You think I got this far by sleeping?"


    Han chuckled. "Fair enough."


    For a moment, neither spoke. Just the sound of bouncing basketballs filled the empty gym.


    Then Han broke the silence.


    "You know, Kobe... you might wanna keep an eye on LeBron."


    Kobe raised an eyebrow. "That right?"


    Han leaned back, resting his arms on the bench behind him. "Wade thought they were brothers. Then one day, he woke up and found out he wasn''t the guy anymore. Just saying¡ªLeBron''s history with ''brothers'' isn''t exactly great."


    Kobe nodded slowly, processing the words. "You trying to start some shit, or is this friendly advice?"


    Han grinned. "Little bit of both."


    Kobe shook his head. "You really are a piece of work."


    "I try."


    Kobe took a sip from his water bottle. "You better be ready, though. I''m locking your ass up."


    Han laughed. "That''s cool. I''ll be busy locking up LeBron. And trust me, if he ain''t getting his stats, he''s not playing defense."


    Kobe just stared at him for a second, then sighed, shaking his head. "I don''t even know why I''m talking to you."


    Han shrugged. "Because deep down, you like the bullshit."


    Kobe stood up, draping his towel over his shoulder. "See you on the court, Han."


    Han watched him leave, then picked up a ball and went right back to work.


    Because if there was one thing he knew for sure¡ª


    this Finals was going to be war.


    ---


    Not long after, Han Sen heard footsteps.


    More people had arrived.


    To his surprise, it was Mo Williams and Delonte West.


    With Cunningham already here, that meant...


    The old Cavaliers had assembled.


    Han smirked. "Couldn''t sleep either?"


    Both nodded.


    LeBron''s recent comments had basically erased everything they fought for in Cleveland¡ªlike none of it mattered.


    Of course, they couldn''t sleep.


    Han tossed a ball to Mo. "Alright, no point just shooting around. Let''s run it¡ª2-on-2."


    And just like that, the intensity ramped up.


    Then¡ªmore footsteps.


    Han turned toward the entrance.


    To his absolute shock...


    Nikola Joki? walked in.


    Han blinked. "Hold up¡ªyou''re putting in extra work?"


    Joki? shrugged. "Big games mean big moments."


    Han couldn''t believe it.


    Joki?? Working overtime? This had to be some kind of cosmic sign.


    Then he remembered¡ªJoki? had a reason.


    The championship meant a horse.


    That was all the motivation he needed.


    Before Han could process it, another player walked in.


    Kyrie Irving.


    Han sighed. "Let me guess. Can''t sleep?"


    Kyrie grinned. "Nah, man. I''ve been waiting years for this."


    LeBron.


    This wasn''t just another Finals to him.


    And just like that¡ªMalone''s entire plan to keep the team loose and relaxed was officially ruined.


    ---


    By the time Game 1 arrived, the NBA''s hype machine was running at full throttle.


    The Warriors'' unexpected elimination had shut the door on another Chapter of the Cavs-Warriors saga, but in its place, something even bigger had taken shape¡ªa battle for power.


    Nike vs. Under Armour.


    Kobe''s Last Dance.


    LeBron''s shot at his first ring.


    Han Sen, ready to seize his legacy.


    With the league pushing every possible storyline and viewership already shattering records before tip-off, the intensity in Los Angeles had reached an unreal level.


    Even Lakers season ticket holders¡ªnormally laid-back, Hollywood-casual¡ªwere on their feet, buzzing with anticipation.


    ---


    NBA Finals Pregame Show ¨C TNT Broadcast


    Inside Staples Center, the TNT crew sat courtside, soaking in the energy of an arena packed to the brim with celebrities, legends, and anxious fans.


    On the court, the Lakers and Cavaliers warmed up, finalizing their game-day routines before stepping into the fight for basketball immortality.


    The cameras panned to Ernie Johnson, sitting alongside Shaquille O''Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith at the TNT panel.


    "Welcome, everyone, to the NBA Finals on TNT! The stage is set¡ªHan Sen and the Cleveland Cavaliers take on Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and the Los Angeles Lakers in what promises to be an unforgettable championship series."


    "Fellas, we''ve got storylines on top of storylines. Kobe''s Last Dance. LeBron''s shot at his first ring. Han Sen looking to cement his legacy. What are y''all thinking heading into this matchup?"


    Shaq leaned forward, rubbing his hands together.


    "Ernie, let me tell you right now¡ªthis series ain''t about LeBron. It ain''t even about Kobe. It''s about Han Sen. The man is built for these moments. You saw what he did to Miami? That Game 6 logo shot? He''s the most dangerous player on this court."


    Kenny nodded but wasn''t ready to dismiss the Lakers that easily.


    "You''re not wrong, Shaq, but let''s not act like this is gonna be easy. Han Sen is facing two guys who were both the face of the league at one point. The Lakers have more star power, more championship experience. And let''s be real, this is Kobe''s house. You think he''s letting anyone walk in and take this from him?"


    Chuck scoffed, shaking his head.


    "Lemme stop you right there, Jet. I love Kobe¡ªhe''s one of the greatest competitors ever. But I don''t know if his legs can hold up for a seven-game series. And LeBron? Man, I don''t trust him in these moments! Every time it gets tough, he shrinks!"


    The screen flashed to highlight LeBron''s biggest postseason failures¡ª2010 vs. the Celtics, 2011 vs. the Mavericks, 2012 vs. Grizzlies.


    Chuck pointed at the clips.


    "Look at this¡ª2011 against Dallas? Shrunk. 2012 against Han''s Grizzlies? Swept. 2010 against Boston? He checked out! LeBron gotta prove he can win before I believe it."


    Shaq sighed, rubbing his temples.


    "C''mon, Chuck, you just hatin'' now. Look, I got my issues with LeBron too, but this is the best team he''s ever had. Kobe and Love can space the floor. He''s got a real big man in Mozgov. And Deron Williams¡ªwell, okay, maybe not Deron¡ªbut the rest of the squad is legit!"


    Ernie glanced at the panel.


    "Alright, let''s break it down. Biggest key to this series¡ªwhat''s the one thing that''ll decide who wins the championship?"


    Kenny tapped his pen on the desk.


    "Han Sen''s ability to control the pace. The Cavs play through him, and he dictates everything. If the Lakers can throw him off¡ªmake him work for everything¡ªthen they have a shot."


    Chuck waved him off.


    "Nope. The key is LeBron. If LeBron plays like a real number one guy, the Lakers win. If he plays passive? Lakers are toast."


    Shaq wasn''t convinced.


    "The key is the paint. If the Lakers dominate inside, Han''s gonna have to shoot his way to a title. And yeah, he can shoot from anywhere¡ªbut can he keep it up for seven games?"


    With tip-off approaching, Ernie posed the final question.


    "Alright, quick picks before we get this started. Who wins Game 1?"


    Kenny: "Lakers. Han''s gonna have a big game, but I think LeBron and Kobe set the tone early."


    Chuck: "Cavs. Han Sen''s the best player in the world right now, and best player wins Game 1."


    Shaq: "I got the Cavs too. Han''s been in these Finals moments before. The Lakers? They still gotta prove it."


    As the TNT crew wrapped up, the camera zoomed in on Han Sen, locked in during warmups, draining threes effortlessly.


    A few feet away, LeBron was going through his pregame ritual, tossing chalk into the air, while Kobe adjusted the tape on his fingers.


    The crowd roared as the players took their final warm-up shots, the battle seconds away from beginning.


    Ernie''s voice carried over the scene:


    "Alright, we''ll see how it plays out. When we come back¡ªtip-off from Staples Center! It''s the NBA Finals on TNT!"


    ---


    Starting Lineups


    Cleveland Cavaliers:


    - Kyrie Irving


    - Han Sen


    - P.J. Tucker


    - Tristan Thompson


    - Nikola Joki?


    Los Angeles Lakers:


    - Deron Williams


    - Kobe Bryant


    - LeBron James


    - Kevin Love


    - Timofey Mozgov


    This Lakers lineup?


    It was basically a supercharged version of the Cavaliers team LeBron once led.


    Now it made sense why the Warriors lost.


    ---


    Mozgov won the tip, giving the Lakers first possession.


    Right out the gate, LeBron and Mozgov ran a pick-and-roll, leading to a powerful dunk.


    2-0, Lakers.


    But on the very next play¡ª


    Kyrie dusted Deron Williams off the dribble, forcing Mozgov to help, then dropped it off for TT, who finished at the rim.


    2-2.


    Five minutes in, the score was tied at 10.


    Joki?''s rim protection had improved over the playoffs, but against a prime, enhanced LeBron, it was clear¡ªhe was struggling.


    But the real problem for the Lakers?


    Deron Williams.


    ---


    This Lakers roster reminded people of the infamous 2004 Lakers superteam¡ªthe one built around Shaquille O''Neal, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone, and Gary Payton.


    And just like that team, Deron Williams was in the same awkward role as Gary Payton.


    On paper, this was a juggernaut.


    But in reality?


    It wasn''t as smooth as it looked.


    Back in 2004, the Lakers ran the Triangle Offense¡ªa system that didn''t demand much from its point guard beyond three simple tasks:


    1. Move the ball.


    2. Feed the stars.


    3. Space the floor.


    Derek Fisher thrived in that role.


    Gary Payton? Not so much.


    He was a ball-dominant playmaker, not a catch-and-shoot guard. The fit was clunky, but because of his name and reputation, he had to start anyway.


    And now?


    Deron Williams was in the exact same predicament.


    This Lakers team revolved around LeBron and Kobe¡ªespecially LeBron.


    The ideal point guard next to him?


    A 3&D specialist like Dellavedova.


    But Deron?


    He was another ball-dominant, pick-and-roll guard¡ªbad off the ball, worse on defense, and with his knee issues, his lateral quickness was practically nonexistent.


    And the worst part?


    Kyrie didn''t even need a screen to blow past him.


    ---


    Everything Han Sen told Kobe last night was just mind games. But Kobe? He meant every word.


    From the opening tip, he locked in on Han Sen defensively, giving him everything he had.


    But now, he had no choice but to switch onto Kyrie.


    Because there was no way in hell Deron Williams could guard Han Sen¡ªhe could barely stay in front of Kyrie, let alone Han.


    And as soon as LeBron switched onto him, Han''s excitement shot through the roof.


    Malone had assigned him to guard Kobe tonight. In his eyes, letting Kobe get into rhythm was a bigger threat than LeBron scoring.


    So he couldn''t battle LeBron on defense.


    But now, on offense? sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Oh, this was gonna be fun.


    Han palmed the ball in one hand and motioned for everyone to clear out, flashing LeBron a friendly smile¡ªone only a former teammate would understand.


    A pump fake.


    A hard dribble into a crossover.


    A sudden pull-up fake.


    A spin move, followed by an up-and-under step-through.


    LeBron''s reaction time was elite¡ªenhanced by his ridiculous athleticism. But physics was physics, and Han''s every movement could have seamlessly turned into a real shot.


    LeBron had no choice but to react to all of them.


    And to the crowd? It looked like he was just getting played.


    Like a puppet on strings.


    Staples Center erupted.


    LeBron turned his head, throwing a desperate look at Kobe.


    Help me.


    He thought he could handle Han after that Christmas game.


    Reality had slapped him in the face again.


    But Kobe? He just ignored him.


    What, you think guarding Kyrie is any easier?


    LeBron had the size, but Kyrie was faster. He''d just get cooked even quicker.


    Frustrated but keeping it inside, LeBron took it out on offense instead. He barreled into the paint off a pick-and-roll, forcing Tristan Thompson into a foul and heading to the free-throw line.


    Malone had already adjusted, switching TT onto Mozgov after seeing Joki? struggle.


    But this version of LeBron¡ªthis high-speed, downhill battering ram?


    Unless you had prime Dwight Howard waiting at the rim, it was nearly impossible to stop.


    As LeBron lined up for his free throws, Malone pulled Han aside.


    Han nodded, jogged back to his spot, and¡ªonce again¡ªflashed that former teammate smile at LeBron.


    LeBron felt a chill run down his spine.


    This dude was definitely up to something.


    LeBron made one free throw, keeping the game tight.


    Han went right back at him. Before the Lakers'' help defense could collapse, he hit a sharp crossover into a mid-range pull-up.


    LeBron lunged for the block¡ªmissed by an inch.


    The shot hit the front rim.


    LeBron exhaled in relief.


    Finally, a stop.


    But then¡ªhis eyes went wide.


    Because suddenly¡ªHan was back in his vision.


    Wait¡ªwasn''t he just shooting?!


    How the hell¡ª?!


    Before LeBron could react, Han had already grabbed his own rebound, putting it back up before the defense could recover.


    Bucket.


    LeBron''s superhuman reflexes had saved him from getting completely cooked on that first shot.


    But against Han Sen?


    That only meant Han already knew it was off and was one step ahead for the rebound.


    "Stay locked in, LeBron," Kobe muttered, walking past him.


    Against Han, you couldn''t lose focus for even a second.


    LeBron clenched his jaw.


    He didn''t respond, but his frustration was building.


    So he took it out on offense again.


    He called for the ball.


    But wait¡ªwhy the hell was Han Sen guarding him now?!


    That uneasy feeling from the free-throw line?


    Confirmed.


    Han had baited him into thinking they''d keep their defensive matchups normal.


    Now, he was on him.


    LeBron didn''t even hesitate.


    He tossed the ball straight to Kobe and moved to the weak side, standing there with his hands on his hips.


    Nah.


    Not dealing with this.


    He wasn''t about to get into some mind game battle with Han.


    Kobe, meanwhile, had no idea what was going through LeBron''s mind. All he saw was Han switching onto him, which meant¡ªit was time to score.


    LeBron, however, was about to hear it.


    "Kobe really got you working overtime, huh?" Han teased.


    "You''re guarding the toughest guy on defense... and he''s making you create on offense too."


    "Man, I thought y''all were teammates."


    LeBron stayed quiet.


    But his expression said everything.


    Kobe attacked P.J. Tucker, driving into the lane, absorbing contact, and finishing the and-one.


    Staples Center exploded as Kobe pumped his fist in celebration.


    He meant what he said¡ªhe was leaving everything on the court for this title.


    Han just smirked.


    "Man, he makes you guard the toughest guy and puts all the scoring pressure on you," Han said, shaking his head.


    "He''s the real smart one here."


    LeBron''s brow furrowed.


    Kobe sank the free throw.


    14-14.


    Han brought the ball up.


    This time, he called Joki? for a screen.


    But before the big man could even set it¡ªHan was gone.


    A lightning-quick crossover.


    LeBron froze.


    Just for a split second.


    And that was enough.


    By the time he recovered, Han was already in full acceleration mode, driving straight to the rim.


    LeBron sighed¡ªhe wasn''t catching him.


    Joki?, meanwhile, had stopped mid-screen, blocking off Mozgov completely.


    Elite basketball IQ.


    And now?


    Nothing but open air between Han Sen and the rim.


    BOOM!


    A thunderous tomahawk slam.


    The crowd went wild.


    In just a few possessions, Han had put up six straight points on LeBron.


    And this dunk?


    LeBron didn''t even react.


    He had already given up on the play before Han even took off.


    Han didn''t even flex.


    Didn''t even turn to the crowd.


    Instead, he turned his head¡ªright at Kobe, who had been trying to rotate over.


    And grinned.


    "I told you, Kobe!" Han called out.


    "When LeBron ain''t scoring, he stops playing defense!"


    His voice echoed across the arena.


    LeBron froze.


    Wait¡ªwhat?!


    I WAS DEFENDING!


    Han was just too damn fast!


    But before he could even argue¡ªhe saw it.


    The look Kobe was giving him.


    That legendary Kobe Death Stare.


    LeBron gulped.


    He could feel it.


    Kobe wanted to kill him.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 322: This Is a War Between Men.

    Chapter 322: This Is a War Between Men.LeBron averted his gaze from Kobe and turned toward the sidelines, looking straight at Coach Byron Scott.


    Han Sen was playing mind games¡ªwasn''t the coach supposed to step in and do something?


    Scott had no idea that Han Sen and Kobe had crossed paths the night before, so he wasn''t prepared for Kobe''s reaction. But when he saw LeBron''s look, he quickly called a timeout.


    Kobe wasted no time walking up to LeBron. "Stick to your man. This is the Finals."


    "I''m trying," LeBron muttered. "I can''t guard him."


    Kobe''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    This was LeBron''s fourth NBA Finals. How the hell did he still not get it?


    This wasn''t about whether he could or couldn''t stop Han Sen.


    Nobody could stop Han one-on-one.


    But that wasn''t the point.


    You fought anyway.


    You didn''t get this far just to shrug and say, I tried my best.


    Kobe exhaled sharply, trying to contain his frustration. "Then what? You want to switch onto Kyrie?"


    LeBron''s face turned red.


    That wasn''t his job. He was supposed to be guarding P.J. Tucker.


    Before the conversation could escalate, Scott finally stepped in.


    "Delly."


    He turned toward Matthew Dellavedova on the bench.


    The moment Delly stood up, Deron Williams already knew what was coming.


    He didn''t even bother walking over to the huddle. Instead, he went straight to the end of the bench and sat down, not even pretending to listen to the game plan.


    If he could do it all over again, he would have never signed with the Lakers.


    When they recruited him, they promised him the starting job, promised him the ball in his hands.


    But when he arrived?


    They turned him into an off-ball point guard¡ªsomething he was never built for.


    It was like asking a sniper to fight with a sword.


    He never had a chance.


    Against the Warriors, he had already taken most of the blame for their 1-3 hole.


    Now?


    Another game, another round of slander.


    ---


    Once Delly checked in, the Lakers'' defense instantly stabilized.


    He wasn''t an elite, all-around defender.


    But against guards like Curry and Kyrie¡ªguys who relied on finesse and craft¡ªhis relentless, physical defense was a problem.


    Most importantly, his presence meant the Lakers could shift everything back into place.


    Kobe returned to guarding Han Sen.


    LeBron?


    He finally got his favorite defensive assignment¡ªP.J. Tucker.


    Corner duty.


    Nobody loved guarding a spot-up shooter more than LeBron James.


    ---


    With three minutes left in the first quarter, the Cavaliers led 25-23.


    Michael Malone sent Han Sen to the bench for rest.


    Current Lineups:


    Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, J.R. Smith, Mike Dunleavy, Dante Cunningham, Tristan Thompson.


    Lakers: Deron Williams, Jordan Clarkson, Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye, Kevin Love.


    ---


    The Lakers'' first possession after the substitution¡ªDeron Williams ran a pick-and-roll with Kevin Love.


    Williams used his signature hesitation dribble to draw Cunningham into the action before whipping a pass to Frye on the perimeter.


    Three-pointer¡ªcash.


    Say what you want about Deron, but as Jerry Sloan''s disciple, his pick-and-roll execution was still elite.


    His time in Los Angeles had been rough¡ªhell, people were already calling for his retirement.


    But he still had something left in the tank.


    By the end of the first quarter, the score was tied at 30.


    The Cavaliers had momentum, but the Lakers were still riding the high of their 3-1 comeback against the Warriors.


    ---


    As the second quarter began, both teams rotated further.


    The Cavaliers subbed in Mo Williams and Kevin Garnett for Kyrie and Tristan Thompson.


    The Lakers?


    Kevin Love took a breather¡ªLeBron checked back in.


    High IQ version: Scott wanted to use this stretch to build a lead.


    Low IQ version: LeBron was avoiding playing full minutes against Han Sen.


    But to be fair, his upgraded physique meant his endurance had significantly improved.


    ---


    With LeBron back, Deron was once again forced into an off-ball role.


    That part wasn''t surprising.


    What was surprising¡ªwas Cleveland''s first offensive set.


    Mo Williams called for a pick-and-roll...


    ...but it wasn''t with Garnett.


    It was Cunningham.


    Most would assume this was to stretch the floor, but the real reason became clear the moment Williams attacked.


    Because suddenly, he was going straight at LeBron.


    For a split second, LeBron froze.


    His mind flashed back to the past.


    Mo Williams¡ªhis old backcourt partner.


    One of the few guys in Cleveland 1.0 that actually fit next to him.


    But before LeBron could react, Mo was already gone¡ªblowing past him for a bank shot floater.


    Even Channing Frye, who had rotated late, looked surprised.


    It wasn''t just that LeBron got beat.


    It was how decisively Mo went at him.


    ---


    As Mo celebrated, LeBron turned, frustration flashing across his face.


    Han Sen had talked trash to him all game, but that was whatever.


    Mo Williams?


    That pissed him off.


    After all, the only reason Mo ever made an All-Star team was because of him.


    And now this guy was trying to stunt on him?


    LeBron signaled for the ball and motioned for Deron to set a screen.


    A point guard setting a screen for a small forward¡ªit was unnatural.


    Even Deron hesitated for a second before finally moving into position.


    Once he got the switch onto Mo, LeBron immediately backed him down.


    This time, he wasn''t messing around.


    Mo was giving up too much size.


    LeBron drove him straight into the mid-post.


    And just as he powered up for a finish¡ª


    Mo bailed.


    He pulled the chair.


    LeBron stumbled but managed to recover, using his absurd balance to get the shot off.


    It might have worked¡ª


    If Cunningham wasn''t already in the air.


    BANG!


    The chase-down block smashed the ball off the glass.


    Truth was, Cunningham had been lurking the entire time.


    LeBron had tunnel vision.


    He was so focused on ''getting Mo back'' that he didn''t see the help defense rotating behind him.


    Han Sen grinned from the bench, shaking his head.


    "You''d think after all these years, he''d see that coming."


    ---


    LeBron threw up his hands, looking at the ref, signaling that Mo Williams had grabbed him on that last play.


    But the ref didn''t care.


    And by the time LeBron turned his head back to the court, Williams was already finishing an uncontested fastbreak layup off a full-court dime from Cunningham.


    34-30.


    Scott had subbed LeBron back in to stabilize the game.


    Instead, the Lakers fell further behind.


    LeBron was pissed.


    He grabbed the ball, put his head down, and bulldozed straight to the rim¡ªplowing through Cunningham before throwing down a vicious dunk and drawing the foul.


    As he landed, he turned to the camera, smacked his chest, lifted his leg, and slammed both hands down, delivering his signature ''The Silencer'' celebration.


    The crowd erupted.


    This was the LeBron they wanted.


    The Chosen One.


    The King.


    LeBron stepped to the free-throw line, exhaling deeply.


    Man, shoutout to Rich Paul.


    But just as he prepared to shoot, the ref''s whistle blew.


    A substitution.


    LeBron turned his head slightly.


    Then turned back.


    Then turned back again¡ªthis time with a full-blown look of disbelief.


    Han Sen was checking back in.


    Replacing Dunleavy.


    Of course, he wasn''t just going to sit back and watch the old Cavaliers fight alone.


    After all, the teammates LeBron had just disrespected?


    That included him too.


    ---


    "This is poetic!"


    Shaq nearly jumped out of his seat in the TNT booth.


    Four former Cavaliers were now on the floor.


    And the craziest part?


    Three of them were still wearing Cavs jerseys.


    The NBA Finals had turned into a Cleveland alumni civil war.


    Nobody could''ve predicted this.


    Han Sen didn''t force an iso immediately.


    Instead, he played decoy, spacing out on the weak side, keeping the defense occupied.


    This wasn''t Malone''s original game plan¡ªHan had checked himself back in.


    But it was working.


    Williams drove, kicked to Han, who attacked the closeout, forced LeBron''s help, and swung it to Cunningham in the corner.


    Splash.


    Perfect chemistry.


    Vintage Cleveland connection.


    Cunningham, fired up, turned straight to LeBron and yelled¡ª


    "We made the Finals every year WITHOUT YOU!"


    It was trash talk.


    But also?


    It was facts.


    LeBron''s face twisted.


    Williams? At least he had been an All-Star once.


    But Cunningham?!


    A former benchwarmer?


    Now he was talking?


    LeBron clenched his jaw.


    And when the Lakers pushed the ball up the court, and Han Sen switched onto him, his instincts kicked in.


    He called for a screen.


    But the problem?


    The Lakers had nobody to screen Han.


    Neither Channing Frye nor Richard Jefferson could hold the pick long enough.


    Kobe, watching from the bench, was fuming.


    "He''s a forward! Post him up! Use your damn strength!"


    But this was the difference between them.


    Kobe''s post-game had been elite since his early years.


    LeBron''s?


    It had improved¡ªbut using it against Han?


    That was like asking him to guard Han.


    It just wasn''t happening.


    When the screen failed, LeBron bailed, passing to Deron Williams.


    Finally, Deron got to be a point guard again.


    He ran a pick-and-pop with Frye, got a clean mid-range jumper¡ª


    Clank.


    Too much time on the bench.


    Timing was off.


    The ball bounced off the rim, straight into Kevin Garnett''s hands.


    Cavs ran the break.


    Han and Williams, one left, one right, flying down the court.


    LeBron sprinted back, locking in on Williams.


    A chase-down block was coming.


    Williams knew it.


    He had played with LeBron for years.


    So instead of forcing a layup, he waited.


    Last second¡ªkick-out pass to the right.


    Straight to Han Sen.


    Han gathered, took three steps, and took off.


    LeBron turned¡ª


    Saw Han elevating¡ª


    And for a split second, he had a choice.


    Meet him at the rim? Or get out of the way?


    And LeBron James¡ª


    Chose to get out of the way.


    ---


    BOOM!


    A violent tomahawk slam.


    Kobe, sitting courtside, clenched his fist.


    He was fuming.


    This Lakers squad¡ªthe way it was built, the way they played¡ª


    It reminded him too much of the Shaq-Kobe era.


    The problem?


    Back then, he was the one doing the heavy lifting.


    If he had ever backed down the way LeBron just did¡ª


    The Lakers wouldn''t have won a single damn ring.


    Not one.


    Back in 2000, Game 7 against the Blazers¡ª


    It was Kobe, not Shaq, who took over.


    It was Kobe who carried them to the Finals.


    And if the Lakers were going to win this one?


    They needed someone who wouldn''t back down.


    Kobe shot up from the bench. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Signaled to Scott.


    Marched to the scorer''s table.


    He was checking back in.


    His presence alone changed the momentum.


    He wasn''t the same guy from 2009.


    But in big moments?


    He still demanded attention.


    On defense, he took Curry out of games in the last series.


    On offense, he wasn''t afraid to take the biggest shots.


    But the disrupted rotations came at a cost.


    Kobe''s legs weren''t the same.


    And when the Cavs went small, forcing a track meet¡ª


    The Lakers struggled.


    This was why they fell into a 1-3 hole against Golden State in the first place.


    If Kobe were even two years younger, they wouldn''t have been in this situation.


    ---


    End of the third quarter.


    Cavs 82, Lakers 71.


    The lead wasn''t insurmountable.


    But as the fourth quarter started, one thing became clear¡ª


    The Cavs were in complete control.


    Game 1 wasn''t over yet.


    But the outcome was already set in stone.


    On social media, the blame game was in full swing.


    LeBron fans were in shambles:


    "Love took six shots and has 11 points. THIS guy is on a max contract?"


    "Deron Williams: 8 points, 3 assists... worse than Dellavedova. Why did we even sign him?"


    "The Lakers LOOK stacked, but in reality? They''re miles behind the Cavs."


    "Byron Scott can''t even call a proper timeout. This man is clueless."


    "Where are the refs?! The Lakers attacked the rim all game and only got six more free throws?"


    Excuses flooded the timeline.


    But the reality?


    Game 1 belonged to Cleveland.


    ---


    In the end, the Cavaliers secured a 104-91 road victory over the Lakers, taking Game 1 of the NBA Finals.


    Final Stats:


    Cavaliers:


    - Han Sen: 29 PTS, 7 REB, 11 AST


    - Kyrie Irving: 21 PTS, 6 AST


    - Nikola Joki?: 10 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST


    - Mo Williams: 9 PTS, 3 AST


    - Dante Cunningham: 6 PTS, 2 REB, 1 BLK


    - Delonte West: 2 PTS


    Lakers:


    - Kobe Bryant: 28 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST


    - LeBron James: 23 PTS, 12 REB, 9 AST


    - Kevin Love: 14 PTS, 10 REB


    - Channing Frye: 10 PTS


    ---


    Postgame Press Conference:


    The tension in the room was suffocating.


    Kobe Bryant and LeBron James sat side by side at the podium.


    Kobe leaned forward, elbows on the table, his expression locked in stone-cold frustration.


    LeBron sat back, arms crossed, eyes focused downward.


    It didn''t take long for the first question.


    Reporter: "Kobe, what do you think was the biggest issue tonight?"


    Kobe didn''t blink.


    Kobe: "We got outplayed. Simple."


    No excuses. No sugarcoating.


    Reporter: "Do you think this was just a slow start, or a bigger problem?"


    Kobe exhaled sharply, then turned¡ªright at LeBron.


    Kobe: "LeBron needs to understand¡ªthis is a war between men."


    LeBron''s body tensed.


    Kobe wasn''t done.


    Kobe: "Regular season? Fine. First few rounds? Fine. But this? The NBA Finals? You show up, or you go home. That''s it."


    The silence was deafening.


    Reporter: "LeBron, how would you respond to that?"


    LeBron''s face remained neutral. His voice steady.


    LeBron: "I showed up."


    A short pause.


    Reporter: "But the result¡ª"


    LeBron (cutting him off): "I showed up."


    Kobe tilted his head slightly. That subtle, silent challenge.


    "Did you?"


    He didn''t say it. But the way he looked at LeBron said everything.


    LeBron looked ready to fire back¡ªbut he didn''t.


    Because he couldn''t.


    Kobe still ran this team.


    He wasn''t just the Lakers'' leader¡ªhe was the Lakers.


    And LeBron knew it.


    Even after Kobe retired, his influence wouldn''t just disappear overnight.


    Right now? His word was law.


    And the truth was¡ªKobe had tried.


    He had spent two years alongside LeBron.


    Tried mentoring him.


    Tried treating him like a younger brother.


    Hell, this season, he even softened¡ªtried to be a guiding voice instead of the ruthless competitor he''d always been.


    And yet?


    LeBron was still like this.


    Still passive.


    Still uncertain.


    Still needing to be pushed.


    Kobe wasn''t mad.


    He was disappointed.


    He wanted LeBron to succeed.


    To rise up.


    To be the killer that championships demanded.


    And if this was the only way to wake him up?


    Then so be it.


    Because if LeBron couldn''t handle this¡ªif he couldn''t take criticism from a five-time champion¡ª


    Then he would never, ever win a title.


    This?


    This was the lesson of a lifetime.


    ---


    Over on Inside the NBA, the TNT crew wasted no time breaking it down.


    The big screen played back the press conference bombshell¡ªKobe''s words hanging in the air.


    "LeBron needs to understand¡ªthis is a war between men."


    Shaquille O''Neal sighed first.


    "I know exactly what that was, Ernie. Kobe is testing LeBron. He''s saying, ''Are you built for this?'' Because, let''s be honest, LeBron wasn''t aggressive enough. He had 23, 12, and 9, but it wasn''t an impactful 23. Meanwhile, Han was dictating the game. That''s the difference."


    The highlight reel rolled¡ªHan Sen pulling LeBron into a switch, breaking him down, and hitting a cold-blooded mid-range jumper.


    Charles Barkley shook his head.


    "Man, I gotta say it¡ªKobe''s right. If LeBron plays like this for the whole series, the Lakers are cooked. He''s out here calling for switches, dumping the ball off, and letting Han Sen dictate everything. This is the NBA Finals! You either take the fight to your opponent, or you get exposed. And tonight? Han exposed him."


    The next clip played¡ªHan Sen throwing down a ferocious dunk while yelling toward Kobe:


    "I told you¡ªwhen LeBron ain''t scoring, he ain''t playing defense!"


    The studio erupted.


    Kenny Smith laughed.


    "That''s the thing about Han¡ªhe''ll let you know he''s busting your ass, too! But this is where LeBron can respond. Game 2 is gonna tell us everything. Either he comes out aggressive and meets the moment... or this series might be over before it even starts."


    Ernie Johnson brought up the key question.


    "So what now? What''s the biggest adjustment the Lakers need to make for Game 2?"


    Shaq: "LeBron has to take ownership. Stop being passive. Attack. If he don''t show up next game, it''s gonna get ugly."


    Kenny: "They need more from their supporting cast. Kevin Love only got six shots? That''s crazy. They gotta get him involved."


    Chuck: "And somebody needs to tell Deron Williams he''s allowed to play basketball. He out there running cardio!"


    (The studio cracked up.)


    Ernie leaned forward for one final question.


    "Alright, let''s say LeBron doesn''t respond. Let''s say Game 2 looks exactly like this. What happens then?"


    The panel exchanged looks before Shaq answered first.


    "If LeBron don''t respond? It''s a wrap. Series over. Han Sen ain''t the guy you let build momentum. You let him get comfortable? It''s over."


    Chuck nodded.


    "LeBron gotta take this personal. Because Han Sen already did. You saw him tonight¡ªhe wanted this. He played like a guy who''s trying to end you. The Lakers better come ready next game, or they ain''t coming back at all."


    Ernie took a breath, looking straight into the camera.


    "Can LeBron answer Kobe''s challenge? Or will Han Sen push Cleveland one step closer to a championship?"


    Because one thing was certain¡ª


    Because if tonight proved anything¡ª


    This wasn''t a series anymore.


    This was a fight for survival.

 Chapter 323: Welcome Home?.

    Chapter 323: Welcome Home?.The Cavaliers had not only won Game 1 on the road, but they did it with ease¡ªsomething no one saw coming.


    Historically, teams that survived the Western Conference were usually a lock to win the title. The last time an Eastern Conference team won it all? The 2008 Celtics.


    And now, Cleveland had stolen a game in Los Angeles, putting the Lakers on the edge of a cliff.


    Because if the Lakers dropped Game 2, heading to Cleveland down 0-2? They might not win a single game in enemy territory.


    That made Game 2 an absolute must-win.


    Even Byron Scott knew this was no time to play favorites.


    Deron Williams was out of the starting lineup.


    Matthew Dellavedova was in.


    The adjustment paid off immediately.


    With Delly starting, the Lakers'' defensive issues in the backcourt disappeared. And with Deron leading the second unit, their bench depth improved.


    More importantly?


    Kobe was forced to pick his poison defensively, just like Han Sen.


    LeBron''s defense was more reputation than reality, but even with Kyrie''s defensive improvements, he wasn''t ready to contain Kobe.


    And there was another shift in Game 2¡ªofficiating.


    The whistles were tighter than in Game 1, which favored offensive teams.


    The Lakers had a top-three offense this season.


    After two years in charge, Adam Silver finally seemed to figure out how to balance a Finals series.


    The result?


    Lakers 116, Cavaliers 108.


    Series tied 1-1.


    This was exactly what the league and neutral fans wanted.


    A one-sided Finals wouldn''t satisfy anyone.


    Nike vs. Under Armour.


    Kobe''s Last Dance vs. Han Sen''s takeover.


    This series had to be competitive.


    Still, for the Cavs, the silver lining was clear¡ªGame 1''s road win had stolen home-court advantage.


    Win the next two games in Cleveland?


    A 3-1 lead would put them within striking distance of the championship.


    These next two games would be everything.


    ---


    Back home, Han Sen wasted no time.


    As always, he appeared on Face to Face with Han Sen, his signature radio show¡ªpart basketball talk, part rallying cry.


    It wasn''t just about hyping up fans.


    It was about making sure Cleveland was ready.


    A caller asked a sharp question:


    "Are the refs deciding the outcome of the Finals?"


    A veteran fan, no doubt.


    Because the truth was simple¡ªtight officiating favored the Lakers, looser whistles favored the Cavs.


    Han Sen, as always, was direct:


    "No. The players decide the series."


    Game 2''s officiating shift played a role, sure.


    But at the end of the day, the Lakers won because they played better.


    LeBron, after getting publicly called out by Kobe, played disciplined.


    Kevin Love and Deron Williams actually showed up.


    No matter what LeBron''s fans claimed after a loss, the reality was simple¡ªtheir offense was elite, second only to Miami.


    Even with controversial calls, if they weren''t good enough, they wouldn''t have made it past the Warriors.


    But could they sustain it?


    That was the real question.


    "That''s where you guys come in," Han added, his voice carrying weight. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    LeBron James, returning to Cleveland for the Finals?


    There was only one way to welcome him back.


    ---


    By tip-off, Quicken Loans Arena was an absolute madhouse.


    A full season of Han Sen''s radio show had turned it into the loudest arena in the league.


    And when Han Sen called for energy?


    Cleveland answered.


    Fans who couldn''t get tickets? They flooded the outside plazas, watching on massive LED screens.


    The scene was so chaotic that Cleveland PD had to dispatch extra units to keep order.


    And when the Lakers entered the arena¡ª


    LeBron James looked up.


    His scalp tingled.


    Everywhere he turned¡ªsigns, banners, insults.


    "F*CK LBJ."


    "TRAITOR."


    "WHO''S YOUR DADDY?"


    "THE NOMAD CHIEF."


    It wasn''t just that Cleveland hated him.


    It was that he had hurt them. Again.


    His recent comments had burned the last bridge he had left.


    Even without Han Sen''s encouragement, Cleveland wasn''t about to let him off easy.


    By the time the starting lineups were introduced¡ª


    LeBron experienced the loudest boos of his entire life.


    Not just from inside the arena.


    From outside, too.


    Over 20,000 voices.


    A hurricane of pure hostility.


    Kobe had played in hostile environments his whole career.


    But even he had never seen anything like this.


    LeBron?


    Right now, he was the most hated man in Cleveland.


    And he knew exactly why.


    It was because of Han Sen.


    Because Han had come back.


    Because Han had taken his city.


    If not for Han Sen, LeBron could''ve returned as a hero.


    Instead, he was public enemy number one.


    His jaw clenched.


    He hated Han.


    But all he could do¡ªwas take the floor.


    ---


    Cavs head coach Michael Malone made his move.


    Five-out small ball.


    That meant one thing¡ªHan Sen was guarding LeBron.


    And despite all of LeBron''s enhancements, with Han Sen hounding him, with Cleveland''s full-force boos behind every possession...


    LeBron had his worst playoff game of the year.


    15 shots. 4 makes.


    Just 13 points.


    Kobe was right.


    The Finals weren''t just about talent.


    They were about mental strength.


    And when the pressure hit?


    LeBron folded.


    This wasn''t new.


    It was the same story in 2011.


    The same story in 2012.


    When the moment demanded a killer¡ª


    LeBron disappeared.


    Skip Bayless had been saying it for years.


    "LeBron James has too many ''meltdown moments'' to ever be the GOAT."


    And now?


    He had just added another one.


    ---


    Cavaliers 112, Lakers 100.


    Cleveland takes a 2-1 lead in the Finals.


    But the story wasn''t just the loss.


    It was what happened after.


    Because just minutes after the game¡ª


    A Lakers beat reporter dropped a bombshell:


    "LeBron''s injury is worse than we thought. He''s been playing hurt but refuses to talk about it."


    LeBron''s injuries might be late.


    But they never miss a Finals.


    When the news broke, Han Sen couldn''t stop laughing.


    At this point, it was a tradition.


    The man never failed to pull out the same old script.


    But Kobe?


    Kobe wasn''t laughing.


    He was furious.


    Because now he realized¡ªhis words after Game 1 had been wasted.


    He had tried to push LeBron.


    To inspire him.


    To make him fight.


    Instead?


    This.


    Excuses.


    Blame-shifting.


    Weakness.


    And the worst part?


    LeBron wasn''t injured.


    Kobe knew that.


    And even if he was?


    So what?


    This was the NBA Finals.


    If you could walk, you could play.


    If you could play, you had no excuses.


    Kobe clenched his fists.


    This?


    This was disgusting.


    Hours before Game 4, Kobe Bryant pulled LeBron James aside.


    "If you''re too hurt to play, then sit your ass down in a suit and watch Han Sen win a championship over your head. Let yourself become the biggest joke in the league."


    There was no sympathy in his tone.


    Kobe had made his stance clear¡ªhe''d rather take on the Cavaliers alone than drag dead weight.


    ---


    Quicken Loans Arena was once again packed to the brim.


    And just like Game 3, the signs welcoming LeBron back were anything but friendly.


    Pregame, Michael Malone addressed his team.


    The message?


    Expect a tightly officiated game.


    The league wanted a 2-2 series, which meant the whistle would favor that outcome.


    Defense had to be disciplined.


    Starting Lineups:


    Lakers: Matthew Dellavedova, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Channing Frye, Kevin Love


    Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, J.R. Smith, Han Sen, P.J. Tucker, Nikola Joki?


    Three games in, and both teams had already made major adjustments.


    No more surprises. No more experimentation.


    Now?


    It was all on the players.


    ---


    From the opening tip, Kobe''s aggression was off the charts.


    14 first-quarter points. Vintage Mamba.


    And for the first time, Han Sen truly saw what a 38-year-old Kobe without an Achilles tear looked like.


    But the problem?


    Han Sen responded with 18 of his own.


    And by the second quarter, he had switched onto Kobe defensively.


    Kobe tried using screens to shake him, but it didn''t work.


    Han Sen''s size and athleticism made every shot a battle.


    Even a prime Kobe would''ve struggled in a straight-up duel against this Han Sen.


    With Bryant slowed down, the Lakers turned to LeBron.


    He drove into the lane, met a double team, and bricked a contested shot¡ª


    Whistle.


    Late foul call.


    Right.


    This wasn''t just about a tight whistle.


    It was about LeBron''s whistle.


    The infamous Nike Whistle.


    A term everyone in the league knew but never said out loud¡ªcalls that forced defenders to back off, lowering his difficulty level.


    A subtle, yet game-altering advantage.


    And tonight, it was in full effect.


    Because the league didn''t just want a 2-2 series.


    They needed LeBron to bounce back.


    And as the game wore on, LeBron felt it.


    The calls kept coming.


    His confidence grew.


    By the end of the third quarter¡ª


    Lakers 85, Cavaliers 85.


    The free throw disparity?


    30 to 16.


    Lakers had taken nearly twice as many.


    Social media erupted.


    The same people who had criticized the refs in the Western Conference Finals were now calling out the NBA again.


    Because just like how the Lakers needed Curry ejected to win Game 6¡ª


    They needed this whistle to survive Cleveland.


    Adam Silver wasn''t as blatant a Nike loyalist as David Stern.


    But he wanted a seven-game series.


    Because that?


    That meant money.


    ---


    With 7 minutes left, the score was deadlocked at 95-95.


    Both teams had their stars back on the floor.


    Han Sen wasted no time.


    He attacked the lane, absorbed contact from Love and Kobe, and still finished the and-1 layup.


    Cold. Ruthless. Efficient.


    With his free throw, Cleveland took a 98-95 lead.


    LeBron tried to answer, bulldozing his way past P.J. Tucker.


    Tucker held his ground, absorbed the contact¡ª


    No whistle.


    LeBron, caught off guard, still forced the shot up.


    And as the ball floated toward the rim¡ª


    A shadow loomed behind him.


    Han Sen.


    BANG!


    A volleyball-style chase-down block sent the ball flying out of bounds.


    The whistle blew¡ªout of bounds, Lakers ball.


    LeBron turned, wide-eyed, his heart skipping a beat.


    He immediately threw his hands up at the ref.


    Where was his usual call?


    The same call he had been getting all game?


    Nothing.


    Some whistles were league orders.


    But not all of them.


    Han Sen was Adam Silver''s Jordan.


    And nobody got those calls against him.


    Seeing LeBron''s reaction, Han Sen¡ªalready pissed off from the way this game had been officiated¡ªfinally snapped.


    "GO HOME, LEBOZO!"


    Right in LeBron''s face.


    Chasing foul calls like a kid begging for his mommy?


    Disgusting.


    If he still needed to be coddled like this in the Finals?


    He should just go home and drink his milk.


    LeBron was livid.


    But just like with Kobe¡ªhe didn''t say a word back.


    Because deep down, he knew.


    He didn''t want to risk it.


    Ever since that on-court punch from James Johnson in the 2012 Finals, he had developed a permanent ''once bitten, twice shy'' mentality.


    And even though Johnson was long gone from Cleveland¡ª


    Han Sen?


    He was even more unpredictable.


    And if Han didn''t do something?


    JR Smith definitely would.


    Han Sen''s block sent Cleveland''s momentum into overdrive.


    The crowd erupted.


    When the big screen replayed the rejection, the noise hit earthquake levels.


    But the arena wasn''t the only place exploding.


    Because on social media, a single comment was going viral.


    A post from an account named ''KBfans'' had just hit trending status:


    "Han Sen is recruiting LeBron."


    And suddenly, the narrative took on a life of its own.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 324: Mamba Out?.

    Chapter 324: Mamba Out?.Strictly speaking, LeBron James was born in Akron¡ªnot Cleveland.


    So when Han Sen told him to ''go home'', it technically had nothing to do with Cleveland.


    But from a basketball perspective? The Cavaliers were the birthplace of his career.


    In that sense, the comment hit just right¡ªone of those lines that made you think, Damn, that''s cold.


    LeBron, however, wasn''t laughing.


    After getting tag-teamed by Han Sen and Kobe, the frustration¡ªand maybe the side effects of whatever he took pregame¡ªfinally boiled over.


    He made a decision.


    He was guarding Han Sen.


    It didn''t matter if it was a good idea or not¡ªhe had to prove something.


    The moment the crowd realized what was happening, the entire arena started buzzing.


    This was the matchup they had been waiting for.


    No moment in the Finals had generated this much anticipation¡ªuntil now.


    Han Sen stood at the right wing, ball in one hand, signaling an iso.


    The crowd rose to their feet, anticipation building.


    Then¡ªhe attacked.


    A hard right-to-left crossover, an explosive first step.


    LeBron, fueled by anger, tried to match his speed.


    Bad decision.


    Han slammed on the brakes, yanking the ball back into a step-back jumper.


    LeBron''s footwork couldn''t keep up¡ªhis legs tangled¡ª


    and he hit the floor.


    The crowd erupted.


    Laughter, cheers, pure chaos.


    But Han wasn''t done.


    Instead of immediately shooting, he stood there¡ªwaiting.


    He let LeBron get back up.


    Only then did he rise up for the jumper.


    It was a moment that felt too familiar to Cleveland fans.


    Years ago, when Han returned to Cleveland as a Grizzlies player, he had done the exact same thing to Boobie Gibson.


    Now?


    It was LeBron himself on the receiving end.


    And LeBron snapped.


    Blinded by rage, he lunged at Han mid-shot, swiping hard at his arm.


    The contact was loud, unmistakable. The whistle blew.


    And then¡ª


    Swish.


    A four-point play.


    The laughter turned into deafening cheers.


    Han Sen cupped his hand to his ear, egging the crowd on.


    The arena exploded.


    Kobe stood there, watching it all unfold, his expression dark.


    And in that moment, he realized¡ª


    All the things he had tried before? The mentoring, the tough love, the challenges¡ª


    None of it mattered.


    Because even if LeBron wanted to be tougher, even if he tried to be the guy¡ª


    He still wasn''t built to change a series.


    LeBron James was a player who needed a championship-ready team without him to win a title.


    Kobe wasn''t giving up.


    But the second that four-point play went in, he knew¡ªthis game was over.


    Not even the refs could save them now.


    Final Score: Cavaliers 118, Lakers 108.


    Despite a 20-38 free throw disparity, Cleveland still took the win.


    Han had said it before¡ªthe refs didn''t decide games.


    The players did.


    And with that, the Cavs took a 3-1 series lead.


    They were one win away.


    One win from history.


    One win from Cleveland''s first-ever NBA championship.


    ---


    Game 5 was set to return to Los Angeles.


    With Cleveland at match point, the discussions exploded.


    Inside the NBA on TNT wasted no time breaking it down.


    Shaquille O''Neal was blunt.


    "No team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-1 deficit in the Finals."


    "And the Lakers aren''t gonna be the first."


    Barkley, as usual, pushed back.


    "But Shaq, this Lakers team already came back from 3-1 in the Western Conference Finals."


    Shaq smirked.


    "That was different. The Warriors had injuries, suspensions. The Cavs? They ain''t got that problem."


    Kenny Smith, the voice of reason, kept it simple.


    "Cleveland has all the momentum now. They just need one more game. If they win in Game 5, it''s over. But if the Lakers steal one, then Game 6 becomes a war."


    The predictions started flying.


    The most popular pick?


    Cavs in 6.


    Winning at home, in front of Cleveland fans, felt like the perfect ending.


    But the Cavs themselves?


    They weren''t thinking about a Game 6.


    Because if they lost Game 5, then Game 6 would turn into desperation mode.


    And if it somehow went to Game 7?


    Winning another one in L.A. wouldn''t be easy.


    There was only one goal¡ª


    Finish it in five.


    ---


    The night before Game 5, the Lakers held an open practice at Staples Center.


    Kobe participated in the early drills, but when the team ran full-court scrimmages¡ª


    He sat.


    Journalists took notice.


    LeBron''s injuries? Questionable at best.


    Kobe''s? Real.


    His elbow, his knee¡ªboth battered throughout the playoffs.


    A 38-year-old body didn''t recover like it used to.


    Reporters asked if he was healthy enough to play.


    His answer?


    "I''m fine. I''ll be on the court. Like I said before¡ªunless they carry me off, nothing''s stopping me."


    Whatever people thought about Kobe¡ªhis skill, his personality, his legacy¡ª


    One thing was undeniable.


    His mentality was built different.


    And when asked about the 3-1 deficit?


    He didn''t hesitate.


    "We''ve done it once. We can do it again."


    Because if LeBron wouldn''t be the leader¡ª


    Kobe would do it himself.


    ---


    Staples Center was packed.


    Not with hope¡ª


    But with anxiety.


    Lakers fans weren''t celebrating. They were bracing themselves.


    Because if the Cavs won tonight?


    Los Angeles would have to sit and watch¡ªhelpless¡ª


    As Cleveland made history.


    As Han Sen lifted that trophy.


    Cameras panned to Kobe during warmups.


    He took a few light shots, then sat on the bench, staring ahead, lost in thought.


    His eyes were still sharp, still focused.


    But there was something else there.


    A weight.


    The weight of reality.


    He had gotten the storybook ending in sight¡ªone last shot at the top.


    But now?


    Now he might be staring at the same fate as his idol, Michael Jordan. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Watching the fairytale slip away.


    For Kobe Bryant¡ª


    Game 5 wasn''t just another elimination game.


    It was the fight for his final Chapter.


    ---


    After the pregame ceremonies, both teams'' starting lineups were announced¡ªno changes from the last game.


    But once the game tipped off, Kobe Bryant made a change of his own.


    Unlike Game 4, he didn''t come out firing.


    Instead, he played a more reserved role, working off the ball, keeping the defense occupied.


    Even on defense, he didn''t guard Han Sen¡ªhe left that job to Matthew Dellavedova.


    It was clear.


    He was saving his energy for the second half¡ªbecause that''s when games are decided.


    The good news for the Lakers?


    LeBron James looked much better at home.


    And the supporting cast stepped up as well.


    By the end of the first quarter, the game was tied 29-29.


    ---


    The Cavaliers opened the second quarter with an 8-0 run, forcing Byron Scott to call an early timeout.


    The ones leading the charge?


    Mo Williams and Dante Cunningham.


    The old Cavaliers.


    One win away from a championship, their hunger had never been stronger.


    But the Lakers kept hanging around.


    Because Kevin Love¡ªquiet throughout most of the series¡ªfinally showed up.


    He hit four threes in the first half, keeping the Lakers within striking distance.


    By halftime, it was 58-55, Cavaliers leading.


    The game was still up for grabs.


    From a first-half perspective, this was the best the Lakers had looked all Finals¡ªaside from Kobe, everyone was playing well.


    And for the first time, the anxiety on Lakers fans'' faces turned into real energy.


    As the third quarter began, they erupted into a classic Staples Center chant¡ª


    "LET''S GO LAKERS!"


    But that noise?


    It didn''t last.


    Because Han Sen shut it down.


    ---


    Up until now, Han had been solid in the Finals¡ªbut not spectacular.


    Through four games, he averaged 29 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 9 assists¡ªa step down from his monstrous Eastern Conference Finals.


    Part of it was the defensive effort he was putting in.


    Part of it was the Lakers not forcing him to push beyond second gear.


    But tonight?


    The Lakers were playing their best basketball.


    So Han adjusted.


    Because if he let them stay in this, if they carried this momentum into the fourth¡ª


    They just might pull off a miracle.


    Dellavedova tried his best.


    It wasn''t enough.


    The Lakers threw double teams.


    Still not enough.


    Han Sen exploded for 10 straight points, stretching the lead to double digits and forcing another Lakers timeout.


    Staples Center fell silent.


    The pressure Han Sen created was more suffocating than even peak Jordan.


    During the timeout, the cameras zoomed in on Kobe.


    His statline flashed across the big screen.


    So far, he had just 8 points.


    And at the Lakers'' most desperate moment¡ª


    Kobe Bryant hadn''t stepped up.


    That''s when the TNT broadcast crew realized something.


    Kobe wasn''t saving his energy for the second half.


    His body simply wasn''t letting him play like himself.


    He was playing through injury.


    But then¡ª


    As if he had sensed the weight of the moment, the criticism, the urgency¡ª


    Kobe activated Mamba Mode.


    ---


    First possession out of the timeout¡ª


    Kobe hit a turnaround fadeaway over Han.


    Then, after missing a three, he sprinted into the paint, grabbed his own rebound, pulled up¡ªmidrange, good.


    20 years in the NBA had crafted his footwork, his touch, his ability to get buckets no matter what condition his body was in.


    Then came a strong and-1 drive through contact.


    In just two and a half minutes, he put up 8 quick points.


    The look in his eyes?


    Cold. Focused.


    And for a brief moment¡ª


    Lakers fans saw their King again.


    The Black Mamba.


    But even with Kobe''s burst, the Lakers still couldn''t close the gap.


    Because Han Sen was still going.


    When Han faked out Dellavedova, drove the lane, and dunked over Channing Frye, the Lakers'' spirit cracked.


    Even LeBron James¡ªwatching from the perimeter¡ªlooked lost.


    They had successfully forced out the best version of Han Sen.


    But that version of him?


    Couldn''t be beaten.


    ---


    Kevin Love set a hard screen, clearing space for LeBron.


    Wide open.


    This was the moment¡ªLeBron had the shot.


    But he didn''t take it.


    He passed.


    To Kobe.


    Kobe had no time to question it.


    He attacked.


    The Cavaliers were stretched out, guarding against the three¡ªso he took the lane.


    A hard drive.


    A collision in mid-air with Nikola Joki?.


    A floater¡ª


    Clang.


    The ball bounced off the rim.


    The whistle blew¡ªJoki? foul.


    But Kobe?


    He didn''t get up.


    For the first time all game, the crowd wasn''t chanting.


    They were silent.


    ---


    The replay told the story.


    Kobe had spent his career mastering how to land safely¡ªhe had to.


    With all the cheap shots from defenders like Bruce Bowen, he had learned.


    But this time?


    His body had nothing left to give.


    On the landing, his ankle twisted at a brutal angle.


    It was bad.


    TNT''s analysts knew immediately.


    The crowd knew.


    And deep down¡ªKobe knew too.


    Weeks of exhaustion.


    A grueling war against the Warriors¡ª


    This?


    This was all he had left.


    The Lakers'' staff rushed to help him.


    Kobe let them pull him up¡ªbut not off the court.


    The fans clutched their heads, devastated.


    Because they all knew¡ª


    If Kobe was done, so was their season.


    By rule, the Lakers could sub in a shooter for the free throws.


    Byron Scott turned to pick someone¡ª


    But Kobe never gave him the chance.


    He shook his head.


    Then, step by step, with pain in every movement¡ª


    He limped to the free-throw line.


    No emotion.


    No hesitation.


    Because this was who he was.


    ---


    The ball landed in his hands.


    He took a deep breath.


    Bent his knees.


    And as if the pain didn''t exist¡ª


    Swish.


    First free throw: Good.


    The crowd erupted.


    "KOBE! KOBE! KOBE!"


    It wasn''t just a chant.


    It was a plea.


    A tribute.


    A farewell.


    Kobe exhaled.


    Bent his knees again¡ª


    Swish.


    Second free throw: Good.


    He had done what he always did¡ªfinished the job.


    And then¡ªhe turned.


    A wave to the crowd.


    A slight nod.


    A small, knowing smile.


    Then, he walked away.


    One last time.


    No limping.


    No weakness.


    Just a legend disappearing into the tunnel.


    Just like that¡ª


    Mamba Out.

 Chapter 325: Cleveland, This Is For You!

    Chapter 325: Cleveland, This Is For You!?Kobe was gone. And with him, the Lakers'' hopes seemed to vanish.


    But what no one expected¡ªwas for LeBron to finally step up.


    He attacked relentlessly, driving, pulling up for jumpers¡ªhell, he even hit mid-range shots. For the rest of the third quarter, he carried the Lakers, keeping them within striking distance.


    Kobe''s words over the past two years had meant nothing to him.


    But Kobe''s exit?


    That hit different.


    Kobe had left the court the only way he knew how¡ªwith a moment that sent chills down spines.


    That energy, that adrenaline, had given the Lakers one last push.


    But when the fourth quarter arrived¡ªthat surge faded like a receding tide.


    If this were a fairytale, Kobe would''ve returned from the tunnel, just like Yao Ming once did, giving the Lakers one final miracle.


    But this wasn''t a fairytale.


    Kobe didn''t come back.


    And Han Sen?


    He turned his defensive intensity to the max.


    LeBron, after failing on multiple drives, slowly lost his fire.


    Some players can stay locked in for a whole game.


    Others?


    They have their moment¡ªand then it''s gone.


    The Cavaliers pulled away, and the exodus of Lakers fans from Staples Center began.


    On the Cavs'' bench, no one could sit still anymore.


    They were on their feet, their excitement barely contained.


    But the most striking sight?


    Kevin Garnett.


    Pounding his chest. Eyes filled with tears.


    For him, ''going home'' had been the safe choice. Last summer, the Timberwolves had even offered him a two-year, $16 million contract.


    But he had chosen Cleveland¡ªon a veteran minimum deal.


    And now?


    That sacrifice had paid off.


    Even as his role diminished over the season, this was still his championship.


    Kobe, like Jordan, would not get his storybook ending.


    But KG?


    KG would.


    Dunleavy, meanwhile, wore a complicated expression.


    He had fought his entire career for this moment¡ªonly to achieve it in his very first season with the Cavs.


    It was proof.


    Sometimes, in the NBA, the right choice matters more than effort.


    Cleveland wasn''t glamorous.


    But here?


    You could win.


    With two minutes left and the Cavs still up double digits, Malone made the call¡ªa full five-man substitution.


    And just like that, Mo Williams, Delonte West, and Dante Cunningham checked into the game.


    How many former Cavaliers did this team have?


    Four?


    No¡ªfive.


    Four on the court.


    One on the sideline.


    Because Malone?


    He had his own history with LeBron.


    And he was more than happy to twist the knife.


    LeBron felt it.


    He knew what this was.


    So when he drove on Cunningham, he made sure to give him a hard elbow.


    Cunningham hadn''t forgotten LeBron''s trash talk earlier in the series.


    And with the game already decided, there was no reason to hold back.


    So he tackled LeBron.


    The arena erupted in chaos.


    No one expected a fight with under a minute left.


    The referees rushed to separate them before things escalated further.


    Cunningham, still fired up, kept barking at LeBron as he was pulled away¡ª


    "We won a championship after you left!"


    The ultimate dagger.


    This wasn''t just trash talk.


    It was the truth.


    LeBron''s face turned a deep shade of purple.


    The scuffle had happened right in front of the Cavs'' bench, and Han Sen, watching from the sidelines, barely managed to keep himself from laughing.


    Damn.


    Cunningham just had to go there.


    Had he been on the Heat, he and Udonis Haslem would''ve made the perfect trash-talking duo.


    Cunningham was ejected with a flagrant foul.


    LeBron, after picking up a tech, was also subbed out.


    With under a minute left, it was over.


    The Cavs'' bench lost all composure.


    Kyrie kept glancing at the scoreboard, his smile stretching wider by the second.


    A year ago?


    He had been labeled a ''flashy'' player.


    Now?


    He was about to be an NBA champion.


    Joki?, meanwhile, looked like a big kid waving his arms in excitement.


    He didn''t care about rings.


    He cared about his horse.


    He was about to become the man with the best horse in Sombor.


    Even Powell couldn''t hold it in¡ªhe was straight-up screaming in excitement.


    He and Joki? were rookies.


    Rookie champions.


    Han Sen?


    He let out a grin.


    Cleveland hadn''t been his first choice.


    But leading the ''Old Cavaliers'' to a championship, erasing all their past regrets¡ªthat felt good.


    And the fact that it came at LeBron''s expense?


    Even better.


    BZZZZT.


    Final buzzer.


    The Cavaliers were NBA champions.


    Confetti rained down, and the Cavs'' players lost all restraint.


    Far away in Cleveland, Dan Gilbert had already opened Quicken Loans Arena for fans to watch.


    And just like in Staples Center, the entire arena was packed.


    Cleveland had waited 52 years.


    And finally?


    They were champions.


    The Lakers fans who stayed sat in stunned silence.


    They had seen it all¡ªthe highest highs, the lowest lows.


    Now, they had to watch another team celebrate on their home floor.


    The Cavs and Lakers exchanged quick handshakes.


    But one person was missing.


    LeBron.


    Han Sen knew he wouldn''t see him.


    Two years with Kobe had changed nothing.


    LeBron was still the same.


    Still running when things got tough.


    But as Han finished the handshakes¡ªhe came across someone grinning wider than any Cavs player.


    Shaquille O''Neal.


    Shaq knew what this meant.


    This title sealed everything.


    He and Kobe?


    5-5.


    No more debates.


    No more who-was-greater talk.


    They were even.


    And that meant Shaq could walk away with no regrets.


    No way in hell was he gonna accept ''Security Guard Captain'' like Han joked about.


    Nope.


    This?


    This was perfect.


    And for making it happen¡ª


    Shaq was now Han Sen''s biggest fan.


    Even Barkley wasn''t gonna out-Han him now.


    ---


    The Cavaliers left the court as champions. But the real celebration?


    It was just getting started.


    Inside the locker room, chaos erupted.


    Champagne bottles popped. Players screamed. Coaches got drenched.


    It was pure, unfiltered euphoria.


    By the time they emerged¡ªsoaked in champagne, jerseys sticking to their skin¡ªthe stage was set.


    The arena still buzzed with energy. The official ceremony hadn''t begun, but as Han Sen walked toward the podium, Adam Silver stepped forward, smiling, hand extended.


    "Congratulations," Silver said, shaking Han''s hand.


    The Finals hadn''t played out the way the league envisioned¡ªbut this result?


    This was history.


    And maybe, just maybe¡ªeven bigger than Han''s first title with Memphis.


    Because Cleveland?


    Cleveland had been a graveyard for champions.


    And tonight?


    That changed forever.


    Silver took the mic, his voice echoing through the arena.


    "First, we want to recognize the Los Angeles Lakers for an incredible fight. They battled to the very end."


    The crowd responded with cheers. A show of respect.


    But in the back of everyone''s mind, one name loomed larger than the game itself.


    Kobe Bryant.


    The news had already broken.


    A torn Achilles.


    A career-ending injury.


    For it to happen here¡ªin his final game?


    It wasn''t just tragic.


    It was legendary.


    Like an old warrior who refused to die peacefully in bed.


    Kobe went out on his shield.


    Silver continued.


    "And now, let''s congratulate the Cleveland Cavaliers¡ªyour 2015-16 NBA Champions!"


    BOOM.


    Confetti rained down like a storm.


    The Larry O''Brien Trophy was handed to Dan Gilbert.


    Gilbert beamed like a man who had just conquered a kingdom.


    This was the moment he had dreamed of since buying the team.


    And now, he was vindicated.


    Letting LeBron go. Betting on Han Sen.


    The best decision of his life.


    Gilbert passed the trophy to Michael Malone.


    Malone''s face turned red.


    Years ago, in Sacramento, he had fought for respect¡ªonly to be thrown aside.


    Now?


    Now, he was a champion.


    And to do it with this team¡ª


    With the old Cavaliers who had once failed together¡ª


    There was no greater feeling.


    Finally, the trophy reached Han Sen.


    The moment his hands touched it, the arena erupted.


    America loves a team.


    But it worships a hero.


    And in this era?


    Han Sen was that hero.


    The face of the league. The villain to some. The Emperor to others.


    But above all?


    A champion.


    Han lifted the trophy high¡ªand the arena came unglued.


    This¡ª


    This was the fuel that made legends eternal.


    ---


    The microphone made its way through the champions.


    Gilbert told the story of his late-night pitch to Han.


    A moment that meant little back then.


    Now?


    Now, it was championship lore.


    Malone spoke next.


    About unfinished business.


    The pain of 2010''s playoff loss.


    The regret that had haunted him and his players.


    And why, in the end¡ªhe came back to Cleveland.


    Because of Han Sen.


    The noise was deafening when the mic finally made its way to Han.


    The moment he raised his hand to speak, the crowd went wild again.


    He had to wait.


    Let them have their moment.


    Then, finally¡ª


    "Han, this city has been waiting over half a century for this. You just delivered Cleveland its first championship. How does it feel?"


    Han exhaled, rolling his shoulders before speaking.


    "Honestly? Right now, I just want to bring this trophy back to Cleveland and celebrate with those fans."


    The arena roared in approval.


    "We all know Quicken Loans Arena is packed right now. They''ve been with us every step of the way, and they deserve this just as much as we do."


    "Han, when you arrived, this franchise had never been a winner. Now, you''ve taken them to back-to-back Finals and made history. How did you do it?"


    Han nodded, rubbing his jaw.


    "People underestimated this team. They weren''t missing talent¡ªthey were missing direction. That''s what I brought. But from there? Every single guy in that locker room bought in. We worked, we adjusted, and when we lost last year, we didn''t run from it. We came back stronger."


    The fans erupted again.


    "And now?" Han smirked, looking around at his teammates.


    "Now, we''re champions."


    The crowd roared again.


    Because this?


    This was more than just basketball.


    Fans don''t just love winners.


    They love comebacks.


    Redemption.


    The fall. The struggle. The rise.


    Han had given them that.


    ---


    Now¡ªFinals MVP.


    Han had been dominant.


    30.0 PPG | 6.8 RPG | 8.6 APG | 2.2 SPG | 1.4 BPG


    51.2% FG | 41.5% 3PT


    Kyrie had been brilliant too. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    25.0 PPG | 3.6 RPG | 5.4 APG | 2.0 SPG


    46.8% FG | 40.5% 3PT


    But there was no suspense.


    Bill Russell, leaning on his cane, smiled as he made the announcement.


    The crowd settled just enough to hear him speak.


    "The 2016 Bill Russell Finals MVP goes to..."


    Russell grinned, dragging it out.


    "Han Sen."


    Another eruption.


    Han stepped forward, shaking Russell''s hand as he accepted the trophy.


    The NBA legend pulled him in close for a hug, then grinned.


    "I wish I had a grandson like you."


    Han let out a small chuckle, shaking his head.


    "Appreciate that, OG."


    The two exchanged another handshake before Han took the mic.


    He looked out into the sea of Cleveland fans, the people who had waited their entire lives for this.


    He could say a million things.


    But in the end, there was only one thing that mattered.


    "Two years ago, coming to Cleveland wasn''t my plan. But now?"


    He glanced over at Michael Malone.


    "Now, I believe it was fate."


    The cheers swelled again.


    "Like Coach Mike said, six years ago, we had a chance¡ªand we let it slip. But fate gave us another shot."


    He paused, lifting the Finals MVP trophy slightly.


    "I won''t put a label on this championship. Because this wasn''t just about me, or a few guys¡ªthis was bigger than all of us."


    Then, he turned to the crowd.


    Took a deep breath.


    And gave them the words they had waited 52 years to hear.


    "CLEVELAND¡ªTHIS IS FOR YOU!"

 Chapter 326: LeBron Finally Delivered.

    Chapter 326: LeBron Finally Delivered.The Lakers fans in attendance couldn''t fully grasp the weight of Han Sen''s words.


    But inside Quicken Loans Arena¡ªand in living rooms across Cleveland¡ªfans were in tears.


    This wasn''t just a championship.


    It was like reuniting with a long-lost love after years of heartbreak.


    After the trophy presentation, Han Sen and Kyrie Irving headed to the final press conference of the season.


    The room was packed.


    This wasn''t just another championship¡ªit was a story for the ages.


    And naturally, all eyes were on Han.


    The first question came from a Los Angeles reporter.


    "Han, have you spoken to Kobe? Do you have any thoughts on his injury?"


    That''s when Han learned the full extent of it.


    A torn Achilles.


    As a transmigrator, hearing it hit differently.


    In the original timeline, Kobe suffered this injury in 2013¡ªbut now, it had become the final Chapter of his career.


    Inevitable. Almost poetic.


    And if Kobe had to choose between this or a meaningless 60-point farewell game?


    There was no doubt.


    Han exhaled, his voice steady.


    "I wish him a speedy recovery. Retirement isn''t the end¡ªit''s the start of something new."


    Another question followed.


    "You''ve delivered Cleveland''s first championship. Is your next goal to build a dynasty, like you did in Memphis?"


    Han smirked.


    "Why not?"


    Winning was great.


    But he hadn''t even had the chance to get his revenge on the Warriors yet.


    Then came a more unexpected one.


    "This is the second time you''ve brought a franchise its first title. Some fans are calling you ''The Dream Maker.'' How do you feel about that?"


    Han paused, caught off guard.


    Then, he let out a laugh.


    "I like that. I hope everyone gets to see their dreams come true."


    ---


    After the press conference, Han made his way to the hospital.


    To see Kobe.


    What he had said at the podium? He meant it. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Some rivalries went beyond the court.


    And a man who fought until his last breath¡ªdeserved his respect.


    Kobe hadn''t expected the visit.


    Their conversations had always been laced with competition, sarcasm, and mind games.


    And deep down, he hated that he didn''t get to face Han until the final buzzer.


    But as they talked, Kobe felt the shift.


    The fight was over.


    The regret? The frustration?


    Gone.


    He had left everything on the court.


    Kobe leaned back against the hospital bed, a slight smirk forming.


    "You still got room to improve defensively."


    Even now, still teaching the game.


    Han chuckled.


    "Yeah? Any tips?"


    Kobe folded his arms.


    "Gary Payton told me something back in the day. ''Move your puppies.''"


    Han raised a brow.


    "Move my what?"


    Kobe laughed, shaking his head.


    "That''s what I said too. He meant your feet¡ªslide, don''t run. Make yourself thin, slip through screens like paper going through a door. That''s how I made my first All-Defensive Team."


    Han nodded, letting it sink in.


    He had heard the phrase before¡ªmaybe in an old interview, or a clip floating around online.


    But hearing it directly from Kobe, right now?


    It hit different.


    Talent had limits.


    Skill didn''t.


    ---


    The next morning, the Cavaliers boarded a flight back to Cleveland.


    When they arrived at the gate, they were met with a scene unlike anything they''d ever seen.


    A sea of fans¡ªtens of thousands¡ªhad flooded the airport, making it nearly impossible to move.


    Over 40,000 people had gathered.


    Chanting.


    Cheering.


    It felt less like a team returning home and more like a presidential motorcade arriving.


    And the moment Han Sen stepped out?


    The crowd erupted into sheer madness.


    But then came the chant.


    "EMPEROR! EMPEROR!"


    Han tensed.


    He had never liked the nickname.


    But in this moment? He couldn''t stop them. Wouldn''t stop them.


    This wasn''t the time to be stubborn about it.


    He just smiled and soaked it in.


    Even Cleveland''s mayor had shown up, eager to shake hands and share a few words.


    Bringing a championship to this city wasn''t just a basketball achievement.


    It had massive economic and cultural implications.


    And as the mayor spoke about potential business partnerships and expansion with East Asia, Han realized¡ª


    This wasn''t just a team victory.


    This was a city-changing moment.


    Even Akron, LeBron''s true hometown, would reap the benefits of what Han had done.


    Who said he wasn''t the Emperor?


    ---


    That night, Han threw a massive pool party at his estate.


    The entire team was invited.


    And, of course, Chris Rondo had arranged for some... extra entertainment.


    For his teammates?


    This was better than any gift he could have given them.


    Han sat by the pool, drink in hand, enjoying the view while discussing business with David Griffin and Michael Malone.


    They talked about championship bonuses.


    The upcoming championship parade.


    And most importantly¡ªthe NBA Draft.


    Cleveland''s title run had been impossible without Nikola Joki?.


    Without him, they never would''ve gotten past Miami.


    So Griffin''s trust in Han''s scouting instincts?


    It had reached an all-time high.


    When Han saw the draft board, he immediately leaned forward.


    This class?


    Stacked.


    Cleveland had the 25th pick.


    And somehow, late first-round talent still looked like gold.


    Pascal Siakam.


    Dejounte Murray.


    Ivica Zubac.


    Malcolm Brogdon.


    Any of them would be a steal.


    Han''s first pick?


    Brogdon.


    His athleticism wasn''t eye-popping, but the guy was NBA-ready. A strong two-way guard.


    Joki? was a rare case. Most young players needed time to develop.


    But Brogdon?


    He could contribute right away.


    Especially with the roster changes coming.


    Kevin Garnett was likely retiring.


    Dante Cunningham, J.R. Smith, Mo Williams, and Delonte West? All free agents.


    Cleveland was about to undergo a massive retooling.


    And then Han noticed something else.


    The undrafted pool.


    Names he recognized.


    Fred VanVleet.


    Alex Caruso.


    Gary Payton II.


    Derrick Jones Jr.


    This?


    This was a goldmine.


    Han listed all of them for Griffin.


    Now, it was up to him to make the moves.


    After all, Han wasn''t a GM¡ªjust a guy with a cheat code for scouting.


    Once the basketball talk wrapped up, Griffin and Malone left Han to enjoy the party.


    He was about to get up when Anjali Ranadive stopped him.


    Han raised an eyebrow, half-expecting a jealous interrogation.


    Instead?


    She had a draft request of her own.


    Anjali never really involved herself in her father''s team.


    But the Kings had been a disaster for years.


    Seeing how much faith Griffin had in Han''s eye for talent?


    She wanted some advice too.


    Han laughed.


    But he didn''t turn her down.


    It wasn''t like giving a few draft tips would cost him anything.


    And besides¡ª


    Sacramento needed all the help they could get.


    ---


    A few days later, the Cavaliers held their championship parade in Cleveland.


    The city had never seen anything like it.


    Every street along the parade route was packed, completely shut down by the sheer volume of people.


    This wasn''t just the biggest moment in Cleveland sports history¡ªit was the city''s biggest celebration of the century.


    Cleveland''s population sat at around 390,000.


    The estimated attendance for the parade was 500,000.


    But when the day arrived?


    Over 1.2 million people flooded the streets.


    Fans who couldn''t be there for the championship win made sure they wouldn''t miss this.


    Quicken Loans Arena, the parade''s starting point, had been surrounded by fans camping out since the night before.


    The streets were so packed that police had to be called in to clear a path.


    Even then, the parade¡ªoriginally scheduled for 11 AM¡ªwas delayed by four hours.


    The Cavaliers didn''t hold back, either.


    Instead of the typical bus setup, the team went all out.


    Over 60 vehicles.


    One for each player.


    Han Sen and Anjali Ranadive shared a convertible.


    Sunglasses on, an unlit cigar in his mouth, Han lounged in the back seat, dressed in a UA-branded T-shirt, riding in a custom BYD convertible.


    But soon, their car couldn''t move.


    The crowd had swarmed the vehicles, completely blocking the path forward.


    Fans were everywhere.


    On rooftops.


    Hanging from tree branches.


    Climbing light poles, waving Cavaliers flags.


    Some were even wedged into the cracks of building walls, risking it all for the perfect shot.


    Han had seen passionate crowds before, especially back in China.


    But this?


    This was a different level.


    Cleveland was different.


    These fans weren''t just celebrating a championship¡ªthey were celebrating the end of decades of heartbreak.


    Han was so moved he pulled out his phone, recording the madness around him.


    Then he spotted something ahead.


    Kyrie Irving had hopped out of his car and started dancing in the street, pulling out his signature Native American dance.


    J.R. Smith?


    Shirtless.


    Fully tatted.


    Standing on top of a pickup truck, soaking in the cheers.


    Han suddenly remembered¡ªJ.R. had shown up shirtless.


    He might have been shirtless the entire parade.


    Behind him, the roar of the crowd got even louder.


    Kevin Garnett had stood up, pounding his chest, letting out a series of primal roars.


    The energy was contagious.


    Han let out a small laugh, finally biting down on his cigar.


    Then, with a smirk, he climbed onto the back of his car, spread his arms wide, and embraced the crowd like a king acknowledging his empire.


    ---


    Cleveland wasn''t a big city.


    But it wasn''t until the evening that the Cavaliers finally completed the parade, returning to the stage set up outside Quicken Loans Arena.


    From the stage, the view was surreal.


    A sea of people stretched endlessly in every direction.


    For once, Cleveland''s lack of skyscrapers was an advantage¡ªbecause now, it was nothing but a wall of fans as far as the eye could see.


    Michael Malone was the main speaker of the event.


    He went down the line, highlighting each player''s impact on the championship run, sharing stories from the season.


    And in doing so, he revealed the real reason this Cavaliers team had succeeded.


    The difference between this team and past Cavaliers squads?


    There were no entitled superstars.


    No one was above the team.


    Even Han Sen¡ªdespite being the face of the franchise¡ªnever treated rookies as if they were beneath him.


    He helped them.


    Norman Powell was the best example of that.


    Then, when Malone got to the Lakers series, his energy shifted.


    For Han, the toughest battle had been the Eastern Conference Finals against Miami.


    But for Malone?


    Beating the Lakers meant everything.


    And as his speech reached its climax, he couldn''t hold back.


    He grabbed the mic, smirked, and shouted:


    "WHO IS YOUR DADDY!"


    The crowd lost its mind.


    A wave of pure hysteria swept through the city.


    Instantly, fans were transported back to the moment Han had jumped onto the scorer''s table in Boston years ago.


    Even Han had to laugh.


    He already knew.


    By the end of the night, this line would be permanently attached to LeBron James.


    ---


    After Malone finished, the event moved into a Q&A session.


    Han, unsurprisingly, got the most questions.


    And he made sure to use the moment to praise his teammates.


    Not just Kyrie or Joki?¡ªthe stars.


    But also the role players who barely saw the court.


    Then, inevitably, a fan brought up LeBron James.


    It was unavoidable.


    With all the former Cavaliers on this team, comparisons to LeBron''s era were constant.


    And when you put the two teams side by side?


    On paper, LeBron''s teams had been stronger.


    Yet Han''s Cavaliers were the ones holding the trophy.


    LeBron''s name had no place in this celebration.


    But since someone asked, Han simply smiled.


    "LeBron kept his promise."


    The crowd stirred, confused.


    Fans exchanged glances.


    What was he talking about?


    Han let the moment linger before clarifying.


    "When he was here, LeBron said he''d bring a championship to Cleveland. All these years later... he finally did."


    Silence.


    Then?


    It clicked.


    And the entire place erupted into laughter.


    Because it was true.


    Without LeBron and the Lakers, the Cavaliers would''ve faced the 73-9 Warriors in the Finals.


    And who knew how that would''ve gone?


    LeBron had, intentionally or not, cleared the path for Cleveland''s first championship.


    A Cavalier at heart.


    Loyal in the strangest way possible.


    Who said LeBron wasn''t the real King of Cleveland?


    ---


    Over on ESPN, First Take is in full meltdown mode.


    Skip Bayless is grinning like a man who just won the lottery.


    Stephen A. Smith? Visibly fuming.


    And poor Molly Qerim? Just trying to keep the show from going off the rails.


    The debate?


    Han Sen vs. LeBron James in Cleveland''s legacy.


    Skip Bayless (slamming the table):


    "I HAVE BEEN SAYING THIS FOR YEARS! Han Sen has done what LeBron James NEVER could¡ªbring a championship to Cleveland with his OWN two hands! No superteam. No excuses. Just greatness!"


    Stephen A. Smith (throwing up his hands):


    "SKIP! Stop. STOP. I''m NOT gonna sit here and let you blaspheme this man, LeBron James! This is downright disrespectful! The man CARRIED that franchise! He took them to the Finals with¡ª"


    Skip Bayless (cutting him off, shaking his head):


    "Carried?! He had Kobe Bryant! He had Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh! He had Kevin Love! And what did he do? NOTHING! Meanwhile, Han Sen walks in and in TWO YEARS? Championship banner. Legacy secured!"


    Stephen A. Smith (leaning in, deadly serious):


    "You trippin'', Skip. You TRIPPIN''. First of all, Kyrie Irving is a STAR. Nikola Joki?? Gonna be a PROBLEM for the next decade. Han had HELP."


    Skip Bayless (grinning, eyes locked on Stephen A.):


    "Then why couldn''t LeBron do it?"


    Stephen A. Smith (blinking rapidly, speechless for a moment):


    "...That''s not the point!"


    Skip Bayless (laughing, clapping his hands):


    "THAT''S EXACTLY THE POINT!"


    Molly Qerim (cutting in, desperate to maintain order):


    "Okay, okay, let''s focus here. Does this championship change Han Sen''s legacy? Has he OFFICIALLY surpassed LeBron''s impact in Cleveland?"


    Skip Bayless (nodding, calm but smug):


    "Yes. And I''ll tell you why. When LeBron left, Cleveland burned his jersey. When Han Sen arrived, they built statues in their hearts. You tell me who''s the real king."


    Stephen A. Smith (rubbing his temples, exasperated):


    "I need a vacation."


    [The segment fades out with dramatic shots of Han Sen lifting the trophy, Cleveland fans chanting his name, and a devastated LeBron sitting in his locker, staring into the distance.]


    ---

 Chapter 327: The King of Sombor?.

    Chapter 327: The King of Sombor?.(TL/n: My bad guys, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth just released it''s pc port and I got lost there..


    Anyways here''s the missing Chapters for the past 3 days.)


    The Cavaliers'' championship parade was a massive spectacle, and the media coverage that followed was endless.


    But what truly took over social media?


    Michael Malone''s now-iconic "Who is your daddy?" and Han Sen''s viral remark about LeBron James finally fulfilling his promise to bring a championship to Cleveland.


    LeBron was already down bad after losing the Finals.


    Dante Cunningham had landed the first verbal knockout.


    And now, Malone and Han were pouring salt into the wound.


    To make it worse, the Kobe loyalists¡ªwho might''ve otherwise defended LeBron¡ªwere completely out on him.


    Kobe had given everything.


    If LeBron had just played better, maybe the Lakers wouldn''t have collapsed.


    Maybe Kobe wouldn''t have pushed himself to the point of a career-ending injury.


    And just when it seemed like things couldn''t get any worse for LeBron, TNT aired their latest Inside the NBA episode.


    Kenny Smith dropped a stat that left Shaq and Barkley speechless.


    Han Sen had reached the Conference Finals in all seven of his NBA seasons.


    Not just that.


    Six of those runs were as the team''s undisputed leader.


    Memphis? They were irrelevant before Han.


    Cleveland? A complete mess before he arrived.


    And the moment he left the Grizzlies? They collapsed, despite getting a massive trade haul in return.


    That told the whole story.


    Han didn''t just win.


    He elevated teams.


    He made players better.


    Naturally, the TNT crew broke into full-fledged Han Sen appreciation mode¡ªcompeting to see who could hype him up the most.


    And the fans?


    They ate it up.


    Because after watching Han make history, all they wanted was to see him get his flowers.


    Meanwhile, LeBron...


    LeBron became that guy.


    And not in a good way.


    The comparisons were inevitable.


    Han and LeBron had even been teammates once.


    That ended in failure.


    And when you looked at LeBron''s career?


    The pattern repeated.


    Miami. Oklahoma City. New York. Los Angeles.


    Everywhere he went, his teams underachieved.


    His teammates regressed.


    LeBron''s defenders tried their best¡ª"His teammates had to sacrifice because they were stars!"


    Which immediately led to the question:


    "Then why does LeBron always need to play with stars?"


    It was an argument with no way out.


    And the backlash?


    It drowned LeBron''s social media.


    The pressure was relentless.


    The criticism, unforgiving.


    And respect?


    If you don''t earn it on the court, you won''t find it online.


    Within two days, LeBron had had enough.


    He tweeted:


    "Said what y''all had to say, I still greet you with love! Taking a break from social media, y''all be blessed."


    A social media retreat.


    The timing?


    Suspicious.


    Because it looked exactly like what happened when he left Cleveland the first time.


    And yet¡ªthis time¡ªit was almost impressive.


    No one had ever announced they were running away from social media before.


    But if you followed LeBron long enough, you knew he always had a way of making things interesting.


    ---


    Han, meanwhile, had moved on.


    After the championship parade, he joined Nikola Joki? on a trip to his hometown¡ªSombor, Serbia.


    Han had never been to Serbia before, so he was curious.


    The moment they landed?


    Han looked around. Took a second glance.


    Then turned to Joki?.


    "Dude... this is just mini Cleveland."


    Joki? shrugged, completely unfazed. "Yeah. That''s why I like Cleveland."


    Sombor was a quiet town. Green, peaceful, and slow-paced.


    It didn''t have the chaos of Miami, New York, or even Memphis.


    It was a place where life moved at its own rhythm.


    And for the first time in a while¡ª


    Han felt completely detached from the NBA.


    Joki? wasted no time pulling Han into his world.


    No five-star hotels. No VIP treatment.


    Instead?


    A horse-drawn carriage ride through town.


    Han, expecting a slow scenic route, leaned back¡ªonly to hear an old Serbian man shouting from the roadside.


    The man, clearly one of Joki?''s relatives, squinted at Han.


    "Nikola, who is this? Your assistant?"


    Joki? didn''t correct him.


    Han blinked. "I am NOT his assistant, man¡ª"


    Joki? just laughed.


    Han sighed. "This trip is already pissing me off."


    For lunch, Joki? took Han to Sombor''s most famous restaurant¡ªThe Elephant.


    Han expected traditional Serbian food.


    Instead?


    Hungarian cuisine.


    "Wait¡ªwhy is everything Hungarian?" Han asked.


    Joki? shrugged. "Borders change. Food stays."


    Fair enough.


    Han tried fish pie, a regional specialty.


    Not bad.


    But what stood out the most?


    The people.


    At first, no one paid much attention to them.


    Then someone recognized Joki?.


    Then Han.


    A few fans approached for pictures¡ªbut unlike NBA crowds, there was no chaos, no screaming.


    Everything was relaxed.


    Han finally understood.


    "No wonder you''re always so chill, man." Han said.


    Joki? took a sip of his drink. "Yep."


    ---


    The main event?


    Joki? was buying a racehorse.


    The moment they arrived at the stables, Nikola Joki? transformed.


    The usually slow-moving, relaxed big man?


    Gone.


    Instead, he was laser-focused.


    Han watched in amusement as his seven-foot teammate practically sprinted toward the horses.


    "Look at these legs! Look at the muscle tone!" Joki? muttered, analyzing each horse like he was scouting NBA draft prospects.


    Han leaned against the fence, shaking his head.


    "Bro, are you drafting a horse or a future MVP?"


    Joki? barely looked up. "Both require good footwork."


    After an hour of in-depth scouting, Han finally asked:


    "Alright, which one''s yours?"


    Joki? hesitated.


    Then, with an awkward shrug, he muttered, "Haven''t picked yet."


    Han frowned. "After all that scouting?"


    Joki? sighed. "I wanted to buy one after the Finals, but... I got too busy."


    Han blinked.


    "We won a championship, and you forgot to buy your dream horse?"


    Joki? scratched his head.


    "There were parades. Interviews. Then I started watching tape of last year''s races. Analysis is important, Boss."


    Han stared at him.


    "So you''re telling me... you were studying HORSE RACING FILM like it was NBA game tape?"


    Joki? nodded seriously.


    "Of course. You don''t just buy a horse. You DRAFT it."


    Han burst out laughing.


    "Jesus, man. You''re running a whole front office for a damn horse?"


    Joki? shrugged. "Scouting matters."


    Han shook his head, still grinning.


    "Well, stop overthinking it. Pick one. It''s on me."


    Joki? froze.


    "Wait¡ªwhat?"


    Han smirked.


    "You think I forgot our bet? We win the Finals, and I buy you the best horse in Sombor."


    Joki?''s eyes widened.


    "You''re serious?"


    "Dead serious." Han extended a fist. "Pick any horse. It''s yours."


    Joki? bumped fists with Han, his grin returning.


    "Boss... this might be the greatest moment of my life."


    Han laughed. "We just won a championship and THIS is your greatest moment?"


    Joki? didn''t hesitate.


    "Yes."


    Han was about to reply when Joki? suddenly added:


    "I was thinking about this during the Finals."


    Han paused.


    "...Wait, what?"


    Joki? finally looked at him, completely serious.


    "Game 5. Fourth quarter. Three minutes left. I was thinking about this."


    Han stared.


    "You''re telling me¡ªwhile we were closing out the goddamn NBA Finals¡ªyou were thinking about a HORSE?"


    Joki? nodded.


    "Of course. The Finals end in June. The biggest horse races start in July. Timing is perfect."


    Han buried his face in his hands.


    "I cannot believe this dude." S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And yet¡ªwatching Joki?''s pure excitement?


    Han couldn''t even be mad.


    ---


    While Han Sen was enjoying his time in Serbia, the 2016 NBA Draft was taking place at the Barclays Center.


    With a six-hour time difference between Serbia and the U.S., the draft was happening in the middle of the night.


    Han didn''t bother staying up to watch it live. Instead, he checked the results the next morning.


    - 1st Pick (76ers) ¨C "The Next LeBron" Ben Simmons


    - 2nd Pick (Knicks) ¨C Brandon Ingram


    - 3rd Pick (Nets) ¨C Jaylen Brown


    The butterfly effect was in full force.


    Many things Han once knew as history were no longer happening the same way.


    The Kings, who had an improved regular season, landed the 8th pick.


    Their choice?


    Exactly what Han had recommended to Anjali¡ªDomantas Sabonis.


    The son of international basketball legend Arvydas Sabonis.


    Sabonis didn''t inherit his father''s towering height, standing at 6''10" (2.08m), which kept him from being a top prospect.


    But in the modern NBA?


    That size was more than enough for a center.


    Plus, he had his father''s elite passing instincts, combined with the classic European big man fundamentals¡ªscreening, positioning, and IQ.


    A poor man''s Joki?¡ªbut for a franchise as hopeless as the Kings, that was already a massive upgrade.


    The Cavaliers, picking 25th, selected Dejounte Murray, a versatile guard out of Washington.


    At 30th, the Warriors made a surprising pick¡ªZhou Qi.


    Han raised an eyebrow.


    Still, much like Ding Yanyuhang the year before, Zhou Qi''s presence signaled that Chinese players were beginning to earn more respect in NBA front offices.


    Zhou had even been projected as a lottery talent at one point¡ªuntil his age controversy surfaced, causing his stock to plummet.


    At 55th, Cleveland also grabbed Derrick Jones Jr.


    Then Han spotted something interesting.


    At 57th, the Grizzlies drafted Wang Zhelin¡ªa pick originally belonging to the Spurs, which Memphis had acquired in a trade.


    It was hard to believe this was purely a basketball move.


    More than likely, it was Memphis'' attempt to retain the massive Chinese market Han had once built for them.


    As for Wang?


    Han had no idea if he''d even attempt an NBA career in this altered timeline.


    ---


    A week after arriving in Serbia, Han wrapped up his travels and returned to Sombor.


    It was time.


    The Sombor Horse Racing Tournament.


    Han had assumed it would be a small local event.


    Instead?


    The place was absolutely packed.


    Thousands of spectators crammed into the stands.


    For a town with just 50,000 people, this was insane.


    But it also proved just how much horse racing meant to the locals.


    Just before the race began, a government official approached Han.


    After a brief introduction from the translator, Han learned the man was Serbia''s Minister of Sports.


    That caught him off guard.


    He had come to watch Joki? race¡ªnot to shake hands with officials.


    But then again?


    Maybe he should''ve seen it coming.


    Han''s influence had long gone global.


    The only reason his visit hadn''t caused a stir earlier was because it was unannounced.


    But now?


    He had been in Serbia for a full week.


    It was only a matter of time before people caught on.


    Fortunately, after some brief small talk and a few photos, the Minister returned to his seat.


    Leaving Han to actually enjoy the event.


    Which was exactly how he liked it.


    ---


    The crowd exploded as the competitors took their positions.


    Joki??


    Completely unmissable.


    Even among the tall Slavic athletes, his 7''0" (2.16m) frame made him stand out like a giant among mortals.


    Technically, he could''ve hired a professional jockey.


    But that wasn''t the point.


    This was his childhood dream.


    He wanted to do it himself.


    Han, watching from the stands, felt bad for Joki?''s horse.


    "Thank God he''s not in full ''Bulky Mountain Dew Joki?'' form yet. Otherwise, this poor horse might not survive."


    With the official''s whistle, the race began.


    Calling it a horse race almost felt inaccurate.


    To Han?


    It looked more like car racing.


    Joki?''s horse exploded out of the gate.


    Not a wasted dollar.


    But within moments?


    He got overtaken.


    No surprise.


    His size was a massive disadvantage.


    The Sombor track was designed like a NASCAR oval.


    Each lap? 1,200 meters (~0.75 miles).


    The total race? Three and a half laps¡ªnearly 4,000 meters (~2.5 miles).


    A perfect balance of speed and endurance.


    And that''s when Han finally saw it.


    Joki?''s racing IQ.


    Joki? hugged the corners like a professional.


    Full throttle on the straightaways.


    Tactical edge-cutting on the curves.


    A real-life Tokyo Drift¡ªexcept with a horse.


    If Han didn''t know better?


    He''d swear Joki? spent more time studying horse racing than basketball.


    And as the race wore on?


    Joki?''s horse''s stamina became the X-factor.


    The other competitors?


    Slowing down.


    Meanwhile?


    Joki?''s horse kept pushing forward.


    With 200 meters left, Joki? surged into first place.


    The crowd erupted.


    Han stood up, clapping as Joki? charged toward the finish line.


    And then¡ª


    Victory.


    Joki? had officially won the Sombor Horse Racing Tournament.


    After the race, Han went down to the track to congratulate him.


    Technically?


    This was just the preliminary round.


    But Han could already tell.


    Joki? was going to win the whole damn thing.


    And sure enough?


    That afternoon, in the finals, Joki? dominated again.


    By the end of the day?


    He was officially the undisputed champion of Sombor.


    And the way he celebrated?


    Han had never seen him this happy.


    Joki? held up his trophy, singing a Serbian song Han didn''t recognize.


    Dancing like an absolute madman.


    Han watched, shaking his head.


    "This dude loves horse racing more than basketball."


    ---


    That night, the town hosted a bonfire party.


    Han finally got a taste of authentic Balkan barbecue.


    And honey brandy¡ªa drink beloved by the Slavic people.


    It was sweet. Smooth.


    But like vodka?


    It packed a serious punch.


    Before long?


    Han and Joki? were drunk as hell.


    And that''s when Joki?¡ªnow completely wasted¡ªsuddenly slurred:


    "Boss, I don''t get it. Why do you believe in me so much? You''re not... you don''t... like men, right?"


    Han immediately shoved him away.


    "Dumbass."


    Joki? blinked. "Then why?"


    Han leaned back.


    Then, with a smirk, he threw out a joke.


    "What if I told you I was a time traveler, and I already know you''ll be a future NBA superstar?"


    Joki? didn''t even hesitate.


    "Then tell me tomorrow''s lottery numbers."


    The guy really just wanted to retire early.


    Han burst out laughing.


    Of course, Joki? didn''t take it seriously.


    Who the hell would?


    But then¡ª


    As the fire crackled, Han''s laughter faded.


    His expression shifted.


    And with a sudden seriousness, he placed a hand on Joki?''s shoulder.


    This time?


    His voice was different.


    "Because our countries... were once brothers."


    Earlier, while visiting Belgrade, Han had seen the ruins of the Chinese embassy bombed in 1999.


    And in that moment?


    He knew.


    Serbia and China would always have a bond.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 328: Durant’s Decision?.

    Chapter 328: Durant¡¯s Decision?.The day after the Sombor Horse Racing Tournament, Han Sen boarded a flight back to Cleveland.


    His trip to Serbia with Joki? had been his well-earned break after winning the championship.


    But now?


    It was time to get back to work.


    Han had already declared that a new dynasty was coming. That wasn''t just talk¡ªhe had to start preparing for next season.


    By now, it was early July.


    NBA free agency was already in full swing.


    And this year?


    This was shaping up to be the most chaotic offseason since 2014.


    Down in Miami, the Heat were in turmoil¡ªKevin Durant, Dwyane Wade, and Luol Deng were all free agents, and Pau Gasol had opted out of his final year.


    LeBron James had also declined his player option, officially hitting the market.


    Beyond them, other major names were available¡ªDeMar DeRozan, Dwight Howard, Al Horford, Bradley Beal, Andre Drummond, Hassan Whiteside.


    Any one of them could shift the power balance in the league.


    But the biggest name?


    Kevin Durant.


    LeBron''s situation was still uncertain¡ªhe had vanished from social media after the Finals, leaving no clues about his intentions.


    That said, logic dictated that he''d stay in Los Angeles.


    With Kobe retired, LeBron was now the undisputed face of the Lakers.


    Durant, though?


    His departure from Miami was all but certain.


    And his decision?


    That was going to alter the entire landscape of the NBA.


    ---


    For weeks, the rumors had been swirling.


    The Houston Rockets were aggressively trying to clear Chris Bosh''s contract to make room for Durant.


    The Boston Celtics, freed from Al Horford''s expiring deal, were going all-in, even bringing Ray Allen out of retirement to help pitch the team.


    Gregg Popovich had personally met with Durant, trying to lure him to the San Antonio Spurs.


    His plan?


    If Durant joined, Tim Duncan would return on a minimum contract, forming a core of Parker, Green, Durant, Leonard, and Aldridge, with Duncan and Gin¨®bili coming off the bench.


    On paper, that lineup was championship-ready from day one.


    Then, of course, there were the Golden State Warriors.


    Harrison Barnes had become an unrestricted free agent after a disappointing Western Conference Finals performance.


    If Durant took his place?


    Golden State would become an all-time juggernaut.


    Even the Lakers had entered the race.


    With Kobe''s contract off the books, they had enough cap space to pair Durant with LeBron James and Kevin Love.


    A trio like that¡ªDurant, LeBron, and Love¡ªwould immediately become the league''s most dangerous offensive force.


    Durant didn''t plan on making a spectacle like LeBron''s infamous Decision in 2010.


    But the reality?


    His choice held even more weight.


    Even other free agents¡ªincluding LeBron himself¡ªwere waiting on Durant before making their moves.


    Of course, Han already knew.


    Barring a major twist, Durant was heading to the Warriors.


    ---


    Meanwhile, the Cavaliers had started their offseason moves.


    But before free agency even kicked off, they hit a problem.


    J.R. Smith demanded a four-year, $60 million contract.


    Just a year ago, that was nearly a max deal.


    But with the NBA''s new TV contract in effect, the salary cap had skyrocketed.


    Now, max contracts had jumped to over $20 million per season.


    And with the market flooded with money and limited high-end talent available, players were getting paid.


    Take Allen Crabbe, for example¡ªhe had just signed a four-year, $75 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers after averaging just 10.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game last season.


    Or Solomon Hill, who inked a four-year, $52 million contract with the Pelicans despite averaging 4.2 points and 2.8 rebounds.


    Even Rudy Gay got four years, $64 million from the Kings.


    Bismack Biyombo? Four years, $72 million from the Magic.


    Nicolas Batum? Five years, $120 million from the Hornets.


    It was a summer of absurd contracts.


    J.R. ultimately settled for four years, $56 million with the Cavs.


    Unlike last year''s Tristan Thompson contract saga, Cavaliers GM David Griffin didn''t even bother asking for Han''s opinion.


    He already knew¡ªHan''s stance was the same as before.


    If the team had to overpay to keep its core together, so be it.


    While J.R. stayed, Mo Williams left.


    He signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Trail Blazers.


    For Mo, returning to Cleveland was always about chasing a ring.


    Now that he had one?


    It was time to cash out.


    The Cavaliers also re-signed Dante Cunningham, matching a four-year, $30 million offer from the Pacers.


    Unlike with J.R., Griffin didn''t hesitate on this one.


    Cunningham was one of Han''s closest friends on the team¡ªthere was no way they''d let him walk.


    ---


    That night, Griffin met with Han privately.


    There was a player interested in coming to Cleveland.


    And it wasn''t just any player.


    It was Deron Williams.


    Griffin had requested a one-on-one meeting with Han because of who Deron was.


    Last season, Deron had joined the Lakers hoping to boost his value and chase a title.


    Instead?


    He ended up caught in the Lakers'' Finals disaster.


    His reputation took a massive hit.


    His market value cratered.


    Now?


    He was looking for redemption.


    And he wanted it in Cleveland.


    Han thought for a moment.


    "He can still play," Han finally said.


    The Finals had proven that much.


    As a starting point guard, Deron was too much of a defensive liability.


    But off the bench?


    He was still a damn good player.


    In fact, he was a clear upgrade over Mo Williams.


    That settled it.


    With Han''s approval, the Cavaliers signed Deron to a two-year, $10 million deal, with the second year as a player option.


    As soon as the signing was announced?


    Lakers fans lost it.


    Deron was immediately labeled a traitor.


    After all, the Lakers had just been humiliated by the Cavs in the Finals.


    And now?


    Deron had jumped ship to join the enemy.


    Kobe fans and LeBron fans¡ªusually sworn rivals¡ªwere suddenly united.


    In their eyes?


    Deron had no dignity. No spine. No pride.


    Social media exploded with outrage.


    But the noise didn''t last long.


    Because just as the July moratorium was nearing its end¡ª


    Kevin Durant sent shockwaves through the league.


    ---


    As July neared its end, the anticipation around free agency hit its peak.


    And then, Kevin Durant finally made his decision.


    But he didn''t do it with a live TV special like LeBron in 2010.


    Instead?


    Durant rented a house in Hampton, Virginia.


    Right on the banks of the James River.


    There, over the course of several days, he privately met with the seven teams vying for his signature.


    It was like a job interview¡ªexcept this time, the companies were the ones pitching to him.


    And after seven rounds of meetings...


    Durant''s next destination was set.


    Kevin Durant signed a two-year, $54.3 million contract with the Boston Celtics.


    Second year? A player option.


    ---


    Han Sen found out about the news through a call from David Griffin.


    Half-asleep from an afternoon nap, Han answered groggily.


    "Durant is signing with Boston."


    Han blinked.


    Did I mishear that?


    "Wait... you mean the Celtics? Not the Warriors?"


    Griffin confirmed.


    And Han immediately sat up, fully awake.


    Why?


    Why didn''t Durant go to the Warriors?


    By all logic, Golden State was his best option.


    Especially in this timeline, where he hadn''t even lost to them in the playoffs.


    Han mulled it over, scrolling through social media to gauge the reaction.


    ---


    The moment Durant''s decision was announced, the Celtics immediately locked in Al Horford on a four-year, $110 million deal.


    Ray Allen, true to his word, also announced his return¡ªsigning a veteran minimum deal with Boston.


    And just like that?


    Celtics fans went insane.


    Their roster now featured:


    -Isaiah Thomas


    - Avery Bradley


    -Kevin Durant


    -Al Horford


    -Karl-Anthony Towns


    With a bench that included Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Marcus Smart, Jae Crowder, and Kelly Olynyk.


    Three All-Stars. A rising No. 1 pick. A lockdown 3&D wing. And a strong supporting cast.


    Danny Ainge hadn''t just rebuilt the Celtics.


    He had turned them into title contenders overnight.


    ---


    Of course, not everyone was celebrating.


    The angriest fanbases?


    Golden State and Los Angeles.


    For the Warriors, missing out on Durant was a devastating blow.


    Now, they had to figure out whether to re-sign Harrison Barnes.


    And the Lakers?


    Even worse.


    Earlier in the offseason, DeMar DeRozan had expressed interest in coming home to Los Angeles.


    But the Lakers, obsessed with landing Durant, told DeRozan to "wait".


    DeRozan, a multi-time All-Star, wasn''t about to be a backup plan.


    So he took his max contract to stay in Toronto.


    Now?


    The Lakers lost both Durant and DeRozan.


    Nothing but empty hands.


    A perfect example of Lakers management at its finest.


    Without Nike''s backing, they wouldn''t have even built their original Big Three.


    ---


    After reading through the chaos, Han finally pieced it together.


    Why didn''t Durant join the Warriors?


    It was simple.


    The Warriors had just won 73 games.


    If he joined them, it would be no different from what LeBron did with the Heat¡ªjumping to an already dominant team.


    Or, as Dwyane Wade had put it, "The hardest road with no way back."


    And history had already shown what happened to those who took that path.


    In the original timeline, LeBron had already won three championships by this point, which made Durant''s infamous "If they can do it, why can''t I?" mindset understandable.


    But here?


    LeBron was still ringless.


    A wandering mercenary.


    If Durant followed the same blueprint, wouldn''t he just become another LeBron?


    And there was one more factor¡ªUA vs. Nike.


    With Klay Thompson signed to Under Armour, the Warriors had become a full-blown UA team.


    Durant?


    He was Nike''s biggest active star.


    Signing with Golden State would have been like Nike''s flagship player switching sides.


    Just like the social media frenzy attacking Deron Williams, Durant knew he''d be branded a traitor.


    In the end?


    He took the smarter path.


    And with Isaiah Thomas about to enter his MVP-caliber season, the Celtics might even be stronger than last year''s Heat.


    Boston had just become Cleveland''s biggest obstacle in the East.


    ---


    Durant''s decision set off a chain reaction.


    The biggest immediate impact?


    The Miami Heat.


    Durant''s departure killed any hope of keeping the team together.


    Dwyane Wade immediately requested a three-year, $60 million extension¡ªsimilar to what the Lakers had given Kobe.


    His reasoning?


    Loyalty.


    He had spent his entire career in Miami, still played at an All-Star level, and with the league''s new salary cap spike, his market value was already around $20 million per year.


    Other teams had already lined up.


    The Bucks and Nuggets had both expressed interest, willing to offer Wade the same $20 million annually.


    Even Cleveland had initially offered him a two-year deal near that range¡ªthough Wade, out of principle, refused to join the Cavs.


    But Pat Riley refused.


    He only offered Wade a two-year, $40 million deal.


    With Durant gone, Riley had no intention of keeping the Heat intact.


    He wanted a full rebuild.


    And Wade?


    He wasn''t part of that future.


    There was no sentimentality in Riley''s decisions.


    The result?


    Wade left Miami.


    He signed a two-year, $47.5 million deal to return home to Chicago.


    And he wasn''t alone.


    Pau Gasol also left for Chicago, signing a two-year, $30 million deal.


    With Joakim Noah gone to the Knicks on a four-year, $72 million deal, Gasol would take over as the Bulls'' new starting center.


    Chicago had also fired Tom Thibodeau and replaced him with Fred Hoiberg.


    Derrick Rose had already been traded to the Knicks. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Now?


    The Bulls'' new starting lineup:


    - Dwyane Wade


    - Jimmy Butler


    - Robert Covington


    - Taj Gibson


    - Pau Gasol


    And speaking of the Knicks?


    Their expected lineup:


    - Derrick Rose


    - Courtney Lee


    - Brandon Ingram (rookie)


    - Kristaps Porzingis


    - Joakim Noah


    Meanwhile, Miami completely collapsed.


    They lost Durant, Wade, Gasol, and Joe Johnson (who signed a two-year, $22 million deal with Utah).


    With their core gone, Riley pulled the trigger on a full-scale rebuild.


    And to make it official?


    He made an announcement.


    The Miami Heat would retire Han Sen''s No. 77 jersey next season.


    The timing wasn''t a coincidence.


    Durant''s departure forced Riley''s hand.


    There was no more power struggle.


    No more pride.


    Just acknowledgment of what Han had built before Miami lost it all.


    The final dominoes fell.


    Andre Drummond, Dwight Howard, and Hassan Whiteside all signed max extensions with their teams.


    DeMar DeRozan re-signed with the Raptors.


    And with Durant''s decision sending ripple effects across the league...


    The wildest free agency in years was finally settling down.

 Chapter 329: The Decision III.

    Chapter 329: The Decision III."This was an incredibly difficult decision¡ªleaving the Lakers, leaving my brothers¡ªbut man, how do you say no to Steph? Nobody can. Especially not when Klay is there too.


    We spent the entire summer training together, talking about everything.


    You all know this¡ªSteph and I, we''re both kids from Akron.


    I thought about it for a long time, but in the end, I just couldn''t pass up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.


    The chance to play alongside the greatest point guard in history?


    It''s something you don''t say no to.


    And here''s a little secret for you¡ªSteph and I were born in the same hospital, Summa Akron City Hospital.


    I like to call it ''MVP Hospital.''


    Oh, and Draymond? He told me I can do whatever I want there.


    Man, this is exciting as hell. I can''t wait for the season to start."


    This was a clip from a Brian Windhorst exclusive interview that had just been posted online.


    It was officially pushed by major platforms¡ªinstantly going viral.


    Of course, that was just the start.


    Later in the interview, Windhorst pressed LeBron about the difference between Steph Curry and his former co-star, Dwyane Wade.


    "Man, this is too tough. Too tough!" LeBron burst into laughter.


    "You gotta understand, D-Wade¡ªhe''s got unmatched speed. He''s a cheetah ready to kill at any moment.


    But Steph? Man, Steph''s shooting is something else.


    He can take shots you wouldn''t even think about.


    Honestly, I can''t pick between them.


    But I''ll tell you this¡ªSteph? He''s a born winner.


    He''s always hungry. Always bloodthirsty.


    It''s contagious.


    When you play with him, you can''t help but be inspired.


    You push harder. You get crazier.


    Man, it''s just a beautiful thing."


    Windhorst followed up:


    "And what about Kevin Love?"


    LeBron barely hesitated.


    "Kevin Love? I wish him the best in LA!"


    And just like that¡ªit was official.


    LeBron James had left the Lakers.


    And his next stop? The Golden State Warriors.


    ---


    David Griffin and Isaiah Thomas stormed into Han Sen''s place first thing in the morning, dropping a phone in front of him.


    Han stared at the screen.


    Watched the interview.


    And blinked.


    "You sure this isn''t AI-generated?"


    Griffin frowned.


    "AI can do this?"


    Han snapped out of it.


    Right.


    This wasn''t the AI-driven future he had left behind when he transmigrated.


    But still¡ªthis didn''t make sense.


    LeBron? Choosing the Warriors?


    For years, he''d seen fans joke about this on forums.


    "LeBron to Golden State confirmed."


    "Curry carrying LeBron to a ring."


    But that was just trolling.


    Yet now?


    LeBron had exiled himself to Golden State.


    Was he... his own biggest hater?


    Griffin mistook Han''s stunned silence for worry.


    "This makes them our toughest opponent next season.


    LeBron and Steph in a pick-and-roll? That''s going to destroy defenses.


    Their skillsets fit perfectly together."


    Han stayed quiet, letting Griffin continue.


    "LeBron might not be as dominant as before, but he''s still top five in the league.


    And don''t forget¡ªGolden State actually tried to sign him before.


    2010 and 2014. Both times, LeBron''s camp rejected them."


    Isaiah Thomas added, nodding.


    "They''ve always been interested in him."


    Han finally snapped back to reality.


    And suddenly¡ªit all made sense.


    Han thought back to Team USA scrimmages.


    LeBron thrived when paired with elite shooters and motion offenses. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In a five-out system with space to drive and elite playmakers around him?


    He was unstoppable.


    And right now?


    LeBron wasn''t old yet.


    At 31, he was still in his physical prime.


    And unlike his late-career stint with the Lakers in Han''s past life?


    This version of LeBron still had a consistent motor.


    Golden State''s offense played at light speed.


    They had Draymond to anchor the defense, Iguodala to lock down the perimeter.


    And unlike in Miami or Cleveland?


    LeBron would have the best shooting he''d ever seen in his career.


    If he truly committed to being a secondary star?


    This version of the Warriors could be even deadlier than the KD-era team.


    But the real question was¡ªwould he?


    ---


    Han frowned.


    If this was old LeBron, the answer was no.


    He had never accepted a true second option role.


    But now?


    LeBron had exhausted every path.


    Miami didn''t work.


    Oklahoma City didn''t work.


    New York didn''t work.


    Los Angeles didn''t work.


    Kevin Durant didn''t join him.


    Every door had shut.


    His only option left?


    Golden State.


    And for once?


    Maybe he had no choice but to submit.


    Han clenched his fist.


    Just yesterday, he had relaxed when Durant chose Boston instead of Golden State.


    But now?


    His fire was back.


    "LeBron already fulfilled his promise to Cleveland.


    Now it''s time for him to fulfill the other one."


    Not one.


    Not two.


    Not three...


    Han grinned.


    "I''ll make sure he keeps that promise."


    ---


    LeBron had deactivated his social media months ago.


    So this interview was clearly strategic¡ªa way to get ahead of the backlash.


    But it didn''t work.


    Not even close.


    Lakers owner Jim Buss lost it.


    He went full Gilbert Arenas mode on Twitter, publicly calling LeBron a traitor.


    "If he had told us sooner, we could''ve signed DeRozan!


    Now we have nothing!"


    Lakers fans? They were livid.


    Especially Kobe fans.


    From their perspective?


    Kobe had spent the last two years mentoring LeBron.


    For what?


    To pass the torch.


    To make LeBron the new face of the Lakers.


    To restore their dynasty.


    And what did LeBron do?


    Ate the food. Took the lessons. And left.


    Kobe had barely been retired for a few months¡ª


    And LeBron had already abandoned the Lakers.


    The backlash was insane.


    Some extreme Kobe fans even threatened LeBron if he ever stepped foot in LA again.


    But LeBron didn''t care.


    He was already in Oakland.


    And if his Cleveland departure taught him anything¡ª


    It''s that time heals all wounds.


    As long as you win.


    Meanwhile?


    Warriors fans were celebrating.


    Oracle Arena had massive banners of LeBron in a Golden State jersey.


    Their official Twitter dropped a bold statement.


    "Let''s make history. Again."


    73 wins?


    They weren''t satisfied.


    And with LeBron in the mix?


    They had one goal.


    Dominate.


    Again.


    Han Sen smirked.


    "Enjoy it while you can, LeBron."


    "Because you''re still not winning."


    ---


    As the NBA moratorium period ended, teams scrambled to finalize their free agency moves.


    And at the center of the biggest disaster?


    The Los Angeles Lakers.


    Their response to LeBron''s departure?


    A four-year, $65 million deal for Timofey Mozgov.A four-year, $72 million deal for Luol Deng.


    A roster that was supposed to feature LeBron, Durant, and Love¡ª


    Had now turned into Luol Deng, Mozgov, and Love.


    Lakers fans?


    Absolutely miserable.


    And when the Warriors eventually played in LA next season?


    The atmosphere would be something else.


    The Cavaliers, meanwhile, were also making their final adjustments.


    Kevin Garnett had announced his official retirement¡ªsigning a ceremonial 10-day contract with the Timberwolves before stepping away from the game.


    In response, Cleveland brought in Nene Hilario on a one-year, $2.9 million deal for added frontcourt depth.


    At 34 years old, Nene was no longer a starter, but he still averaged 9.2 points and 4.5 rebounds last season with the Wizards.


    Big men decline fast.


    Carlos Boozer had already vanished from the league overnight.


    But Nene?


    He still had something left to give.


    Cleveland also added Metta World Peace (Ron Artest) to replace the outgoing Dahntay Jones.


    ---


    Cavaliers'' 2016-17 Roster


    PG: Kyrie Irving | Deron Williams | Dejounte Murray


    SG: Han Sen | JR Smith | Norman Powell


    SF: PJ Tucker | Mike Dunleavy | Metta World Peace


    PF: Tristan Thompson | Dante Cunningham | Spencer Hawes


    C: Nikola Joki? | Nene Hilario | Dewayne Dedmon


    As for Derrick Jones Jr., Cleveland had only signed him to a training camp deal.


    Making the final roster? Would be tough.


    With free agency winding down, Han turned his focus toward organizing Cleveland''s annual training camp.


    But just as he settled into his summer routine¡ª


    A seismic announcement came from San Antonio.


    ---


    "After 19 seasons in the NBA, Tim Duncan has officially announced his retirement."


    The news broke quietly.


    No farewell tour.


    No emotional final game.


    In classic Duncan fashion¡ªthe announcement wasn''t even made by him.


    The Spurs posted it for him.


    It was the complete opposite of Kobe Bryant''s exit.


    Kobe had gone out in the most painful, unforgiving way possible¡ªtearing his Achilles in the Finals, still trying to push the Lakers toward an impossible comeback.


    His body had given out before his will ever could.


    Tim? He just walked away, as if he had never been there in the first place.


    One had left in a blaze of glory, the other like a whisper in the wind.


    The end of an era.


    With Duncan, Garnett, Stoudemire, and Kobe all stepping away from the game, the league was officially turning the page on a legendary generation.


    NBA players across the league sent their tributes.


    Han Sen, seeing the news, simply posted:


    "Farewell, the greatest power forward of all time."


    Simple. No extra words.


    Because what else needed to be said?


    ---


    As the NBA world processed Duncan''s retirement, the league made another major announcement.


    The NBA had signed an eight-year jersey sponsorship deal with Under Armour.


    UA would replace Adidas as the league''s official uniform provider.


    This was the result of Han Sen''s Finals run.


    And beyond that?


    It was a clear signal of a power shift.


    For the last five years, every NBA champion had been a UA-sponsored team.


    Nike still had big-name players, but Under Armour''s influence was now undeniable.


    Even the incoming rookie class reflected this trend¡ª


    Over 60% of the top prospects, including Brandon Ingram and Jaylen Brown, had signed with UA.


    And at Han''s training camp?


    Both Ingram and Brown were in attendance.


    ---


    While Han welcomed the new UA rookies to camp, one familiar face was missing.


    Kyrie Irving.


    He wasn''t skipping camp¡ªhe was filming the latest installment of Uncle Drew, a Nike-backed production.


    Winning a championship had supercharged Nike''s investment in Kyrie.


    And now?


    He was front and center in their newest marketing campaigns.


    Nike had even placed him side by side with Kevin Durant on their latest promotional materials.


    A clear message¡ªthey were grooming Kyrie as the future face of the brand.


    Han didn''t mind.


    Kyrie had earned his moment.


    Besides, Han had his own work to do.


    Before camp officially began, Han pulled up his Hater System shop.


    One item stood out.


    [The Tear-Drop] (Tier 1) ¨C 1.6 million Hater Points


    ¡ú Significantly enhances floater variations, arc control, and finishing over shot-blockers.


    ¡ú Works additively with [Giant Slayer] (Tier 2), amplifying your ability to finish in traffic.


    Han exhaled. 1.6 million points.


    Steep, but necessary.


    His floater game was already solid¡ª[Giant Slayer] had seen to that. It helped him finish over shot-blockers, compensating for size mismatches.


    But Game 3 against Miami in the ECF still haunted him.


    Pau Gasol read his move and sent his floater into the third row.


    That shot should''ve gone in.


    That shot needed to go in.


    He clenched his jaw and tapped [Purchase].


    A subtle warmth spread through his fingers. Not magic¡ªmore like an afterimage of movement that hadn''t happened yet.


    Han grabbed a ball, pushed off, and let a floater fly¡ª


    Clank.


    The ball bounced hard off the back rim.


    From the sideline, Chris Rondo smirked.


    "That was ugly as hell."


    Han wasn''t surprised.


    This wasn''t some instant buff. The system raised his ceiling, but the grind was still his own.


    He dribbled back out and tried again. This time, the ball had a softer arc. Still off, but... better.


    A few more weeks of training?


    That shot would be unstoppable.


    ---


    Han wasn''t just sharpening his offense.


    He was also refining his defensive footwork.


    During their hospital conversation, Kobe had broken down his philosophy behind elite on-ball defense.


    "Move your puppies."


    That was the Mamba''s advice.


    Short, rapid steps¡ªlike a dog shifting on its paws, always ready.


    Glide through screens like a sheet of paper slipping through cracks.


    Against the Warriors'' elevator screens?


    This would be crucial.


    Now, it was time to put it to the test.


    ---


    As Han was grinding in training camp¡ª


    Golden State was introducing LeBron James.


    It was his first public appearance since the Finals loss.


    Standing on the podium, he held up his new No. 23 Warriors jersey¡ªgrinning ear to ear.


    "Draymond is my brother. When he found out I was coming, he immediately offered to give up No. 23 for me.


    "I told him, ''No, man. I''ll wear No. 6 instead¡ªout of respect for you.''"


    "But he insisted. He said I deserved the number."


    Classic LeBron.


    Playing up the brotherhood angle.


    But then?


    He dropped a surprise.


    "Draymond will wear No. 35."


    "Because that''s the number he was drafted with¡ª35th overall."


    A symbolic move.


    But Han?


    When he saw the news¡ªhe just laughed.


    Kevin Durant didn''t join the Warriors.


    Yet somehow, Golden State still had a No. 35.


    The irony was too good.


    Han leaned back in his chair, smirking.


    "Well, well, well. If we''re facing them next season, I definitely need to talk to Draymond about this."


    The Warriors were stacking up talent.


    But Han?


    He wasn''t backing down.


    ---


    First Take ¨C Skip Bayless vs. Stephen A. Smith


    (ESPN''s debate table is on fire.)


    Skip Bayless:(leaning forward, slamming the desk)


    "THIS IS THE MOST PATHETIC MOVE I HAVE EVER SEEN IN NBA HISTORY!


    LeBron James¡ªa man who has spent his ENTIRE career talking about doing things ''the right way''¡ªjust joined a team that won 73 GAMES two seasons ago! The team that has already dominated the league! And we''re supposed to respect this?"


    Stephen A. Smith:(rubbing his temples, exhausted already)


    "Skip... listen... I understand where you''re coming from. I really do. But let''s not act like LeBron is just ring-chasing. He''s going to the best team, yes, but¡ª"


    Skip:(cutting him off, furious)


    "YES, HE''S RING-CHASING! THAT''S EXACTLY WHAT HE''S DOING!


    If Kevin Durant had joined this team, you would''ve lost your damn mind! But now it''s ''strategic''? It''s ''a good move for his career''? The hypocrisy is INSANE!"


    Stephen A.:(pausing, blinking rapidly)


    "...I never said that."


    Skip:(grinning, pointing at producers)


    "ROLL THE TAPE!"


    (Producers immediately cut to a 2016 clip of Stephen A. calling the idea of LeBron ever joining the Warriors ''the softest move in NBA history.'' The studio erupts in laughter.)


    Stephen A.:(facepalming, muttering)


    "I really need a vacation."


    ---


    Inside the NBA ¨C Shaq, Chuck, Kenny, and Ernie


    (TNT''s crew watches LeBron''s Warriors press conference highlights.)


    Charles Barkley:(already shaking his head, disgusted)


    "This is a joke, man. I don''t wanna hear no more GOAT talk about LeBron. This man done hopped to every good team in the league!"


    Shaq:(laughing)


    "Chuck, stop hatin''. You joined the Rockets to win, too!"


    Chuck:(offended, pointing at Shaq)


    "THAT AIN''T THE SAME THING, SHAQ! I didn''t join no 73-win team with three All-Stars! This man got Steph and Klay! And Draymond! AND A CHAMPIONSHIP COACH! C''mon, man!"


    Kenny Smith:(grinning, stirring the pot)


    "Well, Chuck, technically, the Warriors lost in the Finals, so they weren''t champions last year¡ª"


    Chuck:(grumbling, glaring at Kenny)


    "Man, shut up, Kenny."


    Ernie Johnson:(calmly, turning to Shaq)


    "Shaq, does this move actually make the Warriors unbeatable?"


    Shaq:(serious now)


    "Listen, they got the talent. No question. But basketball ain''t played on paper.


    Steph needs the ball. Draymond needs the ball. And LeBron? He''s the biggest ''I need the ball'' guy in the NBA. Who''s sacrificing?"


    Kenny:(nodding)


    "That''s the key. KD fit because he was a scorer who could play off-ball. But LeBron? He''s used to running the show. Are they really gonna just let Steph take a backseat?"


    Chuck:(laughing, shaking his head)


    "Nope. Too many egos. Too much drama. MARK MY WORDS¡ªthis ain''t gonna be as easy as people think!"


    ---


    Twitter Reactions ¨C Trending Topics


    (As expected, social media explodes the second the move is announced.)


    Trending #1:"LeBron to Warriors"


    Trending #2:"King Chasing"


    Trending #3:"Warriors Superteam"


    Trending #4:"GOAT Debate Over"


    @MartialG0D:"So when KD almost joined the Warriors, people lost their minds. But now that it''s LeBron, everyone''s fine with it? LMAOOO the double standards."


    @CouchPotatoDandy:"LeBron + Steph + Klay + Dray? IT''S OVER FOR THE LEAGUE."


    @secrecy_7977:"Kobe spent his whole career grinding in LA, and this dude just ran away the second things got tough. Smh."


    @MakarHunt:"LeBron can run wherever he wants. Han Sen is still coming for his head."(80K likes, Han Sen follows the account.)


    ---


    Back at camp, Han scrolled through the news.


    The Warriors.


    LeBron.


    The media explosion.


    He saw the reactions.


    The outrage. The debates. The memes.


    And then?


    He turned his phone off.


    None of it mattered.


    Because in the end?


    It was all just noise.


    What mattered was the court.


    What mattered was next season.


    And Han was already grinding.

 Chapter 330: The Road to the Throne.

    Chapter 330: The Road to the Throne.By the time training camp had hit the two-week mark, Nikola Joki? had finally returned from Serbia.


    If it were up to him, he would''ve stayed in Sombor, soaking in the slow life a little longer.


    But Han Sen wasn''t about to let that happen.


    A championship came with a price, and for Joki?? That price was work.


    The best horse in Sombor was his now, sure. But that wasn''t a free ride.


    Han knew Joki? had been training back home¡ªbut at best, it was maintenance work, not the kind of grind that pushed him to the next level.


    So as soon as he landed in Cleveland, Han put him on a specialized regimen.


    He even brought in a trainer specifically to improve Joki?''s pick-and-roll execution.


    This season, the competition was tougher. The Cavaliers'' rivals were stronger.


    Joki? had to level up.


    ---


    Before anyone knew it, September arrived, and teams across the league began their official training camps.


    The first day in Cleveland?


    Sluggish.


    Guys were still shaking off the long offseason.


    That post-championship hangover was real.


    When you win a title, the hunger naturally fades a little. No matter how much you try to fight it, complacency sneaks in¡ªlike the drowsiness that hits after a big meal.


    And yet, something else felt off.


    It took Han a second to realize.


    Kevin Garnett wasn''t here.


    For the past two seasons, the training facility had been filled with his relentless trash talk, his barking, his in-your-face intensity.


    Now?


    Silence.


    KG was officially retired. And with him, an era had ended.


    But if anyone thought Han would have to take over as the team''s hardass?


    Nope.


    Michael Malone had already taken that role.


    Any coach who could get on stage during the championship parade and yell "Who is your daddy?" wasn''t going to be soft on his players.


    With Tyronn Lue playing the "good cop" and Malone playing the "bad cop," the balance worked.


    ---


    On the court, the biggest shift in strategy was obvious.


    Malone wasn''t just running a one-star, four-shooter system.


    This year, he was fully integrating Joki?.


    More high-post actions with Joki? running the offense from the three-point line. More pick-and-roll variations to utilize his passing.


    Joki?''s breakout playoff performance had earned him this.


    And with the added flexibility, teams wouldn''t be able to scheme against Han Sen as easily.


    Joki? thrived in training.


    Passing was already his greatest weapon.


    But after an offseason of working on his screens and positioning? His pick-and-roll game was noticeably better.


    Deron Williams took notice right away.


    The veteran point guard had been watching from the sidelines, analyzing every set.


    And once he saw Joki?''s improvement?


    He immediately took him under his wing¡ªoffering up tips, angles, and tricks on pick-and-roll execution.


    Some guys just had that kind of magnetism.


    Joki? was one of them.


    ---


    By early October, training camps wrapped up, and the annual Media Day arrived.


    This year, all eyes were on three teams.


    - The Warriors ¨C LeBron''s new kingdom.


    - The Celtics ¨C Durant''s fresh start.


    - The Cavaliers ¨C Han Sen''s reigning champions.


    ---


    Durant had spent the entire summer locked in the gym.


    No social media. No distractions.


    And when he showed up at media day?


    He looked stronger.


    Bigger.


    First question? The obvious one.


    "Why did you choose Boston?"


    Durant nodded, already expecting it.


    "I love the championship culture here. When Danny showed me the banners hanging in the arena... I knew this was the place. Nobody understands winning better than Boston."


    Then, another question.


    "Why not go West? In the East, you''ll have to face Han."


    Durant didn''t even blink.


    "If I go West, I''ll still have to face Han eventually.


    If I can''t beat Han head-on, then none of this matters anyway."


    Straight to the point.


    ---


    Over in the Bay Area, Warriors players publicly embraced LeBron''s arrival.


    Even Draymond Green.


    "LeBron is my brother. Our goal is the same¡ªwinning a championship.


    That''s why we''re here. We''re ready for revenge."


    LeBron, meanwhile?


    He doubled down on his summer promise.


    "We''re going to win our first championship together.


    Then the second.


    Then the third.


    But right now, the first one is the most important.


    And we will get it."


    One overlooked detail?


    LeBron had beaten the Warriors before joining them.


    That meant he didn''t ''betray'' them.


    He conquered them first.


    Then he took over.


    And that gave him an edge.


    A psychological advantage.


    ---


    And then?


    There was Han Sen.


    The defending champion.


    The reigning Finals MVP.


    He sat down at the podium¡ªflashes from cameras blinding him¡ªas questions fired in from every angle.


    "LeBron has talked about building a dynasty in Golden State. You''ve said the same thing about Cleveland. How do you see this clash?"


    Han didn''t hesitate.


    "There''s no conflict."


    The room went dead silent.


    Journalists were stunned.


    Then Han leaned in, grinning.


    "LeBron will build a dynasty, alright.


    But not in Golden State.


    For Cleveland."


    The entire room erupted in laughter.


    Journalists got it immediately.


    This was the same energy as his parade speech¡ªwhen he said LeBron had ''delivered'' Cleveland''s first championship.


    Han had fully claimed LeBron''s old legacy.


    And he wasn''t letting it go.


    Another question.


    "Between Boston and Golden State, which team is your biggest challenge?"


    Most would expect him to say Golden State.


    But instead?


    "Ourselves."


    Once again, Han caught them off guard.


    But this time?


    They understood.


    As defending champions, complacency was the real enemy.


    Not Boston. Not Golden State.


    Only them.


    ---


    Cleveland went 5-2 in preseason play.


    Malone used the games as live tests¡ªimplementing their new offensive wrinkles.


    Joki? showed flashes but still needed more in-game reps.


    Then?


    The official power rankings dropped.


    1. Golden State Warriors


    2. Cleveland Cavaliers


    3. Boston Celtics


    4. San Antonio Spurs


    5. Houston Rockets


    6. Oklahoma City Thunder


    7. Toronto Raptors


    8. Memphis Grizzlies


    No surprises.


    And the NBA?


    They had already lined up the schedule for opening night.


    - Cavaliers vs. Celtics


    - Warriors vs. Lakers


    - Knicks vs. Bulls


    Each matchup had a storyline.


    But the biggest one? S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Han Sen vs. Kevin Durant.


    The reigning champion versus the biggest challenger.


    And with the spotlight fully on them?


    It was time to set the tone.


    For the season.


    For the dynasty.


    ---


    As the defending champions, the Cavaliers'' season opener was naturally held at home.


    Han Sen''s training camp had taken place at the team''s newly renovated training center since Quicken Loans Arena had been undergoing renovations throughout the summer.


    The price tag? $140 million.


    And now? The arena was completely transformed.


    The most striking upgrade?


    The exterior.


    The massive billboard area in front of the arena¡ªthe same one Han had roasted countless times for never updating fast enough¡ªwas now replaced with a state-of-the-art, oversized LED display.


    On non-game days, it would cycle through various banners and advertisements. On game nights? It would broadcast live footage of the game.


    The Cleveland city government even cooperated by redesigning the roads.


    The four-lane road that once ran in front of the arena?


    Gone.


    In its place?


    A massive fountain plaza capable of hosting thousands of fans to watch games outdoors.


    And that was just the outside.


    Inside the arena?


    Upgraded LED displays now made the jumbotron 1.5 times larger than before¡ªproviding a vastly improved visual experience.


    Seating capacity?


    Expanded to 21,000.


    Every seat? Now a premium soft chair.


    The locker rooms?


    The old communal showers were officially gone.


    In their place? Modern glass partitions, atmospheric lighting, and touchscreen tactical displays for the coaching staff.


    Dan Gilbert had gone all in.


    But after Cleveland''s first-ever championship, the franchise''s valuation had skyrocketed.


    Sponsorships? Pouring in.


    Investors? Lining up.


    From a business perspective?


    This was a no-brainer.


    Even more importantly?


    The Cavaliers were just one of Gilbert''s assets.


    A higher franchise valuation increased the credibility of his real estate and financial businesses.


    His loan empire? Thriving.


    No wonder the man had literally knelt before Han after the championship.


    ---


    With a newly renovated arena and a championship banner waiting to be raised, Cleveland fans flooded Quicken Loans Arena.


    The fountain plaza was packed¡ªthousands of fans braving the freezing November night.


    Cleveland''s night-time temperatures were single digits, with an unforgiving wind chill.


    But that?


    That didn''t matter.


    They had waited too long for this moment.


    One hour before tip-off?


    90% of the arena was already filled.


    A big reason?


    Han Sen was on the court, putting on a dunk show during warm-ups.


    ---


    One unexpected roster move surfaced after the preseason:


    Metta World Peace was waived.


    Instead?


    The Cavaliers kept Derrick Jones Jr., who had originally signed on just for training camp.


    From a basketball standpoint?


    The move was surprising.


    Cleveland still needed an enforcer.


    Even if Metta was past his prime, his presence alone made opponents think twice.


    But from a business perspective?


    It made perfect sense.


    Han soon learned that Derrick Jones Jr. wasn''t just an explosive athlete¡ªhe was already a viral sensation.


    Back in high school, his dunk highlights had made him a social media star.


    With millions of views under his belt, he already had a built-in fanbase.


    For a minimum contract?


    A guy who could throw down flashy dunks and hype up the crowd?


    A no-brainer.


    If he could handle the pre-game dunks, Han wouldn''t have to waste his own energy hyping up the fans.


    ---


    Thirty minutes before tip-off, the championship ring ceremony began.


    As the lights dimmed, players from both teams took the court.


    At the center of the stage?


    A case filled with gold and diamonds.


    The Cavaliers'' championship rings.


    For most of these players?


    Their first ring ever.


    And in the crowd?


    Kevin Garnett.


    Even in retirement, he made sure to be there.


    After all, he finally had a second championship ring.


    Cleveland''s rings weren''t as expensive as Golden State''s in past years, but they set a new record in one category:


    Quantity.


    - The coaching staff and players received the premium 100+ diamond championship rings.


    - Team personnel, arena security, and even janitorial staff?


    All received rings¡ªeach customized, albeit with fewer diamonds.


    Even outside the arena, the Cavaliers had replica rings distributed to fans.


    Han''s words during the parade?


    "Cleveland, this is for you."


    They were now physically realized.


    ---


    Even in retirement, KG stole the show.


    The moment his name was called?


    The arena erupted.


    Chest-pound. Primal scream. Drop to the floor¡ªpush-ups.


    A classic Kevin Garnett entrance.


    When JR Smith stepped up?


    The ovation was just as deafening.


    Cleveland loved JR.


    His story¡ªfrom wild card to champion¡ªresonated deeply.


    He grabbed his ring, spun in a slow circle, arms wide, soaking it in.


    Before putting it on, he kissed his wristband and muttered a quick prayer.


    Only Han knew what that moment truly meant.


    Joki??


    Completely unbothered.


    When his name was called, he strolled up, took his ring, and walked back¡ªwithout even glancing at it.


    Derrick Jones Jr. gave him a look.


    Joki? just shrugged.


    Then?


    He casually tossed the ring to Jones.


    Zero hesitation. Zero attachment.


    Meanwhile, Norman Powell¡ªwho had just received his own ring¡ªwas buzzing with excitement.


    The contrast was hilarious.


    Before Kyrie stepped up, he turned¡ª


    And pulled Han into a deep embrace.


    Then?


    He walked forward.


    The cheers somehow got even louder.


    Both Kyrie and Han were Cleveland''s own.


    Drafted here.


    Doubted here.


    And now?


    They had finally brought a championship home.


    And then¡ª


    The moment everyone had been waiting for.


    Han Sen.


    The second his name boomed through the speakers¡ª


    The arena detonated.


    Inside. Outside. All of Cleveland roared.


    Han walked forward, shaking hands with Adam Silver.


    Then, he looked down at the case.


    And picked up his fourth championship ring.


    But this one?


    This one meant the most.


    The Cavaliers'' logo.


    The number 77.


    Diamonds catching every flicker of light.


    He slid the ring onto his finger.


    The crowd erupted.


    Back in his rookie year, Han had made bold declarations.


    People had laughed. Called him delusional.


    But now?


    That wasn''t history.


    It was the road he had walked.

 Chapter 331: The Best Pick-and-Roll.

    Chapter 331: The Best Pick-and-Roll.After the ring ceremony, both teams'' starting lineups were announced.


    Celtics:


    - PG: Isaiah Thomas


    - SG: Avery Bradley


    - SF: Kevin Durant


    - PF: Karl-Anthony Towns


    - C: Al Horford


    Cavaliers:


    - PG: Kyrie Irving


    - SG: Han Sen


    - SF: P.J. Tucker


    - PF: Tristan Thompson


    - C: Nikola Joki?


    As the starters took the court, Han Sen immediately matched up against Kevin Durant on defense.


    "Want one? I can give you one." Han smirked, casually reminiscing with Durant.


    This wasn''t the first time Durant had witnessed his championship ring ceremony.


    Durant scowled, eyes burning with determination.


    "I''ll get one myself!"


    Han''s response, however, caught him off guard.


    "I believe you."


    Han genuinely respected Durant for not joining the Warriors.


    Fighting until the end¡ªhow could anyone not admire that?


    ---


    Towns won the jump ball, and Isaiah Thomas brought it up past half-court.


    Both Towns and Horford immediately set up a high double-screen.


    Thomas chose to use Horford''s screen while Towns dived straight to the basket.


    At the same time, Durant slid from the 45-degree wing to the corner.


    Boston''s first possession showcased their offensive depth, orchestrated by their head coach Brad Stevens.


    At just 40 years old, Stevens was already considered an elite tactician.


    Back in the NCAA, he had led Butler¡ªa tiny school of just 4,000 students¡ªto two consecutive March Madness championship games.


    Horford''s screen completely walled off Kyrie.


    Thomas used the pick and pulled up for a three.


    Even Joki? couldn''t react in time¡ªit was too quick.


    Luckily for Cleveland, Thomas wasn''t warmed up yet.


    The shot clanged off the front rim.


    But Towns secured the offensive rebound, shoved Thompson aside, and finished with a strong hook shot.


    Tough.


    This was not the soft, jump-shooting Towns Han remembered.


    Clearly, Boston''s development system was working wonders.


    ---


    The Celtics struck first.


    Back on the other end, the Cavs spread the floor, giving Kyrie an iso against Thomas.


    Exploiting Isaiah was the best way to attack Boston''s defense.


    Kyrie went to the post.


    Thanks to Nike''s increased investment in him, Kyrie had spent the summer traveling constantly¡ªbut he hadn''t neglected his game.


    He had developed a post-up game.


    And now?


    It was time to test it against Isaiah.


    Horford started to rotate over for help.


    But before he could, Isaiah Thomas did something surprising¡ª


    He turned and yelled at Horford.


    "I got him!"


    That confidence.


    That challenge.


    It definitely rubbed Kyrie the wrong way.


    Kyrie backed Thomas down, spun, and pulled up for a fadeaway jumper.


    Isaiah was stronger than he looked¡ªhe held his ground.


    But his height was still a massive disadvantage.


    Against a normal drive, he could use his strength and positioning.


    Against a fadeaway?


    There was nothing he could do.


    Still¡ª


    Kyrie missed.


    Both teams were still trying to find their rhythm.


    ---


    Horford boxed out Joki? while Towns grabbed the defensive rebound.


    Then¡ª


    He immediately launched an outlet pass to Thomas.


    Boston was pushing the pace.


    Thomas'' speed was insane.


    Kyrie was left in the dust instantly.


    But he didn''t give up¡ªhe sprinted back at full speed, chasing Thomas down from behind.


    Thomas went up for the layup.


    Kyrie elevated for the chase-down block¡ª


    And smacked Thomas'' hand instead.


    Despite losing his balance in midair¡ª


    Thomas still converted the shot.


    And as the ball dropped through the net?


    Thomas sat on the floor and let out a primal scream.


    The crowd went wild.


    Normally, Kyrie was the one embarrassing defenders like this.


    But now?


    The tables had turned.


    Thomas'' ability to finish despite the contact showed just how locked in he was.


    He knocked down the free throw.


    Boston had a perfect start.


    ---


    Kyrie vs. Isaiah¡ªRound 2.


    This time, Kyrie abandoned the post-up and went straight for a face-up drive.


    But Thomas'' energy was relentless.


    Like a damn bulldog, he stuck to Kyrie, refusing to let him gain separation.


    Kyrie tried forcing his way inside¡ª


    Thomas poked the ball loose.


    Steal.


    Kyrie scrambled to recover, but swiped at Thomas from behind¡ª


    Whistle.


    Second foul.


    The game was barely two minutes in.


    And Kyrie was already in foul trouble.


    Malone had no choice.


    He subbed Kyrie out for Deron Williams.


    Kyrie sat down, visibly frustrated.


    When Derrick Jones Jr. handed him a towel, Kyrie just draped it over his knees¡ªshaking his head.


    ---


    Thomas was still in control.


    So far, Durant''s role in the Celtics'' offense looked eerily similar to how he had played in Golden State''s system in the other timeline.


    Stevens hadn''t built a new scheme around him¡ª


    He had simply integrated him into the existing Celtics'' structure.


    And honestly?


    That was the right move.


    Isaiah Thomas needed the ball.


    If he was just a catch-and-shoot player, he wouldn''t be effective at all.


    Now?


    Han switched onto Thomas.


    Deron simply couldn''t keep up with him¡ªso Han took the assignment.


    He locked in.


    Kyrie''s defense had improved significantly last season.


    But even he had no answers for Thomas tonight.


    And Han knew¡ª


    This wasn''t an ordinary Isaiah Thomas.


    This was MVP-caliber Isaiah Thomas.


    ---


    Thomas saw Han and immediately called for a screen.


    Horford stepped up.


    Han tried to slip through¡ª


    But Horford''s screen caught him just enough.


    Horford was an elite pick-setter.


    To casual fans, his stats never looked overwhelming.


    18 points and 8 rebounds? Not flashy.


    But his impact went beyond numbers.


    His box-outs, screens, positioning¡ª


    These little details changed games.


    Thomas darted past Joki?, who struggled against quick, small guards.


    Han recovered fast, chasing from behind.


    Joki?, reading the situation, rotated back onto Horford.


    That forced Thompson to stick with Towns, who was stretching the floor from the corner.


    The paint was wide open.


    And Thomas?


    He knew exactly what to do.


    He kept Han behind him, using his hips to control the angle.


    Then, right at the rim¡ª


    A quick bump to create space¡ª


    Then a smooth, high-arcing finish.


    Han jumped for the block¡ª


    But Thomas had already released it.


    Bucket.


    And then?


    A full-throated roar.


    The Celtics'' bench was hyped.


    The crowd was electric.


    Thomas wasn''t just scoring.


    He was going at both of Cleveland''s stars¡ª


    And winning.


    ---


    Because it was championship ring night, TNT''s legendary trio¡ªCharles Barkley, Shaquille O''Neal, and Kenny Smith¡ªwere on-site for the broadcast.


    "He''s the best 5''9" (1.75m) player this planet has ever seen!"


    Barkley exclaimed as Isaiah Thomas somehow evaded Han Sen''s block attempt and finished at the rim.


    It was a moment that would be replayed for years¡ªjust like Allen Iverson crossing over Michael Jordan, Thomas shaking free from Han and scoring would be one of the signature highlights of his career.


    And Barkley wasn''t exaggerating.


    The NBA had seen its fair share of undersized guards¡ªSpud Webb, Muggsy Bogues, Nate Robinson, Earl Boykins.


    But none had achieved what Isaiah Thomas had.


    A 60th overall pick, he had earned a starting role in his rookie season, became a 20+ PPG scorer by year three, and last season?


    An NBA All-Star.


    The Celtics, one of the league''s most storied franchises, had chosen to build around him.


    That alone proved his talent was undeniable.


    Height was his only weakness¡ªevery other aspect of his game was elite.


    ---


    After the bucket, Han patted Thomas on the backside¡ªa gesture of respect.


    The Strongest 5''9" (1.75m) on Earth.


    Han had heard Thomas'' story before, but what impressed him most wasn''t his height or stats¡ª


    It was his relentless competitive fire from the moment the game tipped off.


    Some players were 5''9" (1.75m) but carried themselves like giants.


    And some?


    Even if you gave them 6''8" (2.03m) size, they''d still feel small.


    ---


    Cavs'' possession.


    Deron Williams went into the post against Thomas.


    This time, the Celtics had to send help.


    Deron had made a career out of bullying smaller guards¡ªChris Paul especially¡ªusing his strength.


    There was no way Thomas could hold his ground.


    Seeing the defense collapse, Deron kicked it out.


    The Cavs swung the ball around the perimeter, forcing the Celtics to scramble.


    After two seasons together, Cleveland''s ball movement had reached elite levels.


    Finally, the ball reached Joki? at the top of the arc.


    The Celtics'' defense was already late on rotations.


    Just as everyone expected him to shoot¡ª


    Joki? kept the ball high and, at the last moment, fired a laser pass to the rim.


    Han Sen soared up for a windmill alley-oop.


    BOOM.


    The entire arena exploded in cheers.


    Han''s dunk was electrifying.


    Joki?''s pass was just as insane.


    On the sideline, Coach Malone stood up and applauded.


    Since training camp, he had been expanding Joki?''s role in the offense.


    And tonight?


    That decision was proving to be a masterstroke.


    Joki?''s passing vision was already elite, and his ability to elevate Cleveland''s offense was becoming undeniable.


    He made the Cavs more unpredictable and unstoppable.


    ---


    Boston''s next possession.


    Thomas and Horford ran another pick-and-roll.


    But this time?


    Han fought over the screen.


    Thomas still made a quick decision¡ªpulling up for three.


    Speed was his biggest weapon.


    Quick reads, quick shots¡ªthat''s what made him the Strongest 5''9" (1.75m).


    But the moment he released¡ª


    Han was already in the air.


    Blocked.


    That''s where Kobe''s ''Move your puppies'' footwork advice came in.


    Short, quick steps¡ªsliding through screens effortlessly.


    Thomas tried to adjust midair, contorting for a circus shot¡ª


    But instead of an open look, it became a desperation heave.


    Brick.


    Joki? grabbed the defensive rebound.


    The Celtics'' transition defense was fast, so Cleveland didn''t push the break.


    ---


    Back in half-court.


    Deron brought the ball up, but Han called for it.


    For most teams, the preseason was for testing lineups and schemes.


    For the Cavs?


    Even the regular season was about preparing for the Warriors.


    To beat that team, Cleveland had to evolve.


    Han called for a pick-and-roll with Joki?.


    Pick-and-roll.


    The simplest, yet most complex play in basketball.


    Every team ran it.


    Few mastered it.


    Back in Memphis, Han had wreaked havoc with Zach Randolph using a poison pill pick-and-roll¡ªa combination that frustrated defenses for years.


    Joki??


    Had even higher potential than Randolph. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His basketball IQ and passing ability were off the charts.


    Of course, potential meant nothing until it was proven in live action.


    ---


    The screen hit perfectly.


    Joki? completely walled off Bradley, a huge improvement from last season.


    It slowed his roll to the rim slightly¡ª


    But forced Boston into a switch.


    Against LeBron, teams could go under screens.


    But against Han?


    They couldn''t risk it¡ªhis pull-up shooting was too deadly.


    Boston had no choice but to switch.


    That created two mismatches.


    Horford lunged forward¡ª


    Han whipped the pass to Joki? in stride.


    This was all part of the process.


    If Cleveland wanted to unlock Joki?''s full potential, Han had to feed him touches.


    Bradley, completely undersized, tried reaching up to disrupt Joki?.


    Didn''t matter.


    It was like an ant trying to stop an elephant.


    Towns had to rotate over.


    Joki? waited¡ªbaiting the contest.


    Then?


    A smooth bounce pass¡ªright under Towns'' arms.


    On the other side of the rim?


    Tristan Thompson, wide open.


    Slam.


    The crowd exploded again.


    ---


    "What an incredible sequence!"


    Barkley was blown away.


    Cleveland''s offense looked completely different from last season.


    The four-out, one-in scheme was effective, but at times predictable.


    Now?


    The Cavs'' passing and fluid offense were on another level.


    For casual fans, the plays were beautiful to watch.


    For the experts?


    They saw something even crazier.


    "This is unbelievable," Barkley marveled.


    "A pick-and-roll pairing where both players have elite passing vision?


    I don''t think we''ve ever seen this in NBA history."


    Not just rare.


    Unprecedented.


    This was the most dangerous pick-and-roll in the league.


    No¡ª


    This was the strongest pick-and-roll ever.

 Chapter 332: The Earth is Flat.

    Chapter 332: The Earth is Flat.7-4.


    The Celtics still held the lead.


    But after Han clamped down on Isaiah Thomas, Brad Stevens made a quick adjustment¡ªKevin Durant took over the offense.


    ''Being a tactical supplement'' might not sound impressive, but in reality, it was an elite skill.


    Players like LeBron required teams to build around them. Even someone like Kobe needed the right system to maximize his offensive impact.


    But Durant?


    He could integrate into any system effortlessly.


    He was the ultimate plug-and-play superstar.


    That level of adaptability required supreme talent. In today''s NBA, only two players had that ability¡ªHan Sen and Kevin Durant.


    Leonard and Carmelo? They were close, but not quite there.


    Durant caught the ball, gave Tucker a slight bump, then spun into a pull-up jumper.


    Tucker grabbed at Durant''s arm, but it wasn''t enough to disrupt his shooting motion.


    Whistle.


    And-1.


    Durant had bulked up over the summer, but it hadn''t slowed him down. If anything, it had made him even more stable.


    Landing after the shot, Durant turned and glared at Han¡ªaggressive, confrontational.


    Han''s pregame remarks were still in his head.


    But Han?


    He just gave Durant a thumbs-up.


    A silent nod of approval.


    Durant froze, caught off guard.


    He had been ready to bark back, to flex his moment¡ªbut Han was completely unfazed.


    This wasn''t the reaction he had expected.


    Durant hit his free throw, extending Boston''s lead.


    On the other end, Han went right back to working the two-man game with Joki?.


    No panic.


    No change in approach.


    Just running the sets, figuring out what worked.


    It was almost as if Han was saying¡ª


    "You do your thing. I''ll do mine."


    The problem?


    Boston still had no answer for Cleveland''s evolving pick-and-roll.


    By the time the first quarter hit the four-minute mark, the score was 25-21, Celtics leading.


    Both teams started rotating their lineups.


    Han and the Cavs'' starters checked out, leaving Joki? on the floor.


    Malone was making his intentions clear.


    Joki? was getting fast-tracked into a bigger role.


    Meanwhile, Boston sent in their veteran duo¡ªRay Allen and Paul Pierce.


    Seeing them on the court together again was like a time warp.


    Especially Pierce.


    Han still remembered their battles from six years ago.


    And yet, to his surprise, Allen looked sharper than Pierce.


    The man hadn''t played since 2014, yet he was still moving well.


    Clearly, he hadn''t spent his retirement slacking off.


    With Irving in foul trouble, the last four minutes of the quarter were a test for Cleveland.


    But somehow?


    They clawed their way back.


    Malone was pleasantly surprised.


    Han and Kyrie weren''t on the floor.


    And yet, Cleveland''s offense¡ªrun entirely through Joki?¡ªwas thriving.


    This wasn''t just potential.


    Joki? was proving he could be a primary creator.


    The Sombor Horse Racing Champion was no mere sidekick.


    At the end of the first quarter, the score was 31-30, Celtics barely ahead.


    ---


    The second quarter opened with Irving checking back in.


    After sitting for almost a full quarter, he was eager to get going.


    But his rhythm was off.


    His hands were cold.


    And Boston''s Marcus Smart?


    Playing elite defense.


    As the 6th overall pick in 2014, Smart had built his reputation on defense.


    Quick, strong, relentless¡ªhe was like a Delly upgrade.


    A nightmare matchup for Kyrie.


    Boston took advantage.


    They extended their lead into double digits.


    When the starters returned, Han ramped up his offensive load.


    With Joki? setting high-quality screens, Han got cleaner looks.


    His shot-making shifted the momentum.


    By halftime?


    58-58.


    Malone''s gamble had paid off.


    Cleveland had experimented with their system¡ªwithout sacrificing the game.


    ---


    For the second half, Malone rolled out the five-out lineup.


    Stevens countered by subbing out Towns for Jae Crowder.


    Crowder, a 6''6" swingman, had been Boston''s starting small forward last season.


    Now?


    He was their small-ball four.


    A perfect 3&D fit.


    Cleveland couldn''t pull away.


    The Celtics were too deep.


    And as the defending champs, the Cavs were the most scouted team in the league.


    The more they leaned on familiar sets, the easier they were to predict.


    By the end of the third?


    85-85.


    It was going to be a battle.


    ---


    The fourth quarter turned into a shootout.


    Han vs. Durant.


    Classic.


    Both teams eventually sent double-teams.


    The difference?


    Isaiah Thomas stepped up.


    Kyrie didn''t.


    And as the game neared its final minutes, Joki? ran out of gas.


    Boston''s twin towers¡ªTowns and Horford¡ªoverpowered him late.


    Final score:


    Celtics 114, Cavaliers 108.


    A season-opening win for Boston.


    Han finished with 41 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.


    Joki? had 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists.


    Kyrie? Struggled¡ª14 points, 4 assists.


    On the other side:


    - Isaiah Thomas: 31 points, 5 assists


    - Kevin Durant: 30 points, 6 rebounds


    - Karl-Anthony Towns: 16 points, 11 rebounds


    - Al Horford: 12 points, 8 rebounds


    ---


    Losing on ring night stung.


    But at the postgame press conference, Malone wasn''t worried.


    "Kyrie just had an off night. The biggest takeaway? We developed a new dimension to our offense."


    Han, for his part, wasn''t thrilled about the loss.


    Especially not on championship night.


    But he didn''t blame Kyrie.


    Instead?


    He repeated something he had said last season.


    "We have to trust the process."


    You couldn''t build something great without growing pains.


    Last season had proven that.


    Now?


    This was just another step forward.


    ---


    Following their narrow loss to the Celtics, the Cavaliers responded with a dominant run, rattling off nine consecutive wins.


    At 9-1, Cleveland sat atop the league standings.


    This streak wasn''t entirely surprising¡ªschedule strength played a role.


    As defending champions, the league had given them a favorable early-season slate.


    This was precisely why Malone had experimented with new tactics against Boston¡ªbecause if a strategy doesn''t hold up against elite competition, it''s not truly valuable.


    One of the biggest takeaways from this stretch?


    Joki?''s emergence.


    Through ten games, he was averaging:


    - 16.4 points


    - 10.7 rebounds


    - 4.5 assists


    - 55.8% FG, 32% 3PT


    While his three-point percentage had dipped slightly from last season, everything else had improved.


    That was the result of increased tactical responsibility under Malone¡ªbut also Joki?''s own dedication.


    After all, opportunity favors the prepared.


    TNT''s latest broadcast featured Charles Barkley dramatically exclaiming,


    "How the hell did the Cavaliers get this guy?!"


    With Han, Kyrie, TT, Joki?, and Cunningham all drafted by Cleveland, the Cavaliers'' front office was now being mentioned alongside the Thunder and Warriors as one of the league''s elite management teams.


    But just as Cleveland was finding its rhythm¡ª


    A sudden controversy involving Kyrie Irving took center stage.


    ---


    NBA players don''t just play basketball.


    Between sponsorship events and media appearances, off-court engagements are common.


    LeBron, now in Golden State, had been making regular appearances at Silicon Valley tech summits alongside Draymond Green.


    For Kyrie, his latest media stop?


    The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.


    Nike, eager to capitalize on his rising stardom, had arranged the appearance to boost his profile further.


    The conversation turned to extraterrestrial life¡ªa hot topic, given Hollywood''s ongoing sci-fi boom.


    At one point, Fallon casually remarked, "Of course, the Earth is round."


    Kyrie, without hesitation, fired back:


    "Do you really believe that?"


    Fallon, caught off guard, laughed it off. But Kyrie doubled down.


    "The Earth is flat. And that''s not even a conspiracy theory."


    The statement immediately went viral.


    Given Fallon''s show''s massive reach¡ªand Kyrie''s status as Nike''s new face¡ªthe internet exploded.


    Most people outright mocked him.


    After all, basic science had long proven the Earth''s shape.


    With satellite imagery, space station footage, and centuries of research, the debate should have been long dead.


    But one group took serious issue with Kyrie''s claim¡ª


    Geography teachers.


    Many worried that Irving''s influence would fuel misinformation among younger fans.


    Educators across the country voiced their frustration, fearing this would make their jobs harder.


    Surprisingly, though, Kyrie wasn''t alone in his stance.


    One major NBA figure publicly supported his claim¡ª Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Shaquille O''Neal.


    On TNT, Shaq made his case:


    1. "I just flew for 20 hours, and I never ''flipped over'' or ''turned upside down.''"


    2. "They say the Earth spins? I''ve lived by a lake for 30 years, and that water hasn''t moved left or right once."


    ---


    Han first learned about the controversy during a media session.


    Reporters bombarded him with questions about Kyrie''s remarks.


    But he didn''t take the bait.


    He simply refused to comment.


    Because he had heard about this before.


    In his past life, Kyrie''s flat-earth claim had been widely discussed.


    Back then, Han hadn''t understood the full context. He had just thought, "What the hell?"


    But after years in the U.S., he saw things differently.


    Because context matters.


    Take vaccines, for example.


    To any rational person, vaccines are a no-brainer¡ªall benefits, no downsides.


    But this was America.


    Han had already seen multiple reports exposing how some medical institutions had used vaccines as a cover to experiment on citizens.


    So mistrust ran deep.


    The flat-earth belief?


    It stemmed from mistrust in NASA.


    Many in the U.S. believed NASA''s moon landings and Mars missions were fabricated.


    For them, NASA was the ''Truman Show'' director, creating an illusion to deceive the public and steal taxpayer money.


    Han understood now¡ªthis wasn''t just ignorance.


    It was a product of deep-rooted skepticism.


    Which is why he didn''t feel the need to publicly oppose Kyrie.


    People were free to have their own beliefs.


    And more importantly¡ª


    This didn''t affect basketball.


    Or so he thought.


    ---


    Cleveland''s next marquee game was an away matchup against the Spurs¡ªtheir toughest opponent in November.


    Malone had emphasized its importance in practice.


    But the day before the game?


    Kyrie skipped practice, citing illness.


    It wasn''t a big deal at the time.


    But on game night, Kyrie played terribly.


    Cleveland lost.


    For the second time in two high-profile matchups, the Cavs had come up short.


    Han wasn''t happy.


    But he didn''t lash out.


    Instead, he just stayed in the gym for extra training when they returned to Cleveland.


    Losses weren''t on any one player.


    They were on everyone.


    ---


    Then¡ª


    A bombshell report surfaced online.


    Kyrie''s Tonight Show appearance?


    That wasn''t the end of the flat-earth controversy.


    It was just the beginning.


    Because shortly after, TNT had invited Kyrie as the featured guest for a live TV debate on whether the Earth was round or flat.


    And?


    He went.


    Suddenly, Shaq''s earlier remarks made sense¡ªthey weren''t just personal opinions.


    They were marketing for the show.


    The result?


    Massive ratings.


    And for Kyrie?


    A huge boost in popularity.


    Data showed that 20% of Americans believed in the flat-earth theory.


    Kyrie had just won over a massive new fanbase¡ªsetting himself up for major sponsorship deals.


    Han didn''t care about that.


    What pissed him off?


    Kyrie''s debate took place on the same night he skipped practice.


    His so-called ''illness''?


    A lie.


    Instead of preparing for the Spurs game, he had flown out to do a TV show.


    And knowing Malone?


    Kyrie had likely known he wouldn''t get permission¡ªso he made up an excuse.


    Han wasn''t the type to call teammates out in public.


    But behind closed doors?


    This wasn''t going to be ignored.

 Chapter 333: The Rise of the Joker.

    Chapter 333: The Rise of the Joker.Malone was furious.


    Han could tell the moment he walked in.


    Malone had never been one to back down, not even in front of superstars.


    Back when he was an assistant, he had no problem blowing the whistle on LeBron James for traveling in practice.


    Now, as the Cavs'' head coach?


    He wasn''t about to start letting things slide.


    "I''m benching Kyrie," Malone stated, his voice sharp.


    Han didn''t even blink. He expected this.


    Malone didn''t tolerate distractions.


    His coaching philosophy was simple¡ªno one was above the team.


    Let Kyrie get away with this, and the entire locker room would feel it.


    This was why the pre-reboot Lakers had failed. Too many unchecked privileges, too little accountability. When one guy was untouchable, the whole structure collapsed.


    But Malone wasn''t just venting.


    He had come to Han for a reason.


    This wasn''t college¡ªNBA coaches couldn''t just bench a star player without consequences.


    Even great coaches like Phil Jackson had to manage egos carefully.


    Only guys with front-office power, like Popovich or Pat Riley, could make these calls alone.


    So Han asked the real question:


    "How many games?"


    Malone''s response was firm.


    "Until he apologizes."


    A flexible punishment.


    If Kyrie apologized before the next game? He wouldn''t miss a single one.


    If he refused? Indefinite suspension.


    The second scenario was a disaster waiting to happen.


    Han knew Kyrie too well.


    He wasn''t the type to back down.


    Which meant Malone needed Han to step in.


    ---


    That night, Han invited Kyrie over for dinner.


    Kyrie sounded excited when he picked up the call.


    He had been to Han''s house before¡ªfor team gatherings, for celebrations.


    But a personal invite? That was new.


    After dinner, the two sat by the fireplace. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Cleveland''s November nights were freezing, but the warmth of the fire made the conversation feel almost... comfortable.


    Until Han got to the point.


    "Kyrie. Why did you really miss practice?"


    His voice was calm. But direct.


    There was no dodging this.


    Kyrie hesitated. Then shrugged.


    "It''s not a big deal, man. I just missed one practice."


    Han''s expression darkened.


    That was the problem.


    Kyrie didn''t see the issue.


    Han exhaled.


    "I don''t care about the flat earth stuff."


    Kyrie blinked, caught off guard.


    "You believe whatever you want. That''s your right."


    For a moment, Kyrie looked relieved.


    But then¡ª


    "The only condition is¡ªit can''t hurt the team."


    Han''s voice turned sharper.


    "I promised Cleveland a dynasty. I''m giving it everything I have. I expect everyone else to do the same."


    Kyrie finally understood.


    Han wasn''t just a supportive teammate.


    He was the standard.


    And he expected the same from everyone else.


    ---


    Two nights later, Cleveland faced the Chicago Bulls.


    Kyrie was officially listed as ''out'' due to illness.


    Except¡ªhe didn''t even show up to the arena.


    Normally, after Han''s talk, Kyrie should have known what to do.


    But this was Kyrie.


    He didn''t think like most people.


    When Malone later told Han that Kyrie still refused to apologize, Han didn''t hesitate.


    "Then bench him."


    Kyrie responded by not even traveling with the team to Chicago.


    ---


    The Bulls had restructured their roster in the offseason¡ªsigning Wade and Pau Gasol to create a veteran-heavy core.


    But the experiment was already failing.


    Gasol''s decline was obvious.


    Wade, without his signature explosiveness, struggled as a primary playmaker.


    Without Kyrie, Cleveland still dominated.


    And after the game, Han noticed something in Wade''s eyes.


    The fire was gone.


    Wade had left Miami to prove Pat Riley wrong.


    But now?


    It was clear¡ªthere would be no revenge tour.


    Cleveland then continued their road trip, defeating:


    - Portland


    - The Clippers


    - The Lakers


    A 4-0 West Coast run before returning home.


    ---


    While in Los Angeles, Han saw something hilarious.


    Kobe murals still covered the city.


    But now?


    There were just as many anti-LeBron street paintings.


    Some depicted LeBron crying.


    Others? LeBron getting knocked out by James Johnson.


    Los Angeles wasn''t just full of old-heads.


    There were regular Lakers fans too.


    And those fans?


    They despised LeBron for leaving.


    According to reports, during the Warriors-Lakers season opener, LeBron had been booed all night.


    After the game? He immediately took a flight out of L.A.


    Han laughed.


    LeBron had created his own worst enemy.


    ---


    Cleveland''s next opponent was the Boston Celtics.


    Before the game, Malone gathered the team in the locker room.


    "Kyrie has apologized."


    Which meant¡ªhe was back.


    Han believed Malone.


    If he said Kyrie apologized, then it was real.


    But he also knew something else.


    Winning changes everything.


    Cleveland had gone on a streak without Kyrie.


    And Kyrie?


    He wasn''t stupid.


    If the team kept winning without him, people would start asking¡ª


    "Do they even need Kyrie?"


    No player wants to be seen as replaceable.


    So whether he wanted to or not¡ªKyrie had to come back.


    And with Boston up next?


    After how badly Isaiah Thomas had torched him on opening night?


    Kyrie definitely wanted revenge.


    ---


    The game was in Boston.


    Before tip-off, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant were chatting at midcourt, both grinning as they talked.


    Clearly, they were close off the court.


    But for Malone?


    This was a must-win.


    The Cavs were defending champions¡ªif they couldn''t take down an elite team like Boston, they might as well pack up and sell potatoes.


    So from the opening tip, Malone made his intentions clear.


    Han Sen was assigned to defend Isaiah Thomas.


    At this point, Han couldn''t really be classified as a shooting guard anymore.


    He was a do-it-all perimeter force.


    - In small-ball lineups? He played small forward and defended opposing wings.


    - On offense? He ran the Cavs'' one-star-four-shooters scheme like a point guard.


    - Now? He was taking on the opponent''s lead guard.


    He covered three positions seamlessly.


    With Han locking up Isaiah Thomas, Kyrie was freed up defensively¡ªand it showed.


    His offense looked way sharper than the season opener.


    Especially when posting up Isaiah.


    With his touch, there was no way Isaiah could guard him 1-on-1.


    Boston had to send help, forcing their defense to rotate.


    But the Cavs'' ball movement was crisp.


    They kept pulling the Celtics apart.


    Forced to adjust, Brad Stevens played his trump card¡ªthe Durant-Thomas pick-and-roll.


    A damn near unguardable action.


    KD wanted a title. He was willing to do whatever it took.


    And physically?


    He was stronger this season.


    By crunch time, he and Han were going back and forth, trading blows like two gladiators.


    When both teams started trapping them to force the ball out of their hands, the game mirrored the season opener.


    But this time?


    Kyrie delivered.


    Whenever Isaiah Thomas scored, Kyrie answered right back.


    And in the end¡ª


    Cavs 126, Celtics 122.


    Cleveland took revenge.


    - Han Sen: 45 points


    - Kyrie Irving: 27 points


    - Nikola Joki?: 17 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists


    - Kevin Durant: 40 points


    - Isaiah Thomas: 23 points


    - Karl-Anthony Towns: 20 points, 10 rebounds


    - Al Horford: 9 points, 12 rebounds


    At the postgame press conference, Malone made it clear.


    "When Kyrie''s healthy, we can beat anyone."


    It was a direct nod to Kyrie''s impact.


    No matter how frustrating he was off the court¡ªin games like these, he was indispensable.


    The win, combined with Malone''s public praise, helped ease tensions between Kyrie and the Cavs.


    ---


    While most of the media had focused on Kyrie''s drama, something else had been quietly unfolding.


    During Kyrie''s DNP stretch, Cleveland had kept winning.


    Because Nikola Joki? was evolving.


    - Against Portland? He recorded his first 20-10 game.


    - Against the Lakers? He dropped 24 points in three quarters.


    As the saying went¡ªopportunity favors the prepared.


    Give a player more touches, and they''ll put up numbers.


    But the difference between a role player and a star?


    Their ceiling.


    Joki? still had flaws¡ª


    - Foul trouble was an issue.


    - Turnovers increased with more ball-handling.


    - His three-point shot had dipped.


    But none of that changed what was clear.


    The kid was special.


    This was only his second season, and yet¡ªhe was already shining like gold.


    On TNT, Shaq had seen enough.


    He openly compared Joki? to Han''s sophomore season, even declaring¡ª


    "Joki? is gonna be the next Han Sen."


    ---


    As December hit its midpoint, all eyes turned to one event¡ªChristmas Day.


    This year''s Christmas game was in Cleveland.


    The Cavs hyped it up early.


    On Christmas Eve, they hosted a special fan event at the arena¡ª


    Han, Kyrie, Joki?, and the team''s core players put on Santa hats and personally handed out gifts to fans.


    Joki?, with his big frame and goofy expression, looked like Santa Claus'' oversized grandson.


    But the highlight?


    A mini-game called "Power Wins Prizes".


    A punching machine.


    Hit hard enough, and you''d knock over a cartoon king wearing a crown.


    Do that?


    You won Christmas Day tickets.


    Not front-row seats, of course.


    But with Cavs'' tickets skyrocketing in price, fans were lining up for a chance.


    Winning, however, wasn''t easy.


    Very few managed to land a punch strong enough.


    So naturally¡ªwhen the event ended?


    The Cavs'' players took their shots.


    And the winner?


    Joki?.


    It caught some by surprise.


    But those who understood basketball weren''t shocked.


    Joki? wasn''t great at defending small guards¡ª


    But in the post? He had always been strong.


    Low-post defense required power.


    His athleticism wasn''t flashy, but his strength?


    Elite.


    He casually handed his winning ticket to a nearby female fan.


    She immediately hugged him in excitement.


    And just like that¡ªJoki? turned red.


    Standing beside him, Natalija, his longtime girlfriend, watched with narrowed eyes.


    Han chuckled.


    "Yeah... Joki?''s gonna have a long night."


    ---


    Game day arrived, and Cleveland was electric.


    For the third straight year, Han Sen was part of the NBA''s Christmas Day showcase.


    His presence in these prime-time matchups said everything about his rising global marketability.


    And inside the packed arena?


    Cavs fans were already buzzing.


    Because tonight?


    They had one special Christmas tradition¡ª


    Booing the hell out of LeBron James.


    His jersey had changed¡ªfrom Lakers to Warriors.


    But the hate remained.


    After all¡ª


    As Han once said¡ª


    LeBron was still building Cleveland''s dynasty.


    Even if he didn''t know it.

 Chapter 334: Draymond’s Dilemma.

    Chapter 334: Draymond''s Dilemma.The Warriors were in their honeymoon phase.


    After a shaky 6-4 start, people had doubts about this so-called ''Super Warriors'' team.


    But just like every LeBron-led team, the early struggles were just growing pains.


    Unlike Durant, who seamlessly integrated as a system player, LeBron required a team to adapt around him. That adjustment period had cost them early games.


    But once they clicked?


    They were unstoppable.


    By December, the Warriors were on a 12-game winning streak.


    The Splash Brothers fit right into LeBron''s system, and the LeBron-Curry pick-and-roll became their deadliest weapon.


    LeBron was averaging 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists¡ªhis first time averaging a double-double in his career.


    Curry''s scoring dipped slightly to 27.3 points per game, but his efficiency remained elite.


    And Klay? He was having his best season yet¡ªaveraging 23.5 points on 44% from three.


    LeBron fans had always dreamed of pairing him with Klay, and now? They finally got their wish.


    But not everyone benefited.


    Draymond Green''s role had changed drastically.


    With the ball no longer in his hands, he was reduced to a defensive specialist and floor spacer.


    His 10.2 points and 3.8 assists per game were his lowest since becoming a starter.


    Yet, he never complained.


    Why?


    Because, according to Bay Area reports, LeBron was setting him up for business opportunities in Silicon Valley.


    Curry might not have been LeBron''s brother, but Draymond? LeBron treated him like family.


    ---


    This was no ordinary game.


    This was Cavs vs. Warriors 2.0¡ªthe biggest showdown of the season.


    With both teams at full strength, it was a true clash of titans.


    The pregame cameras captured players warming up¡ªlingering on the Warriors'' rookie, Zhou Qi.


    It wasn''t just a Christmas game.


    It was also another Silk Road Derby.


    The fans were buzzing.


    Another Chapter in the Cavs-Warriors rivalry was about to be written.


    The Opening Lineups


    Warriors:


    - Stephen Curry


    - Klay Thompson


    - LeBron James


    - Draymond Green


    - Zaza Pachulia


    Cavaliers:


    - Kyrie Irving


    - Han Sen


    - P.J. Tucker


    - Tristan Thompson


    - Nikola Joki?


    The Warriors had let go of Andrew Bogut to ease their luxury tax and signed Zaza Pachulia as their new center.


    But realistically?


    Neither Bogut nor Pachulia would get heavy minutes.


    The Warriors thrived on small-ball dominance.


    ---


    Joki? won the tip, and the arena erupted.


    Cleveland''s energy was electric.


    The first possession?


    Kyrie immediately attacked Curry.


    Golden State''s biggest defensive flaw had always been point guard defense.


    Curry had improved, but there was still a gap.


    Kyrie spun into the lane¡ªbut just as he rose for a layup, LeBron rotated over.


    He had slimmed down over the summer to fit the Warriors'' fast-paced system, but his defensive instincts remained razor-sharp.


    Kyrie quickly adjusted, crossing over mid-air to avoid LeBron.


    But Draymond Green was waiting.


    Blocked.


    LeBron flexed his biceps in celebration.


    ---


    The Cavs ran an inbound play.


    Han caught the pass, faked a jumper, and blew past Pachulia.


    Draymond stepped up¡ªready to contest.


    Han spun mid-air¡ªexecuting a flawless 360-degree layup.


    And just for good measure?


    As he landed, he gestured at Draymond¡ªpressing his palm downward.


    "Too small."


    The crowd exploded.


    Han wasn''t here to mess around.


    He was locked in.


    ---


    Han wasn''t just attacking on offense.


    On defense?


    He took on the toughest challenge.


    He matched up directly against LeBron.


    "Guard their offensive core. Attack their defensive core."


    That had been Han''s approach all season.


    Tonight?


    That meant going right at LeBron.


    He wasn''t going to let him breathe.


    ---


    The Warriors weren''t backing down.


    Curry ran a pick-and-roll with Pachulia¡ªusing the screen to get separation.


    A quick-release three.


    Splash.


    The difference between this and opening night against the Celtics?


    Pachulia''s screens weren''t as strong as Al Horford''s.


    But Curry?


    Curry didn''t need much.


    Just the slightest gap.


    And once he had it?


    It was over.


    He wasn''t just here for a Christmas showdown.


    He was here to cement his MVP case.


    ---


    Han Sen brought the ball up and immediately went into a pick-and-roll with Joki?¡ªthe Cavs'' deadliest weapon.


    Joki? quickly recognized the Warriors'' plan to trap Han and popped out beyond the arc, forcing Klay Thompson to switch onto him.


    With the mismatch created, Han wasted no time.


    He blew past Pachulia, attacking the heart of the Warriors'' defense.


    Unlike Bogut, who had anchored Golden State''s defense for years, Pachulia had nothing but dirty plays in his arsenal¡ªand even those wouldn''t stop Han.


    Draymond rotated over.


    This time, he was fully prepared for Han''s signature floater, already shifting his weight towards the basket.


    But Han adjusted.


    You step back? I step forward.


    He bulldozed Draymond, lowering his shoulder and powering his way to the rim for a dunk attempt.


    Draymond had no choice.


    He took the foul.


    A smart man.


    He knew exactly what Han was trying to do.


    ---


    Han stepped up to the free-throw line and smirked at Draymond.


    "God doesn''t need to change numbers anymore. You''re not wearing 23 anyway."


    The reference?


    It went way back¡ªall the way to Han''s college days.


    Back then, Draymond had trash-talked Han during an NCAA game:


    "God wears 23, not 17."


    Han had fired back:


    "If God saw you wearing 23, he''d switch numbers."


    Now, years later?


    Han saw Draymond staring down at his No. 35 jersey and chuckling.


    He had expected this.


    He knew Han wasn''t going to let this slide.


    But Han wasn''t done.


    After sinking his first free throw, he looked right at Draymond and added:


    "You were an All-Star in 23. But in 35? You''re just a role player."


    Draymond''s smile immediately disappeared.


    Han drained his second free throw.


    And then?


    "Wonder if you''ll even last in Golden State until your contract''s up."


    A subtle dagger.


    But Draymond was too smart to miss the meaning.


    He was locked into a five-year, $85 million contract, with a player option in 2019.


    If he was just a role player, Golden State could easily replace him.


    Han''s words were precise.


    And they hit deep.


    ---


    LeBron immediately stepped in.


    "Bro, he''s trying to get in your head."


    Draymond gave him a calm nod.


    "I know, brother."


    But the way he stared off into the distance?


    LeBron didn''t like it.


    This wasn''t over.


    And so?


    LeBron made sure Han had no time to keep talking.


    He called for a pick-and-roll.


    With Draymond.


    If Han wanted to mess with Draymond''s head, fine.


    But now?


    LeBron would make sure they broke Han on the court.


    ---


    Draymond set a strong screen, slowing Han just enough for LeBron to explode toward the rim.


    With TT on his back, LeBron floored the gas pedal¡ªgoing straight for a layup.


    But in his peripheral vision¡ª sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Han.


    LeBron realized too late¡ªHan hadn''t switched onto Draymond.


    He was coming for the block.


    LeBron was being doubled.


    "You really think I can''t pass?"


    He flung the ball behind his head¡ªa no-look pass to the wide-open Draymond at the three-point line.


    But¡ª


    Bad angle.


    Han''s challenge had disrupted the pass.


    The ball bounced low, forcing Draymond to bend down just to scoop it up.


    By the time he rose to shoot?


    TT had already closed out.


    Draymond''s shot bricked off the rim.


    LeBron fought for the rebound¡ª


    But Joki? muscled him out of the way and snatched it.


    Less weight, less strength¡ªLeBron had lost the battle.


    The Cavs pushed the break.


    LeBron was still complaining to the refs about the missed call.


    But the refs ignored him.


    This wasn''t a Nike league anymore.


    Han saw the 3-on-2 advantage and grinned.


    Draymond was the only one back.


    Too many gaps.


    Too many choices.


    Kyrie fired a pass¡ª


    Han caught it mid-air and threw down a vicious dunk.


    The arena exploded.


    ---


    Han landed and stared straight at Draymond.


    "Where''s your impact? You gotta contribute, man. LeBron doesn''t keep useless role players around."


    Draymond''s face twisted.


    His fists clenched.


    His chest rose and fell.


    He was seconds from snapping.


    Until¡ª


    Curry jumped in.


    He threw himself between Han and Draymond, shoving Draymond back.


    "He''s trying to get you ejected, bro."


    Finally, LeBron jogged back, eyes narrowing at Han.


    He hadn''t heard the full exchange.


    But he knew¡ªHan wasn''t saying anything good.


    Draymond was fuming.


    Not just at Han.


    But at LeBron.


    Because if LeBron had gotten back on defense, that dunk never happens.


    Instead?


    LeBron had stayed behind, whining at the refs.


    Draymond took a deep breath.


    "I''m good, bro."


    Business was business.


    But Han had planted the seed.


    And Draymond Green?


    He wasn''t stupid.


    ---


    Draymond wasn''t just going to sit there and take it.


    He scanned the Cavs'' half-court, looking for an opening.


    And then? He found one.


    Next possession, LeBron ran another pick-and-roll with Draymond.


    This time, he exploded off the screen, forcing Tristan Thompson to foul him at the rim.


    Two free throws.


    But while LeBron walked to the line?


    Draymond had other plans.


    Instead of stepping up for the rebound, he drifted out beyond the three-point arc.


    A power forward abandoning the paint during free throws?


    Yeah¡ªthis was definitely up to no good.


    Han saw it too. He exchanged a glance with Tucker.


    And then?


    Draymond casually strolled up to Kyrie.


    "Kyrie, let''s be real¡ªsomeone like you? You should be the guy on your own team. In Cleveland, no matter what you do, it''ll always be about Han."


    Unlike Han, Draymond didn''t dance around the subject.


    He went straight for the throat.


    He kept going, his tone almost... persuasive.


    "Think about it, Kyrie. No matter what you do, this will always be Han''s team. You could drop 50, hit the game-winner, and still¡ªthey''d call it Han''s championship."


    He let that sit.


    Then?


    The dagger.


    "I mean, how many guys in NBA history had the courage to take that leap? You know what I mean."


    Kyrie stared at him, silent.


    Then?


    Han walked over, stepping between them.


    His voice was calm. Too calm.


    "You''d be the dumbest fool on Earth if you believed his nonsense."


    Kyrie snapped out of it.


    Draymond?


    He just grinned.


    And backed away.


    For now.

 Chapter 335: Han Is Everything?.

    Chapter 335: Han Is Everything?.Kyrie stayed silent.


    Because right now?


    Han looked scary as hell.


    One wrong word, and Kyrie felt like Han might tell him to get off the court.


    Would Draymond stop stirring trouble just because Han ignored him?


    Of course not.


    Kyrie had been Han''s teammate long enough to know that much.


    Draymond had waited for this moment. He saw the tension between Kyrie and the Cavs and pounced.


    Like a fly looking for a crack.


    But this attempt?


    Weak.


    Kyrie knew exactly what life was like before Han arrived in Cleveland.


    Yeah, in the ''other timeline'', Kyrie eventually forced his way out.


    But Han wasn''t LeBron.


    LeBron had used Kyrie.


    "You take the shots, I take the credit."


    Han?


    Han gave Kyrie everything.


    When the media questioned Kyrie, Han backed him publicly.


    When Kyrie needed to grow, Han gave him more playmaking reps.


    Even off the court, Han pulled Kyrie into major endorsement deals.


    So unless Kyrie was a complete idiot, there was no way he''d fall for Draymond''s trap.


    ---


    LeBron hit one of two free throws.


    4-6. Cavs lead.


    Kyrie brought the ball up and called for a pick-and-roll.


    But this time?


    He called Tristan Thompson''s three-point screen.


    TT sealed off Curry.


    Now it was Kyrie vs. Draymond.


    No hesitation.


    Quick crossover. Straight-line drive.


    Not the best choice¡ªDraymond was one of the best mismatch defenders in the league.


    But Kyrie didn''t care.


    He forced his way inside.


    Draymond slid over, contesting hard¡ª


    Whistle.


    Foul.


    Just like that, Draymond picked up his second foul.


    One more, and he''d be in serious trouble.


    As he walked toward the bench, Kyrie raised his hand.


    And waved goodbye.


    Draymond''s jaw clenched.


    His whole face tensed.


    But he couldn''t do a damn thing about it.


    Han grinned and ruffled Kyrie''s hair.


    Yeah, Kyrie could be unpredictable¡ªbut he wasn''t dumb.


    ---


    With Draymond out, the Warriors shifted their lineup.


    Andre Iguodala checked in.


    That meant LeBron had to slide up to power forward.


    The Warriors wasted no time.


    Curry-LeBron pick-and-roll.


    Tristan Thompson had to step up.


    Curry?


    Dumped it off. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    LeBron caught it on the roll and hammered down a two-hand dunk.


    Joki? tried to contest.


    Didn''t matter.


    LeBron landed and roared in Joki?''s face.


    Flexed.


    He was still pissed about Joki? knocking him out of the air earlier.


    But Joki??


    Didn''t even react.


    Just grabbed the ball and immediately inbounded it.


    ---


    Malone stood up, giving out hand signals.


    The Cavs set up their play¡ª


    A low-post action.


    Joki?, sealed against LeBron, called for the ball.


    Kyrie dumped it inside.


    No double-team?


    Joki? dug his shoulder in and powered through.


    LeBron had no choice but to brace himself.


    Joki? was already stronger.


    And now? With LeBron dropping weight to keep up with the Warriors'' speed?


    The difference was even bigger.


    The moment a double-team came, Joki? spun baseline for the easy layup.


    Steve Kerr had tried to preserve Golden State''s switching defense.


    But he had underestimated Joki?.


    Malone had been preparing Joki? for this moment all season.


    ---


    Warriors'' next trip down?


    Curry-LeBron pick-and-roll.


    This time, no hesitation.


    Curry came off the screen and pulled up instantly.


    Bang.


    10-9.


    Even without Draymond, the Warriors kept pace.


    This team was dangerous.


    The broadcast cut to a shot of Malone.


    But the Cavs'' coach wasn''t making any subs.


    His thought process?


    Simple.


    Even if they swapped TT out, they still wouldn''t be able to stop Curry-LeBron pick-and-rolls.


    Some plays were just unstoppable.


    Just like Han-Joki? pick-and-rolls.


    This wasn''t about stopping.


    It was about outlasting.


    Let Joki? handle the offense.


    Let LeBron and Curry burn their energy trying to keep pace.


    A two-for-one trade.


    And no matter how you looked at it¡ª


    That was a good deal.


    ---


    LeBron tried to front Joki?.


    Joki? signaled to Kyrie¡ªlob it up.


    Shaq, watching from the TNT booth, leaned forward.


    "Damn, this kid''s got my game!"


    Kyrie''s pass?


    A little off.


    And now?


    Pachulia had snuck inside, squeezing TT out of the paint.


    Looked like a turnover.


    Until¡ª


    Joki? made magic.


    He didn''t even try to catch the pass.


    Instead?


    A volleyball tap-pass.


    He redirected it mid-air¡ªstraight to TT under the basket.


    Pachulia hadn''t even turned around yet.


    Crowd: STUNNED.


    Shaq?


    Stood up from his seat.


    "OH MY GOD."


    Dunk. TT.


    Cavs up.


    Even Draymond, sitting on the bench, had to respect it.


    He let out a low whistle.


    Because, damn.


    That was some next-level playmaking.


    Then?


    He glanced at LeBron.


    And the comparison stung.


    Moments earlier, LeBron had tried a kick-out pass.


    Damn near hit Draymond in the foot.


    And here?


    Joki? just made a highlight-reel assist.


    On the same play.


    No comparison.


    ---


    Han nodded.


    Joki? was still growing.


    But one day?


    He''d reach the point where even Draymond couldn''t handle him in the post.


    And when that day came?


    The Warriors'' Death Lineup would be finished.


    Kerr knew it too.


    He turned to his bench.


    "West, get in there."


    David West checked in, pushing LeBron back to small forward.


    West wasn''t tall, but he had strength.


    And experience.


    And against a young Joki??


    That was enough.


    Suddenly, Joki?''s post-ups didn''t look as dominant.


    His power moves weren''t landing.


    Which made sense.


    Joki? was just in his second year.


    Shaq''s words from the broadcast hit differently now.


    "Joki? is becoming the next Han Sen."


    Not ''already''.


    Becoming.


    And ''becoming'' and ''already''?


    Were two very different things.


    ---


    Malone reacted immediately.


    With Joki? struggling in the post, he adjusted on the fly¡ªcalling for Han-Joki? pick-and-rolls.


    And just like that, the game shifted.


    First play?


    Joki? set the screen.


    Han blew past Pachulia and threw down a two-handed dunk.


    Next possession?


    Pachulia sagged off, expecting another drive¡ª


    Han pulled up from three.


    Money.


    This was exactly why Malone had focused on building chemistry between Han and Joki?.


    Two months into the season, that work was paying off.


    ---


    With four minutes left in the first quarter, the Cavs held a 28-23 lead.


    Neither team had an answer for each other''s pick-and-roll.


    Curry-LeBron was too lethal.


    Han-Joki? was too efficient.


    And with Kyrie and Klay spacing the weak side?


    Defenses couldn''t collapse.


    But Draymond being out was hurting the Warriors.


    David West was holding his own inside.


    But he wasn''t young anymore.


    And Han?


    Han was hunting Pachulia every chance he got.


    Another screen. Another blow-by.


    This time, Pachulia fouled Han at the rim.


    ---


    As Han stepped to the free-throw line¡ª


    Draymond made his move.


    Like a fly launching off a surface, he darted over to Kyrie.


    "Kyrie, I owe you an apology for earlier."


    Kyrie was about to walk away¡ª


    But Draymond''s next words froze him in place.


    "I mean, being Han''s second option isn''t bad. Pippen did it for MJ, and it worked out."


    Kyrie turned, eyeing Draymond.


    Where''s he going with this?


    And then?


    Draymond dropped the hammer.


    "But let''s be real. You''re not even the second option anymore."


    "That Serbian kid is."


    Draymond backed off immediately, retreating to the Warriors'' bench.


    But Kyrie?


    Stayed frozen.


    ---


    On the floor, LeBron slowed the pace.


    Pick-and-roll after pick-and-roll was draining energy.


    So this time, he orchestrated from the top of the key.


    Curry curled around a Pachulia screen¡ª


    Caught, squared up, fired from deep.


    But Han read it perfectly, rotating over to contest.


    Clank.


    Han pushed the tempo.


    Drove inside¡ªdrew another foul on Pachulia.


    The Georgian center was done.


    Steve Kerr had to make a move.


    He subbed in JaVale McGee and Andre Iguodala.


    The Warriors went small again¡ªbut this time with McGee at center.


    ---


    The Cavs were locked in on attacking LeBron inside.


    So Malone called for another Joki? post-up.


    But Kyrie?


    Ignored it.


    He waved Joki? up for a screen.


    Mismatch.


    Kyrie turned the corner on McGee, drove full speed into the paint.


    Left him in the dust.


    LeBron rotated over¡ªbut Kyrie was too fast.


    Quick layup¡ª


    PAAAAK!


    Pinned.


    Not by LeBron.


    By JaVale McGee.


    McGee didn''t just block the shot.


    He grabbed the rebound in one motion.


    LeBron took over.


    He ran the break with Curry¡ª


    Lob. Two-hand slam.


    Timeout, Cavaliers.


    Malone was pissed.


    Nothing angered a coach more than players going off-script.


    As soon as the team huddled, Malone erased everything on his clipboard¡ª


    And started drawing up another Joki? post-up.


    This time?


    No freelancing.


    ---


    On the bench, Kyrie sat motionless.


    His head wasn''t in the game.


    Han noticed.


    Before heading back in, he walked over, placing a hand on Kyrie''s shoulder.


    "Relax."


    That was it.


    But Kyrie understood.


    Han knew.


    Han always knew.


    ---


    Out of the timeout¡ª


    Deron Williams entered, feeding Joki? inside.


    LeBron tried to front¡ªbut the entry pass was clean.


    Deron had spent years playing with Carlos Boozer in Utah.


    This was second nature.


    Joki? backed down.


    McGee rotated over¡ªand swatted the first shot.


    But Joki? recovered.


    McGee turned¡ªTT was right there.


    McGee rotated again.


    Blocked TT too.


    Prime JaVale had entered the chat.


    TT was stuck.


    Didn''t know what to do.


    Until¡ª


    A cut.


    Han.


    TT made the simple dish.


    Han caught it mid-stride¡ª


    Teardrop floater.


    Swish.


    The one advantage of his new floater?


    Even elite shot-blockers couldn''t reach it.


    ---


    From there?


    Han and Joki? took over.


    Joki? drew defensive attention inside.


    Han kept cutting off the ball, catching passes, scoring at will.


    When Han was locked in,


    40+ points was routine.


    Joki? didn''t need to be the top option.


    He just made sure Han''s shots came easier.


    That was Malone''s vision.


    Even as the tactics evolved¡ªthe philosophy never changed.


    Because no matter what¡ª


    Han was the foundation.


    Han was the reason Malone came to Cleveland.


    Han was this era''s Jordan.


    Han was everything.

 Chapter 336: The Last Banner.

    Chapter 336: The Last Banner.Malone played Han Sen and Jokic for the entire first quarter, and Han came out scorching hot, dropping 21 points in the opening period.


    Under his leadership, the Cavaliers exploded for 40 points in the first quarter.


    The Warriors, led by Steph and LeBron, weren''t far behind, scoring 34 themselves.


    A combined 74 points in the first quarter alone¡ªboth teams showcased their offensive firepower at the highest level.


    And keep in mind, this was still the era before the 14-second offensive rebound reset rule, meaning possessions were slightly fewer than modern-day NBA.


    The Cleveland crowd was electric, especially with how seamlessly Han and Jokic were operating together late in the quarter.


    Shaquille O''Neal, calling the game from the TNT booth, grinned and leaned into his mic:


    "I like this kid. Han finally got himself a big man who knows how to pass."


    Of course, Shaq was going to hype up Jokic. If one day Jokic became a true superstar and said in an interview, "Shaq was my idol growing up," that would only make Shaq''s legacy look even better.


    But the Warriors weren''t backing down.


    With Draymond Green returning in the second quarter, they went on a 40-35 run, flipping the script on the Cavs.


    At halftime, the score was 75-74, Cavs leading by just one.


    149 combined points at the half¡ªthis Christmas game had turned into an absolute shootout.


    And this wasn''t some meaningless stat-padding affair. The defensive intensity was still high, but both teams were simply executing at an elite level.


    If these two teams met in a playoff series, the TV ratings would be record-breaking.


    ---


    Back in the locker room, Han noticed Kyrie Irving looking frustrated.


    He had been pressing too hard, clearly desperate to prove himself against LeBron.


    The result? A rough 3-for-10 shooting performance in the first half, with just 7 points.


    Han walked over, giving him a pat on the shoulder before sitting next to him.


    "Relax. In the second half, they''re going to start doubling me and Nikola. That''s when your moment will come."


    Kyrie looked at Han.


    Then nodded, firmly.


    With a leader like Han, it was hard to develop resentment toward him.


    Some superstars come with egos¡ªsuccess makes people arrogant.


    - If this were Jordan, he''d chew you out so viciously that you''d lose all confidence.


    - If this were LeBron, you''d probably get traded by the end of the season.


    But Han? He always found a way to uplift his teammates.


    That''s what made him different.


    That''s why¡ª


    - Jordan''s ex-teammates admitted he was the GOAT but also called him an asshole.


    - LeBron''s ex-teammates left and suddenly started talking freely.


    - Han''s ex-teammates? They only had good things to say about him.


    ---


    Both teams went small in the second half, adjusting their defensive strategy to shrink the floor against the opposing team''s pick-and-rolls.


    This was a bet on mobility and reaction time.


    It also meant the weak-side scorers¡ªKyrie for the Cavs, Klay for the Warriors¡ªwould be tested.


    Kyrie found his rhythm, attacking decisively.


    But Klay?


    Klay erupted.


    The best shooter ever? That''s Steph.


    But the best off-ball shooter in NBA history? That''s Klay Thompson.


    He already had legendary moments¡ª


    - Nine threes in one quarter


    - A 37-point quarter


    - Scoring 60 on 11 dribbles


    And tonight?


    Klay knocked down five threes in the third.


    The Warriors outscored Cleveland 37-25, opening up an 11-point lead (111-100).


    Now the Cavs were in trouble.


    Stopping this version of the Warriors was nearly impossible.


    Especially when both Splash Brothers were feeling it.


    And with Jokic''s defensive weaknesses exposed, the Warriors kept hunting him on pick-and-rolls.


    If Jokic ever develops into a low-post bully who could destroy Draymond Green, the Warriors'' small-ball dynasty would end.


    But until then?


    They''d exploit his defense all night.


    ---


    This was more than just a Christmas game for Cleveland.


    They needed this win.


    And that''s when Tyronn Lue, as assistant coach, suggested basketball''s ultimate solution:


    "Give the ball to the best damn player on the court."


    Because the reality was¡ªCleveland couldn''t keep up with this version of the Warriors in a shootout.


    The only way to win was to let Han completely take over.


    Basketball isn''t just talent and strategy.


    It''s mental warfare.


    If a warrior sees his own teammates getting slaughtered, he starts to panic¡ªeven if he''s fully armored.


    That''s why generals in ancient wars feared one-man massacres.


    Because one man, with absolute dominance, could destroy an entire army''s morale.


    That was Lue''s logic.


    And Malone agreed instantly.


    Han checked in to start the fourth.


    Steve Kerr saw it and immediately countered¡ªsubbing in LeBron and Klay.


    But Han?


    Han in a bench-unit stretch was pure devastation.


    And it wasn''t just scoring¡ª


    Malone hadn''t put Han in just to ISO.


    Han was relentlessly attacking the Warriors'' interior.


    This strategy was calculated:


    1. Golden State''s biggest weakness was their thin frontcourt.


    2. Draymond already had four fouls.


    By the time Han cut the lead down to single digits, Kerr was forced to put Draymond back in.


    And at that moment¡ª


    Malone smirked.


    Because Han was waiting for this.


    Within two minutes, Han drew Draymond''s fifth foul.


    This?


    This was the turning point.


    Draymond, fresh off the bench, barely broke a sweat before getting subbed out again.


    ---


    Now it was all-out war.


    Malone subbed in every starter¡ªthe final push had begun.


    And Han?


    Han was unstoppable.


    - Pull-up fadeaways.


    - Aggressive and-one finishes.


    - Cold-blooded deep threes.


    Every shot, a dagger to the Warriors'' confidence.


    And now?


    The Warriors'' biggest flaw was exposed.


    Golden State had dominated for three quarters, but their clutch-time execution was shaky.


    They ran their offense through Curry, but relying on his pick-and-rolls all game had burned through his stamina.


    And now?


    There was no second go-to guy.


    If the Warriors had Durant instead of LeBron¡ªthey''d probably win this game.


    Because KD could match Han shot-for-shot in the clutch.


    But LeBron?


    LeBron wasn''t that type of player.


    ---


    Final three minutes¡ª


    Han chased Curry down on a fast break, absorbed contact, and finished the and-one layup.


    Cavs finally took the lead.


    Curry had tried to foul him¡ªbut Han was too strong.


    Curry?


    He just shook his head.


    He had done everything he could.


    But tonight?


    Han was simply inevitable.


    Charles Barkley shook his head at the broadcast desk, half in awe, half in frustration.


    "Man, this ain''t fair. How do you even stop that?"


    As the arena erupted, Chuck threw up his hands.


    "I mean, what the hell are you supposed to do?! This man just out there bullying folks!"


    ---


    Han Sen erupted for 28 points in the fourth quarter, finishing with an insane 64-point performance¡ªbreaking his own Christmas Day record of 61 points, set back in 2012.


    With Han taking over down the stretch, the Cavaliers outlasted the Warriors 141-136 in a high-scoring classic.


    Steph Curry, despite his 37 points and 11 assists, could only shake his head.


    "Han torched us. Our defense fell apart. We need to be better next time¡ªplain and simple."


    Draymond Green, who fouled out in the fourth quarter and finished with 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, wasn''t backing down.


    "I shouldn''t have let myself get into foul trouble. That won''t happen again. We''re still the better team."


    LeBron James, with 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists, wasn''t holding back either.


    "The refs completely ruined the game. They let that Serbian dude shove people around. And Draymond? They fouled him out on some BS calls. They wanted Cleveland to win."


    While the Warriors vented, Nikola Joki?¡ªfresh off his first career triple-double (20 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists)¡ªkept things light.


    Scratching his head, he grinned.


    "I just pass to Han, and I get an assist."


    Kyrie Irving, who had 22 points and 6 assists, acknowledged his struggles but made sure to credit Han.


    "I had some rough stretches, but Han kept lifting me up¡ªjust like always. I don''t think there''s a better leader out there."


    Cavs head coach Mike Malone didn''t sugarcoat things.


    "Ty Lue gave some great advice tonight. Our strategy? Give the ball to Han and let him take care of the rest."


    Meanwhile, Tyronn Lue, sitting at the far end of the press conference, cracked a small smile.


    "We all know he''s the best player in the world. But tonight? That was something else."


    Han, though, kept the focus on the team.


    "We''ve already proven ourselves. As long as we trust each other, we can beat anybody."


    His words echoed what he had said at the start of the season:


    "Our biggest challenge is ourselves."


    Because at this stage of his career? Regular-season games didn''t move him.


    But when Han Sen flipped the switch?


    It was a nightmare for the rest of the league.


    ---


    After the Christmas Day showdown, the Cavaliers got a rare three-day break, and Malone gave the team a full day off.


    During this time, Under Armour officially signed Nikola Joki? to a 4-year, $8 million contract, with an additional $500,000 annual bonus.


    Shaq had recently said, "Joki? is becoming the next Han Sen," and, funny enough, the contract was nearly identical to Han''s first deal with Under Armour.


    Sure, inflation played a role, but for a big man? That was still an insane number.


    Reports also indicated that Han personally pushed Under Armour to sign Joki?, believing the Serbian center would become a future superstar.


    And Joki?''s first move after signing the deal?


    Something absolutely ridiculous.


    He took the diamond off his championship ring, bought a Rolex, and had a jeweler embed the diamond into the watch, forming the number 77¡ªbefore gifting it to Han.


    Han stared at the watch. Then at Joki?.


    "Did you just¡ªare you pulling a Scottie Pippen?"


    Everyone knew the infamous story¡ªPippen once took the diamond from his championship ring and turned it into an earring for Jordan.


    Joki? scratched his head. "Natalija''s idea. I didn''t know what else to get you."


    Han smirked. "You better marry her soon so I can finally give you a wedding gift."


    Joki? chuckled.


    But then Han looked at the Rolex again, eyes narrowing.


    "Wait... you took the entire diamond off your ring?"


    Joki? shrugged, completely unfazed. "A ring is just a symbol. Besides, we''ll get more of them."


    Han burst out laughing.


    The next day, he returned the favor¡ª


    Han gifted Joki? a fully customized Rolls-Royce, designed specifically for his massive frame.


    Because for a guy Joki?''s size? Finding a comfortable car was harder than guarding Han in crunch time.


    ---


    After three days off, the Cavs traveled to Miami to face the Heat.


    Miami was in rebuilding mode, so the game itself wasn''t a big deal.


    But what everyone cared about was something else¡ª


    Pat Riley fulfilling his promise.


    That night, the American Airlines Arena was packed.


    It was an unusual sight for a struggling team.


    But it perfectly reflected American sports culture¡ªthey respected power.


    If a team beat them by forming a superteam?


    They''d never accept it.


    But if someone beat them down, over and over, the right way?


    They''d acknowledge the greatness.


    And after Han Sen broke records on Christmas, his arrival in Miami felt like fate.


    The Cavaliers players were hyped for the moment.


    Even veterans like Deron Williams, who had seen it all, couldn''t help but be in awe.


    And then¡ª S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It happened.


    As the #77 jersey was slowly raised to the rafters, the Cavs players watched with wide eyes.


    Even the Heat players couldn''t help but stare.


    They never got to play against Jordan.


    They never truly experienced his presence.


    But Han Sen?


    They felt his dominance firsthand.


    As applause filled the arena, the #77 banner reached the top¡ªright beside Jordan''s #23.


    A legendary moment.


    A moment made even more iconic by Han''s words years ago:


    "God had 100 points of basketball talent to give. He gave 23 to Jordan¡ªthen left the rest for me."


    And, of course¡ªPat Riley was in attendance.


    For some, this could''ve been humiliating.


    Because Riley never beat Jordan.


    He never beat Han Sen either.


    But instead¡ªhe felt a strange sense of pride.


    Because hanging in the rafters of Miami''s arena were the two greatest players the game had ever seen.


    That, too, was history.


    -End of Chapter-


    Translator''s note:


    The 14-second offensive rebound reset rule was introduced by the NBA in the 2018-19 season to speed up the game and encourage quicker offensive possessions.


    How It Works:


    - Before the rule change, when a team grabbed an offensive rebound, the shot clock reset to 24 seconds (just like a new possession).


    - After the rule change, when a team grabs an offensive rebound, the shot clock resets to only 14 seconds instead of 24.


    Why Was This Rule Introduced?


    1. To speed up the pace of play ¨C Teams couldn''t waste time resetting their offense for a full 24 seconds after grabbing an offensive board.


    2. To increase shot attempts ¨C With a shorter clock, teams had to shoot faster, leading to more possessions.


    3. To prevent "clock milking" ¨C Before, teams could slow the game down after offensive rebounds, especially late in games.


    How It Affects the Game:


    - Forces quicker decisions after an offensive board.


    - Encourages fast, efficient offense rather than stalling.


    - Helps defensive teams since they don''t have to play a full 24 seconds again.

 Chapter 337: Kyrie Wants Out?.

    Chapter 337: Kyrie Wants Out?.After defeating the Heat, the Cavaliers went on another winning streak.


    Nikola Joki? was getting better with each game, and the media coverage around him continued to grow.


    But at the same time, tension was brewing between Kyrie Irving and head coach Michael Malone.


    Kyrie had started to ignore Malone''s play calls¡ªsometimes subtly, sometimes blatantly.


    Malone was furious.


    But since the team was rolling and in the middle of a winning streak, he didn''t push the issue too hard.


    Superstars always had some level of on-court autonomy¡ªit came with the territory.


    However, Malone''s patience only gave Kyrie more room to do as he pleased.


    And then it happened.


    The Cavaliers lost to the Raptors.


    After the game, Malone publicly criticized Kyrie in the press conference.


    That was the final straw.


    As soon as Malone finished speaking, Kyrie stormed out of the locker room.


    Han Sen had planned to talk to him.


    But before he could, Kyrie was gone.


    Not just missing from the arena¡ªcompletely unreachable.


    Neither Han nor the Cavaliers'' front office could get in touch with him.


    For a moment, the team even worried something had happened to him. After all, Cleveland had a history of high-profile kidnapping cases.


    But that night, Kyrie finally reached out¡ªto GM David Griffin.


    Griffin met with Han shortly after.


    "Kyrie wants a trade," Griffin told him.


    Han frowned.


    "To Boston?"


    "Not necessarily Boston. He just wants out," Griffin clarified.


    That distinction didn''t really matter.


    What mattered was¡ªwhy was Kyrie suddenly demanding a trade?


    Because Malone called him out publicly?


    Han couldn''t understand it.


    Kyrie was a grown man, not some sensitive teenager.


    "Did he give a reason?" Han asked.


    Griffin shook his head.


    Han immediately tried calling Kyrie.


    No answer.


    But when Griffin dialed, Kyrie picked up.


    The entire room went silent.


    Han clenched his jaw, resisting the urge to grab the phone and curse Kyrie out on the spot.


    Instead, he typed out a few questions on his screen and had Griffin ask them one by one.


    "Is this because of Malone?"


    Kyrie said no.


    "Is this because of Han?"


    Again, no.


    Han sighed.


    This was getting nowhere.


    So he cut the act.


    "Give me the damn phone," he signaled to Griffin.


    Griffin hesitated, but passed it over.


    Han didn''t waste time.


    "Get your ass to my house. Now. Or you''re not leaving this team. Period."


    A long silence.


    Then¡ª


    "...Alright."


    The call ended.


    Han turned to Griffin.


    "You can go. I''ll handle this."


    ---


    About half an hour later, Kyrie walked into Han''s living room.


    He couldn''t even look Han in the eye.


    He sat down, kept his head low, and said nothing.


    "I Need to Know Why."


    Han wasn''t just mad because Kyrie ignored his calls.


    The Cavaliers were rolling. They had just beaten the Warriors on Christmas. Their title defense looked promising.


    And now, Kyrie pulls this?


    Kyrie didn''t answer immediately.


    Han''s patience was wearing thin.


    Finally, Kyrie lifted his head.


    "I want to see if I can lead a team on my own."


    Han''s blood boiled.


    So he really listened to Draymond''s bulls**t.


    Han scoffed.


    "I wasn''t here before. Didn''t you already try that?"


    Kyrie didn''t flinch.


    "I didn''t know how to be a leader back then. But being around you, I learned."


    Han almost laughed.


    Did Kyrie really just say that to his face?


    "And that''s why I didn''t answer your calls," Kyrie admitted.


    "I know I wouldn''t be who I am without you. I didn''t know how to face you."


    Han shook his head.


    "You''re a damn idiot."


    Kyrie didn''t argue.


    He just looked down again.


    Han suddenly remembered that night in Chicago, when they stood outside the United Center.


    When Han asked Kyrie how he felt seeing Jordan''s statue.


    Kyrie''s answer?


    He wanted to be like Jordan.


    Kyrie had always been ambitious.


    And after experiencing the highest level of success as a second option, now he wanted to see if he could do it as the first.


    Draymond didn''t give him that idea. It was already there¡ªburied.


    Dray just dragged it out into the open.


    Han exhaled.


    "You think you can do it?" His tone softened.


    "I don''t know. But I want to try. Whether I succeed or fail, I can accept it."


    Kyrie finally looked him in the eye.


    That stubborn, ''I have to see it for myself'' look.


    Han studied him for a moment.


    Then, he shook his head.


    "You''re lying."


    Kyrie froze.


    "If that''s really all it was, you wouldn''t want to go to Boston."


    "They already have KD."


    Silence.


    Han saw it immediately¡ªhe was right.


    Kyrie wasn''t chasing a leadership role.


    "Say it," Han pressed. "Or I''ll tell David to shut down your trade talks."


    "...Boss."


    Kyrie took a deep breath.


    And when he spoke next¡ªhis voice was different.


    "Do you think I''m not as good as Nikola?"


    Han went still.


    He hadn''t expected that.


    If they were talking about right now, Kyrie was the better player.


    But in the long run?


    Kyrie wouldn''t even be able to see Jokic''s taillights.


    So Kyrie didn''t actually want to be a number-one option.


    He knew he wasn''t built for that.


    What really got to him was Jokic''s rising status.


    His role in the offense.


    The media attention.


    The way Han openly favored him.


    Han leaned forward.


    "Have your touches gone down?"


    Kyrie shook his head.


    Jokic''s offensive role had expanded, but he wasn''t a volume scorer.


    He could handle more possessions, but he wasn''t taking more shots.


    "If you two can co-exist, why does one of you have to be more important?"


    Kyrie had no answer.


    He let out a slow breath.


    "I don''t mind being your Scottie Pippen," he admitted. "Supporting the greatest player ever? That''s something to be proud of."


    "But..."


    He hesitated.


    "I can''t accept being Toni Kukoc."


    Han understood instantly.


    It wasn''t about ambition.


    It was about his place on the team.


    Kyrie was fine playing second fiddle to Han.


    But it wasn''t about leaving Han''s shadow. It was about the new one forming next to him¡ªJokic''s.


    He was still only 24.


    He wasn''t stupid.


    He could see where this was going.


    Next season, he wouldn''t even be the second-most important player anymore.


    Han stayed silent.


    Because this was an unsolvable problem.


    Like when Ray Allen left Boston because Avery Bradley started taking his minutes.


    And the worst part?


    This was Han''s fault.


    If he hadn''t drafted Jokic, Kyrie probably would''ve been content staying as his Pippen.


    But if you''re a guy with foresight and you get a chance to draft Jokic... what kind of idiot says no?


    Han sighed.


    "Nikola isn''t someone who wants to take your spot."


    "I know."


    "You''re still the second option on this team."


    "I know," Kyrie muttered.


    "But by next year, I won''t be."


    Silence.


    Han understood.


    Kyrie had already made up his mind.


    He wasn''t mad at Jokic.


    He wasn''t mad at Han.


    But he wasn''t staying either.


    Han exhaled through his nose.


    "You have two choices."


    Kyrie''s eyes flickered.


    "One¡ªfinish this season."


    "You know we have a great shot at defending the title. Play it out, then decide what to do in the offseason."


    Han still wanted to keep him.


    Because he fit perfectly.


    A ball handler who could play on and off the ball, who had improved his defense, and could still take over when needed.


    There wasn''t a better point guard for this Cavaliers team.


    And for Kyrie himself¡ªanother ring would elevate his legacy.


    But¡ª


    "The second option doesn''t need explaining," Han said flatly.


    Kyrie nodded.


    "If you push for a trade now, Boston isn''t happening."


    The Celtics were Cleveland''s biggest rival in the East.


    Unless Boston was sending Kevin Durant back, Griffin would never approve the deal.


    Kyrie already knew that.


    Still, he had to make a choice.


    ---


    "There''s one more reason I want to leave."


    Kyrie didn''t make his choice right away.


    Han frowned.


    "What do you mean?"


    "They don''t see me as irreplaceable."


    By "they", Kyrie clearly meant the front office.


    "I know for a fact... at the start of the season, they tried to trade me for Paul George."


    Han froze.


    That was news to him.


    But he quickly shook his head.


    "That has to be a misunderstanding."


    If something that big had been on the table, there''s no way Griffin wouldn''t have told me.


    Without hesitation, Han called Griffin.


    A few minutes later, the Cavs'' GM was in his living room.


    Griffin hadn''t left earlier¡ªhe had just been waiting in his car for an update.


    "Last July, Larry Bird did reach out," Griffin admitted.


    "He wanted to trade Paul George for Kyrie and Powell."


    "But I turned him down immediately. We had just won a championship. There was no reason to make that move."


    Since he had rejected it outright, Griffin hadn''t felt the need to bring it up.


    Han turned to Kyrie.


    Now that Griffin had spoken in person, that second reason no longer existed.


    If this was about feeling unwanted, then Kyrie should feel reassured.


    But instead¡ª


    "I''m still leaving."


    Han exhaled sharply.


    Of course, Kyrie wasn''t going to change his mind that easily.


    Griffin was visibly frustrated.


    He looked like he wanted to argue, but Han stopped him with a hand.


    You can''t force a player to stay.


    Even if they don''t get traded, their play on the court will never be the same.


    Kyrie took a deep breath.


    "Thank you, Boss."


    That was the second time tonight he had called him that.


    Then, he walked out¡ªleaving Griffin looking helpless and Han with furrowed brows.


    Han had pushed for Kyrie to wait until the summer for a reason.


    Because Kyrie wasn''t easily replaceable.


    If they traded him now, they''d have to adjust their chemistry midseason.


    They might not even get a good return.


    That would make defending the title way harder.


    Dynasties usually fell apart from the inside. The Cavs weren''t even a dynasty yet¡ª and cracks were already showing.


    Han had never faced this kind of challenge in Memphis.


    Griffin finally broke the silence.


    "Should I reach out to Larry?"


    Han glanced at him.


    Paul George was a small forward, but the Cavs could figure out the point guard situation later.


    "You can try," Han said. "But I doubt he''ll go for it."


    Last year''s loss against the Cavs had motivated George to improve.


    Now, he was averaging career-high shooting percentages¡ª46.8% from the field, 39.3% from three.


    And it wasn''t just about on-court value.


    When Bird originally wanted Kyrie, he wasn''t the same player he was now.


    Back then, Kyrie wasn''t causing problems off the court.


    Griffin checked the time and called Bird.


    They kept it short.


    Bird still wanted Kyrie¡ªjust not at the cost of Paul George.


    "Anyone else on our roster is available," Bird said.


    But outside of PG, the only real trade asset the Pacers had was Myles Turner¡ª


    And that wasn''t what the Cavs needed.


    Griffin rubbed his temple.


    "Chicago''s considering moving Jimmy Butler."


    "And OKC''s got Carmelo Anthony on the block."


    Han let out a dry laugh.


    "David... do you think Kyrie is a one-off case?"


    Griffin frowned.


    "You mean¡ªyou''re worried other stars will have the same problem?"


    Han nodded.


    The names Griffin had mentioned¡ª


    These were all established superstars.


    On paper, they could replace Kyrie.


    But what happens when they get here?


    Would they really accept being the second option?


    Or would they want out too?


    For most stars, it wasn''t just about touches. It was about control¡ªof their legacy, their stats, their next contract.


    The NBA wasn''t just about winning games.


    It was about making money.


    Look at Draymond. His numbers tanked, and when the season ended, so would his market value


    His next contract?


    It wasn''t going to be anything close to what he could''ve gotten before.


    Griffin sighed.


    Han was right to be concerned.


    If they didn''t trade for another star, the Cavs would basically be Han and Jokic''s team.


    That wasn''t unusual for a contender¡ªmost title teams had two main guys.


    But the real question was¡ª


    Could Jokic handle that role?


    If this were any other season, it wouldn''t even be a debate.


    Han alone was enough.


    But this year? S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With the Celtics in the East and the Warriors out West?


    Could the Cavs still win it all?


    And if they fell short? Griffin would be the one paying for it.


    After a long pause, Griffin let out a heavy breath.


    "Maybe I should try to talk to Kyrie again."


    Han shook his head.


    "He''s gone."


    It wasn''t a guess.


    It was a fact.


    Kyrie''s mind was made up.


    "You start looking," Han said. "If there''s no good return, just improve the bench."


    Kyrie sat most of the fourth on Christmas¡ª and the Cavs still held their own against the Warriors.


    That meant the starting lineup was fine.


    If they couldn''t replace Kyrie, they could build depth instead.


    Give Han and Jokic more rest, let the bench carry the load during stretches.


    It wasn''t a perfect solution¡ª


    But Memphis had won titles that way before.

 Chapter 338: If You Can’t Beat ‘Em…

    Chapter 338: If You Can¡¯t Beat ¡®Em...Kyrie Irving''s trade situation was officially set in motion.


    Of course, a blockbuster deal like this wasn''t going to happen overnight.


    In the meantime, Kyrie returned to the Cavaliers as if nothing had happened.


    His teammates didn''t know the details. They just assumed it was another one of Kyrie''s moods.


    As this was unfolding, the 2017 All-Star voting had kicked off.


    When the first returns came in, Han Sen and Kyrie still led all Eastern Conference backcourt players.


    By mid-January, Deron Williams suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for two weeks.


    Malone had an interesting decision to make. Instead of promoting rookie Dejounte Murray, he gave the role to sophomore Norman Powell.


    It was an unconventional move, but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise for Cavs fans.


    In the two weeks that followed, Powell averaged 8.7 points in 18 minutes per game, shooting 40% from three.


    Originally projected as a Tony Allen-type player, Powell¡ªdespite standing just 6''4" (1.93m)¡ªboasted an impressive 6''11" (2.11m) wingspan and was already making his mark defensively.


    Most importantly, Powell spent a stretch of games sharing the floor with Han and Jokic¡ªand that sparked a realization:


    The Cavaliers might not even need a traditional point guard.


    Because when Han and Jokic were running the offense, the ball moved more freely than ever.


    --- S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Of course, news this big never stays a secret for long.


    By now, reports had surfaced¡ªCleveland was actively shopping Kyrie.


    The Cavaliers had inquired about Mike Conley, who was in the midst of a career year, averaging 20.5 points and 6.3 assists on 40.5% shooting from three.


    However, Memphis refused to engage.


    To them, Conley''s leadership was irreplaceable, something they believed Kyrie couldn''t replicate.


    New Orleans showed interest in a Jrue Holiday-for-Kyrie swap, but they had reservations about Kyrie''s professionalism and refused to include a first-round pick in any deal.


    The Boston Celtics aggressively pursued Kyrie, offering a package centered around Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder¡ª


    But Cleveland had zero interest.


    One thing was clear: Kyrie''s trade value had dropped significantly.


    His off-court behavior had raised too many red flags, mirroring what Larry Bird had felt earlier in the season.


    ---


    By the end of January, the final results of the 2017 NBA All-Star voting were released.


    For the second consecutive year, Han Sen and Kyrie Irving were named Eastern Conference starters.


    This wasn''t a surprise.


    Kyrie''s numbers hadn''t declined, and with Nike''s full-scale marketing machine behind him, his popularity remained sky-high.


    But what nobody saw coming?


    Nikola Jokic made the All-Star team as a reserve.


    Not even Han expected that.


    Because purely based on stats, Jokic''s 16.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game didn''t exactly scream ''All-Star''.


    Unlike the starters, All-Star reserves were chosen by NBA coaches.


    And it seemed like the coaches saw something that the general public didn''t.


    Jokic''s selection wasn''t purely about numbers¡ª


    It was about impact.


    Cleveland had the best record in the East, and much like Draymond Green''s selection the year before, Jokic''s versatility was being rewarded.


    Plus, the Eastern Conference had been historically weak in recent years.


    So while his selection was surprising, it wasn''t completely unexplainable.


    That didn''t stop critics from questioning his spot.


    After all, making the All-Star team as a sophomore was rare¡ªespecially for an international player with low mainstream appeal in America.


    Reporters swarmed Jokic at the Cavs'' practice facility, asking for his thoughts on the controversy.


    Jokic''s answer?


    A classic.


    "I wouldn''t pick me either. I don''t even fit the All-Star Game."


    Han was standing nearby when Jokic said it.


    Judging by Jokic''s dejected expression, Han could already guess¡ª


    The dude probably had vacation plans.


    A real, seven-day vacation.


    Because back in 2014, after Adam Silver took over as commissioner, LeBron and other stars had pushed for an extended All-Star break.


    Silver had agreed, extending the All-Star break to a full week.


    Jokic just lost his biggest break of the season.


    There was no way he was happy about it.


    The moment Jokic''s interview hit the media?


    The criticisms vanished.


    Not because people stopped doubting his selection¡ª


    But because they had nowhere left to go.


    ---


    Not long after the All-Star voting results were announced, David Griffin met with Han Sen. He handed Han a list of trade proposals currently on the table.


    The first offer came from the Milwaukee Bucks: Jabari Parker, Greg Monroe, and Matthew Dellavedova.


    Parker, a 6''8" (2.03m) forward, was the No. 2 overall pick in 2014. He was averaging over 20 points per game this season and had even developed a three-point shot, attempting 3.5 per game at a 36.5% accuracy.


    Monroe, a 6''11" (2.11m) center, would add depth to the Cavs'' frontcourt. Dellavedova''s return could help replace Kyrie at point guard.


    Han took one look at the offer and skipped it immediately.


    Parker was an injury-prone, low-impact player. Monroe was completely redundant¡ªCleveland already had Tristan Thompson, who was a better defender.


    And sending Kyrie to Milwaukee wasn''t a smart idea. The Bucks already had Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton; the only thing they lacked was a high-level point guard. If Kyrie went there, Milwaukee would instantly become a major problem for Cleveland in the East.


    The next offer came from the Phoenix Suns: Eric Bledsoe, T.J. Warren, and their 2017 first- and second-round picks.


    Han didn''t hesitate to skip this one too. It was essentially Kyrie for Bledsoe, and that was a losing trade in any scenario.


    He continued scanning through the trade options, dismissing most of them. Nearly all the offers revolved around point guard swaps, but every deal felt like a downgrade for Cleveland.


    Halfway through the list, Han stopped and looked at Griffin. "What about the Pelicans?"


    He had read the rumors. He was genuinely interested in swapping Kyrie for Jrue Holiday. Holiday wasn''t an elite shooter, but he was an outstanding defender¡ªhe could take pressure off Han on that end and also help share playmaking duties.


    Griffin sighed. "They''re focused on DeMarcus Cousins right now," he admitted. "And Holiday''s contract expires this summer¡ªthey won''t include a first-round pick."


    Han nodded. That was a huge risk. If Holiday didn''t like Cleveland and walked in free agency, the Cavs would have effectively traded Kyrie for a half-season rental. That would be a disaster.


    Finally, Han saw Boston''s offer: Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, rookie center Ante Zizic, and a 2017 first-round pick.


    To be fair, this was the best offer so far. Isaiah Thomas was at his peak. Crowder was an elite 3&D wing. And the deal included a first-round pick and a young big man.


    But Cleveland wasn''t sending Kyrie to the Celtics. And there was no way Han was going to play second fiddle to Isaiah, like Durant had to Curry.


    Then, Han reached the final offer¡ªand paused.


    It was the only deal that involved a third team.


    The Bulls had put together a trade where Cleveland would receive Dwyane Wade, Robert Covington, Kyle Korver, and a 2017 first-round pick.


    One name immediately caught Han''s attention¡ªRobert Covington.


    Covington, a 6''6" (1.98m) forward with a 7''1" (2.17m) wingspan, was one of the best 3&D players in the league. Maybe even the best.


    Han had firsthand experience¡ªwhen Cleveland played Chicago, Covington gave him more trouble than Crowder ever did. He could guard positions 2-4 and match up well against LeBron¡ªsignificantly better than P.J. Tucker.


    In the Christmas game, Cleveland had won, but Han couldn''t guard both LeBron and Curry at the same time. Adding Covington would be a perfect solution.


    As for the other pieces, Wade was still putting up over 18 points per game. Korver remained one of the NBA''s deadliest off-ball shooters, a career 40%+ from three. Two years ago, he had shot 49.2% from deep while attempting six threes per game.


    Their presence would massively improve Cleveland''s bench depth.


    And the first-round pick? The Cavs didn''t have a first-rounder this year. The Bulls'' pick would likely land in the mid-first-round range, potentially adding another solid young player.


    After reviewing all the options, Han narrowed it down to two: Chicago''s three-team deal, and the Pelicans¡ªif Holiday agreed to an early contract extension.


    If they could lock in Holiday long-term, he was the best two-way option. And sending Kyrie to the Western Conference was far better than trading him to an Eastern rival.


    ---


    As February arrived, Kyrie Irving''s trade was finally settled.


    The Cavaliers completed a three-team trade with the Bulls and Hawks.


    Cleveland sent out Kyrie Irving, Mike Dunleavy, and Spencer Hawes. In return, they received Dwyane Wade, Robert Covington, Kyle Korver, and Chicago''s 2017 first-round pick.


    Atlanta traded Kyle Korver and received Dunleavy, Hawes, and Chicago''s 2019 first-round pick.


    Chicago sent out Wade, Covington, and two first-round picks (2017 and 2019) to acquire Irving.


    Despite weeks of rumors leading up to it, the trade still sent shockwaves through the league once it was finalized.


    After all, never in NBA history had a defending champion traded away its second-best player during the season.


    LeBron''s fans, however, were ecstatic.


    For once, they couldn''t accuse Han Sen of forming a superteam¡ªbecause in their eyes, swapping Kyrie for Wade was a clear downgrade for the Cavaliers.


    Some LeBron fans were even on the verge of tears.


    Since 2003, they had waited 13 long years.


    And now?


    Finally¡ªfinally, LeBron James was about to win his first championship.


    The day after the trade, Wade passed his physical. But between handling his move and securing a place to stay, he wouldn''t be meeting the Cavaliers team until the following day.


    That night, though, Han got a call from Wade.


    He didn''t say much.


    Just one thing¡ª


    "Meet me at the practice gym."


    On the drive over, Han''s mind was racing.


    He had initially favored the Bulls'' trade package because of Covington. It was a move specifically to counter the Warriors.


    Wade? He was more of an afterthought. A coincidence.


    But at the same time, Wade was special.


    He was the first NBA star Han had ever met.


    Before Han even entered the league, Wade had been one of the players who helped guide him.


    Yet instead of becoming teammates, they had ended up as rivals.


    And Han had repeatedly crushed Wade''s championship dreams.


    It was a relationship built on both gratitude and conflict.


    Now, after all these years¡ªfate had made them teammates at the very end of Wade''s career.


    Life had a strange way of working out.


    It had been eight years since they first met.


    Time truly flew.


    Han parked outside the practice facility and walked in.


    This was Cleveland''s newly built training center, a state-of-the-art facility that had only been completed last summer.


    Before he even reached the entrance, he could already hear the sound of a basketball bouncing on the hardwood.


    Han pushed open the door.


    And there was Wade.


    The biggest difference from eight years ago?


    That wide, chiseled jawline.


    If not for his knee issues, Wade¡ªat 35¡ªshould still be at the tail end of his prime.


    Look at Kobe. At 38, he was still an All-Star.


    But Wade''s knees had accelerated his decline.


    He could still play.


    But he wasn''t the dominant force he used to be.


    Han knew this better than anyone¡ªafter years of battling Wade''s Miami teams, he had felt the shift in Wade''s game firsthand.


    Hearing the door open, Wade turned and locked eyes with Han.


    His expression was complicated.


    Last summer, Cleveland had offered Wade a contract.


    He turned it down.


    Like David West, Wade was an old-school player.


    He had too much pride to join the man who had repeatedly denied him championships.


    To him, that would have been no different than surrendering.


    But trades weren''t a choice.


    And honestly, his time in Chicago hadn''t been great.


    Playing point guard wasn''t working out.


    Coach Fred Hoiberg had even suggested he come off the bench.


    The last time Wade had been a bench player?


    His rookie season.


    It was humiliating.


    So in a way, this trade felt like swapping one humiliation for another.


    But as he looked at Han and reflected on their history, Wade let out a small laugh.


    Maybe¡ª


    Maybe this was just destiny.


    ---


    2017 NBA All-Star Selections


    Eastern Conference Starters:


    Kyrie Irving, Han Sen, DeMar DeRozan, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo.


    Eastern Reserves:


    Isaiah Thomas, Kyle Lowry, John Wall, Paul George, Jimmy Butler, Paul Millsap, Nikola Joki?.


    Western Conference Starters:


    Stephen Curry, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, Anthony Davis.


    Western Reserves:


    Russell Westbrook, Mike Conley, Klay Thompson, Gordon Hayward, DeMarcus Cousins, DeAndre Jordan, Marc Gasol.


    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 339: No Turning Back.

    Chapter 339: No Turning Back.Seeing Wade''s smile, Han Sen walked over and pulled him into a hug.


    "Need to warm up?" Wade wasted no time getting to the point.


    Han shook his head, tossed his jacket aside, and jumped straight into a one-on-one matchup.


    It had been years since they played like this outside of official games.


    Wade wasn''t on Han''s level anymore, but he pushed himself to exhaustion before finally calling it.


    For a moment, it felt like stepping back in time¡ªexcept now, the roles were reversed.


    When they finished, they sat on the sideline, catching their breath. Wade tossed Han a bottle of water.


    "I heard you''ve got a breakfast club."


    The way he said it made it obvious¡ªhe wanted in.


    Han instinctively glanced at Wade''s knees.


    Wade followed his gaze, then smirked and patted his knee.


    "I''m having a second spring."


    The explosiveness wasn''t there anymore, but he had adapted.


    His finishing was still elite¡ªnot through speed, but through rhythm.


    He had adjusted to his knees instead of forcing them to adjust to him.


    Han nodded. If Wade was this motivated, there was no reason to turn him down.


    "I figured you''d refuse to show up," Han said.


    "I almost did." Wade let out a deep breath. "I''ve lost to you so many times... If I join you and still lose, I might as well retire."


    It was a brutally honest admission.


    For Wade, this trade wasn''t just a new Chapter¡ªit was an experiment.


    And if it ended badly? It would be a tough pill to swallow.


    "But you still came," Han said with a grin. "Because you think we can win?"


    "Yeah. But that''s not the only reason."


    Han raised an eyebrow.


    "I''ve been your rival for years. I figured... I should see what it''s like playing on your side."


    Han blinked, then laughed, throwing an arm over Wade''s shoulder.


    When he finally calmed down, he looked Wade in the eye.


    "Trust me¡ªyou''re gonna love it."


    ---


    The next day, at the Cavaliers'' practice facility, Wade, Covington, and Korver officially reported under Lue''s guidance.


    Han stood up and opened his arms for Wade again.


    Yesterday''s hug had been between old friends.


    Today''s?


    A welcome from the leader of the team.


    Wade wasn''t in his prime anymore, but his presence still carried weight. Han was making it clear¡ªWade was stepping into a team that respected him.


    Covington, always quick on his feet, introduced himself immediately after.


    Korver, ever the professional, waited for them to finish before stepping forward with a smile and a handshake.


    And if nothing else¡ªKorver''s arrival definitely helped the team recover some of the looks they lost when Kyrie left.


    ---


    That day''s practice was intense.


    Swapping out three rotation players midseason was a major shake-up.


    And all three were expected to play big roles¡ªWade was likely a starter, while Covington would challenge Tucker for his spot.


    Comfort breeds complacency¡ªone of the biggest threats to a defending champion.


    This trade had changed that.


    Now, there was competition within the team.


    Whether it made them stronger or broke them apart¡ªonly time would tell.


    Malone was especially strict during practice¡ªeven Covington got yelled at.


    Afterward, Han pulled Lue aside for a chat.


    Then, he checked his phone¡ªand his expression turned deadpan.


    "Personally, sitting here today, there''s only one thing I''m sure of¡ªI want to be somewhere I''m truly wanted. Not just tolerated. Not just seen as an afterthought. In other words, I didn''t feel respected before."


    That morning, the Bulls had held Kyrie''s introductory press conference.


    And those were Kyrie''s words.


    Did anyone in Cleveland disrespect him?


    When he wanted out, both the front office and Han had tried to convince him to stay.


    As for being unwanted?


    If they didn''t want him, he wouldn''t have even been on the roster last season.


    Of course, if he considered his reduced role ''disrespect'', then it all made sense.


    And suddenly, Malone''s frustration earlier made perfect sense.


    ---


    That night, the Cavaliers faced the Milwaukee Bucks.


    The Bucks hadn''t landed Kyrie in a trade, but they had quietly built something strong over the years.


    With Giannis, Middleton, and Parker, they were a rising force in the East.


    Because Cleveland''s new acquisitions had just arrived, Malone decided not to play them yet.


    With Kyrie and Dunleavy gone, Cleveland''s usual 10-man rotation had temporarily shrunk to eight.


    That was going to be a challenge.


    The Bucks smelled blood.


    They came out aggressive, looking to capitalize on the Cavaliers'' weakened depth.


    Especially Giannis¡ªhe attacked the paint relentlessly.


    With a playing style eerily similar to LeBron, Giannis'' popularity in the U.S. had skyrocketed.


    His numbers had just reached the 20-point-per-game threshold, and he was already an All-Star starter.


    Nike, realizing UA had taken the lead in signing young talent, shifted its strategy.


    They doubled down on their existing stars¡ªguys like Kyrie and Giannis.


    Nike even built a brand narrative around Giannis.


    First, they gave him a nickname¡ªThe Greek Freak¡ªwhich oozed dominance.


    Then, they told his backstory.


    How, during his rookie year, he sent all his money back home and forgot to keep enough for a cab ride.


    How he had to jog all the way back to the arena¡ªuntil a kind fan recognized him and gave him a lift.


    A ''beast on the court, but a kind soul off of it'' narrative.


    The kind of branding that resonated deeply.


    Led by Giannis, the Bucks jumped out to an 8-2 lead.


    Malone quickly adjusted, switching to a 2-3 zone.


    A strategy that once frustrated LeBron in his early years.


    But against Giannis¡ªit wasn''t as effective.


    Because while Giannis played like LeBron, his approach was different.


    He hadn''t bulked up yet.


    He relied more on off-ball movement.


    Even when he attacked with the ball, his spin moves were fluid and unpredictable.


    And with his 6''11" (2.11m) frame, 7''4" (2.24m) wingspan, and freakish athleticism¡ªhe covered ground like a spider, disrupting everything on defense.


    ---


    Seeing the situation, Malone didn''t hesitate¡ªhe unleashed the Cavaliers'' deadliest weapon: the Han-Jokic pick-and-roll.


    And at that moment, Giannis Antetokounmpo got a firsthand experience of what it meant to be targeted by the best player in the world.


    Every time he got switched onto Han, it was pure humiliation.


    His athleticism, his length, his defensive instincts¡ªnone of it mattered. Han''s fakes sent him jumping in all directions, completely lost.


    Years ago, UA had invited a young Giannis to Han Sen''s summer training camp to recruit him.


    But whether it was the raw, inexperienced kid back then or the fully-formed ''Greek Freak'' today¡ªit made no difference. Against Han, he was still too green.


    Even though the Cavaliers'' rotation wasn''t as smooth after the trade, Malone simply extended Han and Jokic''s minutes, and that was enough.


    By the third quarter, the game was effectively over. Cleveland cruised to a 106-90 win.


    Wade didn''t play, but he was fired up on the bench all night, constantly standing up and clapping for his teammates.


    He had been grinding in Chicago all season, barely keeping them in the playoff hunt as the eighth seed. Meanwhile, the Bucks, sitting just ahead of them in the standings, got blown out despite the Cavs missing key rotation players.


    Now, Wade was starting to understand what Han meant that night when he said¡ª


    "Just lay back, I got you."


    ---


    "Han is the greatest basketball player on the planet. Our entire system is designed to make the game easier for him. There is no ''favoritism''. There is no ''lack of respect''. We are here to win, period."


    Malone didn''t hold back at the postgame press conference, directly firing back at Kyrie''s comments.


    As soon as the media ran with it, the drama exploded.


    Fans had already been curious about the real reason behind Kyrie''s trade.


    At his introductory press conference in Chicago, Kyrie admitted he had requested a trade¡ªbut then turned around and said he ''wasn''t valued enough'' in Cleveland, implying he was forced out.


    Now, with Malone''s rebuttal, the back-and-forth only made the mystery grow.


    And just like that, all eyes were on the upcoming Cavs vs. Bulls matchup in two days.


    Adam Silver was probably somewhere grinning ear to ear.


    The pre-All-Star stretch was usually one of the least exciting parts of the NBA season.


    But thanks to Cleveland, viewership was through the roof.


    If not for the Cavs'' game against Milwaukee in between, people would''ve thought this was all scripted by the league.


    ---


    The day after the Bucks game, Wade stayed after practice to put up extra shots from three.


    Wade''s three-point shooting had always been a mystery. Or maybe, he and Kobe were just two sides of the same coin¡ªone shot under 30% for his career, the other barely cracked 30%.


    And yet¡ªif the game was on the line, would you dare leave them open?


    Even outside of clutch moments, defenders were still hesitant to sag off them.


    They got more respect from three than even LeBron ever did.


    They could shoot¡ªit was just the most inefficient tool in their arsenal, so they rarely relied on it.


    And shooting, more than anything, was about repetition.


    Even Han, with all his talent, spent countless hours refining his shot every day.


    Wade wasn''t suddenly going to become an elite shooter, but he could improve his consistency.


    But more importantly¡ªthis showed his mindset.


    He understood what his role in Cleveland needed to be.


    On game day, Malone made his decision¡ªWade would start.


    It was expected, but also a little surprising.


    In theory, putting Wade in the lineup alongside TT made no sense.


    Han and Jokic''s pick-and-roll already meant only one player was spacing the floor¡ªP.J. Tucker.


    This was the exact opposite of a four-out, one-in system.


    But clearly, this decision wasn''t just about fit¡ªit was about rewarding Wade''s commitment.


    ---


    That night, Quicken Loans Arena was packed.


    Even TNT''s full crew¡ªShaq, Kenny, and Chuck¡ªwas in the building.


    What should''ve been a routine regular-season game had turned into must-watch television.


    As players took the court for warmups, the cameras zoomed in on Kyrie.


    And just like that¡ª


    A wave of boos rained down.


    Kenny Smith tried to play the neutral role. "Look, fans have the right to be upset, but at the same time, Kyrie gave them a championship."


    "If he hadn''t said what he said," Barkley cut in, "the crowd would be giving him a standing ovation right now. But he ran his mouth, and now he''s gotta deal with the consequences."


    Chuck was blunt as ever, but before Kenny could respond, Shaq chimed in.


    "Kyrie''s still young. When I left Orlando, I didn''t fully understand what I had. One day, he''s gonna look back and realize Cleveland might''ve been the best place for him."


    Barkley chuckled. "Man, if I had won a ring for a city, they better put a statue of me up, not boo me!"


    Shaq smirked. "Yeah, but you never won one, Chuck."


    "Don''t make me come over there, big fella."


    Kenny cut in before it escalated. "See, this is why they''re booing Kyrie. He left, and now the fans feel like he abandoned them."


    Shaq nodded. "You never know what the future holds. Maybe one day, you wanna come back to where it all started¡ªonly to find out that door''s already closed."


    It was hard not to think of last summer.


    Kevin Garnett got to return to Minnesota for his final years.


    Amar''e Stoudemire, on the other hand, could only sign a one-day contract with the Knicks and call it a career.


    But Kyrie wasn''t hearing any of that.


    All he could hear was the crowd¡ªthe relentless booing.


    And then, just when it seemed like it might die down¡ª


    A voice cut through the noise.


    Han turned to look. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was a female fan in the front row.


    "Kyrie! You''re a coward!"


    The words weren''t loud, but they were sharp.


    Kyrie turned away.


    "Answer me!" The woman pressed on.


    He ignored her.


    "Say it, Kyrie! Did you run away?!"


    Finally, he snapped.


    He turned back around, irritation clear on his face.


    "I gave you a championship! And now you''re all ungrateful!"


    He gestured toward the booing fans.


    "You brought this on yourself!" the woman shot back without missing a beat.


    Then, the guy next to her joined in.


    "We won a title because of Han! It didn''t matter if it was you, D-Wade, or somebody else next to him!"


    "Shut the f*** up!" Kyrie barked, finally losing his cool.


    Then, without another word, he stormed off.


    On the bench, he grabbed a towel and clenched it in frustration.


    For the first time, his emotions started to shift.


    Up until now, he had only felt gratitude toward Han.


    But now?


    He felt something else.


    Something deeper.


    Something sharper.


    Because at this moment, he realized¡ª


    The only way to silence this noise was to do the one thing he had to do.


    Beat Han Sen.


    That was the reality of the path he had chosen.


    There was no turning back.


    On the other side of the court, Han had no idea what had just happened.


    He was talking with Wade, focused on getting him settled for his first game in a Cavs uniform.


    Tonight wasn''t just a proving ground for Kyrie.


    He wasn''t the only one who had something to prove.


    Wade did too.


    And Han was going to make sure he was ready.

 Chapter 340: The Wall He Couldn’t Break.

    Chapter 340: The Wall He Couldn¡¯t Break.As the starting lineups were introduced, Kyrie Irving received a mix of boos and cheers from the Cleveland crowd.


    His public shots at the Cavs after the trade had been outrageous, but that didn''t mean people had forgotten what he had done for the franchise.


    His battle against Miami two years ago, playing until his season-ending injury... his clutch performances last year against the Heat in the East Finals... many fans still remembered.


    For a brief moment, Kyrie''s eyes wavered.


    But just as quickly, his expression hardened.


    With introductions over, both teams set their starting five:


    Chicago Bulls: Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler, Doug McDermott, Taj Gibson, Pau Gasol.


    Cleveland Cavaliers: Dwyane Wade, Han Sen, P.J. Tucker, Tristan Thompson, Nikola Joki?.


    Joki? won the opening tip, and the game was underway.


    Han took the ball into the frontcourt, called for a screen from Tristan Thompson, and attacked the strong side. As soon as the Bulls'' defense shifted, he swung the ball weak-side to Wade, setting him up for isolation.


    Wade had been working on his three-point shot, but he wasn''t Kyrie-level from deep.


    And if all the Cavs needed was someone to space the floor, they might as well have started J.R. Smith.


    For Wade to be effective, he needed touches¡ªand he needed to get downhill.


    But at this stage of his career, he couldn''t just rely on pure speed to blow by defenders anymore.


    The best way to maximize him?


    Let him go one-on-one, where his footwork could take over.


    With Covington gone, Chicago''s only top-tier perimeter defender was Butler¡ªand he had no choice but to guard Han.


    That meant Kyrie was the one checking Wade.


    The two biggest names in the trade, facing off on the very first possession.


    The crowd noise built.


    Wade wasted no time, attacking immediately.


    Kyrie stayed in front, sliding his feet¡ªhe had improved defensively, and Wade no longer had the same first-step burst.


    But this wasn''t about speed.


    This was about craft.


    Just as Wade reached the paint, he pulled out his signature move¡ªhis Euro step.


    A hard plant with his left foot, a deceptive pause, then a quick shift to his right¡ªKyrie bit for just a fraction of a second.


    It was all Wade needed.


    Bringing the ball high over Kyrie''s reach, he angled his body perfectly to absorb the contact and shield off the contest.


    Before Gibson could rotate over, Wade floated it up off the glass.


    Swish.


    A textbook finish. All footwork. All finesse.


    The crowd erupted.


    Wade''s first points in a Cavs jersey came quicker than expected¡ªand in classic Wade fashion.


    ---


    On the other end, Kyrie walked the ball up while Butler spaced out to the weak-side corner.


    During trade talks, there had been discussions about swapping Kyrie for Butler.


    Han had shut it down.


    Not because Butler wasn''t good¡ªif anything, this version of Butler was underrated. His three-point shooting had quietly improved to 36.7% on 3.3 attempts per game. He wasn''t elite, but he was solid.


    Early in his career, he had carved out a role under Thibodeau as a 3-and-D wing before evolving into a legitimate star.


    But Han''s issue wasn''t about basketball.


    It was about personality.


    Butler looked like Jordan. Played like Jordan. Acted like Jordan.


    And if he landed in Cleveland?


    There was no doubt he''d start treating Joki? the same way he had treated Karl-Anthony Towns and Joel Embiid¡ªlike a soft, lazy big man who didn''t work as hard as him.


    Han wasn''t about to let that kind of locker room disaster happen.


    Still, Butler was a team-first guy on the court.


    Instead of forcing a shot, he gave the ball up to Kyrie.


    And standing in front of Kyrie?


    Wade.


    Kyrie had just gotten scored on.


    But he didn''t immediately force a revenge shot.


    Instead, he called for a screen from Pau Gasol and went straight at Joki? on the switch.


    Joki? wasn''t fast enough to contain Kyrie''s first step.


    He knew it.


    So he didn''t even try to recover.


    TT rotated over to contest.


    But Kyrie was already a step ahead¡ª


    He adjusted in mid-air, hanging, twisting, avoiding the block before laying it in smoothly.


    The ball dropped through the net.


    Kyrie didn''t even acknowledge Thompson.


    Instead¡ª


    He turned and stared directly at Joki?.


    Cold. Focused. Intense.


    And for the first time, the outside world caught a glimpse of what had truly driven Kyrie away.


    It was never about Malone.


    It was about Joki?.


    About Malone prioritizing Joki?''s development.


    About Han never fully answering him when he asked, "Am I not as good as Nikola?"


    So now?


    Kyrie wasn''t just here to compete.


    He was here to prove them all wrong.


    That he wasn''t just better than Joki?¡ª


    He was far, far better.


    Joki?, meanwhile, barely reacted.


    He just gave Kyrie a confused look¡ªlike he was wondering why the hell he was staring at him¡ª


    Then casually turned to inbound the ball like it was just another play.


    Like it was just another day at the office.


    And that pissed Kyrie off even more.


    Because this was exactly why he couldn''t accept the way things had been in Cleveland.


    Joki? didn''t even care.


    He wasn''t trying to be the second option.


    He wasn''t trying to prove anything.


    He was just... playing basketball.


    Meanwhile, Kyrie had spent his entire life grinding to be great¡ª


    Yet Joki? was the one getting recognized.


    That wasn''t fair.


    ---


    Cleveland came back down the floor, running the same set¡ªexcept this time, Wade used a high pick from Joki?.


    Kyrie fought through the screen, but Joki?''s size slowed him down just enough.


    That was all Wade needed.


    He switched onto Pau, drove inside, pump-faked him into the air, then spun for an easy glass finish.


    Back-to-back buckets.


    The crowd roared.


    Wade found Han in transition and smacked palms with him.


    He knew he couldn''t have started this well without Han''s support.


    Han clapped him on the back as they got back on defense.


    For years, people had viewed Wade as purely an athletic player.


    When he lost his speed, they assumed his game was done.


    But the truth was¡ªWade''s skillset had always been elite.


    The Euro-step into a floater.


    The inside pivot fake into a reverse finish.


    Only a handful of guards in the league could execute these moves at this level.


    ---


    On the next possession, Kyrie wasn''t done.


    Another pick from Pau.


    But this time, he didn''t attack immediately.


    Instead, he waited.


    Waited until Pau completely sealed Wade behind him.


    Now he had Joki? on the switch.


    This time, he didn''t just try to drive.


    He took a hard step forward¡ªbaiting Joki? into retreating¡ªthen snapped back into a pull-up three.


    Joki? lunged to contest.


    Too late.


    Splash.


    Kyrie walked back, nodding to himself.


    5 straight points.


    Tonight, there were two players with something to prove.


    Both of them had come out swinging.


    But for Kyrie, it wasn''t just about playing well¡ªhe wanted to send a message.


    After drilling the three-pointer, he turned to the Cavaliers'' bench and barked at Coach Malone.


    "He''s not better than me! You can''t win a championship without me!"


    The entire Cavs bench froze in shock.


    Malone''s expression darkened.


    If there had been any doubt before, Kyrie had just made things crystal clear¡ªthis wasn''t just a professional split.


    This was personal.


    Han''s face hardened as well.


    Before this, his feelings toward Kyrie''s departure had been more resigned than anything else.


    Like the fans, he hadn''t forgotten what Kyrie had done for the team.


    Cleveland wouldn''t have beaten Miami without him.


    Especially two years ago, when Kyrie had played until his body broke down. Without that, Han wouldn''t have had a chance to make history with his record-breaking playoff performance.


    That''s why Han hadn''t bothered clapping back at Kyrie''s earlier comments.


    But this?


    This was over the line.


    Malone had been the one to push Kyrie toward becoming a more complete player.


    He had developed his playmaking. Helped him improve on defense. Put him in better positions to succeed.


    And now, Kyrie was acting like Malone had been against him all along?


    No. That wasn''t going to fly.


    ---


    Han took the ball up, and this time, he didn''t swing it to the weak side.


    Instead, he called for a screen from TT and went straight to the rim.


    The Bulls weren''t expecting the shift in strategy.


    If Covington were still in Chicago, he could''ve rotated over to help.


    But McDermott?


    He wasn''t that guy.


    Chicago had drafted him in 2014 for his shooting, but the reason he was never a full-time starter?


    Defense.


    Han blew by him with ease, rising up inside.


    BAM!


    Taj Gibson got caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.


    Han posterized him, sending the arena into a frenzy.


    As he jogged back on defense, he motioned to Wade¡ªswitch.


    And just like that, Han was now guarding Kyrie.


    Kyrie was caught off guard.


    He knew exactly what Han was capable of defensively¡ªthere was a reason he had back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards.


    Logically, he should pass the ball.


    Jimmy Butler had moved up from the weak-side corner, clearly expecting a handoff.


    But Kyrie ignored him.


    He didn''t care about the right play.


    He needed to beat Han.


    He called for another screen from Pau, starting his drive the moment the pick was set.


    But just as he accelerated¡ª


    Han slid around the screen, reappearing right in front of him.


    Kyrie''s heart clenched.


    Han''s summer training had paid off¡ªhis ability to move his puppies let him navigate screens more effortlessly than ever.


    But Kyrie wasn''t backing down.


    He rocked into a hesitation crossover, baiting Han forward.


    The moment the ball hung in front of him¡ªHan snatched it away.


    A clean steal.


    ---


    If Kyrie had just been honest from the start¡ªif he had told Han the truth back in Cleveland¡ªmaybe Han could have helped him see it.


    Basketball wasn''t just about hard work.


    If it were, Han would''ve made it as a player in his past life.


    No.


    Basketball was a mix of talent and effort.


    And talent? That wasn''t something you could grind your way into.


    Han, with his system, had 99 talent, 85 effort¡ªborderline unfair.


    Joki? had 95 talent, 60 effort¡ªnaturally gifted, but not obsessed with training.


    Kyrie? He had 88 talent, 80 effort¡ªskilled, hardworking, but not transcendent.


    He worked harder than Joki?.


    But he''d never have his talent.


    And that was a gap he could never close.


    ---


    Han didn''t hesitate¡ªhe took off in transition.


    Wade was already sprinting alongside him.


    Even past his prime, Wade''s fast-break instincts were still elite.


    That left Butler trying to guard both of them.


    Han reached the three-point line, forcing Butler to commit.


    The moment Butler''s focus shifted to him, Han dropped a pass to Wade.


    Butler recovered quickly, pivoting to contest.


    But Wade?


    He immediately tossed the ball into the air.


    A perfect lob.


    Han jumped¡ªhead at the rim¡ªand hammered home a vicious alley-oop dunk!


    The arena exploded.


    Wade had thrown countless lobs to LeBron in Miami.


    Now?


    He had Han.


    The moment was electric.


    In the front row, the same fan who had called Kyrie a coward earlier was now on his feet, punching the air in celebration.


    "I TOLD YOU! IT DOESN''T MATTER WHO''S NEXT TO HAN¡ªHE''S THE REASON WE WON!" S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ---


    Kyrie''s expression darkened.


    He clenched his jaw as the Bulls brought the ball back up.


    This time, Butler moved over again, expecting the pass.


    Kyrie ignored him.


    Again.


    This time, he didn''t even call for a screen.


    If he was going to prove his point, he had to do it himself.


    The crowd noise surged.


    Kyrie locked in.


    No more hesitation.


    No more over-dribbling.


    He cut down his movements, keeping them sharp and efficient.


    But no matter what he tried¡ª


    Han stayed in front of him.


    Five years ago, when Han was still with the Grizzlies, he had also switched onto Kyrie.


    Back then, Kyrie had struggled.


    Now, he had improved.


    But so had Han.


    Han''s defense was too overwhelming.


    Kyrie was forced to pick up his dribble.


    Out of options, he spun for a fadeaway jumper.


    Han read it perfectly.


    As Kyrie rose up, Han timed his jump.


    SMACK.


    A brutal block.


    Kyrie had been so determined to prove himself that he never stopped to realize one thing.


    He wasn''t going to get past Han Sen.


    Because Han was the wall.


    And Kyrie had just run straight into it.

 Chapter 341: The Good Guy.

    Chapter 341: The Good Guy.After getting blocked by Han Sen on back-to-back possessions, Kyrie finally played it safe.


    When the Bulls pushed the ball back up the court, he quickly passed to Butler.


    Kyrie had come out aggressive, but now? It was like he was hesitating¡ªlike he had declared all-out war but wasn''t sure if he wanted to fight.


    Butler took advantage of a Gasol screen, got into the paint, and used a pump fake to draw a foul on Joki?.


    When it came to talent, Butler was one of the least gifted NBA stars.


    A 6''7" (2.01m) frame with a 6''7" (2.01m) wingspan, lacking elite athleticism¡ªhis game wasn''t built on physical dominance.


    His shooting? Streaky. His driving ability? Decent, but not elite. Even his signature mid-range wasn''t at a superstar level due to his physical limitations.


    And yet, he had made it.


    Why?


    First, his work ethic. Butler had endured one of the roughest childhoods imaginable. A lot of NBA players grew up without a father, but how many got kicked out by their own mother? If he hadn''t found a family willing to take him in, he might''ve been homeless.


    That experience made him relentless.


    If you rated his talent at 80, his effort was a 99. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Second, his defense. The one area where pure effort could make up for physical shortcomings. Butler had been named to the All-Defensive Second Team five times in history.


    And lastly¡ªhis basketball IQ.


    This might have been the one elite gift he was born with. He always knew how to make the right play, how to be efficient, and how to win.


    Was he a low-efficiency shot creator? Sure.


    But a two-way, high-IQ player who could handle a decent scoring load?


    The last guy like that in Chicago was Scottie Pippen.


    The difference? Butler didn''t have Pippen''s natural gifts.


    But his heart? Bigger.


    If the Cavs didn''t already have Joki?, Butler would''ve been a great second option next to Han.


    ---


    With Kyrie locked down, Butler kept the Bulls in the game.


    Five minutes in, the score was 15-12, Cavs leading.


    That''s when Malone made his first substitutions¡ªbringing in J.R. Smith and Covington for Wade and Tucker.


    It was an early sub, but it didn''t hurt the Cavs'' lineup.


    This was where the depth from the Kyrie trade started to show.


    And more importantly, the Cavs'' lineup now looked like this:


    Han, J.R., Covington, TT, Joki?.


    No true point guard.


    Or rather¡ªHan was playing point.


    A 6''7" (2.01m) point guard wasn''t exactly common.


    Only Magic Johnson had done it before.


    But the Cleveland fans didn''t react like it was anything new.


    Because they had already seen something similar.


    During Deron''s absence, Powell had played, and the Cavs had run similar sets.


    That stretch had made one thing clear¡ªthis team didn''t need a traditional point guard.


    ---


    On their first possession with the new lineup, Han and Joki? ran a pick-and-roll.


    Han dished to Joki?, who found TT inside for an easy finish.


    Wade''s exit had instantly improved the Cavs'' spacing.


    And the Bulls?


    They were suddenly dealing with the same defensive nightmare the Warriors had faced on Christmas.


    Collapse inside? Han and Joki? would find open shooters.


    Stay home? They''d pick the defense apart.


    The two-man game was too strong.


    And on defense, Covington''s impact was immediate.


    He wasn''t a lockdown on-ball defender like Tucker, but his help defense was elite.


    So the Cavs used a simple strategy¡ª


    J.R. bodied Butler up front. Covington waited in the gaps.


    As a former Bull, Covington knew Butler''s tendencies well.


    His long wingspan disrupted passing lanes, and even when Butler got rid of the ball, Covington could recover fast.


    If the ball swung to McDermott?


    That was basically a defensive win.


    McDermott was a shooter, nothing more. If he wasn''t pulling up, the Bulls'' offense stalled.


    ---


    By the 10-minute mark, the Cavs had stretched their lead to 26-18.


    In just five minutes, they had redefined basketball.


    Basketball had started with strict positional roles.


    Point guards facilitated. Big men scored inside. Then came Jordan, and the wings took over.


    Later, scoring point guards emerged.


    But they still had the same responsibilities¡ªcontrolling the offense.


    What the Cavs had just done?


    None of that applied.


    It was simple.


    A pick-and-roll.


    Han or Joki? made the read.


    That was it.


    The weak side didn''t even need complex off-ball actions.


    And the best part?


    Everyone was playing to their strengths.


    Han had the ball.


    Joki? made the reads.


    The other three? Just had to be ready to shoot.


    ---


    "I think the only thing stopping them is stamina," Barkley said from the broadcast booth.


    Han could play extended minutes.


    But Joki??


    He barely had 30 minutes of gas in him.


    Right as Chuck said that¡ª


    Butler attacked off a screen, drawing Joki?''s second foul.


    Along with everything else, Butler was elite at drawing fouls.


    Unlike Harden, who relied on flopping, Butler used his pace, physicality, and just enough acting to sell calls to refs.


    It was a smart play.


    If you can''t stop them? Get Joki? off the floor.


    But it came too late¡ª


    Because it was already time for the bench unit.


    Malone pulled both Han and Joki?.


    And right on cue¡ªWade checked back in.


    ---


    Now, the real reason for Malone''s rotations became clear.


    Wade had started.


    But his real job was leading the second unit.


    His opening minutes had proved he could still hoop.


    And in the bench lineup, that made him an advantage.


    He wasn''t prime Wade.


    But against bench players?


    He was still a middle-tier starter at worst.


    And unlike Kyrie, he accepted this role.


    So now, he came in fresh.


    And in this lineup?


    He had even more space than before.


    Korver. Covington. Cunningham.


    Three guys who could all shoot.


    The ball was in Wade''s hands.


    And just like that¡ª


    He started carrying the second unit.


    ---


    The Cavaliers entered the rotation phase with an 8-point lead, but by the time the starters returned in the second quarter, the gap had widened to nearly 15.


    Depth¡ªsomething Han had emphasized in his conversations with Griffin¡ªwas on full display tonight.


    In fact, given the circumstances, the trade Cleveland made was the best possible move outside of keeping Kyrie.


    In the end, the Cavaliers secured a 106-90 victory over the Bulls in this high-profile matchup.


    Han finished with 31 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists. Joki? contributed 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. Wade added 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.


    For Chicago, Butler led with 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. Gasol chipped in 16 points and 8 boards, while Miroti? had 15. Meanwhile, Kyrie, guarded by Han all night, struggled¡ªshooting just 5-of-15 for 14 points.


    "DW has been in this league for 13 years. He''s more experienced than any of us, one of the most respected teammates in the NBA, and a great person. His presence here is invaluable."


    At the postgame press conference, Han spoke publicly for the first time about Wade joining the team.


    "Kyrie needs to get used to nights like this. If he wants to be the leader of a team, he has to learn to handle the pressure that comes with it."


    When asked about his defensive approach against Kyrie, Han was direct.


    Some things can be given¡ªlike a child crying for milk, you make enough noise, and you get what you want.


    But other things?


    You have to earn them yourself.


    Running headfirst into a wall doesn''t mean you''ll turn back once you hit it.


    Sometimes, by the time you crash into the wall, there''s no turning back.


    ---


    With just under two weeks until the All-Star break, the Cavaliers had five more games on the schedule.


    Their opponents: Raptors, Rockets, Thunder, Wizards, and Grizzlies.


    After a relatively smooth early-season schedule, this stretch would be anything but easy.


    Cleveland finished with a 3-2 record.


    Technically, counting the Bucks game, their post-trade record stood at 5-2¡ªnot bad on paper. But this stretch exposed some serious issues.


    The biggest?


    Wade as a starter wasn''t working.


    Having Wade in the starting lineup meant the ball needed to be in his hands.


    He could still attack, but he wasn''t the same dominant force as before.


    Simply put, giving Wade heavy on-ball responsibilities in the starting unit was counterproductive.


    However, Wade''s value off the bench was undeniable.


    His individual ability, combined with the added depth from the trade, allowed Han and Joki? to get significant rest during rotations.


    It was obvious to everyone¡ªWade coming off the bench was the better move.


    But making that change?


    Not so simple.


    Many superstars, like Iverson, would rather retire than accept a bench role.


    For now, though, the conversation could be put on hold¡ªAll-Star Weekend was approaching.


    ---


    The day before the All-Star Game, Han''s private jet carried a ''visibly thrilled'' Joki? and newly appointed Eastern Conference All-Star head coach Michael Malone to New Orleans.


    This year''s All-Star Game had been a mess from the start.


    Originally, Charlotte was supposed to host it¡ªfor the first time ever.


    Curry, an Akron-born kid raised in Charlotte, was especially excited about the prospect of playing in front of his hometown fans.


    Then, North Carolina passed the controversial HB2 bill, sparking widespread protests from the LGBTQ+ community. The backlash grew so intense that the NBA was forced to pull the event from Charlotte, relocating it to New Orleans at the last minute.


    The result?


    Curry, disheartened by the change, opted out of the Three-Point Contest.


    And just like that, this year''s All-Star festivities became one of the most underwhelming in recent memory.


    Especially after last year''s spectacle in Toronto, the drop-off was noticeable.


    For Han and Joki?, this trip was less about basketball and more about enjoying themselves.


    New Orleans didn''t have New Orleans BBQ wings, but it was still one of the most famous tourist cities in the U.S.


    A cultural melting pot.


    A former French colony with Spanish-style architecture.


    A place where you could even find cemeteries full of above-ground tombs.


    ---


    Still, despite the dull All-Star setting, one major event stole the show.


    Just before the All-Star Game, the Pelicans and Kings finalized a blockbuster trade.


    New Orleans acquired DeMarcus Cousins in exchange for Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, a protected 2017 first-round pick, and a future second-rounder.


    Just like Griffin had told Han before, the Pelicans'' true target had always been Cousins.


    Jrue Holiday, however, was not included in the deal¡ªsuggesting Sacramento had failed to secure his commitment for an early contract extension.


    But that wasn''t the wildest part.


    Cousins'' trade was even more brutal than Kyrie''s.


    At least Kyrie got traded before the All-Star break.


    Cousins?


    He got moved right before the game.


    The only player in history who had it worse was Harrison Barnes¡ªwho literally got benched at halftime mid-game because he was being traded.


    The Cousins deal brought some much-needed entertainment to an otherwise stale All-Star Weekend.


    The other highlight?


    The Western Conference team practically worshipping Anthony Davis.


    As the host city''s franchise player and self-proclaimed ''Son of America'', Davis got force-fed possessions all night.


    He ended up with 52 points, shattering the All-Star scoring record.


    Han and Joki? barely played.


    Han casually racked up 21 points before calling it a night.


    Joki??


    He logged just 8 minutes.


    ---


    On the flight back to Cleveland, Malone brought up the Wade situation.


    Not to ask Han to fix it¡ªHan wasn''t a babysitter.


    But to share his concern.


    Malone wanted to talk to Wade about coming off the bench.


    But he was worried.


    After all, back in Chicago, Hoiberg had tried the same thing¡ªand failed miserably.


    "You don''t need to worry," Han said, his confidence catching Malone off guard.


    "What if DW throws a fit?" Malone pressed. "He''s making over $20 million this season."


    "He won''t," Han replied without hesitation.


    Then, after a brief pause, he added¡ª


    "DW... he''s always been a good guy."

 Chapter 342: The Step-Over Revenge.

    Chapter 342: The Step-Over Revenge.Does being a good guy mean getting a gun pointed at your head?


    Not necessarily.


    But if Wade had once willingly handed over the alpha role to LeBron, then coming off the bench in Cleveland wasn''t a big deal.


    What? You say Wade did it for a championship back then?


    Isn''t he chasing a championship in Cleveland too?


    That was exactly why Han Sen had said the Cavs were different from the Bulls.


    Han was so confident that as soon as they landed in Cleveland, Malone had a conversation with Wade.


    And to Malone''s surprise, Wade agreed almost immediately.


    "I''ll sacrifice for a championship."


    If anyone knew Wade best, it was Han.


    The Cavs'' first game after the All-Star break was against the Warriors¡ªRound 2 of their season series.


    But before that, one last crucial date loomed¡ªthe trade deadline.


    With Irving and Cousins already moved, and Larry Bird refusing to budge on any Paul George trade offers, this year''s deadline was mostly about minor roster tweaks.


    When a superteam like Golden State existed, a lot of teams simply chose to fold.


    But just when everyone thought the deadline would end quietly¡ª


    A shocking three-team trade went down.


    Hawks sent: Dwight Howard & Thabo Sefolosha


    Hawks received: Boban Marjanovi?, Boris Diaw, Bobby Portis, two second-round picks


    Bulls sent: Pau Gasol, Bobby Portis, two second-round picks


    Bulls received: Dwight Howard & Thabo Sefolosha


    Spurs sent: Boban Marjanovi?, Boris Diaw


    Spurs received: Pau Gasol


    The biggest shock?


    The man who once ''could be traded for LeBron straight up''¡ªDwight Howard¡ªhad become this cheap?!


    Just last season, the Hawks had given up Al Horford and a first-round pick to acquire Dwight.


    Now, they were practically giving him away.


    Breaking it down, it made sense:


    1. Declining Athleticism ¨C With age and the rule changes (verticality rule), Dwight was no longer an elite defensive anchor.


    2. Locker Room & Playoff Struggles ¨C Last year, the Hawks got bounced in the first round, and Dwight publicly clashed with Coach Bud over his role. This season, Atlanta was barely hanging onto a playoff spot. If they had no real shot at competing, blowing it up made sense.


    (The Nets had dumped Dwight for the same reason last season.)


    As for the Bulls¡ª


    Their decision to double down made perfect sense.


    Back when Han talked to Griffin, Chicago had planned to rebuild.


    But once they landed Irving while keeping Butler, that plan changed.


    Swapping an aging Gasol for Dwight?


    Yes, Dwight''s contract was massive, but in the short term, it was worth it.


    Adding Sefolosha? Just icing on the cake.


    (Sefolosha had been dumped by Miami after their rebuild. Atlanta took a shot on him, but with their rebuild beginning, they flipped him.)


    Bobby Portis, though¡ª


    That was Chicago''s real choice.


    Before this season started, a huge fight had broken out in Bulls training camp.


    Portis punched Nikola Miroti? so hard he broke two bones in his face and gave him a concussion.


    Golden State had the Splash Brothers.


    Chicago? They had the Blood Brothers.


    Punching a teammate in the face is a bad look in the NBA.


    The Bulls had to choose between the two.


    And they chose Miroti?.


    Not because of ''justice''¡ªfront offices don''t care about that.


    But because Miroti?''s floor-spacing was a better fit alongside Dwight.


    And the Spurs?


    They just stole Gasol for nothing.


    Boban had signed a 3-year, $21M deal last summer but barely played.


    Diaw was old, his real value being his expiring $7M contract.


    Trading those two for Pau?


    On paper, that was a steal.


    But Pau had signed a 2-year, $30M contract with Chicago, and his decline was real.


    Not that Popovich cared.


    After the trade, he immediately welcomed Gasol in a press conference.


    "People underestimate Pau. Watch what happens next."


    You could hear the confidence in his voice.


    Only time would tell if he was right.


    ---


    The Cavaliers made no moves at the trade deadline.


    Their previous trade had significantly bolstered their depth¡ªbut it also gave Malone a major rotation challenge.


    With Deron Williams, Powell, J.R. Smith, Korver, Covington, Cunningham, and Nene, plus the starting five, Malone had two options:


    Go full Steve Kerr with a deep rotation or trim it down and cut someone out.


    He chose the latter.


    Before the All-Star break, Powell and Nene had already started falling out of the rotation.


    The front office even asked Nene if he wanted a trade, but he chose to stay.


    At this stage in his career, all he wanted was a championship.


    And in his mind, there was no better place to chase one than Cleveland.


    Despite the internal competition, the Cavs maintained a strong locker room dynamic, smoothly transitioning into the second half of the season.


    The memory of their Christmas showdown against the Warriors was still fresh¡ªso naturally, their second matchup of the season drew major attention.


    But for the Cavs, especially Han Sen, this game carried even more weight.


    Looking back, Kyrie''s departure had been inevitable.


    No one could reason with a man determined to leave.


    But if it hadn''t been for Draymond Green stirring the pot, Kyrie would''ve at least finished the season before moving on.


    Instead, Kyrie''s early departure had forced Cleveland''s hand, pushing them into an unwanted trade.


    So now?


    Han was ready to deliver a message to the man who caused it all.


    ---


    The game was set to take place at Oracle Arena, with the Cavaliers arriving in Oakland a day early.


    And on that very day, LeBron James was asked about Dwyane Wade in a media session.


    "I''m happy for my brother, DW. He joined a championship contender¡ªthat''s a great opportunity for him at this stage of his career."


    "We talked after the trade, and if he had chosen a buyout, I would''ve recruited him without hesitation. I was looking forward to playing alongside him again... but unfortunately, it didn''t happen."


    It wasn''t until LeBron brought it up that fans were suddenly reminded¡ª


    Of the peak Miami Heat Big Three.


    Wade and LeBron¡ªa duo that had fought hard for two runner-up finishes together.


    "Did he really reach out to you?"


    On game day, Han came across the news and couldn''t help but ask Wade about it.


    Wade just smiled and shook his head.


    "It''s nothing... he''s always been like that."


    Making up conversations that never happened to boost his own narrative?


    Wade had just confirmed it¡ªLeBron really was a professional liar.


    "You really are a good guy." Han couldn''t help but tease.


    Wade must have owed LeBron a lot of money in a past life.


    ---


    That night, Oracle Arena was electric.


    The TNT crew was live on-site, setting up their pregame discussion.


    Kenny Smith took the first swing.


    "The Cavs lost two of their last five games before the break," he pointed out.


    "Since the Kyrie trade, they haven''t looked as dominant. Even before, it took a historic performance from Han just to beat the Warriors. Winning tonight? That''s gonna be tough."


    Barkley shook his head immediately.


    "Nah, I see it completely differently. Cleveland got way deeper after the trade. Once the chemistry clicks, they''ll be even stronger than before."


    Kenny pushed back.


    "Golden State''s depth isn''t lacking either, Chuck."


    Neither backed down.


    Both turned to Shaq, expecting a tiebreaker.


    Shaq, arms crossed, gave a serious nod.


    "Well... I like Cleveland''s size advantage. Joki? gives them a weapon inside, and Han? He can control the tempo."


    Then, after a pause, he smirked.


    "Plus, you know me... I got a Cavs jersey in my closet somewhere."


    The desk burst into laughter.


    Barkley rolled his eyes.


    "Man, you got a jersey from every team."


    Shaq just shrugged.


    "Gotta keep my legacy alive, Chuck."


    The pregame debate wrapped with the crew still chuckling.


    ---


    After the pregame ceremonies, both teams revealed their starting lineups.


    Cavaliers: Han Sen, J.R. Smith, Robert Covington, Tristan Thompson, Nikola Joki?.


    Warriors: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, LeBron James, Draymond Green, Zaza Pachulia.


    As soon as Cleveland''s lineup was announced, a wave of murmurs spread through the arena.


    Even Steve Kerr''s eyes widened.


    Two starters swapped out at once?


    Malone was hitting him with a curveball.


    The game tipped off, with Joki? securing possession for the Cavs.


    Han took the ball up the court.


    Though Malone had already adjusted the rotation after Wade''s arrival, this was Han''s first time officially starting at point guard.


    And on the other end?


    His matchup wasn''t Curry.


    In fact, even Klay Thompson found this setup strange¡ªbecause it meant he had to guard Han from the backcourt instead of focusing on off-ball defense.


    Han crossed half-court.


    Covington and J.R. spread to the corners.


    Joki? stepped up for a high pick-and-roll.


    As soon as Klay was clipped by the screen, Joki? cut hard to the rim.


    Han, seeing Zaza switched onto him, immediately attacked¡ªforcing Pachulia to shift his balance before pulling up for a quick jumper.


    No Wade in the starting lineup meant no more holding back.


    Han was going to play fully unleashed.


    Zaza wasn''t even close to contesting it.


    Han had a clean look.


    Clank.


    But Joki? was right there.


    He grabbed the offensive rebound, muscled through Klay, and converted the second-chance points.


    Han missed, but his quick shot had forced Golden State into a mismatch scramble¡ªleaving Zaza stranded outside.


    Draymond''s rebounding was elite.


    But against both TT and Joki??


    Cleveland had the size advantage.


    Cavs on the board first. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    On the other end, LeBron brought the ball up.


    But his first drive was instantly disrupted by Covington.


    It was clear.


    Covington was a LeBron-stopper.


    The wingspan.


    The lateral quickness.


    The defensive instincts.


    It was a perfect counter.


    And now that LeBron had slimmed down, even the weight difference wasn''t a factor anymore.


    LeBron couldn''t even get deep into the paint before Covington forced him to pick up his dribble.


    No lane.


    No shot.


    With no other choice, he swung the ball to his old buddy¡ªDraymond.


    And Draymond?


    Clank.


    The shot bricked off the rim.


    ---


    Draymond had been struggling since Christmas.


    His three-point percentage had cratered from 38.8% last season to 30.8%¡ªbarely playable.


    All the money he was making off the court?


    It made him willing to take a backseat to LeBron.


    But money couldn''t fix his jumper.


    Joki? snagged the rebound.


    But Golden State''s transition defense was locked in.


    No fast break.


    Cavs settled into half-court offense.


    Han and Joki? ran another pick-and-roll.


    This time, Kerr shouted for Pachulia to step up quicker.


    Han hadn''t hit his first jumper, but Kerr wasn''t taking chances.


    Zaza lunged out hard.


    Han read it instantly.


    He exploded past him.


    Green rotated over.


    Pachulia chased from behind.


    Kerr had set up a double trap for Han in the lane.


    Normally?


    Han would kick it to TT for the dunk¡ªespecially since Joki? had already popped out for spacing.


    But tonight?


    Han wasn''t passing.


    He gathered. He jumped.


    Draymond met him at the rim.


    But he was late.


    Realizing it mid-air, Green went for the desperation foul¡ªgrabbing both of Han''s shoulders.


    But Han was too strong.


    Even through contact, he forced the shot attempt.


    It didn''t drop.


    But Draymond lost balance from the struggle¡ªcrashing to the floor.


    Whistle.


    The ref immediately pointed at Green¡ªshooting foul.


    Draymond started to protest, but before he could even finish his first word¡ª


    He looked up¡ªand saw Han''s legs passing over his head.


    Han stepped right over him.


    Han just dunked on him¡ªwithout the dunk.


    For a moment, Draymond froze.


    Then?


    He lost it.


    He jumped up in fury, ready to shove Han¡ª


    But before he could, Joki? had already stepped between them.


    For a guy with such a calm demeanor, Joki?''s big frame was a damn effective deterrent.


    Slavic instinct.


    By now, Han had turned around.


    Seeing Draymond still heated, he tilted his head.


    Then, with a perfectly innocent expression, he said¡ª


    "LeBron already stepped over you... why can''t I?"


    Oracle exploded.


    The bench reaction was wild.


    And Draymond?


    His face was priceless.

 Chapter 343: Some Truths Hit Harder Than Fouls.

    Chapter 343: Some Truths Hit Harder Than Fouls.Some of the most legendary trash talk moments happen in the most casual way.


    Han Sen''s comment had a lethal sting¡ªbecause the guy who once stepped over Draymond Green was now his teammate.


    If Green could buddy up with someone who had literally humiliated him, then what was the big deal about Han stepping over him?


    It was the ultimate ego check.


    And it sent Draymond straight into full-on rage mode.


    But with Joki?''s big frame standing in his way, there wasn''t much he could do except curse from a distance.


    Han, meanwhile, just kept smiling.


    Trash talk in the NBA is too predictable¡ªsame few words over and over again.


    And watching Green lose his mind? That was pure entertainment.


    More importantly, this was psychological warfare.


    Draymond could tolerate taking a backseat to LeBron if it meant making money off the court¡ªthat was a business decision.


    But this?


    This was personal.


    Han had just found the perfect trigger.


    From now on, he didn''t even need to dunk on Draymond to get under his skin.


    All he had to do was remind him: "LeBron stepped over you."


    That alone was enough to send him spiraling.


    It was far more effective than any poster dunk.


    Finally, the refs had enough and hit Green with a tech.


    And yet, he still wouldn''t shut up.


    LeBron came over, trying to calm him down.


    But one sharp glare from Green made LeBron instinctively stop talking.


    For a split second, LeBron wondered¡ªwas Green about to hit him like Portis hit Miroti??


    Ultimately, Kerr had no choice but to sub Green out.


    Even after sitting down, Draymond was still breathing heavily, his chest rising and falling with pure frustration.


    And nobody on the Warriors'' bench dared to go near him.


    Draymond was the team''s loudest voice, their enforcer, their emotional core.


    In some ways, his importance was second only to Steph.


    And now?


    With him on the bench, the game took a dramatic shift.


    ---


    Back on Christmas Day, Golden State had struggled in the first quarter when Draymond got into early foul trouble.


    Now, history was repeating itself.


    With no Green to anchor the defense, Kerr was forced to break the emergency glass¡ªgoing straight to the Steph-LeBron pick-and-roll.


    It still worked, to an extent.


    Malone had the Cavs switching everything, but Covington was struggling to stay in front of Curry.


    The real problem?


    LeBron was miserable.


    Before, he had been matched up against Covington.


    Now, after a switch?


    He had Han Sen right in front of him.


    Not ideal.


    By the nine-minute mark, Cleveland led 28-22.


    Both teams started making substitutions.


    Han and Joki? checked out, while Kerr left LeBron in to lead the second unit.


    Finally¡ªsome breathing room.


    With Covington also subbed out, LeBron saw daylight.


    The moment he got the ball, he went straight to the rim, powering through P.J. Tucker for a layup.


    As soon as the ball dropped in, LeBron turned to the camera and flexed.


    Finally, some momentum.


    Except¡ª


    Before he could even finish his celebration, the Cavs had already inbounded and pushed the ball up the floor.


    Deron Williams found Wade in transition.


    Three-on-two break.


    Wade drove, kicked it out¡ªKorver, wide open from three.


    Splash.


    Just like that, the lead was back to nine.


    ---


    When Cleveland first traded for Korver, some fans had questioned if the price was worth it.


    Dunleavy had been playing well, and Korver was already 35.


    One-for-one, it wasn''t bad.


    But the Cavs had also thrown in a first-round pick.


    Now?


    Nobody was questioning it.


    Korver was shooting a ridiculous 54% from three since joining the team.


    Of course, that number would eventually drop, but at the moment, it felt like he never missed.


    Kerr turned to LeBron with a frustrated look.


    Clearly, he wasn''t happy with the Warriors'' transition defense.


    But after winning a championship and leading a 73-win season, Kerr wasn''t the type to hold back.


    LeBron, however, didn''t meet his gaze.


    Instead, he turned and shot a glance at Wade.


    That sneaky old man had caught him off guard with a fast break.


    Fine.


    LeBron went right back at the Cavs, drawing a foul and sinking both free throws.


    ---


    Back on the other end, Wade ran a pick-and-roll with TT.


    Got inside.


    Pump fake¡ªJaVale bit.


    Wade exploded off the floor and threw down a two-handed slam!


    The crowd erupted.


    He wasn''t as athletic as before, but every now and then, he could still catch you off guard.


    Landing from the dunk, Wade took a step toward the baseline¡ªthen folded his arms across his chest in celebration.


    It was the exact same pose that P.J. Washington would later make famous years down the line.


    Oracle Arena buzzed with energy.


    32-24.


    LeBron had been scoring, but Cleveland was pulling away.


    On the TNT broadcast, Barkley turned to Kenny Smith.


    "So, Kenny... you still got something to say?"


    Kenny just laughed and shook his head.


    He hadn''t expected Wade to be playing this well.


    But that was the difference between playing as a starter and coming off the bench.


    Wade had fresher legs, and his game wasn''t dependent on jump shooting.


    His performance wasn''t going to fluctuate based on streaky shooting nights.


    And tonight?


    He was locked in.


    ---


    LeBron drove and kicked it out to Iguodala for a three¡ªmissed.


    The Warriors'' transition defense was set, but Deron Williams calmly brought the ball up and initiated the offense. He ran a pick-and-roll with Tristan Thompson before dishing it to a cutting Dwyane Wade on the weak side.


    Wade caught the ball and exploded toward the rim.


    LeBron saw it and immediately rotated over.


    He knew¡ªhe couldn''t let Wade keep getting easy buckets.


    The former Miami teammates were now facing off one-on-one.


    Both knew each other''s tendencies inside and out.


    But this time, the offensive player had the edge.


    Wade went into his signature Euro step, smoothly gliding past LeBron for a layup.


    What happened next, though, shocked everyone.


    LeBron, already beaten, shoved Wade in mid-air.


    Wade never expected it.


    His balance was completely thrown off.


    Fortunately, years of absorbing contact had trained his instincts¡ªhe adjusted his legs, landing first to absorb the fall and avoid a hard crash.


    Even so, the unexpected shove sent him tumbling into the courtside photographers.


    Cunningham wasted no time¡ªhe stormed up to LeBron, finger pointed right at his face, cussing him out.


    The Cavaliers had cut Metta World Peace and kept Cunningham this season, partly because of his impact in moments like this.


    The refs quickly stepped in to separate them.


    Meanwhile, Cavs players rushed over and pulled Wade to his feet.


    He looked fine.


    Old-school fans knew all about ''Wade falls''¡ª his reckless, contact-heavy style from earlier in his career had saved him here.


    But once he confirmed he wasn''t injured, Wade turned and gave LeBron a confused stare.


    LeBron, however, showed no sign of coming over to check on him.


    He was still pissed about Cunningham getting in his face.


    Malone wasn''t taking any chances¡ªhe subbed Wade out to let him cool off.


    ---


    Wade sat down next to Han, but his eyes were still locked on LeBron.


    He couldn''t make sense of it.


    They had been through too much¡ªbrothers, teammates, always supposed to have each other''s backs.


    Sure, they never won a title together, but their bond was bigger than basketball.


    So why the hell had LeBron shoved him mid-air like that? That could''ve ended his career.


    Han, meanwhile, had seen enough.


    He leaned back, crossed his arms, and let out a cold chuckle.


    "That''s your boy, huh?" Han muttered, voice dripping with sarcasm.


    Wade turned to him, frowning. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Come on, man... it was probably just an accident."


    Han''s head snapped toward him.


    "DW, listen to me. You can be a good guy. But don''t be a f***ing idiot."


    The sharpness in Han''s tone made a few teammates glance over, but the second he shot them a look, they all turned back around.


    Nobody wanted to be on the receiving end of whatever this was.


    Han wasn''t Jordan¡ªhe didn''t bully teammates. But when he snapped, people listened. And right now, Wade was getting the full dose.


    "Let me break this down for you," Han continued.


    "That media session before the game? You know why he said all that about wanting to recruit you?"


    Wade sighed, rubbing his forehead.


    "I don''t know, maybe because he actually wanted me there?"


    Han laughed¡ªa real, you can''t be serious laugh.


    "Yeah? So if you had taken a buyout and gone to Golden State, what would''ve happened?"


    Wade hesitated.


    "I mean... I would''ve helped them, I guess¡ª"


    "No, you wouldn''t have helped them," Han cut in. "You would''ve made Cleveland weaker, and that''s all he cared about."


    Han leaned in, eyes locked on Wade''s.


    "If you had gone to Golden State, he wins twice. One, he gets to look like the good guy¡ª''Oh, look at me, I take care of my old friends.''


    And two, he weakens his biggest rival without even playing a minute. You think he really cared whether you''d have a role there? Whether you''d succeed? Hell no. You were just a chess piece."


    Han knew what had happened in the original timeline¡ªhow Wade followed LeBron to Cleveland, only to get discarded midseason.


    Wade clenched his jaw, looking down at the floor. Han could see it¡ªthe gears turning, the doubt creeping in.


    But he wasn''t done.


    "You remember Miami, right? Back when y''all teamed up and he was supposed to be the guy? What happened?"


    Wade exhaled, suddenly knowing exactly where this was going.


    "Han¡ª"


    "Nah, say it," Han pushed. "The 8-Point Game. That ring a bell?"


    Wade''s hands clenched.


    Of course, he remembered.


    2011 NBA Finals. Game 4. LeBron James, the supposed ''best player in the world'', had scored eight f***ing points.


    EIGHT.


    Wade had been on that team. He had seen it up close. He had tried to carry, tried to talk to LeBron, tried to light a fire under him.


    Nothing.


    And the worst part? After the series, instead of taking responsibility, instead of owning his failure, LeBron let the media spin it into Wade wasn''t giving him enough space to lead.


    Like it was Wade''s fault he disappeared in the biggest moment of his career.


    Han saw Wade''s face tense up.


    "And what did you do after that?" Han pressed. "You stepped back. Handed him the keys. Played along with the whole ''he''s the leader now'' narrative. That wasn''t you making a smart decision. That was you gaslighting yourself into thinking you had to take a backseat."


    Han''s voice lowered, but it was sharper than ever.


    "And now? After all that? He just shoved you in mid-air like you were some random role player."


    Wade stared at the floor, lips pressed into a tight line.


    Han let that sit for a moment before delivering the final blow.


    "Let''s bet on something," he said.


    "After this game, let''s see if he even asks if you''re okay after that fall. If he does, I''ll shut up¡ªI''ll admit I was wrong, that I misjudged him. But if he doesn''t?"


    Han let it hang in the air.


    "Then maybe it''s time you wake the hell up, before you let him use you up completely."


    Wade hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly.


    "Alright," he said quietly. "Let''s see."


    He glanced back at LeBron on the court, still unsure.


    A part of him wanted to believe LeBron just hadn''t had the chance to check on him because of Cunningham.


    But another part of him... wasn''t so sure.


    For the first time in a long time¡ªmaybe ever¡ªhe wondered if Han had a point.


    ---


    As the second quarter began, with Wade confirmed to be fine, Malone sent him back onto the court.


    He glanced toward the Warriors'' side, but to his surprise, Kerr hadn''t put LeBron back in. Instead, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson were leading the charge.


    Green had calmed down by now, and without LeBron on the floor, he had more freedom to orchestrate the offense. His play immediately looked much sharper than in the first quarter.


    Both teams played solid basketball during this stretch.


    Wade continued his strong performance, keeping the Cavs steady in the non-Han minutes.


    The score didn''t swing like it had against Chicago, but that was fine¡ªbecause compared to Christmas Day, this was already a major improvement.


    Back then, Han and Joki? wouldn''t have been able to sit on the bench this comfortably.


    By halftime, the Cavs were up 62-52¡ªa double-digit lead.


    LeBron had struggled throughout the second quarter, unable to shake Covington''s defense.


    Tonight was turning into Covington''s breakout game.


    ---


    Coming out of the half, both teams shifted into their small-ball lineups.


    Joki? still wasn''t comfortable attacking Green one-on-one.


    But that didn''t mean Green had it easy.


    Because Han was targeting him directly.


    In the first half, Green mostly met Han as a help defender.


    Now?


    With Joki? setting screens for Han, they were face to face.


    And with Joki?''s high IQ, his screen actions were unpredictable¡ªsometimes popping out, sometimes rolling hard.


    The Warriors had no choice but to switch everything.


    Han exploited it immediately, blowing past Green on another drive, finishing through contact, and drawing a foul.


    Green could only shake his head.


    He was an elite switch defender¡ªhe could handle big wings, he could contain LeBron.


    But Han?


    That was outside his jurisdiction.


    Han walked to the free-throw line and, with a smirk, turned to Green.


    "35 ain''t as good as 23."


    Green immediately knew what he meant.


    When Michael Jordan first returned to the NBA, the Bulls had already retired his No. 23 jersey. By league rules, he couldn''t wear it, so he came back wearing No. 45.


    But after one bad playoff game, Nick Anderson''s trash talk¡ª"45 ain''t 23"¡ªgot into his head.


    Jordan switched back.


    And now?


    Han was telling Green the same thing.


    Except, he wasn''t done.


    "Then again," Han added casually. "It''s not like you could switch back anyway."


    That hit differently.


    Lies don''t hurt people. The truth does.


    Green used to wear No. 23.


    But that number didn''t belong to him anymore.


    It belonged to LeBron.


    And unless LeBron left, Green was never getting it back.


    ---


    The Warriors were known for their third-quarter explosions.


    But Han dropped 23 in the third himself, keeping the Cavs ahead despite the Warriors'' offensive surge.


    By the time the benches checked in for the final stretch, the Cavs still held their lead.


    With the game slipping, Kerr sent LeBron back in to try and salvage the score.


    Wade checked in too.


    Another chance for them to talk.


    And Wade kept waiting.


    At the free-throw line. During stoppages. Anytime they were near each other.


    LeBron never said a word.


    The game ended.


    Cavs 121-115.


    During the postgame handshakes¡ª


    LeBron left early.


    No conversation. No acknowledgment.


    Nothing.


    And just like that, Wade had his answer.


    -End of Chapter-

 Chapter 344: The 2016-17 Season Draws to a Close.

    Chapter 344: The 2016-17 Season Draws to a Close."Championships always come with sacrifices, and DW''s sacrifice tonight was the key to our victory. He showed the heart of a champion."


    In the postgame press conference, Malone had nothing but praise for Wade.


    Coming off the bench, Wade had contributed 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, second only to Han Sen''s 41-point performance.


    After finishing up with the media, Han and Joki? made their way back to the locker room.


    Since it was an away game, most of the players had already showered and headed back to the hotel.


    Wade, however, was still there¡ªfully dressed, phone in hand, as if he had been waiting for something.


    Han didn''t beat around the bush.


    "Did you get the apology you were waiting for?"


    It wasn''t impossible for LeBron to try to smooth things over. Maybe he''d invite Wade out to a club, let the media catch them having a good time, and let that serve as an unspoken ''explanation'' for the in-game shove.


    But Wade didn''t say a word. He just shook his head.


    Han smirked. "Guess to LeBron, outside of being ''my brother'', you don''t have much value anymore."


    With history rewritten, Wade never won a ring with LeBron. Their so-called brotherhood? It wasn''t worth nearly as much.


    "You were right."


    Wade finally set his phone down, exhaling like all the air had been knocked out of him. Then, a second later, his jaw tightened, and his cheeks puffed out.


    "Man, that guy''s a f***ing asshole!"


    It takes years to truly understand someone.


    But sometimes, all it takes is one moment to see them clearly.


    And once you see them for who they really are? Everything else starts making sense.


    Wade sat there, connecting the dots. The Miami years. The way he had stepped aside. The way everything had always been on LeBron''s terms.


    And now? Even after shoving him mid-air, LeBron didn''t even have the decency to check in.


    If Wade had just one championship to his name, he wouldn''t have cared as much.


    But in 2011? That was his ring.


    The one LeBron had fumbled away.


    Han could see it in Wade''s face. He finally got it.


    Han clapped a hand on his shoulder.


    "He owes you a ring. This season, go take it back."


    Wade had been the unluckiest star in the NBA¡ªno active player had more runner-up finishes than him.


    But he was also lucky.


    Because, as Han said, he still had the chance to reclaim what was his.


    ---


    After their win over the Warriors, the Cavs continued their Western road trip.


    It was one of the toughest stretches of the season, featuring a brutal Texas triangle¡ªRockets, Spurs, and Mavericks.


    But for Han Sen, this trip would be unforgettable.


    During halftime against the Rockets, Houston retired Yao Ming''s jersey.


    Han watched as James Harden charged toward Yao, recreating the iconic ''220-pound flying hug'' moment.


    Han also got a chance to chat with Yao, who had officially been appointed as the President of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) earlier in February.


    With Yao now in charge, Han''s relationship with the basketball association was bound to change.


    ---


    The very next game, the Cavs faced the Spurs.


    After the final buzzer, San Antonio held a jersey retirement ceremony for Tim Duncan. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was Duncan''s first public appearance since retiring the previous summer.


    Aside from a few more gray hairs in his beard, he still had the same buzz cut, the same quiet demeanor.


    Han had been invited as a special guest.


    The NBA''s current best player, paying tribute to the league''s former best player¡ªit had a poetic feel to it.


    The Spurs'' respect for Duncan was evident¡ªthe ceremony lasted 50 minutes, twice as long as Yao''s.


    Han didn''t say much.


    He just watched, listened, and at the end, embraced Duncan and offered his congratulations.


    There was no need for Duncan to say "The future belongs to you."


    Because the present already did.


    ---


    The final stop of the trip was Dallas.


    Dirk Nowitzki hadn''t announced any retirement plans yet.


    Even though the Mavericks had fallen out of playoff contention, Dirk was determined to play until his body gave out completely.


    And against the Cavs, he delivered a 25-point performance, officially surpassing 30,000 career points.


    Dirk became just the sixth player in NBA history to join the 30K club.


    ---


    The Cavs wrapped up the road trip with a 3-1 record, finishing the toughest stretch of their schedule.


    With the final month of the regular season approaching, their deep roster was proving to be a blessing.


    Unlike other teams that had to push their stars to the limit, Cleveland could afford to rotate players and manage minutes to avoid injuries.


    Still, Malone wasn''t resting his key guys too much.


    For one, they needed to stay in rhythm heading into the playoffs.


    And two¡ª


    The Celtics were right behind them, pushing hard for that No. 1 seed.


    ---


    As April rolled in, the 2016-17 NBA regular season finally came to a close after more than five months of competition.


    Warriors Finish with the League''s Best Record (67-15)


    Golden State once again topped the standings, led by their star trio:


    - Stephen Curry: 27.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 6.2 APG, 47.2% FG, 43.7% 3PT


    - LeBron James: 25.1 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 8.7 APG, 54.8% FG, 36.8% 3PT


    - Klay Thompson: 23.2 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, 46.8% FG, 42.2% 3PT


    Notably, Klay had another historic scoring outburst in December against the Pacers. Two years after his legendary 37-point quarter, he exploded again¡ªthis time dropping 60 points in just 29 minutes on 21-of-33 shooting.


    Meanwhile, Draymond Green had a solid defensive season but struggled offensively:


    - 9.2 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 3.1 APG, 2.0 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 41.8% FG, 30.8% 3PT


    ------


    Spurs Right Behind at 61-21


    San Antonio continued its tradition of excellence, finishing second in the West.


    - Kawhi Leonard led the team with 25.3 PPG, making him the first Spur since Tim Duncan (2001-02) to average 25+ in a season.


    - If nothing changed, the Spurs had found their next franchise cornerstone for the next decade.


    ------


    The Surprising Houston Rockets (55-27)


    Houston defied expectations, finishing third in the West despite losing Chris Bosh for the entire season before it even started.


    Without Bosh, a championship run was unlikely¡ªbut James Harden had a monster year after getting out of the Kardashian curse:


    - 30.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 8.8 APG


    ------


    Thunder (50-32)


    Oklahoma City landed in fourth place, though Carmelo Anthony had his worst scoring season since his rookie year (21.0 PPG).


    The Thunder had quietly shopped him before the deadline but found no buyers.


    However, Russell Westbrook had the most statistically dominant season of his career:


    - 25.4 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 10.3 APG¡ªA SEASON TRIPLE-DOUBLE!


    - He finished the year with 25 triple-doubles, the most in the league.


    For perspective¡ªonce upon a time, Ricky Davis intentionally shot at his own rim just to secure a rebound for a triple-double.


    For most players, a triple-double was a rare feat.


    For Westbrook?


    He did it 25 times in one season¡ªputting himself in conversations with Oscar Robertson.


    Some media outlets even argued that a modern-era triple-double season meant Westbrook should be the MVP.


    ------


    Grizzlies (47-35, 5th in the West)


    Memphis transitioned into a new era:


    - Zach Randolph moved to the bench, while Marc Gasol and Nerlens Noel formed their new frontcourt.


    - Mike Conley and Gasol had career-best seasons.


    - Andrew Wiggins, however, was somewhat underwhelming¡ªaveraging 18.0 PPG in his third season, far from the superstar expectations many had for him.


    ------


    Jazz (6th), Clippers (7th), Blazers (8th) Round Out the Playoff Teams


    All three secured playoff spots, though none were considered serious contenders.


    ------


    Pelicans'' Twin Towers Experiment Fails (34-48)


    One of the most talked-about moves at the trade deadline¡ªthe Pelicans pairing Anthony Davis with DeMarcus Cousins¡ªdidn''t lead to wins.


    Despite elite individual numbers from their bigs:


    - Anthony Davis: 28.0 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 2.2 BPG


    - DeMarcus Cousins (post-trade): 24.4 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.1 BPG


    It wasn''t the twin towers themselves that failed¡ªthe bigger issue was New Orleans'' lack of perimeter offense and floor spacing.


    Their roster was completely unbalanced¡ªtoo much firepower inside, not enough outside.


    If the Pelicans wanted this experiment to work, major changes were necessary.


    ------


    Cavs Dominate the East


    Despite losing Kyrie Irving midseason, the Cavaliers actually improved their record from the past two years, finishing with 61 wins¡ªmarking Han Sen''s first 60+ win season since returning to Cleveland.


    Han once again led the charge with an MVP-level performance:


    - 31.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 9.1 APG, 2.4 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 52.4% FG, 42.1% 3PT


    Joki? continued to shine as his co-star:


    - 18.5 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 6.1 APG, 49.9% FG, 32.4% 3PT


    Meanwhile, Wade''s numbers dipped coming off the bench, but his efficiency improved significantly from his time in Chicago:


    - 16.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 4.2 APG, 47.0% FG, 33.0% 3PT


    ------


    Celtics (59-23) Finish Second


    Boston was right behind Cleveland, led by their star trio:


    - Kevin Durant: 25.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 5.4 APG, 51.6% FG, 41.9% 3PT (career-high)


    - Isaiah Thomas: 25.2 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 5.9 APG, 46.3% FG, 37.9% 3PT (career-high)


    - Karl-Anthony Towns: 18.3 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.6 BPG, 54.2% FG, 38.7% 3PT


    ------


    Raptors (51-31) Take Third


    Toronto bolstered their frontcourt by trading for Serge Ibaka early in the season.


    The move paid off, as DeMar DeRozan put up a career-best:


    - 27.3 PPG (career-high)


    ------


    Bulls (50-32) Land Fourth


    Chicago finished strong with their newly formed Butler-Irving-Howard trio:


    - Kyrie Irving: 23.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 6.9 APG


    - Jimmy Butler: 21.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.3 APG


    - Dwight Howard: 13.5 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 1.6 BPG


    ------


    Wizards (49-33) Secure Fifth


    Washington was led by their backcourt duo, both averaging the same 23.1 PPG:


    - John Wall also led the league in assists at 10.7 APG.


    ------


    Pacers (6th), Pistons (7th), Bucks (8th) Round Out the Playoff Teams


    This set up a first-round matchup between Cleveland and Milwaukee.


    On paper, the 42-40 Bucks were a respectable 8th seed, much stronger than most bottom-tier East playoff teams from recent years.


    But against the Cavs'' 61 wins?


    The 19-game gap between the teams spoke volumes.


    Despite the obvious talent gap, this series drew massive media attention¡ªfor one reason:


    Giannis Antetokounmpo.


    ---


    Before the regular season ended, Nike had locked him into a 9-year, $90 million extension, making him their second highest-paid athlete, behind Kevin Durant, putting him on the same tier as LeBron James and Kyrie Irving in terms of annual salary.


    With Nike branding him as the next global superstar, ESPN went all-in on the narrative.


    On paper, Giannis had an excellent year:


    - 22.9 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.9 BPG, 52.1% FG


    - Media hyped him as a ''revolutionary'' player for the small-ball era.


    But this wasn''t what made the series go viral.


    The real reason?


    At the end of the season, Giannis appeared on an ESPN-sponsored live show, where the host asked about his NBA idol.


    For NBA players, idol discussions are always media-friendly content¡ªespecially when a rising star ''validates'' an existing legend.


    Shaq constantly hyping up Joki?? That''s why.


    This ESPN segment? Same purpose.


    Since the media had been linking Giannis to LeBron for years, they expected him to say it.


    It was scripted for him to say it.


    And yet, on live television, Giannis dropped a bombshell:


    "Before entering the NBA, my idol was Allen Iverson."


    That alone was already a curveball¡ªan interior player idolizing a small guard wasn''t common.


    But then?


    "After joining the league, my idol became Han Sen."


    The host froze.


    ESPN probably did too.


    This was not in the script.


    Giannis explained:


    "When I entered the NBA, the Memphis Grizzlies had just won back-to-back titles. I watched Han take down an all-time great Heat team. That''s when I knew¡ªif you''re strong enough, there''s no opponent you can''t beat."


    The reasoning was airtight.


    No holes to poke.


    But for ESPN, Nike, and the media machine¡ªthis was a PR nightmare.


    For years, they had branded Giannis as ''the next LeBron''.


    And now?


    The man himself just said his idol was Han.


    ---


    Still, media narratives didn''t change the reality of the matchup.


    On the court, Milwaukee''s roster, playstyle, and coaching staff were all levels below Cleveland''s. No amount of branding could close that gap.


    Cleveland swept Milwaukee 4-0 without much resistance.


    Even so, Giannis had his moments, finishing the series with 24.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks per game. It was a strong showing, especially for a young player on a weaker team.


    After the series, Han acknowledged Giannis'' performance in the postgame press conference.


    "He''s already great, but there''s a lot more he can unlock. He just needs to keep working on his game."


    Han had complicated feelings about Giannis. As a time traveler, he remembered the player Giannis became¡ªone with a history of dangerous closeouts and questionable plays.


    The list of players who had suffered under Giannis'' recklessness was long: Kyrie Irving, Kristaps Porzi??is, Anthony Davis, Clint Capela... the pattern was too clear.


    The last superstar who had a track record like that was LeBron.


    Even so, Han couldn''t deny Giannis'' rise was impressive. A mid-first-round pick, not a priority for his franchise, yet he had worked his way into superstardom.


    Unlike some stars who had things handed to them, Giannis had genuinely earned his status.


    Maybe this was why Nike''s PR push worked so well.


    And maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªHan being his idol could push Giannis down a different path.


    But after what had happened with Kyrie, Han wasn''t holding his breath.


    None of it mattered now. The real playoffs were about to begin.


    Next up, the Eastern Conference Semifinals.


    Cleveland vs. Chicago.


    Han vs. Kyrie.

 Chapter 345: The Real Big Boss.

    Chapter 345: The Real Big Boss.The Bulls advanced past the first round, eliminating the Wizards in six games.


    In his duel against John Wall, Kyrie Irving had the upper hand, averaging 26 points and 7 assists on 46.8% shooting for the series¡ªa strong performance that showcased just how much he had improved after spending two and a half seasons alongside Han Sen.


    Now, fate had set up a Cavaliers-Bulls showdown in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.


    Their first regular-season matchup after the trade had already been explosive¡ªnow, with a playoff series on the line, tensions were sky-high before the first game had even tipped off.


    Before flying to Cleveland, a reporter asked Irving about the difference between playing in Chicago versus Cleveland.


    "Chicago is a real big city, always alive, always full of energy¡ªespecially at night. When I drive around, I can feel it. This is a true sports city, something Cleveland never had."


    On the surface, Irving''s words weren''t outright offensive. Chicago was undeniably a larger, more established sports city than Cleveland. Even after Han Sen delivered a championship, Cleveland was still playing catch-up in terms of market size and reputation.


    But the problem wasn''t just what Irving said¡ªit was who he was saying it about.


    Dissing a team was one thing.


    Dissing an entire city?


    That was another level of disrespect.


    Home is home¡ªpeople can criticize their own city all they want, but they won''t tolerate outsiders doing it.


    Now, after back-to-back incidents, the perception around the league had shifted. Irving wasn''t just bitter about leaving Cleveland¡ªhe was outright low IQ about it.


    And this wasn''t happening in a vacuum¡ªhis hostility toward the Cavs'' fanbase had been growing for months. Ever since his controversial interaction with Cleveland fans during the regular season, Irving had mentally checked out.


    His thinking was simple¡ªif Cavs fans wouldn''t appreciate him, then why should he hold back?


    Once the media got hold of his latest comments, Cleveland fans erupted.


    Then, as if on cue, Cavs head coach Michael Malone took a direct shot at Irving during a press conference.


    "Oh, he was talking about Cleveland? That''s great. I''m happy to be in Cleveland."


    "He can do whatever he wants. But we all know Cleveland is a great sports town. A great city with fans who give everything to their teams. I love being here."


    Malone wasn''t alone.


    Dwyane Wade¡ªone of the key pieces in the trade that sent Kyrie to Chicago¡ªalso weighed in.


    "You never know where your career will take you. You never know what''s going to happen, what team you''ll end up on, or who your teammates will be."


    "Even when I left Miami, I had that in mind."


    "That''s why I''ve never wanted to leave a place and immediately start talking bad about it. How could somewhere be ''amazing'' while you''re there, but then suddenly be ''terrible'' the moment you leave?"


    And just as the controversy around Irving began to peak, another storm hit.


    As the Bulls arrived in Cleveland for an open practice, reporters caught up with Chicago head coach Fred Hoiberg¡ªwho unexpectedly brought up Wade.


    "I''m happy for DW and what he''s doing right now. I knew he could do it. When he was here in Chicago, we had a few discussions about bringing him off the bench, but unfortunately, it never worked out. I feel like we could''ve had more success if it did."


    At first glance, it sounded like a compliment.


    But read between the lines?


    It was an outright shot at Wade.


    Hoiberg was essentially saying¡ªif Wade had been willing to come off the bench in Chicago, the Bulls wouldn''t have needed to rebuild.


    That quote made its way to Wade, and by the time he addressed the media before Game 1, he was ready.


    "It''s simple. I wasn''t going to come off the bench for a rebuilding team."


    "If I wasn''t happy with my role from a basketball standpoint, nothing else would''ve gone right. And I didn''t want my family to go through that."


    Wade''s message was clear¡ªhe would sacrifice for a championship, not for a team going nowhere.


    It was never about selfishness.


    When he signed with Chicago, he wasn''t chasing rings¡ªhe just wanted to play for his hometown team.


    But when the Bulls'' direction changed? He did too.


    And just when things couldn''t get any messier, Hoiberg fired back one more time.


    "If a team with DW, Pau Gasol, and Jimmy Butler was considered a ''bad team,'' then I guess there aren''t many good teams in this league."


    Now, the controversy had fully shifted from Irving to Wade.


    By tip-off, the tension was at an all-time high.


    Cavs fans came prepared.


    Signs in the crowd took direct aim at the Bulls:


    - "We don''t need Kyrie. We have DW."


    - "Chicago is never coming back."


    - "Kyrie <<< Joker."


    Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for¡ªthe player introductions.


    When Kyrie Irving stepped onto the court, the entire arena exploded in boos.


    There was no hesitation, no mixed reactions¡ªjust pure hostility.


    He was public enemy number one.


    No more cheers. No more applause.


    Just noise.


    The battle had begun.


    ---


    Cleveland''s starters: Han Sen, J.R. Smith, Robert Covington, Tristan Thompson, Nikola Joki?.


    Chicago''s starters: Kyrie Irving, Thabo Sefolosha, Jimmy Butler, Taj Gibson, Dwight Howard.


    The Bulls won the tip, and immediately, Irving and Butler began running pick-and-rolls with Howard.


    Hoiberg''s game plan was clear¡ªtarget Joki? in the pick-and-roll.


    Han Sen was too tough to attack directly, but Joki?''s defense in space? That was a weak spot.


    During the regular season, Butler had gotten Joki? into foul trouble using this exact strategy.


    But there was one problem¡ªHoward wasn''t setting real screens.


    Just like in his later Orlando and Brooklyn days, he was slipping screens early to roll to the basket instead of actually making contact.


    Why?


    Because he had spent years being the primary pick-and-roll finisher. He wasn''t thinking about freeing up ball handlers¡ªhe just wanted his own touches.


    This played right into Cleveland''s hands.


    Han Sen and Covington simply fought through the weak screens without switching.


    Suddenly, the Bulls'' game plan collapsed¡ªit was just Kyrie trying to attack Han Sen one-on-one.


    Predictably, Kyrie forced up a tough shot and bricked.


    Howard grabbed the offensive rebound and muscled in a putback over Joki?.


    It was clear¡ªJoki? still wasn''t strong enough to handle Dwight in the post.


    But when the Cavs got the ball back, Han Sen and Joki? ran their signature pick-and-roll.


    The result? Han Sen pulled up for a smooth mid-range jumper over Howard.


    Cash.


    Howard was no longer the explosive shot-blocker he used to be. In his prime, he would''ve swatted that into the stands.


    Now? He barely contested.


    Han Sen''s plan was obvious¡ªforce Howard out to defend in space.


    Even if Han didn''t hit every jumper, Joki? and Thompson would feast on the boards against Taj Gibson.


    But tonight, Han wasn''t missing much.


    He was locked in.


    ---


    Hoiberg stepped to the sideline, signaling a new play for Kyrie.


    The Bulls adjusted their offense on the next possession¡ªthis time, Howard didn''t come up to set a high screen. Instead, he parked himself in the low post, backing down Joki?.


    This was an unusual set for the Bulls.


    Howard''s role in Chicago hadn''t been much bigger than it was in Atlanta¡ªhis touches were limited. But tonight, Hoiberg was fully committed to attacking Joki?.


    And this time, it worked.


    Howard powered through contact, using his strength to finish a bank shot over Joki?.


    The only type of big men who had ever truly neutralized Howard were guys who could physically overwhelm him¡ªShaq and Yao, for example. Both had either elite power or sheer size, making Howard look incredibly unpolished whenever he tried to score on them.


    But against lesser matchups?


    He was still dangerous.


    His low-post presence had once forced entire defenses to collapse around him¡ªthat''s how Orlando''s one-star, four-shooter system had thrived.


    And now, for the first time in his career, Joki? was experiencing what it was like to be a true defensive liability.


    Last season, his playoff matchups were Roy Hibbert (washed), Jonas Valan?i¨±nas (soft), Pau Gasol (finesse), and Timofey Mozgov (benched).


    In the first round this year, he had been expecting to guard Giannis, but instead, Milwaukee started rookie Thon Maker.


    Howard, even at this stage, was on a different level from all of them.


    And now, on the other end, Howard started banging Joki? with off-ball contact every chance he got.


    The Cavs stuck to their bread-and-butter¡ªHan Sen running pick-and-rolls with Joki?.


    But this time, Chicago trapped Han hard off the screen.


    Han lobbed it over the top to Joki?, leading him perfectly to the rim. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Joki? took the pass in stride, went up for the layup¡ª


    SWAT!


    Howard came flying back, spiking the shot out of bounds!


    As the ball soared into the stands, Howard gave Joki? an extra shoulder bump and let out a primal scream toward the sideline.


    The arena buzzed with tension.


    Basketball, like war, was about dominance¡ªonce the opposition sensed weakness, they would only press harder.


    And just like Kyrie''s words had fueled Cleveland''s anger, Wade''s comments had galvanized the Bulls.


    ---


    Han didn''t have time to worry about Joki?¡ªthis Bulls team was no joke.


    They had fought their way from the playoff bubble to the top half of the East.


    If they caught fire, this wasn''t just about Game 1¡ªit could change the entire series.


    The Cavs had seven seconds on the shot clock.


    Han set a quick off-ball screen for Tristan Thompson, then sprinted to the arc, catching the inbound from Joki?.


    One hard jab-step¡ªGibson shifted back¡ª


    Han pulled up from deep.


    SWISH!


    The moment the ball snapped through the net, the energy in the building flipped.


    The crowd roared¡ª


    "DEFENSE! DEFENSE!"


    Chicago fed Howard in the post again, but this time, Joki? fronted him early, disrupting his position.


    Kyrie called for a pick, forcing Howard to step up again.


    Same weak screen, but this time, Kyrie attacked Han immediately and tossed a lob toward the rim.


    Howard, who hadn''t set a proper screen, used his quickness to slip behind Joki? and soared for the alley-oop slam!


    As he landed, Howard grinned from ear to ear¡ªlike he had just traveled back in time.


    A glimpse of the old Superman.


    The crowd erupted, sensing Joki? was struggling.


    And in that moment, a realization swept through the arena¡ªJoki? was only in his second year.


    Howard wasn''t what he used to be.


    But if a sophomore Joki? could already dominate a prime Dwight, he wouldn''t just be an All-Star¡ªhe''d be All-NBA.


    Now, though, the Cavs had a real problem.


    - Kyrie was on the other team.


    - Wade was on the bench.


    - Joki? was getting dominated.


    Han Sen was alone.


    Malone glanced over at Wade, contemplating an early substitution.


    Han, however, had already adjusted.


    He slowed his dribble, motioning Joki? to the three-point line before passing it to him.


    Han knew Chicago would ramp up their pressure on him.


    So he was one step ahead.


    Joki? at the three-point line forced Howard out of the paint.


    Then¡ªHan cut hard to the basket.


    Joki? didn''t hesitate¡ªbullet pass.


    With Howard pulled out, Chicago only had Taj Gibson to protect the rim.


    Han met him in the air, shifting mid-flight for a smooth reverse layup.


    Crowd explodes.


    Han''s presence lit up the entire building.


    The Cavs'' energy surged.


    ---


    The Bulls came down the floor, looking to exploit the mismatch again.


    Kyrie and Howard ran another pick-and-roll¡ªbut this time, Joki? was ready.


    He dropped early, cutting off the lob.


    Howard caught the pass, but with Joki? already set in position, he had no clean angle to finish.


    So he did what he always did¡ªlowered his shoulder and tried to bully his way inside.


    And that''s when it happened¡ª


    Han made his move.


    Howard was so locked in on backing Joki? down that he never saw the danger coming.


    SWIPE!


    In one clean motion, Han ripped the ball right from Howard''s hands¡ªand took off like a bullet.


    Kyrie chased him down, reaching out, trying to strip him from behind¡ª


    Han spun behind his back, shaking him off effortlessly.


    Sefolosha was next, stepping up to cut him off.


    Han lowered his shoulder, absorbing the contact, but never slowed down.


    He was already gathering his steps.


    One powerful stride into the lane¡ªthen he took flight.


    Sefolosha jumped with him, arms stretched out¡ª


    BOOM!


    Han hammered it down, right through him!


    And-One!


    The arena exploded.


    The sound was deafening¡ªa mix of roars, cheers, and pure chaos.


    And then, as Han stepped to the free-throw line, the chant started¡ª


    "WHO''S YOUR DADDY?! WHO''S YOUR DADDY?!"


    Louder.


    And louder.


    The cameras snapped straight to Kyrie.


    This was it.


    This was the moment Cleveland reminded him¡ª


    He didn''t carry the Cavs to a title.


    He was carried.


    He never understood it back then.


    But tonight?


    Tonight, he was being reminded the hard way.

 Chapter 346: The Big Man’s Awakening.

    Chapter 346: The Big Man''s Awakening.Hearing the crowd''s chants and seeing the cameras zooming in on him, Kyrie''s face darkened.


    Han had made this chant famous long before Kyrie entered the league.


    And ever since Han returned to Cleveland, it had resurfaced more than once¡ªmost recently at last year''s championship parade, when Malone used it to taunt LeBron.


    Kyrie knew exactly what it meant.


    Before Han could take his free throw, Kyrie walked straight toward Dwight Howard.


    Howard gave him a confused look.


    Kyrie wasn''t the type to communicate with teammates¡ªat all.


    He was so self-absorbed that he barely ever engaged in real conversations.


    In fact, this was the first time Kyrie had ever approached Dwight on his own.


    "Dwight, you need to stop Han."


    Howard narrowed his eyes, immediately frowning.


    Was this kid trying to teach him basketball?


    Even Hoiberg didn''t dare talk to him like that. But this young guy, who hadn''t even been in the league that long, thought he could?


    Back in the day, Howard had battled LeBron and kept him from making the Finals. Kyrie? He was still a teenager then.


    Howard didn''t even bother responding.


    He just turned and walked toward the free-throw line, leaving Kyrie standing there awkwardly.


    Taj Gibson, watching the whole thing unfold, could only shake his head.


    With Deng, Rose, and Noah all gone, Gibson was the last remnant of that old Bulls era.


    And from experience, he already knew how this would play out.


    Kyrie wasn''t wrong¡ªHoward did need to step up defensively. That was part of Hoiberg''s game plan.


    But his tone?


    That was the problem.


    No veteran, let alone Howard, would accept being ordered around like that.


    And that was the root of Kyrie''s struggles¡ªhe wasn''t unwilling to communicate.


    He just had no idea how to talk to people.


    While Han knocked down his free throw, Gibson tried to smooth things over with Howard.


    But Dwight was already pissed.


    He had just been told to focus on defense. But wasn''t Hoiberg''s game plan to attack Joki? in the post?


    Howard wasn''t going to adjust just because Kyrie said so.


    The score was now 10-6, Cavs leading.


    ---


    On the next Bulls possession, Howard posted up Joki? again.


    This time, he completely sealed him off.


    It was a perfect position. A golden opportunity.


    And yet¡ªKyrie didn''t pass the ball.


    Instead, he called Sefolosha for a screen and forced a mid-range jumper.


    Swish.


    But before the ball even went through the net, the referee''s whistle blew.


    Offensive three seconds. No basket.


    Kyrie blinked in confusion¡ªthen turned away and jogged back.


    Howard?


    Howard was livid.


    Arms waving, shouting, cursing under his breath.


    The message was clear¡ªKyrie had completely ignored him when he had a mismatch inside.


    Meanwhile, Malone was enjoying the show.


    He straightened up on the Cavs'' bench, leaning forward toward the Bulls'' sideline.


    And when he saw Hoiberg rising from his seat with a deep frown, Malone couldn''t help but chuckle.


    Finally, someone else got to experience the ''Kyrie Treatment''.


    Kyrie had once said he wasn''t the problem in Cleveland.


    That statement had aged like milk.


    Because Howard had zero patience for Kyrie''s antics.


    Cleveland ran its next possession flawlessly.


    Han cut to the rim, drawing the defense''s attention.


    Joki?, eyes on Han, fired a no-look pass to J.R. Smith, who had slipped along the baseline.


    Kyrie and Howard?


    Total miscommunication.


    Neither switched, neither helped.


    J.R. threw down an easy dunk.


    The arena exploded.


    Hoiberg immediately called timeout.


    J.R. sprinted back toward Joki?, forcing a chest bump celebration that sent Joki? stumbling away.


    Han, walking back to the bench, glanced at the Bulls'' sideline.


    He hadn''t even done much yet.


    But Chicago was already imploding.


    Malone had said it best¡ªwinning a championship required sacrifices.


    Just throwing talent together wasn''t enough.


    ---


    Coming out of the timeout, Hoiberg made a decision.


    He benched Dwight.


    Cristiano Felicio checked in.


    Clearly, Hoiberg had chosen to side with Kyrie over Dwight.


    It wasn''t even a tough call¡ªKyrie was the offensive engine.


    That was good news for the Cavs.


    Because as much as Howard had lost a step, he was still dominating Joki? physically.


    With him gone, Joki? was free to go to work.


    And that''s exactly what happened.


    Joki? quickly took advantage of Felicio¡ªa second-year international player with a big body but no real experience.


    Felicio was built like Joki?, even heavier at 267 pounds (121kg), but he was six inches (15.2cm) shorter.


    Joki? held all the advantages.


    Meanwhile, Kyrie¡ªwithout Howard''s screens¡ªhad to work even harder to create shots.


    After ten minutes, both teams began rotating their lineups.


    Han and Joki? sat.


    Kyrie took a seat as well¡ªbut Howard was brought back in.


    Only Butler remained from the starters.


    Butler was built differently¡ªa product of the Tom Thibodeau school of hard minutes.


    He could play nearly the entire game without slowing down.


    And Malone?


    He made his own adjustment.


    He brought Nene into the rotation.


    Nene had chosen to stay in Cleveland because he wanted a championship.


    And now, he was the perfect counter to Dwight.


    A true old-school bruiser.


    ---


    Han waved Joki? over.


    He patted the seat next to him. "Sit."


    Joki? dropped down beside him, still catching his breath.


    Han pointed toward the court. "Watch this."


    This was a lesson.


    Howard was strong¡ªno doubt. But not like Shaq. Not like Yao.


    His upper body? A tank.


    But his lower body? Not nearly as sturdy.


    Nene, though?


    That man had tree trunks for legs.


    So the moment Howard tried to back him down¡ªnothing.


    He hit a wall.


    Han smirked. "See that?"


    Joki? nodded, watching intently.


    But Han wasn''t just teaching him how to guard Howard.


    He was showing him how to attack him.


    Because on the very next possession¡ªWade put on a clinic.


    Straight out of the timeout, he blew past his defender, drove hard at Howard, then faked a floater¡ªonly to spin back for a reverse layup.


    Howard bit. Badly. Completely off balance.


    Bucket.


    Han nudged Joki?. "That''s the problem with guys like him. He can block shots, sure. But one-on-one? He''s got no discipline."


    Joki? kept nodding, soaking it all in.


    Howard was no Shaq.


    No Yao.


    Hell, even Al Jefferson had cooked him in the post.


    Too reliant on athleticism. Not enough fundamentals.


    Against guys like Wade?


    He was just another highlight reel waiting to happen.


    ---


    At the end of the first quarter, the Cavaliers held a 28-20 lead.


    This was a promising sign. Despite the Bulls keeping Jimmy Butler and Dwight Howard on the floor during the bench rotation, Cleveland had managed to hold its ground.


    As the second quarter began, Howard and Butler finally went to the bench for some rest, but Kyrie Irving checked back in.


    It seemed like Hoiberg''s strategy was to stagger Kyrie and Howard''s minutes as much as possible.


    Not an ideal solution, but given the situation, it was probably the only move he had.


    Five minutes into the quarter, the starters began filtering back in.


    By then, the score was 36-30, with Kyrie''s individual brilliance helping the Bulls chip away at the lead.


    Coming back into the game, Howard immediately went to the low post, calling for the ball.


    Michael Carter-Williams fed it inside.


    Joki?, having studied Nene''s approach, focused on pressuring Howard''s upper body¡ªbut ultimately, it wasn''t enough.


    Joki?, like Yao Ming, had a strong core and solid lower-body strength, but his upper-body strength was still developing. Against Howard, that made all the difference.


    Even so, the extra pressure forced Howard into a tougher shot. As Howard spun for the hook, Joki? extended his arms and contested just enough to force a miss.


    Cleveland ran the break.


    Han caught Joki?''s outlet pass, sprinted ahead, and blew past Carter-Williams for a layup¡ªand the foul.


    Carter-Williams, the former Rookie of the Year, had gone from a rising star to just another guy, his career stagnating due to his lack of a jumper.


    ---


    Before stepping to the free-throw line, Han patted Joki? on the backside, acknowledging his defensive effort.


    And as he stepped up for the and-one, the arena erupted again¡ª


    "WHO''S YOUR DADDY?!"


    The cameras immediately zoomed in on Kyrie sitting on the bench.


    That chant had history.


    When Han first returned to Cleveland, it had been used against LeBron.


    Most recently? Mike Malone had thrown it at LeBron during last year''s championship parade.


    Kyrie knew exactly what it meant.


    And he didn''t take it lightly.


    Before Han could even take his free throw, Kyrie stood up and went straight to Hoiberg.


    "I wanna go back in."


    Hoiberg gave a short nod.


    Han knocked down the free throw. Cavs up 10.


    Kyrie wasted no time. Calling for a screen from Gibson, he attacked immediately.


    This time, Howard didn''t park himself in the post. Instead, he drifted to the weak side.


    It was a small adjustment, but it made a difference.


    Using Gibson''s screen, Kyrie sliced through the lane and went up for a crafty, twisting layup in traffic.


    It was vintage Kyrie¡ªsolo mission, one-man army, threading through defenders.


    Except...


    Han was waiting.


    SMACK!


    Chasedown block.


    The ball smacked against the backboard, and Han grabbed the rebound himself.


    Cleveland ran again.


    This time, Chicago''s transition defense held strong, with Butler barking out commands as they got back.


    No fast break? No problem.


    Han immediately called for Joki? in the low post.


    With Kyrie gone, Wade on the bench, and Howard dominating inside, Joki?''s impact was more important than ever.


    Because at the end of the day, the Cavs weren''t just built to beat the Bulls.


    They had bigger targets¡ªGolden State and Boston.


    And against teams like that?


    Han couldn''t do it alone.


    ---


    Joki? battled Howard for position, planting himself in the post.


    All game, Howard had been pushing him around.


    But if there was one thing about Joki?, it was that he understood the assignment.


    If this was his job, then he was gonna get it done.


    The crowd buzzed.


    The rookie was calling for the ball against Dwight Howard.


    That took guts.


    Howard, meanwhile, was hyped.


    Joki? had spent most of the game dragging him out to the perimeter¡ªnow, he finally had him where he wanted.


    And after getting stopped once by Joki? earlier?


    He was out for revenge.


    No double team came¡ªChicago trusted Howard to handle this.


    Joki? caught the ball.


    And went to work.


    First, he backed Howard down, using his big frame to drive into his legs.


    Han had already told him¡ªHoward''s upper body was a fortress, but his lower body? Not so much.


    Howard adjusted, sinking his stance lower¡ª


    And Joki? immediately spun left, then countered back the other way.


    Howard read the spin, jumping to block.


    But Joki? wasn''t done.


    He faked again.


    Howard bit¡ªhard.


    The moment he left his feet, Joki? stepped through and laid it in.


    41-30. Double-digit lead.


    Howard slammed the floor in frustration.


    For a brief moment, as Joki? executed that footwork, Howard swore he saw shades of Yao Ming.


    The crowd erupted.


    Dunks and threes were one thing. But watching a young center go to work in the post? That was basketball artistry.


    Han, grinning, slapped hands with Joki? as they jogged back.


    "If we win another title this year," Han said, "I''m getting you the best racehorse in Serbia."


    Joki?''s eyes lit up instantly.


    Forget money. Forget fame.


    Another month and he''d be back in Serbia racing horses again.


    Nothing in the world sounded better.


    Rejuvenated, Joki? locked in on defense.


    ---


    Kyrie ran another pick-and-roll, but Gibson''s screen still couldn''t free him.


    Forced to pass, he dumped it to Butler, who drove inside¡ªonly for Joki? to poke the ball free.


    A sneaky steal from the big man.


    Joki? averaged 1.2 steals per game, more than he blocked shots.


    If he wasn''t the most athletic, he made up for it with positioning and instincts.


    Butler protested for a foul.


    No whistle.


    Joki? snagged the loose ball and immediately kicked it ahead to Han.


    Cleveland ran again.


    The Bulls scrambled back, Han slowing down as he reached the frontcourt.


    Everyone expected him to reset. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Instead¡ªhe accelerated.


    Out of nowhere, Han cut straight toward the basket, forcing the defense to collapse.


    And just as two defenders converged, he fired a bullet pass to the trailing Joki?.


    Joki? never stopped running.


    And when he caught the pass, he didn''t hesitate.


    Two steps. Jump. Slam.


    BOOM!


    The arena exploded.


    For the first time in forever, Joki? let out a roar, flexing his arms.


    Spit flew right into Butler''s face.


    But right now? Joki? didn''t care.


    Because that was the best Serbian horse on the line.


    And there was no better championship bonus than that.

 Chapter 347: Cold-Blooded Execution?.

    Chapter 347: Cold-Blooded Execution?.As Joki? and Howard''s matchup shifted from one-sided dominance to a back-and-forth battle, the entire game dynamic changed.


    The Bulls weren''t built to feed Howard in the post consistently. Hoiberg''s original plan had been to target Joki? as a weak link¡ªnot to turn Howard into a primary offensive option.


    Once that plan failed, relying on Howard''s post-ups was not a sustainable option. Without a proper four-out spacing lineup, Howard struggled to make plays when double-teamed.


    The Cavs, on the other hand, had no such problem. Han could confidently let Joki? go to work, knowing the Serbian big man could handle defensive pressure and make the right reads.


    That also meant Han no longer needed to shoulder the entire scoring load. Instead, he shifted his energy toward locking down Kyrie on defense.


    To put it bluntly, as the game progressed, it became less about winning and more about Joki? getting battle-tested.


    Hoiberg sat on the bench, gripping his hands into tight fists.


    The Bulls should have been able to challenge the Cavs. They had found their rhythm by the second half of the season and built solid chemistry.


    But chemistry meant nothing when two of your top players didn''t get along.


    And Chicago had two guys¡ªKyrie and Dwight¡ªwho refused to back down to each other.


    It didn''t matter who coached them¡ªPhil Jackson himself wouldn''t be able to fix this mess.


    In the end, Cleveland took Game 1 with a 106-93 victory, securing a comfortable 13-point win.


    ---


    In the Bulls'' press conference, a Cleveland reporter pressed Kyrie about his pre-series comments.


    "If my words hurt anyone, then I''m open to apologizing," Kyrie said, before doubling down. "But before that happens, I expect an apology from the fans who turned against me. I delivered a championship to this city, and they repay me by being ungrateful."


    Classic Kyrie.


    Arrogant, self-assured, and unwilling to back down.


    "This is just one game," he added. "I''ve been through worse. We''ll fight for the next one. And even if we don''t get it, we''ll protect home court in Chicago. One way or another, we''re going to win."


    Han''s response in the Cavs'' presser was simple:


    "I''ve always said Joki? could be an All-Star," Han said. "But after tonight? That''s just his starting point."


    He made sure to hype up his young center, who finished with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists¡ªnot mind-blowing stats, but more importantly, he had held his own against Dwight Howard.


    Joki? was already ahead of schedule. If he could handle Howard now, he''d be even more valuable in the later rounds against the Celtics or Warriors.


    Han also backed Wade''s comments on sacrifice.


    "I support what DW said. There''s a difference between sacrifice and meaningless sacrifice," Han stated.


    Wade had proven his worth again, scoring 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists off the bench.


    Then, when asked about Kyrie''s confidence in a long series, Han shut it down immediately.


    "Kyrie''s confidence has always been one of his strengths," he said. "But this series won''t see a Game 5."


    Just like Wade had warned¡ªtalking down your former team was never a smart idea.


    Han wasn''t going to take personal shots.


    But he would make Kyrie regret those words on the court.


    ---


    Two nights later, Game 2 played out differently.


    Jimmy Butler showed up this time¡ªhe thrived in high-pressure moments, and it showed in his performance.


    But Chicago''s real problem hadn''t changed.


    Kyrie and Howard still weren''t on the same page. They could barely stand each other on the court.


    That tension held the Bulls back all night.


    Cleveland secured a 116-105 win, taking a 2-0 series lead.


    Now, the series shifted to Chicago.


    If Han''s words held true¡ªthis series wasn''t coming back to Cleveland.


    ---


    "Han Sen Is Killing Nike''s Future"


    Before Game 3, an NBC article went viral.


    Nike had placed its future in the hands of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kyrie Irving.


    Han Sen had already swept Giannis.


    And Kyrie was next.


    Marketing could build an image, but at the end of the day, performance on the court mattered most.


    Without results, no amount of branding could hold up.


    The article went as far as calling Nike''s biggest mistake allowing Kyrie to leave Cleveland.


    "If Kyrie had stayed with the Cavs, Nike wouldn''t necessarily be winning," the report stated. "But at least they wouldn''t be losing.


    Because winning a championship isn''t about one player¡ªit''s about the team.


    If Cleveland wins, Kyrie wins by association."


    But now?


    With Kyrie gone and Joki? signing with Under Armour, the Cavs were a fully UA-backed team.


    Nike executives tried to push back, claiming this wasn''t their fault.


    "Kyrie was always going to leave," an unnamed Nike source said. "He was the one who said, ''Nobody wants to play with LeBron.'' You think we could''ve stopped him?"


    Regardless, the narrative had shifted.


    This wasn''t just about a playoff series anymore¡ªChicago''s failure could have brand-wide consequences.


    If the Bulls got swept, what did that say about their so-called ''super team'' of Kyrie, Butler, and Howard?


    Game 3 was suddenly the most critical game of the series.


    For the Bulls, for Nike, and for Kyrie himself.


    ---


    The United Center was packed to capacity.


    When the camera panned to Han Sen during pregame, the crowd responded with a mix of cheers and boos.


    Kyrie hadn''t been wrong about one thing¡ªChicago was a real basketball city.


    Because of Jordan, this fanbase would always demand excellence.


    Han glanced up at the rafters, where Jordan''s No. 23 jersey hung in the spotlight.


    His mind drifted back to the time he and Kyrie had stood in front of Jordan''s statue, talking about legacy.


    Kyrie wanted to be the next Jordan.


    But it wasn''t just him.


    Every player who wore No. 23 wanted that.


    The problem?


    If it were that easy, Jordan''s statue would''ve been torn down years ago.


    Tonight, Kyrie was about to learn that lesson firsthand.


    ---


    After the pregame ceremonies, the starting lineups were announced.


    Cleveland remained unchanged, but Chicago made an adjustment¡ªHoiberg inserted Nikola Miroti? into the starting five, replacing Taj Gibson.


    The reasoning behind this change became clear immediately.


    Hoiberg fully committed to feeding Howard in the post.


    And looking at the Bulls'' new lineup¡ªKyrie, Sefolosha, Butler, and Miroti?¡ª all of them could shoot threes.


    Chicago had essentially turned into a modernized version of the Magic''s old "Four-Out, One-In" system, with Howard as the lone inside presence.


    It was the right call¡ªHoward had been the only clear advantage the Bulls had over Joki?.


    But the surprising part?


    Kyrie didn''t seem to mind.


    He was actually playing along, actively looking to feed Howard.


    This wasn''t the Kyrie people knew.


    Either this was a sci-fi movie, or Hoiberg had drugged him.


    Turns out, Hoiberg really had fed Kyrie something¡ªjust not actual drugs.


    It was a psychological trick.


    When two people in a group refuse to get along, the best solution isn''t to force them to like each other¡ªit''s to give them a common enemy.


    For Kyrie and Howard, that enemy was the Cavaliers.


    Hoiberg made it simple: If Kyrie got swept by Han Sen, his decision to leave Cleveland would go down as the biggest joke of the season.


    So this wasn''t sacrifice for Kyrie¡ªit was self-preservation. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And for Howard?


    He had always wanted to be an old-school low-post big man, like Shaq, with a heavy dose of back-to-the-basket touches.


    Now that he was getting them, there was nothing left to complain about.


    Howard''s confidence returned, and with it, his dominance.


    Joki? didn''t back down, continuing to battle physically.


    But by the end of the first quarter, Joki? had picked up two fouls.


    ---


    In NBA history, some revisionists claimed that ''Dwight Howard shut down prime Joki?'' in the 2020 Lakers-Nuggets series.


    The truth was that Joki? had been plagued by foul trouble, struggling to stay on the floor against Howard''s physicality.


    Tonight, there was one major difference¡ªthe officiating was actually fair.


    But a second-year Joki? still wasn''t experienced enough to manage his fouls in a game this physical.


    And his absence?


    Devastating for the Cavs.


    Cleveland''s entire offense was built around the Han-Joki? pick-and-roll.


    Malone had only one option¡ªslide Tristan Thompson to center and bring in Dwyane Wade early.


    With this shift, the Cavs went back to their own "Four-Out, One-In" system, relying more on Han and Wade''s individual scoring and kick-out threes.


    And that revealed a problem.


    The Cavs'' new roster had depth¡ªbut at the cost of lower margin for error.


    And tonight?


    Their outside shooting was ice cold.


    J.R. Smith and Covington couldn''t buy a bucket.


    In the 2015 playoffs, when Cleveland faced Miami, they had survived thanks to an explosive three-point performance that pushed the series to Game 7.


    Even after Kyrie''s injury, the Cavs'' shooters had stepped up¡ªand that was the only reason Han had been able to break the playoff scoring record.


    Because no matter how great you are¡ªyou can''t play 1-on-5 for an entire game.


    But bad luck doesn''t wait for the right time¡ªtonight, Cleveland was facing one of their biggest challenges yet.


    "This is Chicago''s night," Kenny Smith said on the broadcast. "It feels like the basketball gods are on their side."


    By the seven-minute mark of the first quarter, the Bulls led 22-12.


    ---


    Malone called a timeout.


    He immediately subbed in Kyle Korver and Dante Cunningham, searching for a spark.


    The Cavs'' energy was off.


    They weren''t playing their game.


    And then¡ª


    Han spoke.


    "I''ll keep us in it. When you''re ready, we close the door."


    It wasn''t reassurance. It was a directive.


    Basketball was a five-man game.


    But sometimes, one man had to hold the line.


    That single sentence steadied the team.


    And when the game resumed, Han got to work.


    This season, he had honed his elite floater talent¡ª[The Tear-Drop]¡ªto perfection.


    Now, it was unstoppable.


    Every possession became a battle.


    After fighting through traffic for a tough bucket, he turned to Hoiberg, smirking.


    "Your double-teams feel like open space to me."


    After a hard-fought and-one, he cupped his hand to his ear, taunting the Chicago crowd.


    Han wasn''t just scoring.


    He was making it personal.


    By the end of the quarter, the entire arena felt different.


    Chicago''s fans sat in silence.


    For a moment, it felt like Jordan''s No. 23 had returned.


    But when they blinked¡ª


    It was No. 77.


    By the time the first quarter ended, Han had 20 points¡ªalmost all of them in the paint.


    The Bulls collapsed their defense, packed the lane¡ªit didn''t matter.


    Han forced his way through.


    Or forced a foul.


    By halftime, Han had 18 free throw attempts¡ªa career high.


    And despite Joki?''s foul trouble and Cleveland''s miserable 20% three-point shooting, the Bulls only led 51-46.


    They had thrown everything at Cleveland.


    And yet¡ªthey were barely ahead.


    ---


    Chicago had survived because Cleveland''s shooters were cold.


    But the Cavs weren''t going to stay cold forever.


    At halftime, Malone made his move.


    He went small, subbing in Korver and Cunningham to start the second half.


    And then¡ª


    BOOM.


    Korver hit one. Then another.


    The floor stretched. The lanes widened.


    And just like that¡ªChicago was drowning.


    Cleveland''s Four-Out, One-In offense came alive.


    The Cavs lit up Chicago from deep, burying seven threes in the third quarter alone.


    They won the quarter 38-20, flipping the game upside down and taking an 84-71 lead.


    And by then?


    The game was already over.


    As the Cavs blew the game wide open, Barkley shook his head.


    "Man, forget Nike¡ªHan Sen is out here ENDING dudes."


    Shaq smirked. "Chicago thought they had something. Han made ''em pay for it."


    Barkley chuckled. "Han ain''t even talking anymore. He''s just handing out eliminations."

 Chapter 348: Mercy Gets You Killed.

    Chapter 348: Mercy Gets You Killed.In the fourth quarter, Kyrie finally broke free from Hoiberg''s game plan. He stopped looking for teammates. Stopped playing the system.


    Instead, he attacked.


    He charged straight into Cleveland''s defense, possession after possession, trying to drag Chicago back into the fight.


    For a moment, he looked like Allen Iverson.


    The same defiance. The same isolation-heavy playstyle. The same unwillingness to surrender.


    And ultimately¡ªthe same result.


    108-99. The Cavs took Game 3, pushing the series to 3-0.


    Han Sen finished with 55 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists.


    Wade added 14 points, 7 assists.


    Korver chipped in 13.


    Joki? had 12 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 fouls.


    For Chicago:


    Kyrie led with 31 points.


    Howard had 20 points and 12 rebounds.


    Butler managed just 14 points.


    ---


    Postgame, Malone didn''t hold back in his praise for Han.


    "When Nikola got into foul trouble, when our shooters couldn''t hit a shot, I started thinking¡ªmaybe we wouldn''t win tonight."


    "But Han made sure we never had to find out."


    "He kept fighting. Kept carrying us. And when the rest of the team found their rhythm, we all saw what happened."


    "That''s what a great leader does. It''s not just about how many points he scores."


    And then, almost as an afterthought, he addressed Kyrie.


    "I''ve never doubted Kyrie''s talent."


    "He played a huge role in our championship run last year."


    "But being a leader?"


    "That''s a different challenge."


    It was as close to a compliment as Kyrie would get.


    Whether he listened?


    That was another matter entirely.


    ---


    Two days later, Cleveland finished the job.


    Game 4: Cavs 114, Bulls 86.


    A 4-0 sweep. Just like Han had promised.


    Just like NBC''s headline predicted¡ª


    Han Sen had killed Nike''s future.


    And now?


    He was about to face Nike''s present.


    From the start, this season had felt like a Nike-themed gauntlet for Han.


    First, Giannis¡ªthe brand''s future¡ªhad been obliterated.


    And now, standing in his way was Kevin Durant, Nike''s golden boy.


    Durant and the Celtics had been just as dominant.


    They steamrolled the Pistons and Raptors, sweeping both series without breaking a sweat.


    And now¡ªthe East''s two best teams were finally colliding.


    Cavs vs. Celtics. Han Sen vs. Kevin Durant.


    For longtime NBA fans, this matchup awakened old memories.


    Because Han Sen''s rise to superstardom began with Cleveland vs. Boston.


    Seven years ago, in 2009, with LeBron sidelined by injury, a young Han Sen had led the Cavs to a shocking series win over the Celtics¡ªmarking the end of Cleveland''s first era with LeBron.


    It was in that series where the infamous "Who''s Your Daddy?" chant was born.


    So for both Cavs fans and Celtics fans, this wasn''t just a playoff series.


    This was history repeating itself.


    ---


    But before Game 1, a story broke that shifted the entire mood.


    Earlier in the playoffs, Isaiah Thomas suffered a personal tragedy.


    His younger sister, Chyna Thomas, just 22 years old, had died in a car accident.


    By all logic, he should have left the team. Should have gone home to grieve.


    But he didn''t.


    Instead, he played Game 1 against Detroit.


    When the media found out, the reaction was immediate¡ªan outpouring of sympathy, respect, and admiration.


    Now, as fate would have it, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals fell on what would have been Chyna''s birthday.


    And that night?


    Isaiah played like a man possessed.


    He attacked Cleveland relentlessly, scoring from every angle, hitting impossible shots, refusing to let Boston lose.


    Even Durant deferred to him.


    By the end of the night¡ª33 shots, 18 makes, 5 threes, 12-of-13 from the line.


    53 points.


    Celtics 129, Cavs 119.


    Han Sen''s 42 points, 11 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks didn''t matter.


    Not against a moment like this.


    ---


    Postgame, Isaiah Thomas was in tears.


    "I couldn''t hear anything," he said, his voice shaking.


    "I felt like I was in the gym, just me and her.


    Every shot¡ªI could feel her there.


    I felt like she was guiding me.


    I can''t even describe it."


    He wiped his face and took a deep breath.


    "When she passed, I wanted to quit.


    But for the rest of my life, I will fight for her."


    It was the purest, rawest emotion an athlete could show.


    It was an NBA moment.


    But for Cleveland?


    There was no time for sentiment.


    Game 1 was over.


    They had lost homecourt advantage.


    Lose Game 2, and suddenly, they''d be in the same position the Bulls had been.


    ---


    The next morning, Han walked into practice like a man possessed.


    No jokes. No small talk.


    Just pure, locked-in fury.


    And everybody felt it.


    From the first whistle, Han ripped through Covington and Tucker like they weren''t even there.


    Scrimmages turned into executions.


    He bullied Covington in the post. Snatched rebounds over Tucker. Talked constant trash while doing it.


    "You think I feel bad? Y''all think I give a damn?" Han barked after sinking a step-back three.


    "This is MY f***ing season. Not Isaiah''s fairytale."


    Nobody said a word.


    Because they knew what was coming. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ---


    After practice, Malone called the team in.


    Normally, this was the part where Coach Lue would step up with some motivation.


    Not today.


    Because today, Han wasn''t standing with the players.


    He stood next to Malone.


    Even Dante Cunningham¡ªone of the longest-tenured Cavs¡ªhad never seen that before.


    Guys exchanged looks.


    Something was coming.


    Then, Han spoke.


    "I know what happened to Isaiah was tragic.


    But that ain''t a reason for us to play soft."


    Silence.


    Because deep down?


    They knew he was right.


    Human nature made people sympathize with suffering.


    That''s why the media ran those stories.


    That''s why defenders instinctively let up against a grieving player.


    Maybe just a late rotation.


    Maybe just half a step slow on a closeout.


    But those little moments added up.


    And Han wasn''t having it.


    His voice sharpened.


    "Next game, I need EVERYONE locked in on defense.


    If anyone ain''t ready to shut that s*** down¡ª


    I don''t care who it is¡ªstay on the damn bench."


    Nobody moved.


    Even J.R. Smith¡ªwho always had a joke ready¡ªkept his mouth shut.


    Han let the silence breathe.


    Then, he dropped the hammer.


    "The playoffs are war.


    And in war?


    Mercy gets you killed.


    So make a choice.


    You wanna win?


    Or you wanna be a damn Disney movie?"


    ---


    Later that night, Han took Joki? out for dinner.


    Joki? was tense.


    All season, Han had been the easygoing leader. Cracked jokes. Kept the mood light.


    But today?


    Today, he''d been a tyrant.


    And now, Joki? was getting pulled aside.


    He braced himself. Maybe this was about his defense. Maybe another hard lesson was coming.


    Either way¡ªhe wasn''t ready.


    Han sat down, didn''t waste a second.


    "Nikola, I need you handling the ball more next game."


    Joki? blinked. That was it? No lecture? No grilling?


    Han leaned back, arms crossed.


    "I''m locking in on defense. That means someone else needs to control the offense. That''s you."


    Joki? nodded slowly. It made sense. Han had been everywhere last game¡ªscoring, passing, defending. Carrying too much weight.


    Han smirked. "This is what I threw you at Howard for. You think I had you banging in the post last round just for fun?"


    Joki? exhaled, finally relaxing.


    Then Han grinned.


    "So do it for your horse, Nikola."


    Joki?''s face lit up. "No problem, boss!"


    Han chuckled, shaking his head.


    Basketball was work.


    Horse racing?


    That was what Joki? lived for.


    ---


    With the Eastern Conference Finals alternating rest days, all eyes shifted westward as the Warriors and Spurs tipped off Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.


    Golden State had steamrolled their way to the WCF, sweeping their opponents¡ªincluding a Grizzlies team that had reached the second round for the first time in three years.


    Meanwhile, the Spurs had barely survived a grueling six-game war against the Rockets.


    On paper, San Antonio looked outmatched.


    Analysts gave Golden State an 80% chance of advancing.


    But when the game started?


    The Spurs punched the Warriors in the mouth.


    They silenced Oracle Arena in the first quarter, jumping out to a 14-point lead.


    By halftime, they had pushed the gap to 20.


    On offense, Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge torched the Warriors inside and out.


    On defense, Kawhi made life hell for LeBron.


    Leonard wasn''t just an elite two-way player¡ªhe was one of the few superstars who could dominate both ends of the court.


    But just as the Spurs extended their lead to 23 in the third quarter... disaster struck.


    Leonard rose for a jumper.


    Zaza Pachulia slid underneath him.


    And when Leonard came down, his ankle rolled violently.


    The moment he hit the floor, he knew his night was over.


    So did the Warriors.


    Golden State pounced immediately, erasing the deficit in a relentless comeback.


    By the final buzzer, they had stolen Game 1, 113-111.


    And the bad news for San Antonio didn''t stop there.


    Postgame, the injury report confirmed Leonard''s season was over.


    It was a death sentence for the Spurs.


    At the press conference, Popovich didn''t hold back.


    He tore into Pachulia, calling him "a disgrace to the game" and "a dirty player through and through".


    Then, he dropped the real bombshell.


    "If the Warriors lost Curry, do you think they''d still win?"


    The internet exploded.


    Pachulia was roasted online.


    His track record was filthy, and his two-step forward ''contest'' was blatant.


    During the game, the refs had already given him a technical under the ''Bruce Bowen Rule''.


    But that was a slap on the wrist compared to the reward.


    However, as much as people ripped Pachulia, others called Popovich a hypocrite.


    Bowen had injured Vince Carter three times.


    Dahntay Jones had taken out Rudy Gay.


    Manu Gin¨®bili had wrecked Chris Paul''s knee.


    Hell, Han Sen himself had once said, "I''m here to avenge CP3" after the Spurs took out Paul.


    Now?


    San Antonio was getting a taste of their own medicine.


    And to add fuel to the fire, Warriors assistant coach Mike Brown pointed out something else.


    After Leonard went down, Aldridge tried the same move on Curry.


    Curry just dodged it in time.


    Which meant?


    Popovich wasn''t just making threats.


    The Spurs had already retaliated.


    At that point, the internet was in full meltdown mode.


    With Leonard gone, the West had already lost its suspense.


    But this controversy?


    It was going to last for a long, long time.


    ---


    Back in the East, Game 2 tipped off.


    Last game, Malone had assigned J.R. Smith to guard Isaiah Thomas.


    This time?


    Han took the matchup himself.


    Thomas had speed, but Han had anticipation and length.


    Even in the regular season, Han had smothered him before.


    And now?


    Han was twice as locked in.


    From the jump, Thomas struggled.


    His drives got cut off. His jumpers were heavily contested.


    Boston had no choice but to shift their offense to Durant.


    But tonight, Cleveland''s defense was relentless.


    Covington and Tristan Thompson swarmed Durant from every angle.


    They couldn''t stop him from scoring, but they wrecked his efficiency.


    And with the refs letting them play, the game turned into a slugfest.


    Meanwhile, on offense?


    Joki? broke Karl-Anthony Towns.


    Talent-wise, they were close.


    Skill-wise, Joki? just had a playmaking edge.


    But when it came to mental toughness?


    Towns wasn''t built for this.


    Joki? threw elbows, used his weight, and played dirty.


    Everything Howard had done to him last round?


    He was giving it all back to Towns.


    And Towns folded.


    The moment he backed down, Boston''s interior collapsed.


    And that was exactly what Joki? wanted.


    He didn''t just attack for his own points¡ªhe attacked to pass.


    Han kept slipping behind Thomas, catching dimes from Joki? for easy buckets.


    Boston''s defense fell apart.


    Game 1 had been a storybook for Thomas.


    Game 2?


    A nightmare.


    By the second half, Stevens had to pull him.


    Jae Crowder took over to boost the defense, but without Thomas, Boston''s offense slowed.


    With Durant being harassed all night, they had no answer.


    Final score: 106-91, Cavaliers.


    Cleveland had evened the series.


    Han finished with 31 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks.


    Joki? had 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists.


    Wade added 16 points, Covington had 13 with 3 steals.


    For Boston:


    Durant had 33 points, but it took him 30 shots.


    Horford had 18 points and 8 boards.


    Towns finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds¡ªbut spent most of the second half invisible.


    And Isaiah?


    8 shots.


    8 points.


    Completely erased.

 Chapter 349: The Bastard Strikes? Again.

    Chapter 349: The Bastard Strikes? Again.Winning Game 2 didn''t mean Cleveland had regained home-court advantage, but heading to Boston with the series tied at 1-1? That was a reset. Both teams were back on equal footing.


    On the flight to Boston, Han was chatting with Joki? when Dante Cunningham approached.


    In his hands was a book. His expression? Pissed.


    A book wasn''t unusual¡ªCleveland to Boston was about a 90-minute flight.


    But Cunningham''s face? That was different.


    "Boss, someone''s slandering you."


    Cunningham handed Han the book.


    Han raised a brow. Somebody hating on me? Now that''s interesting.


    The title read: "Unmasking Han Sen."


    Fame came with a price¡ªHan knew that well.


    Once you reached a certain level, people weren''t just watching; they were looking for ways to profit off your name.


    And writing books? That was one of the easiest ways to cash in.


    In the U.S., with the way publishing rights worked, a best-selling book could be worth millions.


    If you hit the jackpot? You could make more in one summer than most NBA role players earned in a season.


    Han had seen it happen before.


    A few years back, his former teammate Antawn Jamison wrote a book called "The Great Leader: Han Sen"¡ªchronicling Han''s sacrifices in Memphis and how he uplifted his teammates.


    The book was a massive hit. Jamison pulled in nearly $2 million in royalties that summer¡ªmore than what he had earned with the Grizzlies.


    And then, of course, there was Scottie Pippen.


    Han still remembered how Pippen threw shade at Jordan just to boost his book sales.


    Han glanced at the author''s name.


    Stu Rush.


    It looked familiar, but he couldn''t quite place it.


    Then, he flipped through a few pages¡ªand it clicked.


    Rush was the former GM of the Grizzlies.


    The guy who executed Heisley''s orders to trade him to Cleveland before the team was sold.


    The same guy who got fired the moment new ownership took over.


    "Where''d you get this?" Han asked.


    Joki? scooted over, giving Cunningham space to sit next to Han.


    "This book is blowing up on social media. ESPN''s pushing it like crazy."


    Hearing that, Han''s interest piqued.


    He flipped through the pages.


    The book focused heavily on the 2013-14 season¡ªhis last year in Memphis.


    And in it? Han wasn''t the leader Jamison had described.


    He was painted as a manipulative tyrant.


    Rush wrote about how Han forced his teammates to show up to practice an hour early¡ªand if they didn''t, they could either deal with him or request a trade.


    How he bullied teammates in one-on-one drills, constantly challenging them¡ªeven when they didn''t want to.


    "Han presents himself as a humble leader. But when faced with adversity, the mask comes off¡ªand he becomes a ruthless bastard."


    That was Rush''s conclusion.


    Halfway through reading, Han paused.


    Then, he pulled out his phone and looked up Rush.


    The guy had been unemployed since leaving Memphis.


    Which made sense.


    He had been nothing but a disposable scapegoat¡ªa glorified fall guy for the ownership transition.


    No team wanted him.


    Han shut the book and tossed it back to Cunningham.


    "He''s not even lying."


    Cunningham froze.


    Han had never denied a hit piece before.


    Most players would be furious if someone published something like this.


    But Han?


    He just admitted it¡ªlike it was a fact.


    Because looking back, he really was an asshole that season.


    He had done everything necessary to push Memphis to a three-peat.


    The only reason nobody called him out before was because Memphis kept winning.


    And now? Rush was just another ex-NBA exec trying to cash in.


    Cunningham leaned in and lowered his voice.


    "Boss, I''m worried this might mess with the locker room."


    The timing of the book''s release couldn''t have been worse.


    Han had just gone full psycho to get Cleveland back in Game 2.


    Not everyone in that locker room had played with him long enough to really know him.


    And in the NBA, public image mattered.


    Every superstar had a manufactured persona.


    And this?


    This was a PR nightmare.


    Han smirked.


    "You can''t control how people think, Dante."


    "If a book can change how someone sees me, then they weren''t really with me to begin with."


    He wasn''t respected because he was a nice guy.


    Dwyane Wade was nicer than him.


    But respect?


    That came from winning.


    It came from leading a team to a championship¡ªfrom making your teammates richer than they ever imagined.


    If Han couldn''t win¡ªif he couldn''t put money in their pockets¡ªthen no amount of niceness would make them follow him.


    Han didn''t care.


    But his team?


    They weren''t going to ignore this.


    As Han flew to Boston, Chris Rondo¡ªhis financial manager¡ªhad already filed a lawsuit against Rush for defamation.


    Not that it would do much.


    Because Rush wasn''t making things up¡ªhe was just twisting the truth.


    And ESPN?


    They were milking it for all it was worth.


    Han''s hater count exploded overnight.


    And social media?


    It was a warzone.


    Fans started linking him to Isaiah Thomas.


    Thomas was the grieving underdog, playing for his late sister.


    Meanwhile, Han had been merciless in Game 1.


    The narrative wrote itself¡ªHan Sen was a villain. A cold-hearted bastard.


    And the fallout didn''t stop there.


    When the Cavs landed in Boston, Han saw a crowd of protesters outside his hotel.


    Some wore shirts saying "F*** Han Sen".


    Some held signs that read "Boston doesn''t welcome bastards".


    Han just laughed.


    Nike had to be behind this.


    ESPN pushing the book? Fine.


    But paying protesters to smear his name?


    Classic corporate warfare.


    Han wasn''t mad.


    If anything¡ªhe was nostalgic.


    Because seven years ago, when he first arrived in Boston for the playoffs?


    It was the same scene.


    The same chants.


    Only back then?


    The name on the signs was LeBron''s.


    Now, it was his.


    Tomorrow night?


    TD Garden was gonna be hell.


    And Han couldn''t wait.


    ---


    Meanwhile, Out West...


    The Western Conference Finals were already over.


    Not officially.


    But realistically?


    Game 2 had just ended.


    Golden State obliterated the Spurs, 136-100.


    Kawhi Leonard was gone¡ªhis season-ending ankle injury confirmed.


    And with that?


    San Antonio was finished.


    Mike Brown''s pre-game comments about Aldridge trying to injure Curry had worked.


    Popovich didn''t even try retaliating.


    And without Leonard?


    San Antonio had no firepower left.


    The Warriors were about to sweep their way into the Finals¡ªjust like the 2001 Lakers.


    The only thing left to decide?


    Who would meet them there¡ªCleveland or Boston.


    ---


    The next night, TD Garden was packed to the rafters. The energy in the arena was electric.


    As Han stepped into the building, his eyes scanned the sea of hostile signs and banners. Then, as he glanced toward the Celtics warming up¡ªRay Allen and Paul Pierce among them¡ªhis gaze instinctively drifted toward the scorer''s table.


    "Guess it''s time to log back in as ''Boston''s Most Hated'' again."


    During the pregame introductions, Han was met with a deafening chorus of boos.


    Boston fans had never forgiven him for the past. Now, with the media storm surrounding him, they had all the ammunition they needed.


    Han cupped his hand to his ear, taunting them.


    The boos only grew louder.


    The pre-fight warmups were over.


    Now? It was time for battle.


    Starting Lineups:


    Cavaliers: Han Sen, J.R. Smith, Robert Covington, Tristan Thompson, Nikola Joki?.


    Celtics: Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, Kevin Durant, Al Horford, Karl-Anthony Towns.


    Despite Thomas'' struggles in Game 2, Brad Stevens stuck with him.


    And why wouldn''t he? No coach would bench an All-Star averaging 25 points in the regular season.


    The game tipped off, and Boston struck first.


    Horford initiated the offense from the free-throw line, setting up Durant off a Towns screen.


    One dribble, rise, fire¡ªbucket.


    Then, as Cleveland set up their first possession, the matchups shifted.


    Horford was guarding Joki? instead of Towns.


    Horford was a natural power forward but had spent years playing center for the Hawks. He had complained about it before¡ªcoaches never listened.


    Now, in Boston, nothing had changed.


    But those years in Atlanta had turned him into a scrappy interior defender.


    Joki? wasn''t having the easy time he had against Towns.


    Sensing the struggle, Han accelerated past Bradley and cut inside.


    Joki?, ever the maestro, threaded a pass.


    But the ball never reached Han.


    A long arm came out of nowhere.


    Durant.


    KD wasn''t an elite defender, but when he engaged, his length alone made him a problem.


    He didn''t fully steal the ball, but he deflected it¡ªknocking it off course.


    That gave Bradley enough time to recover, securing possession.


    Boston wasted no time.


    Thomas raced downcourt, torching J.R. in transition for an easy layup.


    The Garden exploded.


    Joki? tried to post up Horford again.


    This time, he muscled him back¡ªwinning the position battle.


    But just as he went to attack the rim, Towns rotated over.


    Joki? read it and fired a bounce pass to TT.


    But out of nowhere¡ªDurant soared in.


    A perfectly timed block sent the ball off the glass.


    KD was everywhere.


    The ball ricocheted to the perimeter.


    Thomas was first to it.


    Fast break¡ªagain.


    Han sprinted back in pursuit, but Thomas was already airborne.


    At the last second, Thomas spun mid-air and dished it backward.


    Durant, who had been trailing the play, caught the pass in stride.


    BOOM!


    A two-handed slam.


    KD came down screaming.


    This wasn''t just about a playoff game.


    This was five years of frustration.


    From being shipped out of OKC.


    From thinking a championship was within reach in Miami¡ªonly for Han to rip it away.


    Again.


    And again.


    This time?


    KD wasn''t letting it happen.


    The Garden was shaking.


    Pierce jumped out of his seat on the Celtics bench, pumping his fists.


    This was personal.


    ---


    0-6.


    Boston came out swinging.


    The "DE-FENSE!" chants began.


    Horford fronted Joki?, denying the post entry.


    Rather than force it, Joki? came out to set a screen.


    But Boston''s defense was locked in.


    Bradley fought through the pick.


    Horford extended his reach.


    Cleveland''s offense stalled.


    Han signaled for Joki? to shift weak-side.


    Then, he went to work.


    Backdown.


    Bradley held his ground.


    Han adjusted, but before he could make his move, KD lurked.


    His length disrupted passing lanes.


    Even Thomas was pressing up, helping off his man.


    Boston''s defense was airtight.


    Han was forced toward the baseline.


    But then¡ªhe snapped.


    A lightning-quick spin.


    Bradley and Durant both reacted¡ªtoo late.


    Han was already attacking the rim.


    Horford was dragged away by Joki?.


    Only Towns remained.


    Han didn''t hesitate.


    He took off.


    His head reached the rim.


    Towns leaped to contest¡ªtoo late.


    BOOM!


    Han detonated a dunk over KAT.


    And-One.


    The whistle blew.


    Han landed and stared straight at Towns.


    No words. Just an ice-cold glare.


    Towns flinched and looked away.


    The arena went silent.


    This wasn''t just a dunk.


    This was a message.


    Boston had played perfect defense¡ªand Han still destroyed them.


    The Celtics'' momentum? Gone.


    The energy? Sucked out of the building.


    The "F*** Han Sen" chants had stopped.


    Instead, there was a nervous murmur.


    Han stepped to the line and buried the free throw.


    Boston''s 6-0 start?


    Cut in half.


    And just like that?


    The script flipped.


    Han''s teammates felt it.


    They had all seen the book.


    They knew what the media was saying.


    "Han Sen is a tyrant."


    "Han Sen is a bully."


    "Han Sen breaks his teammates."


    If that were true?


    Then what happened when they didn''t hold their own?


    Would Han turn on them?


    No one wanted to find out.


    And just like that?


    Cleveland''s defense ignited.


    Durant came off a screen.


    Covington was there.


    Hand in his face¡ªtough shot.


    Brick.


    Boston''s crowd grew uneasy.


    It was just one possession.


    Just two points.


    But in a war?


    One shift in momentum was all it took.


    Boston''s transition defense set up quickly.


    Han slowed it down.


    But this time¡ªhe didn''t call for a play.


    He called for isolation.


    Backdown.


    Bradley braced for impact.


    But Han didn''t need to overpower him.


    He only needed one look.


    KD lingered.


    Han''s eyes met his.


    KD hesitated.


    Han turned¡ªinstantly.


    Bradley reacted¡ªbut Han''s strength sent him stumbling.


    Han lost his balance too¡ªbut he adapted.


    As he fell, he planted his off-hand on the floor to regain control.


    Like a skater using his hand for balance, he sprung forward, never breaking his dribble.


    Towns was there¡ªbut he hesitated.


    He had already been posterized once.


    Now? S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He just raised his hands¡ªhoping for the best.


    Han glided past him and hammered a two-handed dunk.


    The Garden went quiet.


    Shaq''s voice echoed from the broadcast.


    "What the hell is KAT doing? He looks like a damn punching bag out there!"


    Barkley shook his head. "Han''s a bastard."


    He wasn''t just scoring.


    He was killing Towns.


    Humiliating him.


    And Boston?


    Boston felt it.

 Chapter 350: Once a Father, Always a Father?.

    Chapter 350: Once a Father, Always a Father?.5-6.


    Han Sen''s back-to-back dunks had cut the lead to just one.


    But the real shift wasn''t in the score¡ªit was in the momentum.


    The Celtics'' fiery start had been completely snuffed out.


    By the time Boston came back down the floor, the once-deafening crowd had quieted.


    And Cleveland?


    They turned up the defensive pressure even more.


    Michael Malone sat comfortably on the bench, unfazed.


    If this were last season, he''d be worried about Han Sen and Kyrie Irving''s stamina.


    But this year?


    With a roster deep enough to run a 12-man rotation, Malone welcomed this level of defensive intensity.


    After all, with Kyrie gone, Cleveland''s overall talent had taken a hit.


    On paper, Boston had the better lineup.


    But when a game turned into an all-out war, when only the superstars could break through¡ªHan Sen could beat anyone.


    And under this pressure?


    Isaiah Thomas disappeared.


    Every drive ended in a wall of bodies, every shot attempt smothered.


    Boston''s offense stalled.


    And when the shot clock ticked down, the ball inevitably landed in Kevin Durant''s hands.


    ISO time.


    Durant was built for these moments.


    Against Covington, he went into his bag¡ªsharp cross, stop-and-pop¡ªbucket.


    He pounded his chest, roaring into the crowd.


    The Garden erupted.


    "DE-FENSE! DE-FENSE!"


    The crowd was back into it.


    ---


    Han Sen dribbled up the court, calling for a screen.


    But this time, it wasn''t Joki? coming up.


    It was Tristan Thompson.


    And TT didn''t just set a pick¡ªhe set a damn wall.


    Karl-Anthony Towns ate the full brunt of it, leaving him switched onto Han.


    Basketball was war.


    And war was about finding the weak link¡ªand hammering it.


    Stevens had spent years crafting a perfect system to mask Isaiah Thomas on defense.


    But Towns?


    Towns was on his own.


    Han wasted no time.


    Left jab step.


    Right cross.


    Pull-back.


    Explode left.


    Towns wasn''t just behind¡ªhe was on the damn floor.


    The entire arena gasped.


    Han drove into the paint.


    Al Horford rotated over¡ªtoo late.


    Whistle.


    Horford wrapped Han up mid-air, stopping the and-one.


    On the sideline, Brad Stevens had seen enough.


    He called for Kelly Olynyk.


    Towns had to sit.


    If he stayed out there, Han was going to bury him alive.


    The boos rained down as Han stepped to the line.


    He just smiled¡ªtwo free throws, both good.


    The scoreboard showed the stat: Han had scored all of Cleveland''s first seven points.


    ---


    Boston came back down, and Durant made another move¡ªthis time, blowing past Covington for a dunk.


    But before he took off¡ª


    Whistle.


    The ball never made it to the rim.


    Joki? and Olynyk had tangled up under the basket.


    The players quickly got in each other''s faces before the refs separated them.


    The replay on the jumbotron showed why¡ªOlynyk had grabbed Joki?''s arm, yanking him away from the play.


    The crowd booed, but the refs called an offensive foul.


    Boston''s basket didn''t count.


    Han clapped his hands and motioned for the team to clear out.


    Time to feed the big man.


    Joki? backed Olynyk down, throwing his weight around.


    The Canadian had played dirty, but Joki? was all Slavic blood¡ªhe wasn''t backing down.


    He spun into a hook shot¡ªbut Olynyk shoved him mid-air.


    No whistle.


    Joki? grabbed his own miss.


    And this time?


    He lowered his shoulder and bulldozed Olynyk straight into the stanchion before scoring.


    Whistle.


    Offensive foul.


    The crowd erupted, cheering for the call.


    Joki? just nodded and jogged back on defense.


    Han walked up beside him, giving him a high five.


    "Keep going," he said.


    That was what mattered.


    Not whether the shot went in.


    But whether Joki? sent a message.


    Basketball wasn''t just skill¡ªit was mentality.


    If Towns had the heart to foul Han hard on that dunk attempt, Han would''ve respected him.


    Instead, he shied away.


    And now?


    He was on the bench.


    Olynyk?


    That dude was dirty.


    Back in the day, he ripped Kevin Love''s arm out of its socket.


    If Joki? didn''t stand his ground, he''d end up just like Love.


    And Joki? got the memo.


    ---


    The next time Isaiah Thomas drove into the paint, Olynyk hesitated.


    Joki? didn''t.


    He swatted the shot clean off the backboard.


    Rebound.


    Fast break.


    Han caught Joki?''s outlet pass and took off down the court.


    Avery Bradley was on him.


    Han jumped.


    Bradley grabbed at him, trying to hold him down like Horford had.


    But Han was too damn strong.


    He took Bradley with him.


    The dude looked like a damn cape, hanging off Han''s back as he finished the layup.


    Whistle.


    And-One.


    The crowd went silent.


    There was no arguing.


    The play was on the big screen for everyone to see¡ªHan Sen had just turned Bradley into a damn accessory.


    Bradley watched the replay and just shook his head.


    Sometimes?


    The best defense was knowing when to give up.


    As the whistle blew, the crowd at TD Garden erupted in cheers.


    Paul Pierce was checking in.


    The heart of Boston was stepping onto the floor.


    Pierce replaced Isaiah Thomas, and the entire arena roared in approval.


    Han Sen turned his head, watching Pierce walk onto the court.


    A smirk spread across his face.


    Old memories¡ªlong buried¡ªcame rushing back.


    By the time Pierce took his spot near the free-throw line, Han greeted him with a smirk.


    "Paul, you''re still in the league? Thought you''d retired already."


    Han said it so casually, like the two teams hadn''t already played in the regular season.


    Pierce knew exactly what it was¡ªtrash talk.


    And remembering the times he had lost those battles before, he chose to ignore it with a cold smile.


    Han wasn''t done.


    "My bad," he said, taking the ball from the ref. "I should''ve known better. If you were retiring, you''d have a farewell tour like Kobe."


    Swish.


    Han sank the free throw, turned, and jogged back.


    Pierce''s face turned green.


    Because Han had hit a nerve.


    Last season, Pierce had averaged just six points per game, shooting under 40%.


    At 39, this was clearly his final year.


    He had thought about doing a farewell tour¡ªjust like Kobe.


    But deep down, he knew he wasn''t on that level.


    What if nobody showed up? What if the arenas weren''t packed like they had been for Kobe?


    So he scrapped the idea.


    And now, Han had just said it out loud¡ªlike he had read his damn mind.


    ---


    Meanwhile, with Thomas on the bench, Cleveland''s defense zeroed in on Durant.


    Under pressure, KD made a sharp pass.


    Pierce, with all his veteran experience, slipped past J.R. Smith, caught the pass, and forced a foul on Tristan Thompson.


    As he stepped to the line, he turned to Han, irritation clear in his voice.


    "You should show some respect for a veteran."


    Han raised an eyebrow.


    "No problem," he said smoothly. "Just say this is your final season, and I''ll respect you¡ªsame way I respected Kobe last year."


    Pierce''s face twitched.


    That ''respect'' Han had shown Kobe?


    That was the game where Kobe tore his Achilles.


    "You''re a real asshole," Pierce snapped.


    The ref blew a warning whistle.


    Han just shook his head.


    Funny how quickly the media changed things.


    One book, and suddenly, everybody decided he was a villain.


    Pierce made one free throw.


    Coming back down the floor, Han signaled J.R. for a screen.


    And just like that¡ªhe put Pierce right in front of him.


    Cleveland''s bench twitched.


    Oh, no.


    Han was about to put an old man through hell.


    Bullying the young (Towns) and tormenting the old (Pierce)?


    Yeah, this book was writing itself.


    ---


    Boston scrambled to trap, but Han accelerated, breaking through the first double-team.


    When Olynyk rushed over, Han snapped a pass to Joki?.


    Wide open under the basket.


    Joki?, still carrying that pent-up frustration from earlier, caught it and hammered down a two-handed slam.


    Han turned back to Pierce, palms up.


    "You see? I keep my promises."


    Kobe had once ruined Jordan''s farewell All-Star Game.


    Han had given Kobe that same treatment last season in the Finals.


    And if Pierce wanted that same respect?


    Han was more than happy to deliver.


    On the sidelines, Brad Stevens looked frustrated as hell.


    Typically, players played with more energy at home.


    But Han?


    Han came to Boston looking like a damn vampire, feeding off the energy.


    Then again, Stevens hadn''t been around seven years ago.


    He didn''t understand the history here.


    ---


    Durant continued to pass out of doubles, this time finding Bradley in the corner.


    But Cleveland''s defense was locked in.


    Covington closed out hard¡ªBradley''s shot clanked off the rim.


    Tristan Thompson boxed out Horford and secured the rebound.


    Cleveland pushed the pace.


    Han signaled for another screen.


    Bradley fought hard to avoid the switch, but J.R. set a perfect pick.


    Like it or not, Pierce was stuck guarding Han again.


    The Garden erupted in boos.


    Han palmed the ball in one hand.


    Pierce had seen this move before.


    Han stepped back to his left.


    Pierce tried to react¡ª


    But his legs weren''t what they used to be.


    Swish.


    Han drilled the three in his face.


    15-9.


    Boston had opened the game on a 6-0 run.


    Cleveland had answered with a 15-3 punch of their own.


    Han had 13 of those points.


    And the quarter wasn''t even over.


    Coming back to Boston felt like returning to an old battlefield.


    The memories hit Han like a flood.


    And he wasn''t the only one feeling it. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Shaq, sitting at the broadcast table, instinctively glanced toward the scorer''s table.


    That series. That moment.


    It was burned into his memory even more than his ring with the Mavericks.


    They never made the Finals together.


    But their series against Boston?


    That was history.


    Barkley caught Shaq''s glance and smirked.


    "Shaq, you remember how Han got that ''Scorer''s Table Terminator'' nickname, right?"


    Shaq grinned. "Of course. Han jumped on Boston''s scorer''s table and yelled, ''Who''s your daddy?!''"


    Barkley shook his head. "Nah, big fella, you got it wrong."


    Shaq blinked.


    Barkley chuckled. "Han did jump on the table, yeah. But what he actually said wasn''t ''Who''s your daddy?''"


    He leaned in, smirking.


    "He said, ''I am your daddy.''"


    Shaq paused¡ªthen nodded.


    Barkley would know.


    He had been at that game.


    Hell, he was the one who gave Han that nickname in the first place.


    And there was a difference.


    The first phrase was just Cleveland fans trolling Boston all series.


    The second?


    That was Han Sen looking Boston in the eye and owning them.


    That was personal.


    Barkley leaned back, rubbing his chin with a knowing smile.


    "So, you know what they say¡ªonce a father, always a father."


    And for Pierce?


    Tonight was feeling way too familiar.


    ---


    Coming out of the timeout, Stevens made the switch.


    Pierce was out.


    Marcus Smart was in.


    He wasn''t going to let Han keep feeding off of nostalgia.


    Smart wasted no time making an impact, cutting to the rim and finishing off a Durant pass for an easy layup.


    Boston''s motion offense was their foundation.


    That bucket was a much-needed reset.


    But on the other end?


    Han was already backing down Bradley again.


    Stevens was both right and wrong.


    Han wasn''t going off because of Pierce¡ªor any specific player.


    He was going off because he felt it.


    And when Han Sen got in the zone?


    There was no stopping him.


    Bradley looked miserable.


    An elite 3-and-D defender¡ªtonight, Han had turned him into neither.


    Boston sent extra help, but Han spun away at the free-throw line and rose for a fadeaway jumper.


    Bradley had been shoved so deep into the paint that by the time he recovered, Han had already let it fly.


    Swish.


    Han still hadn''t missed a shot.


    Fans started holding their heads in disbelief.


    This wasn''t just dominance.


    It was inevitable.


    And it felt nothing like seven years ago.


    Seven years ago, Han had been great.


    Tonight?


    Han Sen was terrifying.


    Boston''s defense meant nothing to him.


    -End of Chapter-


    Translator''s Note: These ain''t extra Chapters. I missed like 4 days this month. Now I probably have 3 days'' worth of Chapters left. Don''t know if I can keep this up though.

 Chapter 351: The Shot Heard ’Round Boston.

    Chapter 351: The Shot Heard ''Round Boston.35-of-21 from the field. 5-of-10 from three. 13-of-14 from the line.


    60 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists.


    That was Han Sen''s stat line in front of the Boston crowd.


    One minute away¡ªif Stevens hadn''t waved the white flag and pulled his starters, Han might''ve broken the all-time playoff scoring record.


    Boston nearly had the record back in their house.


    Not since 1986, when Michael Jordan dropped 63, had anyone put up 60+ at the Garden.


    Shaq couldn''t resist.


    "I think Danny Ainge should take a page from Pat Riley and hang Han''s No. 77 in the rafters."


    Barkley laughed. "He''d rather die first."


    By the time the game ended, Unmasking Han Sen had gone completely viral.


    Because if anyone needed proof that Han was an absolute bastard?


    Tonight, he gave them all the evidence they needed.


    Especially when reporters asked Paul Pierce about his exchange with Han.


    Pierce refused to comment.


    But that didn''t stop lip readers from catching what he muttered.


    "That guy''s a f***ing bastard."


    And that''s when things took an unexpected turn.


    Because suddenly, ''bastard'' wasn''t an insult.


    It was a badge of honor.


    A reminder that in sports, greatness overpowers narrative.


    Michael Jordan was an actual bastard off the court¡ªbut more people worshipped him than hated him.


    As some fans on social media corrected, bastard wasn''t even the right word.


    ''Tyrant'' was more fitting.


    ---


    Then, just when things couldn''t get worse for Boston, bad news struck.


    Isaiah Thomas was officially ruled out for the season.


    According to sources, his hip injury had started back in the second round against the Raptors.


    But Boston''s medical staff never warned him about the risks.


    When the Eastern Conference Finals escalated in intensity, his condition worsened.


    By Game 3, he was done.


    The moment the news broke, fans across social media jumped ahead.


    "Cavs-Warriors 2.0 incoming!"


    This wasn''t just another Cavs vs. Warriors Finals.


    It was LeBron vs. Cleveland, Part 2.


    It was Wade vs. LeBron.


    If last year''s Cavs-Lakers matchup was big¡ªthis year was going to be even bigger.


    But first, Boston still had a fight left.


    And in Game 4, without Isaiah?


    They shocked everyone.


    The Celtics responded with a 114-103 win, evening the series at 2-2.


    Durant dropped 43. Horford had 20 and 11. And for the first time all series, Boston had five players in double digits.


    Stevens leaned into more ball movement, and without Isaiah dominating possessions, the offense flowed better.


    Because as much as Isaiah had been their engine all season¡ªhe was also a double-edged sword.


    When he was on, he tore defenses apart.


    But when he wasn''t?


    He was a liability.


    Between his lingering injuries and the physicality of the series, he had struggled.


    And with him off the floor, Boston rediscovered their rhythm.


    But it wasn''t just about Boston playing well.


    Han was gassed.


    After his 60-point explosion, his energy had dipped¡ªhe finished with just 28.


    It had been fun, but he felt it.


    Four games down. Tied 2-2.


    Game 5 was the real war.


    ---


    Before Game 5 tipped off, the Western Conference Finals officially ended.


    The Warriors swept the Spurs.


    12-0.


    A perfect run to the Finals.


    With the West settled, all eyes turned back to the East.


    Game 5.


    A turning point in the series.


    Stevens threw out an aggressive game plan¡ªhard doubles on Han from the jump.


    Force the ball out of his hands.


    And for a moment?


    It worked.


    Then it backfired.


    Because Han wasn''t the problem.


    Joki? was.


    Joki? was still developing in many areas.


    But passing?


    That had been maxed out from the start.


    Han easily slipped away from the traps.


    Joki?, waiting at the top of the key, was the perfect release valve.


    When Han cut off-ball, Joki? found him.


    When Han relocated, Joki? hit him in stride.


    Boston had no answers.


    And it wasn''t just Han bouncing back.


    The rest of the Cavs had recharged, too.


    With two full days of rest, their legs were back under them.


    And then?


    Things got petty.


    Because in Game 3, Barkley and Shaq had joked about daddy talk.


    Now?


    Cleveland''s home crowd ran with it.


    As the Cavs pulled ahead, the DJ fired up the chant.


    DJ:"Who''s your daddy?"


    Crowd:"I AM YOUR DADDY!"


    Boston''s players didn''t just lose focus.


    They lost their minds.


    By the time it was over, Cleveland had a 118-98 blowout win.


    Han rebounded with 34 points in three quarters.


    Joki? put up a 18-10-11 triple-double.


    Boston?


    A disastrous 28 turnovers.


    In the postgame presser, Stevens was fuming.


    "That chant should be banned. It violates league policy."


    He might as well have screamed, "We''re here to play basketball, not be someone''s son!"


    And technically?


    The NBA did have rules against this sort of thing.


    Back when the Lakers played in Milwaukee, a fan held up a ''69'' jersey at Bronny.


    LeBron called it disrespectful because the NBA doesn''t allow No. 69.


    But banning a crowd chant?


    Good luck with that.


    At most, the league fined the Cavs'' DJ $500.


    A warning shot.


    Of course, Cleveland covered the fine.


    $500 for a Finals ticket?


    A bargain.


    ---


    Now, with a 3-2 lead, the Cavs flew back to Boston.


    And just before Game 6, one last headline broke.


    Isaiah Thomas had attempted painkillers¡ªdesperate to play.


    It didn''t work.


    His season was over.


    Say what you will about his physical limitations.


    He wasn''t Iverson.


    Hell, even Iverson had limits.


    But Isaiah''s heart?


    No one could question that.


    Not even Han.


    But this wasn''t a fairy tale.


    Not every story had a happy ending.


    ---


    TD Garden, Game 6.


    The Boston crowd was electric.


    This was their final home game of the series. No matter what, they had to protect their house.


    And from the opening tip, that energy turned into a unified chant:


    "HAN SEN IS A BASTARD!"


    Since the league hadn''t punished Cleveland''s fans, Boston''s fans saw no reason to hold back either.


    This was war.


    And on the court, Stevens ramped up his tactics against Han.


    The previous strategy wasn''t enough, so he adjusted¡ªthis time, not only forcing the ball out of Han''s hands but also denying him from even catching it.


    The result? Boston was essentially playing 3-on-4 on defense, but with their home-court energy fueling them, it actually worked¡ªfor a while.


    But Malone didn''t just sit back.


    He pulled J.R. early and sent in Wade to take over ball-handling duties.


    Wade came off the bench to give Cleveland depth, but that didn''t mean he couldn''t handle a high-stakes battle.


    With Han dragging Boston''s perimeter defense, Wade relentlessly attacked the gaps, breaking down their interior.


    But Stevens was stubborn.


    If Wade had to score 30, so be it. As long as Han wasn''t the one orchestrating, Boston could live with it.


    And that stubbornness paid off¡ªat least when the second units came in.


    Without Wade, Cleveland''s offense stalled.


    Boston, even without Isaiah Thomas, had a bench just as strong as Cleveland''s.


    Malone was forced to extend his starters'' minutes.


    That meant Stevens had to do the same.


    ---


    Game 6 turned into an all-out war of attrition.


    As fatigue set in, both teams shifted their attacks inside. The defenses collapsed into the paint.


    By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the game had turned into pure chaos.


    Bodies were hitting the floor.


    Every basket was a fight.


    For a moment, it felt like basketball had time-traveled back to the early 2000s.


    Final minute. Tie game, 96-96.


    Han caught a pass from Joki?, attacked the rim, and twisted through two defenders for a high-degree-of-difficulty layup.


    Landing, he exhaled hard.


    This wasn''t just a slugfest.


    This was even more brutal than last year''s battle with Miami.


    ---


    Boston came back down.


    Durant''s contested jumper missed¡ªbut Horford boxed out Joki? and snatched the offensive board.


    At this stage, experience took over.


    Horford immediately kicked it back out to Durant.


    Second chance.


    One dribble, rise up¡ª


    Splash.


    The Garden exploded.


    Malone called timeout.


    Final 30 seconds.


    Cleveland drew up a motion set to free up Han off-ball.


    But as Joki? went to pass¡ªBradley jumped the passing lane and stole it.


    Boston ran the break.


    Han reacted instantly, fouling Smart before he could get the ball ahead.


    With the bonus in effect, Smart went to the line.


    Stevens quickly burned a timeout.


    Joki? walked to the bench, his hands gripping his head.


    His hands squeezed his hair, frustration written all over his face.


    Han walked over, clapping a hand on his shoulder.


    "Relax."


    Joki? had been so good that people forgot¡ªhe was still just a second-year player.


    Making mistakes in crunch time? That was normal.


    Not making them? That was the real anomaly.


    Joki? exhaled, still shaken.


    "In my country, you make a mistake like that? They dock your pay."


    Han laughed, messing up his hair.


    "This is only Game 6, Nikola. Even if we lose, we take it back home.


    But who says we''re losing?"


    ---


    Timeout over. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Smart at the line.


    First free throw¡ªpure.


    Second free throw¡ª


    Front rim.


    Bounces up.


    Hangs.


    Drops in.


    The crowd nearly had a heart attack.


    20 seconds left. Cleveland ball.


    Wade brought it up, quickly swinging to Joki? at the top.


    He cut through the lane, pulling a defender with him.


    Han curled around Covington''s screen, moving like a shadow.


    Boston''s defense swarmed.


    Joki? passed¡ªHan caught it.


    And instantly¡ªfour defenders collapsed.


    No space.


    No breathing room.


    Han didn''t panic.


    He dropped his shoulder, forced his way inside.


    Like a black hole, he pulled Boston''s entire defense into him.


    And then¡ª


    He flung the ball over his head.


    Blind.


    A no-look missile.


    The ball barely cleared Boston''s defense¡ª


    And landed right in Joki?''s hands.


    Wide open.


    Top of the arc.


    Han had just rewritten the play.


    This wasn''t the plan.


    Malone had drawn up a two-for-one attempt, aiming for overtime.


    Even Han hadn''t told Joki? he''d do this.


    But he did it anyway.


    Joki? froze.


    Just for a fraction of a second.


    Any player in his position would.


    His three-point shot hadn''t been consistent all season.


    But then¡ª


    Han''s words echoed in his head.


    "Even if we lose, we take it back home."


    So what the hell was there to fear?


    Durant lunged¡ª


    Too late.


    Joki? let it fly.


    His release wasn''t quick.


    But it was smooth.


    NBA fans had debated for years¡ª


    "Could Yao Ming have adapted to the modern game?"


    "Could he have become a three-point shooter?"


    Joki? was the answer.


    For big men, three-point shooting wasn''t about volume.


    It was about touch.


    And Joki??


    He had soft hands.


    The ball reached its peak.


    The entire arena held its breath.


    The ball climbed.


    Turned over at its peak.


    Started to fall.


    And then¡ª


    SWISH.


    Like a gunshot in the silence of TD Garden.


    Boston''s heart stopped.


    Cleveland''s bench erupted.


    Game over.


    Cleveland wins.

 Chapter 352: The Rivalry That Matters.

    Chapter 352: The Rivalry That Matters.The moment Joki?''s shot swished through the net, he threw both arms into the air, shaking them in pure exhilaration.


    For the first time since entering the NBA, he felt the rush¡ªthe thrill¡ªof making a game-winner.


    If this had been a play drawn up by Malone, he would''ve just felt relieved.


    A job assigned, a job completed¡ªnothing more than fulfilling his responsibility.


    But Han Sen?


    Han Sen threw him into the fire.


    It was like when Ron Artest caught that unexpected pass from Kobe in the Finals.


    A moment of pure, unplanned trust.


    And who didn''t love surprises in the middle of their otherwise structured, rigid jobs?


    Even Malone had been momentarily stunned by Han''s decision.


    Passing up a shot to the second-year center whose three-point percentage barely scraped the low 30s?


    Most coaches wouldn''t even consider that an option.


    But now?


    Malone just grinned.


    Beautiful pass. Perfect decision. A pass from the gods!


    Of course, the game wasn''t officially over.


    2.6 seconds remained.


    Boston had no timeouts left.


    Horford, ever the veteran, sprinted to the baseline, immediately inbounding the ball to Durant at half-court.


    Joki? was still mid-celebration when Durant caught the pass, spun¡ª


    And found Han already in his path.


    Han wasn''t about to let Durant steal a miracle.


    Durant hesitated.


    He had to dribble to create space¡ªbut that moment cost him everything.


    By the time he tried to rise up for a shot¡ª


    BZZZZZ!


    Too late.


    And just to make sure?


    Han snatched the ball out of mid-air like Garnett used to.


    TD Garden froze.


    One minute ago, they had been riding an emotional high.


    Now?


    They had crashed, burned, and been buried under the wreckage.


    But the game still wasn''t over.


    Because Han Sen wasn''t done.


    He walked toward the scorer''s table.


    Originally, he hadn''t planned on it.


    But after the way Boston fans had spent the entire game cursing him out?


    He had to.


    It was only right.


    With a swift leap¡ª


    WHOOSH.


    Han Sen was back on the table.


    Shaq and Barkley damn near jumped out of their seats in excitement.


    "Seven years later! The blacklisted man of Boston has returned!"


    Han raised his arms, holding the game ball as he faced the crowd.


    And almost instinctively¡ª


    The fans started chanting again.


    "Bastard Sen! Bastard Sen!"


    Only this time?


    It didn''t sound like an insult.


    It sounded like a coronation.


    The camera shutters from courtside media went wild.


    Meanwhile, Joki? stood frozen, eyes wide.


    He had never seen anything like this.


    Would he ever do something like that?


    No.


    Was it cool as hell?


    Absolutely.


    Han eventually hopped off the table.


    Unlike seven years ago, no one dared to throw anything at him.


    That was the difference status made.


    And as he landed, he tossed the game ball straight into Joki?''s hands.


    "You made the shot. This belongs to you."


    ---


    "I had drawn up a play for Han to drive inside, but he made the right read," Malone said in the postgame press conference.


    "That''s what the best players in the league do. They make split-second decisions, and Han trusted his teammate to deliver."


    But Han?


    He kept it simple.


    He was training Joki?.


    Some might call it reckless.


    Who in their right mind tests a young player with the season on the line?


    But real battles were fought in real war.


    And Han had already said it.


    The playoffs are war.


    This was how you forged champions.


    "That''s now the seventh time KD has lost to you in the playoffs. Any thoughts on that?"


    An ESPN reporter hit Han with the stat.


    Han blinked.


    He turned to Malone, confused.


    Malone just shrugged.


    The reporter continued.


    "First round in 2011. Western Conference Finals in 2012. NBA Finals in 2013 and 2014. Eastern Conference Finals in 2015, 2016, and now, 2017."


    Han scratched his head.


    Damn.


    That was... a lot.


    In just eight seasons, he had faced Durant every single year¡ªexcept his rookie season.


    If his path to greatness was a staircase, Kevin Durant''s shadow had been on every single step.


    The ultimate rival.


    The ultimate roadblock.


    The ultimate proof of his dominance.


    A real ''Durant Project Manager''.


    Han finally smiled.


    "KD''s a hell of a competitor," he said.


    "I still remember my first playoff series with Memphis. I had to throw everything I had at him just to survive."


    The reporter pushed further.


    "Would you say he''s this era''s Clyde Drexler?"


    That was the classic Jordan-Drexler comparison.


    Han shook his head.


    "Nah, I''d say he''s more Karl Malone or Hakeem Olajuwon."


    That was high praise.


    Had Durant jumped to Golden State last summer, Han wouldn''t have said it.


    But Durant stayed in Boston.


    He fought instead of running.


    And for that?


    He had earned a seat among the greats.


    And grouping Malone with Olajuwon?


    That was calculated.


    Because if Jordan hadn''t retired in 1994?


    Olajuwon''s career might''ve ended just like Karl Malone''s¡ªempty-handed.


    ---


    Han''s praise of Durant set social media on fire.


    Some saw it as ultimate respect.


    Others thought it was a backhanded jab.


    But for LeBron''s fans?


    It raised an uncomfortable question.


    If Han could show love to Durant¡ªhis fiercest playoff rival¡ª


    Then what about LeBron?


    Was their rivalry just for show?


    Was it just two elite competitors with mutual admiration?


    LeBron''s diehards wanted to believe that.


    But deep down?


    They knew the truth.


    Han had called Durant "one of the greats."


    He had never once said the same about LeBron.


    And that silence?


    It spoke louder than words.


    ---


    With Cleveland eliminating Boston, Cavs vs. Warriors 2.0 was officially set.


    Han Sen and LeBron James.


    One more time.


    The NBA''s marketing machine went into overdrive, framing this series as the most personal, most heated Finals of the last decade.


    Cable subscriptions for the Finals?


    All-time high.


    In the ''real'' NBA timeline, the league''s popularity had nosedived¡ªfans mocked it for feeling more scripted than WWE.


    The reason?


    Rivalries had lost their fire.


    Everyone was too friendly.


    But not this time.


    This time, it was war.


    ---


    Before the Finals tipped off, the league conducted a nationwide fan poll.


    Over a million votes poured in.


    The first question?


    Who wins the series?


    58% picked the Warriors.


    42% picked the Cavs.


    The most popular score prediction?


    Warriors in 7 (34% of the votes).


    This result had Golden State fans furious.


    They saw their team as the most dominant squad since the 2001 Lakers¡ªyet fans thought Cleveland could take them the distance?


    Blasphemy.


    To them, this series shouldn''t go past six games.


    And the only reason it wasn''t a clean sweep?


    Han Sen existed.


    The second poll question? sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Most anticipated matchup of the Finals.


    - Option A: Han Sen vs. LeBron


    - Option B: Han Sen vs. Curry


    - Option C: Wade vs. LeBron


    - Option D: Cavs vs. Warriors (team battle)


    The surprise winner?


    Wade vs. LeBron.


    Time didn''t erase everything.


    LeBron stripping Wade of his leadership in Miami still left a bitter taste.


    And after that midair shove in the regular season?


    Fans weren''t just hoping for tension.


    They wanted blood.


    ---


    With home-court advantage, the Warriors were waiting in Oakland.


    Cleveland took their flight a day before Game 1.


    Onboard, Han was locked in, studying Warriors film on his tablet.


    The Cavs had swept Golden State in the regular season.


    Did that mean they were favorites?


    Not even close.


    Regular-season sweeps didn''t mean much.


    The 2009 Magic had swept the Lakers¡ªonly to get gentleman-swept in the Finals.


    And these Warriors?


    This was the best team Han had faced since entering the league.


    More than anything, two things stood out:


    LeBron hadn''t stirred up drama.


    Draymond Green had somehow kept himself in check.


    That told Han everything he needed to know.


    Golden State wasn''t just talented.


    They were locked in.


    They wanted this ring just as badly¡ªif not more¡ªthan the defending champs.


    Han wasn''t underestimating them.


    He lived by a simple rule:


    "Never fear an opponent. But never take them lightly, either."


    The biggest difference with these Warriors?


    Draymond Green.


    His three-point shooting had been atrocious in the regular season.


    But in the playoffs?


    4.6 attempts per game.


    41% from deep.


    That changed everything.


    Cleveland''s regular-season success had come largely because Green was a liability.


    Now?


    If he kept hitting shots, this series was a completely different beast.


    ---


    The Cavs landed in Oakland in the afternoon.


    Malone skipped practice, giving the team time to recover.


    Cleveland hadn''t gone to Game 7, but starting from Game 2, they had been in an all-out defensive war against Boston.


    Meanwhile, the Warriors had been resting for over a week after sweeping the Spurs.


    They were fresh.


    But that night?


    Han pulled Joki? in for extra work.


    And he brought Dewayne Dedmon with him.


    Why?


    Watching film had made it clear¡ªCleveland had to attack the Warriors inside.


    Andrew Bogut''s value had been criminally underrated.


    Since the Mark Jackson era, every Golden State season that ended in disappointment had one thing in common¡ªBogut was hurt.


    That included last year, when the Lakers flipped the series on them.


    To dodge the luxury tax, the Warriors had shipped out Bogut.


    Now?


    Their center rotation was Zaza Pachulia and JaVale McGee.


    Joki? had a clear advantage.


    And Joki??


    He didn''t mind the extra work.


    - Han had already promised him Serbia''s best horse.


    - That Game 6 moment in Boston¡ªwhen Han trusted him to take the final shot¡ªhad changed something inside him.


    His love for basketball had grown.


    But why Dedmon?


    Because Draymond Green was the real problem.


    And if anyone on Cleveland could simulate Green''s defense?


    It was Dedmon.


    ---


    Han didn''t wait for Dedmon to show up.


    He went straight to his hotel room.


    "Dewayne, I need you to step up."


    Dedmon looked confused. "Me?"


    Han nodded. "I see potential in you. You can give this team more."


    Dedmon hesitated.


    "I don''t know, man. I feel like I''m so far behind the others. Even if we win a ring, I don''t think I''ll have made a difference."


    Han''s voice was firm.


    "No. Don''t think like that."


    He locked eyes with Dedmon.


    "We all have different jobs, but missing even one piece? We don''t win.


    That was true last year.


    It''s true now."


    Dedmon exhaled. "So what do you need from me?"


    Han smiled.


    "More work. More battles with Nikola.


    Push him. Make him better.


    And you''ll get better too."


    ---


    Was Han manipulating him?


    Yeah.


    At the core of it, this was about getting Joki? ready for the Finals.


    But was that all?


    No.


    Even back in Memphis, Han had built teams this way.


    It wasn''t just charisma¡ªit was reality.


    Even deep-bench guys mattered.


    Tracy McGrady on the 2013 Spurs.


    Mengke Bateer on the 2003 Spurs.


    They barely played.


    But in practice?


    They helped prepare the team for war.


    And Han''s words hit harder than he expected.


    Dedmon took it personally.


    And when training started?


    He came at Joki? with everything he had.


    Han had underestimated how much his words meant.


    Imagine Jordan walking up to you and saying,


    "I believe in you."


    For someone searching for direction?


    That was everything.


    As Dedmon and Joki? went to war, Han stepped aside, working with Tim Grover on his own shooting.


    Because in the Finals, he was matching up with Curry.


    And Curry?


    - 29 PPG in the playoffs


    - 42% from three


    Han''s three-point shot was only one of his weapons.


    But in some moments?


    Fire had to be fought with fire.


    ---


    The next day¡ªGame Day¡ªMalone scheduled a routine morning practice.


    After practice, as Han was resting courtside, Wade walked over and sat beside him.


    "LeBron invited me to dinner last night," Wade said casually.


    Han wasn''t surprised.


    Like he had thought before¡ªWade and LeBron weren''t just connected as individuals. Their families were intertwined. That kind of bond wasn''t easily severed.


    "I turned him down."


    Now that caught Han off guard.


    Wade was standing his ground?


    Han chuckled, patting Wade''s shoulder. "You should''ve gone."


    Wade raised a brow.


    "Why?"


    Han smirked. "Could''ve gathered some intel on them."


    Wade shook his head with a laugh. If anything, he would''ve been the one getting scouted.


    But then, as he looked at Han, something clicked.


    Back when they were still rivals¡ª


    That was exactly how Han had fished information out of him.

 Chapter 353: Joki?, Unleashed.

    Chapter 353: Joki?, Unleashed.On game night, Oracle Arena was packed to the rafters.


    Warriors fans were all smiles.


    Cleveland was their past victim, and this Warriors squad was miles ahead of their last championship team. This ring? It was theirs to take.


    Even Steve Kerr radiated confidence.


    Golden State had once again finished as the league''s top seed, but unlike last season, they hadn''t overextended themselves in the regular season. Their core was entering the Finals with fresh legs, which was the key to their postseason dominance.


    Kerr had also preemptively addressed Draymond Green''s temperament¡ªthere would be no repeat of last season''s meltdowns.


    The embarrassment of winning 73 games only to fall short in the West? This year, he was set on redemption.


    Opening Lineups


    After pregame ceremonies, the starting lineups were announced:


    Cavaliers: Han Sen, J.R. Smith, Robert Covington, P.J. Tucker, Nikola Joki?.


    Warriors: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, LeBron James, Draymond Green, Zaza Pachulia.


    Seeing Cleveland''s lineup, Kerr raised an eyebrow but quickly masked his reaction. A smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth.


    Malone showing his hand right away? Bold. But also desperate.


    If Golden State could withstand the opening punch, once they unleashed their small-ball lineup, it''d be their turn to dictate the game.


    ---


    The ball was tossed up¡ªJoki? vs. Pachulia at center court.


    And there was a tiny detail.


    As Joki? walked into position, he instinctively rubbed his hands together.


    A minor gesture for most.


    But for Joki?? It was unusual.


    This wasn''t his first Finals game.


    Yet, there was an eagerness in his movements¡ªa spark that wasn''t always there.


    The whistle blew.


    Joki?, with his limited vertical, still had the length advantage.


    He tipped it back, and Cleveland secured first possession.


    Han Sen walked it up.


    Klay met him at half-court, shadowing his every move.


    LeBron and Draymond were already shifting their positioning, anticipating a trap.


    Kerr had done his homework.


    Boston''s Game 6 in the Eastern Conference Finals had set the blueprint¡ªforce the ball out of Han''s hands, deny him re-entry, and make someone else beat them.


    But Han wasn''t in a rush.


    As soon as Joki? crossed half-court, he planted himself in the post, throwing his weight onto Pachulia and signaling for the ball.


    Golden State''s defense stayed locked on Han¡ªexpecting a kick-out to an open teammate.


    Instead, Han lobbed it straight inside.


    For a brief second, chaos.


    Golden State scrambled¡ªdo they help on Joki? or stay home?


    Then, the matchups reset.


    Joki? had Pachulia one-on-one.


    Pachulia was no pushover. He lacked athleticism but was a strong, disciplined post defender.


    But Joki? was patient.


    A series of spins, a feint¡ªthen a smooth right-handed hook.


    Buckets.


    No panic. No hesitation.


    Pure confidence.


    ---


    Golden State came back down.


    LeBron initiated the offense, calling for a screen from Pachulia.


    Curry and Green ran a weak-side action, while Klay cut baseline.


    Golden State''s chemistry had reached its peak this season. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Cleveland responded accordingly¡ªHan trailed Curry through the screens, Covington sagged off LeBron to cut off passing lanes.


    LeBron drove and kicked it to the corner.


    Not to Klay¡ªhe wasn''t the end target.


    Green had slipped down and set a secondary pick.


    Klay came curling off, shaking free.


    Two defenders got caught on Green''s screen.


    Wide open.


    Klay squared up.


    Let it fly.


    The shot clanked off the rim.


    This was a shot he normally drilled.


    But long layoffs had their downsides¡ªrhythm took time.


    Golden State, however, didn''t dwell on the miss.


    They sprinted back in transition, cutting off Cleveland''s fast break.


    Kerr had emphasized transition defense in their final pregame huddle.


    Outside of Pachulia, no one was crashing for offensive boards.


    He had built his legacy on small-ball.


    He knew exactly how to counter it.


    ---


    Joki? grabbed the rebound and tossed it to Han.


    Han slowed it down.


    He waited.


    Joki? worked his way into the post again, sealing Pachulia off.


    Another entry pass.


    It was at this moment that Kerr realized¡ª


    Cleveland wasn''t playing all their cards.


    They weren''t showing their full game plan.


    This lineup?


    It wasn''t desperation.


    It was spacing.


    If Tristan Thompson had started, Draymond could''ve freely helped off him.


    But with Tucker and Covington in the corners?


    Draymond couldn''t rotate over.


    Kerr straightened up and glanced toward Cleveland''s bench.


    Malone was trusting Joki?¡ªa second-year big¡ªto carry them inside.


    But could he handle the pressure?


    Last season, Joki? had been a role player in the Finals, a complementary piece behind Han and Kyrie.


    Now?


    All eyes were on him.


    Millions watching.


    Game 1. NBA Finals.


    That pregame hand-rub?


    Made perfect sense now.


    A young player handed the biggest project of his career.


    And yet¡ª


    Joki? played like he''d done this a thousand times.


    Pachulia''s defense was physical.


    But Joki? was calculating.


    As soon as he felt Pachulia leaning on him, he spun, using the momentum to slip behind him¡ª


    Soft touch off the glass.


    Two possessions.


    Two buckets.


    Effortless.


    This wasn''t what Kerr expected.


    But he didn''t adjust.


    Not yet.


    Joki? was still young.


    There was no way¡ªno way¡ªhe could carry Cleveland''s offense like this for an entire series.


    Could he?


    ---


    Golden State ran a familiar set¡ªCyclone. [1]


    Curry faked a backscreen, then sprinted to the wing.


    Green flipped the pick last-second.


    LeBron delivered a perfect pass.


    Curry pulled up¡ª


    Splash.


    Oracle roared.


    Three beats two.


    Warriors basketball.


    A single three-pointer had the crowd in a frenzy.


    But Malone didn''t flinch.


    He stuck to the plan.


    Feed Joki?.


    Let him work.


    ---


    At this moment, the Warriors'' defense was forced into an adjustment.


    Whenever Joki? received the ball, Golden State''s defenders instinctively collapsed toward the paint.


    Players aren''t machines¡ªwhen they see an obvious mismatch, their natural instinct is to help.


    But this exposed a key flaw in Steve Kerr''s coaching. While he had a strong tactical foundation, his in-game adjustments were often lacking.


    Whether to stick with single coverage or commit to a double-team, he should have made it clear to his players before the game even started.


    Han quickly picked up on this shift.


    One moment, he stood at the perimeter, hands on his hips after passing the ball inside.


    The next? He exploded past Klay Thompson before Thompson could react.


    Thompson''s lateral quickness wasn''t elite¡ªby the time he noticed, it was already too late.


    And during all of this, Joki? never stopped working in the post.


    Han cut into the paint, reaching the free-throw line just as Draymond Green¡ªwho had been pulled to the corner¡ªrealized what was happening.


    Too late.


    Joki?, still muscling against Pachulia a second earlier, suddenly lobbed the ball high toward the rim.


    Han soared in, catching it one-handed and throwing down a vicious tomahawk jam.


    The visual impact was insane.


    Oracle Arena erupted in shock.


    This was the kind of gravity Kyrie Irving once commanded¡ªJoki? was forcing Golden State to pick their poison.


    If they focused on Han, Joki? would feast inside.


    If they focused on Joki?, Han would carve them up.


    Finally, Kerr realized the danger. He stood up and called for JaVale McGee off the bench.


    It was clear¡ªhe didn''t want to fall into Cleveland''s small-ball trap too early.


    His strategy? Keep the game tight, then break it open later.


    After all, he knew Cleveland''s depth was scary this year.


    LeBron attacked immediately, using Curry and Thompson''s movement to create an open lane, drawing a foul on Joki?.


    Every lineup had strengths and weaknesses¡ªwithout Tristan Thompson starting, Cleveland''s rim protection was weaker.


    As McGee checked in for Pachulia, Malone called Covington over.


    The key to defending LeBron wasn''t just shot-blocking¡ªit was denying him a clean path in the first place.


    If LeBron got downhill, even Tristan wouldn''t be able to stop him.


    This was where Malone''s in-game coaching was simply better than Kerr''s.


    LeBron made just one of two free throws.


    Score: 6-4.


    ---


    McGee''s physical gifts were elite, but he didn''t have Pachulia''s strength in post defense.


    Joki? immediately pushed deeper into position than before.


    Han fed him inside¡ªbut this time, Joki?''s shot got swallowed up by McGee.


    Not just blocked¡ªcaught mid-air.


    It wasn''t that Joki? didn''t use fakes.


    McGee was just a different level of athlete.


    For reference?


    - Dwight Howard stood 6''10" (2.08m) with a 7''4" (2.24m) wingspan.


    - McGee stood 7''0" (2.13m) with a 7''6" (2.29m) wingspan¡ªand had dunk contest-level bounce.


    If God had given him basketball IQ, he wouldn''t be a meme¡ªhe''d be Hakeem Olajuwon 2.0.


    Kerr jumped up in excitement.


    If McGee could hold his own against Joki?, his plan was working.


    And truthfully? He wasn''t afraid of Han scoring early.


    The Warriors weren''t the Bulls.


    They were stronger than Boston, too.


    If Han burned too much energy early, the Warriors could bury Cleveland in the second half with a classic third-quarter explosion.


    Even if the game stayed close until the fourth? Golden State would still have the edge.


    ---


    The Warriors pushed the pace¡ªfast break.


    Curry kicked it ahead to Thompson¡ªpull-up three.


    This time? Money.


    Score: 6-7.


    Golden State had taken the lead.


    Oracle erupted.


    The fans roared "DE-FENSE!" as Kerr waved toward the court, signaling tighter pressure on Han.


    If Joki? was neutralized, Cleveland''s only options were:


    1. Han playing one-on-five


    2. Han-Joki? pick-and-rolls


    Kerr bet on the former.


    But in the end? His game plan failed.


    Han still fed the ball inside.


    Joki? had just been blocked?


    Didn''t matter.


    "Keep taking the ball. Keep working."


    Joki? adjusted¡ªthis time, he posted up further from the rim.


    It was an unusual move.


    But it worked.


    With extra space, he had room to counter McGee''s athleticism with footwork and touch.


    His mistake earlier?


    He had been playing McGee like Dwight Howard.


    But McGee was different.


    He wasn''t a power defender.


    He was a shot eraser.


    Joki? backed down, feeling McGee''s weight.


    The moment McGee dropped his stance?


    Joki? spun off him, using his elbow to create separation, then laid it in softly off the glass.


    McGee couldn''t jump in time.


    Too close.


    Kerr stroked his chin.


    This kid''s mentality was terrifying.


    Most second-year players, after getting stuffed like that, would lose confidence.


    Joki??


    He just kept attacking.


    ---


    LeBron tried another drive, but Covington held his ground.


    Curry had to bail him out¡ªdesperation three with two seconds left.


    Clank.


    Tucker snagged the rebound¡ªCleveland ran the break.


    Joki? sprinted ahead, catching Han''s pass at the free-throw line.


    McGee closed in¡ªbut Joki? didn''t force it.


    A subtle sidestep.


    McGee jumped, thinking he had another block.


    Joki? never shot.


    He spun the other way, leaving McGee lost, and gently flicked in another layup.


    Timeout, Golden State.


    ---


    Five minutes into Game 1, and Joki? already had 8 points.


    What did that mean?


    It meant he was tearing Golden State''s interior apart.


    Malone grinned on the sideline.


    He had been building up Joki?''s role even before Kyrie left.


    Every battle against Howard, Towns, and other top bigs had built his confidence.


    And tonight?


    Joki? was proving Cleveland''s investment was worth it.


    Of course, this wasn''t just hard work.


    It was talent.


    Because if he didn''t have real ability, no amount of development would''ve mattered.


    Last year?


    He was just a solid starter.


    This year?


    He was a different beast.


    Joki?, unleashed.


    -End of Chapter-


    Translator''s Note:


    Understanding the Cyclone Set, Floppy Action, and Spain Pick-and-Roll


    For those who may not be familiar with the terminology, this Chapter featured some high-level basketball tactics that NBA teams use. Let''s break them down in a way that''s easy to follow.


    1. Cyclone Set [1] ¨C Warriors'' Off-Ball Masterpiece


    The Cyclone Set (sometimes called a ''whirlwind action'') is a Golden State Warriors specialty designed to free up shooters like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.


    - It involves multiple off-ball screens happening at the same time, forcing defenders to navigate through a maze of picks.


    - The goal? Confuse the defense and create an open three-point shot for one of the Warriors'' sharpshooters.


    - This is how Curry, Thompson, and even Durant used to get open without the ball.


    When you see Curry running around screens non-stop before catching and shooting? That''s the Cyclone Set in action.


    2. Floppy Action ¨C How Teams Get Shooters Open


    Floppy Action is another classic off-ball play used by shooters like Ray Allen, JJ Redick, and Klay Thompson.


    - A shooter starts near the baseline and then chooses one of two screens (set by big men or wings) to run off of.


    - They pop out to the three-point line or mid-range for a quick catch-and-shoot opportunity.


    - This works best for players who don''t need the ball in their hands to score.


    If you''ve ever seen Klay Thompson, Kevin Huerter, or Kyle Korver curling off screens and firing a shot within a second of catching the ball? That''s Floppy Action at work.


    3. Spain Pick-and-Roll ¨C The Play That Confuses Defenses


    The Spain P&R is a twist on the traditional pick-and-roll that creates chaos for defenses.


    - First, the big man sets a screen for the ball-handler, then rolls to the rim.


    - But here''s the twist: A third player (usually a shooter) sets a back-screen on the defender guarding the rolling big.


    - This forces defenders to make a tough decision: guard the roll, stay with the back-screener, or stop the ball-handler.


    The result? Somebody is left open¡ªeither the big at the rim, the shooter popping out, or the ball-handler attacking.


    Teams like Denver (Joki? & Murray), Golden State (Curry & Green), and Phoenix (Chris Paul & Booker) run this action all the time because it creates easy points.


    How It All Comes Together in This Chapter


    - Warriors ran the Cyclone Set to free up their shooters.


    - Floppy Action was used to get Klay open for a quick look.


    - Cavs used Spain Pick-and-Roll to confuse the Warriors'' defense, giving Joki? an easy shot.


    If you''re new to basketball tactics, don''t worry too much¡ªjust know that the best teams don''t just rely on talent. They rely on smart plays to create open shots.


    This Finals isn''t just a battle of superstars¡ªit''s a chess match between two elite basketball minds in Steve Kerr and Michael Malone.


    And for Cleveland?


    Han Sen is betting big on Nikola Joki? evolving into a true game-changer.

 Chapter 354: The Crown’s Bait.

    Chapter 354: The Crown''s Bait.Coming out of the timeout, Steve Kerr finally gave in¡ªAndre Iguodala checked in, signaling the Warriors'' shift to their Death Lineup.


    On the Cavaliers'' sideline, Michael Malone clenched his fist in excitement.


    This was exactly what he wanted.


    Kerr had made the right read¡ªMalone was forcing Golden State into a small-ball war.


    It was the same strategy Memphis had used against Miami years ago.


    With Dwyane Wade leading Cleveland''s bench, the Cavs had depth, and in a long, physical series, that mattered almost as much as Han Sen''s dominance.


    Of course, none of this works if Joki? doesn''t show up.


    He wasn''t a superstar¡ªnot yet¡ªbut his presence had already dictated the Warriors'' game plan.


    And immediately? The difference was night and day.


    Joki? struggled.


    This wasn''t just about strength¡ªDraymond had a rare mix of physicality, wingspan, and mobility that made life hell for post players.


    Joki? had a height advantage, but he couldn''t bully Draymond with his weight.


    And worse?


    He could barely even get the ball.


    Green''s fronting defense was elite, and when Joki? tried to seal inside, Draymond''s low center of gravity slowly nudged him further from the basket.


    For all his trash talk, peak Draymond was a defensive nightmare.


    Malone adjusted instantly¡ªhe abandoned Joki?''s low-post touches and switched to Han-Joki? pick-and-rolls.


    Golden State had been blitzing Han all night, forcing the ball out of his hands.


    But that played right into Malone''s hands.


    If they kept trapping, Han would simply feed Joki? as the short-roll playmaker.


    And Joki?''s passing?


    That was already historical-tier.


    ---


    Kerr countered with a LeBron-Curry pick-and-roll, and the game turned into a battle of elite duos.


    By the 10-minute mark, Cleveland held a 32-28 lead, and both teams started their bench rotations.


    New Rotations:


    - Cavs: Deron Williams, Dwyane Wade, Kyle Korver, Robert Covington, Tristan Thompson.


    - Warriors: Shaun Livingston, Patrick McCaw, Klay Thompson, LeBron James, David West.


    Compared to their regular-season matchups, both teams had made adjustments.


    - Cleveland: Covington was glued to LeBron. They had depth, so they could afford the energy drain.


    - Golden State: Klay was playing extended bench minutes to keep spacing alive.


    ---


    Cavs'' first possession:


    Deron Williams ran a pick-and-roll with Thompson, then whipped a pass to Wade on the weak-side cut.


    McCaw had height and strength, but his rookie inexperience showed¡ªhe got completely lost on Wade''s fake cut.


    David West rotated, but Wade glided past him with a Euro step, finishing a reverse layup over LeBron.


    Buckets.


    On the other end, LeBron bulldozed his way inside, drawing Covington''s primary defense and forcing Thompson to rotate.


    And LeBron?


    He threw the elbow¡ªnot enough for a flagrant, but enough to shove Thompson off-balance before pulling a soft fake to bait the foul.


    Thompson immediately protested, gesturing at the ref.


    But this wasn''t the regular season.


    This was playoff officiating¡ªphysicality was encouraged.


    Joki? had been getting the same treatment inside.


    The whistle was consistent¡ªjust not in Thompson''s favor.


    LeBron went to the line.


    Two free throws.


    The first? Swish.


    The second? Brick.


    Thompson snatched the board.


    ---


    Cavs pushed in transition.


    Deron hit Wade on the run, and Wade went for a spinning floater over LeBron.


    Tough shot.


    Momentum-based floaters were hard to control, but Wade had been here before.


    The ball floated perfectly¡ªkissed off the glass¡ªand dropped.


    Wade had 4 straight points off the bench.


    This was why Cleveland''s bench was dangerous¡ªthey didn''t have a normal sixth man.


    They had Prime Dwyane Wade Lite coming off the bench.


    - 17.5 PPG


    - 50% FG in the playoffs


    Cleveland wasn''t a one-man show¡ªHan had a real supporting cast.


    ---


    LeBron came back down.


    Same strategy¡ªhe attacked Covington to force help.


    But this time?


    Thompson wasn''t waiting for the whistle¡ªhe grabbed LeBron mid-air and yanked him down.


    LeBron crashed to the floor, immediately furious.


    But then?


    He looked up.


    Thompson''s 6''9" (2.06m) frame loomed over him, his arms crossed, his face stone cold.


    LeBron turned¡ªscreamed at the ref instead.


    Technical foul.


    Malone wasn''t happy.


    This wasn''t the plan.


    TT''s bench role was supposed to give Cleveland interior stability.


    Instead?


    He had 2 fouls in a minute and a tech on top.


    Bad news.


    Malone had to sub him out¡ªhe called on Nene.


    As Thompson walked off, he was still fuming.


    Ty Lue immediately pulled him aside.


    "Calm down, man. We need you."


    Cleveland was in control¡ªthis wasn''t the time for dumb ejections.


    ---


    LeBron sank the technical free throw.


    And on the next play?


    He drove, kicked it to Klay Thompson, who had just used an off-ball screen to curl open.


    Klay caught, loaded¡ª


    But the pass was too low.


    By the time he gathered, Wade had closed out.


    Klay still fired.


    Back iron.


    His rhythm wasn''t there yet.


    And when Klay wasn''t feeling it?


    His off-balance shots never fell.


    But the long rebound bounced straight to LeBron.


    This time?


    He took zero chances.


    LeBron cocked it back and hammered in a tomahawk dunk.


    The Warriors'' bench exploded.


    LeBron pounded his chest, screaming toward the crowd.


    Momentum shift?


    Not yet.


    But he was trying to build one.


    ---


    Final possession of the quarter.


    Wade went full vintage mode, pulling up for a step-back three at the buzzer.


    Miss.


    The first quarter ended.


    Score: 36-32, Cavs lead.


    ---


    As the second quarter began, both teams made further lineup adjustments. The Warriors subbed out Klay Thompson and brought back Zaza Pachulia.


    For the Cavaliers, Robert Covington checked out for Dante Cunningham.


    But the more surprising move?


    Nene was also pulled, and instead of Tristan Thompson, Dewayne Dedmon was sent in.


    Every player had a specific role¡ªa stage where they thrived.


    Against the Bulls, Nene had been great at battling Dwight Howard, but as Malone had feared, his aging legs simply couldn''t keep up with LeBron''s drives.


    And with TT''s emotions all over the place tonight, this was a chance to test Dedmon.


    More than that?


    It was a message¡ªCleveland wasn''t desperate for TT.


    ---


    For Dedmon, this was everything.


    His emotions were at an all-time high.


    He had meant what he told Han before¡ªif even Nene was struggling for minutes, what chance did he have?


    Before tonight, he hadn''t played a single second in the playoffs.


    And now?


    His first postseason action was in the NBA Finals.


    For a moment, he wondered¡ªdid Han know something?


    Why else would Han pull him aside for extra training before the series?


    And then, just before checking in, Malone pointed to him.


    "You''re up."


    Han walked over and added one more thing.


    "Make the most of this. You might not get another shot."


    Han wasn''t a prophet¡ªhe hadn''t predicted TT''s emotional breakdown tonight.


    But what he told Dedmon was still the truth.


    For most fringe NBA players¡ªunless your name was Bronny James¡ªyou only got one real chance.


    If you proved yourself, another opportunity would come.


    If you weren''t ready?


    That was it.


    There were too many guys waiting for their shot.


    That was the reality of the league.


    ---


    At the start of the second quarter, the Warriors had possession.


    Seeing an unfamiliar face on the Cavaliers'' lineup, LeBron immediately called for a pick-and-roll with Pachulia.


    Once the mismatch was created, he exploded to the rim.


    LeBron didn''t just attack¡ªhe went up for a poster dunk over Dedmon.


    Didn''t even see him as a threat.


    But then¡ª


    BOOM.


    The dunk bricked.


    Dedmon had held his ground, absorbing the contact without getting knocked back.


    His long arms¡ª7''4" (2.24m) wingspan¡ªhad just enough reach to contest the finish.


    LeBron took him too lightly.


    The arena murmured.


    That was a bad look.


    LeBron turned to the refs, arms outstretched¡ªpleading for a bailout whistle.


    No call.


    The league wasn''t run by Nike anymore.


    And the ''Chosen One''?


    He wasn''t chosen now.


    ---


    Cleveland pushed the ball the other way.


    Wade collapsed the defense, forcing Pachulia to rotate.


    He dished it off¡ªDedmon, rolling to the rim.


    He went up strong¡ª


    SMACK!


    LeBron pinned it to the glass.


    The crowd erupted.


    The camera cut to Malone¡ªwaiting for a reaction.


    Panic? Frustration?


    Nothing.


    Malone was calm.


    Dedmon wasn''t here to score.


    If he could do his job defensively, that was already a win.


    Cavs ball.


    Wade inbounded, then immediately attacked.


    A quick spin. A sharp stop.


    He floated it over LeBron''s reach¡ªbucket.


    The crowd buzzed.


    So far tonight, Wade had only missed one shot¡ªan ill-advised deep three at the buzzer.


    Everything else? Buckets.


    And against LeBron specifically?


    This was already the second time he had scored on him using that exact move.


    LeBron''s expression darkened.


    ---


    On the other end, he went right back at Dedmon.


    Another iso.


    Another drive.


    Another miss.


    And Dedmon even grabbed the rebound over him.


    LeBron was livid.


    Dedmon was better than expected¡ªon any other team, with this kind of defense, he''d be in the rotation.


    Malone nodded in approval.


    Dedmon was exceeding expectations.


    ---


    Cleveland attacked again.


    Deron Williams ran a pick-and-roll with Dedmon¡ªthen dumped it off to Wade.


    Wade was everywhere.


    This time, he hit a step-through layup past Pachulia¡ªbut as he rose, LeBron rotated over.


    And then¡ª


    CRASH.


    LeBron sent Wade flying into the photographers. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The whistle blew¡ªdefensive foul.


    And then, a moment no one expected.


    LeBron walked over.


    Extended his hand.


    For a split second, Wade hesitated.


    Then¡ªhe took it.


    LeBron pulled him up and gave him a light tap on the back.


    For LeBron fans, it was a brotherhood moment.


    For Han Sen?


    He wasn''t buying it.


    His eyes narrowed.


    This wasn''t about sportsmanship.


    LeBron had been publicly flamed for his treatment of Wade earlier in the season.


    Now?


    He was adjusting.


    ---


    But Han wasn''t upset about LeBron.


    He was annoyed at Wade.


    Dude.


    LeBron just bulldozed you into the baseline, and all it took was one fake apology for you to forgive him?


    This was classic Wade.


    A good guy.


    Too good.


    Han exhaled.


    Then, he stood up.


    Wade went to the free-throw line.


    Han subbed in for Deron.


    It was early for a rotation shift, but¡ª


    Kerr reacted immediately.


    He pulled McCaw and sent Klay back in.


    ---


    Wade hit one of two at the line.


    Golden State pushed the ball up.


    LeBron had the rock.


    Han was right there.


    Clear message: "I''m here for you."


    LeBron didn''t attack right away.


    He pointed, directing traffic.


    Klay ran off-ball screens and caught the pass¡ªcontested three.


    Miss.


    Rebound, Dedmon.


    Han took the ball up.


    He signaled for Cunningham¡ªpick-and-roll.


    Then, he made his move.


    A sudden drop step.


    Exploding downhill.


    LeBron saw it.


    He matched him stride for stride.


    They both hit the paint¡ªHan ahead, LeBron chasing.


    Then¡ª


    BOOM.


    Han stopped on a dime.


    LeBron wasn''t ready¡ª


    Han''s elbow caught him straight in the chest.


    LeBron collapsed.


    The whistle blew¡ªoffensive foul.


    And then¡ª


    Han extended his hand.


    The crowd lost it.


    He had just mirrored LeBron''s exact move from earlier.


    Now, all eyes were on LeBron.


    His face said it all.


    Pure conflict.


    If he rejected it, he''d look salty as hell.


    If he took it, he''d look weak.


    But ultimately?


    He reached out.


    And just as their hands were about to meet¡ª


    Han retracted his hand.


    Ran it through his hair.


    Turned away.


    Then, without even looking back¡ª


    "Guess I just changed my mind."


    The arena erupted.


    The cameras cut to Wade, eyes wide in shock.


    Han had just pulled the ultimate mind game.


    The ''King'' had been played.

 Chapter 355: The Cutthroat Quarter.

    Chapter 355: The Cutthroat Quarter.This was the NBA Finals¡ªno room for pleasantries or sportsmanship nonsense.


    To hell with being polite.


    Han Sen had just set an example.


    Did Wade truly take it to heart? That was uncertain.


    But LeBron?


    He was pissed.


    Fuming, he sprang to his feet, his crab-like motion a blur as he tried to rush Han from behind.


    But before he could even make a move¡ª


    BOOM.


    Dedmon stepped in.


    Like a human shield.


    If before tonight, Han Sen had only been a basketball legend to Dedmon¡ªsomeone he admired from afar¡ª


    Then tonight?


    Han Sen was his leader.


    And there was no way in hell he was letting LeBron get a cheap shot in.


    The two squared up.


    Dedmon''s biceps flexed like steel cables, emphasizing exactly why he had been giving LeBron problems all night.


    LeBron had always struggled against guys like him¡ªtall, long-armed, and solid as a rock.


    The refs quickly blew their whistles, separating them.


    No extra calls.


    After all, technically, Han hadn''t done anything excessive¡ª


    Hell, compared to a taunting step-over? This wasn''t even that bad.


    But the psychological damage?


    Severe.


    And the worst part?


    Han wasn''t done.


    When the game resumed, he stood right in front of LeBron again¡ª


    And raised a hand.


    The Come On gesture.


    A direct challenge.


    The boos rained down from the Warriors'' crowd.


    Even they thought Han was going too far.


    LeBron didn''t want to take the bait.


    He wasn''t stupid.


    But then¡ª


    Han spoke.


    "Are they booing you?"


    That did it.


    The logic was airtight.


    Han had just knocked him down.


    Han had just taunted him.


    Han had just clowned him.


    And now? The home crowd was booing.


    Who were they booing?


    LeBron.


    LeBron James.


    He snapped.


    Summoning Pachulia for a pick, he prepared to drive.


    He knew Pachulia wouldn''t hold Han for long, so he planned to rush through the gap immediately.


    A quick push-ahead dribble¡ª


    SMACK!


    Han never bit on the screen.


    Instead, he read the angle perfectly, slipping under with tight puppy-steps¡ª


    And LeBron?


    He had just passed the ball directly to Han Sen.


    The crowd gasped.


    LeBron tried to recover, lunging forward¡ª


    But Han was gone.


    A quick crossover.


    A burst of speed.


    Transition.


    LeBron was still cursing himself at midcourt as Han flew down the floor.


    ---


    The worst part?


    This was something Kyrie Irving used to do all the time¡ª


    Split defenders, drop a tight handle, and break through double teams with pure feel.


    But LeBron?


    His ball control wasn''t even in the same universe.


    He saw Kyrie do it.


    He thought he could do it.


    But instead?


    He handed Han a fastbreak dunk.


    It was a knockoff version of a superstar move¡ªand it had backfired spectacularly.


    ---


    Han slowed down, eyeing the rim.


    Everyone knew what was coming. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The bench was already standing.


    And then¡ª


    BOOM.


    A windmill off the backboard.


    Violent. Brutal. Disrespectful.


    The arena exploded in shock.


    Steve Kerr rushed to call timeout.


    ---


    As the teams headed to the bench, Kerr made two immediate subs¡ª


    LeBron and Klay out.


    Curry and Draymond in.


    Malone responded by subbing Han out for a breather, sending Joki? in.


    Draymond''s presence made an instant impact.


    Even with the second unit, his chemistry with Curry was undeniable.


    But Cleveland had an answer.


    Joki? was just as adaptable.


    He wasn''t just a low-post bruiser.


    He could stretch the floor, facilitate, and make plays.


    And tonight?


    He had been a problem.


    Since Game 6 of the Conference Finals, Joki? had built a new reputation.


    Even though his three-point shooting hadn''t been great this season¡ª


    That one dagger against the Celtics had changed how teams guarded him.


    Even NBA players weren''t immune to recency bias.


    So when Wade and Joki? ran the pick-and-roll?


    Golden State hesitated.


    And that hesitation gave Joki? an opening.


    With Zaza and JaVale struggling, Kerr had no choice but to throw Draymond at Wade¡ª


    Even though it meant giving Joki? more space.


    By halftime, the scoreboard read 58-51, Cavaliers up by 7.


    Joki? had 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists¡ªhis best first half of the entire playoffs.


    ---


    As both teams headed to the locker rooms, Han walked past Wade without saying a word.


    Wade noticed.


    The silent treatment.


    And he knew why.


    This wasn''t about basketball.


    This was about what happened earlier.


    Han wasn''t upset that Wade got knocked down.


    He was upset that Wade took LeBron''s hand afterward.


    It was a bad look.


    It sent the wrong message.


    It showed weakness.


    Wade understood now.


    He took a deep breath, then sat next to Han.


    "My bad. I shouldn''t have reached out."


    Han exhaled.


    Then¡ªhe laughed.


    Because if there was an award for ''Nicest Superstar in NBA History'', Wade was winning it unanimously.


    Han leaned back.


    "DW, do you think we have this series locked?"


    Wade paused.


    He wanted to say yes.


    They were leading.


    Joki? was on fire.


    Han was dominating.


    But it wasn''t enough.


    Because this was Golden State.


    A 7-point lead was nothing.


    Not against a team that thrived on third-quarter explosions.


    He exhaled, shaking his head.


    Han nodded.


    "Then why aren''t we treating them like enemies?"


    Han''s words were simple.


    But his meaning was clear.


    This was the Finals.


    The championship was on the line.


    This wasn''t just another game.


    You had to go for the kill.


    No hesitation.


    No second thoughts.


    You fight like hell or hand them the trophy.


    Wade stared at him for a second.


    Then¡ª


    "I got it."


    Han clapped him on the shoulder.


    Did he really get it?


    Han hoped so.


    ---


    Coming out of halftime, the Warriors went all-in on small-ball, unleashing their infamous Death Lineup to open the third quarter.


    And just like that, an all-out shootout erupted.


    Steph and Klay?


    They caught fire.


    The Splash Brothers exploded, draining eight threes combined in the quarter.


    With them leading the charge, Golden State torched the Cavs for 45 points in the period.


    But Han Sen?


    He refused to back down.


    Five threes of his own.


    Straight-up violence to counter violence.


    Under his lead, Cleveland matched the firepower, dropping 40 points in the quarter.


    By the time the dust settled, the scoreboard read:


    98-96.


    Both teams locked in a dead heat.


    ---


    The third quarter had been a warzone.


    Both teams refused to sit their stars¡ªHan Sen, Joki?, the Splash Brothers, and LeBron all played the full 12 minutes.


    And that made the start of the fourth quarter crucial.


    Neither side could afford to keep their stars on the floor any longer.


    This was a battle of the benches.


    Lineups to start the fourth:


    - Cavaliers: Deron Williams, Dwyane Wade, Kyle Korver, Dante Cunningham, Tristan Thompson.


    - Warriors: Shaun Livingston, Patrick McCaw, LeBron James, David West, JaVale McGee.


    The first possession belonged to Cleveland.


    Deron Williams ran a pick-and-roll with TT, stopping for a mid-range jumper.


    Decent look¡ªbut his release wasn''t as quick as it used to be.


    McGee closed out hard, tipping the shot just enough.


    The ball clanked off the rim.


    TT crashed the boards, securing the offensive rebound.


    But instead of forcing up a contested shot against Livingston and McGee collapsing on him, he made the right play¡ª


    He kicked it out.


    TT could feel it¡ªDedmon''s performance earlier in the game had lit a fire under him.


    Wade had already cut inside, catching the ball at the free-throw line.


    One fluid motion.


    A high-arcing floater.


    McGee leaped¡ªbut it was too high.


    The ball soared past his fingertips.


    Swish.


    Nothing but net.


    Pure fundamentals.


    ---


    On the other end, LeBron tried to run a pick-and-roll to force his way inside.


    Wade didn''t even hesitate.


    He ditched McCaw entirely, leaving him wide open.


    And together with TT, he trapped LeBron at the free-throw line.


    The Warriors'' spacing was a mess.


    With Draymond and Klay still on the bench, the floor shrank dramatically.


    LeBron had nowhere to go.


    He swung the ball out to McCaw¡ª


    But McCaw bricked the shot.


    TT grabbed the rebound.


    Wade had just sent a clear message.


    He wasn''t siding with LeBron tonight.


    ---


    Deron Williams pushed the tempo.


    Another pick-and-roll with TT¡ªthis time, he collapsed the defense and kicked it out to Cunningham.


    But the Warriors still had elite defensive rotations.


    McCaw immediately closed out on Cunningham.


    No hesitation¡ªCunningham swung it to Wade.


    And here''s where it got interesting.


    Wade was WIDE OPEN.


    LeBron didn''t even rotate.


    Instead of closing out, he sagged back into the paint.


    Because he knew Wade wasn''t a great three-point shooter.


    Wade eyed the space.


    He pulled up.


    LeBron, expecting a miss, turned and ran toward the rim for the rebound.


    Swish.


    A clean three.


    Wade buried it.


    The crowd groaned.


    Kerr''s face on the sideline?


    Pure frustration.


    The Warriors had spent the entire third quarter battling back¡ª


    Now, Wade''s personal 5-0 run had wiped it all away.


    ---


    Kerr didn''t make a move.


    Not because he didn''t want to¡ªbut because he couldn''t.


    Bringing the starters back this early would mean running them into the ground.


    And Malone knew it.


    That''s why he had pushed the pace.


    This was Cleveland''s strategy: force Kerr''s hand.


    And now, Wade was delivering an unexpected bonus.


    A ''surprise'' impact.


    ---


    LeBron took matters into his own hands.


    No screen.


    No hesitation.


    He backed up beyond the three-point line¡ªa full step behind the arc.


    Then¡ª


    Tank Mode.


    He exploded forward, lowering his shoulder, barreling through traffic.


    TT had no choice¡ªhe yanked LeBron down.


    The whistle blew.


    But neither player reacted much.


    No staredowns.


    No trash talk.


    Both just reset and moved on.


    LeBron stepped to the free-throw line¡ª


    First shot?


    Brick.


    Second shot?


    Brick.


    The Boston crowd would''ve lost their minds.


    If Karl-Anthony Towns had half the defensive effort TT was showing right now, maybe the Celtics would be in the Finals.


    ---


    TT grabbed the rebound.


    Deron Williams rushed the ball up.


    The Warriors'' crowd was getting nervous.


    They hadn''t scored all quarter.


    The game was slipping.


    Deron swung it to Wade at the right wing.


    Wade was on fire.


    The defense scrambled¡ªbut LeBron was on him this time.


    He wasn''t giving up another easy three.


    Wade smirked.


    He put the ball on the floor, attacked inside.


    LeBron retreated slightly to absorb the drive¡ª


    And Wade stopped on a dime.


    Step-back.


    Three-pointer.


    LeBron lunged forward to contest.


    The ball floated just over his outstretched hand.


    The entire crowd held its breath.


    Swish.


    Dead silence.


    ---


    106-96.


    An 8-0 personal run from Wade.


    The Cavaliers had officially pushed the lead to double digits.


    For two teams this evenly matched, a lead like this was devastating.


    Kerr had no choice.


    Timeout, Warriors.


    Wade?


    He turned to the crowd, chest heaving, adrenaline pumping.


    Then, without hesitation¡ª


    He lifted his right hand.


    Ran his fingers across his throat.


    A cutthroat gesture.


    The message was clear.


    The Warriors were done.

 Chapter 356: LeBron Will Trade You!

    Chapter 356: LeBron Will Trade You!Coming out of the timeout, Steve Kerr went all in.


    Every Warriors starter checked back in.


    Malone?


    He subbed out everyone except Wade, signaling that Cleveland was ready to close this one out.


    This was it¡ªthe final battle of Game 1.


    Through three quarters, it had been a war of attrition.


    Joki?''s emergence and Wade''s resurgence had put Cleveland on equal footing with Golden State.


    But now?


    The fourth quarter belonged to Han Sen.


    And with the Cavaliers already holding a double-digit lead, their win probability had skyrocketed to 80%.


    The only thing that could flip the script?


    A miracle from the Splash Brothers.


    Steph and Klay were capable of bending reality when they caught fire.


    And Malone knew it.


    That''s why he threw every defensive resource at them, forcing the ball out of their hands at all costs.


    Hell, he even had Covington sag off LeBron, allowing him to get inside freely.


    LeBron''s lack of explosion on drives meant that even if he scored twos, as long as Cleveland kept their offense rolling, it would just burn more clock.


    Since some people were already calling LeBron Cleveland''s inside man, Malone might as well let him do the job for real.


    ---


    But the miracle never came.


    Cleveland held their ground, and despite a late push from the Warriors, the Cavaliers closed out a 126-118 victory.


    Game 1 was in the books.


    This wasn''t just a win¡ªit was a statement.


    Fans would talk about Han Sen clowning LeBron and Wade''s cutthroat celebration for days.


    And that third-quarter scoring frenzy?


    A must-watch classic.


    This was the high-intensity Finals matchup the world had been waiting for¡ª


    Except the outcome wasn''t what most people expected.


    ---


    Postgame Press Conference ¨C Warriors Camp


    LeBron, sitting at the podium, kept his composure when asked about Han''s fake handshake incident.


    "That''s the kind of thing kids do. I only focus on basketball."


    The only correct answer¡ªbecause what was he supposed to say?


    That he got humiliated on live TV?


    Then came the question about Wade''s throat-slash gesture.


    LeBron''s demeanor changed.


    "DW is my brother, but that celebration is banned. The league should penalize him."


    The ''bigger man'' act was in full effect.


    Had Wade been anyone else, LeBron would''ve gone nuclear¡ª


    Probably demanding a suspension like Draymond last year.


    But with Wade?


    He kept it just subtle enough.


    Steve Kerr was far less concerned about the antics.


    "They played a near-perfect game, but keeping that up won''t be easy. The Finals are just getting started."


    He had a point¡ª128 points wasn''t Cleveland''s usual scoring output.


    Golden State''s real counterpunch was coming.


    ---


    Postgame Press Conference ¨C Cavaliers Camp


    Han Sen, seated at the podium, dropped a direct tribute to Kobe.


    "We all know this is a war. Victory belongs to whoever wants it more."


    No gimmicks.


    Just cold, hard truth.


    Then came the elbow question.


    Han didn''t even flinch.


    "If LeBron wants to hoop, I''ll hoop. If he wants to play games, I''ll keep doing what I did today."


    A straight-up warning.


    The league wasn''t about to suspend Han in the Finals¡ªnot for something as minor as an elbow.


    Compared to dirty closeouts or mid-air shoves, this was nothing.


    Han was simply playing the game within the rules¡ª


    While letting LeBron know exactly where he stood.


    Wade was a good guy.


    But Han Sen?


    He was the league''s most infamous villain.


    ---


    Cleveland anticipated blowback from Wade''s throat-slash gesture, so they kept him away from the media.


    But avoiding it completely?


    Impossible.


    Han was immediately asked to comment.


    "I think DW was just letting out some emotions¡ªit wasn''t personal."


    The classic deflection.


    But then¡ª


    "If the league fines him, will you cover it?"


    Han laughed.


    "You want me to pay the fine for a guy who''s made $200 million in his career?"


    If Wade really asked, Han would do it in a heartbeat.


    Because that gesture wasn''t just a celebration¡ª


    It was Wade severing ties with LeBron.


    LeBron could never use Wade again.


    Would Wade turn into a full-time LeBron hater? Probably not.


    But LeBron?


    He''d never get that same loyalty again.


    ---


    As expected, the NBA handed Wade a $25,000 fine¡ªbut no suspension.


    That throat-slash celebration?


    One of the most banned gestures in league history.


    Right below LeBron''s infamous eye-pull three celebration from his first Cavs stint¡ª


    Which had racial connotations the league wanted buried.


    But this time?


    LeBron had no power to push for more.


    The days of him dictating NBA policy were over.


    ---


    While fans were still debating Game 1''s wild moments, something completely unexpected happened.


    Han''s fake handshake and hair-slicking taunt had been too smooth¡ª


    So smooth that it accidentally made his shampoo sponsor go viral.


    In the NBA, most players either had buzz cuts or went fully bald.


    Less hair meant less sweat interference.


    Even guys with longer hair kept it styled tight¡ªcornrows, dreadlocks, or mohawks.


    Nobody thought of shampoo sponsorships for NBA players.


    Except Han.


    Unlike most, he rocked a loose, flowing mid-length cut.


    That''s why, even back in his rookie year, he had landed a shampoo endorsement deal.


    And now?


    That one subtle taunt on LeBron had unexpectedly blown up on social media.


    Sometimes, going viral wasn''t about quality¡ª


    It was about timing.


    ---


    Two days later, Game 2 tipped off in Oakland.


    And this time?


    Golden State had no margin for error.


    Going down 0-2 before heading to Cleveland?


    That was a potential death sentence.


    And under those circumstances, the Warriors unleashed hell.


    They shot 54% from the field.


    An insane 60% from three.


    They put up over 130 points.


    Golden State''s true power wasn''t defense.


    It was their explosive firepower.


    The Splash Brothers caught fire.


    LeBron attacked the rim with zero hesitation.


    Every Warrior on the floor played like their season was on the line.


    And just like that¡ªthe series was tied.


    With each team taking a game in Oakland, the series now shifted to Cleveland.


    This result?


    Both sides could live with it.


    For the Warriors, bouncing back after Game 1 was a must.


    For the Cavaliers, stealing one road game meant they had flipped homecourt advantage.


    Now?


    Their job was to protect their house.


    Game 3 was next.


    And it was about to get even more personal.


    ---


    Before Game 3 tipped off, both teams were locked in preparation.


    Players trained.


    Coaching staffs adjusted.


    But the Cavaliers'' social media team?


    They were arming the fanbase.


    On Cleveland''s official account, they openly asked fans for ideas on how to rattle the Warriors.


    And the comment section?


    Pure gold.


    Some fans pulled out old Clippers lore¡ªsuggesting using real-life models instead of posters to distract Golden State players.


    Others went straight for the kill, focusing on LeBron''s free throw struggles¡ªproposing huge cutouts with messages like:


    "Cleveland already has a real King."


    Then came the classic ''Daddy'' chants, a reference that had now transcended Boston and officially become an NBA-wide phenomenon.


    The self-media era had no shortage of creativity, but what strategy the Cavs actually used?


    That would only be revealed once the game started.


    ---


    On game day, a light drizzle covered Cleveland.


    But nothing was stopping this crowd.


    If anything?


    The cooler temperatures only made it more comfortable for fans arriving early.


    The Cavs were fully prepared¡ªeven setting up a free poncho distribution area outside the arena.


    Everything off the court was in place.


    Now?


    It was up to the players to execute.


    ---


    During warm-ups, Han Sen made an unusual change.


    Instead of his usual highlight dunks, it was Derrick Jones Jr. and J.R. Smith putting on the show.


    Han?


    He simply took his shots, then sat courtside, chatting with Malone.


    Something was different.


    Cleveland''s game plan tonight wasn''t the same as the first two games.


    ---


    Starting Lineups Announced


    Golden State Warriors:


    - Stephen Curry


    - Klay Thompson


    - Andre Iguodala


    - LeBron James


    - Draymond Green


    Cleveland Cavaliers:


    - Han Sen


    - J.R. Smith


    - P.J. Tucker


    - Robert Covington


    - Nikola Joki?


    Kerr made a lineup adjustment, rolling out a small-ball starting five.


    Game 2 had been a shooting clinic, but hot hands weren''t sustainable¡ªespecially on the road.


    So tonight?


    Golden State was ready to scrap.


    This change caught Cleveland slightly off guard, forcing Malone to make last-minute adjustments in the huddle.


    ---


    The opening whistle blew.


    Joki? won the tip, tapping it back into Cleveland''s possession.


    And right away¡ªthe Cavaliers revealed their adjustments.


    Joki? didn''t go into the low post.


    Instead?


    He immediately pulled up to the high post¡ªsetting a screen for Han Sen.


    A Han-Joki? pick-and-roll to start the game wasn''t surprising.


    But this?


    This was a hard screen¡ªno slip, no roll.


    Which meant Han Sen was now matched up with Draymond Green.


    Han wasted no time.


    One hard step forward¡ªthen an instant stop for a mid-range jumper.


    Bucket.


    On the next possession, Thompson jumped the screen to double-team Han.


    Han kicked it back to Joki?¡ªwho didn''t pass.


    Instead, Joki? reset the play, handing the ball back to Han before setting another stonewall screen on Klay.


    Han went right back at Draymond.


    This time?


    Pump fake, step-through, easy bucket.


    And as soon as the ball fell through the net¡ª


    Han dropped low, slapped the floor, and hit Draymond with a ''Too Small'' celebration.


    ---


    Malone''s strategy was fully exposed.


    He wasn''t just hunting Draymond defensively¡ª


    He was trying to neutralize Golden State''s only real interior defender.


    If Draymond broke down, then Joki? would have free reign inside.


    On the Warriors'' bench, Mike Brown¡ªa defensive mastermind and former Cavs head coach¡ªwas the first to react.


    He shot up, yelling defensive adjustments.


    But some things couldn''t be fixed.


    Han was too calculated when it came to mental warfare.


    Draymond tried to keep his cool¡ªbut the cracks were showing.


    If he had snapped over LeBron stepping over him, how was he supposed to handle Han deliberately targeting him?


    Even if he didn''t engage, his game was already suffering.


    The biggest statistical impact?


    Draymond''s three-point shooting imploded.


    He went 0-for-3 from deep in the first half¡ª


    And when he clanked his third miss off the rim?


    Han didn''t even hesitate¡ª


    "He has no three! Crash the boards!" he shouted to Joki?.


    Green''s frustration was boiling over.


    You could see it in his body language.


    And the Cavs fans?


    They pounced.


    ---


    When LeBron went to the free-throw line, a section of fans held up a massive crying LeBron cutout¡ª


    Right next to a sign that read:


    "Cleveland already has a real King."


    When Curry went to shoot free throws?


    The front-row female fans took it up a notch¡ª


    Shedding their jackets to reveal bikini tops, blowing kisses right behind the basket.


    Cleveland fans weren''t picking just one method¡ª


    They were going all in.


    And then¡ª


    The ultimate dagger.


    Right before halftime, Draymond finally got to the line.


    The crowd fell completely silent.


    Then¡ª


    In perfect unison, the entire arena erupted into a chant.


    "LEBRON WILL TRADE YOU!"


    Draymond''s entire playoff run had been solid.


    But here?


    In Cleveland?


    Malone''s game plan had completely unraveled him.


    And this¡ªthis chant?


    This was personal.


    Because this wasn''t just fan trolling.


    It was something that might actually happen.


    Draymond snapped.


    He turned to the hecklers near courtside, screaming "SHUT UP!"


    But the louder he got¡ª


    The louder they chanted. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even the broadcast cameras were locked in.


    Not on Draymond¡ª


    But on LeBron.


    Standing at the free-throw line, expressionless.


    Not saying a word.


    That?


    That was pure cinematic gold.


    Han Sen?


    He couldn''t help it anymore¡ªhe laughed out loud.


    For all the mind games he''d played, he never expected his own fanbase to be even more ruthless than him.


    The power of the people.


    And with that, Game 3 was officially off the rails.

 Chapter 357: Collateral Damage.

    Chapter 357: Collateral Damage.At halftime, the Cavaliers held a 54-45 lead over the Warriors.


    It wasn''t just tactical adjustments¡ªCleveland''s defensive intensity had skyrocketed.


    The Kyrie Irving trade had transformed the Cavs into a defensive powerhouse, which was a key factor in their victory over the Celtics.


    Especially at home, where the crowd''s energy amplified every defensive stand.


    The score might''ve been low, but the physical toll was heavier than the previous two games.


    Steve Kerr had prepared for a grind, but this was beyond what he expected.


    The direct result?


    The Warriors couldn''t unleash their usual third-quarter explosion.


    Instead, they were forced into a defensive war against the Cavs.


    And when that happened, the physicality on the court spiked.


    ---


    Draymond Green, already mentally shaken from being targeted all night, was struggling offensively.


    But once the game turned into a defensive slugfest, his presence resurfaced.


    However, with the Cavs relentlessly attacking the rim, the defensive burden on Draymond grew heavier.


    After J.R. Smith drove to the basket, drawing Draymond''s fourth personal foul, the frustration Kerr had tried to suppress at halftime exploded again.


    Draymond stormed over to LeBron, trying to discuss defensive rotations.


    LeBron''s face?


    Pure confusion.


    First of all, it was Draymond''s assignment that failed.


    Second, J.R. wasn''t even LeBron''s man to guard.


    So why was Draymond trying to involve him?


    Draymond''s reaction?


    Irritated.


    Sure, LeBron wasn''t directly responsible¡ªbut defense is a system.


    And the system was collapsing because of LeBron.


    LeBron''s obsession with leaking out for fast breaks left holes everywhere, forcing teammates to rotate and cover for him, eventually breaking the defensive structure.


    The final domino?


    Draymond¡ªleft alone as the last line of defense.


    But LeBron didn''t get it.


    "If we''re not turning defense into offense, why even bother defending?"


    LeBron''s mindset was stuck in Kerr''s philosophy:


    - High-speed transition offense.


    - Relentless fast breaks.


    That''s why he joined Golden State in the first place.


    And now Draymond was telling him it was wrong?


    The discussion quickly escalated into an argument.


    Even as Kerr called Pachulia to sub in for Draymond, the two kept going back and forth.


    Watching this unfold, Han Sen had seen enough.


    Old-school fans would''ve smiled here¡ª


    Because years ago, when LeBron was with the Thunder, Han had playfully egged on a similar argument between him and Westbrook.


    But Han had matured since then.


    No more childish antics.


    This time?


    He walked over, serious as ever.


    "Calm down. It''s just basketball."


    But the tension was already too deep.


    Neither LeBron nor Draymond even acknowledged him.


    Han shrugged.


    "Guess I''m not built to be the good guy. Time to be an asshole."


    He leaned in, right into Draymond''s ear¡ª


    And raised his voice:


    "CALM DOWN, DRAYMOND!"


    Draymond snapped his head around, glaring at Han, furious.


    "You deaf, or just dumb?" Han continued, voice sharp.


    "Do you really want to get traded? You think you''re on LeBron''s level? No? Then calm down¡ªit''s just business."


    ---


    Malone had once said¡ª


    "Championships always come with sacrifices."


    When Kevin Durant joined the Warriors in ''history'', Curry sacrificed the most¡ª


    Because Durant needed shots.


    Now that LeBron was here, the player making the sacrifice was Draymond Green.


    His stats were down.


    His role was diminished.


    The only thing holding him together?


    LeBron''s off-court business connections.


    Han''s reminder wasn''t an insult¡ªit was a favor.


    If Draymond got traded?


    Those off-court deals? Gone.


    Han was basically saying¡ª


    "If you''re going to swallow your pride, do it right. Be like Anthony Davis¡ªsit there, sulk, and shut up."


    But Draymond?


    He wasn''t Davis.


    He didn''t respond.


    He didn''t argue with LeBron again, either.


    He just walked straight to the bench.


    LeBron''s gaze lingered on Han¡ªa mix of emotions.


    Han didn''t flinch.


    "No need to thank me."


    Then he turned and walked away.


    Mission accomplished.


    ---


    With Draymond on the bench and Pachulia subbing in, the Warriors'' defense crumbled.


    Especially their ability to rotate and recover.


    Malone adjusted instantly.


    No more driving to collapse the defense.


    Instead, he spread the floor and let Joki? go to work in the post.


    Golden State was too scared to double-team¡ªJoki?''s passing was lethal.


    So it turned into a one-on-one clinic.


    Joki? vs. Pachulia.


    And Pachulia?


    He didn''t stand a chance.


    ---


    Midway through the third quarter, the tension finally snapped.


    Joki?, battling for position, suddenly charged straight into Pachulia¡ª


    Like a raging bull.


    No warning. No buildup.


    Just pure fury.


    Pachulia hit the floor hard, landing awkwardly on his shoulder.


    He stayed down, clutching it in agony.


    The refs immediately stopped the game.


    Warriors players gathered around¡ª


    But no one confronted Joki?.


    Why?


    Because the guy who''d normally do that¡ªDraymond Green¡ªwas on the bench.


    And LeBron?


    Didn''t even flinch.


    Pachulia wasn''t worth the trouble. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ---


    During the timeout, the referees huddled around the scorer''s table, reviewing the play.


    The arena''s jumbotron lit up with the replay.


    At first glance, Joki?''s reaction seemed irrational¡ªa sudden, unnecessary burst of aggression.


    But the slow-motion footage?


    It told the truth.


    Pachulia was infamous for his dirty plays, dating back to the series where he injured Kawhi Leonard.


    But "foot sliding" wasn''t his only move.


    The man had a full arsenal:


    - Hip checks


    - Elbows to the ribs


    - Cheap shots below the belt


    - Scissor leg locks


    - And his signature: "Fist-to-Palm"


    What''s that?


    It''s a dirty trick¡ªyou throw a punch toward someone''s head,


    But right before contact, you open your fist¡ªturning it into a slap.


    To the refs?


    It looks like nothing more than an aggressive hand check.


    But to the player?


    It''s a cheap shot with serious sting.


    ---


    Joki? wasn''t reacting to just one play.


    Pachulia had been chipping away at him all game¡ª


    Grabbing.


    Pulling.


    Nudging.


    That final "Fist-to-Palm"?


    The last straw.


    And Joki??


    He snapped.


    Pachulia probably thought he could get away with it¡ª


    But he underestimated Joki?''s temper.


    ---


    Before the refs even finished reviewing the play, Pachulia was escorted to the locker room¡ªshoulder hanging limp.


    The final ruling?


    A Flagrant 1 on Joki?.


    Golden State got two free throws and possession.


    But for Cleveland?


    The real win?


    Joki? wasn''t ejected.


    So, in the end:


    - Pachulia''s cheap shot earned the Warriors two free throws...


    - At the cost of his own shoulder.


    Compared to his infamous injury on Kawhi Leonard?


    Yeah¡ªdefinitely not worth it this time.


    ---


    As Joki? walked back to the bench, Han gave him a firm pat on the shoulder.


    "Reckless," Han muttered. "But necessary."


    If Joki? had been ejected, it could''ve cost Cleveland the game.


    But this outcome?


    Not bad.


    Because now?


    Everyone in the league would think twice before pulling dirty tricks on Joki? again.


    They''d seen what happens when he finally snaps.


    And no one wanted to be next.


    ---


    Despite the scuffle, it was just a small Chapter in a larger story.


    The Warriors managed to convert their two free throws and possession into 4 quick points, trimming the lead slightly.


    But with Draymond still on the bench, the Warriors'' interior defense was exposed, and that little run wasn''t enough to shift momentum.


    In the end, the Cavaliers defended their home court, winning 103-94, and taking a 2-1 series lead.


    ---


    At the post-game press conference, LeBron didn''t waste time.


    "Joki?''s actions violate the spirit of the game. The league should suspend him."


    When it came to Wade, LeBron treaded lightly.


    But Joki??


    No hesitation.


    "That wasn''t basketball¡ªthat was intentional."


    Steve Kerr echoed LeBron''s frustration, as if Joki?''s foul had single-handedly changed the outcome.


    But it was clear what they were doing¡ª


    Shifting the narrative.


    By focusing the media''s attention on Joki?''s foul, they could divert attention from the real story:


    - The heated argument between LeBron and Draymond.


    - The cracks in the Warriors'' chemistry.


    For Golden State, burying the internal drama was priority #1.


    Because if that issue festered, the Warriors were already dead in the water heading into Game 4.


    ---


    When the Cavaliers'' press conference began, reporters pounced on the Joki? situation.


    Han didn''t flinch.


    "I''ve said it before¡ªif they don''t want to play real basketball, we won''t either. I think Nikola was standing his ground. That was his response to Pachulia."


    He even threw in a reference to the "Stand Your Ground" law, calling it justified self-defense.


    When asked about a potential suspension, Malone was blunt:


    "Nikola''s already paid the price. If the league suspends him, they should''ve suspended Pachulia years ago when he took out Kawhi."


    The debate over Joki?''s fate became the centerpiece of the post-game discussion.


    ---


    But while the media fixated on Joki?¡ª


    The fans?


    They had other ideas.


    Social media was on fire, not about Joki?, but about the now-infamous chant:


    "LeBron will trade you!"


    It had become bigger than Han''s taunt or Wade''s throat-cut gesture.


    Because at the heart of every sports fan lies one universal truth:


    We love chaos.


    Fans even started debating potential trades for Draymond.


    ---


    The top comment came from a Celtics fan:


    "Trade Draymond for Al Horford¡ªit''s a win-win."


    At first glance, it seemed odd.


    After all, Karl-Anthony Towns was the Celtics'' weak link in the Eastern Conference Finals, not Horford.


    But the logic was clear:


    - Towns is on a rookie contract¡ªsalary mismatch.


    - He''s young with endless potential¡ªtrading him would be a disaster.


    Meanwhile, Draymond''s defensive versatility made him a perfect fit alongside Towns.


    And for Golden State?


    - Horford could smooth things over with LeBron.


    - Less drama.


    - More stability.


    But the second-most-liked comment came from a Warriors fan:


    "Why don''t we just trade LeBron?"


    It was a wild thought¡ª


    But not entirely baseless.


    Draymond''s defensive value was arguably higher than LeBron''s current production.


    Plus, LeBron''s 1+1 contract gave him leverage over the front office.


    Draymond?


    - Long-term deal.


    - Team-friendly contract with the new TV money.


    The replies were a mix of chaos:


    - LeBron stans screaming about loyalty.


    - LeBron haters suggesting trade packages.


    The top reply?


    "If we can flip LeBron for Anthony Davis, the league''s over."


    ---


    While fans debated, the Warriors dropped a bomb:


    Zaza Pachulia¡ªout for the season with a dislocated shoulder.


    Shortly after, the NBA announced that Joki?''s Flagrant 1 from Game 3 had been upgraded to a Flagrant 2.


    Since Joki? already had two flagrant points this season¡ª


    That meant an automatic one-game suspension.


    ---


    During practice, Joki? approached Han, his face heavy with guilt.


    "Boss... I''m sorry."


    He knew what his absence meant.


    Han didn''t hesitate.


    "Don''t apologize. You did nothing wrong."


    It was the same stance he''d taken at the press conference.


    Sometimes, you have to show your opponents you''re not to be messed with.


    Han had done the same thing when he''d taken out Gin¨®bili years ago.


    But then, Han placed a hand on Joki?''s shoulder, his voice lower, more direct:


    "But even in war, you''ve got to be smart. You don''t win by taking yourself out."


    In the playoffs, every move mattered.


    Hurting the opponent was fine¡ªbut not at the cost of your own team.


    Han had learned that lesson the hard way.


    Now it was Joki?''s turn.

 Chapter 358: The Zone?.

    Chapter 358: The Zone?.With Joki? suspended, the Cavaliers couldn''t hold down their second home game.


    Despite Han Sen dropping 36 points through three quarters, the Cavs trailed the Warriors by double digits heading into the fourth.


    Steve Kerr smelled blood, rolling out the Splash Brothers early in the fourth to force Han back onto the floor.


    But with five minutes left and the Cavs still down by double digits, Malone made a surprising move¡ªhe pulled Han from the game.


    Fans weren''t happy.


    It looked like he was waving the white flag.


    Postgame, Malone addressed it in the press conference:


    "Burning Han''s energy in a game we couldn''t win made no sense. We''ve got a war to fight."


    His logic was sound. Some fans accepted it.


    But others? Not so much.


    To them, if there''s even a sliver of hope, you fight to the last second.


    Losing Game 4 meant the Cavs had handed home-court advantage right back to the Warriors.


    Sure, Joki? would be back¡ªbut Game 5 was in Oakland.


    A pivotal game, with everything on the line.


    And if they lost that?


    The Cavs'' title defense was as good as dead.


    Frustration boiled over.


    Cavs fans. Han fans. Everyone took aim at the league.


    "If they hadn''t suspended Joki?, we''d be up 3-1!"


    Comparisons flew in¡ªfans brought up Draymond''s suspension two years ago that led to the Lakers'' infamous 3-1 comeback.


    ---


    The Cavs landed in Oakland.


    Han had barely stepped off the plane when his phone buzzed.


    Kobe Bryant.


    "I''m coming to Oracle tomorrow to watch you play."


    They talked for a bit. Nothing long. Nothing deep.


    But when Han hung up, he just sat there, staring at his phone.


    Time moves fast.


    It''d been a year since Kobe retired.


    A whole year.


    And in that time, Kobe had pretty much vanished¡ªno courtside cameos, no media tours, no public appearances.


    Long enough for people, even Han, to almost forget.


    So yeah, the call hit different.


    Kobe at Oracle?


    For his game?


    Weird.


    The first two Finals games had been here.


    Kobe hadn''t shown up for those.


    ---


    Oracle Arena was packed, the energy electric, like it always was when the stakes were sky-high.


    When Kobe walked in with Vanessa and the kids, the crowd erupted.


    Phones out. Cameras flashing.


    Whispers buzzed through the stands.


    "He''s here for LeBron."


    "Of course¡ªformer teammates, right?"


    But then¡ª


    The players hit the court.


    And Kobe?


    He didn''t even glance at LeBron.


    Instead, he walked straight toward Han.


    "Congrats on bringing Cleveland their second championship," Kobe said, a sly grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.


    Han smirked.


    "Is that a compliment... or a jinx?"


    Kobe chuckled, pulling him into a firm hug.


    "Long time, man."


    When they broke apart, Han noticed something different.


    Kobe felt... lighter.


    Not in body, but in spirit.


    Relaxed.


    Free.


    If this were the Kobe of old, he''d still be brooding over last season''s Finals loss.


    Holding onto it like a grudge.


    But now? It was like he''d let go of something.


    "So, what''ve you been up to?" Han asked.


    He''d heard rumors¡ªDuncan messing with cars in San Antonio.


    But Kobe? Total ghost.


    "Working on my training camp¡ªMamba Academy."


    Of course he was. Kobe wasn''t the ''retire and relax'' type.


    "First session''s this summer. You in?"


    Han raised an eyebrow.


    "Is that why you''re here?"


    Kobe grinned but shook his head.


    "Partly. But not the main reason."


    His eyes shifted across the court, locking onto the Warriors warming up.


    The grin faded.


    His jaw tightened, just for a second.


    A flicker of something¡ªresentment?


    Regret?


    Maybe it wasn''t just last season''s Finals that haunted him.


    Maybe it was LeBron walking away from L.A.


    "I came to watch you win."


    Han didn''t say anything.


    Just nodded.


    "I''ll be there," he replied.


    But his eyes were already locked across the court.


    This game?


    No way in hell he was letting it slip.


    ---


    Starting Lineups:


    Cavaliers: Han Sen, J.R. Smith, P.J. Tucker, Robert Covington, Nikola Joki?


    Warriors: Stephen Curry, Patrick McCaw, Klay Thompson, LeBron James, Draymond Green


    Kerr had adjusted his lineup since Game 4, pushing Iguodala back to the bench to match Cleveland''s depth.


    The ball went up¡ªJoki? won the tip.


    And from the jump, he was locked in.


    High screen for Han.


    Quick roll.


    McCaw couldn''t hang.


    Han found him.


    Easy bucket.


    Joki? wasn''t just back¡ªhe was making a statement.


    The fans could blame the league.


    Malone could answer the media.


    But Joki? knew the truth.


    Game 4 was on him.


    Now?


    He was going to fix it.


    Han kept feeding him¡ªpick-and-roll after pick-and-roll.


    And it wasn''t just for Joki?''s sake.


    Han''s legs were still heavy from Game 4, even after Malone''s early pull.


    Letting Joki? cook?


    Smart basketball.


    But the Warriors were back on their home floor, and it showed.


    Shots were falling.


    Ball movement crisp.


    The lead swung back and forth like a pendulum.


    When the benches checked in, Kerr unleashed Iguodala to hound Wade.


    LeBron stayed in, anchoring the unit.


    Cleveland didn''t lose ground.


    But they didn''t gain any either.


    Halftime score: 58-58.


    Deadlocked.


    The most intense game of the Finals so far.


    ---


    Halftime ended, and the third quarter became pivotal.


    Steve Kerr made his move, inserting Andre Iguodala back into the starting lineup¡ªa clear signal he was gearing up for the Warriors'' signature third-quarter blitz, hoping to seize control of the game in one burst.


    But the Cavaliers weren''t just going to roll over.


    Malone was up from the start of the half, pacing the sidelines, micromanaging every defensive rotation.


    This was offense versus defense.


    Sword versus shield.


    And in the end, the Cavaliers'' defense proved sharper.


    Han Sen locked onto Curry, Covington took LeBron, and those matchups turned into clamps.


    The Warriors couldn''t unleash their usual third-quarter frenzy.


    It morphed into a defensive slugfest, a grind-it-out battle where every point felt earned.


    LeBron struggled to find rhythm, and as his impact waned, the defensive load shifted squarely onto Draymond Green''s shoulders.


    Draymond''s frustration was written all over his face¡ªthat constipated scowl betraying the internal monologue likely cursing out LeBron. But unlike the last game, there were no sideline blowups.


    The Warriors'' coaching staff must''ve had a talk with him, stuffing down his frustration.


    And that''s when Han Sen took over.


    First, he devoured LeBron defensively¡ªpressuring him from the three-point line all the way back near half-court. When LeBron finally tried to pass out of the trap, Han read it perfectly, leaping into the passing lane for a clean steal.


    LeBron scrambled to recover, only to slip and fall as Han exploded in transition.


    The arena buzzed.


    Han soared down the court, finishing with a one-handed windmill slam that brought the crowd to its feet.


    ---


    Next possession?


    Half-court set.


    Han blew past Iguodala, then twisted mid-air to avoid Draymond, finishing with a ridiculous acrobatic layup.


    And that was just the beginning.


    While everyone else struggled in the defensive grind, Han kept scoring.


    On both ends, he was everywhere¡ªsteals, rebounds, blocks.


    It was like he was playing on a different level.


    Even Iguodala and Draymond''s body language gave it away¡ªthey weren''t just frustrated; they looked defeated.


    Han felt it too.


    Something was different.


    His movements felt faster. The game slowed down.


    He could predict defenders'' reactions before they even moved.


    It was his first time experiencing this.


    If he had to describe it?


    "Unstoppable."


    Kobe noticed it immediately from the stands. Sitting beside his longtime trainer, Gary Vitti, Kobe leaned in.


    "Han''s in the Zone," he said quietly.


    Vitti nodded.


    The Zone.


    If someone had told Han right then, "You''re in the Zone," he would''ve probably laughed it off, thinking they watched too much Kuroko''s Basketball.


    But it was real.


    A term Michael Jordan coined, later popularized in anime, but rooted in reality.


    Jordan once described it as an "almost out-of-body experience," where shifting between scoring modes felt effortless, and opponents'' movements appeared in slow motion, exposing every defensive gap.


    Kobe had felt it too. He even shot a commercial about it: Enter The Zone.


    After talking with MJ, Kobe learned the triggers:


    1. Relentless training¡ªmastering skills to the point they became second nature.


    2. Peak conditioning¡ªbecause the Zone often kicks in when the body is fully engaged.


    3. Mental hunger¡ªa subconscious desire so intense it manifests physically.


    You can''t force it.


    But when it hits?


    Unstoppable.


    ---


    Han didn''t know any of that.


    All he knew was that the Warriors couldn''t touch him.


    He dismantled them possession after possession.


    One sequence became an instant meme:


    - Han scored an and-one on LeBron.


    - He turned, palms up, staring at LeBron.


    - LeBron turned to the ref, same palms-up gesture. Steve Kerr, exasperated, mirrored the gesture at LeBron from the bench.


    Triple Shrug.


    By the end of the third, the Cavs led 96-80.


    Han''s stat line for the quarter?


    24 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks.


    A full game''s worth of production¡ªin 12 minutes.


    Kerr slumped on the bench, waving the white flag.


    What could you even do?


    And for the Warriors, it got worse.


    Because starting Iguodala had drained their bench depth.


    Meanwhile, Han''s dominance energized the Cavs.


    Wade snapped back into Game 1 form, leading the charge as the Cavs pushed the lead past 20.


    Game over.


    LeBron, stubborn as ever, begged Kerr to let him play garbage time.


    Didn''t matter.


    Final score: Cavs 121, Warriors 104.


    Game 5? Secured.


    --- S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I have nothing to say about tonight. Our focus is on winning Game 6," Kerr said postgame, skipping the usual analysis.


    What was there to analyze?


    Han Sen wasn''t human tonight.


    "Han won us this game," Malone admitted bluntly.


    Han''s final stat line: 47 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, 3 blocks.


    But even those numbers didn''t capture his impact.


    "Now," Malone added, "we''re going home to win the championship."


    Last year, Cavs fans missed the chance to see a title won on their home floor.


    This time?


    They''d get that moment.


    ---


    TNT Postgame Show - Inside the NBA


    [The screen fades in with the iconic Inside the NBA theme music. The panel¡ªErnie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O''Neal¡ªsits around the desk, reactions fresh from Game 5''s explosive finish.]


    Ernie Johnson: "Welcome back to Inside the NBA, presented by Kia. Gentlemen, I don''t even know where to start. Cavs win Game 5, 121-104, taking a 3-2 series lead. But this wasn''t just a win¡ªit was a demolition. Han Sen with 47 points, 10 boards, 6 assists, 4 steals, 3 blocks. Chuck, what did we just watch?"


    Charles Barkley (laughing): "We watched a man turn into a damn supercomputer, Ernie. Han Sen was in The Zone¡ªyou can''t teach that, you can''t defend that. I''ve seen players get hot, but this? This was surgical. Like he downloaded the Warriors'' playbook mid-game. I mean, he had Draymond lookin'' like he needed GPS out there."


    Kenny Smith: "It''s not just the points, though. Look at the impact on both ends. Defense, anticipation, reading passing lanes, controlling the tempo¡ªHan was everywhere. It reminded me of MJ in ''92 against Portland, that ''shrug game'' energy. You could feel it shifting. The Warriors weren''t just missing shots¡ªthey were beaten."


    Shaquille O''Neal (nodding): "Facts. And you know me, I love dominance in the paint. Han ain''t even built like me, but his mentality? That''s diesel-level dominance. He bullied LeBron, outsmarted Draymond, and embarrassed Klay. That fast break where he made LeBron fall? Man, that''s going viral before the show ends."


    Charles Barkley: "And let''s talk about LeBron. He looked shook out there. Han had him second-guessing everything. The ''three-hand shrug''¡ªHan to LeBron, LeBron to the refs, Kerr to LeBron¡ªthat''s gonna live forever."


    Kenny Smith: "You know what''s crazy? The Cavs'' energy flipped after that. D-Wade turned back the clock. Joki?, after that suspension, played like he owed Han rent. This wasn''t just a win¡ªit felt like a statement."


    Ernie Johnson: "Speaking of statements, Shaq¡ªwhat do the Warriors do now heading into Game 6 in Cleveland?"


    Shaquille O''Neal: "Pray. Nah, seriously¡ªthey gotta regroup. This wasn''t just an off night. Han exposed their defensive flaws. Kerr''s rotations looked lost, Draymond''s rattled, and LeBron... man, he''s carrying emotional baggage. They need to find their identity fast or it''s over."


    Charles Barkley: "It is over. I''ve seen enough. Cavs are closing this in six. They smell blood, and Han Sen? He''s the shark. You don''t give a dude like that a lead this late in the Finals. It''s done."


    Ernie Johnson: "Strong words, Chuck. When we come back¡ªhighlights from Han''s Game 5 masterpiece and the top plays of the night. Stay with us."


    [The screen fades to commercial, the panel''s laughter lingering as they continue debating off-mic.]

 Chapter 359: The Breaking Point.

    Chapter 359: The Breaking Point."This will be the craziest day in Cleveland."


    That was the headline from the Cleveland Plain Dealer leading into Game 6 of the NBA Finals. The city buzzed with anticipation, realizing they were on the brink of a second championship¡ªjust one year after breaking the drought.


    Cleveland, once the poster child of sports heartbreak, now stood on the cusp of back-to-back titles. What had felt impossible was now within reach, and the sheer madness of it gripped the city.


    The day before the game, Han Sen gathered the team at his estate for a bonfire. This wasn''t just a celebration; it was a pressure release valve. The stakes were sky-high. Lose, and it''s back to Oakland for a Game 7, with no guarantees Han could slip into The Zone again.


    The vibe was loose. Drinks flowed, music played, and Han even brought in party hosts to keep things light. But not everyone was in a festive mood.


    Joki? sat quietly by the fire, staring into the flames.


    Han noticed. He walked over, clapping a hand on Joki?''s shoulder, then handing him a freshly grilled skewer.


    "Why the long face?" Han asked, plopping down beside him.


    Joki? accepted the skewer but didn''t eat it¡ªwhich was odd. Normally, he''d devour it without hesitation.


    "Trouble with Natalija?" Han teased, half-expecting some relationship drama.


    Joki? shook his head, sighing. "Nah. I''ve just been thinking... How do I handle Draymond?"Han blinked, caught off guard. He even mock-checked Joki?''s forehead. "No fever. Not hallucinating. You''re thinking about basketball? At a party?"Joki? chuckled softly, then shrugged. "I just don''t want to be the reason we fall short."


    Ah. G4 was still haunting him.


    Han didn''t have an answer. Not off the top of his head.


    "Hold up," Han said, disappearing briefly and returning with someone who did have answers: Tim Grover, his personal trainer.


    Grover didn''t waste time. "You need to bulk up this summer. Get to around 120 kilos."


    It was part of a plan he''d already considered. Joki? had slimmed down to adapt to the NBA''s pace, but if he wanted to dominate inside, especially against someone like Draymond, he needed more muscle¡ªnot fat, but functional strength.


    Joki? hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "Can I start after horse racing season?"Grover blinked, confused. Han burst out laughing, shaking his head.


    If someone told Joki? the world was ending tomorrow, he''d probably ask if he could squeeze in one last race.


    "Your call. We''ll start when you''re back in Cleveland," Grover replied, smiling.


    Han leaned in, adding, "Win tomorrow, and I''ve got a gift for you. Something better than a trophy."


    Joki? smirked, finally relaxing. He nodded, and Han left him to discuss training details with Grover.


    As Han moved through the crowd, he spotted JR Smith deep in conversation with a group of partygoers, a mischievous grin spreading across Han''s face.


    ---


    Quicken Loans Arena.


    Thousands packed the plaza outside, turning it into a sea of wine and gold. The crowd''s energy rivaled last year''s championship parade.


    Inside, it was standing-room only¡ªfans even lining the concourse levels.


    Banners waved, faces painted, chants echoing. This was Cleveland''s final home game of the season, championship or not.


    With 30 minutes to tip-off, players hit the court for warmups.


    When the cameras panned to LeBron, the arena erupted in boos.


    Last year, he brought Cleveland a title. Tonight, he might deliver another¡ªbut for the wrong team.


    And there was nothing more poetic than that.


    ---


    After the opening ceremony, both teams rolled out the same starting lineups from Game 5. Kerr kept Iguodala on the bench, sticking with McCaw in the starting five.


    With the crowd roaring, Joki? tipped the ball back to Cleveland''s side, and Game 6 was officially underway.


    Right out of the gate, Han Sen and Joki? ran a pick-and-roll. Han fed Joki? on the cut, drawing a foul from McCaw.


    If Kerr was going to stick with McCaw, then Cleveland was going to keep exploiting that mismatch.


    The Cavs'' offensive strategy looked familiar, mirroring their Game 5 approach. But it was on the defensive end where things took a sharp turn.


    After Joki? knocked down both free throws, the Cavs dialed up their defensive intensity to levels reminiscent of their third-quarter surge in Game 5.


    LeBron tried to drive past Covington, but Tucker rotated over, cutting him off at the free-throw line. Tucker''s long arms disrupted LeBron''s passing lane, forcing a desperate kick-out to the perimeter.


    Golden State''s shooters were blanketed. No one could shake free. With five seconds left on the shot clock, the ball found its way to Curry.


    Time to defuse the bomb.


    But Han was glued to him. Curry had to settle for a step-back three from way beyond the arc, and it clanged off the rim.


    Kerr was still processing the miss, but Mike Brown was already off the bench, yelling at the Warriors to get back on defense.


    Most teams don''t go all-out defensively from the opening tip. It can sap energy, hurt offensive rhythm, and create stamina issues late in the game.


    But that wasn''t Cleveland''s concern tonight.


    Malone was sending a clear message: We''re here to finish this.


    For Golden State, this was the moment of truth. If they could withstand this early onslaught, the Cavs might fade as fatigue set in¡ªjust like the Warriors did in Game 5.


    But if they couldn''t?


    This game could be over by halftime.


    Brown''s reaction was quick, but Cleveland''s transition game was quicker.


    Joki? fired a full-court pass to Han, who blew past two defenders like they weren''t even there. No hesitation, no deceleration¡ªjust pure speed and power as he soared in for a thunderous tomahawk slam.


    The crowd erupted. Quicken Loans Arena was alive.


    As the Warriors tried to regroup, the chants started:


    DE-FENSE! DE-FENSE!


    The noise was deafening, rattling eardrums and shaking the very foundation of the arena. In that moment, Cleveland wasn''t just a home court¡ªit was a fortress.


    ---


    Golden State''s next possession? Another brick.


    LeBron snagged an offensive rebound, tried to muscle it back up... and got stuffed by Joki?.


    While LeBron turned to complain to the refs, the Cavs were already sprinting the other way. Han dished it to JR for an easy layup.


    Funny thing about small-ball lineups: they only work if you play fast. Transition offense is the key. LeBron had preached that to Draymond in their heated exchanges.


    The problem?


    Talking about it is easy.


    Executing it is hard.


    Fast breaks start with defense. And LeBron wasn''t defending¡ªjust cherry-picking, hoping for quick outlets. Without stops, there are no fast breaks.


    Cleveland, on the other hand, was putting on a clinic.


    Sure, the Cavs had defensive holes. Joki? wasn''t exactly a lockdown perimeter defender.


    But Malone had already accounted for that. He kept Joki? anchored in the paint, relying on the Cavs'' perimeter rotations to cover ground.


    And with Han lurking on the outside? Good luck trying to exploit mismatches.


    ---


    The real difference-maker?


    Effort.


    When Joki? is rotating over to block LeBron, you know the entire team is locked in.


    Strike while the iron''s hot. That was the Cavs'' mentality.


    The Warriors didn''t see it coming.


    By the end of the first quarter, Cleveland led 30-18.


    Golden State, the team known for explosive scoring bursts, had been held under 20 points. Unthinkable.


    Kerr sat on the bench, his brow furrowed, probably questioning his decision to keep Iguodala out of the starting lineup.


    Basketball is like chess. And in these Finals, Malone had been the grandmaster.


    The good news for the Warriors? A 12-point deficit isn''t insurmountable.


    If they could chip away before halftime, they''d still have a shot.


    But if they didn''t...


    Cleveland might be celebrating early.


    ---


    The second quarter began with the Warriors'' bench unit clawing back into the game. Led by Iguodala and LeBron, they managed to cut the deficit to single digits.


    Wade, who had been solid throughout the Finals, seemed off tonight. Malone noticed and didn''t hesitate¡ªsubbing the starters back earlier than planned.


    And just like that, Han Sen made his presence felt.


    He swatted Iguodala''s shot with authority, igniting the crowd and shifting momentum. The Cavs quickly stretched the lead back to double digits before Kerr could even react with a timeout.


    Coming out of the break, Kerr rolled out his best lineup¡ªthe starters plus Iguodala. It helped stabilize things momentarily, but the Cavs were relentless.


    As the game wore on, Cleveland''s early defensive intensity began to wane. Fatigue set in, evident in their slower rotations and closeouts. Malone recognized it and made an adjustment: focus defensive pressure on the Splash Brothers, daring LeBron and Iguodala to shoot from deep.


    The results were immediate.


    Golden State bricked shot after shot from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, the Cavs capitalized, ballooning the lead to over 15 points.


    That''s when it hit everyone¡ªthe Warriors'' spacing wasn''t as invincible as it seemed. Their perimeter threats hinged almost entirely on Curry and Thompson. LeBron and Iguodala couldn''t stretch the floor consistently, and it showed.


    Iguodala managed with cuts and hustle plays, but LeBron was trapped. His reluctance to shoot threes left him barreling into packed defenses, with Covington, Tucker, and Joki? waiting.


    By halftime, the Cavs led by 20.


    The Warriors were unraveling.


    With one possession left in the half, LeBron held the ball at the top of the key. No defender within three feet. He scanned, directing traffic, but the Cavs smothered Curry and Thompson. With two seconds left, LeBron dished to Draymond Green.


    Green''s contested three clanged off the rim.


    And then¡ªit happened.


    Frustration boiled over.


    Draymond stormed toward LeBron, shouting, "Shoot the damn ball! You were wide open!"


    The arena went silent for a beat. Players froze, ears perked.


    LeBron''s face tightened. "Don''t tell me how to play basketball!"


    Klay Thompson rushed over, trying to defuse the situation, but Draymond wasn''t done. "We''re down 20! Why won''t you shoot?!" S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    LeBron snapped, lowering his voice to a growl, "Shut your mouth. We''ll talk in the locker room."


    Wrong move.


    Draymond exploded, his voice cutting through the arena noise. "You''re a b****, and you know it! We don''t need you. We won without you. Get out of here!"


    LeBron froze. The last time someone disrespected him like that was Westbrook¡ªand at least Russ had the resume to back it up.


    Draymond? Not so much.


    "You better take that back!" LeBron barked, jabbing a finger at Draymond''s chest.


    But Draymond just laughed, raising his voice even higher: "LISTEN UP! WE WERE CHAMPS BEFORE YOU GOT HERE!"


    The halftime buzzer had sounded, but no one moved.


    The implosion had begun.

 Chapter 360: Back-to-Back.

    Chapter 360: Back-to-Back.When Draymond Green spat out those words, everyone in the arena was stunned.


    Not just the Cavaliers'' players, but the Warriors'' players too.


    Even Steph Curry, who had been about to step in and defuse the tension, froze with his hand mid-air, eyes wide.


    "Dude, you went too far."


    While the trash talk wasn''t exactly original¡ªUdonis Haslem had said something similar after LeBron left Miami, directing it at the Thunder¡ªthe context here was different.


    Haslem had been an opponent.


    Green? He was a teammate.


    Trash talk between opponents? That''s normal.


    But trashing your own teammate? And going this hard? Green had set a new precedent¡ªboth in pettiness and audacity.


    The kicker? It wasn''t even wrong.


    The Warriors had won a championship in 2015 without LeBron, and LeBron, in his 14-year career, still had zero rings.


    Of course, this outburst didn''t come out of nowhere.


    Since LeBron joined the Warriors, Green''s stats had plummeted. He went from a do-it-all star to a role player. The only thing keeping the peace? LeBron helping Green secure lucrative off-court business deals.


    But Han Sen saw it coming. He''d been planting seeds all along.


    The chants from Cavs fans¡ª"LeBron will trade you!"¡ªwatered those seeds. Now, under the bright lights of the Finals, they had blossomed into full-blown dysfunction.


    Had the Warriors been winning, maybe those tensions would''ve stayed buried. But down big, facing elimination? There was no point in pretending.


    Someone had to take the fall.


    And Green made sure it wouldn''t be him.


    Han was probably the only one not surprised.


    He knew Green well¡ªthey had history dating back to college. Unlike LeBron, who pretended to be the smartest guy in the room, Green actually had a certain street-smart edge.


    This wasn''t a heat-of-the-moment outburst. It was calculated.


    Every word tied him to the ''real'' Warriors¡ªSteph and Klay. In his mind, they were the core. LeBron? Just a passenger who hopped on later.


    It was the same playbook Green used against Durant years ago.


    The twist? LeBron had signed a 1+1 deal, giving him the option to leave immediately.


    After being disrespected like this, there was no way LeBron would stay.


    Han couldn''t help but laugh.


    Poetic justice.


    Green had once sparked Kyrie''s trade demand, nearly tearing apart the Cavs. Now? He was about to get himself booted from the Warriors.


    "Could''ve kept your mouth shut, Draymond. I even gave you friendly advice. But nah, you had to be you."


    ---


    When the teams returned for the third quarter, LeBron was nowhere to be seen.


    Social media buzzed with reports: "LeBron James out with a groin injury."


    Classic.


    The "injury" wasn''t just about his body¡ªit was his ego. This was his silent protest.


    "Since you think you can win without me, let''s see you try."


    And the result?


    The Warriors actually played better without him.


    Green might have a big mouth, but he had thick skin. He nailed threes, and Klay Thompson exploded in true Game 6 Klay fashion.


    Han had even joked with JR during the bonfire about "G6 Klay" being a myth.


    Turns out, it wasn''t.


    Klay hit six threes in the third quarter, dropping 22 points. The Warriors outscored the Cavs 40-30, cutting the lead to just 10.


    It was like they were sending a message to the front office:


    "See? We don''t need him."


    But then came the fourth quarter.


    Without LeBron, the Warriors ran out of gas.


    Their third-quarter burst had drained them.


    And that''s when Dwyane Wade showed up.


    After a quiet first half, he took over, leading a 10-2 run that pushed the lead back near 20. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Steve Kerr had no choice but to call a timeout and throw his starters back in.


    It was a desperate move¡ªbut Han wasn''t about to show mercy.


    He subbed his starters back in, too.


    The roles had reversed from Game 4. This time, the Cavs were the ones dictating terms.


    The Warriors fought hard. Curry sprinted off screens, trying to create space. But with Han locking him down, they couldn''t close the gap.


    With two minutes left, the Cavs still led by 15.


    Kerr waved the white flag, pulling his starters.


    Malone followed suit.


    That''s when the celebration began.


    Cavs fans erupted. It wasn''t hope anymore. It was real.


    Cleveland was about to go back-to-back.


    Malone left Wade on the floor, letting him savor the moment.


    As the final seconds ticked away, Wade dribbled past half-court and held the ball.


    No need to score.


    The crowd counted down:


    "3...2...1..."


    BZZZZZ!


    The arena exploded.


    Wade clutched the ball, tears welling in his eyes.


    Since 2010, he''d chased his second ring. Through criticism, betrayal, and doubt¡ªhe''d finally done it.


    And the sweetest part?


    He won it over LeBron James.


    The debt had been paid in full.


    ---


    The Cavaliers'' bench erupted into wild celebration.


    Deron Williams, unlike Wade, couldn''t contain his excitement. The veteran leapt onto the court, more animated than the younger players. He had every reason to be ecstatic¡ªafter a frustrating stint with the Lakers last season, he played a crucial role for the Cavs this year, firmly entrenched in the rotation.


    Like Wade, this championship was one he''d earned.


    He wasn''t alone. Korver, Covington, and the rest of the "new guys" from the Irving trade stormed the floor with him, celebrating like maniacs. Deep down, their gratitude went to Han Sen... and Kyrie. If Irving hadn''t requested a trade, they wouldn''t be here. They wouldn''t be champions.


    "I''m a champion! I''M A CHAMPION!"


    On the bench, Derrick Jones Jr. was so overwhelmed he forgot to join the on-court celebration. An undrafted dunk specialist who barely made the roster, now an NBA champion? Unbelievable.


    LeBron was the Chosen One?


    Nah. I am.


    He turned, shouting at Joki?, who sat calmly, smiling faintly.


    For Joki?, it was joy mixed with relief. He hadn''t cost his team the title. And, of course, he was moments away from owning the finest racehorse in Serbia.


    Jones, unsatisfied with Joki?''s mellow reaction, shifted his excitement toward Han Sen, yelling at the top of his lungs.


    Han, slouched on the bench catching his breath, glanced over, unimpressed. His expression practically said, It''s just a championship, calm down.


    Jones quieted immediately.


    Wade, having composed himself, walked over to Han. Han stood, and Wade pulled him into a tight, heartfelt hug.


    "Thank you, Han," Wade whispered, his voice thick with emotion.


    Without Han, he would''ve retired with regrets. Maybe even crawled back to Miami, forced to reconcile with Riley just to close his career.


    But everything changed the moment he joined Cleveland.


    "Don''t thank me," Han replied. "Thank yourself. This is our victory."


    And he meant it. Wade had sacrificed, adapted, and delivered when it mattered most. Without him, the Cavs might''ve crumbled after Kyrie''s midseason trade request. They might not have even survived the Eastern Conference Finals.


    Wade nodded firmly, his eyes still glossy.


    After a brief on-court celebration, the team stormed back to the locker room for more chaos. Amid the champagne showers, Han handed Joki? his promised "small gift."


    A miniature bottle of Sprite.


    Joki? stared at it, bewildered. Han was tempting him to break his soda ban.


    But Han grinned. "Sprite isn''t cola."


    You got me there, Joki? thought, nodding in agreement before taking the tiniest sip, savoring the refreshing taste like it was liquid gold.


    ---


    After the locker room festivities, the team donned their championship shirts and returned to the court for the trophy ceremony.


    The stage was set. Commissioner Silver stood center stage, chatting with Dan Gilbert, who was practically glowing. Among 30 NBA owners, none looked prouder.


    Silver smiled, but beneath it was a hint of unease. Han Sen was the league''s biggest star¡ªtoo big. This was his fifth championship in six years. A dynasty was great for narratives, but dominance like this? It made parity feel like a myth.


    Still, when Han approached, Silver greeted him warmly, offering congratulations.


    As the ceremony began, Silver thanked the Warriors for a hard-fought Finals before announcing the inevitable:


    "The 2017 NBA Champions are the Cleveland Cavaliers... back-to-back champions!"


    The arena exploded.


    Winning is sweet. Winning at home? Unmatched.


    Even Dan Gilbert couldn''t contain himself, hoisting the trophy overhead with one hand, grinning ear to ear.


    When the trophy reached Han, he paused, soaking in the moment.


    Unlike last season''s unity, this championship was born from chaos¡ªtrades, injuries, internal friction. But maybe that made it more meaningful. Through adversity, the Cavs had forged an identity, a culture that would outlast even Han himself.


    Han passed the trophy to Joki?, knowing he''d handed Cleveland not just a title, but a cornerstone for the next decade.


    Amid roaring cheers, the sideline interviews began.


    Dan Gilbert, still riding the high, praised the fans and couldn''t resist a jab at Kyrie''s old comments:


    "Cleveland is a true sports city because it has the best fans in the world!"


    The reporter then turned to Han. The crowd erupted again, their cheers drowning everything else for a solid ten seconds.


    When the noise finally settled, Han was asked the simplest question:


    What do you want to say right now?


    Han smirked.


    "I want to thank a lot of people. But the person I want to thank the most isn''t here tonight."


    Meanwhile, back at his hotel, LeBron James suddenly sneezed.

 Chapter 361: The Reign Before the Goodbye.

    Chapter 361: The Reign Before the Goodbye.After all the interviews wrapped up, Adam Silver received the results of the Finals MVP voting.


    Oddly enough, due to the timing of the ceremony, this was the first individual award handed out since the playoffs began.


    Han Sen''s Finals stats were staggering: 33.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 7 assists, 2.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game, shooting 50.5% from the field and 39.2% from three.


    Joki? averaged 18.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 6.2 assists with shooting splits of 49.6% FG and 31.5% from deep.


    Wade chipped in with 16 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, shooting 46.1% from the field and 36.2% from three.


    No surprises¡ªHan Sen won Finals MVP unanimously.


    When Silver announced the results, the arena erupted with chants of Han''s name. He accepted the Finals MVP trophy from Bill Russell once again. This was the fifth time Russell had presented Han with this honor, and with a playful grin, Russell held up five fingers¡ªmarking their shared history.


    Time flies. What started as a casual promise between them had now spanned five seasons.


    Once the cheers subsided, Han stepped forward for his acceptance speech.


    "I''m glad you guys aren''t chanting ''Emperor.''"


    The crowd roared with laughter. Classic Han, always sharp with humor.


    "A year ago, not many believed Cleveland would win a championship. Before this Finals, even fewer thought we could defend it. But here we are.


    We disappointed a lot of people tonight. The doubters, the haters... we broke their hearts twice.


    Nikola, DW, JR, Robert, TT, PJ, Deron, Kyle, Dante, Nene, Dedmon, Norman, Dejounte, Derrick... every single one of us gave it everything we had. Every practice. Every game. Every damn possession."


    As Han listed each teammate''s name, the crowd erupted in applause after every mention. When he reached the end, even Jones, who had felt overlooked moments before, lit up with pride.


    Han recognized everyone''s contributions.


    He leaned back into the mic, voice steady, eyes sharp:


    "We were never the number one seed, but we were always the champions.


    Because being a champion isn''t about rankings. It''s about resilience. It''s about showing up when no one expects you to. It''s about turning doubt into fuel."


    With those final words, confetti rained down, and Han stood with arms outstretched as Quicken Loans Arena erupted.


    Nothing fired up the crowd like that.


    ---


    After the Finals MVP ceremony concluded, the official championship presentation wrapped up¡ªbut Cleveland''s celebration was far from over.


    Reporters swarmed the players for interviews. Han was surrounded.


    Han spoke about many people¡ªJoki?, Dedmon, and especially Wade.


    "You all saw DW''s incredible performances, but I saw the work he put in behind the scenes."


    It wasn''t just about adjusting his game after losing some of his explosiveness. It was the extra shooting sessions, the sacrifices on the court, the commitment to the team.


    Noticing Wade wasn''t around, reporters searched and found him near the advertising boards.


    Wade sat quietly, championship cap on, champagne in one hand, cigar in the other, with the gleaming trophy in front of him.


    After a puff of his cigar, he poured champagne onto his knees.


    A toast to his knees.


    But then Wade did something more¡ªhe leaned forward, kissed both knees gently, and whispered something no one could hear, like a private thank you. The cameras captured it, immortalizing a man grateful not for glory, but for the body that carried him through it all.


    ---


    After Han''s interviews, most players had left for a championship party at Cleveland''s largest nightclub.


    Returning to the locker room, Han found GM David Griffin and owner Dan Gilbert waiting.


    If it were just about parade planning, Griffin would''ve sufficed. But Gilbert''s presence meant more.


    Unbeknownst to the public, Han''s five-year supermax contract signed in 2013 included a player option this summer.


    Han could opt out and re-sign a new five-year max deal, potentially the largest contract in NBA history due to the rising salary cap.


    Griffin started discussing the new contract, with Gilbert there out of respect.


    Han listened, then signaled to continue the conversation in the GM''s office.


    Gilbert and Griffin exchanged uneasy glances.


    Once inside, Han made his decision clear.


    "Next season will be my last in Cleveland."


    Both men were stunned.


    "Is it something we''ve done wrong?" Gilbert asked, his voice low, genuinely puzzled.


    Han shook his head. "No, Daniel. You''ve done everything right. You''re the best owner in the league," he said sincerely.


    "David, you''re one of the best GMs I''ve ever worked with."


    Han assured them it wasn''t about dissatisfaction. He had been happy in Cleveland.


    Han paused, collecting his thoughts."But I said it before," Han glanced at Gilbert.


    Gilbert understood immediately. Han''s first choice had been the Clippers. His time in Cleveland had been an unexpected detour.


    While he no longer fixated on L.A., Han desired a big market as he neared the latter stages of his career.


    Gilbert leaned back, absorbing Han''s words. There was no bitterness, just a quiet understanding.


    "I get it," Gilbert finally said after a long pause. "When you leave next year, David and I will do everything to support you."


    This was nothing like LeBron''s departure. Han had delivered two championships, given the franchise a heads-up, and even secured a cornerstone like Joki? for the future.


    If anything, Cleveland owed Han Sen more than he owed them.


    ---


    A few days later, Cleveland erupted in celebration for the Cavaliers'' championship parade.


    This time, the turnout was even larger than last year, with fans traveling from around the world to join the festivities.


    The Cavaliers'' title wasn''t just a victory for the city¡ªit was a global celebration, especially for Han Sen''s loyal fanbase.


    With Han leading Cleveland to back-to-back championships, his influence had reached a new dimension. It wasn''t an exaggeration to say his global impact now rivaled Michael Jordan''s.


    The parade featured double-decker buses, but when the lead bus rolled through the crowd, things nearly spiraled out of control.


    Onboard were Coach Malone, JR Smith, Tristan Thompson, and others. But that wasn''t what caught everyone''s attention.


    Mounted on the very front of the bus was a giant cutout of LeBron James.


    No doubt, this was Malone''s idea. Since Han had joked about thanking LeBron for his "contribution" to Cleveland''s championship, Malone figured it shouldn''t just be words¡ªthey needed a tribute.


    This scene quickly became the talk of the parade, destined to be dissected by fans and media alike.


    Perhaps influenced by the spectacle, when Han''s bus appeared, the crowd erupted into chants of "Emperor!"


    It felt like an emperor surveying his kingdom.


    Han could only laugh, shaking his head. He realized this was the unintended consequence of his Finals MVP acceptance speech, where he''d playfully jabbed at LeBron.


    ---


    Inside the NBA: Championship Special


    Ernie Johnson: "Welcome back to our special coverage of the Cavaliers'' championship parade. The streets of Cleveland are electric, folks. Two titles in three years¡ªit''s been an incredible run. Shaq, Kenny, Chuck, this feels different, doesn''t it?"


    Shaquille O''Neal: "It does, Ernie. Back-to-back titles. Han Sen is doing something special out there. He''s not just winning; he''s dominating. That Finals MVP? Unstoppable. The dude averaged over 33 a game, shot 50% from the field, and was a force on defense."


    Kenny Smith: "And it''s the way he controls the game. It''s not just about scoring. His passing, his leadership, his presence on both ends. This isn''t just talent; it''s basketball IQ at its peak."


    Charles Barkley: "Hold on, Shaq. Yeah, Han''s been incredible, but let''s not act like it''s all him. The guy''s got Joki?, Wade, depth off the bench. You need the whole team clicking, not just one superstar."


    Shaquille O''Neal: "Chuck, I''m not saying it''s just him. But without Han, this team isn''t sniffing a championship. You know that. He''s the centerpiece. Period."


    Charles Barkley: "I get that, but give Malone some credit too. The guy''s made the right moves all season. Han''s great, but coaching matters. You should know that, big fella."


    Shaquille O''Neal: "Coaching''s important, sure. But great players make coaches look good. Trust me¡ªI''ve been on both sides of that."


    Kenny Smith: "Look, the truth''s somewhere in the middle. Han''s been phenomenal, Malone''s been sharp, and the roster''s deep. It''s the perfect storm. That''s why they''re back-to-back champs."


    Ernie Johnson: "Speaking of dynasties, do you think this Cavs team has what it takes to keep it going?"


    Charles Barkley: "If they stay healthy? Yeah, they''ve got a shot. But dynasties aren''t just about talent. It''s about chemistry, staying hungry, and handling the pressure year after year. That''s the real test."


    Shaquille O''Neal: "And as long as Han''s there, they''ve got a shot. The guy''s a game-changer. But I''ll tell you this¡ªteams are gonna come after them harder next season. That target on their back just got bigger."


    Kenny Smith: "You know what stood out to me? The parade. The fans chanting ''Emperor'' as Han was waving. That''s not just about basketball. That''s cultural impact. He''s bigger than the game right now."


    Ernie Johnson: "Final thoughts, fellas?"


    Charles Barkley: "Cleveland better enjoy this. You don''t get to witness greatness like this often. Han Sen is writing history. But let''s see if they can keep it up. Winning''s hard¡ªstaying on top is even harder."


    Shaquille O''Neal: "I agree. This is just the beginning. If they can keep this core together, we might be looking at one of the greatest runs in NBA history."


    Kenny Smith: "It''s already one of the greatest. And the scary part? Han Sen isn''t done yet."


    Ernie Johnson: "Well said, gentlemen. Cleveland, your Cavaliers are champions once again. We''ll be here to cover every moment of this historic run. Stay tuned."


    ---


    After the parade looped back to Quicken Loans Arena, Tyronn Lue took center stage for the team''s celebration speech.


    Originally, Han was supposed to deliver the speech, but he insisted Lue was the better choice¡ªand he was right.


    Lue''s speech was electric, filled with heartfelt stories, some even Han hadn''t heard before.


    When Lue mentioned the viral video of Joki? drinking Sprite on championship night, he quoted Han''s infamous line: "Sprite isn''t cola," triggering waves of laughter.


    Lue''s charisma and his ability to connect with everyone were undeniable.


    When the mic finally passed to Han, he set the tone for next season.


    "We''re going to build a dynasty in Cleveland."


    When LeBron joined the Warriors, he promised a dynasty. Now, Cleveland deserved one too.


    If Han had said this upon his return years ago, people would''ve called him crazy¡ªeven with his success in Memphis.


    But now? The arena roared with cheers and anticipation.


    Imagining Cleveland as the heart of an NBA dynasty was surreal, but no longer impossible.


    With the parade concluded, the 2016-2017 NBA season officially came to an end.


    ---


    As the offseason unfolded, several players announced their retirement.


    Deron Williams, after declining his player option, retired. Despite battling knee issues, he''d played a key role this season, helping secure the title¡ªa perfect note to end on. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Paul Pierce and Ray Allen also announced their retirements. Allen had hoped for one last run, but it wasn''t meant to be. Pierce, clearly past his prime, had little left to prove.


    Surprisingly, Han paid tribute to Pierce on social media:


    "Farewell, Truth. You fought until the very end."


    Pierce wasn''t Kobe, but like Kobe, he battled to the final whistle¡ªand that earned Han''s respect.


    Other veterans followed suit: Gerald Wallace, once dubbed "The Cat King", and Matt Barnes, known for his fiery demeanor, both hung up their jerseys.


    As the old guard faded, the future marched on.


    On June 23, 2017, the NBA Draft kicked off at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.


    Han didn''t join Joki? in Serbia this offseason. Instead, after spending over a million dollars on Serbia''s finest racehorse for Joki?, he vacationed in New York with Anjali, ahead of the NBA Awards on the 27th.


    It was Han''s first draft in attendance since his own. While it wasn''t a stacked class, Han''s sharp eye saw plenty of talent.


    More importantly, he had a say in the action.


    The Cavaliers held the 22nd pick from the Kyrie trade with Chicago. Meanwhile, the Kings had the 5th and 10th picks from the Cousins trade.


    Though Han had no official ties to Sacramento, Anjali consulted him as usual. It felt like a real-life version of controlling a franchise in NBA 2K.


    The Sixers took Markelle Fultz first overall, the dynamic guard from Washington, hailed as the best prospect since Derrick Rose.


    The Nets selected Lonzo Ball with the second pick, pairing him with Jaylen Brown for a promising backcourt.


    The Lakers, picking third, missed out on Ball and settled for De''Aaron Fox, an explosive athlete with a shaky jumper.


    The Suns picked Josh Jackson at four, another former top prospect.


    At that moment, Han whispered to Anjali to contact her father immediately.


    Han had advised the Kings to target Donovan Mitchell or Bam Adebayo. But now, an even better option had fallen.


    Five minutes later, Adam Silver took the stage with a smile.


    "With the 5th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select... Jayson Tatum, a 6-foot-8 forward from Duke University."


    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 362: The 2017 NBA Awards Ceremony.

    Chapter 362: The 2017 NBA Awards Ceremony.After selecting Jayson Tatum with the 5th pick, the Kings quickly followed up by drafting Donovan Mitchell with the 10th pick.


    With that, the Kings suddenly had a trio of rising stars: Mitchell, Tatum, and Domantas Sabonis.


    If this were the world of One Piece, it''d be like having Ace, Zoro, and Hawkins on the same crew.


    If they still can''t make something out of that lineup, the Kings might just be rotten to the core.


    The draft soon moved to the Cavaliers. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Holding the 22nd pick, they selected Kyle Kuzma from the University of Utah.


    From Han Sen''s perspective as someone who''s "seen the future", there were arguably better options available¡ªlike Jarrett Allen from Texas or OG Anunoby from Indiana.


    But the decision to pass on them for Kuzma was simple: Kuzma''s ceiling wasn''t the highest, but he was NBA-ready.


    After trading for Wade last season, the Cavs were deep into the luxury tax. Without making trades, their free agency options were limited.


    In that context, drafting an immediate contributor made perfect sense.


    Still, the pick surprised many. What Han didn''t expect was how quickly social media lit up after the selection.


    Even Anjali handed him her phone to take a look.


    "The Cavaliers just drafted the next ''Han Sen.''"


    The quotation marks around his name piqued Han''s curiosity.


    When he opened the post, he stared at it for a moment¡ªthen burst out laughing.


    Longtime fans might remember that before his own draft, Han never thought he''d end up in Cleveland.


    In fact, chasing ''hater points'', he once made this infamous remark:


    "Dwight Howard averaged 5.3 fouls per game in that series, fouled out in three of the six games, and the Magic still eliminated the Cavs 4-2."


    A classic stat-based jab.


    That comment made him public enemy #1 among LeBron fans¡ªand set the stage for all the drama that followed when he was drafted by the Cavs.


    Now, eight years later, the Cavs had drafted another LeBron hater.


    Because right after Kuzma was picked, fans dug up an old tweet of his from 2012:


    "LeBron''s from the East, decided to go South, his hairline went North, but his mom went West. LOL!"


    In just one tweet, he roasted The Decision, LeBron''s hairline, and the whole ''Delonte West'' saga.


    Honestly, compared to that, Han''s old jabs looked like child''s play.


    This dude was pure.


    Of course, none of this had much to do with Han personally.


    After all, if Kuzma had been a Han hater and still got drafted by the Cavs¡ªthat would''ve been ironic.


    But that kind of thing might''ve happened years ago, back when Han talked big before backing it up.


    Now? He''d delivered on every bold claim. There was nothing left for haters to latch onto.


    ---


    After the first round wrapped up, Han and Anjali left Brooklyn.


    A few days later, they showed up¡ªdressed to the nines¡ªat Basketball City at Pier 36 in Manhattan for the 2017 NBA Awards Ceremony.


    Han arrived fashionably late.


    The moment he walked in, cameras zoomed in, and the crowd erupted.


    As the "Jordan of this era", Han''s presence turned heads wherever he went.


    His seat was near the front, but as he made his way through, countless people stood to greet him.


    Some familiar faces, others unexpected¡ªlike Dwyane Wade.


    After exchanging pleasantries, Han didn''t make it to his assigned seat. Instead, he joined Joki?''s table.


    Joki? had just rushed in from a horse racing event, cutting it close to attend the ceremony.


    Now, the NBA Awards were structured like the Oscars¡ªthree finalists for each category.


    Joki? was a finalist for Most Improved Player.


    No sooner had Han sat down than Joki? started venting about almost skipping the ceremony to stay at his horse race.


    But when Han asked about the race, Joki?''s face lit up instantly, like flipping a switch¡ªhis grin stretching from ear to ear.


    This year, Joki? hadn''t ridden himself; he''d hired a pro jockey.


    A professional rider plus the best horse money could buy? They dominated the finals.


    When their conversation wrapped up, Han moved to his assigned seat.


    This year''s host wasn''t the usual TNT crew¡ªit was Canadian entertainer Aubrey "Drake" Graham.


    The league clearly wanted someone charismatic to keep the energy high for their first-ever awards ceremony.


    Meanwhile, the TNT crew¡ªShaq, Chuck, Kenny, and the ever-underrated Ernie Johnson¡ªprovided live commentary.


    After some playful banter and even a shoutout to the BIG3 league [1], the awards finally kicked off.


    Each award had its own presenter.


    The first was Rookie of the Year, presented by Grant Hill.


    The finalists?


    - Joel Embiid (76ers)


    - Malcolm Brogdon (Bucks)


    - Jaylen Brown (Nets)


    The winner?


    Jaylen Brown.


    Brown had averaged 17.8 points and 5.7 rebounds in 30 minutes per game for Brooklyn, shooting 45.1% from the field and 36.2% from three.


    In history, Brown had been drafted by the Celtics and struggled for minutes. But in Brooklyn? Opportunity knocked.


    Embiid''s stats were flashier¡ª20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds¡ªand he was one of the few rookies in recent years to average 20+.


    But he only played 31 games due to injuries. That limited sample size cost him the award.


    Next up: Sixth Man of the Year.


    Wade could''ve been a contender, but his time in Chicago was spent as a starter, not off the bench.


    The award went to Lou Williams of the Houston Rockets.


    Lou averaged 18 points per game as the sixth man, thriving in his role.


    The highlight?


    Before heading to the stage, Lou hugged both of his girlfriends.


    Yep. You read that right.


    One was Ashley Henderson, his high school sweetheart and mother of his two kids.


    The other? Rece Mitchell, whom he''d been dating since 2014.


    The kicker?


    They weren''t fighting¡ªthey were best friends.


    Lou Will wasn''t just a Sixth Man.


    He was a life MVP.


    ---


    After the Sixth Man of the Year award, the stage was set for the NBA''s Best Teammate Award.


    Unlike other accolades that celebrate individual stats and performances, this one symbolized league-wide recognition¡ªno nominees, just a direct selection.


    When the presenter was revealed, the crowd erupted.


    Kobe Bryant.


    The announcement of the winner made it clear why Kobe was chosen to present this award.


    The recipient? Dwyane Wade.


    The league''s former premier shooting guard presenting an award to the man who had long been considered the second-best two-guard of their era. A fitting tribute.


    Wade ascended the stage, accepting the trophy from Kobe. Their heartfelt embrace drew waves of applause and cheers from the audience.


    This ceremony had its fair share of critiques¡ªfans grumbling about the league waiting until the season''s end to present regular-season awards, calling it redundant. But moments like this? They silenced the critics.


    Wade''s award was well-deserved. Among active players, few embodied the spirit of a true teammate more than he did.


    Following the emotional high of Wade''s award, the event shifted to fan-voted categories: Best Assist, Best Block, Best Dunk.


    Han Sen and Nikola Jokic took home the Best Play award for their seamless pick-and-roll against the Warriors, capped by Jokic''s slick pass to JR Smith for a thunderous windmill dunk.


    After these lighter segments, the ceremony entered its halftime break.


    As the first chords of "The Nights" played, the arena''s LED screens lit up with a montage.


    Han Sen''s attention was immediately drawn to the footage¡ªnostalgic clips of young Kobe, Ray Allen, Allen Iverson, Peja Stojakovic, Dirk Nowitzki, Vince Carter, and Stephon Marbury flashed across the screen.


    A tribute to an era Han had never shared the court with, yet one that resonated deeply.


    The montage shifted, showing these legends in their twilight years and retirement moments¡ªa poignant reminder of time''s relentless march.


    Then came the live performances.


    Much to Han''s mild exasperation, the lineup was dominated by rap acts.


    Yet amid the performances, James Harden unintentionally stole the spotlight.


    His reaction to Nicki Minaj''s set¡ªwide-eyed, visibly smitten¡ªinstantly became a viral moment.


    It was well-documented gossip fodder in Han''s past life. Nicki even referenced it in her song "Ball For Me":


    "My looks got ''em shook, like James Harden drooling over me."


    At least Han had songs written post-breakup; Harden just needed a glance.


    As the ceremony resumed, the first award of the second half was the NBA Sportsmanship Award.


    It went to Kemba Walker, with John Wall presenting.


    The irony? They were often mistaken for each other¡ªone of the NBA''s many "face-blind" duos. The league surely did that on purpose.


    Next up was the Lifetime Achievement Award.


    When Bill Russell took the stage, the arena fell into an awed hush.


    Russell, the embodiment of basketball greatness, didn''t just accept the award¡ªhe owned the moment. Grinning, he pointed at the front row where several current NBA centers sat.


    "I''d still kick all your asses," he joked, drawing roaring laughter.


    But then his tone softened.


    "This game gave me more than trophies. It gave me purpose. It taught me that leadership isn''t about being the loudest¡ªit''s about being the one who stands when no one else will."


    The standing ovation was immediate.


    After a series of smaller awards, the event moved to one of its marquee honors: Coach of the Year.


    Nominees: Michael Malone, Brad Stevens, Gregg Popovich.


    The winner?


    Michael Malone.


    The Cavaliers'' first major win of the night.


    Malone''s enthusiasm was palpable. He hoisted the trophy above his head, radiating the energy of a coach who''d climbed the mountain.


    But it wasn''t just raw emotion. Malone''s acceptance speech was textbook: heartfelt thanks to his wife, the front office, his players¡ªwith special acknowledgment to Han Sen.


    It was a masterclass in grace and gratitude.


    The ceremony continued with more fan-favorite categories: Best Buzzer-Beater, Best Moment, and so on.


    Han couldn''t help but think that if these awards had existed last season, his "Countdown" game-winning three would''ve been a lock.


    Now, with the small awards out of the way, the stage was set for the Defensive Player of the Year¡ªa category where Han was a finalist alongside Kawhi Leonard and Draymond Green.


    The presenter? Kevin Garnett.


    The choice of KG seemed telling.


    "The 2016-2017 NBA Defensive Player of the Year is... Han Sen."


    The arena erupted.


    With this win, Han Sen became only the second player after Dwight Howard to secure three consecutive DPOY titles.


    Han was genuinely surprised. Despite his stellar defense, he had braced for "voter fatigue" to derail his streak.


    But Cleveland''s defensive surge this season left the league no choice.


    As Han took the stage, the cheers were deafening.


    When they finally subsided, his opening line had the crowd laughing:


    "I didn''t prepare a speech because, honestly, I wasn''t expecting this."


    After the light-hearted moment, Han shifted focus, thanking his teammates for their defensive contributions.


    The roster changes had elevated the Cavs'' defense¡ªhis role remained consistent, but the collective effort was undeniable.


    If Han had been DPOY-worthy before, this season only solidified it.


    With awards for Wade, Malone, and now Han, the Cavaliers had not only claimed the championship but a trophy case full of individual honors.


    Finally, the biggest award of the night: the regular season MVP.


    The finalists were Han Sen, Russell Westbrook, and Stephen Curry.


    The presenter? NBA Commissioner Adam Silver himself.


    "The 2016-2017 NBA Most Valuable Player is... Han Sen."


    The crowd erupted once more, with many rising to their feet in applause.


    This win marked a historic milestone. Han Sen became the first player in NBA history to win the scoring title, Defensive Player of the Year, MVP, Finals MVP, and earn both All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team honors in a single season.


    As Han approached the stage, the ovation was deafening. He paused, soaking in the moment before speaking:


    "You know, people think the first MVP is the most special¡ªbut it''s not. It''s the one you earn when they expect you to fall off. When they say, ''He''s had his run.'' But here I am."


    The crowd roared.


    "This isn''t about proving people wrong anymore. It''s about proving the belief in myself was always right. Every early morning, every late night, every game where I didn''t feel like myself¡ªthat''s what this trophy represents."


    A pause. Han''s eyes scanned the crowd.


    "I''m not here to be remembered. I''m here to be undeniable."


    The arena exploded in cheers.


    It was a night that cemented his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the game.


    -End of Chapter-


    Translator''s note:


    [1] The BIG3 refers to a professional 3-on-3 basketball league founded in 2017 by rapper and actor Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz. The league features former NBA players and international stars, playing a half-court, fast-paced style with unique rules, such as:


    - A 4-point shot from designated circles beyond the three-point line


    - Games played to 50 points, win by 2


    - Focus on physical play, resembling streetball dynamics

 Chapter 363: The Agent Game.

    Chapter 363: The Agent Game.After attending the award ceremony, Han Sen and Nikola Jokic returned to Cleveland to begin their summer training camp.


    This offseason, Han Sen reflected on the gaps in his game, especially during critical stretches of the Finals. Recognizing the increasing defensive pressure he''d faced near the rim, he decided to unlock a new Tier 1 talent from his System: [Sky Hook].


    It wasn''t a spontaneous choice¡ªHan had been contemplating it since facing the Warriors'' interior defense. Adding the Sky Hook would not only diversify his scoring arsenal but also prolong his dominance without relying solely on explosive athleticism.


    As for Jokic, in addition to bulking up and increasing his strength, Grover had devised specialized three-point shooting drills tailored to his needs. The goal was clear: improve Jokic''s low-post physicality while enhancing his perimeter threat. This dual challenge even pushed Jokic to his limits.


    Fortunately, Jokic wasn''t alone.


    Shortly after their training began, Dewayne Dedmon joined them, eager to elevate his game after gaining confidence from his Finals appearances. Although veterans like Nene were likely to fill rotation spots, Dedmon believed he could carve out a significant role. To achieve this, he focused on expanding his offensive range¡ªespecially developing a reliable three-point shot.


    A true "3&D center" was rare, and Dedmon was determined to become one.


    Han wasn''t sure who had influenced Dedmon''s decision to stretch his game, but he knew Dedmon had the potential to make it work¡ªa definite win for the Cavaliers.


    Having experienced a dynasty run in Memphis, Han understood how challenging the third year could be. Sustained success required constant evolution.


    Outside the gym, Han kept a close eye on free agency, curious about the fates of LeBron James and Draymond Green. Would the Cavaliers'' fans be right, predicting Green''s trade at LeBron''s request? Or would LeBron continue his nomadic "king''s journey", switching teams yet again? Perhaps they''d even put aside their differences and remain teammates.


    ---


    While the Warriors'' situation remained unresolved, the Bulls made the first big move.


    In an attempt to appease Kyrie Irving, Chicago struck a deal with the Hornets before free agency began. They traded Dwight Howard and the 31st pick, Frank Jackson, for Miles Plumlee, Marco Belinelli, and the 41st pick, Tyler Dorsey.


    Yes, you read that right. After his playoff struggles, Howard''s trade value had plummeted, making it feel like Chicago was just offloading a bad contract.


    But if trading Howard could smooth things over with Kyrie, it was worth it¡ªor so they thought.


    The very next day, Kyrie shocked the Bulls'' front office by requesting a trade to the Celtics.


    They were blindsided.


    "Seriously, Kyrie? What kind of logic is this?"


    While this move seemed baffling, it wasn''t entirely out of character. Kyrie had publicly expressed interest in playing alongside Kevin Durant in Boston the previous season. Unhappy in Chicago, he simply wanted out.


    But couldn''t he have made the request before they traded Howard?


    Han couldn''t help but chuckle. In ''history'', Kyrie had also requested a trade after free agency had nearly settled. This was no coincidence¡ªKyrie was sending a message, expressing his frustration with how long the Bulls had kept Howard.


    From a competitive standpoint, the Bulls had just weakened their roster, leaving Kyrie with little faith in their future.


    Like Cleveland before them, Chicago''s front office was reluctant to grant Kyrie''s wish. But Kyrie was adamant: he''d sit out the season if they didn''t trade him to Boston. No other destination would suffice.


    Han found this absurd.


    "Paul George''s trade demands look reasonable compared to this."


    Negotiations would drag on, but the drama was far from over.


    ---


    On July 1st, the opening day of free agency, LeBron James declined his player option, making headlines.


    Shortly after, Rich Paul delivered an ultimatum: unless the Warriors traded Draymond Green, LeBron wouldn''t return.


    In other words, Golden State faced losing LeBron for nothing if they refused.


    Were there any players in free agency on LeBron''s level?


    Only Stephen Curry.


    Beyond that, the next tier included Gordon Hayward and Blake Griffin¡ªsolid stars, but nowhere near LeBron''s caliber.


    Hayward might''ve been a fit, but would he leave his starring role in Utah to be the Warriors'' fourth option? Unlikely.


    LeBron''s 1+1 contract had masterfully cornered the Warriors'' front office. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Green, once the instigator, now found himself at the center of the storm.


    Two high-stakes dramas in both conferences had fans glued to every development.


    Meanwhile, Han trained, watching the chaos unfold.


    ---


    On July 2nd, the second day of free agency, everything remained quiet. Teams were clearly waiting for the Kyrie and LeBron situations to resolve.


    But that day brought an unexpected visitor to Cleveland¡ªan old acquaintance of Han''s.


    Yao Ming.


    Technically, it was President Yao Ming now, as he''d become the head of the Chinese Basketball Association.


    Yao had come to discuss Han''s potential return to the national team.


    They''d briefly touched on the topic during Han''s jersey retirement ceremony in February, but this was more formal.


    China had secured the rights to host the 2019 FIBA World Cup¡ªthe country''s first major basketball event since the 2008 Olympics.


    As they sat down, Yao reminisced about his own Olympic experience.


    "I knew back then¡ªit was my one chance to compete on home soil. That''s why I gave it everything, even at the cost of my career."


    Yao''s words resonated.


    "There''s no reset button in life. Once it''s gone, it''s gone."


    Han agreed to join the national team. Like Yao, he recognized the rarity of playing a major tournament at home.


    Moreover, Han respected Yao, who had once advised him against playing injured for China¡ªa gesture that left a lasting impression.


    However, Han had one condition.


    "Since you''re here, you might as well share some of your post moves with Jokic."


    Han had attended Hakeem Olajuwon''s training camp before, but he knew Jokic wasn''t built for Olajuwon''s quick-footed style. Yao''s game, grounded in fundamentals and precision, was a better fit.


    Especially in low-post techniques, Yao''s insights were invaluable to Jokic.


    While they were engrossed in training, a bombshell dropped on social media.


    ---


    Stephen Curry, who had remained silent during the LeBron-Draymond drama, finally spoke out:


    "We achieved success in 2015¡ªwe can''t afford to lose anyone."


    This stance wasn''t surprising. If LeBron had been willing to sit down with Draymond and talk things out, Curry''s peacemaking nature would''ve gladly facilitated.


    But with the situation reduced to a choice between the two, there was no way Curry would side with LeBron. Draymond represented the Warriors'' core legacy.


    Had Curry chosen LeBron, the Warriors'' locker room would''ve exploded.


    Curry''s statement effectively sealed the fate of this saga.


    It wasn''t just about his influence within the team¡ªCurry was also a free agent this offseason.


    Pissing him off? The Warriors risked losing their franchise cornerstone.


    So, with Curry''s declaration, LeBron''s leverage crumbled. His time in the Bay Area was over.


    LeBron¡ªdown bad.


    New York and Los Angeles? Both off the table.


    Cleveland? That "hometown" was now Han Sen''s kingdom.


    The Bay was closed. So, where could he go?


    Even Han couldn''t predict the answer.


    ---


    July 3rd: The free agency market erupted with activity.


    One of the big fish, Gordon Hayward, announced he was re-signing with the Jazz on a five-year max deal.


    While Blake Griffin''s situation remained uncertain, Hayward''s decision slammed shut another door for the Warriors.


    If Golden State wanted a replacement, they''d have to look further down the list¡ªJrue Holiday, Paul Millsap, Danilo Gallinari.


    The pressure on the Warriors'' front office intensified.


    After Yao wrapped up Jokic''s training, he returned to China, leaving Jokic to test his progress against Dedmon.


    The free agency market went eerily quiet for the next two days.


    Then, on July 5th, with just two days left before the moratorium ended, Kyrie Irving''s drama finally reached a conclusion.


    The Bulls reluctantly agreed to his trade request.


    But instead of a straightforward deal with the Celtics, they pulled off a four-team blockbuster trade¡ªa move that sent shockwaves through the Eastern Conference.


    The Trade Details:


    - Bulls: Traded Kyrie Irving and Jimmy Butler, received Markelle Fultz, Jahlil Okafor, Ante ?i?i?, John Collins, Jerryd Bayless, and draft picks from the Celtics and Pacers.


    - Celtics: Traded Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante ?i?i?, and an unprotected future first-round pick, received Kyrie Irving.


    - 76ers: Traded Fultz, Okafor, and Bayless, received Jimmy Butler and Jae Crowder.


    - Pacers: Traded John Collins (19th pick, 2017), a future first-rounder, and a second-round pick, received Isaiah Thomas.


    ---


    The biggest surprise? The 76ers abandoning ''The Process''.


    But in reality, Sam Hinkie¡ªthe architect of that process¡ªhad resigned before last season''s draft.


    Now, with an opportunity to strengthen the roster, the Sixers seized it.


    Post-trade, their lineup looked formidable in the East:


    Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, Jae Crowder, Dario Saric, Joel Embiid.


    With Embiid shooting 36.7% from three in his rookie season, their spacing wasn''t as limited as one might think.


    If Embiid stayed healthy and the front office bolstered the bench, they''d be a serious contender.


    The Celtics? No surprises there.


    Isaiah Thomas had been inconsistent against the Cavaliers in the playoffs. Upgrading at point guard was essential, and with their assets, Kyrie was the perfect target.


    Plus, Kevin Durant had openly expressed interest in teaming up with Kyrie.


    As long as Kyrie kept his antics in check, Boston''s roster was significantly stronger on paper.


    The Pacers made a smart play.


    With Jeff Teague''s contract expiring, flipping minimal assets for an All-Star like Isaiah Thomas helped them retain Paul George¡ªa move they could live with.


    And Larry Bird? He''d resigned from his front-office role back in May, right after the Pacers'' season ended. No more decision-making from him.


    Han''s biggest surprise?


    Paul George never requested a trade.


    Apparently, Han''s words¡ªspoken when George called him an idol¡ªhad left a lasting impact.


    As for the Bulls?


    Kyrie''s drama blew everything up, but honestly, they''d been itching for a rebuild anyway.


    They walked away with a treasure trove of young talent.


    From a rebuilding standpoint? A win.


    But if you showed those assets to Han?


    "The Bulls have no hope of a resurgence."


    Not a single star in sight.


    Ironically, if Kyrie hadn''t gone scorched-earth on LeBron, Nike might''ve orchestrated LeBron''s move to Chicago this summer.


    Big market? Check.


    Kyrie and LeBron''s games complementing each other? Perfect.


    But alas, no "what ifs" in basketball.


    ---


    With the Eastern drama settled, all eyes shifted west.


    July 6th: The free agency moratorium neared its end.


    And then, LeBron finally broke his silence.


    "New Orleans is a city that''s endured so much. They need a sports renaissance. I''m heading there to build a future alongside Anthony Davis."


    Social media? Absolute chaos.


    "Fake news, right? LeBron''s going to... New Orleans? A small market like that?"


    "Is this charity basketball?"


    "Actually... now that you mention it, AD fits. Strong talent, but young enough for LeBron to be the alpha. Plus, the team''s competitive."


    "Why the hell should AD play second fiddle to LeBron? The ''Chosen Son of America'' is better than your ''Chosen One'' bulls**t!"


    Amid the debate, one quiet tweet slipped through the noise:


    "After last season, Anthony Davis fired his agent. His new representation? Rich Paul."

 Chapter 364 - 2017 NBA Free Agency.

    Chapter 364: 2017 NBA Free Agency."The Decision, The Decision, The Decision, The Decision!"


    A rookie on social media made waves with this post, referencing LeBron James'' four major career decisions.


    Even Han Sen only saw LeBron''s latest move after this post popped up in his feed. Han paused, clearly surprised.


    "I completely forgot about Anthony Davis!"


    In ''history'', Davis joined LeBron on the Lakers, following him. But now? LeBron was the one following Davis to New Orleans.


    Han had to admit¡ªLeBron''s experience in team-building far surpassed his own.


    But this raised a question: Weren''t the Pelicans already running a twin-tower lineup? Adding LeBron into the frontcourt¡ªwouldn''t that just overcrowd the paint?


    It wasn''t just Han wondering this; social media was ablaze with the same question.


    Luckily, the answer came quickly.


    LeBron hadn''t signed directly with the Pelicans. Instead, it was a sign-and-trade deal.


    The Warriors first signed LeBron to a three-year, $100 million contract (with a player option in the third year), then traded him to New Orleans for DeMarcus Cousins.


    Ah, the classic Bird Rights maneuver.


    While fans'' initial confusion was cleared up, new questions arose.


    Trading Cousins made sense for the Pelicans. Despite their twin-tower experiment, they''d missed the playoffs entirely last season. Even after Cousins joined, their win rate remained mediocre.


    As fans joked, Davis and Cousins were basically "co-captains of the Empty Stats Club".


    So, seeking change was understandable.


    But the Warriors'' move was baffling.


    Sure, Cousins still carried the ''best center in the league'' label, boasting monstrous stats: 27 points, 11 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game.


    Yet, like Kevin Love before him, Cousins had never played a single playoff game.


    Plus, his playing style didn''t mesh well with Golden State''s system. It felt eerily similar to when Shaquille O''Neal joined the Suns late in his career¡ªawkward at best.


    Still, after the trade, Warriors players flooded social media, welcoming Cousins with open arms.


    Even Coach Kerr chimed in: "The Warriors just landed the best center of the Curry era."


    The sentiment was clear: They couldn''t wait to be rid of LeBron. Who replaced him didn''t really matter.


    Of course, they''d have preferred Davis, but would New Orleans have ever agreed to that?


    With other options like Hayward and Griffin off the table, this was the Warriors'' best move.


    Besides, Cousins was on an expiring contract, giving them flexibility. If things didn''t work out, they could pivot in next year''s free agency.


    And one particular 6''8" (2.03m) small forward still playing in Indiana might just be the perfect target.


    ---


    Meanwhile, the Pelicans wasted no time.


    ESPN quickly reported that Davis personally greeted LeBron at the airport¡ªa move many suspected had Nike''s fingerprints all over it.


    Naturally, social media erupted with jokes:


    "The ''Son of America'' who can''t win meets the ''Chosen One'' who can''t get a ring. Perfect duo!"


    The Pelicans then solidified their core, re-signing Jrue Holiday to a five-year, $131 million deal. Their new Big Three: Holiday, LeBron, and Davis.


    Next, they traded Omer Asik to the rebuilding Bulls for Nikola Mirotic.


    With LeBron and Holiday not being elite three-point shooters¡ªand Davis hovering below 30%¡ªspacing was critical. They already had E''Twaun Moore as a perimeter threat, but Mirotic added much-needed stretch ability from the frontcourt.


    Now, they just needed a rugged center to start alongside Davis to preserve his energy, plus some bench depth. Suddenly, they looked like serious contenders in the West.


    With LeBron''s saga finally settled, both the Eastern and Western Conference dramas had reached their conclusions.


    Or so it seemed.


    ---


    Then came another bombshell: The Rockets officially waived Chris Bosh, who had been battling blood clots for the past two seasons.


    The news was both sudden and expected.


    Back in June, an NBA-Players Association medical report had labeled Bosh''s condition as "career-ending".


    That report unofficially signaled his retirement.


    But Bosh wasn''t ready to give up. He''d spent the past month fighting for a comeback.


    Ultimately, after exhausting every option, the medical team ruled him unfit for professional basketball.


    "Patients with blood clots must avoid intense physical activity. The risk of vascular bleeding and pulmonary embolism is high¡ªpotentially fatal, even faster than a heart attack."


    A grim, clinical verdict¡ªlike a death sentence for his career.


    If Bosh had pushed on, he likely would''ve died on the court.


    Eventually, he had to accept reality.


    Under the new CBA, buyouts for career-ending conditions don''t count against the salary cap, though insurance still covers the remaining contract.


    After negotiations, Bosh''s $50 million balance would be paid in 120 installments¡ª$433,000 every two weeks.


    Of course, the Rockets weren''t being altruistic. They needed that cap space to finalize a deal with Eric Gordon.


    Players across the league sent their best wishes.


    Han Sen, once a rival, tweeted: "When your jersey is retired, I hope we hear the Dragon''s Roar one more time."


    Say what you will about the NBA, but they know how to handle business.


    Bosh''s paychecks would continue through 2022.


    Talk about earning while resting.


    Bosh''s retirement was just a subplot in the free agency frenzy.


    As the moratorium lifted, teams began officially signing their verbal agreements, setting the stage for the next NBA season.


    ---


    Han Sen kept a close eye on the Cavaliers'' offseason moves.


    The team''s biggest move of the summer was re-signing Robert Covington to a four-year, $62 million contract. While that seemed hefty at first glance, in today''s NBA¡ªwhere max contracts exceed $30 million¡ªelite 3-and-D players come with a premium price tag.


    With Covington secured, the Cavaliers'' starting lineup featured multiple players earning $15 million or more annually, except for Nikola Jokic, who was still on his rookie deal. Add Dwyane Wade''s $20 million contract off the bench, and if Han hadn''t stayed on his current deal, they''d have been deep into luxury tax territory.


    Despite the financial strain, Dan Gilbert showed no hesitation in opening his wallet, fully committed to building a dynasty in Cleveland.


    The Cavaliers re-signed Kyle Korver with a three-year, $22 million deal, keeping their most reliable sharpshooter from last season.


    David Griffin followed up with a smart veteran minimum signing, bringing in Derrick Rose on an expiring deal. Not stopping there, the Cavs also signed David West on a veteran''s minimum contract.


    Everyone has their pride, but just as in life¡ªwhere justice doesn''t always triumph and hard work doesn''t guarantee rewards¡ªchoices often come down to legacy versus pride. Paul Pierce chose to "die" with his pride intact, while David West ultimately compromised.


    West''s situation was different from Pierce''s¡ªPierce already had a championship ring, but West didn''t. He had once left over $10 million on the table, chasing that elusive title to complete his career. Seeing Deron Williams retire with satisfaction pushed him to swallow his pride.


    While some players stayed and others joined, departures were inevitable.


    P.J. Tucker signed a four-year, $40 million deal with the Rockets. Norman Powell received a four-year, $42 million offer from the Raptors, which the Cavaliers declined to match.


    Han reviewed the updated Cavaliers roster:


    - Point Guards: Han Sen, Derrick Rose, Dejounte Murray


    - Shooting Guards: J.R. Smith, Dwyane Wade


    - Small Forwards: Robert Covington, Kyle Korver, Kyle Kuzma


    - Power Forwards: Tristan Thompson, David West, Dante Cunningham


    - Centers: Nikola Jokic, Nene, Dewayne Dedmon


    Compared to last season, the roster saw slight improvements. The front office had clearly done everything possible. The rest would depend on player form and how much Jokic could develop in the new season.


    The NBA also introduced two-way contracts this year. The Cavaliers released Jones Jr., re-signing him to a two-year two-way deal with the first year fully guaranteed. The second two-way spot went to Alex Caruso, who Han had recommended to Griffin the previous season. Without an available roster spot then, Caruso had spent most of the year in the G-League. Once the Cavaliers made the offer, he signed immediately.


    For fringe NBA players, joining a back-to-back championship team like the Cavaliers was highly attractive. The spotlight on a title-contending squad could turn a few good games into a guaranteed contract elsewhere¡ªor even, like Powell, a shot at cracking the rotation and earning millions.


    While keeping tabs on his own team, Han also noticed another Eastern Conference squad quietly making big moves: the Milwaukee Bucks.


    Post-free agency moratorium, the Bucks completed a stealthy trade with the Magic, sending Jabari Parker and John Henson for Brook Lopez. Lopez had consistently put up 20+10 numbers with the Magic, but the team remained near the bottom of the East. The Magic front office, realizing Lopez wasn''t the answer, opted for Parker''s potential after his impressive scoring last season.


    With Lopez in the fold, the Bucks'' roster solidified¡ªLopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo anchoring the frontcourt, Khris Middleton and Malcolm Brogdon on the wings, leaving only the need for a quality point guard. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Eastern Conference, after years of decline, was shaping up to be fiercely competitive:


    - Tier 1: Cavaliers, Celtics


    - Tier 2: 76ers, Raptors, Bucks


    - Dark Horses: Pacers, Wizards, Pistons


    Even for the reigning champions, the path out of the East wouldn''t be easy.


    ---


    As free agency wound down, the Warriors signed veteran C.J. Miles to a three-year, $25 million deal. Stephen Curry''s statement, "No one gets left behind," influenced management to retain key veterans¡ªAndre Iguodala (three years, $48 million) and Shaun Livingston (three years, $24 million)¡ªadding to the team''s financial burden.


    Meanwhile, the Pelicans used their mid-level exception to sign Nick Young, bolstering their perimeter shooting.


    By late July, Han held his annual personal training camp. Not long after it began, an unexpected visitor showed up¡ªTony Allen, looking rugged and weary.


    Han was surprised. Allen had been a starter for the Pacers last season and even made the All-Defensive Second Team. How could no team want him?


    Turns out, even Allen himself couldn''t believe it.


    After sitting down and analyzing the situation, Han realized Allen had been left behind by the times. In today''s NBA, a guard without a three-point shot was a liability. At 35, Allen''s age and declining physicality made matters worse.


    A defensive specialist with no offensive upside, minimal developmental potential, and questionable longevity? Most teams would pass.


    "If this is too much trouble¡ª" Allen hesitated.


    "No, your timing is perfect," Han replied, though he wasn''t committing just yet. He saw an opportunity to give Allen a chance.


    Han invited Allen to return the next day, bringing David Griffin to observe.


    A few days later, the Cavaliers announced the signing of Tony Allen on a veteran''s minimum deal, completing their offseason moves.


    ---


    The iconic set of "Inside the NBA" crackled with post-free agency buzz, the crew eager to dissect the league''s shifting landscape. Ernie Johnson leaned forward, his signature grin setting the tone.


    "Welcome back, folks. Free agency didn''t disappoint¡ªLeBron heading to New Orleans, Kyrie landing in Boston, Han Sen and the Cavs stacking up, and Chris Bosh''s emotional retirement. Shaq, what caught your eye the most?"


    Shaquille O''Neal chuckled, not missing a beat. "Easy. LeBron''s move. Man''s like a basketball nomad¡ªnew city, new squad, same story. But New Orleans? That ain''t exactly the big stage. Feels like he''s running out of maps."


    Kenny Smith smirked. "Or maybe it''s a strategy. Pairing up with AD and Jrue Holiday isn''t exactly a bad gig. But for me? It''s Kyrie in Boston. That duo with KD¡ªthat''s scary. Celtics just vaulted into serious contention."


    Charles Barkley leaned back, laughing. "Hold up. Kyrie? The man wanted his own team, now he''s KD''s sidekick. Boston looks good on paper, but chemistry ain''t written in ink. And Han Sen? That guy''s the real problem in the East. Cavs look like they''re built for another run. Han''s leadership is different."


    Shaq nodded. "And don''t sleep on the Tony Allen signing. Old-school grit. That''s the kind of dog you need when the game slows down in the playoffs."


    Charles rolled his eyes. "Grit? Come on, Shaq. This ain''t 2004. It''s about spacing and shooting now. But if anyone can squeeze the last bit of juice outta that style, it''s Han. He''s like a damn basketball wizard¡ªmakes things work that shouldn''t."


    Ernie chuckled, steering them back. "So, who''s the team to beat in the East?"


    Charles didn''t hesitate. "Cavs. Until someone knocks them off."


    Kenny shrugged. "Yeah, but don''t sleep on the Bucks. Giannis is coming for that crown."


    Shaq leaned forward, grinning. "Nah, it''s still the Cavs. As long as Han''s breathing, they''re the team to beat."


    Ernie wrapped it up with a knowing smile. "There you have it. The East is heating up, the Cavs are the hunted, and the season ahead? It''s gonna be a wild ride. Stay tuned, folks."

 Chapter 365: The Mamba Legacy.

    Chapter 365: The Mamba Legacy.By mid-August, Han Sen''s personal training camp had concluded.


    The second overall pick, Lonzo Ball, was busy promoting his own brand. This year, Nike placed its bets on top picks Markelle Fultz and De''Aaron Fox, while Under Armour focused on the Kings'' rookies, Donovan Mitchell and Jayson Tatum.


    Both rookies attended Han Sen''s camp. Tatum showcased solid skills, but it was Mitchell who truly left a lasting impression. After the camp, Han gifted Mitchell a pair of unreleased, autographed Panda 3s.


    Mitchell, a shooting guard, stood only 6''1" (1.85m) barefoot. His inconsistent three-point shot and limited playmaking drew comparisons to Tony Allen¡ªunique but hard to categorize, which explained his draft position.


    Back in March Madness, Mitchell was projected as a late first-rounder. However, stellar pre-draft workouts catapulted him into the lottery, an even bigger leap than Han experienced in his draft year.


    Two factors fueled this rise:


    1. Physical Attributes: Despite his height, Mitchell possessed elite physical tools. His wingspan stretched to 6''10" (2.08m), and his body fat percentage was an impressive 5.9% as a fresh NCAA graduate. His standing vertical leap of 36.5 inches (92.7cm) led all draftees, with a max vertical of 42.9 inches (109cm), ranking fifth overall. Most notably, his three-quarter court sprint clocked at 3.01 seconds, faster than Dwyane Wade.


    2. Competitive Fire: Han hadn''t paid much attention to Mitchell in his past life, viewing him as an average All-Star at best. Surprisingly, Under Armour signed him without Han''s input.


    However, witnessing Mitchell firsthand changed everything.


    Mitchell''s competitiveness was ferocious. Despite inconsistent shooting, he fearlessly launched seven to eight threes per scrimmage, even attempting deep-range shots without hesitation. Defensively, his wingspan compensated for his height, making him a relentless presence. Even when crossed over, he bounced back instantly, chasing plays with unyielding tenacity.


    His flashy, energetic style echoed Han''s early days: "I''ll take you down, no matter who you are." But unlike Han''s stoic demeanor, Mitchell radiated joy, often grinning even when attacking the rim with thunderous dunks.


    This contrasting charm made him likable. Han even regretted not pushing the Cavs to trade up for him. Nonetheless, he was confident the Kings would surprise people next season. Mitchell possessed both leadership qualities and the ability to elevate a team.


    ---


    After his training camp, Han embarked on his annual tour of China. During an event with Yao Ming, he announced he would represent Team China in the 2019 FIBA World Cup.


    The crowd erupted. Chinese basketball fans had long dreamed of seeing Han don the national jersey. The news sent shockwaves through the entire basketball community in China.


    Yao also addressed the topic of naturalized players. Globally common but previously untouched in China, this policy shift coincided with Han''s commitment. Team China was expected to introduce its first naturalized player in the 2019 World Cup.


    (TL/n: A naturalized player refers to an athlete who was not originally a citizen of a country but has obtained citizenship to represent that country in international competitions.)


    Yao had ambitions beyond the court. A strong World Cup performance would bolster his broader basketball reforms. Han recognized this; historically, Yao''s reforms hinged on that very tournament. A single sideline error had cost China a crucial game, derailing both their campaign and Yao''s reform agenda.


    Han''s decision even converted many of his critics into fans. It wasn''t entirely altruistic¡ªwhile Han''s System still thrived on negativity, he personally no longer relied on it as heavily. He now sought genuine support.


    ---


    Returning to the U.S., Han traveled to Thousand Oaks, California, for the grand opening of Kobe Bryant''s Mamba Academy.


    After an hour-long drive from the airport, Han arrived at the sprawling facility¡ªa testament to Kobe''s year-long absence from the public eye. This wasn''t just a training camp; it was a full-fledged sports academy, covering 100,000 square feet. It featured five basketball courts, five volleyball courts, two beach volleyball courts, a soccer field, and even an esports training center.


    Few appreciated the depth of Kobe''s vision for athletic development. In essence, he and Yao pursued similar goals, albeit through different cultural lenses.


    Han''s presence made the ribbon-cutting ceremony even grander. Most attendees were college and high school athletes, as Kobe had opted not to invite NBA stars in the academy''s inaugural year.


    Though initially there just to support, Han sat in on one of Kobe''s sessions. It was eye-opening.


    While Kobe had always played with an individualistic flair, his lectures emphasized teamwork above all. Whether this was a latent belief or a shift born from 20 years of professional experience remained unclear.


    One thing was certain: the young athletes were fervently inspired by the Mamba Mentality. Han could feel it in the air.


    ---


    After wrapping up his session at the Mamba Academy, Han Sen prepared to leave.


    As a token of gratitude, Kobe Bryant personally offered to drive Han to the airport. Han didn''t refuse, but when Kobe led him to a helipad with a helicopter waiting, Han hesitated.


    Then he declined. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It wasn''t that Han had an issue with helicopters. He''d flown one over Yellowstone with Anjali before. But the combination of a helicopter and Kobe felt unsettling. It tugged at something deeper¡ªa shadow from another life. Han opted for a car instead.


    Kobe raised an eyebrow but didn''t insist. "Sure, no problem. Let''s hit the road."


    The ride was quiet at first, the hum of the engine filling the silence. Then Han broke it.


    "Do you ever think about the risks? Flying helicopters, I mean."


    Kobe chuckled softly. "It saves time. I get to spend more hours with my family, less stuck in traffic. That''s the point, right? Maximizing time."


    Han stared out the window, the passing scenery blurring. "But what''s the cost of that time? Trading minutes for risks you can''t control. I survived a helicopter accident once when I was younger. Lucky, really. Should''ve been gone. That stays with you."


    It wasn''t exactly a lie. After all, the body he now inhabited had met that very fate. But Han had lived to tell the tale, in a way the ''original'' Han Sen never could.


    Kobe didn''t respond immediately. His grip on the wheel tightened slightly. "I hear you. But life''s about calculated risks, isn''t it? Can''t live scared."


    Han nodded slowly, feeling the weight of words left unsaid. "True. But sometimes, it''s not about fear. It''s about knowing what''s worth the risk. Family... that''s always worth more than saving a few minutes."


    Kobe smiled, thoughtful. "Maybe you''re right. But it''s hard to slow down when you''ve lived life at full speed."


    Han didn''t press further. Some truths couldn''t be forced. But as the city lights grew near, he hoped his words lingered.


    Maybe that was enough.


    ---


    By late September, with the new season approaching, training camps across the league kicked off.


    On the Cavaliers'' first day, JR Smith and Tristan Thompson arrived late, set to join two days later. Thankfully, the new two-way contracts provided roster flexibility, and Coach Malone''s plans remained unaffected.


    Within days, contrasting performances emerged. Nikola Jokic, Dewayne Dedmon, and Han Sen were in peak condition. Meanwhile, veterans like Nene, Kyle Korver, and even Dwyane Wade showed noticeable decline.


    Time spares no one.


    The good news? New signings like Derrick Rose and David West looked sharp, eager to prove themselves in Cleveland.


    When JR and Thompson finally showed up, things got worse. Unlike the veterans battling age, these two simply weren''t in shape¡ªclearly enjoying their off-season without much training.


    Coach Malone responded by assigning Ty Lue to put them through intense drills, hoping to whip them back into form before the season started.


    Midway through camp, Han noticed something unexpected.


    Kyle Kuzma was far more dedicated than Han anticipated.


    One morning, Han arrived early to lift weights, only to find Kuzma already in the gym. It was barely past 5 AM.


    Initially, Han assumed Kuzma had trouble sleeping. But after a brief chat, he learned this was Kuzma''s daily routine.


    "My idol is Kobe," Kuzma explained simply.


    The legendary "4 AM in L.A." work ethic wasn''t just a myth¡ªat least not for true believers like Kuzma.


    Intrigued, Han began observing the rookie more closely.


    Kuzma wasn''t just versatile on offense with sharp off-ball movement, solid rebounding, and decent playmaking. What surprised Han most was his defense.


    Han had assumed Kuzma would struggle defensively. Instead, Kuzma leveraged his 6''9" (2.06m) frame and 7''0" (2.13m) wingspan effectively. His footwork, defensive positioning, and quick lateral steps¡ªreminiscent of Kobe''s signature "puppy steps"¡ªwere impressive.


    Clearly, Kuzma wasn''t just a fan. He had studied Kobe''s techniques, likely through endless game footage.


    Realizing the rookie''s potential, Han invited Kuzma to join his exclusive breakfast club, sharing insights on the finer details of footwork.


    With JR and Thompson''s form uncertain and their contracts potentially becoming liabilities, the development of young players like Kuzma became even more crucial.


    In this new season, the Cavaliers might just need them more than ever.

 Chapter 366: The Lion’s Crown. (Side Story-1)

    Chapter 366: The Lion''s Crown. (Side Story-1)(This takes place during the pre-season.)


    I am Sefu. King of beasts, ruler of my domain, and arguably the most majestic presence in Cleveland.


    Humans think they own this city, but really, they just built it around me. My roar doesn''t echo through jungles¡ªit vibrates through penthouses and locker rooms.


    The human they call Han Sen? He''s my companion, though some might say I''m his. They''d be wrong, of course. I allow him to walk beside me. That''s the truth.


    It''s early morning¡ªbefore the sun even dares to rise. The city is quiet, but not us. Han wakes up like he has a personal vendetta against sleep. No alarm needed; his mind is louder than any ringtone.


    I hear the faint rustle of sheets, the soft thud of his feet hitting the floor. I stay sprawled on my oversized cushion, pretending not to notice. Kings don''t rush to greet the day.


    But the scent of raw meat changes everything.


    Han moves with precision in the kitchen, slicing through thick slabs of beef, adding a touch of liver because he knows that''s how I prefer it.


    Yes, he prepares my food. The so-called Emperor of Cleveland serves the true royalty before dawn. I watch him with half-lidded eyes, my tail flicking lazily¡ªa silent reminder of my standards.


    "Morning, Sefu," Han mutters without looking, focused on my feast. "Judging me already, huh?"


    Always, I think, rising with regal grace to inspect his work. I approach, give a cursory sniff, then dig in with the elegance befitting my status.


    Han grabs his bland human fuel¡ªoats, eggs, and something green that looks like punishment¡ªand joins me on the floor.


    After breakfast, he scratches behind my ear, right where I like it. Finally, the human learns.


    "Big day," he says, lacing up his ''Panda'' shoes. His fingers pause mid-loop, eyes distant. "Think I should go harder on JR and Tristan? They''re coasting since the last title. Like they forgot what got us there."


    I stretch, yawning wide, showing off teeth that could settle any argument. Perhaps if you roared at them, they''d understand faster. But humans are stubborn creatures.


    Han chuckles softly, as if he heard me. "Tough love it is. Can''t let comfort kill the hunger."


    Exactly.


    Before heading out, Han tosses me a glance. "Hold down the fort, yeah?"


    It holds itself because of me, I don''t bother to reply. But I nudge his leg as he leaves, a silent acknowledgment of our partnership.


    Once the door clicks shut, I make my way to the outdoor terrace¡ªmy secondary kingdom. The morning air carries whispers of the city''s heartbeat, distant and irrelevant.


    Marcus, my loyal underling, appears with fresh water and enrichment toys. He knows his place, offering respectful nods, understanding that he serves greatness.


    I tolerate him.


    Hours pass. The sun climbs, then dips. When Han returns, he''s drenched in sweat, his frustration hanging around him like an invisible cloak.


    "They don''t get it, Sefu," he mutters, collapsing beside me.


    "You can tell someone a hundred times, but if they don''t want it bad enough, it''s useless. JR''s shot''s colder than Lake Erie in January, and Tristan''s defense looks like he''s guarding ghosts."


    I nudge his hand, then flop dramatically, sprawling across his lap. Rest, human. Even emperors need downtime. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He laughs, the tension easing from his shoulders. "You''re right. Damn, I should put you on the coaching staff."


    You couldn''t afford me, I think, but I stay right there, a silent guardian of his triumphs and troubles.


    Because even emperors need someone who understands without words.


    And that''s me¡ªSefu.


    King of beasts, ruler of hearts, and the true MVP of Cleveland.


    ---


    TL/n: I finally got to write an interaction with Sefu. Original author completely forgot about the poor chap.


    So.. what do you think??

 Chapter 367: A New Reign Begins.

    Chapter 367: A New Reign Begins.By early October, training camps wrapped up, and the NBA''s Media Day marked the official countdown to the new season. All eyes were on the Cleveland Cavaliers, fresh off their back-to-back championships.


    With the Cavaliers'' consecutive titles now an undeniable reality, discussions about the possibility of a dynasty surged. This was Cleveland¡ªif they pulled it off, it would be one of the greatest feats in basketball history.


    At the center of it all was Han Sen, poised to transcend Michael Jordan and cement his legacy as the undisputed greatest of all time.


    "Yes, that''s our only goal," Han declared at the press conference, reaffirming their pursuit of a three-peat. Despite concerns about the team''s form during training camp, the mission remained unchanged.


    Aside from Han''s bold statement, several other storylines emerged. Nikola Jokic''s noticeably bulked-up physique turned heads during photo sessions, hinting at an offseason of serious work.


    Derrick Rose, returning to jersey No. 1 after his stint with the Knicks, carried an air of rejuvenation. Rookie Kyle Kuzma, though a late first-round pick with a modest role, quickly earned attention for his standout looks¡ªsecond only to Han within the team.


    However, the biggest media buzz didn''t stem from Cleveland but from New Orleans. LeBron James, when asked about his expectations for the new season, confidently stated, "I have confidence because I''m the best player in the world. It''s that simple."


    The comment sparked controversy. Since his trade from Miami, LeBron had bounced from team to team almost yearly. Now, with Han on the cusp of GOAT status, critics questioned if LeBron was merely trying to stay relevant.


    Kuzma''s timely tweet added fuel to the fire: "A king can be without a ring, but never without the spotlight."


    The message resonated. New Orleans wasn''t a media hub like New York or Los Angeles, nor a traditional powerhouse. After LeBron''s latest move, media coverage around him had waned. It was clear he craved the attention.


    ---


    With Media Day behind them, the preseason tipped off, exposing the Cavaliers'' lingering issues. Despite Ty Lue''s efforts to whip JR Smith and Tristan Thompson back into shape, their form remained concerning.


    JR seemed winded after brief stints on the court, his shooting percentage plummeting to just over 30%. Thompson fared slightly better but showed noticeable decline in positioning and defensive rotations, increasing the burden on Jokic inside.


    Yet, not all was bleak.


    Jokic''s dominance in the paint had visibly improved. Against the Pistons, he racked up a 20+10 stat line in just 25 minutes, outplaying Andre Drummond. Derrick Rose, back in his iconic No. 1 jersey, displayed flashes of his old explosiveness, slicing through defenses with ease.


    When the preseason concluded, the league released its first power rankings. Unsurprisingly, the Cavaliers claimed the top spot. Despite evident issues, Han''s dominance was undeniable. As long as he stayed healthy, Cleveland remained the team to beat.


    The Celtics followed closely in second place. On paper, they boasted the league''s strongest roster, though questions lingered about Kyrie Irving''s stability. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Warriors ranked third, benefiting from DeMarcus Cousins'' seamless integration during the preseason. Often underestimated, Cousins showcased an impressive 37.5% three-point shooting rate, complemented by elite passing and pick-and-roll execution. His mobility, previously a concern, appeared far better than anticipated.


    The Pelicans secured the fourth spot. Anthony Davis, often underrated, formed a formidable duo with LeBron. Their pick-and-roll synergy dazzled, while Jrue Holiday and Davis anchored a stout defense, turning fast breaks into a potent weapon.


    The Rockets rounded out the top five, having bolstered their roster by signing Eric Gordon and PJ Tucker after buying out Chris Bosh. Under new head coach Mike D''Antoni, their offense flourished in the preseason.


    For the first time in years, the Eastern Conference matched the West''s strength, with teams like the Raptors, 76ers, and Thunder rounding out the top eight.


    ---


    The Cavaliers'' season opener? A showdown with the Warriors¡ªa rematch of last season''s Finals.


    Upon arriving in Cleveland, Draymond Green wasted no time stoking the rivalry. "They said I''d be traded, but here I am," he sneered, clearly eager to prove himself after a lackluster Finals performance.


    Game night arrived, and the Quicken Loans Arena buzzed with anticipation.


    Before tip-off, the Cavaliers held their championship ring ceremony and unveiled the banner for their 2016-17 NBA Championship, right beside the one from 2015-16.


    Han Sen took the microphone after the banner was revealed and delivered the simplest, most direct message:


    "Let''s begin."


    With the pregame festivities done, both teams announced their starting lineups:


    Warriors: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, C.J. Miles, Draymond Green, DeMarcus Cousins


    Cavaliers: Han Sen, Dwyane Wade, Robert Covington, Tristan Thompson, Nikola Jokic


    JR Smith''s current form, especially his dismal shooting, rendered him ineffective as a starter. Without his floor-spacing ability, his role lost its value.


    Cousins won the opening tip for the Warriors and wasted no time showcasing his dominance in the post. Backing down Jokic, he used his formidable frame¡ªthe kind that would make Harden envious¡ªto bulldoze Jokic aside before spinning baseline for a thunderous dunk.


    Despite Jokic''s offseason gains in strength, he struggled against Cousins'' raw power. Cousins, standing at 6''10" (2.08m) with a 7''6" (2.29m) wingspan, looked like an oversized Zach Randolph from behind¡ªa true force.


    While his ''Best Center in the League'' title might carry a hint of "in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king," there''s no denying his dominance.


    On defense, Steve Kerr implemented a targeted strategy: focus all efforts on Han Sen and Jokic, leaving the rest of the Cavaliers to fend for themselves. The plan initially worked, with Covington and Wade missing consecutive threes and Thompson fumbling an easy look under the basket.


    After five minutes, the Warriors led 12-6, prompting Coach Malone to call a timeout. He subbed in Kyle Korver, shifting to a smaller lineup.


    ---


    On the first possession back, the Cavs ran a Han-Jokic pick-and-roll.


    The Warriors trapped Han aggressively, using Green to cover Jokic while Cousins scrambled back to double. This forced Jokic to either kick out to perimeter shooters or find the power forward, where Green excelled at disrupting shots.


    However, Han adjusted. Instead of passing out immediately, he attacked Cousins'' side. While Cousins moved better than expected, he couldn''t match Han''s speed. This forced Green to rotate over, leaving Jokic wide open.


    Cousins, unaware of the rotation breakdown, failed to recover to Jokic. Han flicked a simple pass, and Jokic converted an easy layup.


    Frustrated, Green exchanged words with Cousins, who responded with an annoyed scowl.


    On the next possession, Cousins tried to assert himself in the post again. Malone countered by having Covington help from the weak side. Covington wasn''t as strong as Thompson, but his quickness disrupted Cousins, forcing a turnover.


    Interestingly, Cousins had an open pass to Draymond but chose not to make it. It wasn''t that he couldn''t see it¡ªhis playmaking is solid. He simply didn''t want to. One defensive miscommunication had already irritated him.


    The Cavaliers capitalized. Han and Jokic ran another pick-and-roll. This time, the Warriors rotated Klay over to help. Han, unfazed, delivered a no-look pass to Jokic, now deep in the paint.


    Jokic absorbed contact from Draymond, maintained his balance, and scored effortlessly.


    Draymond''s expression was one of disbelief. Jokic''s added strength was undeniable. Draymond, at 230 pounds (104kg), couldn''t handle Jokic''s 265-pound frame (120kg).---Cousins'' struggles continued, forcing the Warriors to adjust. Draymond ran the offense from the top of the key, orchestrating movement. A well-timed pass found Cousins rolling to the hoop, bullying Covington for an easy bucket.


    Draymond high-fived Cousins afterward, even giving him a playful slap on the back. Cousins'' scowl softened slightly.


    On the next Cavs possession, Draymond switched tactics, telling Cousins to drop back while he covered Jokic on the perimeter. When Han initiated the pick-and-roll, Draymond fronted Jokic, forcing Han into a 1-on-2 situation.


    Last season, this worked well. But Han had other ideas.


    Instead of forcing a shot, Han lobbed a pass over Draymond''s reach. Draymond, realizing he couldn''t intercept it, resorted to subtle contact, trying to disrupt Jokic. But Jokic was unbothered.


    Jokic secured the pass, took one powerful stride, and soared.


    BOOM!


    A two-handed dunk over Cousins.


    The arena erupted as Jokic hung on the rim, the force of his slam pulling it down slightly. Fueled by adrenaline, he landed, flexed both arms, and roared toward the crowd.


    On the broadcast, Shaquille O''Neal widened his eyes dramatically, his signature playful reaction underscoring the moment.


    "This kid''s got some Shaq in him!" Shaq bellowed, his signature laugh following soon after.


    ---


    (TL/n: Gonna post the rest later today.)

 Chapter 368: A Second Bloom.

    Chapter 368: A Second Bloom.(TL/n:Hey everyone,


    First of all, I want to sincerely apologize for the sudden radio silence this past week. I''ve seen your messages, and I can''t thank you enough for checking in and expressing your concern. It truly means a lot.


    The truth is, I''ve been dealing with some personal issues that needed my full attention. Nothing overly dramatic or life-threatening¡ªjust one of those times where life throws a curveball, and you need to take a step back to catch your breath. I''m okay now, and I''ve been trying to get things back on track.


    To be honest, this break gave me time to reflect not just on the story but also on the amazing support you''ve all shown. When life gets tough, what keeps me going is knowing there are people out there who enjoy what I create and are patient with me during these moments.


    I''d like to ask for just one thing moving forward: if I ever need another short break, please know it''s never because I don''t care or am giving up on the story. Your support and enthusiasm are what keep this project alive, even during difficult times. All I ask is for your patience and understanding when I hit those rough patches.


    Thank you for sticking around, for checking in, and for being such an incredible community. I''ll be posting regularly again starting today, and I''m so excited to dive back into the story with all of you.)


    With about three minutes left in the first quarter, both teams began making their rotations.


    The score stood at 28-26, with the Warriors holding a slim lead.


    The Cavaliers'' role players had been disastrous so far, shooting a combined 1-of-6 from the field, with the only make being a Dwyane Wade layup. Their offense relied heavily on the two-man game between Han Sen and Nikola Jokic, who carried the team early. Jokic dominated with 14 points and 4 rebounds in the quarter, while Han added 10 points and 5 assists.


    On commentary, Shaquille O''Neal couldn''t help but compare Jokic''s performance to his own prime. "This feels like the old Lakers¡ªone big, one wing, dominating the game."


    But for Cleveland, this reliance on their stars wasn''t sustainable. With so much energy spent early, concerns grew about how they''d maintain this intensity for the full game.


    The atmosphere in Quicken Loans Arena wavered. Memories of last year''s ring ceremony being spoiled by the Celtics lingered. Was this d¨¦j¨¤ vu?


    The Cavaliers'' rotations hadn''t helped. With JR Smith''s form in shambles, Coach Michael Malone had moved Wade into the starting lineup, weakening the bench unit. It was a vicious cycle.


    Current Lineups:


    - Cavaliers: Derrick Rose, JR Smith, Kyle Korver, David West, Dewayne Dedmon


    - Warriors: Shaun Livingston, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, Jordan Bell, JaVale McGee


    The Warriors struck first in this stretch. Thompson cut sharply, leaving JR behind, and converted a layup off a Bell pass to extend the lead.


    Bell, the Warriors'' second-round pick, had quickly earned Draymond Green''s mentorship. With his similar build and fiery temperament, Bell was already being groomed as a younger version of Green.


    The camera shifted to the Cavaliers'' bench, where Malone and Han were deep in discussion. Despite the rough start, Malone''s calm demeanor suggested he wasn''t overly concerned.


    Han and Malone debated the team''s tactics. Over the past two seasons, the Jokic-Han pick-and-roll had grown into one of their most effective weapons, though it clashed with the Cavaliers'' original "one star, four shooters" strategy. Historically, the pick-and-roll was a secondary option, saved for crunch-time adjustments. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This year, however, it was becoming their primary offensive scheme.


    Malone expressed concerns about the toll this shift could take on Han and Jokic''s endurance. Han, though, shrugged it off.


    "Coach, no team makes it through a playoff run without adjustments. We''re just staying ahead of the curve. If we mix it in gradually, it''ll catch opponents off guard."


    Malone nodded, impressed as always by Han''s big-picture thinking.


    Their conversation paused as a cheer erupted from the stands. On the court, Rose had just split a pick-and-roll, leaving McGee in the dust and finishing a layup over Bell.


    The Warriors responded with a clever misdirection. Klay initially rolled after a screen, then abruptly cut back out. But David West, a former Warrior, read the play and contested Klay''s shot, forcing a miss.


    Dedmon secured the rebound, and Rose took off in transition. With Livingston in pursuit, Rose decelerated at the three-point line before bursting forward with a second gear, gliding to the basket for another layup. The crowd roared as the Cavaliers tied the game.


    Some fans had questioned why Rose wasn''t starting, given his stellar preseason form. But Malone''s decision was calculated. Rose thrived with the ball in his hands, much like a prime Allen Iverson or Isaiah Thomas. On a team built around Han''s playmaking, Rose''s skill set was better utilized leading the bench unit.


    Livingston responded with a vintage turnaround jumper in the post. But Rose, unfazed, attacked immediately on the other end, drawing a foul on Bell during another aggressive drive.


    As Rose stepped to the free-throw line, faint chants of "MVP" echoed around the arena.


    Han glanced toward Rose, his mind flashing back to when Cavaliers fans chanted the same for him. The difference, though, was clear. These weren''t expectations but nostalgia¡ªan acknowledgment of the youngest MVP''s past greatness.


    Rose sank both free throws, bringing his personal tally to six points since entering the game. On the sidelines, Malone flashed a knowing smile. Across the court, Warriors coach Steve Kerr furrowed his brow, clearly caught off guard.


    The next time Rose attacked, the Warriors doubled him. Calmly, he fed Dedmon on the roll.


    McGee, assuming Dedmon would miss, turned to box out for the rebound. Instead, Dedmon confidently launched a high-arcing three-pointer that splashed through the net.


    The arena exploded. Even Kerr looked stunned. Dedmon, a career 0% shooter from deep, had just nailed his first-ever three in the NBA.


    Commentators scrambled for stats, confirming Dedmon had taken only one three in his four previous seasons¡ªand missed it. Kenny Smith joked, "Man, did Dedmon get a shooting coach in the offseason?"


    The Cavaliers'' bench roared, and Dedmon jogged back with a calmness that belied the moment. Clearly, this wasn''t luck¡ªhis form and confidence hinted at real work put in.


    As the first quarter neared its end, the Cavaliers, buoyed by Rose''s aggression and Dedmon''s surprise contributions, had taken the lead.


    On the Warriors'' bench, Kerr turned to his assistants, muttering, "Alright, how many more surprises do they have for us this season?"


    ---


    By the end of the first and second quarter rotations, the score shifted to 41-36 in favor of the Cavaliers. Not only had they regained the lead, but they had also built a five-point cushion.


    The Cavaliers'' fans in Quicken Loans Arena were ecstatic.


    Life wasn''t all bad, after all. Even though the starting lineup, apart from Han Sen and Nikola Jokic, had struggled, the bench had stepped up in a big way. Their performance forced Steve Kerr to bring the Warriors'' starters back earlier than planned.


    Malone responded accordingly, reintroducing Han and Jokic alongside Kyle Korver, Robert Covington, and Dante Cunningham¡ªCleveland''s best floor-spacing lineup. Malone''s earlier conversation with Han wasn''t just talk; he had meticulously crafted a tactical adjustment.


    The idea was simple: surround the two stars with shooters to minimize defensive collapses and double-teams during pick-and-rolls. However, as the game progressed, the plan didn''t pan out as expected.


    The issue wasn''t the players adapting to the new scheme¡ªit was the Cavaliers'' shooting woes. No matter the setup, the shots simply wouldn''t fall.


    Faced with this, Malone subbed Wade in for Cunningham and instructed Jokic to pop out to the perimeter more frequently, while Han focused on attacking the basket. The adjustment finally yielded results.


    Jokic had clearly done more than just bulk up over the summer. His ability to stretch the floor and hit threes had become another weapon in his arsenal. For anyone else, bulking up and improving three-point shooting simultaneously might seem improbable, but with Jokic, it felt inevitable.


    The strategy worked like a charm. Pulling Cousins away from the paint opened up driving lanes, leaving Draymond Green under tremendous pressure to defend both Han and Wade. Han capitalized, cutting to the rim to catch a Jokic pass. With Green rotating late, Han launched into a soaring dunk, hanging in the air for what felt like an eternity before slamming it home.


    Green, realizing he couldn''t stop the play, slowed down mid-rotation to avoid becoming a poster.


    Han turned to Green after the dunk and smirked. "Where were you standing just now?"


    Green''s face flushed. Han wasn''t just calling out his defensive lapse; he was reminding him of the trash talk Green spewed before the game.


    Sure, Green was still with the Warriors. But on that play, he might as well have been invisible¡ªneither here nor there.


    Caught off guard by Cleveland''s adjustments, Kerr''s in-game response faltered. The Cavaliers seized the momentum, and by halftime, they had extended their lead to 58-46.


    The Warriors refrained from using their signature small-ball lineup in the second half. Trading for Cousins had effectively shelved that strategy. Benching Cousins wasn''t an option¡ªhis ego wouldn''t allow it, and the team needed his contributions.


    However, Kerr''s halftime adjustments proved effective. The Warriors increased their use of Curry-Cousins pick-and-rolls. Unlike traditional bigs, Cousins set solid screens and timed his rolls perfectly, exploiting mismatches in Cleveland''s interior defense. Covington, playing the four, couldn''t handle the size and physicality of Cousins, while Curry''s quickness allowed him to exploit Jokic on switches.


    At the same time, the Warriors had no answers for Han and Jokic''s pick-and-roll. The third quarter turned into a shootout, with both teams refusing to rest their starters. By the ten-minute mark, the margin remained at ten points.


    The Cavaliers knew the heavy minutes would wear on Han and Jokic, but maintaining the lead during bench rotations was crucial to avoiding another season-opening loss.


    With a minute left in the third, both teams finally rotated their benches.


    The Cavaliers initiated the quarter''s final possession. Rose came off a David West screen, attacking the rim and drawing a foul on McGee.


    Despite falling short of fans'' early career expectations, Rose had grown into a more well-rounded player. His court vision, showcased earlier in the game, and his ability to bait defenders into fouls spoke to his years of experience.


    Livingston answered with a textbook turnaround jumper over Rose in the post. But on the next possession, Rose''s relentless drives forced the Warriors into transition defense, with West cleverly fouling Iguodala to prevent an easy layup.


    Iguodala, never the most reliable free-throw shooter, split the pair. Dedmon secured the rebound, giving Cleveland the final shot of the quarter.


    With the clock winding down, Rose held the ball at the top of the arc. The Warriors sagged off, daring him to shoot. Rose''s poor three-point percentage had earned him this treatment, and he was left with no choice but to pull up from deep as the shot clock expired.


    The ball arced high, the red light on the backboard flickered, and somehow, improbably, it swished through the net.


    The crowd erupted. Rose, overwhelmed, tilted his head back and roared to the rafters.


    From the bench, Han watched with a small, knowing smile. Rose''s journey¡ªmarred by injuries, doubts, and countless challenges¡ªresonated deeply. The youngest MVP in NBA history might never return to his peak, but on nights like this, it didn''t matter.


    Sometimes, life gives you another bloom.

 Chapter 369: Solutions Outnumber Problems?.

    Chapter 369: Solutions Outnumber Problems?.The Cavaliers started their season on the right foot, shaking off last year''s championship night disappointment with a 117-107 victory over the Warriors.


    Han Sen led the charge with a triple-double: 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. Nikola Jokic added 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Derrick Rose chipped in with 18 points and Dwyane Wade contributed 13 points. Even Dewayne Dedmon played a pivotal role, securing 8 points and 7 rebounds.


    On the Warriors'' side, Stephen Curry put up 27 points and 7 assists, DeMarcus Cousins tallied an impressive 25 points and 15 rebounds, and Klay Thompson contributed 18 points. However, it wasn''t enough to overcome Cleveland''s determination.


    "It was a tough night, but we showed we''re committed to winning," Coach Michael Malone summarized in the post-game press conference.


    Despite their success, the Cavaliers'' 25% shooting from beyond the arc painted a grim picture. What saved them was their dominance on the boards, securing 44 total rebounds, including 17 on the offensive glass¡ªa number that surpassed most games from the previous two seasons.


    After the season-opening victory, the Cavaliers strung together wins against the Hornets and Wizards, starting 3-0. However, they faltered against the Trail Blazers before bouncing back with victories over the Nets and Thunder. A subsequent loss to the Bucks left them with a 5-2 record through seven games.


    To fans, the opening night struggles seemed like a fluke, just poor shooting. But Malone understood it as a symptom of a bigger issue: the team''s rhythm and shot creation had been lacking.


    For now, the Cavaliers leaned heavily on their two superstars, Han Sen and Nikola Jokic, to carry them. While Derrick Rose and Dewayne Dedmon showed flashes of brilliance, the rest of the roster struggled to find consistency.


    Yet, their problems extended beyond their roster. The league''s dynamics, dictated in part by commissioner Adam Silver, added an extra layer of difficulty.


    Since Han''s first championship in 2012 with the Grizzlies, UA-sponsored players had dominated the league, winning every title for the past six years. While Silver valued Han as a global icon, he wasn''t eager to see UA monopolize the league''s success or for Han¡ªa foreign player¡ªto become the NBA''s ultimate figurehead. The Cavaliers faced unfavorable whistles in critical moments as a result, making it harder to build the dynasty they aimed for.


    As if internal and external pressures weren''t enough, bad news struck just before their upcoming game against the Pelicans. Derrick Rose, who had been pivotal off the bench, suffered a Grade 3 ankle sprain in the game against Milwaukee after a flagrant foul by Greg Monroe. Initially, Rose thought it was minor, but further scans revealed he''d be sidelined for at least a month.


    The injury wasn''t just physical. It was emotional. This marked Rose''s 24th injury in his ten-year NBA career. At only 29 years old, his body had endured more than most players twice his age. Exhausted by the cycle of recovery and reinjury, Rose was seriously contemplating retirement.


    The Cavaliers, reeling from the loss of their sixth man, boarded the flight to New Orleans.


    During the flight, Malone and Tyronn Lue brainstormed adjustments, the sudden development having disrupted their entire game plan. Later, Malone approached Han Sen to discuss one potential solution.


    He leaned in, lowering his voice. "Han, what do you think about Kuzma? Can we count on him?"


    Malone had learned Kuzma had joined Han''s exclusive breakfast club¡ªa testament to the rookie''s dedication. Han didn''t hesitate.


    "He''s ready," Han replied. "He''s not the most gifted athlete, but he works harder than anyone else. Give him a shot."


    Malone nodded, reassured. If Han vouched for a player, it was as good as gold.


    ---


    The Pelicans, like the Cavaliers, entered the matchup with a 5-2 record, riding a four-game win streak. New Orleans was abuzz with excitement, the matchup against Cleveland being one of their few nationally televised games this season. ESPN hyped the clash, and local media ran non-stop coverage.


    In public practice ahead of the game, a throng of reporters surrounded Han Sen. Questions about Rose dominated the conversation. One journalist from TNT probed directly, "Is there a chance Rose might retire?"


    Han''s answer was simple. "I don''t know," he said truthfully.


    The topic shifted to LeBron James. An NBC reporter asked for Han''s thoughts on LeBron''s earlier claim to being "the best player in the world."


    Han smirked. "If you can crown yourself, then I suppose you can call yourself the best."


    Han''s jab was loaded with sarcasm. Over the summer, LeBron had made headlines with publicity stunts, including a self-crowning gesture during a New Orleans Saints game. Han''s comments only added fuel to the fire.


    To cap off the exchange, Han slyly recommended the reporters read The True Story of Ah Q by Lu Xun. While the reference went over most of their heads, Han found satisfaction in their confused expressions.


    (TL/n: Han''s recommendation of The True Story of Ah Q by Lu Xun is a layered critique aimed at LeBron''s public persona and his self-proclaimed title of "the best player in the world." The novella, a staple of Chinese literature, is a satirical commentary on self-deception, misplaced pride, and blind optimism in the face of adversity. The protagonist, Ah Q, often consoles himself with a distorted sense of superiority and exaggerated self-worth, despite his repeated failures and humiliations.


    By suggesting this story, Han is subtly mocking LeBron''s actions, implying that his public self-crowning is akin to Ah Q''s delusions of grandeur. Han is essentially calling out LeBron for creating his own narrative of greatness rather than earning it through undeniable dominance or championships.)


    ---


    Game day arrived, and the Smoothie King Center was packed to capacity, a rare sight outside All-Star Weekend. Fans held up signs in support of LeBron, their anticipation palpable. Nike had gone all-in on marketing their remaining Western Conference star, aware that the Pelicans were their last true superteam.


    TNT''s broadcast opened with split-screen shots of Han Sen and LeBron James warming up. One had declared himself the best, while the other was widely regarded as the league''s most dominant force. Their rivalry, dating back to the 2009-10 season, was far from over.


    Beyond the stars, the game promised another intriguing matchup: Jokic versus Anthony Davis. Jokic was averaging 22.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.4 assists, cementing himself as an elite big man. Davis, despite slightly declining stats¡ª26.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks¡ªremained a formidable presence.


    ---


    The familiar set of Inside the NBA buzzed with energy as Ernie Johnson opened the show with a big smile.


    "Welcome back, folks! We''ve got a heavyweight clash tonight¡ªHan Sen and the Cleveland Cavaliers, fresh off their championship ceremony, taking on LeBron James and the surging New Orleans Pelicans. Guys, let''s dive in. Shaq, what''s the bigger storyline here? Han''s dig at LeBron, or the game itself?"


    Shaquille O''Neal leaned back with his signature smirk. "Come on, Ernie. It''s always the game. But that comment? That''s classic Han. ''Crown yourself and call yourself the best''? He''s not wrong, but LeBron''s been doing that since Miami, so nothing new there."


    Kenny Smith nodded thoughtfully. "I mean, Shaq''s right. LeBron''s always been about the spotlight, but let''s not forget¡ªhe''s backing it up so far this season. Averaging 30 points, carrying New Orleans to five wins. It''s not empty talk."


    Charles Barkley jumped in with a laugh. "Carrying? Kenny, LeBron''s playing for headlines. All that crowning nonsense? That''s not leadership; that''s theater. You see Han doing stuff like that? Nah. He''s out here winning rings, making teams better. LeBron''s just trying to stay relevant."


    Ernie interjected to steer the discussion. "Alright, let''s bring it back to the matchup. Both teams are 5-2, but Cleveland''s coming off some rocky performances. Rose is out with another injury, and there''s chatter about him retiring. How big of a loss is this for the Cavs, Chuck?"


    "Man, it''s a big loss," Charles said, shaking his head. "Rose was ballin'' upto that point. He''s their spark off the bench. Without him, they''re gonna lean even harder on Han and Jokic, and that''s dangerous for their long-term hopes."


    Shaq chimed in. "You know who needs to step up? Kuzma. That kid''s got potential. He''s in Han''s ''breakfast club,'' right? If Han''s got faith in him, then I do too. But tonight? It''s all on Han and Jokic to dominate."


    Ernie turned the spotlight to Kenny. "What about New Orleans? Are they legit, or is this early-season hype?"


    Kenny gestured at the screen showing Anthony Davis and LeBron highlights. "They''re legit. AD''s a monster, and LeBron''s still LeBron. But this is their first big test against a championship team. If they win, they''re sending a message to the league. If they lose? Same old Pelicans."


    Ernie closed with a question for the group. "Alright, predictions. Who takes it?"


    Shaq didn''t hesitate. "Cavs. Han''s not losing to LeBron in prime time."


    Kenny scratched his head. "I''ll go Pelicans. Home crowd, momentum, and LeBron''s on fire."


    Charles smirked. "Cavs. Han''s about to remind LeBron why he''s the best. And I''m tired of LeBron''s soap opera."


    Ernie wrapped up. "There you have it, folks. The stage is set. Cavs versus Pelicans, Han versus LeBron, AD versus Jokic. Tip-off is next!"


    ---


    After the opening ceremony, the starting lineups for both teams were revealed.


    Pelicans: Jrue Holiday, E''Twaun Moore, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Aron Baynes


    Cavaliers: Han Sen, Kyle Korver, Robert Covington, Tristan Thompson, Nikola Jokic


    In a last-minute move during free agency, the Pelicans signed Aron Baynes to a mid-level contract to pair with Davis in the frontcourt.


    Baynes, who came up through the Spurs system, isn''t the ideal stretch big, but his physicality and knack for grabbing offensive rebounds make him a great defensive asset, easing Davis'' burden on that end. After all, while Davis is the most dominant big man of the small-ball era, his injury-prone nature means consistent physical battles in the paint could cost him half a season.


    Amid the roaring cheers of New Orleans fans, Davis secured the opening tip for the Pelicans.


    LeBron James wasted no time, orchestrating a pick-and-roll with Davis on the first possession. Cleveland''s defensive strategy was to sag off LeBron''s mid-range shot, but Davis'' roll to the basket was far quicker than anticipated. The moment Davis slipped the screen, he lost Thompson completely.


    LeBron lobbed the ball high above the rim, and Davis soared to finish with a thunderous alley-oop dunk.


    The play was a perfect showcase of Davis'' unmatched combination of agility and explosiveness as a big man. His blend of elite static measurements (6''10" | 2.08m height, 7''5" | 2.26m wingspan) and dynamic athleticism is why he was a no-brainer No. 1 overall pick back in the day. Titles like "Son of America," akin to being named "Captain America," aren''t handed out lightly.


    But what truly sets Davis apart is his defense.


    When Han Sen and Jokic attempted a pick-and-roll, the Pelicans didn''t overcommit with aggressive traps like the Warriors. Instead, they opted for a straightforward switch. Jokic received the ball from Han and attacked the paint, managing to elude Holiday''s swipe at the ball. But as he went up for the shot, Davis came from behind to deliver a clean chase-down block.


    Jokic seemed stunned.


    A player as intelligent as Jokic always keeps track of defenders'' positions. Yet, Davis'' defensive presence is overwhelming, covering massive ground in a flash. He''s the kind of player who could be standing at the free-throw line or even inside the paint, and still block a three-point attempt if you hesitate for a moment too long.


    Draymond Green is often touted as the epitome of a mobile defensive anchor, but compared to Davis, Green falls short. The next player who might rival this level of defensive intimidation is the highly anticipated Victor Wembanyama.


    With one offensive highlight and one defensive masterclass, Davis firmly established his dominance in the opening moments. It''s no wonder LeBron agreed to forego the flexibility of a 1+1 deal to play alongside him.


    Following the block, Davis used his speed and agility to grab the rebound, immediately sparking a fast break. LeBron, already near midcourt, caught Davis'' outlet pass and threw down a signature tomahawk dunk.


    As the Pelicans retreated to defense, LeBron and Davis exchanged an emphatic high-five, their energy palpable. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    LeBron''s elation was clear. Away from the constant noise and criticism in Golden State, he was thriving in transition, free of Draymond Green''s constant barking. With Holiday and Davis as defensive anchors, LeBron showcased what "bankai fast break" truly meant.


    (TL/n: "Bankai fast break" is a playful reference to the Bleach anime and manga series. In Bleach, a "bankai" is the ultimate and most powerful transformation or release of a Soul Reaper''s zanpakuto (spiritual sword). It represents peak power, speed, and ability¡ªessentially a game-changing move.)


    The scoreboard read 4-0, and the Cavaliers found themselves in early trouble. This start felt even rockier than their game against the Warriors.


    The New Orleans crowd, feeding off the momentum, erupted into synchronized chants of "Defense! Defense!"


    Han and Jokic ran another pick-and-roll, but this time Jokic popped out to the perimeter while Han drove inside.


    Holiday, displaying his elite defensive instincts, immediately collapsed into the paint. Meanwhile, Davis once again showcased his incredible mobility, recovering from contesting Han''s mid-range option to also threaten Jokic''s perimeter shot.


    This level of defensive confidence is a testament to Davis'' unique skill set. Even if Han managed a perfect pass to Jokic, Davis would still have time to contest or disrupt the shot.


    However, Han didn''t pass¡ªor even consider the mid-range jumper. Instead, he drove hard into the paint, leaning into Holiday''s defense. Seeing no help rotation from the weak side, Han planted his shoulder into Holiday, creating just enough space to unleash a Magic Johnson-style hook shot.


    Why not a floater? Holiday''s quick hands posed too much of a risk for the ball to be swatted away.


    Swish!


    Han''s hook shot found the bottom of the net, silencing the defensive chants momentarily. The crowd erupted into murmurs¡ªwhen did Han add a hook shot to his arsenal?


    On his way back on defense, Han clapped his hands, rallying his teammates.


    The Cavaliers might be in a tough spot, but one thing was certain: solutions always outnumber problems.


    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 370: Kuzma Unleashed?.

    Chapter 370: Kuzma Unleashed?.The Pelicans'' offense started with LeBron James and Anthony Davis running the pick-and-roll again.


    This time, Tristan Thompson sagged into the paint early, preventing Davis from rolling effectively. However, LeBron switched gears, abandoning the pick-and-roll and driving past Robert Covington straight to the rim, drawing a foul on Nikola Jokic.


    The whistle seemed soft, but that wasn''t the biggest concern. Covington, long hailed as the "LeBron Stopper", failed to keep up with LeBron''s speed.


    ''New supplements again?'' Han Sen thought to himself. Watching LeBron''s sharp movements and recalling his recent self-proclaimed dominance and off-season headlines, Han''s suspicions deepened.


    As LeBron stepped to the free-throw line and calmly sank both shots, putting the Pelicans up 6-2, Han called over to Covington for a quick adjustment.


    On the next possession, Han orchestrated a pick-and-roll with Jokic again. This time, New Orleans sent a double team at Han, but he countered with a no-look, behind-the-back pass to Jokic.


    Jokic pump-faked Davis into the air and then began a deliberate drive to the basket, using his bulk to shield Davis off. Jokic''s control of the ball was masterful, keeping it protected while slowly backing into the paint.


    Attracting multiple defenders as he approached the rim, Jokic lobbed the ball skyward. Han, who had already sealed Jrue Holiday behind him, exploded upward, snatching the ball mid-air and slamming it home with authority.


    The crowd roared in amazement. The replay showed Han''s head nearly level with the rim¡ªa stunning display reminiscent of his iconic dunk contest performance two years ago.


    Han and Jokic exchanged high-fives on the way back. Despite being only in their third season together, their chemistry was undeniable. Jokic''s leap in ability this season only made their partnership more lethal.


    Back on defense, the Cavaliers adjusted their coverage. Han switched onto LeBron, shadowing him closely.


    As Davis set a pick, Han maneuvered around it using his signature footwork, but Davis was too fast, successfully blocking Han''s path. Seizing the moment, LeBron accelerated to the rim. TT couldn''t keep up, and despite Han''s attempt to recover for the chase-down block, LeBron powered through for a two-handed dunk.


    The New Orleans crowd erupted as LeBron landed and flexed toward Han, celebrating with his signature "too strong" gesture.


    Han wasn''t surprised. "He''s definitely on something new," he muttered, recalling an ESPN report claiming LeBron spends over a million dollars annually on body maintenance¡ªa claim Han had always taken with skepticism.


    ''Cryotherapy, hyperbaric chambers... those don''t cost that much,'' Han mused. ''The real money must be going somewhere else.''


    On the next possession, Han called Covington up for a screen. LeBron, refusing to switch off, took on Han directly, his expression eager. The arena buzzed with anticipation as the self-proclaimed "best player in the world" squared off with the league''s undisputed best.


    Han drove left with explosive speed, but LeBron stayed in front. Just as LeBron felt confident he had Han locked down, Han executed a lightning-fast crossover, lowering his center of gravity and bursting past LeBron on the right.


    BOOM!


    Han soared through the lane for a gliding dunk, leaving no time for help defense. Hanging on the rim for a moment, he landed, turned, and spread his hands toward LeBron, as if to say, "Is that all you''ve got?"


    LeBron''s face twisted with frustration. On the ensuing possession, he targeted the Cavaliers'' weak link¡ªKyle Korver. After a switch, LeBron backed Korver down and muscled his way to an easy layup.


    Han laughed at the audacity. LeBron was nothing if not opportunistic, always seeking out mismatches. Han responded by calling for another screen from Covington. This time, Jrue Holiday and LeBron double-teamed him aggressively, forcing E''Twaun Moore to rotate toward Covington.


    Han, unfazed, whipped a no-look pass to Korver, who caught it in rhythm and drained a three-pointer. Despite Korver''s defensive limitations, his shooting touch was undeniable.


    On the next possession, LeBron went right back at Korver, bullying him for an and-one. The strategy was clear: exploit Korver''s defensive liabilities.


    Frustrated, Coach Malone stood from the bench. His gaze shifted between JR Smith and Kyle Kuzma. After a brief pause, he called for Kuzma to check in.


    Kuzma, practically bouncing with anticipation, ripped off his warm-up jacket and sprinted to the scorer''s table.


    LeBron turned around at the sound of the whistle and froze for a moment when he saw who was subbing in¡ªKyle Kuzma.


    Malone''s substitution was unexpected, to say the least.


    But soon enough, a grin crept across LeBron''s face.


    LeBron may have announced his "social media cleanse", claiming he wouldn''t post anymore, but that didn''t mean he wasn''t watching.


    When Kuzma was drafted by the Cavaliers and his infamous early-career "poem" was unearthed, LeBron had half a mind to knock some sense into him. And that was before Kuzma doubled down with stunts like his own Decision post and the cryptic "The King can''t shine without the lights" line¡ªa direct jab that cut deep.


    Kuzma, as a rookie buried in Cleveland''s rotation, had been like a kid hiding behind grown-ups, unable to truly challenge LeBron.


    Now, with Malone throwing him into the fire, LeBron felt like it was Christmas morning. He wasn''t going to waste this opportunity¡ªKuzma was about to regret ever stepping foot in the NBA.


    LeBron missed his and-one free throw, and Jokic secured the rebound.


    Han pushed the ball upcourt quickly, catching the Pelicans'' defense off-balance. As the defense collapsed on him in the paint, Han fired a no-look pass to Jokic at the top of the arc.


    Jokic paused just long enough for a defender to overcommit on a closeout, then swung the ball to Kuzma, now wide open in the corner.


    The Pelicans'' defensive rotations were in complete disarray.


    For a rookie coming cold off the bench, this was a high-pressure moment. But Kuzma didn''t flinch. He calmly adjusted, set his feet, and launched a three.


    His release wasn''t the quickest, but it was smooth and practiced, the product of countless hours in the gym.


    Swish!


    The clean snap of the net was almost drowned out by the collective gasp from the crowd.


    It wasn''t the three-pointer itself¡ªit was an open look, after all. What stunned everyone was Kuzma''s celebration.


    The rookie turned to the crowd and mimed putting a crown on his head.


    Bold.


    Even Han Sen was momentarily stunned.


    ''This kid... he''s got my flair for stirring the pot,'' Han thought, shaking his head. ''Except he''s not fishing for hater points¡ªhe''s just a pure LeBron hater.''


    For Kuzma, getting drafted by Cleveland¡ªLeBron''s old stomping grounds¡ªhad unleashed his full trolling potential.


    LeBron, visibly furious, sprinted to the referee, shouting complaints about Kuzma''s gesture.


    The referee, still processing what had just happened, didn''t blow the whistle. As much as this season''s officiating favored the Pelicans, there was no way they were calling a technical for someone pretending to wear a crown.


    LeBron was livid. On the next possession, he aggressively set a screen for E''Twaun Moore, then posted up Kuzma with a vengeance.


    As soon as he caught the ball, LeBron threw an elbow into Kuzma''s chest. No whistle.


    LeBron turned, driving hard toward the rim, but Kuzma slid into position, planting his feet and forcing LeBron to change direction. As LeBron tried to muscle past, Kuzma adjusted with nimble footwork, staying in front just long enough to slow him down.


    Despite Kuzma''s effort, LeBron powered through with brute strength, reaching the rim. But just as he went up for the layup, Han swooped in from the weak side, swatting the shot into the stands.


    The arena erupted, but Kuzma wasn''t fazed. Instead, he sprinted over to Han, grinning ear to ear, and slapped his hand in celebration.


    Han couldn''t help but laugh. Kuzma''s antics were relentless.


    LeBron, on the other hand, was livid. He went right back to Moore for another screen, isolating Kuzma again.


    This time, Covington moved to help, but Kuzma waved him off, eager to take on LeBron solo.


    The crowd buzzed as LeBron tried to back Kuzma down. While Kuzma''s athleticism was average for a forward, his size and effort were enough to disrupt LeBron''s rhythm.


    LeBron spun into a mid-range jumper, but Kuzma''s contest forced a miss.


    Davis grabbed the offensive rebound but couldn''t convert against Jokic''s defense. Jokic secured the rebound, and the Cavaliers broke out in transition.


    Han led the fast break, barreling down the court with Holiday on his hip. Rather than forcing a contested shot, he dropped the ball off to Kuzma trailing behind. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Like Kyrie Irving in years past, Kuzma seemed to thrive against LeBron, his intensity dialed to the max.


    With Han clearing Holiday out of the play, Kuzma had all the space he needed. He rose for a two-handed dunk, slamming it home with authority.


    After landing, Kuzma turned to the Pelicans'' crowd, spreading his arms wide, soaking in the boos. Then, with theatrical flair, he pressed his palms together in mock humility before once again placing an imaginary crown on his head.


    ''Oh, so that''s the full routine,'' Han thought, amused.


    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 371: The Simplicity of Dominance.

    Chapter 371: The Simplicity of Dominance.Han Sen couldn''t hold back a grin as he walked over to Kuzma to offer a reminder.


    It wasn''t about tempering his behavior, but more about cautioning him against LeBron''s inevitable retaliation.


    Han spoke from experience¡ªhe had been on the receiving end of LeBron''s dirty plays in the Finals, surviving only because of his [Iron Body] talent.


    Kuzma didn''t have that luxury. One careless move, and he might end up filling Hayward''s infamous role in NBA "history".


    Kuzma nodded earnestly, but there was a glint of understanding in his eyes.


    He was no fool.


    Most players, after provoking LeBron, would avoid him like the plague on the court. But Kuzma knew there was no escaping it. That''s why he had chosen to strike first.


    He understood LeBron better than most¡ªhow else could he qualify as a professional LeBron hater?


    Sure enough, on the next possession, LeBron delivered a sharp elbow aimed directly at Kuzma''s head.


    Kuzma went down dramatically, and the referee blew the whistle, calling an offensive foul on LeBron.


    Han immediately stepped in, holding LeBron back. LeBron, already incensed, escalated, and both benches quickly rushed in, creating chaos on the court.


    The referee''s shrill whistles finally brought the situation under control, and the game entered a technical timeout.


    During the replay review, the crowd erupted in a mix of laughter and shock.


    The replay revealed that Kuzma had anticipated the elbow and dodged just enough to avoid serious contact, selling the foul with some Oscar-worthy acting.


    Han couldn''t help but laugh after seeing the footage. No wonder LeBron had been so furious¡ªKuzma''s performance had even fooled him.


    "This kid... he''s got a bright future," Han muttered, shaking his head in amusement.


    When play resumed, possession belonged to the Cavaliers.


    Even though Kuzma''s fall had been an act, the rules didn''t allow for retroactive changes to the call.


    But as the game restarted, Han noticed LeBron glaring daggers at him.


    ''Was it really that bad, holding you back?'' Han thought to himself, confused by the intensity of the look.


    What Han didn''t realize was that LeBron wasn''t angry about the scuffle¡ªit was Kuzma''s antics that had triggered flashbacks.


    This was textbook Han Sen!


    To LeBron, it was clear that Han had been coaching Kuzma behind the scenes. Han had grown too big to pull these stunts himself, so now he was using his prot¨¦g¨¦ to do the dirty work.


    ''Damn snake!'' LeBron thought, seething.


    Oblivious to the conspiracy brewing in LeBron''s mind, Han continued leading the offense. Using Covington for a screen, he drew a double team and prepared to pass out, only to notice Kuzma cutting sharply toward the basket, leaving Moore behind.


    Han threaded a perfect pass through traffic. Kuzma caught it and went up for a layup, only to be met by Anthony Davis, who swatted the shot against the backboard with authority.


    Kuzma tried to recover the rebound, but Davis''s superior reach and quickness won out. Grabbing the ball cleanly, Davis initiated a fast break.


    LeBron, already well ahead of Covington, received the pass and finished with a smooth transition layup.


    The score was tied at 14.


    The Pelicans had been underestimated.


    Even in the ''historical timeline'' where LeBron never joined them, this team had made the playoffs after overcoming early-season struggles.


    With Cousins out for half a season, they had still finished just one game behind the third-seeded Trail Blazers.


    Their underperformance last year had been more about chemistry than talent.


    On the next possession, Han called for a post-up.


    He had noticed something important¡ªDavis was being used to guard Jokic to disrupt their pick-and-roll game.


    While their previous pick-and-roll plays had been effective, they were also exhausting.


    With defenders like Holiday and Davis, one of the few duos capable of directly countering their tactics, it was time for a change.


    By pulling Davis to the perimeter with Jokic and letting Han operate in the post, they could ease the physical burden while exploiting mismatches.


    Holiday tried to front Han, but Han''s superior positioning and strength allowed him to secure the ball.


    Jokic''s pass was perfectly timed, landing in Han''s hands as he sealed off Holiday.


    Using a pump fake to draw a weak-side defender out of position, Han backed down Holiday before turning and fading away for a clean jumper.


    Holiday, forced low by Han''s physicality, could only offer a token contest as the ball arced over his head and dropped through the net.


    The crowd buzzed with excitement.


    After years of adapting to Malone''s one-star, four-shooter system, Han had developed a devastating face-up game. But now, in his prime, he could switch seamlessly between face-up and post-up styles, dominating in both.


    Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry adjusted on the next defensive possession, instructing his team to collapse into the paint.


    That played right into Han''s hands.


    From the low post, Han drew Davis in from the free-throw line before kicking the ball out to Jokic at the three-point line.


    Afraid of Jokic''s playmaking, the Pelicans hesitated to rotate, gambling that Davis could recover in time.


    But covering that much ground was impossible, even for Davis.


    Jokic wasted no time. With a smooth release, he drained the open three.


    Swish!


    The Cavaliers were starting to find their rhythm.


    Despite the team''s overall struggles this season, Jokic had been a shining star. His improved three-point shooting¡ªup from 32.4% on 1.6 attempts per game last season to 39.6% on 3.7 attempts this year¡ªwas a testament to his unique talent.


    By the nine-minute mark of the first quarter, the Cavaliers led 27-21.


    The Pelicans were formidable, but Han and Jokic were proving to be an unstoppable duo.


    As both teams rotated in their bench units, Dwyane Wade checked into the game.


    Han was surprised to see that LeBron wasn''t staggering his minutes¡ªa move uncharacteristic for him.


    "Is LeBron suddenly playing like an old man?" Han wondered.


    But the more likely explanation was the ''new supplements'' LeBron had been using. While they boosted his explosiveness, they seemed to take a toll on his endurance¡ªa tradeoff that even LeBron''s legendary physique couldn''t fully overcome.


    The Pelicans'' bench was no slouch, featuring Rajon Rondo, Nick Young, Nikola Mirotic, and Tyler Zeller, a group bolstered by Nike''s offseason efforts.


    However, Wade wasted no time asserting himself.


    Despite his decline, Wade''s competitiveness against LeBron-led teams was unmatched, channeling the same "bloodthirsty" energy that Han, Irving, and now Kuzma all displayed.


    ---


    The game remained fiercely contested, tied at 92 apiece by the end of the third quarter.


    But as the game entered the decisive final phase, the Pelicans'' weakness was laid bare.


    When LeBron''s team lacks a reliable scoring closer, they inevitably face scoring droughts in clutch moments.


    This was a pattern repeatedly proven during LeBron''s Cavaliers 1.0 days, as well as his stints with the Thunder and Knicks.


    As for LeBron himself, without elevating his post game, mid-range shooting, three-point accuracy, step-backs, and turn-around fadeaways to an elite level, he simply lacks the tools to be a consistent closer.


    There might be the occasional night where his hot hand shines, but more often than not, he fades away in the clutch.


    The new supplements couldn''t save LeBron, just as Han Sen had predicted.


    On the Cavaliers'' side, however, these moments were Han Sen''s playground¡ªa stage for his full arsenal of skills.


    Han erupted for 21 points in the fourth quarter alone, leading the Cavaliers to a commanding 36-23 run to close the game.


    The final score: 126-113, a resounding victory for Cleveland.


    Han Sen finished with a jaw-dropping 46 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.


    LeBron tallied a triple-double of 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, but the numbers felt hollow in the wake of Han''s dominance.


    The battle between "the self-proclaimed best in the world" and "the league''s undisputed best" had its clear victor.


    LeBron retained his "Swiss Army knife" reputation, but that was about all he had left.


    "LeBron should keep wearing his crown, or else it might end up belonging to Kyle Kuzma," Han quipped during the postgame press conference, when asked about Kuzma''s celebratory crown gesture during the game.


    Han''s dig landed hard, reminding everyone of the absurdity of LeBron''s self-crowning. Just as Han had once stripped Paul Pierce''s "Truth" moniker of its gravitas, LeBron''s "GOAT" narrative had been reduced to a punchline.


    Kuzma? He''d just done the same to LeBron''s crown.


    If there had been any lingering desire for LeBron to don a crown in the future, Kuzma and Han made sure to extinguish it entirely.


    ---


    After returning to Cleveland, the Cavaliers resumed practice the next day.


    Before the session began, Coach Malone called Han into his office. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The game against the Pelicans had sparked new ideas for the team''s offensive system.


    "Mismatch isolation is the simplest and most effective strategy," Malone began, referencing Han''s low-post dominance against Jrue Holiday in New Orleans.


    Holiday was an elite two-way guard, but at 6''4" (1.93m) he was hopelessly undersized against Han''s 6''7" (2.01m) frame¡ªa natural mismatch.


    Han wasn''t surprised by Malone''s conclusion. In fact, he was relieved the coach had finally "woken up".


    It sounded odd, given Malone''s tactical reputation, but his previous systems were still rooted in an older era of basketball.


    The modern small-ball era thrives on simplicity and efficiency.


    When a team has absolute stars, basketball doesn''t need to be complicated.


    Create mismatches. If there''s no double team, attack. If there is, pass to the open man.


    For Han, it was the easiest and most energy-efficient way to dominate.


    And now, with Jokic''s significant improvement, the Cavaliers had another player capable of exploiting mismatches.


    Malone''s blueprint was straightforward:


    Han attacks. When he''s done, Jokic attacks. When Jokic''s turn is over, it''s back to Han.


    Malone''s job would be to design plays that maximized these mismatches while conserving the duo''s energy.


    The remaining pieces? Surround them with the best possible spacing shooters and let the stars do the heavy lifting.


    Han agreed with the plan, and Malone couldn''t hide his excitement.


    He knew this simple yet unstoppable strategy might be the Cavaliers'' final step toward cementing a dynasty.


    After settling his excitement, Malone turned to another pressing matter.


    "I need you to talk to Derrick."


    Malone had already tried to persuade Rose to keep playing but hadn''t made any progress.


    "He''s vital to us. If we can''t bring him back, we need to prepare for the worst."


    It was a blunt assessment, but the truth was undeniable.


    Wade''s performance against the Pelicans was impressive, but his decline was inevitable. Players like JR Smith and Tristan Thompson were now practically untradeable due to their poor form.


    Under these circumstances, a healthy and engaged Rose was critical to the team''s success.


    Han reluctantly agreed to give it a shot.


    ---


    When Han saw Derrick Rose, he almost didn''t recognize him.


    The once-vibrant point guard was now a shadow of himself. His face was hidden behind an overgrown beard, his hair unkempt, and his posture slouched. He looked more like a man weathered by years of hardship than one who had ever dreamed of greatness.


    This wasn''t the same Rose who had joined the Cavaliers just months ago, full of hope, ready to chase the championship that had eluded him his entire career. That fire, that optimism¡ªit was gone, snuffed out by yet another cruel twist of fate.


    Han lingered in the doorway for a moment, trying to process the sight. "Damn, Derrick," he finally said, a half-hearted grin tugging at his lips, "you trying out for a survival show or something?"


    Rose barely glanced up, his expression unreadable. "Nah," he muttered, his voice quiet, almost hollow. "Just figured... what''s the point."


    The words hit harder than Han expected. He stepped inside and pulled up a chair across from Rose, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. "Come on, man. You can''t be serious. This isn''t you."


    Rose let out a weak, humorless laugh. "Maybe it is now. You ever think about that? Maybe this is all I got left."


    Han stayed quiet for a beat, studying him. He couldn''t pretend to understand what Rose had been through¡ªthe endless cycle of recovery, disappointment, and heartbreak. Han had faced challenges, sure, but nothing like this. He hadn''t lived with the cruel uncertainty that came with a body betraying its own brilliance.


    But he wasn''t here to pity Rose. That wouldn''t help anyone.


    "You know," Han said after a moment, trying to keep his tone light, "when you signed with us, you had this whole vibe, like you were ready to take on the damn world. What happened to that guy?"


    Rose shrugged, his shoulders heavy with defeat. "That guy didn''t get tackled by reality. You know how it is. Injuries, setbacks... it adds up. And now? I don''t know, Han. Feels like I''m fighting a losing battle."


    Han nodded slowly. He couldn''t argue with that. But he also wasn''t going to let it slide.


    "Look, Derrick," he started, his tone softening, "I''m not here to give you some speech about grit or how you need to bounce back. You''ve heard that a million times already. And if you feel like stepping away is the right move, I get it. Hell, I''d probably understand better than most."


    Rose raised his head slightly, just enough to meet Han''s eyes.


    "But before you make that call," Han continued, his voice steady, "I want you to ask yourself something. Could this be your only chance to win a championship? Your only chance to be part of something bigger than all the pain?"


    The room fell silent, the weight of Han''s question lingering in the air.


    Han leaned back in his chair, letting Rose absorb it. He didn''t push further. Sometimes, all it took was the right question to spark something¡ªhope, defiance, or even anger. Anything to remind Rose of the fire he once had.


    As Han stood to leave, he rested a hand on Rose''s shoulder. "Whatever you decide, make sure it''s a decision you won''t regret. That''s all I''m saying."


    For the first time in a long time, Derrick Rose sat with more than just despair. He sat with a choice.


    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 372: Unstoppable Simplicity.

    Chapter 372: Unstoppable Simplicity.The next day, Derrick Rose returned to the Cavaliers. With the help of the medical staff, he began rehabilitation therapy.


    It was clear¡ªhe had abandoned the idea of retirement.


    Coach Malone gave Han Sen a thumbs-up, marveling, "There doesn''t seem to be anything you can''t handle."


    With Rose back on track, Malone focused on implementing the new strategy. He wasn''t planning to unveil it immediately; these things required a process.


    Time flew, and by early December, the first month of the new season had wrapped up.


    The Cavaliers played 15 games in November, finishing with a 10-5 record. Including the season opener, they now sat at 11-5, ranked third in the Eastern Conference behind the Celtics and the Bucks.


    The Bucks had made a notable trade in early November, sending Greg Monroe, a future protected first-round pick, and a second-round pick to the Suns in exchange for Eric Bledsoe.


    After acquiring Brook Lopez during the offseason, the Bucks had been missing only a capable point guard, and now they had one. Bledsoe had averaged over 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists per game with the Suns over the past two seasons. Though only 6''1" (1.85m), his explosive athleticism, scoring, and defensive abilities made him a complete player.


    These moves had vaulted the Bucks into the upper echelon of Eastern Conference teams.


    Trailing just behind the Cavaliers were the surging 76ers.


    The addition of Jimmy Butler had transformed the Sixers into a more clutch team, filling the leadership void for their younger stars. Joel Embiid, in particular, seemed to thrive under Butler''s presence.


    "I feel like I''m the best player in the world," Embiid boldly declared.


    Much like Kuzma''s self-crowning antics, Embiid mimicked LeBron by claiming the unofficial title of "world''s best". Intentional or not, the jab was unmistakable.


    But Embiid had reason to be confident. He was averaging 27.5 points, 13.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game. And this was just his second season in the league.


    Of course, Embiid''s penchant for trash talk was no surprise. If Kuzma was dubbed "the next Han Sen" for his trolling and antics, then Embiid deserved a similar title¡ªnot as a LeBron hater, but as an outspoken personality.


    From the moment he entered the league in 2014, Embiid had made waves. Early on, he brazenly pursued Kim Kardashian on Twitter, only to shift his attention to Rihanna after being ignored.


    His infamous tweet¡ª"Rihanna is seriously considering my offer"¡ªwent viral. Rihanna replied with a condition: if Embiid made the All-Star team, she''d consider going on a date with him.


    With his current performance, an All-Star appearance seemed inevitable. A rise in status, fame, and perhaps even a date with Rihanna¡ªit was no wonder Embiid''s confidence was sky-high.


    As December began, Coach Malone decided it was time to unveil the new strategy he''d been refining for weeks. And the perfect test awaited¡ªthe 76ers.


    Malone believed in trial by fire: only strategies that worked in high-stakes matchups were worth keeping.


    The game, held at Quicken Loans Arena, drew a full house. NBC''s pre-game headline had stoked the flames: "I killed a lion at six years old. Han should fear me."


    The quote, attributed to Embiid during an interview, had quickly gone viral. According to the full report, Embiid had said, "At six, I killed a lion and brought it back to my village as part of my coming-of-age ceremony. I''ve never known fear. If anything, it''s my opponents who fear me."


    While the details of the story were likely exaggerated, it added yet another layer of intrigue to the matchup.


    ---


    The arena buzzed with energy as the starting lineups were announced:


    Cavaliers: Han Sen, Kyle Korver, Robert Covington, Tristan Thompson, Nikola Jokic.


    76ers: Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, Jae Crowder, Dario Saric, Joel Embiid.


    Embiid won the opening tip for the Sixers and immediately established himself in the post, backing down Thompson. After receiving a feed from Simmons, Embiid began his low-post attack to a chorus of boos from Cleveland fans.


    In today''s small-ball era, true centers were rare. Players like Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns were technically power forwards. Only Jokic and Embiid stood out as elite, traditional big men.


    Standing 7''0" (2.13m) tall with a 7''6" (2.29m) wingspan and weighing 280 pounds (127kg), Embiid looked every bit the classic post-up bruiser. But once he started his move, it became clear he wasn''t purely old-school. After a strong bump against Thompson, he spun for a smooth fadeaway jumper, a move reminiscent of Towns.


    Thompson contested aggressively, but Embiid''s height and touch made the shot nearly impossible to defend. The ball swished through the net, and the referee''s whistle followed¡ªThompson had fouled him.


    Smiling, Embiid raised his arms and gestured for the boos to grow louder. If Towns played with restraint, Embiid was his polar opposite¡ªbold, brash, and unfiltered.


    Embiid sank the free throw, completing a three-point play to open the game.


    On the other end, the Cavaliers unveiled their new strategy.


    Han called for Jokic to set a screen at the three-point line, but instead of rushing into the pick-and-roll, Jokic stayed in place, drawing Simmons with him. Han then pulled back, creating space to analyze the defense.


    Jokic slowly rolled into the post, demanding the ball. Meanwhile, the rest of the Cavaliers spread the floor: Korver and Covington stationed in the corners, with Thompson lurking in the dunker spot. This alignment created mismatches¡ªJokic against Simmons in the post and Han against Embiid on the perimeter. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Han opted to attack first, driving past Embiid to pull up for a mid-range jumper at the free-throw line. Embiid couldn''t keep up with Han''s first step, and with Jokic occupying the low post, the Sixers had no immediate help defense. Han''s shot, however, clanked off the back rim.


    Jokic, ever the opportunist, muscled past Saric for the offensive rebound and an easy putback, drawing cheers from the Cleveland crowd. Saric, at just 220 pounds (99.8kg), looked utterly outmatched against Jokic''s 265-pound (120kg) frame.


    The Sixers went back to Embiid on the next possession, but Han, anticipating the pass, abandoned Simmons mid-cut and swiped the ball from Embiid. Leading the fast break, Han weaved past Butler with a smooth Euro step before finishing at the rim.


    "Han is far scarier than any lion," Charles Barkley quipped from the commentary booth, a grin spreading across his face.


    The 76ers adjusted their offensive strategy, using Joel Embiid to set screens for Ben Simmons. However, Han Sen completely ignored Simmons on the perimeter, doubling Embiid instead.


    When Simmons was drafted, he was heralded as the "next LeBron James". For once, the media got it right¡ªSimmons shares LeBron''s glaring flaw: no shooting ability, relying solely on driving to the basket.


    Han defended him by sagging far off the perimeter, daring Simmons to shoot.


    Under pressure from the double-team, Embiid was forced to pick up his dribble. To his credit, he raised the ball high above his head, avoiding another steal by Han.


    The Sixers'' offense stalled until Jimmy Butler moved in to receive a pass. Embiid immediately set a screen, and Butler used it to nail a smooth mid-range jumper.


    The score shifted to 5-4.


    The 76ers'' competitiveness was undeniable.


    Han and Jokic ran their signature pick-and-roll, again targeting mismatches. This time, Han, aware of his shaky early shooting touch, aggressively drove to the rim instead of pulling up.


    With a low dribble and lightning-fast acceleration, Han left the collapsing Sixers'' defense behind. Jokic boxed out Dario ?ari?, clearing Han''s path for an emphatic one-handed dunk in the paint.


    Quicken Loans Arena erupted. Fans jumped to their feet, cheering wildly. They might not have noticed the tactical changes, but they could see that the Cavaliers'' offense was simpler yet far more efficient tonight.


    On the sidelines, 76ers head coach Brett Brown rose from his seat, making a hand signal to adjust their defensive strategy. A veteran from the Gregg Popovich coaching tree, Brown had the chops to recognize Cleveland''s new tactics.


    The Sixers'' next possession saw Butler feeding Embiid in the post instead of Simmons. While Butler wasn''t an elite three-point shooter, he was light-years ahead of Simmons, allowing him to space the floor effectively.


    Embiid showcased his footwork with a beautiful Dream Shake, spinning past Tristan Thompson to attack the rim. Whether or not Embiid had really hunted a lion at six years old was debatable, but it was undeniable that, at 16, he taught himself Hakeem Olajuwon''s moves by studying film.


    Unfortunately for Embiid, his shot didn''t go in¡ªHan had rotated back to contest it. Simmons stood uselessly on the weak side, unable to stretch the floor.


    Embiid attempted to grab his own miss, but Han''s quicker jump allowed him to snatch the rebound.


    With Han locked in on the boards, Cleveland couldn''t push the pace. Both teams transitioned back to a half-court battle.


    The Sixers made another defensive adjustment, swapping Embiid onto Tristan Thompson and assigning ?ari? to Jokic. Keeping Embiid in the paint maximized his defensive presence, given TT''s lack of shooting range.


    The move seemed sound, but Han immediately signaled for a clear-out, instructing Jokic to post up high.


    With Embiid anchored in the paint, ?ari? was left to defend Jokic¡ªa natural mismatch. Han fed the ball inside, and Jokic didn''t rush his attack. Holding the ball high, he surveyed the defense.


    Jokic waited for two seconds¡ªlong enough to force Embiid to make a decision due to the defensive three-second rule. As Embiid shifted toward the opposite side, Jokic powered through ?ari? with a spin move, leaving him helpless. A simple layup extended Cleveland''s lead.


    Brown looked visibly frustrated on the sidelines. The Cavaliers'' two stars weren''t just dominant¡ªthey were smart. Doubling them wasn''t a viable solution.


    Embiid took matters into his own hands on the next possession, facing up TT and pulling off a guard-like crossover into a step-back jumper. The shot missed.


    This guard-style approach, while tough to defend due to its high release point, was inefficient compared to Jokic''s method of consistently delivering easy baskets near the rim.


    The Sixers kept their defensive adjustments, but Han exploited them again. He fed Jokic in the post, who quickly drew a double-team from Embiid. Jokic spun away, raising the ball above his head, and calmly delivered a pinpoint pass to TT under the basket.


    Thompson, left completely unguarded, hammered home a two-handed dunk with authority.


    Quicken Loans Arena roared again as the scoreboard ticked to 10-5, with the Cavaliers pulling ahead.


    Cleveland''s tactics were simple¡ªbut devastatingly effective.


    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 373: The Weight of Yesterday’s Glory.

    Chapter 373: The Weight of Yesterday''s Glory.Brett Brown tried every tactic in the book, but by the end of the game, none succeeded.


    If it were just Han Sen or Nikola Joki?, he might''ve focused on forcing the ball out of one of their hands. But with both of them on the same team...


    The Cavaliers kept creating mismatches. Whenever the 76ers focused on defending one, the other would take advantage with a mismatch of their own.


    It was the classic case of two stars complementing each other perfectly, leaving the opponent helpless.


    Brown even tried ignoring the Cavaliers'' other three players to throw everything at Han and Joki?. However, both Kyle Korver and Robert Covington were on fire from beyond the arc, capitalizing on their open looks.


    Clearly, the past two weeks of Coach Malone''s focus in practice¡ªputting role players in spots where they could thrive¡ªpaid off.


    With no solution to stop Han and Joki?, Brown resorted to a shootout strategy, hoping to exploit weaknesses in the Cavaliers'' lineup.


    Unfortunately, this approach fell flat, as Ben Simmons became a liability. Han completely sagged off Simmons, turning the 76ers'' offense into a de facto 4-on-5.


    Though Jimmy Butler helped keep them competitive in the first half, with the 76ers only trailing 56-43, things unraveled quickly in the third quarter.


    When Malone inserted Kyle Kuzma into the starting lineup, replacing Tristan Thompson, the Cavaliers'' offensive spacing expanded dramatically. The 76ers'' defense collapsed, unable to recover.


    The end result: The Cavaliers obliterated the 76ers, 118-96, securing a key position in the Eastern Conference standings.


    Postgame Stats:


    - 76ers: Joel Embiid led with 26 points and 12 rebounds.


    - Cavaliers: Han Sen finished with 33 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists in three quarters, while Joki? added 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists.


    It was an outright dismantling by Cleveland''s two stars.


    Embiid''s bold pregame comments earned plenty of attention, especially among fans in China. After the game, a witty fan posted on a popular forum:


    "In the second year of Embiid''s reign, the Emperor led his army to Cleveland, vowing to slay lions and conquer the city. Instead, he met Emperor Han and his mighty general Nikola, who crushed him, leaving Embiid to flee back to Philadelphia alone."


    At the postgame press conference, reporters asked Han about Embiid''s pregame remarks.


    Han, knowing the true context of Embiid''s comments, wasn''t about to clarify or defend him. Instead, he smirked and quipped:


    "I have a pet African lion at home."


    The message was clear: Embiid might boast about slaying lions, but Han tamed them.


    ---


    The Cavaliers followed up this dominant win with victories over the Thunder and Raptors, riding a three-game win streak.


    Opponents clearly struggled to adapt to Cleveland''s sudden shift in strategy¡ªor rather, the league just didn''t have many teams equipped with the defensive resources to simultaneously contain both Han Sen and Nikola Joki?.


    However, their streak ended against the Rockets, exposing a potential flaw.


    Since Mike D''Antoni''s arrival, Houston embraced "Moreyball", emphasizing layups, three-pointers, and free throws. Beyond that, they relentlessly exploited mismatches, isolating James Harden against opposing big men¡ªa tactic often referred to as "boot camp" for centers.


    In essence, the Rockets'' approach had significant overlap with the Cavaliers'' new style.In this particular game, it wasn''t just Harden¡ªChris Paul and Eric Gordon also took turns targeting Joki? in mismatches. The constant defensive pressure wore Joki? down, ultimately affecting his offensive output.


    This gave opposing teams a new strategy: instead of focusing on stopping the Cavaliers, focus on wearing them down.Han was difficult to exploit¡ªhis defensive versatility made isolating him a fool''s errand. But Joki?''s defensive limitations, especially in mismatch situations, stood out as a vulnerability.


    Malone''s solution? Start Kyle Kuzma over Kyle Korver.


    While Joki?''s ability to defend smaller players might not improve significantly, Malone focused on enhancing the team''s ability to fight through screens. In this regard, Han, Robert Covington, and even Kuzma (thanks to his footwork and training) were suitable options.


    If J.R. Smith had been in better form, these adjustments might not have been necessary. If Norman Powell were still with the team, his combination of shooting and defense would have made him the ideal choice for the starting lineup. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But given the circumstances, Malone had no choice but to rely on Kuzma.The results were mixed. Kuzma''s size and effort were valuable, but his speed remained an issue against quicker guards.


    Kuzma''s promotion to the starting lineup had another ripple effect: J.R. Smith fell out of the rotation entirely, leaving him frustrated.


    J.R., who had fought hard to claim a starting role after Kyrie Irving''s departure, now found himself sidelined midway through the season. His frustration culminated in a bizarre act during garbage time against the Suns¡ªuntying Greg Monroe''s shoelaces. The league quickly fined him $25,000 for the incident.


    ---


    After the Suns game, Malone approached GM David Griffin to discuss J.R.''s situation.


    Malone, known for treating players equally regardless of status, intended to suspend J.R. But he hesitated.


    J.R. wasn''t just another player¡ªhe was a key contributor to the Cavaliers'' back-to-back championships. Malone understood the value of "legacy basketball", much like how Stephen Curry stood by Draymond Green despite his controversies.


    "What do you think about George Hill?" Griffin asked, catching Malone off guard.


    After a moment of thought, Malone understood. Griffin was considering trading J.R. for Hill.


    Hill, a versatile guard known for his defense, shooting, and leadership, was the type of player coaches loved. Given J.R.''s reduced role, his $15 million salary, and his antics, trading him for Hill seemed like a logical move.


    "Would the Kings even agree to that?" Malone asked, skeptical.


    Griffin explained that the Kings were open to a deal due to the rapid development of rookie Donovan Mitchell and the need to create playing time for Buddy Hield. However, they would likely demand Dejounte Murray as part of the package.


    Malone quickly realized the implications. This wasn''t just about swapping J.R. for Hill; Murray would be the real asset in the trade.


    Murray had shown promise in Derrick Rose''s absence, particularly with double-digit scoring performances against the Suns. Han''s scouting instincts had proven accurate yet again¡ªMurray was clearly a player with potential.


    If Han were staying with the Cavaliers long-term, trading Murray might not be wise. But with Han set to leave in the summer and the team focused on building a dynasty before his departure, sacrificing part of the future for immediate success seemed justified.


    "I think we should ask Han for his opinion," Malone suggested. Despite Han''s usual hands-off approach to trades, Malone felt this situation warranted his input.


    Griffin shook his head. "Han doesn''t involve himself in trades, and asking him would only put him in a difficult position. This decision is ours to make."


    Griffin''s logic was sound. Trading J.R. could upset veteran players like Tristan Thompson, but the team''s priority was clear: get better, even if it meant tough decisions.


    Eventually, Malone agreed. However, he insisted on giving J.R. one last chance.


    ---


    The next morning, Han confronted J.R. after practice.


    "6 a.m. tomorrow. Be at the gym."


    At 32, J.R.''s decline was more about conditioning than age. The only way to fix that was hard work.


    J.R. groaned, knowing full well what Han''s infamous Breakfast Club entailed. But before he could protest, Han cut him off:


    "If you don''t show up, don''t bother coming to me for anything ever again."


    The following morning, Han was at the gym with Joki?, Kuzma, Cunningham, and Wade. J.R. arrived late, yawning as he stepped through the door.


    The intense training pushed J.R. to his limits¡ªhe even threw up midway through the session, a testament to how out of shape he was.


    Over breakfast, J.R. muttered that he couldn''t handle the intensity.


    "Then get ready to be traded," Han replied bluntly.


    "Traded? How could they trade me? After everything I''ve done for this team?" J.R. snapped, his voice rising.


    He wasn''t wrong¡ªhe had played a crucial role in Cleveland''s championships. But Han''s response cut deep:


    "Right now, you can''t even earn minutes on the court."


    J.R.''s shoulders slumped. The truth hurt more than anything else.


    Han leaned forward, his tone softening. "If you want to prove them wrong, don''t tell me what you can''t handle. Just show up and do the work."


    This was the NBA, a business-driven league. Unless you were a one-team icon like Kobe Bryant or Dirk Nowitzki, resting on past accomplishments wasn''t an option. Legacy wasn''t enough to justify future roles.


    The next morning, Han and the others returned to the gym.


    J.R. wasn''t there when they started, and Han assumed he wasn''t coming. But ten minutes into the session, J.R. walked through the door, looking a little rough but ready.


    Han couldn''t help but smile. There was still hope.


    ---


    Time quickly flew by, and December was nearing its end.


    As Christmas approached, Cleveland was wrapped in the festive holiday spirit.


    This year, the Cavaliers would once again participate in the Christmas Day showcase, facing off against the current Eastern Conference leaders: the Boston Celtics.


    Kyrie Irving had stayed quiet this season, and the Celtics were cruising along with dominant performances.


    With a lineup featuring Irving, Avery Bradley, Kevin Durant, Al Horford, and Karl-Anthony Towns, their roster was as strong as last season''s Warriors¡ªif not better.


    "Let''s charge toward the 18th championship in franchise history!"


    This was Boston''s season-long rallying cry.


    In the days leading up to Christmas, TNT''s latest episode took on the Celtics'' championship chances this season.


    As the season progressed, Boston''s path to the title looked increasingly legitimate.


    But as always, the conversation took a detour.


    The debate shifted to a much bigger question: If the Celtics ended the Cavaliers'' dynasty, would that stop Han Sen from ever surpassing Michael Jordan?


    The panel¡ªErnie Johnson, Shaquille O''Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith¡ªeach brought their signature flair to the discussion:


    Shaquille O''Neal: "Han Sen''s already passed Jordan. Five championships in eight seasons? C''mon, man, nobody''s done that¡ªnot even Mike. That''s the best start to a career in NBA history."


    Charles Barkley: "Shaq, stop it. Han''s great, but Jordan''s on another level. The guy had two three-peats! I''ll say this, though¡ªHan bringing a title to Cleveland? That''s impressive. Not even Jordan could''ve done that with that roster."


    Ernie Johnson: "Look, Jordan''s legacy isn''t just six rings. It''s how he did it¡ªtwo separate three-peats and retiring at the peak of his powers. If Han can''t match something like that, he''ll always be a step behind."


    Kenny Smith: "I''m with Charles on one thing: Han''s Cleveland championship was special. But Shaq''s got a point too¡ªfive rings in this era, against this competition, is incredible. Still, to even be in the GOAT conversation, you''ve gotta own your era. Han needs this title to shut the door on the debate. And to top it off, he''s gotta dominate the record books."


    The heated debate lit up social media, with fans weighing in from all sides. The episode turned up the hype for the much-anticipated Christmas Day matchup.


    With both teams sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference¡ªand the league''s shifting balance of power¡ªit felt less like a regular-season clash and more like a preview of the NBA Finals.


    Whoever emerged from the East wouldn''t just hold conference bragging rights¡ªthey''d likely go on to claim the Larry O''Brien Trophy.


    (End of Chapter)


    Translator''s note:


    Moreyball: Named after Daryl Morey, the former GM of the Houston Rockets, Moreyball is an analytical approach to basketball strategy. It emphasizes the most efficient scoring options: three-pointers, layups/dunks, and free throws, while devaluing mid-range shots. The philosophy is grounded in maximizing points per possession.


    Bootcamp (or "Center Bootcamp"): A slang term used to describe repeatedly isolating an opposing center or big man on defense, particularly by creating mismatches through pick-and-rolls. The goal is to exploit the big man''s slower lateral movement or defensive weaknesses, often leading to consistent scoring opportunities for guards or wings. The Rockets famously used this strategy with James Harden against opposing bigs.

 Chapter 374: Hate Makes Me Unstoppable.

    Chapter 374: Hate Makes Me Unstoppable.(Side Story-2)


    I''ve spent my whole life on the sidelines. Watching. Coaching. Guiding others to do what I could never do myself.


    It started when I was a kid, completely consumed by basketball. My family had enough money to send me to the U.S. for high school, and for a while, I thought I was on my way.


    Coaches loved my basketball IQ¡ªI could see plays unfold before they happened, read defenses like an open book. Teammates trusted me because I made them better. I wasn''t the fastest or the strongest, but I always knew where to be, how to move, how to make the right decision.


    But by my senior year, reality hit.


    I stopped growing.


    At 5''7" (1.7m), no amount of court vision or basketball smarts could make up for what I lacked in height. The whispers started. "He''s good, but... too small. Too slow. Not athletic enough." And just like that, my NBA dream slipped through my fingers. No one said it outright, but I could feel it¡ªevery scout, every coach, every teammate. They all saw my ceiling before I did.


    By the time I graduated college, I''d accepted it. The league wasn''t for me. Coaching, though? That was something I could do. Something I was good at. I found joy in helping young players get better, in crafting strategies, in watching my plays come to life on the court¡ªeven if I wasn''t the one executing them.


    My first job was as a volunteer assistant at a local high school. The pay was nonexistent, but I didn''t care. I was around the game, and that was enough. Eventually, I worked my way up to a full-time assistant coaching position at a small Division III college. The hours were brutal, the pay barely enough to cover rent, but I made it work. My family''s modest financial support kept me from sinking, and basketball kept me going.


    When I wasn''t on the court, I was in front of my computer, breaking down film and creating training videos for social media. My series on zone defenses and pick-and-roll strategies gained a small following. I''d get DMs from coaches and players thanking me for the content, asking for advice. It felt good, like I was making an impact, even if it was small. Even if it was from the sidelines.


    But the grind wore me down. Late nights editing videos turned into early mornings at practice. I started skipping meals, ignoring the dull ache in my chest, the headaches that wouldn''t go away. My friends told me to slow down, to take care of myself, but I couldn''t. Basketball wasn''t just my job. It was my identity. My purpose. Without it, I didn''t know who I was.


    That night was like any other. I was sitting at my desk, reviewing film from our last game. My laptop''s fan whirred loudly, struggling against the heat of too many tabs and too much footage. A half-eaten sandwich sat next to a cold cup of coffee. My back ached from hours of hunching over, but I ignored it. There was always one more play to analyze, one more clip to edit, one more way to make my team better.


    I paused the footage, leaned back in my chair, and rubbed my eyes. My head throbbed, my vision blurred for a moment. Probably just tired, I told myself. I''d felt this way before. I''d push through it, like I always did.


    Then everything went dark.


    When I opened my eyes, I wasn''t in my apartment anymore. The air smelled of salt, and the sound of crashing waves filled my ears. I blinked, disoriented, as sunlight streamed down from a cloudless sky. Sand clung to my hands as I pushed myself upright.


    "What the..." The words came out raspy, my voice alien to my own ears. I looked down, expecting to see my familiar, calloused fingers, but what I saw stopped me cold. These hands were larger, veined, powerful¡ªthe kind of hands that looked like they belonged to an athlete in his prime.


    I tried to stand, but my legs felt unsteady. Longer. Stronger. My balance was off. Every move I made felt alien, as if I was trying to operate someone else''s body. My heart pounded as I stumbled forward, my feet sinking into the sand.


    I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the water¡ªand froze.


    It wasn''t me.


    The face staring back was unfamiliar. The jawline was sharper, the shoulders broader. My chest heaved as I raised a hand to my face, my touch confirming what I couldn''t deny. This wasn''t my body. It was someone else''s¡ªtaller, leaner, more athletic.


    I felt panic clawing at my throat, threatening to suffocate me. Was this a dream? Some kind of hallucination? My breaths came faster, shallow and erratic. The more I looked at myself, the less I understood. My mind raced, grasping for answers, for logic, but there was none.


    And then I heard it.


    Welcome to the Hater System.


    The voice was cold, mechanical, and yet it felt as though it was speaking directly into my mind.


    Hate fuels greatness. Let the world doubt you. Let the world mock you. And let that fuel turn you into the impossible.


    I staggered back, clutching my head as the words reverberated inside me like a bell tolling in the emptiness. "What... what the hell is this?" I muttered, my voice trembling.


    Memories surged forward like a tidal wave. The long nights at my desk, the exhaustion, the relentless pressure I''d placed on myself to do more, to be more. The moment I''d collapsed, the sharp pain in my chest, and the sudden blackness that followed.


    I died. The realization hit me like a freight train. I''d worked myself to death, my obsession consuming me until there was nothing left.


    And now... this?


    I looked down at my hands again, flexing them experimentally. They felt powerful, capable of things I''d never been able to do before. I could feel the anger bubbling up¡ªnot at this new body, or the voice in my head, but at everything I''d been denied in my first life. The chances I never got. The ceiling I was forced to accept.


    But beneath the anger was something else. Determination. If this was a second chance¡ªif this was my second life¡ªI wasn''t going to waste it.


    I clenched my fists, feeling the strength in them. The strength I''d always dreamed of having. The strength to prove every doubter, every critic, every whisper that said "he''s not good enough" dead wrong. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Fine," I said, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me. "Let them hate me. Let them doubt me."


    Because for the first time, I didn''t feel like I had to belong.


    This time, I felt unstoppable.


    ******************


    Translator''s note:


    So, the original novel wrapped up at 415 Chapters, but honestly? The ending left me feeling unsatisfied. It felt rushed, with so many plot points left hanging. It''s like the story was sprinting to the finish line without tying up loose ends. That didn''t sit right with me, so I''ve decided to write some side stories as a way to fill in the gaps and give the story the closure it deserves.


    I''ve also got to admit¡ªI hated the original title of the novel. It just didn''t click for me. So, I gave it my own twist without really overthinking it. But then it hit me: why not give the title some real meaning, something tied directly to the story? And that''s how this Chapter came to be.


    This side story was my way of making the title more than just words. Now, it reflects Han''s journey¡ªhis struggles, his transformation, and his mindset.


    So.. what do you think?

 Chapter 375: A Christmas Clash with History on the Line.

    Chapter 375: A Christmas Clash with History on the Line.It was breakfast on game day, and Han Sen sat with his Breakfast Club crew after a grueling morning workout. The atmosphere was light, and J.R. Smith was the most animated one at the table, his mood clearly lifted.


    It was no mystery why. He had clawed his way back into the rotation, and the front office had abandoned any plans to trade him. The primary reason, of course, was his noticeable resurgence in form after weeks of intense training.


    The secondary reason, however, had to do with the Cavaliers'' current system.


    The mismatch isolation offense¡ªmuch like the triangle offense¡ªwas a system that revolved around star players. Role players were there to space the floor and defend. And with J.R. regaining his rhythm, his three-point shooting alone put him miles ahead of Murray.


    What''s more, when J.R. played with the right mindset, his physicality allowed him to defend far better than someone like Korver.


    "Boss, I think you''re already better than Michael," J.R. said with a grin, his voice dripping with enthusiasm.


    He hadn''t been thrilled with Han initially, feeling that his captain hadn''t done much to stand up for him. But after learning that Han had vouched for him to get an extra month to regain his form, J.R.''s gratitude had become as overflowing as a river in a storm.


    "You surpassing Mike is just a matter of time," Wade chimed in.


    After all, Han was only nine seasons into his career. Even if he couldn''t lead the Cavaliers to a dynasty this season, winning two more championships down the road would cement his place above Jordan.


    Everyone knew Jordan''s two three-peats were legendary, but people often forgot that his career wasn''t limited to those six seasons. Comparatively, by his ninth season, Jordan had only just completed his first three-peat.


    Moreover, Han was already rewriting history books. He even held the single-game playoff scoring record¡ªsomething Jordan never managed to claim.


    Han shook his head, his smile calm yet determined. "Let''s talk about this after we win the championship this year."


    Among the TNT panel, Kenny Smith had the most balanced perspective: only those who dominate their contemporaries can enter the conversation for the greatest of all time. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The difficulty of leading the Cavaliers to a dynasty far exceeded what Han had faced with the Grizzlies, but it was all part of the process. And if he succeeded, surpassing Jordan would no longer be a question¡ªevery title after that would merely be adding to his legacy while creating an even higher bar for the next generation to chase.


    ---


    By game night, the TD Garden in Boston was packed to capacity. The energy of the Celtics'' fan base was palpable, their enthusiasm radiating from every corner of the arena.


    In just two years since drafting Karl-Anthony Towns, the Celtics had transformed into a legitimate powerhouse. Their roster grew stronger with each season, and this year, their championship hopes felt tangible.


    For Boston fans, this game wasn''t just about the present. It was about history. Stopping the Cavaliers'' dynasty would feel like breaking through the same barrier that teams in 1998 could have with Jordan¡ªor like the Bulls beating the Lakers in 1991 to cement a new era.


    If the Celtics dethroned the Cavaliers this season, they wouldn''t just be contenders. They''d be legends.


    And tonight''s Christmas game was the perfect beginning.


    During pregame warmups, the cameras lingered on Kyrie Irving, drawing cheers from the Boston faithful.


    Since arriving in Boston, Kyrie had kept a surprisingly low profile, avoiding the drama that had plagued his career in Cleveland. Some of his recent comments had even earned him genuine affection from Celtics fans.


    Last month, Kyrie had made headlines with a statement: "I wish I had been drafted by Boston in 2011 instead of Cleveland."


    He later clarified his remarks, explaining, "When I was drafted, I needed guidance, development. If I had given myself the chance to learn from people smarter than me, more experienced than me, I could have reached my best self earlier."


    Kyrie''s words carried a pointed subtext. In Cleveland, there hadn''t been any veterans to guide him, so while he shined individually, he didn''t know how to lead a team to victory. It wasn''t until Han Sen''s arrival that Kyrie began to grow and find direction.


    But if Boston had drafted him, he argued, the mentorship of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen would have accelerated his development¡ªturning him into an even better player than he was now.


    Unsurprisingly, Kyrie''s comments had infuriated Cleveland fans. The 2011 Celtics only had the 25th pick in the draft, so there was no realistic scenario in which they could''ve selected Kyrie, the clear first overall pick. Unless Kyrie had refused to play for any team but Boston¡ªor if the Celtics had traded away significant assets to obtain the first pick¡ªhis "what if" was pure fantasy.


    But the Boston crowd didn''t care. To them, Kyrie''s comments were proof of what could have been¡ªa bittersweet connection with a player they felt was always meant to wear green.


    It didn''t hurt that Kevin Durant, during his decision to join Boston last year, had made similar remarks about the city. Clearly, the Celtics had a way of inspiring players to reimagine their careers in the storied franchise''s colors.


    (TL/n: In 2007, the Celtics finished with the worst record in the Eastern Conference and the second-worst record in the league, but they ended up with the fifth pick in the draft lottery, ultimately missing out on Kevin Durant.)


    ---


    Han finished his warmups, glancing up at the LED screen where the cameras still lingered on Kyrie. For a brief moment, he felt a pang of nostalgia.


    It had only been a year ago that Kyrie was his teammate, standing side by side as they faced the Warriors in the Christmas game.


    Now, Kyrie was the biggest obstacle in Han''s path to cementing the Cavaliers'' dynasty.


    Han looked away from the screen, a steely determination flashing in his eyes.


    Dominating one''s era was both a vague and crystal-clear concept. Vague, because players from opposite conferences might never face each other in high-stakes games. For example, there would always be debates about whether Jordan or Olajuwon had the greater peak dominance, since they never met in the Finals.


    But the clarity came from within the same conference. The one who emerged victorious there was the one who ruled over the rest.


    In "history", LeBron fans often claimed that he had dominated his generation by ruling the Eastern Conference. Whether he did so by forming superteams or falling short in the Finals was a separate conversation.


    For Han, defeating the Celtics wasn''t just a goal.


    It was a necessity.


    ---


    After the opening ceremony, the starting lineups were announced.


    Cavaliers: Han Sen, Kyle Kuzma, Robert Covington, Tristan Thompson, Nikola Joki?


    Celtics: Kyrie Irving, Avery Bradley, Kevin Durant, Karl-Anthony Towns, Al Horford


    Joki? secured the opening tip for the Cavaliers, and right from the start, Han Sen positioned himself in the elbow area, backing down Bradley for a post-up opportunity.


    Joki?, stationed at the top of the key, created spacing and fed the ball into Han. After a fake pass to Covington that pushed Durant slightly off, Han turned and powered past Bradley, driving hard toward the basket.


    Celtics coach Brad Stevens had anticipated this. He knew Bradley couldn''t handle Han one-on-one, so Towns rotated quickly to provide help defense, forming a double-team sandwich with Bradley.


    But Han, with a subtle glance over Towns'' shoulder, tricked him into momentarily checking behind himself. That split-second hesitation was all Han needed. He leapt before Towns could react. By the time Towns turned back, it was too late¡ªHan was already mid-air, gliding past him and slamming the ball home with authority.


    The crowd gasped. Han had just posterized Towns, who, as the saying goes, was still the same youthful player, unchanged in his struggles.


    On the Celtics'' next possession, Durant utilized a high pick-and-roll with Horford. After slipping past Joki?''s coverage, Durant hit a pull-up jumper, capitalizing on the Cavs'' strategy to wear Joki? down defensively¡ªa tactic every team had begun to deploy.


    Back on offense, Han once again posted up Bradley. Despite Bradley''s attempt to fight for position, Han expertly held his ground. When Joki? passed the ball inside, Han powered through, causing Bradley to lower his center of gravity defensively. Using a deft spin move toward the baseline as a fake, Han quickly pivoted back and created enough space for a clean fadeaway jumper. The shot fell effortlessly.


    This increasing reliance on post-ups was part of Cleveland''s adjustment to their mismatch-focused strategy. Post-ups not only conserved Han''s energy compared to constant drives, but they also played to his advantage against smaller defenders. Elite defenders like Bradley and Jrue Holiday struggled to contain him in the post due to his size and skill.


    Bradley, despite his best effort to contest, found himself outmatched. His smaller frame couldn''t stop Han''s relentless combination of power and precision.


    ---


    Stevens rose from the bench, signaling for a tactical adjustment. On the next Celtics possession, Irving called for a screen from Horford. Three attempts at setting a proper screen later, Horford still couldn''t fully block Han. Even so, Irving seized a fleeting chance to break right, driving hard to the rim.


    But Han, undeterred by Horford''s partial screen, recovered in time to disrupt Irving''s layup attempt. With Joki? and Han forming a wall around the rim, Irving''s shot bounced harmlessly off the glass.


    The Celtics didn''t bother fighting for the offensive rebound. They prioritized a quick retreat to defense instead.


    Joki? grabbed the rebound and initiated a Cavaliers'' half-court setup. This time, Durant preemptively doubled Han in the post. Sensing the double-team, Han immediately cut toward the free-throw line, drawing both defenders with him. The movement opened up a passing lane for Joki?, who delivered the ball to an open Covington in the corner.


    Covington''s three-pointer looked good but bounced out at the last second.


    Beneath the rim, TT and Towns fought furiously for position. The "J.R. incident" had served as a wake-up call for TT, reminding him that no player¡ªregardless of past contributions¡ªwas indispensable on this Cavaliers squad. Cleveland''s mismatch-heavy offense required role players to focus on doing their jobs well or risk being replaced.


    As TT and Towns jostled for position, a blur of movement descended from above. It was Han, cutting to the basket from the weak side, soaring for a thunderous putback dunk.


    The TD Garden buzzed with nervous energy. Boston fans could feel it¡ªHan was playing differently tonight. Whether on-ball or off-ball, he was relentless in his mission to attack the rim.


    ---


    The Celtics'' offense turned to Irving and Horford again. This time, Irving threw his body into Joki? on the drive, drawing a foul and earning two free throws.


    Malone stood up from the Cavs'' bench, reminding Joki? to watch his fouls.


    Irving sank both shots, bringing the score closer.


    Han initiated a pick-and-roll with Joki? on the next possession. As Bradley tracked Joki?''s roll to the basket, Han faced Horford and smoothly stepped back for a three-pointer.


    Swish!


    The net snapped as Han''s shot found the bottom.


    9¨C4. The Cavaliers were off to a flawless start.


    ---


    On the other end, Irving continued to run pick-and-rolls with Horford. Malone stroked his chin, puzzled by Stevens'' stubborn approach. Stevens wasn''t the type to keep attacking a brick wall. Even if the goal was to force Joki? into early foul trouble, it wasn''t that simple.


    The Cavaliers stymied the Celtics'' attempt at pick-and-roll, with Han chasing Irving from behind and blocking his shot cleanly.


    It was then that Malone abruptly stood up from the bench, his eyes narrowing.


    He realized what Stevens was doing.


    Han was in attack mode tonight, clearly locked in offensively. Stevens didn''t care if the pick-and-rolls worked immediately; his goal was to wear down both Han and Joki? over the course of the game. With Kuzma unable to guard Irving and Covington tied up with Durant, the defensive burden fell squarely on Han''s shoulders.


    This wasn''t about winning individual battles¡ªit was about the war of attrition.


    Malone turned to his bench, scanning the available options. His gaze landed on J.R. and Murray. After a moment of thought, he gestured for J.R. to check in.


    Han''s offensive rhythm was too good to risk disrupting, and J.R.''s shooting and defensive versatility made him the ideal substitute for the situation.


    As J.R. headed to the scorer''s table, Han drew a foul from Bradley on a post-spin move and converted a short floater. The arena lights flashed as the scoreboard displayed Han''s early dominance: 5-for-5 shooting, 11 points in under five minutes.


    Something felt off tonight.


    Han wasn''t just good.


    He was overwhelming.

 Chapter 376: Somebody Call the Cops!

    Chapter 376: Somebody Call the Cops!(TL/n: Hey everyone, I wanted to share something I''ve been thinking about.


    Throughout the story, I''ve been using "Han" as the main name for the protagonist, but I recently learned that "Han" is actually considered the family name. That makes "Sen" the first name, and I''ve started using it in this Chapter instead.


    I''m curious¡ªdoes "Sen" feel natural, or does it sound off compared to "Han"? Should I switch back, or is it worth continuing with this change? Let me know your thoughts after reading.)


    As Malone had predicted, when J.R. switched onto Kyrie Irving, the Celtics abandoned their "1-5" pick-and-roll strategy. Instead, they shifted away from targeting Nikola Joki? in mismatches through "1-2" pick-and-rolls involving Han Sen. It wasn''t a tactical sacrifice¡ªit would''ve been outright self-sabotage to force Irving against Sen when J.R. was already on him. [1]


    With Han Sen liberated on defense, he was free to wreak havoc on offense.


    And the Cavaliers needed him to.


    Even though the Celtics had dropped their relentless targeting of Joki? through screens, they didn''t let up in exhausting him in other ways.


    This Boston lineup¡ªled by Irving and Kevin Durant¡ªthrived on elite isolation scoring. While neither Irving nor Durant was known for two-way brilliance, their ability to punish defenders with pull-up jumpers made them uniquely dangerous. Add in Al Horford''s expert screen-setting and spacing, and Joki? couldn''t simply retreat into the paint like a traditional big man. He was forced to chase and contest, draining his energy possession by possession.


    J.R. and Covington managed to limit the damage to an extent, but expecting them to completely neutralize Boston''s offensive juggernauts was unrealistic.


    As Joki? absorbed the defensive workload, his offensive production naturally dipped. But that''s what made him special: when he couldn''t dominate as a scorer, he turned into a maestro, orchestrating the Cavaliers'' offense from the top of the key.


    This setup allowed Han Sen to flip the switch into full-on scoring mode.


    Whether it was in the post or attacking off the dribble, Sen was relentless. He adapted seamlessly depending on the defensive pressure. When Boston threw extra bodies at him on-ball, he shifted into off-ball movement, relying on Joki? to find him at just the right moments.


    With Joki? delivering pinpoint passes, Sen became a blur of cuts, screens, and rapid-fire shot releases¡ªreminiscent of prime Stephen Curry.


    "Let me remind everyone, during his rookie year, Han was one of the league''s best off-ball shooters," Shaquille O''Neal chimed in from the TNT commentary booth.


    Of course, what Shaq referred to was a distant memory¡ªback when Sen''s talents were raw, and his three-point shot was an emerging weapon. Now, with his skill set fully evolved, his off-ball scoring was devastating.


    "Shaq, let me ask you," Barkley interjected, clearly ready to stir the pot. "Han and Joki? right now, or you and Kobe back in your day¡ªwhich duo is better?" S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Shaq didn''t even flinch, flashing a knowing grin. "Han and Joker are the most coordinated duo in NBA history," he said with a smirk.


    The comment was both a nod to Sen and Joki?''s chemistry and a clever way to sidestep comparisons. Everyone knew Shaq and Kobe''s dynamic was less about harmony and more about raw individual dominance.


    Somewhere in Thousand Oaks, Kobe Bryant, likely mid-training session with his prot¨¦g¨¦s, sneezed.


    On the court, Sen and Joki? continued their rampage. With time winding down in the first quarter, the Cavaliers had possession for the final shot.


    Joki? stood at the top of the arc, surveying the defense as the LED scoreboard displayed Sen''s blistering stats: 10-of-14 shooting, 2-of-4 from three, 6-of-6 from the line¡ª28 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist.


    Sen had already set a new career-high for first-quarter scoring. Now, he had a chance to join the historic single-quarter 30-point club.


    The Celtics swarmed him at every opportunity, desperate to avoid becoming his highlight reel. No one wanted to be remembered as part of someone else''s moment.


    With just seconds left, Joki? made his move, driving inside. The unexpected aggression momentarily pulled the Celtics'' defense away from Sen, giving Joki? just enough room to exploit the opening.


    And then, in the blink of an eye, Joki? passed the ball out¡ªright to Sen.


    Last year, in the Eastern Conference Finals, Sen had trusted Joki? with the ball for a decisive play. Tonight, Joki? returned the favor.


    Sen caught the pass behind a screen, instantly rising for a three-pointer as the buzzer sounded.


    The shot was pure¡ªno hesitation, no adjustment. The arena fell silent, all eyes tracking the ball''s arc as it climbed, peaked, and began its descent.


    Swish.


    The net barely moved.


    31 points. Single-quarter 30-point club: unlocked.


    The Cavaliers bench erupted in cheers, their energy spilling into the court. They didn''t need stat sheets to know what had just happened¡ªthe LED screen confirmed it all. Han Sen had joined an elite group, the ninth player in NBA history to score 30+ points in a single quarter.


    The Boston crowd buzzed with nervous energy, realizing they were witnessing something historic. But their anxiety quickly morphed into dread.


    With Sen''s incredible quarter, the Cavaliers took a commanding 40¨C29 lead. And while it was only the first quarter, it felt like Boston might already be in trouble.


    "This is one of the greatest scoring exhibitions of all time!" Barkley shouted, leaning forward in his seat as if willing Sen''s performance to continue.


    Single-quarter scoring explosions like this were rare, even in the NBA''s storied history. Legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant had accomplished it, but even then, single quarters like these usually came with asterisks.


    Klay Thompson''s 37-point quarter? He finished with 52 points that game. Kevin Love''s 34-point quarter? He ended with just 40. Even Carmelo Anthony, with his 33-point quarter, capped off the night with 45.


    High bursts of energy often came at the cost of long-term efficiency. The human body could only sustain so much.


    As the second quarter began, Sen rested on the bench until the seven-minute mark, scoring just eight points in the quarter. The Celtics, red-hot from the field, clawed back to tie the game at 64 by halftime.


    For the first time all night, Boston fans exhaled.


    If Sen had come out swinging in the second quarter like he did in the first, they might''ve been forced to "call the cops", as LeBron fans would jokingly say whenever their star dominated a game.


    Instead, they saw something manageable. Han Sen had "only" 39 points at the half.


    But from a strategic perspective, the Celtics had executed their game plan well. Irving and Durant had kept Joki? occupied, ensuring Sen often operated as a lone scorer. Boston had kept the pressure on, neutralizing what could''ve been a knockout punch.


    As the halftime buzzer sounded, the Boston crowd roared, buoyed by hope and momentum. Victory, it seemed, was still within their grasp.


    For now.


    ---


    The Celtics opened the third quarter with possession, and Kevin Durant immediately looked to attack Nikola Joki? in a mismatch. However, the Cavaliers had adjusted their defense. Joki? sagged back into the paint while Robert Covington fought through screens to contest Durant from the side.


    It was clear that Malone was determined to minimize Joki?''s defensive workload, even if it meant conceding some mid-range opportunities. But Durant wasn''t interested in settling for a jumper. He drove aggressively to the basket, directly challenging Joki?. The result? A sweeping layup that earned him a trip to the free-throw line for Joki?''s third personal foul.


    Malone''s expression tightened on the sideline, his brow furrowed. He wasn''t just worried about this game; his mind was already on the playoffs. Basketball isn''t just about scoring¡ªJoki?''s defensive vulnerabilities could overshadow even his offensive brilliance, presenting a roadblock to reaching even greater heights.


    Durant calmly sank both free throws, putting the Celtics on the board to start the half.


    On the other end, Han Sen and Joki? executed a pick-and-roll, with Joki? rolling to the post and backing down Avery Bradley. It was a clear signal that Malone didn''t want Sen carrying the same heavy offensive load as he did in the first quarter.


    Bradley stood no chance against Joki? in the post, forcing the Celtics to collapse their defense. But just as they did, Joki? whipped a no-look pass out of the double team.


    The ball sailed across the court, landing right in Han Sen''s hands.


    Bradley scrambled to recover, but it wasn''t enough. Sen''s off-ball movement had left Al Horford a step behind, and with no hesitation, Sen rose for a mid-range jumper. The Celtics'' defense had no time to react.


    The arena held its breath, expecting another miss after Sen''s 3-for-8 shooting in the second quarter.


    Swish.


    The clean sound of the net silenced the doubters. Sen''s shot was effortless, deadly.


    His supposed second-quarter slump? It wasn''t poor shooting¡ªit was the toll of exhaustion. Now, with his energy restored, he was sharp again.


    The Celtics went back to their bread-and-butter: Kyrie Irving and Horford in a pick-and-roll. But this time, Joki? played cautiously, keeping his hands up and avoiding unnecessary fouls. Irving scored on a tough side-step layup, but the defensive strategy worked: Joki? avoided further foul trouble.


    Back on offense, Joki? continued exploiting mismatches, and the Celtics hesitated to pressure him too aggressively, wary of leaving Sen open. Joki? took advantage, spinning for an easy bank shot off the glass.


    Malone''s strategy was clear¡ªembrace a high-scoring battle. The Celtics were firing on all cylinders, so rather than expend energy trying to completely stop them, the Cavaliers leaned into their own offensive strengths. The approach was working. As the third quarter progressed, Celtics head coach Brad Stevens began to feel uneasy.


    Malone replaced Tristan Thompson with Kyle Kuzma, a familiar adjustment for the third quarter. While Kuzma''s defense on Karl-Anthony Towns wasn''t perfect, his ability to stretch the floor more than compensated. With Joki? anchoring the post, the Celtics'' defense became stretched too thin, leaving gaps that Sen relentlessly exploited.


    And Sen? He kept things simple.


    No over-dribbling. No unnecessary moves. Just basketball in its purest form: quick shots, decisive drives, and drawing fouls. Halfway through the quarter, Sen had already gone 3-for-3 from the field and 4-for-4 from the line, adding another 10 points to his tally.


    The adjustments were deliberate. Sen knew that replicating his explosive first-quarter scoring would burn him out by the fourth quarter. Instead, he focused on efficiency¡ªminimizing energy expenditure while maximizing production. With his restored stamina, his rhythm returned, and every shot felt automatic.


    The Boston crowd grew restless. Something was off. Even though Sen wasn''t the primary offensive option this quarter, he hadn''t missed a single shot.


    With two minutes left in the quarter, Malone began his rotation, subbing both Sen and Joki? out for a breather. The game remained tightly contested, with both teams trading baskets.


    Then came the uproar.


    The LED scoreboard flashed Sen''s stats for the quarter and the game: 7-for-7 from the field, 9-for-9 from the free-throw line (including a technical), for 23 points in the quarter.


    Through three quarters, Han Sen had accumulated a jaw-dropping stat line: 62 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists.


    The Boston crowd erupted in disbelief. "Somebody call the cops!" a fan shouted, half in jest, half in frustration.


    Social media exploded. Sen had entered a realm of scoring reserved for the game''s legends. His efficiency was staggering¡ªunstoppable. Even the Celtics fans couldn''t help but feel awe mixed with dread.


    And yet, the Celtics were still in it. Despite Sen''s historic performance, the game remained tied at 64 by halftime and neck-and-neck through the third quarter. Stevens'' strategy of wearing down Joki? while limiting Sen''s solo heroics had worked¡ªsort of.


    But one thing was clear: Han Sen wasn''t just having a great game. He was making history.


    As the teams prepared for the fourth quarter, the buzz in TD Garden grew louder. They knew they were witnessing something special. For Boston fans, it was a mixture of hope and fear.


    Because if Sen kept this up, they wouldn''t just lose.


    They''d end up on the wrong side of history.


    (End of Chapter)


    ---


    Translator''s note:


    [1] In basketball terminology, pick-and-roll plays are named based on the positions of the ball handler ("1" being the point guard, "2" being the shooting guard, and "5" being the center).


    1-5 Pick-and-Roll: This involves the point guard (1) and the center (5). The point guard handles the ball while the center sets a screen (the "pick") to create separation. This is the most common type of pick-and-roll as it combines the ball handler''s speed and decision-making with the center''s ability to roll to the basket or pop out for a mid-range shot. It''s effective for attacking mismatches, especially if the opposing center struggles with lateral quickness.


    1-2 Pick-and-Roll: This involves the point guard (1) and the shooting guard (2). It''s less common but used strategically to target perimeter mismatches or create space for sharpshooting guards. The point guard may use the screen to attack or pass it back to the shooting guard for a quick shot or drive. It''s often employed when both guards are highly skilled scorers and playmakers.


    In the context of the Chapter:


    - The Celtics used 1-5 pick-and-rolls to involve Joki? in defensive actions, exhausting him by forcing him to defend quicker guards like Kyrie Irving.


    - They avoided 1-2 pick-and-rolls against Han Sen because he could effectively shut down those actions with his size and defensive ability, making it a wasted effort.

 Chapter 377 - 81 No More.

    Chapter 377: 81 No More.(TL/n: Nvm gonna switch back since it felt odd.)


    At the end of the third quarter, the Cavaliers led the Celtics 100-92.


    One thing was clear tonight: Han Sen''s scoring was directly tied to the Cavaliers'' success.


    When he had a high-scoring quarter, like in the first and third, Cleveland built a lead. But when his scoring dipped, like in the second quarter, their advantage evaporated.


    This dependency highlighted the Cavaliers'' reliance on their core. Whatever offensive production Nikola Joki? couldn''t deliver had to be made up by Han Sen.


    So, while the Cavaliers led by 8 points, the situation wasn''t as favorable as it seemed.


    From the first half, one pattern was evident: after a big quarter, Han''s performance would drop significantly, as it did from the first to the second. If the trend continued, it could spell trouble in the fourth quarter.


    Although coach Michael Malone had given Han a two-minute break at the end of the third, scoring 62 points in three quarters was a massive strain on anyone''s stamina.


    The camera frequently panned to Han on the bench. His face looked pale, his exhaustion apparent.


    Scoring 62 points in three quarters without a stamina issue? Who are we kidding?


    Michael Jordan once said scoring 30 points in a game was easy. Han had doubled that in just three quarters. For context, Jordan''s career-high was 69 points.


    To make matters worse, Han''s first-quarter scoring binge had been fueled by a strategy completely different from what he was used to. Players aren''t machines; adrenaline can carry them only so far before reality sets in.


    The good news was that Han''s stamina issues weren''t as severe as they seemed.


    While the Celtics'' defense wasn''t as relentless as the Raptors'' had been against Kobe Bryant back in 2006, it still included plenty of double-teams and help defense. The difference, however, was the Cavaliers had Nikola Joki?.


    With Joki? stationed near the arc, Han could benefit from off-ball opportunities that Bryant never had in his 81-point game. This allowed Han to conserve energy, especially in the third quarter.


    Still, the fourth quarter promised to be a grind. The Celtics were stronger than the Raptors, and Han would likely have to flirt with Kobe''s legendary 81-point mark to secure this Christmas victory.


    ---


    Three minutes into the fourth quarter, the Celtics had trimmed the lead to under five points. Malone called Han back into the game earlier than planned.


    Like last year''s Warriors and Heat, the Celtics boasted an embarrassment of riches. With so many stars on their roster, coach Brad Stevens could mix and match lineups to maintain defensive pressure throughout the game.


    Meanwhile, with Dwyane Wade no longer in his prime, he struggled to provide the spark that had made him so vital last season.


    The game''s intensity demanded nothing less than a heroic effort.


    Han entered the game and immediately called for the ball in the high post, posting up against Marcus Smart.


    With Joki? still resting on the bench, the offense would run entirely through Han.


    After scanning the court and confirming no double-team was coming, he leaned into Smart, spun off him, and exploded toward the basket.


    Bradley? Smart? It didn''t matter.


    Han''s low center of gravity allowed him to spin and accelerate effortlessly. The Celtics'' defense was still scrambling to rotate, but it was already too late.


    Han launched himself into the air, gliding above Kelly Olynyk, who stood a half-meter away, preparing to contest.


    Han''s jump was explosive¡ªtoo much for Olynyk. The Celtics center gave up, turning away and shielding his head as Han slammed the ball through the rim.


    Boom!


    The arena fell silent for a moment, stunned by what they had just witnessed. Then chaos erupted.


    The Cavaliers'' bench exploded in celebration. This wasn''t just a dunk. It was a statement. A poster. The kind of play that would be immortalized alongside Tracy McGrady''s dunk over Shawn Bradley, Vince Carter''s over Fred Weis, and Michael Jordan''s over Patrick Ewing.


    And Han was doing this in the fourth quarter of a grueling game.


    Even the Celtics players stood frozen, shaken by the sheer force of Han''s play.


    Everyone had assumed Han would run out of gas in the final quarter. This dunk told them, loud and clear, that they were wrong.


    A collective thought began to creep into the Celtics'' minds: We can''t stop him.


    Han landed with a roar, releasing the tension in his body. He knew he''d burned some stamina with that play, but it was worth it.


    The energy rippled through the Cavaliers as they turned up their defensive intensity. On the next possession, Karl-Anthony Towns attempted a spin move toward the basket, only to be met by Tristan Thompson and Dewayne Dedmon, who combined for a thunderous block.


    The Cavaliers raced down the court, and Han found Wade for a transition dunk, swinging the momentum entirely back in Cleveland''s favor.


    Stevens, unable to wait for a dead ball, called a timeout.


    ---


    Coming out of the break, both teams returned to their full lineups, and the game entered its decisive stretch.


    Kevin Durant calmed the Celtics with a mid-range jumper, his trademark "Reaper Scythe" shot.


    On the other end, Joki? resumed his role at the top of the arc, facilitating while Han ran without the ball.


    But Han''s gravitational pull had reached a new level.


    As soon as he caught the ball, the Celtics swarmed him.


    This wasn''t a strategic trap. It was pure instinct¡ªthe fallout of that earlier dunk. When faced with a force like Han, defenders either freeze or swarm. The Celtics, to their credit, chose the latter.


    Han calmly swung the ball to the corner, where J.R. Smith waited.


    J.R. rose, the shot leaving his hands cleanly.


    Splash!


    The three-pointer stretched Cleveland''s lead back to double digits. J.R. celebrated by running along the sideline, mimicking an airplane.


    ---


    On the next possession, Durant missed a jumper.


    The Celtics'' stars were visibly fatigued, having spent the game not only trying to score but also enduring the relentless demands of defending Han.


    When the Cavaliers advanced the ball, Stevens made a bold decision. He called off the double-teams.


    Han raised an eyebrow, unsure of Stevens'' reasoning but unwilling to waste the opportunity.


    He posted up Bradley, took the pass from Joki?, and powered his way to the rim. Karl-Anthony Towns met him there, but Han absorbed the contact and forced the foul.


    Han sank both free throws, bringing his total to 71 points.


    As the game wound down, Shaquille O''Neal grew increasingly animated on the broadcast.


    "If Han breaks Kobe''s record tonight, it''s going to be the single greatest scoring performance in NBA history! Against the Celtics, the title favorites, and under constant double-teams! This is legendary stuff!" he bellowed.


    Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Kobe Bryant, finished with his training session and heading home, sneezed¡ªtwice.


    ---


    The game pressed on, and so did Han Sen''s scoring, but the Celtics continued to chip away at the lead.


    With a minute left, the Cavaliers held a slim 130-126 advantage.


    Thanks to Brad Stevens'' defensive adjustments, Han''s scoring had skyrocketed, and he now stood at a jaw-dropping 79 points. As Han posted up again in the frontcourt, the arena began to buzz uncontrollably.


    As the opposing team, Celtics fans naturally wished Han''s scoring spree would end. But as basketball lovers, witnessing an 80-point performance unfold before their eyes was undeniably thrilling.


    After all, it had been 11 years since Kobe Bryant''s iconic 81-point game. Entire generations of fans had come and gone since then.


    This time, Han faced immediate double-team pressure when he spun into the post.


    At this point, it wasn''t just about strategy anymore¡ªletting Han score again would effectively end the game.


    But Han was decisive in his drive.


    The safest way to secure the win in this situation? Draw a foul and head to the free-throw line.


    "No fouls!" Stevens shouted from the sideline, his voice sharp and urgent.


    Two points would be manageable, but if Han converted a potential and-one, the game might as well be over. At this stage, a single point could change the entire dynamic.


    Stevens'' instructions were spot-on, but the second he barked the warning, Han sensed a brief hesitation in the defensive intensity around him.


    And that was all he needed.


    Han accelerated toward the rim, bulldozing past Karl-Anthony Towns and banking the ball off the glass into the net.


    81 points!


    As the ball rolled through the hoop, cheers erupted¡ªnot boos, cheers.


    This was Boston, of all places.


    But how could fans suppress their excitement? After 11 long years, someone had matched Kobe''s legendary scoring record.


    Stevens immediately called timeout.


    The clock read 45 seconds, with the Celtics trailing by six. Their next possession was critical¡ªthey had to score.


    --- S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Coming out of the timeout, Kevin Durant''s movement pulled the defense, creating space for Kyrie Irving.


    Irving called for a pick-and-roll with Al Horford and, in one swift motion, rose up for a three-pointer the moment he came off the screen.


    Joki?, exhausted from the night''s grind, couldn''t contest in time. All eyes were on the arc of the ball.


    Kyrie had the nerve, the calm, and the clutch gene.


    Swish!


    The crowd exploded in celebration as Kyrie''s three cut the deficit to just three points.


    Say what you will about Irving''s quirks, but no one could deny his scoring ability in crunch time.


    Now it was Malone''s turn to call a timeout.


    With 28 seconds left, the Cavaliers had possession and a three-point lead. They needed to score to avoid giving the Celtics a chance to tie the game on the next possession.


    Out of the timeout, Han took the ball near the perimeter and signaled for Joki? to set a screen.


    For the most critical possession of the night, Malone called the Cavaliers'' signature play.


    Joki? slipped the screen and popped to the top of the arc, while Han barreled toward the basket, drawing the Celtics'' defenders like a magnet. Han whipped the ball backward to Joki? at the arc¡ªa no-look pass full of trust.


    The move triggered an immediate reaction from Boston''s defense.


    It was d¨¦j¨¤ vu.


    Fans and players alike remembered the play vividly. This was the same action that had eliminated the Celtics in Game 6 of last year''s Eastern Conference Finals¡ªa pass rooted in trust.


    Horford, the closest defender, lunged at Joki? with all his might, while other Celtics players also shifted toward him, anticipating a game-sealing three-pointer.


    Joki? raised the ball as if to shoot. The defense bit hard.


    But at the apex of his motion, Joki? made a shocking decision¡ªhe passed.


    It wasn''t a simple pass either. Joki? fired the ball like a cannon straight toward the paint, where Han had slipped past Bradley and darted to the rim.


    Han caught the ball in stride and exploded upward.


    Towns, determined to contest, jumped to meet him, his defensive effort far more physical than it had been all night.


    Finally, Towns brought the toughness he was capable of¡ªbut it was too little, too late.


    Han, braced for the contact, twisted in mid-air, absorbing the hit while repositioning himself for a reverse hook shot.


    The whistle blew.


    Foul on Towns.


    Han adjusted his body, flicked his wrist, and lofted the ball high above the outstretched arms of Towns.


    The shot kissed the backboard, hung in the air for a split second, and then fell.


    Swish!


    Han had done it. 83 points.


    The crowd gasped, then erupted into a chaotic mixture of awe and disbelief.


    The shot itself was highlight-reel material¡ªa twisting, contested layup that required every ounce of strength and finesse in Han''s arsenal. It was the type of play destined for the pantheon of great NBA moments.


    As the buzzer echoed through TD Garden, the reality settled in: this was history.


    Han Sen didn''t just match Kobe''s iconic record. He surpassed it. And he did so against a team many considered the favorites for this year''s championship.


    Tonight wasn''t just a win for the Cavaliers. It was a statement to the entire league.


    And it wasn''t just about scoring.


    It was about being unstoppable.

 Chapter 378: Ushering in a New Era.

    Chapter 378: Ushering in a New Era.The expressions on the faces of Boston fans were a mix of emotions¡ªshock, awe, and disbelief.


    Some fans had their hands on their heads, unsure whether to feel devastated or exhilarated¡ªor perhaps a strange blend of both.


    With just 10 seconds left on the clock, Han Sen''s 2-and-1 had all but sealed the Celtics'' fate. Yet, at the same time, Han''s scoring total of 83 points, surpassing Kobe Bryant''s legendary 81, was nothing short of historic.


    "This is the greatest scoring performance in NBA history!" Shaquille O''Neal declared from the broadcast desk, his excitement spilling over.


    Sure, Wilt Chamberlain''s 100-point game would always be part of the conversation, but Shaq was quick to remind everyone of the circumstances surrounding that game¡ªa scripted farce, complete with intentional fouls and orchestrated stat-padding.


    The Warriors'' coach had left Wilt on the court after the outcome was already decided, while the Knicks pulled their starters and resorted to fouling to return possession to Wilt''s team. Even Knicks coach Eddie Donovan later called the game "a circus".


    And then there was David Robinson''s 71-point game, another notorious stat-padding spectacle.


    This was why, for years, fans regarded Kobe''s 81-point explosion as the pinnacle of scoring greatness. Despite benefiting from the Raptors'' insistence on single coverage, Kobe''s 81 points were undeniably earned.


    Now, Han Sen had surpassed that mark¡ªin a game against one of the league''s strongest title contenders, no less. And, like Kobe''s masterpiece, Han''s performance came in regulation time with no need for overtime.


    As Han stepped to the free-throw line for the and-1, the usual boos and jeers from the Boston faithful were surprisingly subdued.


    It was as if a part of the crowd wanted to see Han make the shot, to witness an already extraordinary performance become even greater.


    Han exhaled deeply, releasing the tension from his fatigued muscles, and shot.


    Swish!


    The ball dropped cleanly through the net, and Han''s scoring total ticked up to 84 points.


    Stevens immediately called the Celtics'' final timeout.


    ---


    Coming out of the timeout, the Cavaliers extended their defense to the perimeter, focusing solely on denying three-point opportunities.


    The Celtics opted for Al Horford as the playmaker, but with no clean looks from deep, Horford drove into the paint for a quick two.


    Now down by four points with six seconds left, the Celtics prepared to foul immediately.


    Malone, not taking any chances, called a timeout.


    When play resumed, the ball found its way into Han''s hands. Kevin Durant committed the foul, sending Han back to the free-throw line.


    This time, the arena erupted in a deafening chorus of boos and shouts, as the free throws could officially ice the game.


    Han steadied himself, adjusting his breathing.


    Every point now felt like it carried historical weight, as Shaq had remarked moments earlier¡ªeach bucket further cemented this as the greatest scoring performance the league had ever seen.


    Han sank the first free throw with ease.


    The second? Just as smooth.


    The Cavaliers were now up by six, and Han''s total climbed to 86 points.


    Without any timeouts left, Horford inbounded the ball quickly. Kyrie Irving pushed it up the court at full speed and launched a desperate three-pointer.


    It missed.


    The long rebound fell into Han''s hands. The Celtics, realizing the game was over, refrained from fouling again.


    The buzzer sounded.


    As the game ended, the cameras immediately focused on Han Sen. The LED scoreboard displayed his astonishing stat line for all to see:


    30-of-42 shooting, 4-of-7 from three, 22-of-23 from the line¡ª86 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, and 3 turnovers.


    The crowd was buzzing with excitement, a mix of cheers and disbelief.


    For anyone who hadn''t watched the game, the numbers on the board would have seemed like an error.


    But for those who had witnessed it live, this was the kind of performance that justified every penny spent on a ticket.


    ---


    During the postgame handshakes, Kyrie Irving greeted Han with a broad smile, pulling him into a firm hug as he offered his congratulations.


    Though Irving''s departure from the Cavaliers had been messy, his appreciation for Han had never wavered. His excitement was genuine¡ªafter all, he''d just witnessed one of the greatest scoring feats in history.


    As for Durant and Irving, both had played well, each scoring over 40 points. But even with two 40-point performances, the Celtics fell short. That was a rarity in NBA history.


    At the postgame press conference, Han Sen and Nikola Joki? sat before a packed room of reporters, cameras flashing relentlessly as they tried to capture every ounce of the historic night.


    The atmosphere was electric, bordering on chaotic. Everything tied to Han''s 86-point performance¡ªthe game ball, his sneakers, even casual photos taken in the hallway¡ªhad instantly become priceless relics of basketball history.


    Han faced the barrage of questions with his trademark calm and humility.


    "Han, what''s your reaction to tonight''s performance? Did you ever imagine scoring 86 points?"


    "We needed this win," Han replied, deflecting the focus back to the team. "Everyone thought they were the better team, so we had to prove we''re the better team."


    Even in the wake of his jaw-dropping achievement, Han kept the emphasis on the Cavaliers'' collective effort.


    "I''m happy we won, but there''s still so much we need to improve on," he continued. "This wasn''t just about tonight¡ªit''s about building toward winning the series."


    When a reporter asked if he had anything to say to Kobe Bryant, Han smirked. "I hope he gets some sleep tonight," he said with a knowing grin.


    The room chuckled. Han''s playful jab at Kobe''s legendary competitiveness suggested that the retired Lakers star was probably already in the gym, fueled by the challenge of being surpassed.


    Then the attention turned to Joki?, who had quietly orchestrated the Cavaliers'' offense with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and an eye-popping 20 assists. Scratching his head and flashing a sheepish grin, Joki? delivered the line that instantly went viral:


    "Han and I combined for 100 points tonight."


    The room erupted in laughter. Joki?''s self-deprecating humor was the perfect complement to Han''s stoic dominance.


    Together, they''d created a moment destined to live forever in basketball lore. It wasn''t just Han''s 86 points¡ªit was the way the Cavaliers overcame one of the league''s toughest teams, the way history had been written under the brightest lights.


    And with that, the legend of Han Sen''s 86-point game cemented itself as one of the greatest performances the sport had ever seen.


    A night to remember, one that would keep the basketball world buzzing for a long time to come.


    ---


    As Han Sen and Nikola Joki? headed to the press conference, reactions from fans and players were already flooding in.


    Paul Pierce, now retired and working as an ESPN analyst, passionately criticized the Celtics on air:


    "Celtics defense? EMBARRASSING. You let Han drop 86? Those green jerseys mean something¡ªy''all don''t deserve to wear them if you play like that."


    Dwyane Wade, Han''s teammate and a veteran of countless battles alongside him, posted his astonishment on social media:


    "Man, I''ve seen a lot of greatness, but this? Even Jesus wouldn''t have been able to guard Han tonight."


    Pat Riley, the Heat''s president, commented after his team''s home game. The camera panned to the No. 77 jersey hanging in the rafters at the American Airlines Arena, a clear nod to Han''s legendary status:


    "Tonight, Han surpassed Jordan. That''s it. That''s the tweet."


    Shaquille O''Neal, ever the entertainer, took to social media with his signature boldness:


    "This is the best player in the league right now. Dominating his era, period. Han Sen? That''s ''Han Legend'' to me."


    NBA Commissioner Adam Silver struck a more formal tone, using the opportunity to celebrate the historic night:


    "An unforgettable night for basketball fans around the world. Performances like this remind us why the NBA is the greatest stage for the game we love. Congratulations to Han Sen on a historic achievement."


    Celtics coach Brad Stevens, on the other hand, looked resigned in his postgame interview:


    "86 points on 42 shots? I can''t even do that in 2K. We threw everything at him¡ªdouble teams, triple teams, rotations¡ªbut he just kept finding ways to score. Hats off to him."


    Stephen Curry, known for his playful but insightful takes, chimed in on social media:


    "Man, 42 shots for 86 points? That''s next-level efficiency. I''m just glad it wasn''t against us! Respect, Han."


    The reactions didn''t stop there. Fans debated Stevens'' late-game defensive strategy and Han''s final two free throws. Some argued that Han''s and-1 in the final minute had already sealed the victory, while others believed Durant fouling Han late only enhanced the historical impact of his performance.


    The debates mirrored those surrounding Kobe''s 81-point game¡ªtopics that seemed trivial but were endlessly fascinating to fans.


    --- Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The next day, the media coverage exploded.


    Headlines like:


    - "Han and I Combined for 100 Points"


    - "After Tonight, There''s No Debate for the GOAT"


    - "Legend of No. 77: The Miracle of 86 Points"


    - "A Christmas Game Record That Will Never Be Broken"


    Han Sen''s 86-point game dominated the news cycle. Social media was ablaze, and even those who didn''t typically follow basketball found themselves caught up in the hype.


    This was what breaking records meant¡ªtranscending sports and entering mainstream culture.


    Han''s sponsors seized the opportunity as well. Under Armour announced a limited-edition commemorative sneaker, while BYD teased a special-edition HS86 sports car.


    When Han entered the practice facility the following day, his teammates looked at him differently. He had always been great, but after last night''s performance, his greatness had become something tangible, something awe-inspiring.


    Han, however, seemed to be the calmest person in the room.


    Sure, he had been thrilled the night before, even spending half an hour on the phone with Kobe Bryant discussing the game. But once the excitement wore off, it was, to Han, just another regular-season game.


    If anything, the Celtics had given Han even greater motivation. Their relentless pressure reminded him of the battles against the Heat years ago, but this time, his Cavaliers didn''t seem as strong as those Miami teams.


    If they were to meet the Celtics in the playoffs, Cleveland would need to be at its best to win.


    And to do that, they''d need every advantage possible¡ªlike home-court advantage.


    By late December, the Cavaliers had climbed to second in the East, overtaking the Bucks, but they were still 4.5 games behind the Celtics. It wasn''t an insurmountable gap, but closing it would take effort. The season was long, and there was still time.


    After handing out Christmas gifts to his teammates, "Han the Bastard" made a fiery return to practice.


    This time, however, he wasn''t forcing himself into the role. It came naturally because he genuinely wanted it.


    As the calendar flipped to 2018, the NBA announced a shake-up to the All-Star Game format. Gone was the predictable East vs. West matchup. Instead, the league unveiled a draft system where captains would pick teams from a pool of All-Star players.


    Fans welcomed the news with excitement. The All-Star Game had become stale, with players treating it like a glorified pick-up game. A draft, especially one broadcast live, promised drama and unpredictability.


    By late January, the results were in. All-Star starters and reserves were revealed, along with the two captains.


    One was Han Sen¡ªundeniably the league''s best player.


    The other was LeBron James.


    This choice surprised some, as Kevin Durant, Nike''s new face, was in the East, and Stephen Curry''s Warriors had the best record in the West. However, the league likely wanted to maintain the East vs. West dynamic while avoiding an Under Armour-dominated event.


    Fans, though, had mixed reactions. LeBron still had his loyalists, holding on to their unshaken belief that he was bound to deliver greatness someday.


    For others, his selection felt more like nostalgia¡ªan attempt to keep his fading stardom relevant. Either way, his inclusion guaranteed buzz, whether you tuned in to see him shine or to witness another Chapter in his long list of near-misses.


    The NBA was, after all, an entertainment business. While LeBron might not have been the strongest player anymore, he certainly knew how to stay in the spotlight¡ªone way or another.


    ---


    Starters and Reserves:


    West Starters: Stephen Curry, James Harden, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins


    West Reserves: Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Klay Thompson, Gordon Hayward, Draymond Green, LaMarcus Aldridge


    East Starters: Kyrie Irving, Han Sen, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Joki?


    East Reserves: John Wall, Kyle Lowry, Jimmy Butler, Paul George, DeMar DeRozan, Karl-Anthony Towns, Joel Embiid


    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 379: A December to Remember.

    Chapter 379: A December to Remember.(Han Sen''s Side Story)


    It was a cold December evening in Cleveland. Snow coated the city streets as Han Sen''s annual charity event took center stage. Held at the newly renovated Quicken Loans Arena, the gathering combined a basketball skills clinic with a fundraising gala, benefitting underprivileged youth and local animal shelters¡ªa cause Han had personally championed ever since adopting his lion, Sefu.


    While the guests mingled and bid on exclusive memorabilia, Sefu was the undisputed star of the event. The giant lion sat calmly at Han''s side, draped in a custom-made Cavaliers scarf. Children surrounded him, wide-eyed, as he allowed them to pet his thick mane. Occasionally, Sefu let out a soft rumble, a sound of contentment that melted even the most skeptical adults in the room.


    Han knelt beside Sefu, feeding him small, carefully prepared snacks from a silver platter.


    "You know, buddy," Han said, scratching behind Sefu''s ear, "You''re the real MVP tonight. These kids didn''t come for me; they came to see you."


    Sefu didn''t respond, but if lions could smirk, he would have. Instead, he stretched out his massive paw and swatted playfully at the Cavaliers scarf dangling from Han''s neck.


    From Sefu''s perspective, the entire event was an odd human ritual. Loud music, strange lights, and the overwhelming scent of food. He tolerated it, though, because Han seemed happy. To Sefu, Han was his pride¡ªhis pack leader. Wherever Han went, Sefu followed, even if it meant enduring these peculiar gatherings.


    As the night progressed, Han stepped up to the mic for a short speech. He spoke about the importance of giving back, the inspiration he drew from the city of Cleveland, and the opportunities basketball had given him.


    "Basketball saved my life," Han said. "And now, it''s my turn to pay it forward. To every kid out there dreaming of greatness¡ªwhether on the court or off it¡ªnever stop working. And to everyone here tonight, thank you for making this city, and my journey, so special."


    The crowd erupted in applause as Han raised his glass of sparkling water in a toast. Beside him, Sefu let out a low, approving growl, as if joining the moment.


    ---


    As the event began winding down, an impromptu basketball challenge broke out. A group of local high school players had been invited to the clinic portion of the event and were now clamoring for a chance to go one-on-one with the NBA superstar.


    Han, ever the competitor, couldn''t resist.


    "Alright, alright," he said, waving his hands to quiet the crowd. "Who''s got the guts?"


    A teenager named Marcus stepped forward. He was tall, lanky, and wearing a Cavaliers jersey¡ªHan''s jersey. The crowd cheered as the two faced off at the free-throw line.


    "First to three," Han declared, tossing Marcus the ball. "But no easy buckets. You want to beat The Emperor? You''ve gotta earn it."


    The game began, and to Marcus''s credit, he didn''t back down. He sank a smooth jumper over Han''s outstretched hand for the first point. The crowd erupted, chanting the teenager''s name.


    Han grinned. "Not bad, kid. But let''s see how you handle this."


    What followed was a display of Han''s skill, though he kept it playful. A spin move here, a no-look pass to himself off the backboard there. He wasn''t just showcasing his abilities; he was inspiring the kids watching from the sidelines.


    The score was tied at 2-2 when Han decided to end it. He faked left, crossed over to his right, and soared for a thunderous windmill dunk that rattled the rim. The gym erupted in cheers, and even Marcus couldn''t help but laugh, shaking Han''s hand afterward.


    "You''ve got game, Marcus," Han said, patting the kid on the back. "Keep working. Who knows? Maybe I''ll see you in the league one day."


    Sefu watched the entire exchange from the sideline, his golden eyes tracking Han''s every movement. To Sefu, this was just another display of dominance¡ªsomething he inherently respected. But he also noticed something else: Han''s joy. Even without understanding the intricacies of basketball, Sefu could sense that this game meant more to Han than the ones he played under the bright lights of the NBA.


    ---


    Later that night, after the event had wrapped up and the arena had emptied, Han found himself alone on the court. Well, not entirely alone. Sefu lay sprawled out near the baseline, his massive frame blending into the shadows.


    Han dribbled a ball lazily, the sound echoing in the empty arena. Then he stopped, turned, and looked directly at... you.


    "Yeah, I''m talking to you," Han said, spinning the ball on his finger. "Don''t act surprised. You''ve been here the whole time, haven''t you? Watching, judging, cheering, hating. I see you."


    He chuckled, tossing the ball up and catching it with ease.


    "A thousand of you, huh? That''s wild. When this all started, I didn''t think anyone would care. But here we are. You''ve stuck with me through the highs, the lows, and all the chaos in between."


    Han paused, his expression softening.


    "So, thank you. For believing in me. For pushing me. For hating me when I needed it most. Because without you, none of this..." He gestured to the arena, the championship banners hanging high above. "None of this happens." S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the background, Sefu let out a low growl, his way of agreeing. Han turned to his lion companion, grinning.


    "See? Even Sefu''s on board."


    Han took one last shot from half-court. The ball sailed through the air, perfectly arcing before swishing through the net. He raised his arms in mock celebration, then turned back to you.


    "Alright, that''s enough sentimentality. We''ve got more work to do. See you at the next game."


    With that, Han walked off the court, Sefu trailing close behind, his pawprints marking the fresh snow just outside the arena.


    In the distance, the city of Cleveland sparkled like a crown¡ªa testament to how far they''d come.


    -----------------------


    Translator''s Note:


    First off, thank you all for 1,000 collections! This side story was written specifically to celebrate this milestone, and the 4th wall break? That was my way of tipping my hat directly to you, the readers who''ve made all of this possible.


    Lastly, I do wonder sometimes: what if I had published this story under the Fan-Fic section instead of as an original story? It might''ve reached a wider audience, climbed rankings, and gained even more traction. But then again, this niche space we''ve carved out feels special, and your support makes it all worth it.


    So, thank you for reading, commenting, and sharing this story. Here''s to more Chapters, more milestones, and more moments that make this story unforgettable. And don''t worry¡ªSefu''s going nowhere. He''ll continue to remind Han, and us, who the real boss is.

 Chapter 380: Han Plays LeBron Again?.

    Chapter 380: Han Plays LeBron Again?.The All-Star draft was scheduled to take place in a week, with Han Sen and LeBron James joining TNT''s iconic trio for a live broadcast.


    Following this announcement, that particular episode of TNT immediately became the most anticipated show of the season.


    But amidst the excitement, the league witnessed an incident that, while not earth-shattering for the NBA as a whole, had devastating consequences for the Warriors.


    In a late-January matchup against the Rockets, DeMarcus Cousins delivered a stellar performance, recording a triple-double with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists¡ªhis third of the season and the ninth of his career. His chemistry with the Warriors seemed to be hitting its stride.


    However, just one day after the game, Cousins was diagnosed with a torn left Achilles tendon, ending his season prematurely.


    During his 48 appearances for the Warriors, Cousins had averaged 35.2 minutes, 24.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game¡ªa stellar contribution.


    From an emotional perspective, suffering such a devastating injury in a contract year was a cruel blow for Cousins, as it would drastically affect his market value in free agency. But from a rational standpoint, the injury wasn''t entirely unexpected.


    Although Cousins moved more fluidly than many had anticipated¡ªavoiding the mismatch issues that plagued Shaquille O''Neal during his stint with the Suns¡ªhis weight remained a concern. Like Yao Ming before him, Cousins'' frame was well-suited for half-court sets, but the physical toll of up-tempo play put enormous stress on his ankles and knees, making injuries almost inevitable.


    For the Warriors, the injury brought both bad and good news.


    The bad news was obvious: Cousins was out for the season. The good news? The injury occurred before the trade deadline. With the deadline pushed up to February 9th this year, the Warriors still had around ten days to negotiate and bolster their roster.


    Cousins'' injury also had implications for the All-Star Game. As a Western Conference starter, his spot in the lineup needed to be filled by another player from the reserves, and an additional replacement had to be selected for the roster.


    Western All-Star head coach Mike D''Antoni ultimately chose Klay Thompson to fill the starting role, while Blake Griffin of the Clippers was named as Cousins'' replacement.


    As the draft broadcast approached, both Han Sen and LeBron James were asked about their strategies and potential first picks.


    When LeBron was asked who he would pick first, his response showcased his trademark savvy.


    "We know the league wants this to make the game more competitive. I''ll pick the players that give us the best chance to win," he said diplomatically.


    When pressed on whether Anthony Davis would be his first choice, LeBron displayed his humor.


    "If AD sends me a fruit basket, I might consider it," he joked with a grin.


    Han Sen, on the other hand, gave a more straightforward answer.


    "If I pick first, Nikola will be my first choice. If I pick second and Nikola is still available, he''ll still be my first choice."


    With that, Han delivered a strong show of camaraderie, once again flexing the bond between him and his teammate.


    ---


    Time flew by, and soon, the day of the All-Star draft broadcast had arrived.


    The TNT studio setup was sleek but familiar¡ªHan Sen and LeBron James sat at opposite ends of a semi-circular table, with the TNT trio of Charles Barkley, Shaquille O''Neal, and Kenny Smith seated between them. The room buzzed with anticipation.


    This was an event like no other. The draft format, combined with live television, promised drama, strategy, and plenty of personality. Fans were eager to see not just who would be picked but how the captains would interact.


    After some playful banter, Kenny Smith broke down the draft rules for the audience.


    The draft would have two rounds. First, the captains would select from the pool of eight remaining starters to fill out their starting five. In the second round, they would choose their seven reserves. The person who won the coin toss would pick first.


    With that, Barkley pulled out a coin, holding it up like a magician about to perform a trick.


    "Alright, fellas. Han, heads or tails?"


    "Heads," Han said confidently.


    LeBron, leaning back in his seat, smirked. "Tails, of course."


    Barkley flicked the coin high into the air, caught it, and slapped it onto the back of his hand. Slowly, he lifted his hand to reveal the eagle. Tails.


    LeBron leaned forward, grinning. "Let''s get to work."


    This outcome immediately raised the suspense. If Han had gone first, everyone knew he would take Nikola Joki?¡ªhe had openly stated it before. But LeBron had kept his first pick under wraps, teasing fans with cryptic remarks in pre-show interviews.


    After a dramatic pause, LeBron finally made his choice.


    "Kevin Durant," he said, smiling as if it were the most obvious decision in the world.


    Han raised an eyebrow, then chuckled. "Classic."


    It was the safe choice. Durant was the best player available, and picking him early meant LeBron could still grab Anthony Davis later¡ªanother superstar.


    When the turn passed to Han, he stuck to his word.


    "Nikola Joki?," he said, giving a nod toward the camera, knowing full well his teammate was watching.


    LeBron''s second pick, however, caught everyone off guard.


    "Stephen Curry."


    The studio erupted in surprise. Even Barkley couldn''t help but laugh. "Man, Bron, you just picking all the MVPs, huh?"


    Han rubbed his chin. "Interesting," he muttered, clearly recalculating his strategy.


    With DeMarcus Cousins sidelined due to injury, there were only two traditional big men left in the starter pool¡ªJoki? and Davis. The only other option, Giannis Antetokounmpo, was more of a hybrid forward than a true post player.


    Given this, Han didn''t have much reason to pick Davis now. Logic dictated he should grab a perimeter player to complement Joki? and allow LeBron to take Davis.


    But Han wasn''t one to be backed into a corner.


    For his second pick, Han went against conventional logic. "Anthony Davis."


    The room buzzed with energy. Shaq whistled, and even LeBron seemed caught off guard. "I see what you''re doing," LeBron said, shaking his head with a smirk.


    Han''s choice forced LeBron''s hand. With Davis and Joki? off the board, LeBron had to select Giannis Antetokounmpo to ensure his team didn''t lack size.


    The draft continued with Han taking Klay Thompson next¡ªa move that visibly frustrated LeBron, who had been eyeing the sharpshooter.


    When the final two players in the starter pool remained¡ªJames Harden and Kyrie Irving¡ªthe room grew noticeably tense. Both were elite guards, but the backstory made the decision awkward.


    Kyrie''s infamous remarks about not wanting to play with LeBron during his Cavaliers days hung in the air like an elephant in the room.


    LeBron took his time, visibly conflicted. His strategy had unraveled after Han deviated from the expected plan. Now, he was cornered.


    On one hand, Harden was a ball-dominant guard whose style clashed with LeBron''s own need to control the offense. On the other, picking Kyrie carried personal baggage.


    Barkley, ever the instigator, leaned forward. "This is why they pay you the big bucks, Bron. What''s it gonna be?"


    Han leaned back, clearly enjoying the spectacle. "No pressure," he quipped.


    Had LeBron simply picked Davis earlier, none of this would have happened. Han would have gladly picked Kyrie to stir the pot, leaving LeBron with Harden. But now, LeBron was backed into a corner.


    After what felt like an eternity, LeBron finally made his decision. "Kyrie Irving."


    Han let out a laugh. "Of course." S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was just so... predictable. Between saving face and safeguarding his stats, LeBron had, obviously, chosen the latter.


    LeBron quickly explained his reasoning. "It''s about winning. Kyrie''s skillset fits what we''re trying to do." But for Han, this only added fuel to the fire.


    "If he wants to win so badly," Han said later with a grin, "then that''s one more reason we can''t let him."


    And as if the stakes weren''t already high, the All-Star Game was set to take place in Cleveland.


    After their 2016 championship, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert had pushed for Cleveland to host an All-Star Game, aiming to elevate the city''s profile in the league.


    However, Quicken Loans Arena''s outdated facilities were initially a roadblock. Only after the arena underwent significant renovations, combined with the Cavaliers'' growing influence, did Cleveland finally secure hosting rights.


    In the end, Harden became the last unpicked player of the starter pool, by default joining Han''s team.


    Han couldn''t help but feel for Harden. The narrative of being "last picked" in such a high-profile event would undoubtedly resurface, just as it had in the past, fueling rumors about Harden''s reputation within the league.


    "Poor guy," Han thought. "Some things just never change."


    With both teams fully drafted, the All-Star Game starting lineups were officially set.


    Han Sen''s team clearly had a size advantage, boasting more physicality across the board compared to LeBron''s squad.


    Even from a spacing perspective, Han''s lineup seemed more balanced thanks to players like Klay and Harden stretching the floor. Add in the undeniable talent gap between the two captains, and it was clear that Team Han had a strong chance of taking the win.


    Of course, this was just the starters. Seven reserves for each side still needed to be selected.


    Barkley chimed in to clarify the rules for the reserves: the captain who picked second during the starter draft would get the first pick when selecting the reserves.


    This rule offered a chance to balance out the initial disadvantage.


    Unfortunately for LeBron, his luck had truly run out. After losing control during the starter draft, he now found himself picking second yet again for the reserves.


    Han, ever the opportunist, was quick to take advantage.


    LeBron''s history of team-hopping and fractured relationships in the league had left him with plenty of "rivals". From Kyrie Irving in the starters to players like Russell Westbrook and Draymond Green in the reserves, Han made it his mission to leave these names for LeBron.


    After all, LeBron had insisted that his focus was on winning, right? A little extra "humility" wouldn''t hurt his noble cause.


    Han had the first pick and wielded his power with surgical precision.


    When it came down to the final two players¡ªWestbrook and Green¡ªthe tension in the studio reached its peak. Even the TNT camera crew couldn''t resist zooming in on LeBron''s face.


    The man looked absolutely tortured, as if he were being forced to choose between two terrible options: chocolate that tasted like crap or crap that tasted like chocolate.


    This was the second time Han had backed LeBron into a corner, and this time was even worse. Earlier, LeBron had at least a sliver of choice. Now, all he could do was accept his fate.


    And to think, when the league announced him as a captain, LeBron had been over the moon. He wasn''t even Nike''s top ambassador anymore, but being named captain felt like a lifeline¡ªa rare chance to reclaim some relevance.


    Now? He looked like a clown on center stage, desperately searching for an escape hatch that didn''t exist.


    Han, however, had no intention of letting him off easy.


    "I''ll take... Russell Westbrook," Han said, grinning as he made the final choice.


    It wasn''t just strategy¡ªit was deliberate. Han, ever the "good guy," considered LeBron''s needs and generously took the ball-dominant Westbrook off his hands. After all, Team LeBron was already stacked with ball handlers.


    This left Draymond Green for LeBron.


    LeBron''s expression darkened further, his mask of composure slipping entirely.


    For LeBron, Westbrook''s ball-dominance might''ve been a challenge, but Draymond''s presence brought a completely different headache¡ªone rooted in their bitter rivalry.


    LeBron thought he''d never have to share a locker room with Green again. And yet, here they were¡ªforced teammates once more, just half a season later.


    Team Han Starters:


    Han Sen, James Harden, Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, Nikola Joki?


    Team Han Reserves:


    Damian Lillard, Kyle Lowry, Russell Westbrook, Jimmy Butler, Gordon Hayward, Blake Griffin, Karl-Anthony Towns


    Team LeBron Starters:


    Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo


    Team LeBron Reserves:


    Chris Paul, John Wall, Paul George, DeMar DeRozan, Draymond Green, LaMarcus Aldridge, Joel Embiid


    (End of Chapter)

 Chapter 381: This Dunk Deserves a Perfect 10.

    Chapter 381: This Dunk Deserves a Perfect 10.February 9¡ªThe NBA trade deadline had arrived.


    The Indiana Pacers made the first move of the day, pulling off a three-team trade with the Pelicans and Magic:


    - Pacers: Sent Isaiah Thomas (injury-plagued) to the Pelicans and received Elfrid Payton.


    - Magic: Sent Elfrid Payton to the Pacers and got Jameer Nelson along with a future lottery-protected first-round pick.


    - Pelicans: Sent Jameer Nelson and the lottery-protected first-round pick to the Magic, acquiring Isaiah Thomas in return.


    Elfrid Payton, who had been a key developmental piece for the Magic, was averaging 13 points, 4 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game this season. Known for his defensive skills and playmaking, Payton''s glaring weakness was his lack of shooting, drawing comparisons to Michael Carter-Williams.


    The Magic decided to trade him because guards with his skill set were less valued in the modern, three-point-centric NBA. Additionally, this was the final year of his rookie contract.


    For the Pelicans, their motive was clear: they needed a clutch scorer for critical moments.


    The Pacers, on the other hand, wanted someone to ease Paul George''s playmaking burden. At this stage, George was still better suited as an off-ball wing player.


    Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors also made a move, sending Ben McLemore (signed on a mid-level deal last summer) to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Ersan ?lyasova.


    ?lyasova, 30 years old and standing 6''10" (2.08m), had played 46 games for the Hawks this season (starting 40). He was averaging 10.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1 steal per game, while shooting 36% from three on 3.7 attempts per game.


    The Cavaliers, however, remained quiet at the trade deadline. Derrick Rose had returned from injury in early January, though his form had dipped slightly compared to the season''s start. During Rose''s absence, Dejounte Murray had emerged as a capable rotation player, leaving the Cavs with enough depth at the point guard position.


    More importantly, JR Smith had regained his form, earning his spot back in the starting lineup in January. With the rotation stable again, and despite Wade''s dip in form compared to last season, the Cavs'' overall depth had returned.


    By now, the Cavaliers had closed the gap with the Celtics to just two games in the standings.


    ---


    February 17¡ªThe 67th NBA All-Star Game opened in Cleveland.


    This marked the first time Cleveland hosted an All-Star Game, making the city livelier than ever. Thanks to Han Sen''s impact, Cleveland''s sports industry had flourished in recent years. Several commercial streets had sprung up around Quicken Loans Arena, fully equipped to handle an influx of visitors.


    This day became one of the city''s most prosperous in history.


    As the hometown star, Han Sen made appearances at various events throughout the weekend. Nikola Joki?, Cleveland''s rising star, was also a frequent sight.


    Although few people knew it, Han Sen would be leaving Cleveland this summer. The Cavaliers were already subtly preparing for his departure, with Joki? poised to inherit the mantle as Cleveland''s new face.


    Of course, Joki?¡ªgrinning cluelessly¡ªwas entirely unaware of this plan. All he knew was that these All-Star festivities were exhausting, and he couldn''t wait for them to end so he could get some rest.


    For the All-Star Weekend, Han only participated in the All-Star Game itself. However, he also received a special invitation to serve as a judge for the Dunk Contest.


    Traditionally, active players weren''t selected as judges, but Cleveland lacked historic dunking stars to draw from. With Larry Nance Jr. competing, his father, Larry Nance Sr., couldn''t serve as a judge either.


    Given Han''s reputation as the greatest Dunk Contest champion in history, there was no questioning his credibility. Additionally, after Han''s legendary duel with Zach LaVine years ago, interest in the Dunk Contest had waned, just like the All-Star Game itself.


    Han''s presence as a judge brought fresh attention to the contest¡ªand it worked even better than expected.


    ---


    On the second night of All-Star Weekend, during the Dunk Contest, the crowd at Quicken Loans Arena went wild when the judges were introduced.


    Han waved to the crowd, clearly in high spirits. As a contestant, your fate was in the judges'' hands. But as a judge? You held the power.


    This year''s Dunk Contest featured some serious talent:


    - Derrick Jones Jr. (hometown favorite), who had helped lead the Kings to their best season in years and was pushing for a playoff berth.


    - Donovan Mitchell, a rising star from the Jazz.


    - Larry Nance Jr., carrying on his father''s legacy.


    - Aaron Gordon, a familiar face from his legendary battles with Han and LaVine, looking to finally claim the crown.


    This lineup was considered one of the strongest in recent years.


    The contest began with a bang.


    Donovan Mitchell kicked things off by setting up a second rim behind the backboard. This setup hadn''t been seen since JaVale McGee dunked on two hoops simultaneously years ago.


    Mitchell opted for a creative move, hitting the backboard of the second hoop before catching the ball for a windmill dunk.


    While the creativity and difficulty were high, the dunk lacked visual impact. Han gave it a 9¡ªhis first score of the night. Mitchell earned 48 points, a solid start.


    Next up was Larry Nance Jr., who paid homage to his father with a single-arm windmill dunk.


    The crowd erupted, especially given Larry Nance Sr.''s connection to the Cavaliers. However, Han wasn''t one to give extra points for nostalgia. He gave an 8, leaving Nance Jr. with 44 points.


    Derrick Jones Jr. was third. Even before his attempt, the crowd roared¡ªhis pregame dunks during warmups had already made him a fan favorite in Cleveland.


    Jones didn''t disappoint. He brought out Alex Caruso as his assistant, who lobbed the ball off the backboard. Jones soared, catching the rebound mid-air, leaping over Caruso, and finishing with a between-the-legs dunk.


    The arena exploded. Han nodded in approval. "This kid''s dunking skills are maxed out," he thought.


    Han awarded his first 10 of the night, and Jones earned the contest''s first perfect score.


    Finally, Aaron Gordon stepped up.


    Gordon enlisted Evan Fournier for his first attempt. Fournier awkwardly bounced the ball off the side of the backboard, but Gordon managed to catch it mid-air and finish with a one-handed, 360-degree dunk.


    Despite the poor pass, Gordon''s adjustment and execution were flawless. Han gave another 10, and Gordon secured his first perfect score of the night.


    ---


    The first round revealed the hierarchy: Jones Jr. and Gordon were the clear frontrunners.


    The second round saw no surprises. Jones scored 49 points with another signature between-the-legs dunk, while Gordon delivered a breathtaking reverse dunk after leaping over Fournier¡ªreminiscent of Han''s iconic "Scorpion Tail" dunk. Gordon earned his second perfect score.


    Fans began to realize that this Dunk Contest was shaping up to be something special. Even Han grew serious, knowing the finals would be intense.


    The finals began with Jones Jr., who delivered his best dunk of the night: a baseline sprint into a 360-degree, between-the-legs slam. It showcased his incredible bounce and earned him yet another perfect score.


    Now, the pressure was on Gordon.


    When Aaron Gordon stepped onto the court, the arena erupted.


    Why? Because Gordon had brought back the Orlando Magic mascot, Stuff the Magic Dragon!


    Though this wasn''t exactly a tribute dunk, the camera naturally cut to Han Sen on the sidelines.


    In that moment, fans were transported back to the legendary dunk contest years ago, as if the competition was still ongoing.


    Stuff stood beside the basket, holding the ball in his hand.


    Gordon sprinted from the baseline, leaped over Stuff to grab the ball from above the mascot''s head, and completed an aerial between-the-legs dunk.


    Turns out, between-the-legs dunks aren''t exclusive to Derrick Jones Jr.!


    More than that, this dunk showcased exactly why Gordon was such a fan favorite. His physique was like a human tower, and once he took off, it was as if pure muscle was flying through the air.


    Gordon also knew how to amplify the visual impact of his dunks. After switching the ball between his legs, he spread his legs mid-air to an incredible 120¡ã or more, creating an unforgettable display of athleticism.


    Han Sen gave him a perfect 10, tying Gordon with Derrick Jones Jr. once again.


    ---


    Jones Jr. stuck to his bread and butter¡ªanother between-the-legs dunk. But this time, the difficulty was turned up to eleven.


    He enlisted not one, but two assistants¡ªAlex Caruso and Kyle Kuzma. Kuzma, being taller, held the ball high above his head.


    Jones Jr. sprinted, leaped, grabbed the ball mid-air, and performed a between-the-legs dunk while soaring over both assistants.


    The crowd went wild.


    Han Sen exchanged glances with the other judges, all of them realizing that this contest had just reached a new level of intensity.


    Now, the pressure was on the judges.


    If they awarded a perfect score, it would mean either Jones Jr. would claim the title or the contest would head into overtime.


    But how could they not give a perfect score for such a flawless dunk?


    After a brief moment of silent communication, Han and the other judges unanimously gave Jones Jr. a perfect 50.


    This pushed Gordon into a corner.


    Moments like these are the ultimate test of an athlete''s composure.


    Han''s eyes shifted to Gordon.


    As a "traveler", Han only remembered Gordon''s 2016 showdown with Zach LaVine, where Gordon had failed to win the title. Now, it was time for Gordon to prove he deserved to be champion¡ªwith a champion-caliber dunk.


    Just like Han had done back in his day.


    ---


    For his second dunk, Gordon once again turned to Stuff the Magic Dragon for help.


    This time, Stuff wasn''t stationary. He stood on a hoverboard, spinning in circles near the basket.


    Gordon timed his approach perfectly, sprinting, grabbing the ball from Stuff''s hand, tapping the back of his head in a tribute to Karl Malone, and finishing with a spinning 360¡ã dunk.


    When Gordon nailed the dunk on his first attempt, the crowd erupted once more.


    This was one of those "perfect 50" dunks.


    Had Gordon performed this dunk earlier, the title would''ve already been his.


    The judges began revealing their scores for Gordon''s second dunk.


    One by one, the perfect 10s rolled in.


    Han Sen, as the final judge, also gave a 10.


    With the arena buzzing, this year''s dunk contest was officially heading into overtime¡ªjust like the iconic showdown Han had participated in years ago.


    Classic moments often arise when least expected, and this year''s contest was shaping up to be one of the greatest since Han and LaVine''s epic duel.


    ---


    Overtime was even tougher for the contestants.


    Why? Because most players don''t prepare specific dunks for a tiebreaker. They''re forced to rely on moves they can execute consistently.


    Jones Jr. went first.


    He decided to honor LaVine with a high-difficulty dunk¡ªa windmill from the free-throw line.


    His execution was smooth and seamless.


    But there was one small flaw¡ªhis takeoff wasn''t quite from the free-throw line. He stepped a foot inside.


    Replicating LaVine and Han Sen''s legendary free-throw line duel is no easy task.


    Han gave him a 9, and Jones Jr.''s dunk earned a total score of 48. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This score all but guaranteed that the champion would be decided by Gordon''s next dunk.


    ---


    When Gordon stepped back onto the court, Stuff the Magic Dragon was nowhere to be seen.


    It was clear that Gordon hadn''t anticipated an overtime round either.


    Despite the lack of a mascot, Gordon called on Evan Fournier to assist once again.


    The setup was similar to his earlier baseline dunk¡ªFournier lobbed the ball off the backboard.


    This time, Fournier delivered a perfect pass. Gordon sprinted, caught the ball mid-air, and executed a graceful reverse dunk with a glide and a hangtime-filled finish.


    The dunk was smooth and showcased Gordon''s incredible flexibility. While it wasn''t as visually striking as the two final-round dunks, it still displayed a high level of difficulty.


    After the slow-motion replay, the camera panned to the judges on the sidelines.


    All eyes were on them¡ªthey would decide the winner.


    The first four judges revealed their scores: 10, 10, 9, and 10.


    Finally, it was Han Sen''s turn.


    The entire arena fell silent, holding their breath.


    If Han gave a score below 9, the title would go to Derrick Jones Jr. If he gave a 9, the contest would head to a second overtime. And if he awarded a 10, the championship would belong to Gordon.


    A 9 was what fans secretly hoped for, as neither dunk quite lived up to the heights of the earlier rounds.


    But after a moment''s consideration, Han revealed his score:


    It wasn''t just for this dunk¡ªit was a recognition of Gordon''s overall performance. He had truly earned the title of dunk contest champion.


    The crowd erupted in applause as Gordon was crowned the winner of this unforgettable dunk contest.

 Chapter 382: The Ultimate Cavaliers?.

    Chapter 382: The Ultimate Cavaliers?.The moment Aaron Gordon finally held his long-overdue Dunk Contest trophy, emotions overtook him. He kissed it with force, celebrating what should have been his years ago.


    The crowd erupted in cheers. No one questioned his victory¡ªhis final dunk, the kind of dunk that deserved a perfect 50, had sealed it.


    Han Sen clapped along with everyone else. Tonight, history had been rewritten.


    No longer was Aaron Gordon an "uncrowned dunk king".


    Now? He was a real champion.


    After the contest, Han Sen made sure another participant didn''t leave empty-handed.


    Derrick Jones Jr. had put on an incredible show, and though he fell just short, Han wasn''t about to let that effort go unnoticed.


    So, Han gifted him a brand-new 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe worth $150,000.


    In the "history" Han knew, Dwyane Wade had given Jones the championship by scoring a controversial 9 on Gordon''s dunk, earning himself the nickname "The 9-Point Villain."


    But Han didn''t need to fix things that way.


    For a player like Jones, a two-way contract guy making just $70,000 a season, practical support meant more than a trophy.


    Jones had been driving a second-hand car and planned to reward himself with a new one once the season ended. Han? He just fast-tracked the process.


    Jones was so overwhelmed he almost dropped to his knees.


    In that moment, he understood why Han Sen''s reputation across the league was so different from the typical NBA superstar.


    Han wasn''t just a generational talent¡ªhe was someone who understood people.


    The internet took notice.


    Fans who had been roasting Han for not giving Jones a 9 on his last dunk immediately flipped their stance when Jones himself posted a picture with his new car, thanking Han.


    Not mixing friendship with competition.


    That was the key takeaway.


    Han''s role as a Dunk Contest judge hadn''t just boosted ratings¡ªit had set a new standard.


    By the end of the night, fans had a new verdict:


    "This was the perfect Dunk Contest."


    ---


    With the Dunk Contest wrapped up, it was time for the grand finale¡ªthe All-Star Game.


    Cleveland had never been this electric.


    The entire Quicken Loans Arena was packed to the brim, but even outside, thousands of fans gathered to witness history.


    The atmosphere?


    It felt like Game 7 of the NBA Finals.


    Inside, the noise was deafening.


    For years, the Eastern Conference had been weaker than the West, but the new captain system had erased that imbalance.


    Would they play at full intensity the whole way? Of course not.


    But if things got real in the fourth quarter?


    This game had the potential to be legendary.


    The introductions alone sent chills down the spine.


    For the first time ever, superstars from both conferences shared a starting lineup.


    LeBron''s team entered first:


    Kyrie Irving led the way. Kevin Durant followed. Giannis Antetokounmpo came next.


    At first glance, it looked like a typical Eastern Conference lineup.


    But then¡ªStephen Curry walked out next.


    That''s when the weirdness of this new format truly hit.


    Han Sen smirked from his team''s bench.


    There was another reason he really wanted to win this game.


    LeBron''s team was one step away from being a dream lineup that never happened in real life.


    If they swapped Giannis for Joel Embiid, they''d have the peak version of a Team USA superteam¡ªLeBron, Curry, Durant, and Embiid together.


    A lineup straight out of a basketball fantasy.


    A lineup that never existed in his past life.


    That only made Han more motivated.


    ---


    As expected, the first three quarters were all highlights, zero defense.


    For Han''s team, his teammates fed him the ball every chance they got.


    It was his city, after all.


    Han put on a clinic.


    Windmills. Logo threes. Circus shots. Everything.


    The crowd?


    Losing their minds.


    LeBron''s team, however, wasn''t far behind.


    With no Westbrook on his squad, LeBron fully embraced his fast-break playstyle.


    A full-on flashback to his Miami Heat days¡ªnothing but tomahawk dunks in transition.


    Meanwhile, Steph and KD ran their two-man game to perfection.


    Back in 2016, the basketball world had debated endlessly about what would happen if Durant joined the Warriors.


    But in reality, he went to the Celtics.


    Now, in this All-Star setting, fans finally saw what they''d missed out on.


    Curry was even dunking.


    After catching an alley-oop from Durant, Steph threw down a two-handed slam, pumping his fists in celebration.


    It was obvious last night''s Dunk Contest had lit a fire in him.


    With zero defense, both teams traded buckets like it was an arcade game.


    By the end of the third quarter, LeBron''s team led 118-112.


    ---


    With eight minutes left, the benches cleared.


    It was go time.


    Brad Stevens, Han''s coach for the night, made his only bold move: a full five-man substitution.


    As Han and his starters walked to the scorer''s table, he pulled them in close.


    His voice was steady but firm.


    "I need a favor."


    They leaned in.


    "Help me win this game."


    Winning an All-Star Game at home wasn''t a crazy request.


    And for Han? This wasn''t just about the score.


    His teammates weren''t just teammates¡ªthey respected him.


    Nikola Joki?? No hesitation.


    James Harden and Klay Thompson? They nodded immediately.


    But then¡ªall eyes fell on Anthony Davis.


    He was in a weird spot.


    LeBron was his real teammate. And historically? Davis had always played the loyal sidekick.


    Even in the history Han knew, Davis had followed LeBron¡ªnever opposed him.


    Would he go against his franchise star just for a glorified exhibition game?


    For a moment, Davis hesitated.


    Then¡ªhe nodded.


    Maybe it was small, but LeBron had passed him over twice in the draft.


    First pick? Durant.


    Second pick? Curry.


    Davis had been overlooked.


    Now?


    He had eight minutes to make his presence felt.


    Han stretched out a fist.


    One by one, his teammates stacked their hands on top.


    No words.


    Just a silent agreement.


    They weren''t just playing for fun anymore.


    This was their game to win.


    ---


    LeBron''s squad took the floor first.


    As they set up, LeBron glanced over¡ªcatching sight of Han and his teammates.


    They had just huddled up.


    Something felt... different.


    LeBron frowned.


    "What''s going on?" he muttered.


    Durant and Curry exchanged looks¡ªboth just as confused.


    They''d played in plenty of All-Star Games.


    But never had they seen the other team treat it like a Game 7 of the NBA Finals.


    LeBron narrowed his eyes.


    "What the hell is Han planning?"


    ---


    As soon as the substitutions were made, Team Han took the first possession.


    In an All-Star Game, coaches were mostly figureheads. Sure, there were some simple set plays drawn up before tip-off, but once the game started, everything depended on the players'' instincts.


    And right now, Han''s team was running a classic pick-and-roll¡ªHan Sen and Anthony Davis.


    Why Davis instead of Joki??


    Simple. Davis was the only starter with weak outside shooting.


    And the man guarding him? LeBron James.


    LeBron''s squad hadn''t realized the shift in intensity yet.


    One pick-and-roll was all it took.


    Davis set a hard screen, completely sealing off Curry, then rolled hard to the rim.


    Han''s lob came in perfectly timed.


    Davis leaped¡ªand just as he reached peak elevation, the ball arrived right in his hands.


    A soaring alley-oop slam, executed with sheer force and grace.


    The arena exploded.


    Cleveland fans were used to Han and Joki?''s two-man game, but Davis? This was a whole new level.


    Davis landed, pounding his chest in excitement.


    It might sound unbelievable, but that was the smoothest alley-oop he had ever received in his entire career.


    Han, grinning, didn''t move from his spot¡ªwaiting for Davis to come back for a celebratory handshake.


    Across the court, LeBron watched the exchange, an odd expression crossing his face.


    For some reason... it felt like he was being replaced.


    ---


    If that dunk hadn''t woken up Team LeBron, the next possession did.


    Because Team Han turned up the defense.


    The intensity skyrocketed.


    All-Stars or not, they immediately understood what was happening.


    No hesitation¡ªKyrie called for a pick-and-roll with Giannis.


    Joki? knew he couldn''t stop Irving one-on-one.


    But he also knew Giannis couldn''t shoot.


    So instead of hedging, he sagged back into the paint, letting Harden trail behind the screen.


    Kyrie sized up the space.


    A slight hesitation¡ªthen a step-back jumper.


    But before the ball even left his hands¡ª


    BAM.


    Blocked.


    Davis came flying in from the weak side, swatting the shot out of bounds.


    Cleveland lost it.


    If Davis had been in Cleveland instead of Tristan Thompson all these years... the thought alone was enough to make fans dizzy.


    ---


    On the inbound, LeBron found Durant off a Giannis screen. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A clean catch. A smooth shooting motion.


    But Han had read the play.


    He slipped around the screen like a shadow, closing in just as Durant rose up.


    A perfectly timed contest¡ªforcing Durant to hesitate just a fraction of a second.


    That hesitation was everything.


    The shot clanked off the rim.


    Joki? secured the rebound instantly.


    And just like that¡ªTeam Han pushed the break.


    Harden took off down one wing.


    Han sprinted down the other.


    Team LeBron had fast players¡ªbut not fast defenders.


    By the time they got back, it was too late.


    Harden lobbed it up¡ª


    Han caught it mid-air¡ª


    BOOM.


    A thunderous alley-oop slam.


    The Cleveland crowd erupted again.


    118-116.


    The deficit was cut to just two points.


    And for the first time in All-Star history¡ªdefense chants started echoing through the arena.


    ---


    This team wasn''t just Team Han.


    It was an upgraded version of the Cavaliers.


    Han and Joki?? Already deadly.


    Add Davis? Their defensive gaps vanished.


    Harden? A perfect secondary scorer.


    And Klay? The ultimate spacing weapon.


    Meanwhile, Team LeBron was unraveling.


    LeBron wanted to play hero.


    After all, he was the captain.


    He called for an iso¡ªtrying to take Davis off the dribble.


    But Davis was locked in.


    Even after a switch with Giannis, LeBron still couldn''t shake him.


    Forced shot.


    Airball.


    The crowd whistled.


    All-Star Game or not¡ªthis was a high-level game.


    And in high-level games?


    LeBron shrinks.


    The only good news for Team LeBron?


    The airball went out of bounds¡ªso they didn''t have to worry about Team Han running another fast break.


    Han brought the ball up.


    LeBron''s squad locked in on him.


    Fine.


    Han swung it to Harden.


    Joki? set a high pick¡ªforcing Giannis to switch.


    Harden immediately pulled Giannis out to the perimeter.


    A quick crossover, then a step-back...


    Except¡ªno shot.


    Instead, a perfect bounce pass back to Joki?.


    One-on-one in the paint.


    Against Kyrie Irving.


    Mismatch.


    Joki? simply backed him down and laid it in.


    118-118.


    A 6-0 run out of the timeout.


    ---


    At this point, Team LeBron had no answer.


    The "LeBron-Curry-Durant" trio looked good on paper.


    But at high intensity?


    It was just a marketing gimmick.


    Han had watched the Paris Olympics in his past life.


    He knew the truth¡ª


    When the game tightens, LeBron disappears.


    And without him stepping up, it all fell on Curry and Durant.


    The problem?


    LeBron refused to accept it.


    He was the captain.


    The ball had to be in his hands.


    So once again, he forced the drive¡ªbarreling into the lane, looking for a whistle.


    But the refs stayed silent.


    They weren''t about to ruin this level of play.


    Joki? grabbed the rebound¡ªimmediately pushing the break.


    This time, Han didn''t finish it.


    He kicked it to Klay Thompson.


    Pull-up three.


    Splash.


    121-118.


    Team Han took the lead.


    DeAntoni frantically called timeout.


    If he didn''t, his squad was about to get steamrolled.


    The camera panned to Team Han''s bench.


    A standing ovation.


    Cheers.


    Applause.


    This wasn''t just Team Han.


    This was the ultimate Cavaliers.


    Joki? and Davis covered every weakness.


    Harden''s presence let Han play freely.


    Klay? The perfect spacing threat.


    This wasn''t just an upgraded Cavs team.


    It was a dream team even 2K couldn''t put together.


    Unstoppable. Unmatched. Unbreakable.

 Chapter 383: All-Star Massacre?.

    Chapter 383: All-Star Massacre?.Coming out of the timeout, Team LeBron made a key adjustment¡ªMike D''Antoni subbed in Draymond Green for Kyrie Irving.


    Now, Team LeBron''s lineup was: Curry, Durant, LeBron, Green, and Antetokounmpo.


    On paper, if LeBron had been swapped for Paul George, this squad would''ve had perfect spacing, speed, and physicality. A nightmare matchup.


    But at the end of the day, the All-Star Game was still just an entertainment event.


    D''Antoni wasn''t about to risk making things awkward with LeBron by benching him. After all, LeBron was the captain.


    Even with the lineup change, Team LeBron shifted their offensive focus.


    LeBron still had the ball, but now the team was actively setting off-ball screens for Curry and Durant.


    Han stayed locked on Durant, preventing any clean looks.


    But on the other side¡ªHarden got lost in the screens.


    As soon as Curry found daylight, LeBron zipped a pass straight to him.


    Say what you want about LeBron, but he had played with Curry before¡ªhe knew exactly where to put the ball.


    Curry caught it half a step behind the arc. No dribble, no adjustment¡ªjust pure muscle memory.


    Before Davis could fully close out¡ª


    Splash.


    The Warriors'' bench erupted.


    Curry. Always Curry.


    121-121. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The game was tied with 5:58 left.


    ---


    On the next possession, Team LeBron continued their full-court press on Han.


    Han quickly signaled for another pick-and-roll.


    Joki? set the screen¡ªthen popped outside the arc.


    Harden, using the pick, accelerated into the lane.


    This was Houston Rockets Harden.


    Elite at exploiting mismatches.


    Even Antetokounmpo couldn''t fully contain him.


    Team LeBron collapsed into the paint.


    That was all Han needed.


    After setting a screen for Davis, Han flared out to the right-wing three-point line.


    Harden saw it immediately.


    Without hesitation, he fired a pass cross-court.


    This wasn''t a designed play.


    But it was a play Harden knew by heart.


    Under D''Antoni, the Rockets had embraced ''Moreyball''¡ªa system built on threes and layups.


    Harden had drilled these reads into his brain.


    Han caught the pass.


    No hesitation.


    Money.


    Quicken Loans Arena erupted.


    Cleveland fans had felt it coming.


    This ultimate version of the Cavaliers?


    Unstoppable.


    Harden, jogging back, reached out for a high-five.


    The chemistry was real.


    Even though Han, Joki?, Davis, Harden, and Thompson had never played together before¡ª


    Their styles meshed perfectly.


    But then¡ª


    Curry answered.


    Different angle, same result.


    This time, he shook Davis with a quick fake, then stepped back even further¡ªone full step beyond the arc.


    Splash.


    124-124.


    Team LeBron was on the verge of collapse.


    Curry refused to let it happen.


    His energy? Unmatched.


    Running back on defense, he bounced on his heels, shimmying his shoulders.


    Classic Steph.


    Seeing that celebration, Han couldn''t help but flashback to the Paris Olympics gold medal game.


    Curry was a teammate you could always rely on.


    ---


    Back on offense, Harden and Joki? ran another pick-and-pop.


    This time, Team LeBron sent a double-team at Harden.


    Harden didn''t force the shot¡ªhe kicked it back to Joki?.


    Joki? raised the ball like he was about to shoot¡ª


    But instead, he rifled a bullet pass to the right corner.


    Han had just shaken Durant on a backdoor cut.


    By the time LeBron rotated over to help¡ª


    It was too late.


    LeBron grabbed Han mid-air, fouling him before he could even shoot.


    Han smiled as he walked to the free-throw line.


    Before taking the ball, he turned to LeBron.


    "Not bad."


    LeBron didn''t react. He knew Han was always scheming.


    But the other players?


    They were confused.


    Han, seeing the confusion, smirked.


    "Give the ball to Steph."


    "Just like you did when you were on the Warriors."


    "That''s when the game actually gets fun."


    Suddenly, everyone understood.


    Han wasn''t complimenting LeBron.


    He was mocking him.


    The compliment wasn''t for LeBron at all¡ªit was for Curry.


    LeBron''s jaw tightened.


    He hated when Han did this.


    Even when he knew Han was baiting him¡ªhe still got annoyed.


    Han calmly sank both free throws.


    126-124.


    Team Han was back in front.


    ---


    On the next play, Han signaled a defensive adjustment.


    Now, Thompson was guarding Curry.


    This was a big change.


    Klay wasn''t the fastest laterally, but¡ª


    He was the best in the league at navigating screens.


    And more importantly?


    He knew Curry better than anyone.


    He didn''t just know where Curry liked to shoot.


    He knew every movement, every fake, every tendency.


    The adjustment worked¡ªCurry was forced into tougher shots.


    But it created a new problem.


    With Klay on Curry, Harden had to guard LeBron.


    And this season? Harden had fully embraced offense over defense.


    LeBron immediately attacked the mismatch.


    With no hesitation, he drove hard to the rim.


    Harden?


    Didn''t even bother contesting.


    Classic "look-away" defense.


    LeBron soared in¡ªhammering home a vicious tomahawk dunk.


    The arena buzzed.


    LeBron, fired up, pounded his chest.


    This was his moment.


    He turned, locking eyes with Han¡ª


    Expecting to see concern.


    Instead¡ª


    Han gave him a thumbs-up.


    "Nice play."


    LeBron froze.


    What the hell was Han planning?


    ---


    With 2 minutes left, the score stood:


    135-137.


    Team Han held a slim 2-point lead.


    The past few minutes had been a back-and-forth shootout.


    Team LeBron couldn''t stop Han''s offense.


    But Team Han couldn''t completely contain LeBron either¡ªthanks to Harden''s defensive issues.


    Brad Stevens called timeout.


    As the players walked to the bench, Han looked at Stevens and said¡ª


    "Put in Russell."


    Stevens nodded.


    It was strange.


    Stevens was the head coach of the Celtics¡ªone of Han''s biggest rivals.


    But this was the All-Star Game.


    And more importantly¡ªthis was Cleveland.


    Stevens wasn''t about to say no to Han.


    Harden?


    He wasn''t even mad.


    In fact, he grinned as he sat down.


    Han had asked him to play seriously¡ªso he did.


    But getting hunted on defense every play?


    That wasn''t fun.


    If anything, Han just did him a favor.


    Now, it was time to close the game.


    ---


    The timeout ended. Players returned to the court.


    Just before stepping back in, Han Sen patted Russell Westbrook on the shoulder.


    "Russ, you''re guarding LeBron."


    Westbrook blinked.


    He hadn''t expected to play in crunch time.


    Sure, technically he was swapping in for Harden as the point guard.


    But Harden was benched because he couldn''t guard LeBron.


    Most people expected Han to switch onto LeBron, Klay onto Durant, and Westbrook onto Curry.


    But now?


    Westbrook was going straight at LeBron.


    His eyes lit up.


    You ask why he chased triple-doubles these past two years?


    Because ever since Durant left, the Thunder weren''t contenders anymore.


    With no shot at a title, padding stats was the only way to stay relevant.


    But just because he chased numbers didn''t mean he lacked a killer instinct.


    Westbrook was one of the most competitive players in the NBA.


    And now?


    Han was giving him the chance to go one-on-one against LeBron James¡ªthe guy who indirectly broke up OKC''s dynasty.


    Westbrook nodded aggressively.


    No words needed.


    He was ready to kill LeBron.


    ---


    Han took the ball up and called for a pick-and-roll with Davis.


    Immediately, Team LeBron''s help defense collapsed.


    With Westbrook subbing in for Harden, Han''s team lost some spacing.


    That didn''t matter.


    Han didn''t hesitate¡ªhe drove straight into the defense, drawing contact.


    He was playing chess.


    For most of the game, Han hadn''t been the focal point offensively.


    He let others take the lead, conserving his energy.


    Now?


    With fresh legs, he was ready to take over.


    Han calmly drained both free throws.


    Team Han up by 4.


    LeBron took the ball at the top of the key.


    When he saw Westbrook guarding him, his expression darkened.


    First Harden, now Westbrook?


    Was Han mocking him?


    Trying to humiliate him by making him go at his old enemies?


    LeBron scowled.


    If Han wanted to play games, fine¡ªhe''d make him regret it.


    LeBron took a step back¡ªthen Westbrook lunged forward.


    Harden had backed off.


    Westbrook?


    He crashed in like a missile.


    LeBron wasn''t the cleanest ball-handler¡ªWestbrook made sure he felt it.


    LeBron tried to post up, but he couldn''t get comfortable.


    Frustrated, he called for Giannis to set a screen.


    Finally, with Giannis'' pick, he turned the corner toward the rim.


    But before he could take two steps¡ªHan was there.


    Han rotated early, cutting him off.


    LeBron had to stop his dribble.


    He turned to pass¡ªbut Joki? and Han had already switched seamlessly.


    Joki? spread his arms, cutting off every passing lane.


    SMACK!


    Westbrook snuck around the back and stripped the ball clean.


    LeBron barely reacted before Westbrook was already gone.


    The man flew downcourt.


    Han stood at half-court, shading his eyes like he was watching a sunset.


    By the time he lowered his hand, Westbrook was already mid-air, hammering down his signature Tomahawk Slam.


    The arena erupted.


    135-141.


    The lead stretched to six.


    ---


    1:20 Left¡ª


    LeBron brought the ball back up.


    This time, Westbrook was even more aggressive.


    On paper, LeBron should dominate this matchup.


    But Westbrook was doing just enough to make things difficult.


    And more importantly?


    Han was still lurking.


    LeBron tried to drive again¡ªbut he hesitated.


    He knew Han would rotate early.


    Frustrated, LeBron waved Curry into motion.


    He had done enough as captain¡ªit was time for someone else to take over.


    Curry made his move, shaking off Thompson and catching a pass at the arc.


    He fired¡ª


    Clang.


    Joki? grabbed the rebound and immediately launched it downcourt.


    Westbrook.


    Again.


    Another fastbreak dunk.


    135-143.


    A 6-0 run since the timeout.


    Team Han led by 8 with 1:00 left.


    ---


    On the sideline, Brad Stevens stroked his chin.


    His eyes locked on Han.


    Tonight, he saw Han''s true genius.


    Not just as a player¡ªbut as a strategist.


    Han barely scored in crunch time¡ªbut he dictated everything.


    Earlier, Curry was red-hot.


    But Han let LeBron attack instead.


    Because he knew¡ªCurry couldn''t stay in rhythm without touches.


    And it worked.


    LeBron''s mid-range was the least threatening weapon on the floor.


    By forcing him to attack, Han neutralized Team LeBron''s biggest threat.


    The mental warfare was terrifying.


    Han played this game like a puppeteer.


    Every piece, every move¡ªcalculated.


    Stevens took a deep breath.


    Before the game, he thought Han was just a generational talent.


    Now?


    He realized¡ªHan was something else entirely.


    This wasn''t just basketball IQ.


    This was warfare.


    For the first time, Stevens understood what it felt like to be on the other side.


    To be caught in Han Sen''s web.

 Chapter 384: The 2017-18 Season Comes to a Close.

    Chapter 384: The 2017-18 Season Comes to a Close.LeBron''s team needed a miracle.


    Curry darted around screens, looking for a three-point opportunity.


    But then¡ªsomething bizarre happened.


    LeBron had the ball wide open at the top of the arc.


    A clean look for a three.


    But Team Han didn''t even bother closing out.


    Except for Han, who was glued to Durant, the rest of the defenders chased Curry relentlessly.


    Curry couldn''t break free.


    LeBron dribbled, adjusted¡ªbut the passing angles were gone.


    With no better option, he took the three himself.


    Clang.


    The ball bounced off the rim.


    Davis, who had sagged inside to rebound, snatched it effortlessly.


    40 seconds left.


    Davis spotted Han streaking downcourt.


    He launched a full-court pass.


    A bit off-target¡ªnot quite on Joki?''s level of precision.


    But Han?


    He readjusted mid-stride, leaped, and secured the ball.


    As he turned upcourt¡ªhe saw him.


    LeBron.


    The chase was on.


    LeBron''s face twisted in pure determination.


    His mind replayed Han''s words at the free-throw line.


    At the time, he thought Han was just messing with him.


    Now?


    It was reality.


    LeBron had kept the ball instead of feeding Curry.


    And now?


    His team was finished.


    Han elevated¡ªand so did LeBron.


    A final duel in mid-air.


    LeBron gritted his teeth, going all in for the chase-down block.


    If he could swat Han''s shot, he wouldn''t walk away from this game feeling like a loser.


    His hand reached out¡ª


    But the ball vanished.


    LeBron swatted at empty air.


    Han had already adjusted.


    Gliding. Twisting. Extending.


    And then¡ª


    BOOM!


    A gliding windmill dunk.


    LeBron?


    The perfect background for the poster.


    For a split second, silence.


    Then¡ªabsolute chaos.


    Han brought the dunk contest to the All-Star Game.


    A "50-point dunk" in real time.


    Han landed, turned¡ªand spread his arms at LeBron.


    "It''s not your fault."


    "You did your best. My teammates were just better."


    LeBron''s eyes darkened.


    He huffed in frustration but didn''t argue.


    They had been outmatched.


    Size, defense, spacing¡ªeverything.


    LeBron knew it.


    Han shrugged.


    "But hey¡ª you picked this team."


    That hit different.


    This wasn''t an East vs. West matchup.


    LeBron chose these guys.


    He could''ve picked Davis first.


    He could''ve built a stronger team.


    But he didn''t.


    Han walked away, leaving LeBron standing there, stunned.


    135-145.


    18 seconds left.


    The game was already over.


    ---


    LeBron snapped out of it, furious.


    He stormed back and demanded the ball from Draymond Green.


    And that''s when it got awkward.


    Draymond... refused to pass.


    Instead, he dribbled along the baseline, avoiding LeBron.


    Then¡ªhe whipped the ball to Curry instead.


    LeBron stood there, fuming.


    Curry hurried upcourt and chucked a rushed three.


    Miss.


    Han secured the rebound effortlessly.


    10 seconds left.


    LeBron lunged forward to strip the ball.


    Han?


    He stopped.


    Planted his foot on the ball.


    The crowd lost their minds.


    He literally put the game under his foot.


    "BZZZZT!"


    Game over.


    Team Han defeated Team LeBron.


    The arena exploded in cheers.


    This wasn''t just an All-Star Game.


    It was a statement.


    And LeBron?


    He had been completely outplayed, outcoached, and outmaneuvered.


    ---


    MVP Ceremony


    There was zero suspense.


    Han had 45 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists.


    If he had chased stats, he could''ve broken the All-Star Game record.


    But Han didn''t care.


    He came here to win.


    As Adam Silver handed him his third All-Star MVP trophy, Han grinned.


    To some, it was just an exhibition game.


    To Han?


    It was a message.


    He took the mic.


    "This win is for Cleveland."


    The crowd roared.


    Han was never fake humble.


    He said what he meant.


    Cleveland''s fans were the reason he came back.


    And tonight?


    They got their show.


    He turned to the squad behind him.


    "This was my first time playing with James Harden, Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, Russell Westbrook..."


    "And it was the most fun I''ve ever had in an All-Star Game."


    "We won this together. This trophy belongs to all of us."


    His teammates clapped¡ªbut the respect was mutual.


    Han wasn''t just a superstar.


    He was a leader.


    And he had made them better.


    ---


    The game ended.


    The trophy was lifted.


    And then?


    Han took his teammates to Cleveland''s biggest nightclub.


    The city had leveled up in every way.


    Even the nightlife was elite now.


    And nobody was enjoying it more than Harden.


    Earlier in the draft, he was the last pick.


    Now?


    He had the ball in crunch time and the best afterparty.


    "Han," Harden grinned, sipping his drink.


    "You should''ve stayed in the West, man."


    Han laughed.


    "If I was in the West, we''d be seeing each other in the playoffs way too much."


    Harden blinked.


    Ah.


    Good point.


    Maybe Han staying in the East was a good thing after all.


    ---


    With the conclusion of the All-Star Game, the season officially entered its second half.


    The earlier trade deadline meant that post-All-Star break games became an all-out battle for playoff positioning.


    In the West, DeMarcus Cousins'' injury dealt a major blow to the Golden State Warriors, stripping them of their claim to the top seed. This opened the door for the Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans to fiercely compete for that No. 1 spot.


    Meanwhile, the race for the Eastern Conference crown was just as intense.


    The Cleveland Cavaliers were determined to secure the No. 1 seed, ensuring home-court advantage against the Boston Celtics in a potential conference finals showdown. The Celtics, despite boasting a strong roster, also feared relinquishing the top spot¡ªespecially after losing the Christmas Day matchup and with Han Sen''s presence looming over them.


    However, luck was on Cleveland''s side.


    In mid-March, Kyrie Irving suffered an injury, sidelining him for a full month. That setback ultimately forced Boston to surrender the top seed to the Cavs.


    As the season progressed, fans and analysts started noticing something shocking¡ªboth Han Sen and Nikola Joki? had ridiculously high availability.


    Han''s durability was already legendary, but Joki??


    Given his size and recent weight gain, many expected him to suffer the usual big-man wear and tear. Yet, he remained injury-free all season.


    Breaking it down, Joki?''s below-the-rim playing style minimized physical strain, and his strong lower-body base¡ªdeveloped from a lifetime of carrying extra weight¡ªgave him an edge.


    But at the end of the day, there was one simple truth: durability is a talent, just like athleticism.


    It separated the greats from the injury-prone.


    Take Joel Embiid, for example. His skill set resembled Karl-Anthony Towns, but the real difference? His body couldn''t keep up.


    Despite being drafted in 2014, Embiid didn''t play a full season until 2016-17. Players like that usually don''t last long in the NBA.


    ---


    Final Regular Season Standings:


    Western Conference:


    1. Houston Rockets (65-17) ¨C Best record in the NBA


    - James Harden: 31.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 7.8 APG(MVP favorite)


    2. New Orleans Pelicans (58-24)


    - LeBron James: 27.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 8.6 APG(First-ever 27-7-7 season)


    - Anthony Davis: 26.9 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.5 SPG, 2.6 BPG


    3. Golden State Warriors (54-28)


    - Stephen Curry: 27.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 6.7 APG


    These were the only three teams in the West to hit 50+ wins.


    4. Portland Trail Blazers (49-33)


    5. Utah Jazz (48-34)


    6. Oklahoma City Thunder (48-34)


    7. San Antonio Spurs (47-35)


    8. Los Angeles Clippers (45-37)


    Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings (42-40) missed the playoffs but recorded their best season since 2005-06.


    Their 10th overall pick, Donovan Mitchell, averaged 20.5 PPG, playing at a Rookie of the Year level.


    Mitchell vs. Ben Simmons became one of the biggest debates of the season.


    By contrast, Jayson Tatum''s rookie year was solid but unspectacular:


    - 15.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.1 APG, 40% 3PT


    Fans joked that the Kings "drafted Mitchell at No. 5, then drafted Tatum at No. 10"¡ªa hilarious twist on reality.


    ---


    Eastern Conference:


    1. Cleveland Cavaliers (62-20)


    - Han Sen: 33.6 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 9.1 APG(Career-high scoring due to Malone''s system)


    - Nikola Joki?: 23.4 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 6.6 APG(Best season yet)


    Cleveland struck gold with Joki?.


    Considering this was only his third NBA season, his selection might go down as one of the greatest draft steals ever.


    At this point, Dan Gilbert owed Han Sen more than just a thank-you¡ªhe should''ve been down on his knees in gratitude.


    2. Boston Celtics (60-22) sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    - Kevin Durant: 26.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 5.4 APG


    - Kyrie Irving: 23.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 6.4 APG


    - Karl-Anthony Towns: 18.8 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.2 BPG


    3. Toronto Raptors (58-24)


    4. Milwaukee Bucks (54-28)


    5. Philadelphia 76ers (51-31)


    6. Indiana Pacers (47-35)


    7. Miami Heat (43-39)


    The Heat''s rebuild moved faster than expected.


    Their No. 7 overall pick, Lauri Markkanen, impressed with:


    - 15.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 36.2% 3PT


    8. Washington Wizards (42-40) ¨C Cavs'' first-round opponent


    Despite an injury-riddled year, the Wizards still had John Wall and Bradley Beal.


    Wall missed a huge chunk of the season (only played 44 games), but returned just before the playoffs¡ªgiving Washington some hope.


    ---


    However, hope was short-lived.


    Cleveland steamrolled Washington in four games.


    Joki? was the biggest reason why. He played like a prime Shaq, averaging 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists per game.


    There''s a saying in basketball: "Whoever controls the paint controls the game."


    Joki? proved that to be 100% true.


    Washington had no answers. Marcin Gortat, 33 years old, averaging just 8.6 points and 7.4 rebounds, was helpless. Markieff Morris wasn''t a defensive stopper either. Joki? bullied them both.


    After the sweep, Inside the NBA wasted no time breaking it down.


    "Alright, fellas," Ernie Johnson started, setting the stage. "Cleveland sweeps Washington¡ªfour games, total domination. Nikola Joki?? 26 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists per game. Han Sen? 29 and 10, barely even breaking a sweat. The Cavs made it look EASY."


    Charles Barkley leaned forward, shaking his head. "Listen, man... the Wizards? A dumpster fire. John Wall comes back, and what happens? He gets OUTPLAYED by Joki?! And you know how bad that is, Ernie? The other team''s center had more assists than their All-Star point guard! That ain''t a good look."


    Shaq let out a deep chuckle, then jumped in. "Man, forget Wall. What was Gortat doing?! That boy was out there lookin'' like a TRAFFIC CONE. Couldn''t stop a nosebleed, couldn''t guard a parked car, couldn''t even contest a Joki? layup. He got bullied."


    Kenny Smith was the only one trying to be fair. "Yeah, but let''s be real¡ªthis wasn''t just about Washington being bad. It was about Joki? being NEXT UP. He''s only in Year Three and already DOMINATING the playoffs. The Cavs don''t even need Han to drop 40 anymore. That''s scary."


    Barkley scoffed. "And guess what, Kenny? Cleveland about to SWEEP Philly too."


    Kenny raised an eyebrow. "You really think so?"


    Shaq didn''t even hesitate. "YES. Listen, I love Embiid. But the Cavs got a BETTER big man. And guess what? Cleveland also got Han Sen. And you know what that means? SIXERS IN FOUR."


    ---


    The battle for the Eastern Conference throne was heating up. Cleveland had handled Washington with ease.


    Now? Philadelphia was next.


    But while the playoffs were in full swing, another war was being waged off the court.


    The MVP race.


    With the regular season officially in the books, sports media was on fire. Every talk show, every debate table¡ªit was the only thing people were talking about.


    ESPN''s First Take wasted no time jumping into the argument.


    Stephen A. Smith: "Ladies and gentlemen, we are looking at one of the tightest MVP races in recent memory. James Harden has had an outstanding season¡ª31.4 points per game, 7.8 assists, 5.8 rebounds. He''s led the Rockets to 65 wins, the best record in the NBA. He''s been box office all season long. I can''t take anything away from him."


    "BUT THEN... there''s HAN SEN. 33.6 points, 9.1 assists, 6.7 rebounds. Not only did the man lead Cleveland to 62 wins, not only did he make JOKI? a superstar in his THIRD YEAR, but he was out here playing defense too! I mean, come on, Max! This brother was LOCKING UP Durant, shutting down Giannis, playing all 82 games!"


    Max Kellerman: "Look, I''m not gonna sit here and pretend Harden didn''t have a phenomenal year. But if we''re being honest, the MVP should go to the best player in the world. And right now, that''s Han Sen. PERIOD."


    "You can give me Harden''s stats. You can give me the Rockets'' record. But in a playoff series? You''d take Han Sen 10 times out of 10. He does EVERYTHING. He scores. He facilitates. He plays defense. He makes his teammates better. He''s out here turning Joki? into PRIME SHAQ! Harden? He''s great, but he''s not that guy in the playoffs!"


    Kendrick Perkins: "Look, I respect what Han Sen is doin''. I really do. But y''all gotta stop disrespecting Harden, man. The dude been HOOPIN'' all year long. You see how the Rockets play? They got one offensive system: ''Give the ball to Harden and get the hell out the way.'' He''s making HISTORY. I don''t wanna hear ''best player'' arguments. The MVP is about who had the best regular season, and Harden been cookin'' everybody."


    Stephen A. Smith: "Perk... PERK. Let me remind you of something. WHO has to play defense against KD, Curry, and Giannis in the All-Star Game? WHO has to guard the BEST players every single night? WHO is making his center look like a goddamn MVP candidate? It ain''t Harden. It''s THE EMPEROR, HAN SEN."


    Max Kellerman: "Exactly! And by the way, let''s not forget, if the Cavs and Rockets meet in the Finals? We all know what''s gonna happen. Harden''s gonna be exhausted, and Han''s gonna be hunting him every damn possession!"

 Chapter 385: Never Wake a Sleeping Tiger.

    Chapter 385: Never Wake a Sleeping Tiger.Unlike the Cavaliers, who breezed through the first round, the Philadelphia 76ers barely survived. It took them six grueling games to eliminate the Milwaukee Bucks.


    The turning point? A tense Game 5 showdown in Milwaukee, where the Sixers edged out a 120-115 victory.


    Joel Embiid dominated with 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 assists. But Giannis Antetokounmpo answered right back, dropping 37 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks.


    The chess match between both teams was fascinating.


    Brook Lopez, who had developed a reliable three-point shot since his time with the Magic, was now attempting 6.3 threes per game at a respectable 36.5% clip. That forced Philadelphia to guard him with Embiid, pulling their defensive anchor away from the rim.


    With Lopez stretching the floor, the paint was wide open for Giannis to attack. And once he got downhill? Nearly unstoppable.


    On the other end, Dario ?ari? pulled Giannis out of the paint, allowing Embiid to dominate Lopez in the post.


    Milwaukee adjusted by sending Eric Bledsoe to help off Ben Simmons¡ªdaring the Sixers'' point guard to shoot.


    But instead of forcing jumpers, Simmons exploited the defense with perfectly timed cuts, catching feeds from Embiid for easy dunks.


    Both teams played to their strengths, neither able to fully stop the other.


    The deciding factor? Jimmy Butler.


    The Sixers'' closer put up 27 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. And in the final seconds, with Antetokounmpo draped all over him, Butler nailed the dagger¡ªan ice-cold game-winner that silenced Milwaukee''s home crowd.


    That shot changed everything.


    Confidence soaring, the Sixers returned home and closed out the Bucks in Game 6 with their only blowout win of the series.


    After the game, an ecstatic Embiid declared:


    "We can beat anybody. The sky is our limit."


    For a second-year player in his first-ever postseason run, the bravado wasn''t shocking.


    Milwaukee was a tough opponent¡ªthey had been the East''s second seed back in November, briefly ahead of Cleveland. Knocking them out in six? That made Philadelphia look like a legitimate contender.


    And if you''re a contender, that means one thing:


    You have to take down everyone in your path.


    The problem? Embiid had yet to master the art of media narratives.


    The headlines ran wild:


    "We Can Beat the Cavaliers."


    Paired with his infamous "Han should fear me" comments earlier in the year, the media crafted a storyline overnight:


    Embiid wasn''t just confident¡ªhe was arrogant.


    Of course, Philadelphia insisted the quote was taken out of context, but that didn''t matter. Cleveland wasn''t going to step in and defend him.


    Embiid had unknowingly added more fuel to the fire.


    ---


    Despite all the media buzz, the Cavaliers weren''t overly concerned with the Sixers.


    Their focus?


    The Boston Celtics.


    Back when the season was still fresh, Milwaukee was projected to be the third seed. Han had even envisioned a Bucks-Celtics matchup in the playoffs.


    Why?


    Because the thought of Giannis and Kyrie Irving meeting in a playoff series instantly made him think of that infamous closeout incident [1].


    If Irving got undercut again?


    Cleveland might as well start engraving their championship rings early.


    But that scenario never materialized.


    The Raptors, once again proving to be regular-season specialists, failed to challenge the Celtics.


    There was no avoiding it now.


    Boston and Cleveland were on a collision course.


    Still, first things first¡ªthe Sixers had to be dealt with.


    ---


    Cleveland had home-court advantage, meaning the first two games were in Quicken Loans Arena.


    The hype was real.


    Cavs fans had one thing on their minds:


    They wanted Joel Embiid humbled.


    They wanted their team to shut up the kid who didn''t know his place yet.


    But to the Sixers'' credit, they came out swinging.


    Just like in the regular season, they opened the game by feeding Embiid in the post.


    But this time, Simmons made an adjustment.


    Instead of cutting behind Embiid¡ªwhere Han could easily pick off passes¡ªhe attacked straight down the middle.


    This did two things:


    1. It forced Cleveland''s defense to collapse, limiting Han''s ability to help.


    2. It made Simmons a direct scoring threat instead of just a passer.


    Clearly, Embiid''s confidence wasn''t just empty words¡ªhe had learned from their past matchups.


    And early on, his skill matched his bravado.


    Just five minutes in, Embiid was already 4-for-5 from the field with 8 points.


    His combination of touch, size, and footwork made him look unstoppable.


    That was bad news for Tristan Thompson.


    The moment Embiid got the ball, Thompson was jumping at every fake¡ªfalling for pump fakes, getting beat on spin moves, completely overwhelmed.


    And then came the exclamation point.


    Embiid hit him with a textbook drop step, exploded to the rim, and threw down a thunderous dunk.


    As he landed, he cupped his hand to his ear¡ªAllen Iverson''s signature "I can''t hear you" taunt.


    The crowd erupted in boos.


    Han?


    He just laughed.


    He had done that celebration plenty of times himself.


    And truthfully? It looked kinda funny on Embiid.


    But there was something deeper at play.


    Iverson was a Philadelphia legend¡ªa Sixers icon.


    By copying his move, Embiid was claiming Philly as his city.


    Han''s amusement faded.


    His expression turned serious.


    He had watched Philly''s first-round series against Milwaukee.


    And while Embiid was putting up numbers, the real X-factor?


    Jimmy Butler.


    When it mattered most, Butler had been the one hitting clutch shots.


    The problem with Butler?


    He couldn''t sustain high-level performances over an entire series, but when it came to big moments, he always showed up.


    That made him dangerous.


    And this Sixers team?


    They reminded Han a little too much of that old Boston Celtics squad¡ªrelentless, physical, and the kind of team that could wear you down if you let them hang around.


    Cleveland had to crush their spirits early.


    No letting them build confidence.


    No giving them hope.


    Just step on their throats and end the series before it got ugly.


    ---


    Michael Malone''s strategy mirrored what the Bucks had tried.


    Pull Embiid away from the basket and let Han attack inside.


    Joki?, as always, played the bait¡ªstretching the floor with his passing and shooting.


    With Embiid out of the paint, that left Dario ?ari? as the rim protector.


    And everyone knew what that meant.


    Han licked his chops.


    ?ari? protecting the rim?


    That was the basketball equivalent of an empty goal in soccer.


    The real game was about to begin.


    The Sixers adjusted by sending help from the wings¡ªJimmy Butler and Jae Crowder collapsing into the paint.


    Both were high-IQ defenders with strong instincts, making Han opt for more drive-and-kick plays early on.


    However, Cleveland''s outside shooting wasn''t clicking. And with Embiid controlling the boards, the Cavs struggled to find rhythm offensively.


    That''s when Han shifted gears.


    He got aggressive.


    Butler rotated over, just like before¡ªbut this time, Han didn''t pass. He jump-stopped into the contact, used his strength to absorb Butler''s challenge, and banked in a hook shot.


    Butler was a physical defender, but his wingspan was a weakness. Against Han''s footwork and touch, there wasn''t much he could do.


    And once Han fully committed to scoring, it wasn''t just about one move.


    The very next possession, Crowder rotated over instead¡ªso Han went into a dream shake, resetting his pivot foot before turning for a fadeaway, only to fake again, step through, and score effortlessly.


    One bucket. Then another. Then another.


    When the Sixers were finally forced to start doubling Han early, he kicked it out to Joki? at the top of the key¡ªletting the big man orchestrate the offense while Han moved off the ball, just like he had against Boston earlier in the season.


    There was no solution for Han in this mode.


    If there was, the Celtics wouldn''t have watched him drop 86 points in their own building.


    Paul Pierce had put it best:


    "Playing for Boston comes with a certain pride. We''ve won the most championships, we have the richest history. It''s in our DNA to believe we''re better than you."


    That night in TD Garden?


    Han shattered that pride.


    Now?


    It was Philly''s turn.


    ---


    Han erupted for 25 points in the opening quarter.


    Cleveland, who had trailed early, suddenly flipped the game¡ªturning a 5-minute deficit into a 35-22 lead by the end of the first quarter.


    The ESPN broadcast crew immediately identified the turning point.


    "Embiid never should''ve done that," Mike Breen said, shaking his head. "You don''t taunt a guy like Han Sen. You just don''t."


    "Some players, you fire them up, and they spiral. Others? You wake up something you can''t stop."


    "And right now, Han looks unstoppable."


    "You wanna poke a gorilla? It might just beat its chest. But a tiger?" Breen exhaled. "You poke a tiger, and you''re playing a dangerous game."


    Of course, what Breen didn''t know?


    Han had always planned to play this way.


    Whether Embiid taunted him or not didn''t matter.


    Because at the end of the day, survival against a tiger doesn''t depend on what you do.


    It depends on whether the tiger is hungry.


    Before the second quarter started, the cameras caught an interesting moment on the Cavs'' bench.


    After Michael Malone finished addressing the substitutes, Han stepped forward.


    He gathered the second unit, barked a few words, and led them in a pre-quarter huddle.


    When play resumed, Cleveland''s bench came out with energy¡ªscrapping hard, pushing the pace, forcing turnovers.


    The result?


    Philly had to leave Butler on the floor to stabilize their offense.


    And just like that, they were forced into a slow death.


    By the end of the third quarter, Cleveland''s lead swelled to nearly 20 points.


    By the fourth quarter, it was officially garbage time.


    The broadcast kept cutting to Embiid on the bench.


    He sat there, staring blankly at the court.


    The light in his eyes? Gone.


    That shift in body language was easy to understand.


    It was like a kid, training for years to get revenge on the bully who once humiliated him¡ªonly to step up for the rematch and get his ass kicked even worse.


    It was the kind of loss that breaks something inside you.


    And that was exactly what Han wanted.


    Butler had the heart to fight through adversity.


    But the rest of Philly''s young core?


    They weren''t built like that.


    If Han could crush their spirits in Game 1, the entire series would become easier.


    Cleveland steamrolled the Sixers 118-98 to take a 1-0 lead.


    ---


    Postgame Press Conference


    Naturally, the media wasted no time.


    Han was immediately asked about Embiid''s pre-series comments.


    But instead of taunting him back, Han actually gave Embiid credit.


    "Joel''s only in his second year. He''s trying to be a leader, and that''s what leaders do."


    Philadelphia''s roster was young.


    Going up against a two-time defending champion like Cleveland?


    A lot of players would be nervous. Some might even crumble under pressure.


    Butler? He had the mentality for these battles.


    But not everyone did.


    So for Embiid to give his team confidence¡ªeven if it meant running his mouth¡ªHan could respect that.


    He almost brought up his own second-year experience as an example...


    ...but stopped himself.


    After all, by his second year, he was already leading Memphis to the Western Conference Finals.


    Of course, the real reason for Han''s tone?


    He wasn''t looking to push Embiid into a corner.


    If Embiid got too frustrated, things could escalate¡ªlike when he fought Karl-Anthony Towns in the other timeline.


    If a brawl led to suspensions, that wouldn''t benefit Cleveland at all.


    Why force an opponent to go all-in, when you could beat them easily without it?


    Sometimes, the smartest move... was to let them lose gracefully.


    ---


    Two days later, Game 2 tipped off in Cleveland.


    This time?


    Han''s shot wasn''t falling.


    The bad news? He wasn''t dropping deep jumpers like in Game 1.


    The good news? Cleveland''s outside shooters WERE.


    The combination?


    Even WORSE for Philly.


    Because when Han''s jumper was on, he''d still take contested looks, meaning there was room for variance.


    But when Han relied on attacking the rim?


    The efficiency went UP.


    Either the ball went in, or he drew fouls.


    And with Cleveland''s shooters hitting their marks, Philly''s defense collapsed completely.


    Michael Malone adjusted immediately¡ªsubbing in Kyle Kuzma at power forward to go full five-out offense.


    Philly''s defense?


    Completely overwhelmed.


    Unlike Game 1, where the Sixers lasted three quarters¡ªthis time?


    By halftime, they were already broken.


    Han''s work in Game 1 had done its job.


    The Cavs rolled to another blowout win¡ª115 to 89.


    With a 2-0 lead, and momentum completely on their side, Cleveland was in position to end this series fast.


    A sweep? Very possible.


    A one-sided demolition? Almost guaranteed.


    At this rate? S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Philadelphia might not even make it back home before the series was over.


    It''s referencing the 2021 NBA Playoffs, when Giannis Antetokounmpo undercut Kyrie Irving in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, causing Kyrie to land awkwardly and suffer an ankle injury.


    If Kyrie had stayed healthy, the Brooklyn Nets easily win the championship. Even with a hobbled James Harden and no Kyrie, Kevin Durant still pushed the Bucks to seven games.

 Chapter 386: The Moment of Truth.

    Chapter 386: The Moment of Truth.After securing back-to-back victories in Cleveland, the Cavaliers and 76ers were set to shift the series to Philadelphia for the next two games.


    76ers head coach Brett Brown wasted no time¡ªimmediately after Game 2, he had the team board a late-night flight back home.


    His message was clear: No time to dwell. No time to sulk.


    First thing in the morning, they were back in the gym.


    Down 0-2, the Sixers were like wounded prey, cornered by a relentless hunter. There was no time to lick their wounds¡ªif they didn''t fight back now, they wouldn''t get the chance later.


    But something was off.


    The energy was dead.


    The players went through the drills, but their focus was elsewhere. Their bodies were in the gym, but their minds were still stuck in Cleveland, replaying those two humiliating losses.


    Halfway through practice, Jimmy Butler had enough.


    Frustrated, he stormed off the court and dropped onto the sideline, arms crossed, fuming.


    Joel Embiid might''ve been the Sixers'' best player.


    But Butler?


    He was their real leader. The guy who set the tone. The guy who held everyone accountable.


    And when he stopped, the entire practice ground to a halt.


    Brown was caught off guard. He had pushed for this early workout to get their heads back in the game¡ªbut now, things were unraveling fast.


    He knew Butler had a temper, but even he didn''t expect what came next.


    "Give it up," Butler snapped, loud enough for everyone to hear. "These dudes don''t even WANT to practice!"


    At first, the rest of the team assumed he was just frustrated with the schedule.


    Then they realized¡ªhe was talking about them.


    "Look at y''all, man!" Butler gestured at his teammates. "You''re SCARED! You don''t wanna fight. You just wanna get this damn series over with!"


    A knife straight to the heart.


    They wanted to argue.


    They wanted to push back.


    But they couldn''t¡ªbecause deep down, they knew he was right.


    After getting smacked in Game 1 and humiliated again in Game 2, their confidence had cracked.


    "We can''t beat them."


    That was the unspoken truth suffocating the locker room.


    Brown exhaled, his expression darkening.


    He wasn''t blind. He had seen it too.


    And honestly?


    He understood.


    The Sixers were young.


    Embiid and Dario ?ari? were in their second seasons. Ben Simmons? A rookie.


    This was their first taste of playoff basketball after years of "The Process."


    They had no experience, no playoff scars.


    This was part of their growth.


    They needed these failures to become stronger.


    But Butler?


    He didn''t believe in "The Process."


    He wanted to win NOW.


    "Man, I don''t get it!" Butler seethed. "We''re just down 0-2! We haven''t even lost at home yet! Why the hell are y''all acting like this series is already over?!"


    Brown finally stepped in.


    "Jimmy''s right."


    Butler stopped mid-rant.


    He wasn''t expecting that.


    "The series doesn''t start until a team wins on the road," Brown said firmly. "If we take care of business at home, this series flips."


    The players exchanged glances.


    But the doubt still lingered.


    They heard the words.


    But words didn''t erase the beatdowns they had just suffered.


    "If Joel hadn''t gotten hurt last year, we''d already be a playoff team," Brown continued. "And this year, we have Jimmy. We may be young, but we are NOT a team that can''t win a single game."


    "You beat Milwaukee. You belong here. Forget the series score. Treat the next game like it''s Game 1. Fight for it. Battle for it."


    Something shifted.


    The lifeless stares turned sharp.


    The fire that had been missing¡ªthat had been stomped out in Cleveland¡ªstarted to flicker again.


    "Fight!" Brown urged. "For the fans who have stuck with you! Fight for YOURSELVES!"


    Butler didn''t need to hear another word.


    He was already walking back onto the court.


    The Sixers were finally ready to fight.


    ---


    Game 3 ¨C Wells Fargo Center


    The arena was packed.


    Despite being down 0-2, Philadelphia''s fans had endured "The Process" alongside the team for years.


    Now that their squad was finally back in the playoffs, their support was stronger than ever.


    As the Sixers took the floor, they felt the energy.


    The crowd wasn''t just behind them¡ªit was pushing them forward.


    Han Sen noticed something immediately.


    The Sixers weren''t the same team from Game 2.


    For starters, they changed their defensive assignments.


    Jimmy Butler, not Simmons, was now guarding Han.


    Simmons?


    He had shifted to the power forward spot, battling Tristan Thompson under the rim.


    The plan was clear:


    - Butler would make Han''s drives as difficult as possible.


    - If Han got through, Simmons would rotate over as a secondary defender.


    - If Cleveland wanted to exploit Thompson''s open looks? Fine. Philly would live with it.


    Han wasn''t completely shut down¡ªnobody could truly stop him¡ªbut the added resistance forced him into more post-ups and fadeaways, lowering his efficiency.


    The bigger difference?


    Philly was HUNGRY.


    Diving for loose balls, crashing into the stands, arguing over missed rotations¡ªthis was a team fighting for survival.


    By the end of the third quarter, for the first time all series...


    The Sixers were still standing.


    And when the fourth quarter began?


    They took the lead.


    On the Cavaliers'' bench, Han wiped sweat from his forehead.


    He wasn''t surprised.


    He just hadn''t expected it THIS soon.


    This was rare.


    Most teams¡ªafter losing two straight blowouts¡ªwould fold.


    The Sixers?


    They had regrouped and counterattacked.


    And because of that, Han had burned more energy than planned just to keep the game close.


    Six minutes into the fourth quarter, Michael Malone gave him the signal.


    Han re-entered the game.


    The scoreboard read: 95-103.


    Philly by 8.


    The camera panned to Joel Embiid.


    Confidence radiated off him.


    He knew what this meant.


    This was no longer just about Game 3.


    It was about growth.


    Even if the Sixers lost this series, this fight¡ªthis moment¡ªwould make them stronger in the long run.


    Just as Brown had said.


    But right now?


    They weren''t thinking about the future.


    They were thinking about one thing:


    Winning.


    ---


    As Han Sen checked back into the game, the Sixers stuck to their defensive game plan. Butler remained locked in, giving everything he had to limit Han''s penetration.


    But this time, Han didn''t attack Butler in isolation. Instead, he called for a screen from Joki?.


    Philly assumed he was looking for a mismatch to exploit, expecting him to attack the switch.


    But just as they braced for it, Han switched directions¡ªrejecting the screen entirely, crossing over past Embiid, and exploding toward the rim.


    Simmons rotated over to help, but Han didn''t pass.


    He absorbed the contact, shielded the ball, and finished the tough layup over Simmons.


    On the way back, Han was already directing his teammates into their defensive spots.


    Everyone in the building knew what was at stake. The Sixers were fighting desperately to protect their home court.


    But Han knew¡ªhe couldn''t let that happen.


    If Philly got even a sliver of belief, this series could spiral into a war.


    Cleveland''s defense responded to their leader''s energy, picking up the intensity.


    And Simmons?


    His lack of shooting was a glaring issue.


    As a rookie, he had attempted 11 three-pointers. He made zero.


    Han knew it. Everyone knew it.


    So he backed off, giving Simmons a ridiculous cushion¡ªthree, four feet of space.


    If LeBron was "Big Draymond", then Simmons was "Mini LeBron."


    And right now? He was frozen, unsure of what to do.


    It wasn''t the first time teams had dared him to shoot. Milwaukee did the same thing in the first round.


    Now, facing the same defense, he hesitated again.


    Meanwhile, Embiid faced heavy pressure in the post.


    He tried to kick it to Simmons on a baseline cut, but Han''s ball pressure forced him into an awkward turnaround fadeaway instead.


    The shot clanked off the rim.


    Simmons grabbed the offensive board, but just as he went up for the putback, Han came flying in¡ªsmothering the shot, pinning it on the glass.


    The scouting report on Simmons had once claimed he had the potential to develop a jumper.


    But he never put in the work.


    Or maybe, he never felt he needed to.


    Talent had always carried him.


    But now?


    Against someone with even more talent¡ªwho also had the killer mentality¡ªSimmons had no answer.


    Cleveland ran the break, and Wade converted a layup off Han''s feed.


    The lead? Cut to four.


    Philly needed an answer.


    And as expected, it was Butler who stepped up.


    He ran a pick-and-roll with Embiid, attacked the lane, and baited Joki? into a foul¡ªknocking down both free throws.


    The next play, Joki? rolled off a screen and finished through Butler, but Butler came right back down and drew another foul on Thompson.


    Four straight free throws.


    Philly had stabilized.


    And with each basket, their confidence returned.


    Embiid reinforced it with a chase-down block on Thompson, sending the ball into the stands with a roar.


    The fire in his eyes burned brighter than ever.


    ---


    Final 45 seconds.


    Philly led by one.


    Butler got a clean look for the dagger¡ªbut Han rotated over, contesting just enough to force the miss.


    On the other end, Covington had a wide-open three to seal the game¡ªmissed.


    Joki? fought through Embiid, grabbed the offensive board, and muscled in the putback.


    No whistle.


    The NBA didn''t want Cleveland winning another title. Calls like that had been happening all year.


    113-114.


    One-point game.


    Final 26 seconds.


    Philly called timeout.


    When they returned, Han switched onto Butler, completely denying him the ball.


    That forced the Sixers to run the play through Embiid.


    Cleveland immediately sent a double-team.


    Simmons cut to the basket.


    Embiid found him.


    It was a perfect pass, a perfect play.


    Simmons had a clear path.


    Covington''s defender was still trailing, and J.R. Smith''s rotation was late.


    It was an easy two.


    It should have been an easy two.


    But instead...


    Simmons hesitated.


    Just for a split second.


    Then, instead of going up, he kicked it out to Crowder. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The arena fell silent for half a second, as if nobody could believe what just happened.


    This is it. This is peak Mini LeBron.


    Crowder had a decent look, but he hadn''t been involved much in the offense. His shot was rushed.


    Missed.


    Joki? secured the rebound.


    Cleveland called timeout.


    And in that moment¡ªyou could see it in the eyes of the Philly fans.


    Pure, sinking despair.


    If Crowder had made that shot, it was over.


    But Covington had missed his.


    And now Simmons had passed up a point-blank look to avoid taking free throws.


    Had he just gone up, Philly would be up by three, forcing Cleveland into a desperation three-pointer.


    Now?


    With 7.2 seconds left, they had left the door wide open.


    And against Han Sen?


    That was the last mistake they wanted to make.

 Chapter 387: Embiid Brought to Tears?.

    Chapter 387: Embiid Brought to Tears?."Stay locked in! We''re still up! One stop, and we take this game!"


    Jimmy Butler''s voice cut through the tension as the Sixers huddled during the timeout.


    Just moments ago, Ben Simmons had made an unthinkable decision¡ªpassing up a wide-open layup with the game on the line. The entire Wells Fargo Center had gasped in disbelief. The momentum, the energy, the confidence Philly had built all night? Gone in an instant.


    The Sixers'' bench looked shell-shocked, their morale plummeting like a rock. It felt like they were back in that disastrous practice session, shaken, defeated, unsure if they even belonged in this fight.


    Joel Embiid rose to his feet beside Butler, his voice equally firm.


    "One stop," he repeated. "We can''t let everything we''ve worked for go to waste. Put everything on the line. DEFENSE!"


    Their two leaders had spoken.


    The rest of the team, visibly shaken from Simmons'' blunder, started to shake off their doubts.


    As the timeout ended, Embiid found Simmons and patted his shoulder. "Don''t beat yourself up. We still got a chance."


    Simmons, clearly moved by the gesture, nodded weakly.


    Deep down, even he wasn''t sure why he passed up that shot.


    Was it muscle memory from being left open all season? Was it the fear of Han swatting his layup again, like he had earlier in the game? Or was it just the weight of the moment¡ªhis mind blanking under pressure, choosing the safer route, shifting responsibility elsewhere?


    Whatever the reason, if they lost tonight, he knew exactly who''d be blamed.


    And yet, in this moment, Embiid still had his back.


    They took the court for Cleveland''s final possession.


    ---


    The inbounds play began.


    For Cleveland, this wasn''t just a test of their ability to execute under pressure. It was a test of whether Philly could hold their ground and keep this series alive.


    The ball was supposed to go to Han.


    But the Sixers, playing with desperation, denied him completely.


    Malone''s play had failed.


    Joki? quickly adjusted, sprinting to the sideline to receive the inbound.


    The second the ball touched his hands, Han broke free.


    Joki? handed it off, setting a quick screen as Han took off toward the rim. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing this, the Sixers collapsed into the paint.


    This was it¡ªthe defining moment.


    Han was trapped near the baseline.


    He had no time for a second move, no space for an extra dribble.


    He had to shoot.


    Fading toward the corner, nearly out of bounds, he launched a desperate, off-balance jumper over Embiid''s outstretched hand.


    The arena held its breath.


    The ball hit the rim.


    Once.


    Then again.


    The buzzer sounded.


    Everyone''s eyes locked onto the bouncing ball.


    For Philly, it was their last hope.


    The second bounce was lower.


    The trajectory was clear.


    Some fans had already buried their faces in their hands.


    And then¡ª


    Swish.


    Han Sen had done it.


    A miracle shot.


    A dagger to the heart.


    A game-winning, series-crushing buzzer-beater.


    Cleveland''s bench exploded onto the court, mobbing Han in celebration.


    Meanwhile, Embiid stood frozen beneath the basket, staring blankly at the rim.


    Simmons mirrored his look¡ªwide-eyed, stunned, completely hollow.


    They had fought like hell to keep this series alive.


    And in one moment, it was gone.


    ---


    Postgame handshakes were subdued.


    Han, ever respectful, offered words of encouragement to his opponents. He even patted Embiid''s shoulder, recognizing the fight Philly had put up.


    But as he left the court, something unexpected happened.


    Reporters captured footage of Embiid in the tunnel.


    And for the first time, the Sixers'' franchise center¡ªThe Process himself¡ªbroke down.


    Tears streamed down his face as he walked, covering his eyes, openly sobbing.


    The video went viral within minutes.


    Joel Embiid had been beaten to the point of tears.


    At the postgame press conference, Han was caught off guard when a reporter from FOX Sports asked about it.


    "Han, we''ve just received footage of Joel Embiid crying as he walked off the court. What''s your reaction to that?"


    Han blinked.


    He hadn''t known.


    The reporter quickly filled him in¡ªEmbiid had held it together on the court, but the second he stepped into the tunnel, he lost it.


    "Joel was completely distraught," the reporter continued. "He was sobbing uncontrollably. What do you make of that?"


    Han exhaled, choosing his words carefully.


    "I wouldn''t call it admirable, but I understand it."


    That response caught everyone off guard.


    "If someone doesn''t care about winning, they wouldn''t cry when they lose," Han added.


    "The guys who don''t care? They''ll tell you, ''it''s just basketball,'' or ''life goes on.'' But when someone truly cares? It hurts. That''s why he reacted that way."


    There was no mockery in Han''s tone, no condescension.


    Just recognition.


    Joel Embiid had fought with everything he had.


    And Han Sen had taken everything from him.


    ---


    Game 4.


    With their backs against the wall, the 76ers refused to roll over.


    Instead of collapsing under the weight of a 3-0 deficit, they fought with the same desperation and intensity they had in Game 3.


    The Cavaliers, on the other hand, weren''t as sharp.


    Han Sen''s shooting was off, the outside shots weren''t falling, and their usual offensive rhythm never quite clicked.


    Philadelphia capitalized, grinding their way to a 114-104 victory¡ªsnagging their first win of the series.


    It wasn''t dominant. It wasn''t even all that convincing.


    But to the home crowd, it didn''t matter.


    After the blowout losses in Games 1 and 2, THIS was the team they had been waiting for. A team worthy of their faith in The Process.


    ---


    Two nights later, the series shifted back to Cleveland.


    Bad luck wasn''t going to plague the Cavs forever.


    Even though their three-point shooting remained shaky, Han and Joki? came out on fire, carrying the offense with relentless efficiency.


    The Sixers fought just as hard as they had in Game 3 and 4.


    But no amount of grit could erase their fatal flaw¡ªBen Simmons'' lack of a jump shot.


    His offensive limitations meant that every possession was a struggle.


    And when you''re up against a machine like Cleveland, struggling to score isn''t an option.


    That''s what had made the Cavaliers so dangerous in past playoff runs. Even when they weren''t the most talented team, they never had an obvious weak link.


    That was the difference.


    Philly had Simmons.


    Cleveland had killers.


    In the end, the Cavs closed out the series with a 121-113 win, taking the series 4-1 and advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.


    ---


    As Han made his way through the postgame handshake line, he was met with something unexpected.


    Joel Embiid thanked him.


    Han blinked, momentarily stunned.


    Did I just beat this guy so bad he turned into a fan?!


    It wasn''t what he expected at all.


    Embiid, still raw from the loss, looked him in the eye and spoke with sincerity.


    "When we lost Game 3, I thought the world was ending," he admitted. "But what you said after the game? It gave me the strength to fight back."


    Then, he said something that caught Han completely off guard.


    "I don''t care what anybody else says. To me, you''re the greatest player of all time."


    Han... was speechless.


    This was the same guy who had declared "Han should fear me" before the series started.


    Now he was standing here, calling Han the GOAT?!


    After a beat, Han let out a small laugh.


    He didn''t know everything Philly had been through behind the scenes.


    He hadn''t been in their locker room before Game 3.


    He hadn''t seen the way Butler had nearly torn the team apart.


    But in the end, the message was clear:


    Han had broken Embiid.


    Then he had rebuilt him.


    "Keep working," Han finally said, patting Embiid''s shoulder before walking off.


    ---


    On the other side of the bracket, the Boston Celtics had already completed their 4-0 sweep of the Raptors.


    For the second straight year, it would be Cavaliers vs. Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.


    Meanwhile, in the West?


    The final matchup had been one of the most anticipated of the playoffs.


    It was heated. It was personal.


    And in six grueling games, the Pelicans eliminated the Warriors 4-2.


    Golden State had been crippled by the loss of DeMarcus Cousins¡ªnot just because of his interior presence, but because his contract had limited their ability to build depth.


    With Andre Iguodala aging and Draymond Green unable to handle Anthony Davis one-on-one, the Warriors simply ran out of answers.


    Jrue Holiday''s defense on Steph Curry had sealed the deal.


    The superteam had fallen.


    Western Conference Finals: Rockets vs. Pelicans.


    For New Orleans, this was the furthest the franchise had ever gone¡ªeven counting their days as the Hornets.


    For Houston, it was their first Conference Finals appearance since the Hakeem Olajuwon era.


    Both teams were hungry.


    And with Nike (Pelicans) and Adidas (Rockets) both invested in the Finals race, the tension was at an all-time high.


    ---


    (Postgame discussion on TNT following Embiid''s emotional reaction.)


    Ernie Johnson leaned back, shaking his head as highlights rolled across the screen. "Cavs win the series, 4-1. Han Sen dominates. 76ers fight back in Game 4, but it''s just not enough. And gentlemen, let''s be honest... this series was over the moment Han hit that shot in Game 3."


    Charles Barkley scoffed. "Over? It was over the moment Ben Simmons decided he was ALLERGIC TO SCORING."


    Shaq immediately burst out laughing. "Oh man, Chuck, you starting early tonight."


    Barkley wasn''t backing down. "I mean, come on! You''re down one, WIDE OPEN layup, season on the line¡ªAND YOU PASS IT?! Are you KIDDING ME?! That boy looked at the rim and said, ''Nah, I''m good.''"


    Shaq wiped his face, still laughing. "Man, that was bad. Philly fans still waking up in cold sweats over that one."


    Kenny Smith nodded. "That''s the moment it all fell apart. Because think about it¡ªPhilly actually played a great game that night. They had Cleveland on the ropes. But basketball is about moments. And Simmons'' moment? That was his career in one play. Hesitation. Fear. Han Sen? He doesn''t hesitate. And that''s the difference."


    Ernie turned to Shaq. "Shaq, you''ve been big on Embiid for years. What did you think of his reaction after that game? Walking off in tears, then thanking Han in the handshake line today?"


    Shaq''s usual grin faded. "Look, I respect Embiid for that. When you REALLY love the game, losing hurts. I don''t make fun of dudes for crying if they care. And Embiid¡ªhe CARES. That''s why he''s gonna be great one day."


    Barkley leaned forward, arms crossed. "I ain''t got a problem with him crying either. My problem is¡ªwhy the hell was he THANKING Han Sen like he just gave him a life lesson?"


    Shaq shrugged. "Because he DID, Chuck. He TOOK Embiid''s soul, then GAVE IT BACK TO HIM."


    The studio exploded with laughter.


    "That''s what happened!" Shaq insisted, still chuckling. "He hit that shot, broke the man, and then in the handshake line, rebuilt him. ''Keep working, young fella.'' That''s some Sensei Master-level stuff."


    Kenny nodded. "And let''s be real¡ªthis wasn''t just an Embiid thing. Philly as a team grew up in this series. That Game 4 win? That was the first real playoff battle they won together. But at the end of the day, Han and the Cavs were just too much."


    Ernie glanced at the stat sheet in front of him. "Han Sen finished the series averaging 34 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds. Joki?? 25 and 12. And let''s talk about Joki? for a second¡ªbecause that man played BIG BOY BALL in this series."


    Shaq pointed at the screen. "I told y''all! That''s the best big man in the league right now. Embiid is great, but Joki?? He made Philly''s frontcourt look small."


    Barkley nodded. "He did. And that''s why Cleveland''s so dangerous. You can''t just double Han, ''cause Joki? will kill you inside. And you can''t just guard Joki? one-on-one, ''cause Han will torch you outside. This is the best duo in the NBA, and it ain''t close."


    Ernie smirked. "And now... they get Boston. AGAIN. Celtics swept Toronto, Cavs take down Philly, and here we are¡ªanother rematch."


    Kenny whistled. "Oh man. And let''s not forget, Boston won the season series 2-1. This is NOT gonna be easy for Cleveland."


    Barkley folded his arms. "Nope. But here''s the thing¡ªthe Celtics might''ve won in the regular season, but this is the PLAYOFFS. And the Cavs? They got Han. And if we''ve learned one thing from this Sixers series, it''s that he AIN''T here to play around."


    Shaq grinned. "Nah. He''s here to collect bodies."


    (Segment fades into a commercial break.)


    ---


    The night before Game 1 of the East Finals, Han hosted one of his usual bonfire gatherings at his estate.


    Dante Cunningham, now out of the rotation, sat beside him and nudged him with a smirk.


    "So, boss... who would you rather see in the Finals?"


    Cunningham''s role on the team had shrunk, but his loyalty hadn''t wavered.


    For him, being on Han''s squad was enough.


    Han didn''t hesitate.


    "The Pelicans."


    Because if New Orleans made it?


    That meant LeBron James¡ªwho had promised to bring Cleveland a dynasty¡ªwas going to fall short again.


    But Han knew better than to assume anything.


    As strong as the Pelicans had been, the Rockets were the real threat.


    That team had pushed the Warriors to the brink in the timeline Han remembered.


    And this year?


    They were even more dangerous.


    So rather than looking ahead, Han kept his focus on the present.


    "Forget the Finals," he said. "We gotta worry about Boston first."


    Because if there was one team that could ruin everything, it was this Celtics squad.


    They had the personnel.


    They had the schemes.


    And in the regular season?


    Boston had won the series 2-1.


    This was the biggest obstacle standing in Cleveland''s way.


    The road to a dynasty went through Boston.

 Chapter 388: The Future is in Safe Hands.

    Chapter 388 - The Future is in Safe Hands.With home-court advantage, the Cavaliers would host the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals in Cleveland.


    The Quicken Loans Arena was packed to the rafters, and the energy inside was electric.


    Cleveland''s dynasty¡ªan impossible dream just years ago¡ªwas now within reach.


    And the fans?


    They could feel it.


    As the opening ceremony concluded, both teams'' starting lineups were announced.


    Cavaliers: Han Sen, J.R. Smith, Robert Covington, Tristan Thompson, Nikola Joki?.


    Celtics: Kyrie Irving, Avery Bradley, Kevin Durant, Al Horford, Karl-Anthony Towns.


    No surprises here¡ªboth teams stuck with their usual rotations.


    The real battle would be determined by coaching adjustments and execution.


    But just minutes into the game, Brad Stevens threw a curveball.


    The Celtics were guarding Han Sen... one-on-one.


    No double teams. No traps. Just single coverage.


    More accurately, Stevens was unleashing a rotation of defenders, using a war of attrition to wear Han down.


    Given what happened on Christmas Day¡ªwhere Han dropped 86 points¡ªStevens'' decision wasn''t shocking.


    If they couldn''t stop Han, why waste energy trying?


    Instead, they would conserve their defenders'' stamina and attack Joki? on the other end¡ªforcing Han into another lone-warrior scenario.


    Of course, the risk?


    Han could go nuclear.


    The only players in the league who could guard him one-on-one were built like Kawhi Leonard¡ªbig, strong, and disciplined.


    And the Celtics didn''t have one.


    So, Michael Malone gladly accepted Stevens'' "gift" and let Han loose.


    If Han could torch them against double teams, why wouldn''t he torch them in single coverage?


    This was the playoffs. And Han was the single-game postseason scoring record holder.


    By the end of Game 1, Han had torched them again¡ªdropping 55 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists.


    The Cavaliers pulled off a 114-108 victory to take a 1-0 lead.


    Stevens'' strategy had cracks.


    Players weren''t machines¡ªwhen Han kept scoring at will, the defenders couldn''t resist the urge to help.


    And that''s all it took.


    A moment of hesitation was enough for Han to exploit them.


    ---


    At the postgame press conference, reporters pressed Stevens about his defensive scheme.


    He dodged the questions.


    But the media didn''t let it go.


    Boston had a stacked roster¡ªif they lost this series because of bad coaching, it would be a massive waste of talent.


    After two days of rest, Game 2 tipped off in Cleveland.


    And to everyone''s disbelief, the Celtics stuck to the same plan.


    Even TNT''s Kenny Smith called it out on air:


    "Stevens is NOT a stubborn coach. But he''s choosing to be stubborn in the one place he SHOULDN''T."


    Han continued his rampage, dropping 45 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists.


    The Cavaliers took Game 2, 108-103, securing a 2-0 series lead.


    At this point?


    Han was averaging 50 points per game in the series.


    Fans were in awe.


    And Celtics fans?


    They were furious.


    Stevens became the target of intense criticism.


    Boston fans weren''t mad about losing¡ªthey were mad about how they were losing.


    If this team had less talent, they could accept it.


    But with Kyrie, KD, Towns, Bradley, and Horford, how the hell was Boston about to get SWEPT?


    On social media, some Celtics fans even started calling for Stevens'' job.


    They had already endured Han dropping 86 points on them in the regular season.


    Now?


    They were staring at a playoff collapse.


    Stevens finally responded.


    Facing a relentless wave of questions, he refused to waver.


    "I believe in my team. I believe in my players."


    ---


    Game 3 shifted to Boston''s TD Garden.


    Despite the social media uproar, Celtics fans packed the arena.


    Because this was Boston.


    No team in the NBA had more history, more banners, or more pride.


    And that pride?


    It showed up in the Celtics'' fight.


    They didn''t have Jimmy Butler.


    But on this night, they played like an entire team of Jimmy Butlers.


    Down 0-2?


    Didn''t matter.


    They came out swinging.


    And for the first time in the series, Han struggled.


    He finished with 34 points, and the Cavaliers fell 101-110.


    The Celtics had punched back.


    Then, in Game 4, Han bounced back with 41 points¡ªbut it still wasn''t enough.


    Boston pulled off a 113-115 win, tying the series 2-2.


    However, this game was marred by controversy.


    The officiating?


    Blatantly one-sided.


    Michael Malone slammed the table during his postgame presser, demanding answers.


    Han?


    He called for an official league review of the referees.


    But deep down, they both knew the truth.


    The league didn''t want Cleveland to build a dynasty.


    If the Cavs couldn''t dominate outright, the officials would tip the scales.


    And if this series remained close?


    Cleveland was going to be fighting 5-on-8 every night.


    With the series now tied 2-2, everything came down to Game 5¡ªthe pivotal tiebreaker.


    ---


    The night before Game 5, Han Sen was in the practice facility, getting up extra shots.


    At this point in the series, he had already figured out Brad Stevens'' strategy.


    From their previous matchups, Han knew one thing¡ªStevens wasn''t a stubborn coach.


    At first, Han assumed the single coverage was meant to conserve Boston''s defensive energy, making sure the rest of their lineup had more stamina throughout the series.


    But now?


    It was obvious.


    Stevens was wearing him down.


    This wasn''t a video game.


    Resting for two days didn''t automatically refill his stamina bar.


    Especially in the Conference Finals, where every possession was high-intensity.


    Yes, Han had more isolation opportunities, but the defensive pressure was no joke.


    Stevens wasn''t trying to win just one game.


    He was playing the long game¡ªtrying to drain Han over the entire series.


    This wasn''t just coaching.


    This was roster management-level strategy.


    Stevens wasn''t just thinking like a head coach¡ªhe was thinking like a team president.


    But even though Han understood the strategy, his only real option was to keep pushing forward.


    At this point?


    This wasn''t a tactical battle anymore.


    This was a battle between Han and his own limits.


    Before Boston could wear him down, he had to kill them first.


    ---


    As Han continued his workout, someone walked into the gym.


    Someone he didn''t expect.


    "Nikola? Don''t tell me you''re here for extra practice."


    Compared to his rookie days, when he treated basketball like a 9-to-5 job, Joki? had changed a lot.


    If the coaching staff or Han asked him to work on something, he did it.


    But showing up this late for extra reps?


    That was new.


    Joki? seemed surprised to see Han too, but instead of turning back, he decided to stay and talk.


    A one-on-one conversation.


    After a moment, he looked at Han seriously.


    "Boss... if Kyrie had stayed, would things be better right now?"


    Han wasn''t expecting that question.


    He put down the ball and motioned for them to sit.


    Joki? might not have known the full story behind Kyrie''s departure at first.


    But he was smart.


    After spending so much time with the team, he had figured it out.


    "Nikola, without you, we don''t win the championship last year," Han said, shaking his head.


    It was Joki?''s buzzer-beater that eliminated Boston in last year''s East Finals.


    And in the Finals, his impact was undeniable.


    "Boss, as long as you''re here, either I or Kyrie could''ve done that job," Joki? countered.


    "But right now? I feel like I''m holding the team back."


    Han''s talent was so overwhelming that it wasn''t about who could help him¡ªit was about who could avoid being a liability.


    Boston was hunting Joki?''s weaknesses.


    And in Joki?''s mind?


    That meant he was holding Han back.


    ---


    "You''re wrong."


    Han shut that thought down immediately.


    "If you weren''t here, we don''t beat the Sixers as easily as we did."


    "The paint matters. Interior presence matters. The impact of a dominant big man isn''t something a perimeter player can just replace."


    If Joki? wasn''t there, how would Tristan Thompson guard Horford and Towns?


    Han could score 60, but if the defense kept bleeding points, it wouldn''t mean anything.


    Joki? was only vulnerable in perimeter defense.


    In the low post, he was more than capable.


    Joki? forced a smile.


    He still felt like if Kyrie were here, Han wouldn''t have to do so much.


    Maybe they''d be up 3-1 instead of tied 2-2.


    Han recognized that doubt.


    And before he left Cleveland, he had to address it.


    "Nikola... before Kyrie left, he had a private conversation with me."


    "He asked me a question back then. I didn''t answer it at the time."


    Han looked Joki? in the eye.


    "But now? I can give you the answer."


    Joki? leaned forward, listening closely.


    "Kyrie asked me if he was better than you."


    Han paused.


    "He wasn''t."


    Joki?''s eyes widened.


    "I didn''t answer him then because I didn''t want to hurt his feelings," Han admitted.


    "But that was the truth."


    Han wasn''t saying this just because Kyrie was gone.


    He was saying it because it was reality.


    And that also answered Joki?''s original question¡ªif Kyrie had stayed, things wouldn''t have been better.


    "Don''t let one flaw make you doubt yourself."


    "That''s not how a leader thinks."


    Han stared at Joki?, making sure the message sank in.


    "Basketball isn''t just about skill. It''s about mentality."


    Han had spent years getting to know Joki?.


    He was skilled.


    He was likeable.


    But in terms of love for the game?


    In terms of dedication?


    He was probably the most casual elite player in history.


    Some might say Joki? didn''t need to try harder¡ªhis talent was that high.


    But Han knew better.


    Basketball doesn''t tolerate disrespect.


    If you don''t take it seriously, it will humble you.


    Joki? nodded thoughtfully.


    Han could see the wheels turning in his head.


    After a moment, Han asked, "So what made you come here for extra work?"


    Joki? scratched his head.


    "I want to help the team more."


    He hesitated.


    "More like... I want to help you more."


    Han was stunned for a second.


    Then?


    He grinned, slapped Joki? on the shoulder, and burst out laughing.


    Joki? just stared, confused.


    What was so funny about that?


    "Nikola, don''t you realize it?"


    Han smacked his shoulder again.


    "You''re finally thinking about the team."


    To most players, that was normal.


    But for Joki??


    For someone who had always treated the game as a job, who only did what was expected of him?


    This was a huge step.


    "Before long, you''re gonna be a real leader."


    Han pulled him in close.


    And that was his only concern about leaving Cleveland.


    He knew Joki?''s game was elite.


    But leading a team?


    That was a whole different responsibility.


    Now?


    Han could trust him with that responsibility.


    Joki?, now a little embarrassed, rubbed his head.


    Then, he blurted out, "But boss... you''re the leader."


    Han had now mentioned leadership twice.


    But everyone knew¡ªCleveland belonged to Han Sen.


    Even when Kyrie was here, Han was the undisputed leader.


    So why was Han suddenly framing it differently?


    Han hesitated.


    But he wasn''t ready to reveal his decision yet.


    If Joki? knew Han was leaving?


    It would affect his play.


    Han let go of him, his expression turning serious. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I won''t be here forever."


    "And when I leave, who else would lead this team besides you?"


    Joki? froze.


    He had never really thought about it.


    But Han was right.


    If the day came when Han left, there wouldn''t be another choice.


    He would have to step up.


    Joki?''s mind was racing.


    The way Han said it...


    It sounded less like a distant future...


    And more like a farewell.

 Chapter 389: Not Alone?.

    Chapter 389 - Not Alone?.The night before Game 5, tensions were high in Cleveland. With the series tied 2-2, the Cavaliers knew this was a must-win battle.


    Quicken Loans Arena was packed to capacity, the energy electric. The crowd could sense it¡ªthis wasn''t just another game. This was a turning point.


    After the opening ceremony, both teams revealed their starting lineups:


    Celtics: Kyrie Irving, Avery Bradley, Kevin Durant, Al Horford, Karl-Anthony Towns.


    Cavaliers: Han Sen, Dwyane Wade, Robert Covington, Tristan Thompson, Nikola Joki?.


    Brad Stevens raised an eyebrow.


    Wade was in the starting lineup?


    Cleveland had given no indication of a lineup change before the game. Their secrecy was impressive.


    But Stevens quickly understood the strategy¡ªthis was about reducing Han Sen''s early workload. With Wade on the floor, the Cavs could shift some of the ball-handling duties, giving Han more energy for later in the game.


    Smart move.


    But it also meant Cleveland''s bench was weaker. If Boston''s second unit could exploit that, they could force Malone''s hand and get Han back on the floor earlier than planned¡ªdraining his energy over the course of the series.


    At least, that was Stevens'' thought process.


    But when the game tipped off, he quickly realized something was off.


    Malone wasn''t using Wade as a primary ball-handler.


    Instead, Cleveland was running a mismatch-heavy offense¡ªexcept the ball wasn''t in Han''s hands.


    It was in Joki?''s.


    Han was playing off the ball, Wade was cutting weak-side, and Joki? was initiating from the post.


    Stevens stood up and signaled defensive adjustments.


    No double-teams.


    Boston would let Joki? go one-on-one.


    Joki? caught the ball against Bradley, spun baseline, powered through Towns, and banked in a soft hook shot.


    And just like that, the tone was set.


    This wasn''t just about Han anymore.


    Cleveland was playing through Joki?.


    The shift wasn''t just about offense¡ªit showed up on defense too.


    Malone had Han guarding Kyrie Irving.


    In the first four games, J.R. Smith had taken that matchup to save Han''s energy. But not tonight.


    If Joki? was going to take on a bigger offensive role, then Han had to balance it out with more effort on defense.


    The adjustments were working.


    Joki? was dominant.


    His footwork was crisp, his reads were instant, and Boston struggled to counter him.


    By the nine-minute mark, Cleveland led 27-20.


    Joki? already had 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.


    For the first time in the series, it was Stevens who found himself reacting instead of dictating.


    But he wasn''t panicking.


    Boston''s depth was their biggest weapon.


    If they could just keep the game close, the second unit could swing things back in their favor.


    And so, the game entered its most dangerous stretch¡ªthe bench minutes.


    ---


    Cleveland: Derrick Rose, J.R. Smith, Kyle Korver, Tristan Thompson, Dewayne Dedmon.


    Boston: Kyrie Irving, Marcus Smart, Jeff Green, Karl-Anthony Towns, Kelly Olynyk.


    Boston had staggered Kyrie and Towns to punish the Cavs'' weaker lineup.


    Immediately, Kyrie attacked.


    A high pick-and-roll with Towns got him into the lane, where he banked in a floater over Thompson.


    27-24.


    On the other end, Cleveland ran a pick-and-roll with Rose and Thompson.


    Boston trapped Rose hard¡ªforcing the ball out of his hands.


    Rose found Thompson, but Jeff Green rotated early, cutting off the passing lane.


    Trapped, Thompson forced up a tough shot.


    Miss.


    Towns grabbed the rebound and pushed the break.


    Boston was gaining momentum.


    Back down the floor, Kyrie attacked again.


    This time, Thompson held his ground.


    Kyrie missed¡ªbut Towns was there to tip it in.


    27-26.


    A quick 6-0 run, and Boston was right back in it.


    Stevens smirked.


    This was their chance.


    If they could take the lead before Han returned, it would force Cleveland into a desperate game script.


    On the sideline, Malone was visibly frustrated. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He glanced at Han.


    If the lead vanished, he''d have to send him in early.


    And that was exactly what Stevens wanted.


    But then¡ª


    "LET''S GO CAVS!"


    The home crowd erupted.


    And Derrick Rose answered.


    Boston''s trap came again, but this time, Rose split the double-team.


    He burst into the lane, floated up a layup¡ª


    Glass, bucket, score.


    29-26.


    Malone immediately signaled for a new play.


    The next time down, Rose got another pick¡ªbut instead of driving, he kicked it to Dedmon.


    Dedmon popped instead of rolling, spacing the floor.


    With more room to operate, Rose blew past Olynyk.


    Another layup.


    31-26.


    Stevens was on his feet.


    Boston had planned to dominate these minutes.


    But instead, Rose was keeping the Cavs afloat.


    And that was a problem.


    If Cleveland could survive this stretch, then when Han checked back in, Boston would be in real trouble.


    Stevens quickly called Marcus Smart over, issuing new defensive instructions.


    The Celtics had underestimated Rose.


    They wouldn''t make that mistake again.


    But for now¡ª


    Quicken Loans Arena was alive.


    The crowd could feel it.


    The momentum was shifting.


    Derrick Rose wasn''t the player he used to be.


    He had lost his explosiveness.


    His jumper was unreliable.


    But the man could still fight.


    And as long as he kept Cleveland in this game, Han could rest.


    ---


    The Cavaliers'' defensive intensity was at its peak.


    Kyrie Irving and Karl-Anthony Towns both struggled to create good shots against Cleveland''s pressure.


    Eventually, Kyrie had no choice but to signal for an isolation.


    The arena, which had been roaring with defensive chants, instantly shifted to deafening boos.


    Cleveland fans no longer cared about what Irving had once done for their team.


    To them, he was the enemy now.


    Kyrie went into his signature dribble package, creating just enough space to rise up for a three.


    J.R. Smith, locked in defensively, didn''t fully bite on the move¡ªthis was a tough shot.


    But Irving was still Kyrie Irving.


    Swish.


    A crisp net snap silenced the crowd.


    Kyrie smirked and spread his hands toward the fans¡ªhis way of reminding them who he was.


    Han noticed Joki? clenching his fists.


    It was subtle, but clear¡ªJoki? was still measuring himself against Kyrie.


    Boston locked in defensively, forcing a tough shot from Derrick Rose on the next possession.


    And now, the Celtics had a chance to tie the game before the quarter ended.


    Again, Kyrie waved off the play.


    One shot had given him the confidence to go for another.


    He wanted this moment.


    But before he could start his move, something unexpected happened.


    "J.R., LOCK HIM UP!"


    Joki?¡ªnormally quiet, normally reserved¡ªsuddenly stood up and shouted at Smith.


    The entire bench turned toward him.


    Even Han was momentarily surprised.


    But then, he smiled.


    This was the moment he had been waiting for.


    Joki? wasn''t just playing basketball anymore.


    He was leading.


    Kyrie hesitated for half a second.


    Joki?? Talking trash?


    That slight hesitation threw off his rhythm.


    When he pulled up from the free-throw line, the shot came up short.


    Dewayne Dedmon secured the rebound, and Cleveland was off to the races.


    Rose exploded down the floor in transition, pushing the ball past defenders.


    Stevens yelled for the defense to get back, but it was too late.


    Rose attacked.


    Smart stayed in front, challenging him at the rim.


    But Rose twisted in mid-air, adjusting mid-contact, finishing a smooth underhand layup off the glass.


    Whistle.


    And one.


    The crowd erupted, but all eyes were still on Rose.


    He landed off-balance, stumbling toward the baseline.


    A courtside cameraman instinctively reached out, keeping him from falling.


    For a moment, Rose just stood there.


    Then, as if the weight of everything¡ªthe injuries, the setbacks, the doubt¡ªsuddenly lifted, he clenched his fists and let out a primal scream.


    This wasn''t just a basket.


    This was everything.


    This was his moment.


    For the first time since arriving in Cleveland, he felt like he belonged.


    Like he was truly part of this run.


    The crowd, sensing it, gave him a standing ovation as he stepped to the free-throw line.


    Swish.


    34-29, Cleveland led at the end of the first quarter.


    Boston had failed to take the lead.


    And Cleveland?


    They had momentum.


    ---


    As the second quarter started, Boston subbed in Kevin Durant and Al Horford, giving Kyrie and Towns a breather.


    They needed to capitalize on this stretch.


    Stevens wasn''t giving up on his plan¡ªif Boston could win these bench minutes, they could still turn the tide.


    But across the court, Michael Malone made a move of his own.


    Han checked back in.


    And that was exactly what Stevens wanted.


    He wanted Han on the floor early.


    He wanted him to burn energy now so that by the time the fourth quarter arrived, he wouldn''t have much left in the tank.


    And yet¡ª


    Stevens still felt uneasy.


    Because the momentum had already shifted.


    If Han took over right now instead of later?


    Boston could be in real trouble.


    Han wasted no time.


    But instead of attacking the rim, he set up in the post.


    Stevens immediately signaled for a double-team.


    This wasn''t the time for his "let Han burn himself out" strategy.


    But Han didn''t force it.


    As Boston collapsed on him, he whipped a no-look pass to the cutting Rose.


    The Celtics barely had time to react before Rose finished another layup.


    Boston had prepared for Han to dominate.


    They hadn''t prepared for him to orchestrate.


    As they ran back on defense, Han turned to Rose and slapped his hand.


    He had been wrong before.


    He had tried to carry the weight of the series alone.


    But tonight?


    He finally saw it.


    He wasn''t fighting alone.

 Chapter 390: Join Him?!

    Chapter 390 - Join Him?!The second unit''s battle ended with Cleveland leading 41-35.


    Kevin Durant came back into the game and immediately started pouring in buckets. But the Cavaliers'' offense wasn''t slowing down either.


    Derrick Rose''s aggressive drives.


    J.R. Smith''s timely threes.


    Cleveland was thriving.


    It wasn''t Han Sen taking over¡ªit was Han Sen orchestrating.


    Han had always been an elite scorer, but scoring wasn''t the only thing he could do.


    With his elite passing vision, he could command an offense like Magic Johnson¡ªgetting everyone involved, making the game easier for his teammates.


    And by choosing to operate more in the post, he wasn''t just attracting double teams¡ªhe was conserving energy.


    By the time the second unit''s stretch ended, Malone had completely outcoached Stevens.


    Both coaches were elite tacticians, but playoff series weren''t just about X''s and O''s.


    It was a chess match.


    And right now?


    Malone had control of the board.


    Cleveland maintained its edge throughout the second quarter.


    Even with Stevens adjusting his defense to limit Joki?, Wade and Han stepped up with their off-ball movement and scoring.


    At halftime, the score was 55-53.


    A close game, but anyone watching knew the momentum was with Cleveland.


    Stevens had been burning through his star players'' minutes, trying desperately to swing the game in Boston''s favor.


    Meanwhile, Han had barely even looked to score.


    That was the dangerous part.


    Because now? It was his turn.


    ---


    The third quarter started with Kyle Kuzma replacing Tristan Thompson in the lineup.


    And with that, Han Sen went into full takeover mode.


    He was done facilitating.


    Now?


    He was here to end the game.


    As soon as Stevens saw it happening, he knew he had no good options.


    He had gambled on single coverage all series to wear Han down.


    But after barely breaking a sweat in the first half, Han was fresh.


    The strategy had backfired.


    And yet, Stevens hesitated to change it.


    If they doubled Han, Cleveland''s shooters would go off.


    If they didn''t?


    Han would torch them one-on-one.


    So he stuck with the single coverage for as long as he could.


    Big mistake.


    Han absolutely shredded Boston''s defense.


    One-on-one? Unstoppable.


    Help defense? Too late.


    Too much space? Three-pointer¡ªcash.


    Too little space? Fadeaway¡ªeasy.


    Cutting off his drives? He bullied his way inside anyway.


    Han dropped 30 points in the third quarter alone.


    A playoff record.


    The only other player in history to have multiple 30-point quarters? Kobe Bryant.


    And if you narrowed it down to only playoff performances?


    Han Sen stood alone.


    By the time the third quarter ended, the two-point halftime lead had ballooned to 14.


    And Boston?


    They were mentally broken.


    ---


    Boston came into the fourth quarter already defeated.


    Their starters were exhausted.


    Their confidence? Shattered.


    It wasn''t just the score.


    It was Han.


    The way he dominated them.


    The way he controlled the game like a titan among mortals.


    How the hell were they supposed to stop someone who could drop 30 in a quarter in a conference finals game?!


    It felt like they were in a war, only to suddenly realize that their enemy had a walking nuclear weapon.


    By the time the game ended, Cleveland had completely buried Boston.


    Final score: 115-98.


    Han finished with 48 points in just three quarters.


    This was his Kobe moment.


    A three-quarter masterpiece.


    As the game ended, social media exploded.


    "I never saw Jordan play, but I lived through the Han Sen era. This is the greatest legend of all time. No debate."


    "The Celtics are reliving their Jordan nightmare. Back then, it was MJ. Now, it''s Han Sen. Straight to the depths of hell!"


    "Miami. Boston. These teams are historically great, but they exist in the wrong timeline. They were born to suffer under Han."


    "KD is actually cursed. Every time he joins a superteam, Han Sen is there waiting to destroy him."


    "When Han Sen retires, KD won''t even show up to the ceremony, and they won''t be allowed to start until he does!"


    ---


    3-2.


    Cleveland was now one win away from the NBA Finals.


    And for the second straight season, Boston found itself on the brink of elimination.


    Last year, they had taken Cleveland to Game 7.


    This time?


    They were dangerously close to falling short of even that.


    For a team as talented as Boston, losing before a Game 7 would be a disaster.


    Because if even this roster wasn''t enough to get past Cleveland?


    Then as long as Han and Joki? were together, the Celtics'' entire future was in doubt.


    It was the same dark cloud that had hung over the East when Jordan''s Bulls were at their peak.


    But unlike Jordan?


    Han wasn''t retiring anytime soon.


    Of course, Boston didn''t know that Han was planning to leave Cleveland after this season.


    To them?


    Han Sen was a permanent nightmare.


    ---


    With that in mind, Game 6 in Boston had a funeral-like atmosphere.


    The crowd knew their team was outmatched.


    And Boston''s coaching staff seemed to know it too.


    Because Stevens did something completely out of character.


    He threw away Boston''s defensive identity.


    For the first time, the Celtics abandoned their defensive-first mentality.


    They had always been built on elite defense¡ªfrom Bill Russell''s dynasty to the Big Three era.


    But tonight?


    They didn''t even try.


    Stevens had accepted reality.


    Boston could not stop Han Sen.


    And with Joki? dominating inside, they were just bleeding points everywhere.


    So instead of focusing on defense?


    Stevens went all-in on offense.


    Because if you can''t stop the enemy, you might as well try to outscore them.


    It was a radical, almost reckless strategy.


    But in Game 6?


    It worked.


    ---


    This Cleveland team wasn''t as defensively dominant as Han''s old Grizzlies squad.


    Memphis had been an elite defensive machine, with only Zach Randolph as a potential weak link.


    This Cavaliers squad?


    They couldn''t cover up weaknesses the same way.


    And that''s why, for the first time all series, Boston''s scoring firepower exploded.


    They played like a team with nothing to lose.


    Relentless pace.


    Aggressive shot-taking.


    Abandoning all defensive conservatism.


    And in one of the most stunning offensive performances in Eastern Conference Finals history... Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Boston put up 135 points.


    In the pre-shot clock reform era.


    In a playoff elimination game.


    It was insane.


    It was desperate.


    And it was exactly what they needed.


    Boston forced a Game 7.


    And in doing so, they proved one undeniable fact¡ª


    This was not the same Celtics team from last season.


    Last year, their ceiling was dictated by Isaiah Thomas.


    And as great as IT was, there were limits.


    This time?


    Boston had Kyrie Irving.


    And Kyrie didn''t have limits.


    ---


    The Western Conference Finals had also gone to a Game 7.


    But the storyline out West couldn''t have been more different from the East.


    Celtics vs. Cavaliers was a battle of superstar firepower and coaching strategy.


    Pelicans vs. Rockets?


    It was a clash between the NBA''s best offense and its best defense.


    The Rockets had been the number one offensive team all season.


    The Pelicans had the league''s top defense.


    And through four games, the pattern was clear:


    Whenever the Rockets scored over 120, they won.Whenever they didn''t? The Pelicans shut them down and took the game.


    One game was so brutal, Houston only managed 85 points.


    It was the eternal debate¡ª


    Does offense win championships?


    Or does the defense-first mentality reign supreme?


    Then came Game 5.


    And something strange happened.


    James Harden? Struggled.


    LeBron James? Struggled.


    But Eric Gordon?


    He took over.


    15-for-8 shooting.


    A team-high 24 points.


    Clutch buckets when both superstars faded.


    With Gordon leading the way, the Rockets scraped out a 98-93 win.


    They were one win away from the Finals.


    It looked like Houston was in control.


    But then?


    Chris Paul happened.


    ---


    In the closing moments of Game 5, Chris Paul pulled up lame.


    A hamstring injury.


    The moment he sat down on the bench, he punched the seat in frustration.


    He knew.


    His season was over.


    And without CP3?


    Houston collapsed.


    Game 6 in New Orleans wasn''t just a loss¡ª


    It was a blowout.


    The Rockets lost by nearly 30 points.


    Paul''s injury didn''t just impact the on-court situation¡ª


    It killed Houston''s morale.


    They still had one more shot in Game 7.


    But unless a miracle happened, the Pelicans were headed to their first-ever Finals.


    ---


    Just a few days earlier, Dante Cunningham had asked Han who he''d rather face in the Finals.


    Back then, it had been a real debate.


    Now?


    It wasn''t a question of Houston or New Orleans.


    It was a question of¡ª


    Would the Pelicans be facing the Cavaliers?


    Or the Celtics?


    The Eastern Conference Finals Game 7 was first.


    And it set a new viewership record for the season.


    Cleveland''s dynasty hopes were on the line.


    And from the opening tip, it was clear¡ª


    The Cavaliers had changed.


    ---


    From the very first possession, Cleveland played with a new level of defensive intensity.


    It was the most locked-in they had been all playoffs.


    And leading the charge?


    Han Sen.


    His opening matchup? Kyrie Irving.


    Full-court pressure.


    Physical, suffocating defense.


    Then, when Durant started heating up?


    Han switched onto him.


    This was vintage Memphis Han Sen.


    The defensive stopper version.


    The version that could single-handedly disrupt an entire offense.


    And for once?


    Han could afford to play that way.


    Because just like in Game 5, Joki? had evolved.


    Cleveland didn''t need Han to drop 50.


    Not yet.


    Right now, all he had to do was neutralize Boston''s weapons.


    And it worked perfectly.


    ---


    Offense is inherently unstable.


    The best scoring teams in history?


    They all had cold nights.


    And against elite defenders, those cold spells happened more often.


    Han froze out both Kyrie and Durant from finding a rhythm.


    He didn''t shut them down completely¡ªno one could.


    But he disrupted them just enough.


    By halftime, the score was 46-36.


    Both teams had their lowest-scoring half of the series.


    Cleveland had set the tone.


    And then?


    Han flipped the switch.


    Coming out of halftime, Han stopped locking in defensively.


    Instead?


    He started hunting.


    Boston''s defense was already cracked open.


    And once Han went into scoring mode?


    It was over.


    Kyrie and Durant had lost their rhythm.


    Han?


    He was just getting started.


    With each bucket, the crowd got louder.


    With each stop, the Celtics lost more hope.


    Then, with the third quarter winding down¡ª


    Han delivered the dagger.


    Back to the basket.


    A spin move past Avery Bradley.


    Help defense closing in.


    A perfectly-timed explosion.


    Han launched himself toward the rim.


    Karl-Anthony Towns rotated late.


    Too late.


    Han''s right arm extended like a striking cobra.


    And with a thunderous one-handed slam¡ª


    Cleveland had officially broken Boston.


    Han finished the quarter with 24 points.


    Cleveland''s lead? 20 points.


    Kevin Durant looked up at the scoreboard.


    His eyes?


    Pure despair.


    Eight straight seasons.


    Eight straight playoff losses to Han Sen.


    At this point, there was only one way left to win.


    Join him.

 Chapter 391: LeBron’s Worst Nightmare.

    Chapter 391 - LeBron''s Worst Nightmare.At the start of the fourth quarter, the Celtics managed to trim the lead to under 15, keeping the game alive¡ªat least, for the moment.


    But when Cleveland''s starters checked back in and Han Sen took over again, the reality became clear.


    The Celtics'' players looked shaken.


    Because the cruelest thing in the world isn''t despair.


    It''s being given hope in the middle of despair¡ªonly for that last bit of hope to be crushed right in front of you.


    With two minutes left and the lead still sitting at around 15 points, Brad Stevens finally waved the white flag, subbing out his starters.


    The Cleveland crowd erupted into a frenzy.


    Four years ago, when Han returned to the Cavaliers, no one truly believed Cleveland could build a dynasty¡ªhell, most people doubted they''d even win a ring.


    But now?


    They had just conquered their biggest roadblock, and the dynasty that once seemed impossible was now one step away from reality.


    Ecstasy for some.


    Misery for others.


    On the Celtics'' bench, the players sat motionless¡ªfaces locked in frustration and dejection.


    They had made one step further than last season, but whether they lost 2-4 or 3-4, the end result was the same.


    For Kyrie Irving, it was a moment of bitter regret.


    Last year, even when he got swept with the Bulls, he could at least blame the roster, the dysfunction, Dwight Howard''s stupidity.


    This year?


    He had gotten exactly what he wanted¡ªa team-up with Kevin Durant.


    And yet, he still couldn''t beat Han Sen.


    And to make matters worse?


    He lost in Cleveland.


    Kyrie had always known LeBron was never good enough to beat Han.


    No matter who LeBron teamed up with, it wouldn''t change a damn thing.


    So with New Orleans set to make the Finals, Kyrie could only watch as Cleveland marched toward their dynasty.


    A dynasty he could''ve been part of.


    Next to him, Durant sat in stunned silence.


    He wasn''t frustrated. He wasn''t angry.


    He was numb.


    This was loss number eight.


    Eight straight seasons of losing to Han Sen.


    The final buzzer blared.


    96-82.


    The Cavaliers had officially eliminated the Celtics in seven games to advance to the NBA Finals!


    At the postgame press conference, Durant''s response to a question about his offseason plans was beyond hopeless.


    "I don''t know... Han can''t be beaten. I don''t know the answer to that question."


    No anger. No frustration.


    Just pure, suffocating despair.


    And he wasn''t lying.


    For years, Durant had expanded his game, improved his playmaking, built superteams.


    And yet, nothing changed.


    Stevens, on the other hand, took full blame.


    "This is on me. My players are the best in the league. They never quit, never backed down, and executed perfectly in adversity. I made strategic errors. If we don''t make the Finals next year, I''ll step down as head coach."


    It was a rare move.


    Most coaches would deflect, try to avoid becoming the scapegoat.


    Not Stevens.


    But the bigger issue?


    Durant''s contract was a 3+1 deal, meaning he had a player option next summer.


    If Durant opted out and Stevens resigned¡ªthe Celtics might have to start over from scratch.


    Meanwhile, on the Cavaliers'' side?


    Pure confidence.


    Han even name-dropped LeBron James when asked about his preferred Finals matchup.


    "I''d rather face the Pelicans. I''ve said it before¡ªLeBron is going to bring a dynasty to Cleveland."


    The press room exploded.


    Han still hadn''t let up on LeBron!


    And now? He was throwing LeBron''s own words back at him¡ªwhile on the verge of achieving a dynasty without him.


    This immediately set social media on fire.


    Because if Han actually pulled this off, it would be one of the greatest call-outs in sports history.


    This wasn''t just about skill.


    This was mind games at the highest level.


    And ironically?


    Han''s quote actually helped deflect criticism away from Durant.


    Normally, Durant''s defeated postgame comments would be a huge talking point.


    But now?


    All the attention was on Han''s LeBron shot.


    And as the media frenzy unfolded, Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals tipped off.


    Han and Rondo sat back, watching the game.


    Not for film study¡ªthat could come later.


    Han was just here to enjoy the show.


    For the Cavaliers, facing Houston would be far easier than facing New Orleans.


    Chris Paul''s injury had crippled the Rockets.


    Without him, their offense was just full-throttle chaos.


    For Cleveland, it was simple: Shut down Harden, and the series is over.


    But Han''s comments?


    They weren''t just trash talk.


    They were a calculated psychological strike.


    Because if LeBron didn''t make the Finals¡ªit was just another L on his resume.


    But if he made it, only to lose?


    Han would get the greatest victory lap in history.


    A dynasty AND a meme.


    After all...


    Teams might win multiple championships.


    But getting turned into a dynasty''s background prop?


    That was a once-in-a-lifetime humiliation.


    So the real question was...


    Did LeBron actually WANT to make the Finals?


    ---


    Before the game even tipped off, Chris Rondo and Han Sen found themselves discussing a critical topic¡ªwhere Han would be heading after leaving Cleveland.


    Outside of David Griffin and Dan Gilbert, Rondo was the only person who knew Han had already made up his mind about departing in the summer.


    That wasn''t a surprise.


    Rondo had been more than just a former college teammate and roommate¡ªhe was the most trusted member of Han''s inner circle.


    For Han, the destination had to be a major city.


    Not a big-market team¡ªjust a big city. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Because with his global influence, wherever Han went would become a big market.


    The real factor? Population size.


    Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Dallas, San Antonio.


    These were the NBA cities in the U.S. with a population exceeding a million.


    Not more, not less¡ªexactly ten teams.


    "I heard Prokhorov is selling his remaining stake in the Nets," Rondo mentioned, dropping a fresh piece of news.


    "The frontrunner to buy is Tsai Chongxin, the Chinese-Canadian billionaire."


    Han already knew about Tsai.


    But he wasn''t exactly sure when he was set to take full control of the Nets.


    If that was happening soon?


    Then Brooklyn suddenly became a legitimate option.


    New York was New York, after all.


    And compared to James Dolan running the Knicks, having Tsai as an owner was an instant upgrade.


    But whether it was the Nets or even the Clippers, Han was only considering them as options.


    His plan?


    Do it the Durant way.


    Rent out a mansion, bring in representatives from all the potential suitors, have in-depth meetings, and then make his decision.


    This wasn''t a choice to be made lightly.


    Han was about to turn 30. [1]


    This next contract?


    It would be his last long-term deal.


    Unless something unexpected happened, his next stop would likely be his final stop.


    He had to get it right.


    But there was one non-negotiable condition.


    "No matter where I go this summer... I''m making sure you''re part of their front office."


    Han had never faced the same management nightmares in Cleveland as he did in Memphis¡ªpart of that was due to how he returned to the Cavs, and part of it was just Dan Gilbert''s personality.


    That was luck.


    Because front office treatment doesn''t scale with talent.


    Jordan had his war with the Bulls'' front office.


    Kobe had his battles with the Lakers'' management.


    At the end of the day, players and team executives represented two sides of a business.


    To truly secure control, Han needed someone inside the system¡ªjust like Rondo.


    Ever since that All-Star Dunk Contest judging scandal, Han had become even more aware of how important it was to have a say in league affairs.


    It sounded a lot like what LeBron had done in Cleveland.


    And that''s because it was the same thing.


    There''s nothing new under the sun.


    LeBron wasn''t wrong for demanding that type of power.


    The problem?


    He was just too damn bad at it.


    Winning solves everything.


    If a team is successful, no one cares how much a star player interferes in management.


    But that level of control was a rare demand¡ªand not every franchise would be willing to meet it.


    ---


    As they continued talking, the Western Conference Finals Game 7 had already tipped off.


    And almost immediately, Han and Rondo witnessed something hilariously blatant¡ªLeBron James playing with historically low offensive aggression.


    Most of the time, he just stood on the weak side with his hands on his hips, watching Anthony Davis force one-on-one plays.


    The problem?


    Davis was elite as an off-ball cutter, but asking him to be a primary shot creator was pushing him beyond his limits.


    Han couldn''t help but laugh.


    "Damn. I really called it, huh?"


    LeBron wasn''t even trying to win this game.


    But what made things worse?


    Maybe it was just the bad energy in the arena, but Houston''s shooting was absolutely horrendous.


    And while LeBron refused to attack, the refs were clearly on the Pelicans'' side.


    Nike may have fallen behind Under Armour, but compared to Adidas?


    It was still the bigger player in the industry.


    That created a brutal cycle for the Rockets.


    - Their outside shots weren''t falling.


    - So, they had to attack the rim more.


    - But the refs weren''t giving them any calls.


    - That let New Orleans collapse inside and force even more threes.


    - Which, of course, they kept missing.


    And as the bricks piled up, so did the long rebounds¡ªgiving Davis countless second-chance opportunities.


    The Pelicans turned those into fast-break points over and over again.


    It was exactly what happened when LeBron''s "one-star, four-shooters" experiment failed years ago.


    If the shots were falling, it looked unstoppable.


    But if the shooting collapsed and there was no mid-range backup plan?


    Disaster.


    Still, the funniest part?


    Even with Houston bricking their way to hell, the Pelicans couldn''t pull away¡ªbecause LeBron wasn''t trying to win.


    Han could barely watch anymore.


    This wasn''t like Cavs vs. Celtics Game 7, where both teams played at an elite level.


    This was just two struggling teams trading bricks.


    Eventually, Houston mentally collapsed first.


    They couldn''t hit wide-open looks¡ªas if some invisible force was cursing them.


    In the end, New Orleans won an unbelievably ugly game, defeating the Rockets 101-92 to reach the NBA Finals.


    Houston''s final three-point stat line?


    7-for-44.


    And the last 27 attempts?


    All bricks.


    An unreal outcome¡ªboth expected and unexpected at the same time.


    Yes, the officiating was against them, but their shooting collapse was historically brutal.


    If they had even a 30% shooting night, they would''ve advanced.


    In the end?


    "Moreyball" was just like a forbidden martial arts technique¡ªpowerful, but easy to self-destruct with.


    Davis was the undisputed hero of Game 7, putting up a dominant 32 points and 20 rebounds, along with two steals and three blocks.


    And with LeBron sleepwalking to an 18-10-10 triple-double, it was fair to say Davis single-handedly carried him to the Finals.


    When the final buzzer sounded, Davis exploded with emotion¡ªchest-bumping teammates, letting out a roar, his excitement visible to the naked eye.


    Who could blame him?


    For years, he had languished in New Orleans, barely sniffing the playoffs, to the point where leaving seemed like the only way forward.


    Now?


    His first-ever playoff run had carried him straight to the NBA Finals¡ªand he had done it with his own hands.


    But during the postgame handshake line, LeBron looked like a man who had just been eliminated.


    The NBA Finals matchup was now official:


    Cavaliers vs. Pelicans.


    And the internet?


    The moment it was locked in, it detonated.


    "No time to mourn James Harden missing his first NBA Finals. Let''s celebrate LeBron James making yet another!"


    "Three different Finals matchups in three years... but two names never change¡ªLeBron and Han."


    "From Lakers to Warriors to Pelicans¡ªLeBron keeps jumping teams, yet always lands in the Finals. A historic record!"


    "Say what you want, but LeBron has mastered the art of picking teammates. Too bad he keeps running into the same nightmare."


    "Mr. James, all reunions are just long-overdue meetings, aren''t they?"


    ---


    Translator''s Note:


    [1] Han was born on December 23, 1988.


    Earlier, I miscalculated his birth year and accidentally made him a year younger. Yeah, math isn''t my strong suit¡ªsue me.


    I''ve since corrected the Spoilers Chapter and will work on fixing any other instances.

 Chapter 392: Strength is the Key.

    Chapter 392 - Strength is the Key.People thought the Game 7 showdown between the Cavaliers and Celtics was already the pinnacle of tension and excitement.


    But once the NBA Finals began, it became clear¡ªthat was nothing in comparison.


    Before Game 1 even tipped off, the television ratings had already shattered season records.


    Because honestly... who could resist the greatest spectacle of the year?


    Even before the game started, Cleveland fans gave LeBron James a roaring ovation.


    The same fans who once despised him, who once burned his jerseys, were now cheering for him.


    Because as Han Sen had famously pointed out¡ªLeBron had delivered Cleveland''s dynasty with his own hands.


    And no matter how much he roamed from team to team, he never stopped trying.


    How could they not appreciate his efforts?


    ---


    Starting Lineups


    Cavaliers: Han Sen, JR Smith, Robert Covington, Tristan Thompson, Nikola Joki?


    Pelicans: Jrue Holiday, E''Twaun Moore, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Aron Baynes


    LeBron''s passive performance in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals wasn''t just burned into Han Sen''s memory¡ªthe whole world saw it.


    Everyone expected him to carry that same lethargy into this game.


    But as soon as the ball tipped off... the reality was completely different.


    Within moments, LeBron and Davis executed a flawless pick-and-roll, ending in an explosive dunk.


    Then on defense, LeBron battled Joki? in the post like his life depended on it.


    He wasn''t just playing. He was fighting.


    Even Han had to admit¡ªhe had never seen LeBron like this before.


    It was because of LeBron''s effort that Davis had enough time to recover and block Joki?''s shot.


    Han squinted.


    Did LeBron take something before the game?


    Wait, no¡ªhe''s always taking something.


    That wasn''t the point.


    The point was his attitude.


    This was completely different from Game 7 of the WCF.


    Back then, LeBron clearly had no interest in making the Finals.


    It was the same energy as his infamous "8-point game" when he didn''t want Wade to win Finals MVP.


    But now?


    Now that he was here¡ªnow that the whole world was watching, waiting to see him fail¡ª


    He couldn''t afford to.


    If he had played like he did against the Rockets, his reputation would be buried forever.


    So he had to make a show of it.


    Even if it was just for one game.


    ---


    Han wasted no time.


    He immediately switched onto LeBron.


    This wasn''t targeting¡ªthis was a necessity.


    Because if LeBron got hot, New Orleans could actually steal this game.


    They were the No. 1 defense in the league. If they found an offensive rhythm, Cleveland would be in trouble.


    LeBron, realizing Han had picked him up, kept testing him with pick-and-rolls.


    Han could tell¡ªLeBron wanted this.


    Physically, LeBron had the edge.


    But footwork doesn''t lie.


    Han navigated the screens like a shadow, denying LeBron acceleration every time.


    It forced LeBron into mid-range looks¡ªand that was where the cracks showed.


    No matter how much hunger a player had, if their skill set wasn''t polished enough, desire alone wouldn''t save them.


    And LeBron had never mastered the mid-range.


    Realizing he wasn''t getting clean shots, LeBron adjusted.


    Instead of forcing the issue, he started feeding Davis.


    Davis had once been lumped in with Kevin Love and DeMarcus Cousins¡ª


    Players who put up big numbers but never proved themselves in the playoffs.


    But unlike them, Davis was actually the real deal.


    New Orleans wasn''t a Big Three. They were a duo.


    And Davis dragging them to the Finals with just LeBron?


    That meant something.


    Especially on defense¡ªhe was wrecking Joki?.


    Joki? was gifted, but specialized.


    He wasn''t an athletic freak¡ªhis game relied on calculated movement and precise decision-making.


    Davis, however, was a nightmare matchup.


    His mobility meant he could contest Joki?, then recover instantly.


    Even when Joki? passed out of doubles, Davis still had time to rotate back.


    And most importantly¡ªDavis was locked in.


    For his first Finals appearance, he was playing like a man possessed.


    With both LeBron and Davis setting the tone, the rest of the Pelicans followed.


    They didn''t just keep up with Cleveland.


    They fought them to a deadlock.


    ---


    With 8 seconds left, the Pelicans led 96-95.


    A familiar situation.


    The entire arena held its breath.


    Could Han deliver another dagger?


    New Orleans showed why they were the best defense in the league.


    They trapped him instantly with Holiday and Davis.


    Han had no choice¡ªhe threaded a pass to Joki?.


    Joki? attacked immediately¡ªbut LeBron yanked him down, forcing free throws.


    4.7 seconds left.


    Make both, and the game was over.


    Joki? was an 85% free-throw shooter.


    But the deep breaths he took before stepping to the line?


    They told the real story.


    This wasn''t about numbers.


    This was about mental fortitude.


    The entire arena fell dead silent.


    Swish.


    The first one was good.


    Thunderous cheers erupted¡ª


    Then vanished.


    Everyone knew¡ªthe second was the real test.


    Joki? exhaled, shot¡ªand missed.


    But JR Smith flew in for the rebound!


    He turned, saw LeBron in front of him, and instinctively dribbled out.


    His first thought? Find Han.


    But Holiday and Davis had already blocked the passing lane.


    And then, the panic set in.


    His mind blanked.


    He forgot the score.


    Until he saw Joki? wildly signaling under the basket.


    By the time he realized?


    LeBron had already closed in.


    With 1 second left, JR panicked and flung the ball to Covington.


    Covington''s rushed three barely touched air.


    Overtime.


    But before the extra period even started¡ª


    Malone exploded on the sidelines.


    He had been furiously signaling for a timeout¡ª


    And the refs ignored it.


    No whistle. No stoppage.


    Nothing.


    Joki? sank onto the bench, head down.


    "Boss... I''m sorry."


    He barely whispered the words, but Han heard them.


    If Joki? had made the second free throw, the game would''ve been over.


    JR?


    He just sat there, not daring to look at Han.


    His mind was still scrambled from the last possession.


    Han wasn''t even mad at them.


    His real anger was with the officiating.


    He had prepared himself for 5-on-8 basketball.


    But this?


    This was straight-up robbery.


    ---


    After a short break, both teams stepped onto the court for the five-minute overtime period.


    And from the very first possession, Han Sen let his anger be known.


    He was done playing fair.


    The moment he spun past Jrue Holiday, he went straight at Anthony Davis, ignoring the looming shot-block threat.


    It wasn''t a good look. Davis had the positioning.


    But after catching a sharp elbow to the chest, Davis was knocked off balance¡ªHan floated through the air, finishing the layup with ease.


    And that was just the beginning.


    Han had decided: If the refs wanted war, they would get war.


    If they wanted to foul him out? They could go right ahead and try.


    No whistle.


    Why?


    Because defense in this series had been officiated loosely¡ªa standard set to favor New Orleans.


    Han was making full use of that leniency.


    And the league?


    They might not have wanted Cleveland to complete their dynasty, but they sure as hell weren''t about to eject their biggest global star.


    Han''s reach wasn''t just Jordan-level¡ªit was bigger.


    He was the ultimate ratings machine.


    And soon, the Pelicans realized something horrifying:


    The defensive scheme they had spent all game perfecting?


    Overtime had completely erased it.


    Han Sen had lost his patience.


    He was unleashing hell.


    10 points.


    All 10 from Han.


    The Cavaliers outscored the Pelicans 10-2 in overtime, crushing them 106-98 to take a 1-0 lead in the NBA Finals.


    The fans in the arena had gone through an emotional rollercoaster.


    But at the end of the night, this wasn''t just a game.


    This was history.


    A game that, in the years to come, would be replayed over and over¡ªa true Finals classic.


    ---


    Postgame Press Conference


    Han and Joki? sat at the podium.


    Han''s stat line: 51 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists.Joki?''s stat line: 21 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists.


    Joki?''s first words?


    "I almost cost us the game."


    Even after the win, he was still stuck on his missed free throw.


    "Tonight was a lesson. I need to be mentally stronger in those moments."


    And he wasn''t wrong.


    If Joki? got another shot at those free throws? He''d probably drain both.But that''s not how pressure works.


    Even elite shooters crack when the moment gets too big. It wasn''t about skill.It was about who could handle the weight.


    Then, Han casually picked up the mic.


    "Honestly? Nikola making that second free throw might''ve been worse for us."


    The room stirred.


    Joki? blinked, caught off guard.


    "If he made it, the refs would''ve given New Orleans two free throws on the other end."


    Han wasn''t even trying to be subtle.


    There were 4.7 seconds left. More than enough time for a mystery foul to magically appear.


    The reporters started murmuring¡ªnot because they doubted Han.


    But because he actually said it out loud.


    Then, an NBC reporter jumped in.


    "What was JR thinking? Why didn''t he shoot?"


    Joki?''s free throw was one thing.


    But JR''s brain freeze? That should''ve been the real headline.


    If Han hadn''t gone supernova in overtime, JR would be getting cooked alive right now.


    Han''s response?


    "That wasn''t his fault."


    The room went dead silent.


    "After Nikola missed, JR fought for an offensive rebound. Y''all know how hard that is for a guard in that situation."


    The reporter pushed back. "But he neither shot nor called timeout."


    Han didn''t hesitate.


    "It''s not a role player''s job to decide the game. He tried to get the ball to me. It just didn''t work out."


    The real issue?


    Fear.


    If JR had taken the shot and missed?


    He''d be the first man on the chopping block.


    Not everyone is built to own that moment.


    And JR?


    He just wasn''t.


    Then, Han''s voice dropped. Colder. Sharper.


    "As for the timeout... Everyone knows the Chris Webber story [1]. Players don''t count timeouts."


    "But Malone called one."


    "And they ignored him."


    The room tensed.


    "Their excuse? ''The ref had his back turned.''


    Tell me¡ª


    Do NBA referees only have eyes? Or do they have ears too?"


    The media erupted.


    This wasn''t just complaining.


    Han was launching a full-scale assault.


    And he didn''t care.


    Because the league wasn''t going to suspend him.


    Not a chance.


    Han was too valuable.


    The NBA could fine him. Hell, they could ban him from talking about refs for the rest of the playoffs.


    But they wouldn''t keep him off the court.


    Adam Silver knew it.


    And so did everyone in the room.


    Then, Han ended it with a warning. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "We won''t let the game get that close again."


    He wasn''t stupid.


    He knew the league wanted New Orleans to win.


    And he knew nothing would change that.


    So the solution?


    Never let the refs have a chance.


    That was his answer.


    That was his plan.


    ---


    The NBA handed down a $100,000 fine for Han''s comments.


    But that didn''t stop the social media explosion.


    "The Pelicans had 8 men on the court and still lost. What a shame!"


    "Joki? and JR are lucky as hell Han is their leader. If LeBron were in charge, JR would already be sacrificed to the media gods."


    "Tell me how Cleveland is supposed to win when it''s literally 5-on-8?"


    "Adam Silver hates seeing greatness... unless it''s profitable."


    "LeBron should send Han a thank-you card. This Finals performance is making all his past losses look respectable."


    Game 1 was over.


    Han Sen had thrown down the gauntlet.


    And now?


    The league had to figure out how to respond.


    -------------------


    Translator''s note:


    [1] The Chris Webber story refers to one of the most infamous mistakes in basketball history.


    In the 1993 NCAA Championship Game, Michigan''s Chris Webber called a timeout in the final moments¡ªexcept Michigan had no timeouts left. That resulted in a technical foul, giving North Carolina free throws and possession, sealing the loss for Michigan.


    It''s a moment that still haunts Webber''s legacy, and to this day, players are rarely aware of their team''s remaining timeouts in the heat of the moment.

 Chapter 393: The Bombshell?.

    Chapter 393 - The Bombshell?.Early the next morning after Game 1, Han was jolted awake by the sound of... a goat.


    At first, he thought he was imagining things.


    But when he saw Anjali looking just as confused as he was, he realized it wasn''t a dream. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He got out of bed, walked over to the window, and looked outside¡ªonly to see a goat tied up in the yard.


    Still half-asleep, he threw on some clothes and headed downstairs.


    In the living room, JR was lounging on the couch, casually scrolling through his phone.


    Hearing Han''s footsteps, JR quickly put his phone away and stood up.


    "You brought that here?" Han asked, nodding toward the goat.


    JR grinned and nodded.


    "I figured with the bonfire coming up, we''d need something good. This is an authentic Boer goat. Nikola says it''s the best kind for kebabs."


    Then, as if realizing something, he quickly shook his head.


    "I mean¡ªuh¡ªmy mom told me that!"


    He even scratched his head awkwardly at the end.


    Han immediately understood.


    This was Joki?''s idea.


    And JR? He was just the delivery guy.


    Why would JR be bringing Han gifts?


    Easy¡ªgratitude.


    Han''s postgame defense of JR had shielded him from being crucified by the media.


    If not for Han, even after a win, JR would''ve been the scapegoat.


    So this was JR''s way of saying thank you.


    But gift-giving was an art.


    Especially when the recipient was Han Sen¡ªa man who had everything.


    And this?


    This was symbolism at its finest.


    A goat.


    The GOAT.


    It was a statement.


    A premature, but not unwarranted, coronation.


    Han was walking the final steps toward surpassing Jordan.


    And JR¡ªwell, Nikola¡ªwas making sure he knew it.


    Of course, the real genius was in the excuse JR gave.


    Because Han really did hold bonfire parties every Finals.


    And Boer goats were genuinely the best for kebabs.


    Joki? was too damn smart.


    Han smirked.


    "Appreciate it. While you''re at it, let everyone know¡ªwe''re having the bonfire after Game 2."


    He wasn''t just in a good mood because of the goat.


    Joki? had changed.


    He was watching out for teammates.


    Handling things behind the scenes.


    Acting like a leader.


    And that?


    That meant more than anything.


    ---


    That afternoon, practice felt... different.


    Han''s energy was locked in.


    Everything he said postgame? That wasn''t just talk.


    Beating New Orleans in tight games wouldn''t work.


    A close game meant trouble.


    Game 1 had been too much of a fight.


    And even though they lost, it only fueled the Pelicans'' belief.


    Going into the Finals, the narrative had been simple:


    "Han owns LeBron. Cavs in 4."


    But Game 1 changed that.


    New Orleans wasn''t just LeBron.


    They were the No. 1 defense in the NBA.


    To break them, Cleveland had to crush their confidence.


    That meant Game 2 was critical.


    Han didn''t need to tell Malone any of this.


    Malone had heard Han''s press conference.


    He saw how serious Han was.


    And so, after practice, Malone did something unusual.


    He took the floor.


    No speeches from Ty Lue.


    This time, it was Malone himself.


    "From the moment this season started, we knew they didn''t want us to win this title.


    They''ve tried everything.


    They ignored our timeout.


    They''re terrified of us winning.


    But the more they fear us? The more we''ll make them suffer.


    We are going to win this championship.


    We are going to carve Cleveland''s dynasty into NBA history."


    Malone wasn''t the most polished speaker.


    But this wasn''t about delivery.


    It was about conviction.


    ---


    Game 2.


    Sold-out crowd.


    Cleveland on fire.


    Han''s $100K fine had only done one thing¡ªignite the city.


    Cavs fans weren''t analysts.


    They didn''t care about business or narratives.


    All they saw was blatant disrespect.


    And their anger boiled over.


    So when Game 2 tipped off?


    The Pelicans weren''t just facing the Cavs.


    They were facing 20,000 pissed-off fans.


    The boos? Deafening.


    New Orleans had fought hard in Game 1.


    They should''ve earned respect.


    But guilt by association is a bitch.


    The NBA was against Cleveland.


    So now?


    Cleveland was against them.


    Right from tipoff, Cleveland set the tone.


    Even Joki?¡ªusually calm¡ªwas banging inside, bodying Davis.


    Davis had elite defense.


    But he was still a power forward.


    Physically?


    Joki? had the edge.


    But the real game-breaker?


    Han.


    On defense?


    LeBron couldn''t breathe.


    On offense?


    Han went straight at him.


    He wasn''t just playing.


    He was hunting.


    And LeBron?


    LeBron folded.


    Aggression turned into passivity.


    Intensity turned into frustration.


    And before long?


    LeBron was back to his greatest hits.


    - Hands on his hips.


    - Complaining to refs.


    - Shoving teammates.


    Cavs fans had seen it too many times.


    And New Orleans?


    They felt it.


    ---


    Davis was battling Joki?.


    Then he looked up¡ªand saw Han.


    Just like Draymond last year...


    Davis was fighting two wars at once.


    But unlike Draymond...


    He didn''t snap.


    He suffered in silence.


    Davis could guard anyone.


    But he couldn''t guard everyone.


    And without him?


    The Pelicans'' defense collapsed.


    By halftime?


    New Orleans was still alive.


    By the third quarter?


    Davis picked up his fourth foul.


    And then?


    The floodgates opened.


    ---


    Final score: 114-89.


    Cavs up 2-0.


    Game 1 was a fight.


    Game 2? A massacre.


    After Game 1, people thought this series had real suspense.


    Now?


    That illusion was shattered.


    Fans even dug up an old stat¡ª


    Most Finals sweeps in NBA history?


    LeBron is No. 1 on the list.


    But Cleveland?


    They weren''t celebrating yet.


    They knew what was coming.


    2006.


    Miami vs. Dallas.


    The most rigged Finals in history.


    And if the league wanted New Orleans to win?


    They wouldn''t hold back.


    So the Cavs had one mission.


    Do it again.


    Crush them in Game 3.


    Even if the refs tried to stop it.


    ---


    After Game 2, the team gathered at Han''s estate for their annual Finals bonfire party.


    But this time, it felt different.


    With the series potentially ending on the road, this wasn''t just a celebration.


    It was a send-off before battle.


    And JR''s Boer goat?


    A massive hit.


    Han even made sure to publicly credit JR for the gift, giving the veteran guard a deep sense of satisfaction.


    At that moment, JR might as well have been Han''s most loyal knight.


    But as the food and drinks started winding down, Han called everyone together.


    And then¡ªhe dropped the bombshell.


    "I''m leaving Cleveland this summer."


    The reaction was instant.


    Stunned silence.


    JR let out a nervous laugh.


    "Nah, man. You''re joking."


    Han didn''t smile.


    "It''s not a joke."


    "I didn''t tell you earlier because I didn''t want it to be a distraction.


    But now, I need you all to give me everything you''ve got.


    Let''s win this championship¡ªso I can end this journey the right way."


    And just like that, reality hit.


    The questions were obvious, but no one asked.


    Why? Where?


    JR looked like he was about to¡ªbut Joki? pulled him back.


    He understood.


    If Han wanted to explain, he would.


    If not? Pressing him would only make things awkward.


    Han didn''t say anything else.


    After letting it sink in, he simply gestured for the party to go on.


    But a few minutes later, JR found him.


    His voice was filled with guilt.


    "Is it... because of me?"


    Han blinked. "What?"


    "I told Nikola not to bring a goat! I told him goats were a bad sign! He said you''d love it, but¡ª"


    Han burst out laughing.


    Even after all these years, JR was honest to a fault.


    "If I told you I planned this before even coming to Cleveland, would you believe me?"


    JR hesitated.


    Han sighed and simplified it.


    "This was always part of my career plan.


    Cleveland wasn''t my first choice.


    But that didn''t stop me from giving it everything.


    Do you get it now?"


    JR understood.


    But understanding didn''t mean accepting it.


    Han had changed his life.


    Without Han?


    He had no idea what would happen to him.


    Han saw the hesitation in his eyes.


    So, he gave him a simple mission.


    "If you really want to thank me, forget the goat.


    I want that trophy."


    JR''s uncertainty vanished.


    His face hardened with determination.


    He nodded. Hard.


    Han smiled.


    "Oh, and one more thing¡ªkeep this secret."


    Because if JR was good at anything, it was keeping his mouth shut when it mattered.


    ---


    One by one, teammates approached Han.


    Some, like JR, asked why.


    Some tried to convince him to stay.


    Others... simply said goodbye.


    But the most conflicted?


    Joki?.


    To him, Han was everything.


    Without Han, he wouldn''t be here.


    And suddenly, all those "leadership" talks made sense.


    Han wasn''t just mentoring him.


    He was preparing him.


    Joki? wanted to say a thousand things.


    But in the end, he only asked one.


    "Han... can I visit China this summer? Can you be my guide?"


    Han chuckled.


    "This summer might be tough.


    But next year? Absolutely.


    We''ll both be at the World Cup. I''ll take you to the Great Wall, the Forbidden City¡ªhell, anywhere you want to go."


    Joki? smiled.


    "Thank you, Han."


    It was all he could say.


    Because no words felt big enough.


    ---


    By the next morning, the secret was no longer a secret.


    "Han Sen leaving Cleveland" was the top headline across the country¡ªand the world.


    It was a hurricane.


    Debates. Theories. Speculation.


    Why? Where next?


    But one question stood out.


    "Why announce this now? The Finals aren''t even over!"


    And when Han landed in New Orleans for Game 3?


    He refused all media interviews.


    Which only made everything more mysterious.


    But once the game started?


    The answer became clear.


    Cleveland played like their lives depended on it.


    Every move, every shot, every defensive stand¡ª


    It wasn''t just for a championship.


    It was for Han.


    And the refs?


    The officiating wasn''t as bad as before.


    There were still calls favoring New Orleans, but the blatant bias?


    Dialed back.


    Because there was no longer a reason to stop Han.


    Han leaving Cleveland meant one thing:


    The storm was over.


    The league wouldn''t need to fight him anymore.


    The era of Han dominating the East?


    It was ending.


    And with that, the resistance crumbled.

 Chapter 394: !

    Chapter 394 - !Final Score: 110-101.


    The Cavaliers took down the Pelicans on the road, pushing the NBA Finals to 3-0.


    Anthony Davis put up a monster performance¡ª26 points, 14 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. He was the only reason New Orleans didn''t get completely embarrassed.


    But it didn''t matter.


    Because the Cavaliers?


    They were on a mission.


    And now, they weren''t just one win away from a championship.


    They were one win away from a sweep.


    ---


    Postgame Press Conference


    LeBron sat at the podium, frustration written all over his face.


    "They kept shoving us around. The refs turned a blind eye. This wasn''t basketball¡ªit was a boxing match."


    He was blaming the officiating.


    But nobody cared.


    Because across the room, the real press conference was about to start.


    Han Sen had avoided pregame interviews.


    But there was no dodging this one.


    The second he walked in, the media erupted.


    But first, basketball questions¡ªspecifically, LeBron''s complaints about the refs.


    Han smirked.


    When the whistle favors him, it''s "fair."


    When it doesn''t? It''s "unfair."


    Classic LeBron.


    This was the same guy who dropped to his knees in tears when the refs finally handed him a ring.


    Han leaned forward, his expression sharp.


    "Why doesn''t he just retire?"


    Silence.


    "Every time he loses, it''s never his fault.


    It''s always the refs. Or his teammates.


    Never him.


    If he''s never the problem, then he''ll never improve.


    And if he never improves... then he''ll never win.


    It''s a perfect cycle."


    He didn''t expect LeBron to actually retire.


    LeBron had no heart, but he had thick skin. As long as there was money on the table, he''d keep playing¡ªeven if the world laughed at him.


    Then came the real question.


    "Are you leaving Cleveland?"


    Han didn''t hesitate.


    "Yes. This summer, I''m leaving the Cavaliers."


    Chaos.


    Before, it had been speculation.


    Now, it was fact.


    The media fired off questions¡ªwhy? Where next?


    Han kept it simple.


    "Basketball here is no longer a challenge for me."


    Silence.


    It sounded insane.


    But so did Jordan''s "no challenge left" speech when he first retired.


    For Han? It was the truth.


    Cleveland''s core was aging. Joki? was still developing. Management would reload, making them stronger than ever.


    There was nothing left for him to prove.


    One unintended consequence of Han leaving?


    The refs would stop targeting Cleveland.


    If he stayed and pushed for a four-peat, the league would make his life miserable.


    Not just with officiating.


    With rule changes.


    And if the NBA had to pick between "screwing Cleveland" or "screwing Han Sen"...


    They''d choose Han. Every time.


    "Where are you going?"


    Every reporter leaned in.


    Han didn''t give them what they wanted.


    "You''ll find out this summer."


    No guarantees. No hints.


    Even he didn''t know yet.


    But one thing was clear.


    This wasn''t just an NBA Finals anymore.


    This was a last dance.


    And the entire league was about to fight for Han Sen this summer.


    ---


    Game 4 - New Orleans


    The Pelicans knew the series was over.


    But there was one thing left to fight for¡ªavoiding the sweep.


    Getting swept in the Finals was humiliating. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Especially for LeBron James.


    He had already been swept twice¡ªonce by Duncan, once by Han.


    A third time?


    He wouldn''t just top the "Most Finals Sweeps" list.


    He''d be so far ahead that nobody would ever catch him.


    And then?


    They played their worst game of the series.


    Worse than Game 2.


    They looked dead on arrival.


    No energy. No fight. No heart.


    Their defense collapsed.


    And since their offense was never elite...


    The scoreboard got ugly.


    By halftime? Down 20.


    By the third? Down 32.


    By the fourth? Garbage time.


    The arena started emptying.


    Fans knew what was coming.


    But the ones who stayed?


    They regretted it.


    Because what happened next?


    Pure humiliation.


    Cleveland''s bench came in and kept playing hard.


    Why?


    Because they knew this was it.


    Han was leaving.


    And after he was gone?


    There were no guarantees they''d ever be back.


    New Orleans'' bench?


    Gave up.


    And the scoreboard kept climbing.


    On TNT, they stopped calling the game.


    Instead, they talked NBA history.


    Because this?


    Was a Finals blowout like never before.


    Before tonight, the worst Finals loss?


    Jazz vs. Bulls, 1998.


    Game 3.


    Jazz scored just 54 points.


    Lost by 42.


    But now?


    That record was gone.


    Final Score: 106-62.


    Cavs win by 44.


    They didn''t just sweep.


    They obliterated them.


    They set an NBA Finals record.


    Cleveland''s dynasty was officially sealed.


    Ironically?


    The Pelicans franchise was already cursed.


    Back when they were the Hornets, they lost by 58 in the playoffs.


    Now?


    They had another record.


    Biggest Finals blowout in NBA history.


    ---


    Cavs players erupted in celebration.


    The Pelicans'' crowd?


    Almost gone.


    Because the fans who stayed?


    Weren''t from New Orleans.


    They were Cleveland fans.


    The ones who traveled all this way...


    To witness history.


    To see their city rise.


    Cleveland, once a barren wasteland of sports misery...


    Was now a dynasty.


    The cameras focused on Han Sen, who was embracing a tearful JR Smith, gently patting his back.


    JR had delivered in Games 3 and 4 in New Orleans, averaging 17 points while shooting 50% from three.


    He had fulfilled Han''s request from the bonfire party, giving him the best farewell gift possible¡ªan unforgettable performance.


    Nearby, Joki? waited his turn, then pulled Han into a massive bear hug.


    "Good luck. I''ll be waiting for you in the playoffs," Han said, feeling Joki?''s warmth.


    Joki? nodded, his grip firm. "No mercy when that time comes."


    The next time they met on the court?


    They''d be opponents.


    And if Han moved to the Western Conference?


    Their next meeting would likely be in the NBA Finals.


    The Boston Celtics still stood tall in the East, and Joki?''s journey to another Finals wouldn''t be easy.


    One by one, Cavaliers players lined up to embrace Han.


    Some laughed, some cried. Some joked about playing against him next season. Others simply held on a little longer.


    The initial celebration had now turned into a farewell party.


    ---


    After changing into their NBA Champions T-shirts, the Cavaliers returned to the court for the official trophy presentation.


    NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was all smiles as he congratulated Han.


    Han''s dominance in Cleveland had been a double-edged sword for the league.


    The NBA needed Han''s star power, but his overwhelming control of the game wasn''t good for business.


    Now that Han was leaving Cleveland, Silver''s dilemma was gone.


    Even better?


    Han''s press conference statement¡ª"Staying in Cleveland is no longer a challenge."¡ªmeant he wasn''t forming a superteam elsewhere.


    A win-win for the NBA.


    This time, Silver''s congratulations felt truly genuine.


    When he officially announced the 2018 NBA Champions, he made sure to highlight the Cavaliers'' dynasty:


    "The 2018 NBA Champions¡ªthe Cleveland Cavaliers! Three consecutive titles. A dynasty cemented in history!"


    Owner Dan Gilbert took the trophy, his emotions running high.


    He had known for a full season that Han was leaving.


    By now, the sadness had faded, replaced by an overwhelming sense of pride.


    This wasn''t just a championship¡ªit was a legacy.


    Cleveland had officially arrived as an NBA powerhouse.


    Gilbert then bypassed David Griffin and Michael Malone, handing the trophy directly to Han.


    Pulling him in for a hug, Gilbert whispered, "Thank you for everything. You changed this city forever."


    That moonlit meeting four years ago, when he had tried to convince Han to join Cleveland, had now become one of the most legendary moments in NBA history.


    This story would be told for generations.


    When Han lifted the championship trophy with his teammates, the arena erupted in the loudest cheer of the night.


    ---


    Adam Silver then announced the Finals MVP.


    No suspense.


    Han Sen, averaging 28.5 points, 7 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 2.5 steals, and 2 blocks per game, was crowned Finals MVP once again.


    Ironically?


    This was statistically his "worst" Finals MVP run.


    Not because of a lack of dominance, but because:


    - The Pelicans'' defense was elite¡ªreminiscent of the 1996 SuperSonics.


    - Only Games 1 and 3 were competitive.


    - In the other two games? Cleveland dominated so much that Han barely played in the second halves.


    Still, this cemented his legacy¡ª6 championships, 6 Finals MVPs.


    On paper?


    Han had officially matched Michael Jordan.


    But in reality?


    Han had done it at just 29 years old.


    Jordan was 35 when he reached the same milestone.


    Han had already surpassed him.


    As Bill Russell shakily handed Han the Finals MVP trophy, Han reached out, steadying Russell''s hand with his own.


    "Take care of yourself, Bill. The game still needs you."


    Russell, with a knowing smile, gave him a nod.


    Ironically, it seemed he might be the one to "break the promise" of presenting future Finals MVPs.


    Han held the trophy for a moment, then gently placed it down.


    Then, he took the mic.


    This was his final MVP speech as a Cavalier.


    Han took a deep breath, scanning the sea of faces before him.


    "When I first came to Cleveland, I knew this journey would be different from Memphis. Different challenges, different expectations. But I also knew it was the greatest opportunity of my career."


    He paused, his voice steady but carrying the weight of history.


    "That first championship, I thought¡ªmaybe I can do it again."


    "Then Kyrie left. The doubters got louder. The challenges got harder. But we never backed down."


    "And when we won the second? That''s when I knew¡ªthis wasn''t just a run. This was a dynasty."


    He turned toward his teammates, his gaze lingering on Joki?.


    "I won''t say this is the greatest championship¡ªbecause for every player, every title is the greatest. But for Cleveland, for this city, for this team¡ªthis championship is ours. And it will never be forgotten."


    He exhaled, a rare, genuine smile crossing his face.


    "To my teammates¡ªyou gave me the perfect ending. And to Cleveland¡ªyou gave me a home."


    For a moment, silence.


    Then¡ªthe arena erupted.


    "HAN SEN! HAN SEN! HAN SEN!"


    The chants roared through the stadium, shaking the rafters¡ªa farewell fit for an emperor.


    ---


    Final Press Conference


    Han and Joki? appeared together at the postgame press conference.


    Han didn''t hesitate to hype up his teammate:


    "Nikola is the best big man of this era. He''s going to keep leading the Cavaliers to greatness."


    One last public endorsement. One last torch passed.


    Of course, reporters couldn''t resist bringing up LeBron one final time.


    Han smirked.


    "I have nothing but respect for LeBron. He brought Cleveland three championships."


    Did Han really mean it?


    Probably not.


    But this was the perfect narrative send-off for LeBron¡ªthe one Cleveland''s media would cling to.


    Ironically?


    Han had only been drafted by Cleveland because of LeBron years ago.


    Now?


    LeBron wasn''t just receiving Han''s "respect"¡ªhe had earned the respect of all Cleveland.


    ---

 Chapter 395: Achievement Unlocked?.

    Chapter 395 - Achievement Unlocked?.After wrapping up the press conference, Han Sen invited the entire team out to the biggest nightclub in New Orleans. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This wasn''t just a celebration.


    It was a farewell.


    A night of pure madness, one final memory with his Cavaliers teammates before everyone went their separate ways.


    By the next morning, they were back on a plane to Cleveland.


    And what awaited them?


    A crowd even bigger than when they had won their first championship.


    The city was packed, an ocean of people filling every street around the airport.


    And when Han Sen finally stepped out?


    The chaos erupted.


    Somewhere in the crowd, a chant began.


    "Stay! Stay! Stay!"


    It spread like wildfire.


    Tens of thousands of fans, chanting in unison, begging him to stay.


    Han could feel their passion.


    Their love was pure, their desire for him to stay was real.


    For a moment, it almost got to him.


    Almost.


    But his decision wouldn''t change.


    Cleveland had the best fans in the world, and he had given them everything.


    A dynasty.


    That was his farewell gift.


    ---


    It took over an hour to make it home. By the time he got there, exhaustion hit him like a brick.


    He slumped into his chair, closing his eyes as Anjali stood behind him, massaging his shoulders.


    That''s when she spoke up.


    "I want you to go to Sacramento."


    Han opened his eyes slightly, glancing at her.


    She wasn''t joking.


    It wasn''t the first time she had brought this up¡ªjust like when she had moved to Sacramento years ago and hoped the Kings would trade for Steph Curry.


    This time, though?


    This time, it was actually possible.


    Han was leaving Cleveland. He hadn''t chosen his next destination yet.


    "I''ll consider it," he said.


    Sacramento wasn''t even on his list, but for Anjali?


    He''d give them a meeting.


    Anjali''s face lit up. She knew the chances were slim, but at least there was a chance.


    She kissed Han on the cheek, then left him alone to rest.


    ---


    Later, after a quick shower, Han logged into his [Hater System] out of habit.


    At this point, the system barely mattered anymore.


    His talents were maxed out, and there wasn''t much else it could give him.


    Or so he thought.


    Because this time?


    Something new was waiting.


    A locked achievement tab had appeared in the system.


    Han clicked on it.


    A single line of text appeared:


    "Achievement Unlocked: Greatest Player of All Time. Static Talent Exchange Activated."


    Han froze.


    Greatest of all time?


    The system had already recognized him as the best in history.


    And because of that?


    It had unlocked a new ability.


    Static talents.


    Unlike dynamic talents¡ªlike shooting, defense, or athleticism¡ªstatic talents were things you were born with.


    Height. Wingspan. Hand size. Shoulder width.


    Han''s heart pounded.


    He had never even considered the possibility of upgrading something like this.


    But it made sense.


    The [Hater System] existed to enhance his talents.


    He had already maxed out his dynamic abilities.


    Now?


    It was letting him alter what he was born with.


    And the cost?


    A lot.


    It made sense.


    Dynamic talents could be improved with training. But changing something like wingspan?


    That was rewriting genetics.


    Han wasn''t short by NBA standards.


    At 6''6" (1.98m) barefoot, his size was more than enough for a guard.


    His wingspan, though?


    At 6''11" (2.10m), it was solid but not elite.


    Among East Asian players, a +12cm difference was considered godly genetics.


    But in the NBA?


    It was just average.


    Then, he glanced at his Hater Points.


    20 million.


    That was enough to increase his wingspan by 5 cm (2 inches).


    Meaning?


    He could go from 6''11" (2.10m) to 7''1" (2.15m).


    A +17 cm difference.


    That?


    That was elite.


    With a wingspan like that?


    He wasn''t just a guard anymore.


    He could comfortably play small forward.


    Hell, in today''s small-ball era?


    If he wanted to bulk up, he could even play power forward.


    And the best part?


    He could guard LeBron James¡ªwithout needing a mismatch.


    A smirk crept onto Han''s face.


    Yeah. This was worth it.


    ---


    With a single confirmation, the points were spent.


    And Han went to bed with a grin on his face.


    The next time he woke up?


    Everything felt different.


    His arms felt sore, as if he had trained them for hours straight.


    At first, he ignored it.


    Then he got out of bed.


    Walked to the bathroom.


    And as he reached to adjust himself?


    He blinked.


    His reach felt different.


    Confused, he stepped in front of the mirror.


    And when he raised his arms?


    There it was.


    His wingspan had actually increased.


    The system hadn''t just given him an upgrade¡ªit had altered his body in the most seamless way possible.


    If he had woken up with instantly longer arms, it probably would''ve freaked him out.


    Instead?


    It had worked gradually overnight.


    Han grinned.


    This offseason just got a whole lot more interesting.


    ---


    He wasted no time.


    Downstairs, he headed to his private indoor gym.


    And the first thing he tested?


    Dunking.


    He took off, extended his arms, and¡ª


    Boom.


    It felt effortless.


    Longer reach. Less strain. Smoother motion.


    This?


    This was going to change everything.


    His poster dunks?


    Even more unstoppable.


    But there was a downside.


    Han took a jump shot.


    It felt off.


    Not because of a drop in accuracy, but because his mechanics needed to adjust.


    He sighed.


    This meant extra training.


    Instead of a relaxed offseason, he was about to spend weeks relearning his shot.


    But it was worth it.


    Better now than mid-season.


    Just as he was finishing up, a thought struck him.


    A brilliant, chaotic thought.


    A way to farm more Hater Points than ever before.


    Han chuckled to himself.


    Next season is gonna be fun.


    ---


    A few days later, Cleveland held a massive championship parade.


    And the Cavs?


    They did not hold back.


    At the front of the parade, on the lead float, someone had slapped a massive sticker on the front.


    A meme of LeBron crying.


    The message was clear.


    LeBron James, once again, was part of a Cavaliers championship parade.


    Just not in the way he wanted.


    Cleveland had its dynasty.


    And it had Han Sen to thank for it.


    That night, in front of thousands of fans, Han gave his final speech as a Cavalier.


    He stepped up to the podium, gripping the microphone with both hands, taking a moment to soak in the view of the crowd.


    "Cleveland," he started, his voice steady. "Before I say anything else¡ªI just want to say thank you."


    The fans erupted, their cheers echoing through the streets.


    "Thank you to my teammates, the guys who battled every single night to bring home not just one, but three championships. We fought, we sacrificed, and we made history together. I wouldn''t trade a second of it."


    Another wave of applause, this time from the players standing behind him.


    "Thank you to Coach Malone, to the entire coaching staff, to everyone in the front office who made this possible. Championships don''t happen without the people behind the scenes making sure we''re always ready. You made this team what it is."


    He turned his eyes back toward the crowd, his expression softer now.


    "Most of all, thank you to you¡ªthe fans. From the first day I came back, you welcomed me like I never left. You stood by us through every win, every loss, every moment of doubt. And when we finally made it happen, when we finally won¡ªyou were the ones who made it feel real."


    Chants of "Thank you, Han! Thank you, Han!" filled the air.


    He nodded, letting the moment sink in before speaking again.


    "I don''t need to tell you what this team means to me. I don''t need to tell you what this city means to me. You already know. But what I will say is this¡ªno matter where I go next, no matter what happens¡ªthis will always be home."


    A long pause, as the weight of his words settled over the crowd.


    "You gave me everything. I hope I gave you everything in return."


    And with that, he raised his championship cap high, giving one last wave.


    The fans, no longer begging him to stay, instead sent him off the right way.


    With cheers.


    With gratitude.


    With pride.


    They let their star go, not with regret, but with the knowledge that he had given them everything.


    And that Cleveland would never be the same again.


    ---


    After Han Sen''s speech concluded, Dan Gilbert made a surprise announcement¡ªone that even Han himself hadn''t been informed of beforehand.


    Gilbert declared that the fountain in front of Quicken Loans Arena would be removed and replaced with a statue of Han Sen.


    Han raised an eyebrow. He hadn''t seen that coming.


    Getting a statue before retirement was unheard of in NBA history. Even legends like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O''Neal had to wait until they were done playing.


    But Han?


    He was different.


    It wasn''t just a championship. It wasn''t just a dynasty.


    Cleveland, once a wasteland of sports misery, had won three titles in four years¡ªa run that forever changed the franchise.


    The fans erupted in cheers at Gilbert''s announcement.


    Han was leaving, but with his statue being built immediately, it was as if he was never truly gone. The city would always have a piece of him, standing tall in front of the arena he rebuilt with championships.


    After the parade ended, Han returned to the team facility.


    David Griffin was waiting for him¡ªsmiling, but clearly with business on his mind.


    "Han, I need to pick your brain on the 2018 draft."


    Han chuckled, shaking his head as Griffin handed him a draft board.


    "Griff, the team is already loaded."


    With Han gone, Dejounte Murray was next in line to take over as the lead guard. If Dwyane Wade retired, the team could acquire a replacement in whatever trade came with Han''s departure.


    Unlike LeBron''s exit in 2010, Han wasn''t about to leave Cleveland empty-handed with nothing but a few draft picks.


    That''s why, after scanning the list, he gave Griffin his real answer.


    "I''m doing a sign-and-trade. But I need a no-trade clause in my next contract."


    In the NBA, players needed at least eight years of experience and four with the same team to qualify for a no-trade clause.


    Han met the requirements.


    And he had no intention of giving up that leverage.


    Griffin barely hesitated before nodding.


    Gilbert was already building a damn statue for Han. Any condition he wanted? He''d get.


    And besides¡ªit wasn''t a problem for Cleveland.


    The no-trade clause only restricted Han''s next team, not the Cavaliers.


    Hell, no team in their right mind would trade Han anyway. This was nuclear deterrence, not an actual weapon. It was just insurance¡ªensuring he''d never be stuck under a bad front office like Memphis had been years ago.


    ---


    Still, Han glanced back at the draft board one last time.


    "Take Anfernee Simons if you want a microwave scorer. He''s raw, but he''s got a nasty offensive game."


    "Or go for Bruce Brown if you want a guy who can defend and hustle."


    Neither were franchise-changing picks, but they were good role players¡ªimportant rotation pieces for a contending team.


    And honestly? That''s all you could really hope for in the late first or second round.


    Not every draft had a hidden superstar waiting to be picked late.


    Even historically, finding a low-pick Hall of Famer was a rarity.


    This year? The high-end talent was stacked at the top.


    Speaking of the draft, Han was reminded of a recent conversation with Anjali.


    While she was pushing for him to join Sacramento, she had also brought up the Kings'' lottery luck this year.


    Sacramento had landed the No. 2 pick.


    The No. 1 selection was almost certainly Deandre Ayton, but the rest of the top five?


    Luka Don?i?. Trae Young. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Jaren Jackson Jr.


    Every single one of them had future All-Star or even superstar potential.


    Han''s suggestion to Anjali had been simple:


    First choice? Jaren Jackson Jr.


    The Kings already had scoring guards, but their frontcourt lacked rim protection. JJJ could become a future Defensive Player of the Year, and his skillset complemented Domantas Sabonis perfectly.


    Second choice? Luka Don?i?.


    Talent always wins. And Luka''s ceiling was the highest of any player in the draft.


    If the Kings were playing the long game, they might as well go all-in and see who emerged as the best.


    After his conversation with Griffin wrapped up, Han shifted his focus to his offseason plans.


    On July 1st, the NBA free agency period would officially begin.


    Until then?


    Han was still technically a Cavalier.


    He wasn''t allowed to have official meetings with teams.


    Not that it really mattered.


    Every agent, every front office executive, every GM worth a damn would be blowing up Thomas''s phone in the next few days.


    Han?


    He just wanted peace and quiet for a little while.


    So this vacation?


    It wasn''t just a getaway.


    It was his way of avoiding the circus before it even started.


    ---


    The morning after the championship parade, the sports world was still trying to process everything. Han Sen had left Cleveland¡ªbut the city was immediately building a statue in his honor.


    On Inside the NBA, the conversation was heated.


    Shaquille O''Neal shook his head, leaning back in his chair. "Man, I don''t care what anyone says¡ªHan Sen deserves that statue. Three straight titles, turned Cleveland into a dynasty. Y''all acting like this is normal¡ªit ain''t."


    Charles Barkley sighed, rubbing his bald head. "Look, Shaq, I get it. But a statue? Before he''s even retired? You know Jordan ain''t get one before retirement, right? Shaq, neither did you!"


    Kenny Smith smirked. "Y''all forgetting something¡ªthis isn''t Han''s first statue. Memphis already built him one after his three-peat! He''s the only player in NBA history getting statues while still active!"


    Barkley threw up his hands. "And that''s my point! Ain''t it crazy? I mean, yeah, I get why Memphis did it¡ªthey were scared to lose him, wanted to lock in their fanbase. But Cleveland? This is just pure respect. And that''s wild!"


    Shaq smirked. "Chuck, tell me this¡ªwho''s the greatest player in Cavs history?"


    Barkley grumbled, but he knew the answer. "...It''s Han."


    "Exactly. And he ain''t done playin'' yet!" Shaq boomed. "That''s how crazy this is! That''s why Cleveland gave him a statue. You can be mad all you want, but facts are facts."


    Meanwhile, over on Undisputed, Skip Bayless had a different angle.


    "Shannon, let me tell you something¡ªLeBron James NEVER got this kind of treatment in Cleveland. And you know why? Because he never deserved it the way Han Sen does."


    Shannon Sharpe exhaled, already knowing where this was going. "Skip¡ªwhy you always gotta drag LeBron into this?"


    Skip smirked. "Because this PROVES that Han Sen surpassed LeBron in Cleveland! Think about it¡ªLeBron left in 2010, and the team collapsed. Han Sen leaves in 2018, and Cleveland is STILL a powerhouse!" He pointed at the camera. "THAT is the difference between Han Sen and LeBron James. One built a dynasty. The other? Left a crater."


    Shannon shook his head. "Look, man, I ain''t sayin'' Han don''t deserve his flowers. But two statues before he even retires? That''s gotta be some kind of record. Hell, Skip, at this rate, they gon'' give him another one wherever he signs next!"


    Skip laughed. "And you know what? They should. Because that''s the kind of legacy we''re talking about here. Han Sen isn''t just an all-time great¡ªhe''s redefining what greatness means."


    Shannon rolled his eyes. "Man, y''all act like Cleveland gonna win another championship without Han. Let''s be real¡ªthey done. The only question left is where Han is going next."


    Skip adjusted his papers, leaning forward. "And that, Shannon, is the most important question in the NBA right now. Every team is preparing their best offer. Who gets him? Who is willing to sell their entire franchise for the greatest player on Earth?"


    Across every network, the message was clear:


    Han Sen''s departure wasn''t just the end of an era¡ªit was the beginning of the wildest free agency in NBA history.

 Chapter 396: True Intentions?.

    Chapter 396 - True Intentions?.On June 22nd, the 2018 NBA Draft took place in Brooklyn.


    Han Sen, still on vacation, tuned in to catch the event live.


    As expected, the Phoenix Suns held the first overall pick, and just like in his memories, they wasted no time selecting big man Deandre Ayton.


    It was the same logic teams used when selecting Karl-Anthony Towns or Anthony Davis¡ªwhen in doubt, take the dominant big man.


    After seeing how Markelle Fultz struggled last season in Chicago, teams were once again prioritizing "safe picks" in the frontcourt.


    Ayton had dominated at Arizona, averaging 20.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game¡ªShaq-like numbers in the NCAA. But for the Suns, this wasn''t just about talent¡ªit was about course correction.


    After years of whiffing on big men like Alex Len and Dragan Bender, Phoenix had finally returned to a traditional franchise centerpiece.


    Then came the Sacramento Kings at No. 2.


    And they picked Luka Don?i?.


    Han wasn''t surprised.


    The Kings had always been the type to take the flashy, expensive pick instead of the "right" one.


    Now? They were officially playing the "survival of the fittest" game Han had joked about before¡ªstacking up talented young players and seeing which one became the true king of the roster.


    Other notable picks included Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was taken 11th by the Hornets but was immediately traded to the Clippers.


    As for the Cavaliers?


    At pick No. 30, they selected Bruce Brown.


    When Han saw the pick, he felt something... odd.


    Cleveland''s roster was starting to look suspiciously Denver-esque. If only they had drafted Jamal Murray too...


    Then again, Cleveland already had a Murray¡ªDejounte Murray.


    ---


    Because Han had been completely off the radar, the NBA world was starving for any clue about his free agency decision.


    Superstars switching teams usually led to at least some leaks¡ªa hint about potential destinations, whispers from team sources.


    But with Han?


    Nothing. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    No rumors. No leaks. No inside sources.


    So, on June 28th, when he finally appeared in public at the NBA Awards show, the attention on him was unreal.


    Han had once again been named an MVP finalist, but this year, the award went to James Harden.


    And honestly?


    Han had no complaints.


    The Houston Rockets finished with the best regular-season record, and Harden had put up ridiculous numbers. It was a well-earned MVP.


    But one player who did stand out?


    Nikola Joki? had made the All-NBA Second Team.


    If he kept improving at this rate, a First-Team selection next season wasn''t out of the question.


    After the awards show, reporters swarmed Han, eager to get any clue about his next move.


    Instead of asking directly, they disguised their questions cleverly.


    "Are you looking for a big-market team, or is location not a factor?"


    "Are you more interested in joining a rebuilding team or a title contender?"


    They were fishing.


    Han, as expected, gave vague answers, but that didn''t stop the media from overanalyzing every word.


    By the time the awards show ended, reports were already out:


    "Han Sen prefers a big-market team but is not looking to form a superteam."


    That alone was enough to send fans into a frenzy.


    New York? Los Angeles?


    The fanbases of those cities immediately went into overdrive.


    If Han wanted a big market, then their teams had the clear advantage¡ªnot just because of location, but because of what came with it. Franchise stability, global branding, endorsement deals, and the kind of media attention that only New York and L.A. could provide.


    ---


    After the awards, Han returned to Cleveland.


    No sooner had he landed than Dwyane Wade and Derrick Rose came to visit.


    Han wasn''t the only Cavalier set to enter free agency.


    Wade had decided to return to Miami for one final season.


    For most players, returning to a franchise after years of tension would''ve been impossible.


    But Wade?


    He was the NBA''s nicest guy.


    It was in his nature¡ªjust like when he had tried to convince Kyrie Irving not to badmouth Cleveland after leaving.


    As for Derrick Rose?


    He wasn''t here to discuss free agency.


    He was here to say thank you.


    Han had given him a championship ring, something he never thought he''d have.


    And Rose''s gift?


    A bouquet of 16 roses.


    Not an expensive gift.


    But from Derrick Rose, it was deeply meaningful.


    Just like when he had gifted Shaquille O''Neal a similar bouquet years ago¡ªsometimes, meaning outweighs monetary value.


    Han smirked as he accepted the flowers.


    "Any idea where you''re heading this summer?" he asked.


    Rose''s response surprised him.


    He wasn''t staying in Cleveland.


    He was heading to Minnesota.


    Because of Tom Thibodeau.


    Han couldn''t hold back his curiosity.


    "You don''t hate Thibs?"


    After all, if it weren''t for Thibodeau''s relentless overuse of Rose, his downfall might not have happened so soon.


    Rose shook his head.


    "Hate? No. I thank him."


    "Without Thibs, I wouldn''t have been MVP."


    Han paused, slightly caught off guard.


    It was the classic question¡ªwould you rather have a long, quiet career or a short but legendary peak?


    Rose had made his choice.


    And he didn''t regret it.


    Most fans pitied him, assuming he wished he could change history.


    But the truth?


    Rose had no regrets.


    "Then I wish you luck," Han said.


    He had already cemented his legacy¡ªsurpassing Jordan, achieving everything he had set out to do.


    And for Rose?


    Winning a championship with Cleveland had been enough.


    Now, going back to Thibodeau, trying to rewrite the ending of their story?


    Maybe that was his way of making peace with the past.


    And Han?


    Han suddenly remembered Rose''s iconic 50-point night in Minnesota.


    Maybe this wasn''t a bad move after all.


    ---


    After spending two days in Cleveland, Han Sen traveled to New York, where he rented an estate to begin meetings with the teams he was interested in.


    Thomas had already compiled requests from all 29 other teams¡ªyes, even the Pelicans had submitted a meeting request. Han only needed to provide Thomas with the final list of teams he wished to meet.


    The final list included: the Knicks, Nets, Lakers, Clippers, Celtics, 76ers, Bulls, Warriors, Heat, and Kings.


    Han had not made a final decision yet, but once this list was revealed, social media exploded.


    It turned out the limited rumors leaked by the media were accurate¡ªHan was indeed targeting big-market teams.


    This made his departure from Cleveland seem even more logical.


    After all, it was natural for players to want to play in major cities, and Han''s commercial value would be maximized only in such environments.


    However, some of these teams on the list completely shocked fans.


    Take the Celtics, for example¡ªwas Han really looking to make his career easier by teaming up with Kevin Durant?


    And worse, was he really going to join Durant''s team? That seemed out of character.


    Then there was the Bulls. Chicago was forever tied to Michael Jordan. No matter how successful Han might be there, he would always be compared to and overshadowed by Jordan.


    And the Warriors? If Han joined them, they wouldn''t just be the "Super Warriors"¡ªthey''d be the "Galactic Warriors."


    It would be the real endgame for the NBA.


    Compared to those surprises, the Heat were an unexpected but exciting possibility. Miami fans, having watched Han rob them of multiple championships, now had the shocking thought¡ªwhat if he actually brought them a title instead?


    Then there were the Kings, the only small-market team on Han''s list.


    Everyone knew this had something to do with Anjali, but if Sacramento actually landed Han, it would mean the long-suffering franchise finally had a chance at revival.


    Of course, the happiest fans were in New York, since Han had chosen to hold his meetings there. Did this mean New York was his preferred destination?


    Han''s meeting schedule was announced on the morning of July 1st, and by that night, he had already received a massive influx of Hater Points.


    Some fans genuinely believed he might team up with Durant, or even join the Warriors to break the league. But anyone thinking rationally knew that was impossible.


    Still, the world was full of people who didn''t think things through¡ªand those people became easy generators of Hater Points for Han.


    As for the fans in Boston and the Bay Area? Han had no intention of going there, so he simply didn''t care about their reactions.


    ---


    On July 2nd, the second day of free agency, Han Sen officially began his meetings.


    Each team was allotted half a day, making it a five-day process, concluding just before the end of the moratorium period when he would make his final decision.


    The first team granted a meeting was the Brooklyn Nets.


    New Nets owner Joe Tsai and newly appointed GM Sean Marks were both present in the meeting team. As a Chinese-Canadian and the chairman of Alibaba, Tsai was fluent in Mandarin, allowing him and Han to communicate seamlessly.


    The Nets'' pitch to Han focused on two key aspects: business opportunities and team competitiveness.


    New York had two teams, but the Knicks had dominated the city''s fanbase for years despite their chaotic management. The franchise was historically a disaster, with no real hope of fixing its internal dysfunction.


    The Nets, having relocated to Brooklyn, had a prime opportunity to compete with and even surpass the Knicks in popularity¡ªespecially if they had a superstar like Han leading the way.


    After all, even the NBA Draft was no longer held at Madison Square Garden but at the Nets'' Barclays Center.


    Additionally, Brooklyn had a strong cache of young players and draft picks, allowing them to build a competitive team around Han.


    The meeting went well, and afterward, Tsai spoke confidently to reporters, expressing his belief that Han would join the Nets.


    New York fans immediately went into a frenzy.


    In the U.S., sports fandom was often passed from father to son¡ªKnicks fans raised Knicks fans. But Knicks owner James Dolan had been such a disaster for so long that generations of fans were growing weary of disappointment.


    Dolan had no intention of selling the team, so that disappointment had long turned into despair.


    If Han joined the Nets? Many of those fans were more than willing to start attending games in Brooklyn instead.


    Sorry, Dad¡ªI still love the Knicks, but my body is heading to Barclays Center.


    ---


    The second team to meet with Han was the Los Angeles Clippers.


    Compared to Brooklyn, the Clippers were in an even worse situation. Despite new owner Steve Ballmer''s efforts, the Clippers still had minimal support in Los Angeles.


    Lakers and Celtics fans were fiercely loyal, backed by historic legacies. Even if Han joined the Clippers, converting Lakers fans into Clippers fans would be nearly impossible.


    However, Ballmer''s pitch was different¡ªhe emphasized limitless investment in fans and basketball. Unlike other billionaire owners who treated basketball as a side project, Ballmer genuinely loved the game.


    That passion resonated with Han.


    It was one of the main reasons the Clippers were initially high on his list.


    Owners like Ballmer were rare in the NBA.


    "I can''t say it''s a 100% guarantee Han will join the Clippers," Ballmer told reporters after their meeting. "But I''d put it at 90%."


    This gave Clippers fans hope while making Lakers fans uneasy¡ªbecause the Clippers and Lakers were eternal rivals.


    ---


    Then came the third meeting¡ªwith the Los Angeles Lakers.


    The Lakers sent a powerhouse delegation: Magic Johnson, Rob Pelinka, and even Kobe Bryant attended.


    If the Lakers wanted to make it clear they were serious about Han, they had done exactly that.


    Their entire pitch had a familiar theme: MLGA¡ªMake the Lakers Great Again.


    But more importantly, when it came to commercial opportunities, the Lakers were on another level.


    From media exposure to advertising, from Hollywood partnerships to global branding¡ªthe Lakers'' infrastructure was elite.


    After the meeting, Kobe Bryant took the lead in speaking to the press.


    "If anyone can bring the Lakers back to greatness, it''s Han."


    And the moment Kobe made that statement, people started realizing¡ª


    Something was off.


    Every team that met with Han walked away feeling confident that they had a legitimate shot.


    Han''s meetings were more confusing than Kevin Durant''s in 2016.


    And that had consequences.


    No matter which team he chose, every other fanbase would turn against him.


    In a way, Han was replicating LeBron''s ''The Decision'' controversy¡ªonly bigger.


    This only became more obvious as teams like the Celtics and Warriors also became convinced they had a real chance.


    And finally, on July 6th, the day before the moratorium ended, Han Sen met with his final team¡ªthe Sacramento Kings.

 Chapter 397: The Decision.

    Chapter 397 - The Decision.(TL/n: I''ve revised this Chapter again after @Bumbum420 pointed out some inconsistencies. Going through it made me realize how valuable real-time feedback is.


    So, I''ve set up a Discord server! .gg/pbHMgveZVe


    I''ll be sharing drafts when I''m unsure about certain parts, running polls to brainstorm side stories for Han''s off-court life, and even taking suggestions for my next project.)


    The Sacramento Kings took their meeting with Han Sen very seriously. Alongside GM Vlade Divac, both the team president and owner Vivek Ranadiv¨¦ were present.


    Despite years of talking with Anjali, this was Han''s first time meeting Vivek in person.


    Unlike Anjali, who was born and raised in the U.S., Vivek was an Indian-born immigrant who had built his empire in America. He gave off the aura of a classic elite businessman¡ªfriendly on the surface but sharp and calculating beneath the exterior.


    Initially, Han saw this meeting as a mere formality. However, Divac was eager to make a strong case for why Sacramento could be Han''s next home.


    The Kings were willing to appoint Chris Rondo as the team''s President of Basketball Operations, ensuring Han would have significant influence in the front office.


    Additionally, Sacramento had a deep pool of young talent and future draft assets, giving them flexibility to build a true contender around Han.


    Divac also stressed the significance of what Han could do for the franchise and the city.


    Currently, many Sacramento fans were driving over 100 miles to Oakland to watch the Warriors. If Han joined the Kings, that dynamic would change completely.


    In a way, the Kings and Warriors¡ªdespite not being in the same city¡ªwere still competing for the same market.


    It was a compelling challenge.


    Han nodded occasionally, acknowledging their sincerity. Just as he had done with the other teams, he kept his responses warm and receptive, making the Kings believe they had a legitimate chance.


    But in reality?


    Divac''s offer wasn''t convincing enough.


    Everything he was offering¡ªfront office influence, a team built around him¡ªwas something Han could already have anywhere.


    Still, the meeting was pleasant, and as it wrapped up, Vivek requested a private conversation with Han.


    Han agreed, assuming Vivek would attempt to use personal ties¡ªlikely through Anjali¡ªto sway him.


    But what Vivek actually said?


    It was far beyond what Han had expected.


    "If you come to the Kings and bring us a championship, I will gift you a 10% ownership stake in the franchise upon your retirement."


    Han raised an eyebrow.


    That was not a small number.


    According to Forbes'' latest franchise valuations, the Knicks were the most valuable team at $3.6 billion. The Kings, thanks to their new Golden 1 Center, had a valuation of $1.375 billion.


    10% of that? Roughly $137.5 million.


    But in reality? Han would be making far more than that.


    He had seen it firsthand¡ªhis presence had taken Cleveland from one of the least valuable NBA franchises to the third-most valuable, trailing only the Knicks and Lakers.


    If he pulled off the same feat in Sacramento? His ownership stake could triple in worth, reaching hundreds of millions.


    And at the core of it all?


    Money.


    At the end of the day, Han''s goal in maximizing his marketability was still about making money.


    And ownership equity was the fastest way to do that.


    This was an enticing offer.


    "I''ll seriously consider it," Han replied. He was intrigued, but he wasn''t about to commit on the spot.


    After saying his goodbyes, Han took time to truly reflect on Vivek''s proposal.


    This raised a question Han had never openly discussed:


    What does he want to do after retirement?


    Would he just sit back and enjoy life? Or would he remain deeply involved in basketball?


    If it was the latter¡ªthere was only one logical path forward.


    Ownership.


    That had always been part of Han''s long-term plan.


    Despite his immense wealth from endorsements and contracts, buying an NBA team was an entirely different level of financial commitment.


    Had he been able to buy in before the 2016 CBA deal? It would have been much easier, as team valuations hadn''t exploded yet.


    But now?


    The only realistic way to own a franchise was to first gain a small stake in one and then sell it later for a larger purchase.


    Yet, there was one problem:


    NBA rules strictly forbid players from owning stakes in teams while still active.


    That''s why Vivek''s offer was structured as a "post-retirement" deal.


    Essentially, it was a handshake agreement¡ªan unofficial promise that Han would receive his 10% stake after his playing days were over.


    But handshake deals in business?


    They meant nothing unless the other party followed through.


    A perfect example?


    Michael Jordan and the Washington Wizards.


    Jordan had bought a 5% stake in the Wizards after retiring. But when he made his comeback post-9/11, he was forced to sell those shares back to owner Abe Pollin, with a promise that he could buy them back after retirement.


    What happened next?


    The Wizards'' valuation skyrocketed thanks to MJ''s return, and when he retired for good, Pollin refused to sell the shares back.


    Would Vivek do the same thing?


    Han couldn''t be sure.


    On paper, his relationship with Anjali should make Vivek trustworthy.


    But at a certain point, money trumps everything.


    ---


    After thinking through every angle, Han moved forward with a second round of meetings on July 7th.


    This time, only three teams remained: the Nets, Clippers, and Kings.


    And unlike before, these weren''t public meetings.


    They were closed-door sessions with team owners only.


    Han had his own counteroffer.


    NBA rules prohibited active players¡ªor their direct relatives¡ªfrom owning team shares. This was to prevent salary cap manipulation, where a player could take less money in exchange for ownership stakes.


    But loopholes existed.


    NBA history was full of rule workarounds¡ªfrom the "Big Z" loophole to poison pill contracts, teams always found ways to exploit the system before new rules were added.


    And Han? He had already been planning a backdoor method.


    He had long considered giving Chris Rondo a front-office role. And unlike players, team executives were allowed to own equity.


    Which meant?


    Han could simply buy 10% of a team''s shares through Rondo instead.


    A hidden agreement between them.


    If Rondo ever exposed it, he''d be punished heavily by the NBA.


    But between trusting Vivek''s handshake deal and Rondo''s loyalty?


    Han would bet on Rondo every time.


    So instead of waiting for a promised gifted stake, Han made it clear in these meetings:


    He wanted to outright purchase 10% equity¡ªwith Rondo as his proxy.


    Because once the money was in his hands?


    Nobody could take it away.


    ---


    Tsai was the first to withdraw.


    As a cautious businessman and the first-ever Chinese owner in NBA history, he wasn''t willing to take such a risk. If this scheme were ever exposed, everything he had built in the league would collapse instantly¡ªsomething he simply could not afford.


    But Ballmer and Vivek?


    They agreed.


    For Ballmer, the Clippers were just an expensive hobby¡ªsomething he could enjoy however he wanted.


    For Vivek, though Han''s proposal was unexpected, his desire to see Han transform the Kings was very real.


    After some thought, he gritted his teeth and added one final twist:


    "I agree to your plan. And my original offer still stands."


    Meaning?


    Han would buy 10% of the team through Chris Rondo.


    And if he won a championship and retired, Vivek would gift him an additional 10%.


    A total of 20% ownership.


    That number was insane.


    Some teams had gifted small shares to franchise legends after retirement¡ªlike when Mark Cuban gave Dirk Nowitzki 1% of the Mavericks.


    Han? He was getting twenty times that.


    If the Kings'' valuation grew to $5 billion in the future, Han''s equity alone would be worth $1 billion.


    And that wasn''t unrealistic¡ªbefore Han''s rebirth, the Warriors had surpassed the Knicks, hitting an $8 billion valuation.


    Vivek wasn''t being reckless. He understood that Han''s arrival could skyrocket Sacramento''s worth.


    Then, in a rare show of sincerity, he looked Han in the eye and said:


    "No matter what decision you make, I appreciate everything you''ve done for the Kings."


    He knew.


    He knew Anjali''s "suggestions" over the years had come from Han.


    At first, Han was surprised.


    But thinking about it, it made sense.


    If your daughter¡ªwho previously had zero basketball knowledge¡ªsuddenly started giving spot-on team-building advice every year...


    You wouldn''t assume she magically became a basketball savant.


    You''d assume someone was guiding her.


    Vivek''s offer was enticing.


    But Han still preferred the Clippers.


    Going to a major market had always been his goal.


    And he knew that if he made the same proposal to Ballmer, Ballmer would agree instantly.


    But just as Han was leaning towards L.A...


    Something happened.


    ---


    Los Angeles County Supervisor Antonio Villaraigosa made a public statement:


    "If Han Sen signs with a Los Angeles team, we should impose a 25% tax."


    It sounded insane at first.


    But nothing happens in a vacuum.


    The U.S. was knee-deep in trade wars, and Villaraigosa?


    He was just another politician looking for a bigger stage.


    If this was just empty political posturing, Han wouldn''t have cared.


    But then?


    FOX Sports ran an online poll.


    And a shocking number of Los Angeles residents actually supported it.


    L.A. fans loved basketball.


    But their ingrained hostility toward China ran even deeper.


    Han could handle hate¡ªhe thrived on it, farming Hater Points at will.


    But living in a city where that hostility was normal?


    That was different.


    Han made his final decision.


    He called Vivek.


    And when Vivek heard the answer?


    His face turned red with excitement.


    This was the first time Han had seen genuine emotion from him.


    Vivek jumped up, shook Han''s hand firmly, and said something that stuck with him:


    "We''re not just player and owner¡ªwe''re partners."


    And he wasn''t wrong.


    Once Han bought in, he''d be a silent co-owner of the Kings.


    Every game he played.


    Every dollar the team''s valuation increased.


    It all benefited him.


    Because now?


    He was playing for himself.


    ---


    Because Han had delayed his decision, other major free agents had been stuck in limbo.


    Like Paul George.


    He had been torn between joining the Lakers or the Warriors.


    But finally, the dominoes started to fall.


    And then?


    Han broke the NBA.


    At 6:12 PM on July 8th, he sent out a simple tweet:


    "I''m signing with the Sacramento Kings."


    One sentence.


    One earthquake.


    Social media lost its mind.


    @LegionHoops: HAN SEN TO SACRAMENTO. NOT A DRILL.


    @WojESPN: Sources confirm: Han Sen has agreed to a deal with the Sacramento Kings. Stunning decision after weeks of speculation.


    @NBA_Memes: Han Sen just pulled the greatest bait-and-switch since LeBron''s first "Decision."


    @LakersNation: THIS HAS TO BE A JOKE.


    Lakers fans? Meltdown.


    New York fans? Processing...


    Warriors fans? Laughing their asses off.


    And Kings fans?


    They were acting like they''d just won the NBA lottery.


    @SacramentoProud: HAN SEN IS ONE OF US NOW. I CAN DIE IN PEACE.


    @KingsFan1998: Bro, I cried. I CRIED.


    @Redeyes_Man: Han Sen really said "big market" and then went full small-market hero. Unreal.


    This was like watching the underdog win the girl in a romance movie.


    For decades, the Kings had been NBA purgatory.


    Their last championship?


    1951.


    Back when they were still the Rochester Royals.


    Aside from the Adelman-era Princeton Kings, they had been nothing but a dumpster fire.


    Put it this way¡ª


    If the Timberwolves were struggling to claw their way back to relevance, then the Kings were a team long buried in obscurity, waiting for a miracle.


    And now?


    Han Sen just gave them life.


    ---


    Political Twitter jumped in too.


    @PoliticalHoops:This wasn''t just about basketball. A certain L.A. politician made it clear Han wasn''t welcome. And now, look where he ended up.


    @FoxSportsNBA:Villaraigosa really said, "Sign here and we''ll tax you extra." My guy just handed Sacramento a dynasty.


    @TheAthleticNBA:You can''t convince me that 25% "Han Tax" didn''t push him out of L.A. No superstar has ever had to deal with this nonsense.


    @BillSimmons:L.A. had the easiest free agency pitch in NBA history. "Come here, win rings, and live in Hollywood." Instead, they made it about trade wars and politics. Unreal fumble.


    @RealSkipBayless:The media will blame politics, but I don''t buy it. Han was NEVER going to the Lakers. He just milked the attention. Classic bait-and-switch. #NotBuyingIt


    Even Chinese media took notice.


    @WeiboSports:"ÃÀ¹ú¼ÓË°,º«É­¼ÓÃá! (America raises taxes, Han Sen takes the throne!)"


    @HoopsCN:"L.A. disrespected Han. Sacramento embraced him."


    This was LeBron''s Decision all over again.


    Han had just pulled off the ultimate bait-and-switch.


    And the best part?


    He farmed even more [Hater Points] than when LeBron left Cleveland.


    ---


    Inside the NBA wasted no time breaking it all down.


    Kenny Smith shook his head. "Man, I don''t even know where to start with this one."


    Shaq grinned. "Start with the part where everybody thought he was going to L.A. and got played."


    The whole crew laughed.


    Kenny nodded. "For weeks, all we heard was ''big market, big market, big market.'' And then boom¡ªSacramento. I mean, be honest¡ªwho saw that coming?"


    Chuck pointed a finger. "Nobody! But y''all should''ve known. Han always flips the script. Dude ain''t never taken the easy road."


    Shaq leaned forward. "Nah, the real story is why he didn''t go to L.A."


    The room went quiet for a second.


    Barkley sighed. "Yep. Let''s talk about that."


    Kenny exhaled. "Look, it wasn''t just basketball. It wasn''t just the contract. We had actual politicians¡ªactual government officials¡ªbasically telling Han he wasn''t welcome in L.A."


    Shaq scoffed. "Man, I''ve seen bad recruiting pitches before, but ''sign here and we''ll tax you extra'' has to be the dumbest of all time."


    Chuck laughed. "That''s like ordering food at a restaurant and they charge you extra just for showing up."


    Kenny nodded. "Jokes aside, though¡ªthis was wild. A city like L.A.? A franchise like the Lakers? They should''ve been rolling out the red carpet for Han. Instead, they basically pushed him away."


    Shaq shook his head. "And then folks wanna act surprised when he didn''t sign there."


    Chuck smirked. "Oh, I get it now. He wasn''t choosing Sacramento¡ªhe was rejecting L.A."


    The panel paused.


    Because when you really thought about it?


    That might''ve been exactly what happened.


    Kenny Smith tapped the desk. "But alright, let''s talk about that. Why Sacramento?"


    "Unless they gave him ownership, I don''t see why he''d go there," Kenny continued. "But come on¡ªthere''s no way that happened."


    Barkley smirked. "Maybe this is just what Han does. He takes teams that got no business winning and turns ''em into champions. He''s the Dream Maker."


    Memphis. Cleveland. Now Sacramento.


    Each move had been progressively harder. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kenny shook his head. "But what about all that talk about him wanting a big market?"


    Shaq chuckled. "Did Han ever actually say that? Or did the media just make that up?"


    The panel went quiet.


    Because Han had never actually said he wanted a big market.


    The only thing he ever said?


    "Cleveland is no longer a challenge."


    The entire "big market" angle?


    Pure speculation.


    And the irony?


    Sacramento was the biggest challenge of them all.


    Barkley leaned back. "Honestly, big markets don''t mean what they used to. Han''s bigger than the league. He don''t need L.A. or New York to sell shoes. Hell, he could be hoopin'' on the moon and still run the sneaker game."


    For a moment, the panel sat in silence.


    Then Shaq summed it up in the simplest way possible.


    "Sacramento finally got their real King."

 Chapter 398: The Throne is Set.

    Chapter 398 - The Throne is Set.After Han Sen announced his decision, the rest of the free-agent market finally started moving.


    The biggest name?


    Paul George.


    He signed a four-year, $137 million deal with the Golden State Warriors.


    This also meant the Warriors officially moved on from DeMarcus Cousins. His lingering injury issues had caused major disagreements in contract negotiations, and even the broader free-agent market was hesitant to touch him.


    That was the harsh reality of the NBA¡ªsuffering a major injury in a contract year could destroy a player''s market value.


    As for George, his skill set was a perfect fit for the Warriors. Originally a 3&D player, he had developed strong shot creation, excellent off-ball movement, and elite perimeter defense. He would seamlessly slide into their system, easing the scoring load on the perimeter while maintaining their defensive identity.


    Ironically, last season, the Warriors had traded away LeBron James in a controversial move.


    Now?


    They had replaced him with Paul George.


    In a way, it was a blessing in disguise.


    ---


    The day after the free agency moratorium ended, Han Sen prepared to leave Cleveland for Sacramento.


    Nikola Joki? personally drove him to the airport.


    This summer, Joki? had secured his future in Cleveland¡ªsigning a five-year, $148 million max extension with the Cavaliers.


    Before Han left, Joki? handed him a gift.


    Han had noticed the shopping bag in Joki?''s hand when they got in the car. He had assumed Joki? had just made a quick stop at the store.


    But when he opened it?


    Han was stunned.


    Inside was a golden crown.


    Not just any crown.


    A solid gold one.


    Michael Malone had introduced a postgame award in Cleveland¡ªa big, plastic gold chain that players would wear in the locker room after a standout performance. At first, it was just cheap plastic, later upgraded to gold-plated iron for fun.


    But this?


    This wasn''t for fun. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was real.


    A crown worth at least six figures¡ªa gift from Joki?.


    More than the price, it was the meaning behind it.


    Joki? was crowning him.


    Han shook his head, laughing. "So this is how you''re sending me off?"


    Joki? grinned. "Felt appropriate."


    Han wasn''t surprised.


    Since his decision to join the Kings, the media had already dubbed him the ''True King.''


    Even Shaq had said it on TNT:


    "Sacramento finally got their real King."


    Han knew that, whether he wanted it or not, the nickname was going to stick.


    As they reached the airport, Joki? hesitated before speaking.


    "Boss... it''s gonna be weird without you."


    For years, he had followed Han''s lead¡ªa dominant force he could always rely on.


    Now?


    He was the leader.


    And he wasn''t sure he was ready.


    Han patted him on the shoulder.


    "Some people are born leaders. But most? They don''t get a choice. History picks them."


    Joki? still looked uneasy.


    So Han grinned. "Stay confident. I expect to see you in the Finals."


    Joki? blinked. Then smiled.


    Han had said earlier that they''d meet in the playoffs again.


    Now that they were in different conferences?


    If they were going to clash again...


    It would have to be in the NBA Finals.


    Han stepped out of the car and waved goodbye.


    Joki? wasn''t the only one sending him off.


    Outside the airport?


    Hundreds of Cavaliers fans had gathered.


    They weren''t trying to convince him to stay.


    This wasn''t a desperate plea.


    This was a farewell.


    Han raised his hand, waving one last time.


    And just like that?


    His Cavaliers Chapter was over.


    ---


    Han had slept through most of the flight.


    When he woke up, the plane was already descending toward Sacramento International Airport.


    The name Sacramento had always sounded remote¡ªas if it were some tiny, middle-of-nowhere town.


    But in reality?


    It was California''s capital.


    Sure, it wasn''t Los Angeles or San Francisco.


    But it wasn''t insignificant, either.


    In a way, it reminded Han of Washington, D.C.¡ªa capital city often overshadowed by larger, flashier neighbors.


    Even though Han had played here before, his experience was limited to NBA road games.


    Now that he was moving in, he had taken time to learn about the city.


    And what he found?


    It had a rich history.


    Sacramento wasn''t just some random city¡ªit was where the California Gold Rush started.


    Originally settled by the Swiss, the city had been a small outpost until one day, while building a sawmill, someone found gold in the Sacramento River.


    From that moment on?


    Tens of thousands of Americans rushed west chasing their dreams.


    The Gold Rush built this city.


    Han chuckled to himself.


    The first American movies he had ever watched as a kid?


    Westerns.


    Cowboys, prospectors, and the rush for gold.


    He had never known that all those stories traced back to here.


    Now?


    He was walking into a city with unfinished history.


    ---


    As Han stepped off the plane, he was greeted by more than just Kings executives.


    Sacramento''s mayor was there too.


    In Cleveland, the mayor had only shown up after Han had delivered a championship.


    But here?


    He had barely landed.


    That was a statement.


    It wasn''t just about respect¡ªit was about who this mayor was.


    Most NBA players, after retirement, stayed in basketball in some way.


    Some became coaches. Some ran training camps like Kobe. Others, like Han, aimed to become owners.


    But this guy?


    He chose politics.


    Kevin Johnson had been an NBA All-Star point guard before retiring in 2000.


    Instead of jumping into broadcasting or coaching, he went into public service.


    By 2008, he was the mayor of his hometown¡ªSacramento.


    And he had held that position ever since.


    Han hadn''t known much about him before.


    But as Divac introduced them, Han realized something:


    They had a lot more in common than he expected.


    Once they got into the car, the conversation flowed effortlessly.


    Basketball gave them an immediate connection.


    But Johnson?


    He wasn''t just excited about Han as a player.


    He was excited about what Han meant for the city.


    "For me, this isn''t just about the Kings," Johnson said. "This is about Sacramento."


    Han glanced at him.


    Johnson continued, "Look at Cleveland. It wasn''t just about the Cavs. That whole city came back to life."


    And he wasn''t wrong.


    Cleveland''s economy had boomed with Han there.


    It wasn''t just team valuation. It was bars, restaurants, hotels¡ªbusinesses thriving again.


    Even population growth had been tied to the Cavaliers'' success.


    And now?


    Sacramento wanted that same revival.


    The city had once thrived during the Gold Rush¡ªa booming hub for dreamers looking to strike it rich.


    But once the gold ran out?


    The city''s prosperity faded.


    These days, Sacramento relied on agriculture and tech.


    It was the largest agricultural trade center in the U.S. and a key hub for rocket engine production and fuel.


    But in entertainment?


    It was weak.


    And that was where Han changed everything.


    Johnson made it clear¡ªthis wasn''t just about basketball.


    It was about business.


    It was about reviving the city.


    And it made sense.


    Cleveland had seen it happen.


    Sacramento?


    They were about to witness it firsthand.


    Johnson leaned forward.


    "But here''s where we have an even bigger advantage than Cleveland."


    Han raised an eyebrow.


    "We''re the capital of California."


    And suddenly?


    It clicked.


    Sacramento wasn''t just some small-market underdog.


    It was the political heart of the most powerful state in the U.S.


    Even if it wasn''t as glamorous as L.A. or as tech-driven as San Francisco, it had infrastructure, investment opportunities, and untapped commercial potential.


    "In terms of business," Johnson continued, "Sacramento has way more room to grow than Cleveland ever did. We''re already a hub for tech startups. We have Silicon Valley companies setting up here because it''s cheaper. The only thing we''re missing?"


    He turned to Han.


    "A global sports icon to put us on the map."


    And Han?


    Han understood it now.


    Cleveland had been revitalized because of him.


    But Sacramento had the potential to surpass it.


    ---


    Later that day, Han attended a public welcome rally hosted by the city.


    It was overwhelming.


    Three full streets surrounding the venue were completely shut down.


    All Han could see was people¡ªmiles of people.


    And this?


    This was just Day 1.


    When Han stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted.


    Barkley had been right¡ªHan wasn''t choosing cities anymore.


    Han changed cities.


    Johnson was the first to speak, giving Han an official welcome.


    Then, Han took the mic and made a short speech, explaining why he chose the Kings.


    Well, the public version of his reasons.


    "Sacramento has been waiting for a true franchise player for decades. I''m here to change that."


    He spoke about how Sacramento was a team with potential.


    How he loved challenges.


    How he had come to love the city.


    And in the end?


    He made a promise.


    "I''m going to bring a championship to Sacramento. We''re going to make this city thrive¡ªjust like the Gold Rush days."


    And with that?


    Han unlocked a signature achievement:


    Every time he arrived in a new city, he promised a championship.


    The crowd went insane.


    Newer Kings fans were stunned.


    To them, this was just bold talk¡ªSacramento was a young, inexperienced team.


    But longtime Kings fans?


    They knew better.


    Every team Han had ever made this promise to?


    He hadn''t just won championships.


    He had built dynasties.


    And suddenly?


    Sacramento didn''t feel like such a long shot anymore.


    ---


    After the rally, Han headed to his temporary estate, arranged by Vivek.


    The drive through Sacramento lined up with everything he had researched.


    Most of the city''s key landmarks were downtown¡ªlike the rocket research facility and the Kings'' newly opened Golden 1 Center.


    Meanwhile, the wealthy resided in the suburbs.


    It reminded Han of Cleveland¡ªexcept hotter.


    Unlike Cleveland, this was central California. No ocean breeze. No lake effect. Just dry, relentless heat.


    Even with all the trees lining the roads, stepping out of the car felt like getting hit by an open oven.


    "Yup," Han muttered. "Definitely California."


    He took a quick shower.


    Then? Straight to business.


    Seated with Rondo and Divac, Han discussed his own trade.


    Divac had already started negotiations with Griffin. The framework was there.


    Sacramento''s offer:


    - George Hill to match salaries.


    - One of their young stars¡ªMitchell, Tatum, or Doncic.


    Compared to past superstar trades, Cleveland was getting less than before¡ªbut that was the nature of sign-and-trades.


    And compared to what the Cavs got when LeBron left?


    This was a goldmine.


    Han could force Sacramento to keep all three rookies and trade Buddy Hield instead.


    But would that be smart?


    Han knew better than anyone¡ªthere was only one basketball.


    Young players needed touches. Touches led to stats. Stats led to bigger contracts.


    If Sacramento hoarded too many ball-dominant young stars, they''d implode before they could contend.


    Divac made his recommendation: Tatum.


    - Tatum was less polished than Mitchell.


    - Doncic was still a mystery box.


    Divac explained his reasoning. Then turned to Rondo.


    But Rondo?


    He turned straight to Han.


    Because the real decision-maker in Sacramento wasn''t Divac.


    It wasn''t even Rondo.


    It was Han Sen.


    This was the one demand Han had given every team that pursued him.


    Sacramento was no exception.


    Han had final say.


    On everything.


    Including his own trade.


    ---


    Han shook his head.


    Tatum stays.


    He was the only one who didn''t need the ball to thrive.


    After a pause, Han gave his verdict.


    "Luka."


    Divac nodded.


    Doncic had the highest ceiling.


    But developing him required everything to revolve around him.


    To reach his "historical" level? He needed the ball. A lot.


    His defense? A liability. Someone would always have to cover for him.


    And the biggest issue?


    Doncic was heliocentric.


    Han was heliocentric.


    Two suns don''t orbit each other.


    What was Han supposed to do?


    Turn into Kyrie Irving and let Luka run the show?


    That was never happening.


    Before Han arrived?


    Doncic had been Sacramento''s future.


    But now?


    He was expendable.


    Mitchell, on the other hand?


    - Smaller, but freakish wingspan.


    - Elite defender.


    - Explosive athleticism.


    And most importantly?


    He was already proving himself.


    Last season, Mitchell had made an immediate impact.


    Han''s decision to join Sacramento had shaken the league.


    He was being trashed relentlessly.


    The fastest way to shut them up?


    Win. Now.


    And Mitchell gave Han the best chance to do it.


    The choice was made.


    The Kings would trade Luka.


    And Han''s revenge tour was about to begin.

 Chapter 399: Familiar Faces.

    Chapter 399 - Familiar Faces.On Han Sen''s second day in Sacramento, an old face showed up at his estate.


    The moment Han saw those familiar sharp eyes, he grinned.


    Damn, how did he almost forget?


    Rudy Gay was still here.


    Back in Cleveland, when Rudy had told Han he was done with the Grizzlies, Han had jokingly suggested Sacramento.


    "Go be a real King," he had said.


    And now?


    Years later, Rudy was still here, mentoring the young guys.


    And Han?


    Han had arrived.


    Rudy smirked as he walked up. "You know, when I heard the rumors, I thought someone was trolling."


    Han chuckled. "You think I''d fake this just to mess with people?"


    Rudy crossed his arms. "Wouldn''t be the first time."


    Han shrugged. "Fair point."


    It was surreal. The last time they''d shared a locker room, they were running through the league, winning title after title in Memphis.


    Now? They were teammates again, but in a whole different situation.


    Rudy shook his head. "Man, you really took the long way back, huh?"


    Han smirked. "What can I say? Gotta keep things interesting."


    Rudy chuckled, but before he could say more¡ª


    A third voice cut in.


    "Han, when do we start training?"


    Han turned.


    Donovan Mitchell.


    The kid was staring at him like a lion ready to pounce.


    Han blinked. No greeting. No small talk. Just straight to business.


    Rudy sighed. "Bro, you have no idea. He''s been bugging me since July. ''When''s Han coming? When''s Han coming?'' Like I got your schedule."


    Han chuckled. "Patience, young blood."


    He turned back to Rudy. "Damn, man. This is what happens when you hit your thirties¡ªnow you''re the one telling the rookies to slow down."


    Rudy rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. You can clown me all you want. But we gonna hoop or what?"


    Han smirked. "Let''s start with a tour."


    ---


    Sacramento''s Golden 1 Center had only been open for two years, and Han had only played here twice.


    The drive downtown took a while, but at least this wasn''t Los Angeles¡ªno traffic.


    Thirty minutes later, they arrived at the Kings'' home.


    The arena had cost $570 million to build.


    But what made it unique?


    Not the price.


    The tech.


    Rudy led the way. "This is the NBA''s only fully solar-powered arena."


    The entire exterior was covered in solar panels.


    The retractable ceiling allowed natural light to pour in.


    And the glass walls on the first floor made it feel like you were still outside, even when inside.


    Above the entrance, six massive glass panels could fold back, creating natural air circulation.


    Han nodded, impressed. "Alright, that''s nice. But where''s the good stuff?"


    Rudy grinned. "Oh, trust me. You''ll see."


    Inside, Han immediately noticed something different.


    The entire first level was sunken underground.


    They had walked in at street level, but now, looking down, the court was below them.


    Like a modern-day Colosseum.


    Rudy saw Han''s reaction and smirked. "Yeah. Gladiator pit vibes."


    Han chuckled. "I like it."


    Then Rudy pulled out his phone.


    "Download this."


    Han raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"


    Rudy smirked. "Just do it."


    A minute later, Han watched as Rudy demonstrated.


    This app could:


    ? Order food to your seat


    ? Buy tickets


    ? Reserve parking


    ? Give you a real-time route to your seat


    ? Summon a server to bring drinks


    ? Watch replays and track player stats


    ? Check restroom wait times


    Han exhaled. "Okay. That''s actually crazy."


    Rudy grinned. "Oh, we''re not done."


    He tapped another setting.


    Han suddenly felt cool air rush beneath him.


    Rudy smirked.


    "You can adjust the air conditioning for your own seat."


    Han stared at him. "Every seat has a personal vent?"


    "Yup."


    Han let out a low whistle. "Alright. That''s next-level."


    For the first time, it actually felt like he had stepped into the future.


    ---


    After the tour, they hit the VIP restaurant.


    Even in the offseason, it was open to the public.


    The moment Han walked in?


    The staff immediately recognized him.


    And then?


    They fed him.


    This place could seat 400 people, but its real specialty?


    The bar.


    Over 1,000 types of liquor.


    "You can get any cocktail here," Rudy said, motioning toward the counter.


    Han smirked. "We''ll come back for drinks after we win a ring."


    Rudy laughed. "Yeah, that''s the plan."


    They grabbed a quick meal, then moved on to the locker room.


    This was the least surprising part of the tour.


    Cleveland had renovated their facilities last season, and Sacramento''s locker room was pretty much on par.


    But one thing caught Han''s eye.


    His locker was already set up.


    His nameplate was installed.


    His jersey was hanging.


    The Kings might have struggled on the court.


    But off the court?


    They had everything ready.


    Han smirked.


    "Alright," he said, cracking his neck. "Let''s get to work."


    ---


    Han and Mitchell started with a one-on-one.


    Mitchell''s nickname during the draft was "Baby Wade."


    And it showed.


    Explosive first step.


    Powerful finishes.


    His drives to the rim¡ªhis sudden pull-up stops¡ªeverything looked eerily similar to prime Dwyane Wade.


    But unlike Wade?


    Mitchell had a three-point shot.


    His game was built on pure efficiency¡ªdrives and threes.


    And Han noticed something new.


    Mitchell was working on his mid-range pull-up.


    It wasn''t fully there yet.


    But it was progress.


    His weaknesses?


    Inconsistency.


    His finishing was elite, but his jumper¡ªespecially from deep¡ªstill wavered.


    For a playoff team?


    Mitchell was already a valuable asset.


    For a championship team?


    He had work to do.


    But if there was one thing that stood out about Mitchell?


    His mentality.


    He wasn''t loud about it.


    But he had the kind of fire that never burned out.


    Even when he got scored on, he didn''t sulk.


    He didn''t complain.


    He just went again.


    That, more than anything, reassured Han.


    This was the right choice.


    Mitchell was the kind of player you went to war with.


    The kind who wouldn''t fold when things got tough.


    And most importantly?


    Han wouldn''t have to deal with a teammate constantly throwing his hands up, whining, and blaming everyone else.


    Yeah.


    This was the right call.


    ---


    By the time they wrapped up training, the sun was already setting.


    Han leaned back against the padded walls of the practice gym, catching his breath.


    Mitchell, still sweating, grinned. "So, we running it back tomorrow?"


    Han smirked. "You scared I''ll figure you out?"


    Mitchell laughed. "Man, you''ve already figured me out."


    Han gave him a look. "Then we keep working."


    Mitchell nodded, the fire in his eyes undimmed.


    Han glanced toward Rudy, who had been watching from the sideline.


    "Not bad, right?" Han asked.


    Gay crossed his arms. "Yeah... You''re making me feel old, though."


    Han chuckled. "You are old."


    They both laughed.


    It was a lighthearted moment, but Han knew this was only the beginning. The real work started now.


    And speaking of work¡ª


    ---


    Han''s schedule was already jam-packed for the coming days.


    Moving to a new city meant his sponsors followed. That meant store openings, promotional events, and commercial shoots.


    And, of course, Han had to make appearances at all of them.


    But in the middle of all that, the Cavaliers and Kings finally finalized the long-awaited trade.


    Cleveland signed Han to a 5-year, $200 million contract (with a no-trade clause) before packaging him and Dante Cunningham in a trade to Sacramento.


    In return, the Cavs received Luka Don?i?, George Hill, a 2020 first-round pick, and a 2021 second-round pick.


    With the deal official, an interesting pairing emerged in Cleveland¡ªDon?i? and Joki? were now teammates.


    More specifically?


    Two Balkan-born stars on the same NBA team.


    Back in the day, there was a nation called Yugoslavia. Before its political collapse, its basketball was so elite that it could go toe-to-toe with Team USA.


    Because of politics, Don?i? and Joki? could never play for the same national team.


    But now?


    Cleveland made it happen.


    With the trade sealed, Vlade Divac came to Han''s estate for an important conversation.


    Two key topics were on the table:


    1. Han''s introductory press conference.


    2. The Kings'' head coach vacancy.


    Sacramento needed a coach.


    And ironically?


    Their last great coach had been Michael Malone¡ªthe same Malone who left Sacramento and then coached Han in Cleveland.


    Since Malone''s departure, the Kings had cycled through three different head coaches.


    First, Ty Corbin (former lead assistant).


    - He clashed with DeMarcus Cousins so badly that it ended in a physical altercation. Fired.


    Next, George Karl.


    - If Corbin''s feud with Cousins was bad, Karl''s was worse.


    - In the end? The Kings traded Cousins... and still fired Karl anyway.


    Finally, Dave Joerger.


    - A familiar face from Han''s Grizzlies days.


    - But after failing to make the playoffs last season, he was also let go.


    And now?


    The Kings were coach-less.


    And in Sacramento?


    Han had the final say.


    That meant he would decide who led the team.


    ---


    The free-agent coaching pool was filled with big names.


    - Mike Budenholzer (fired from Atlanta).


    - Frank Vogel (let go by Orlando).


    - Stan Van Gundy (parted ways with Detroit).


    - Jeff Hornacek (recently dismissed by the Knicks).


    All well-known names.


    In the NBA, head coaching jobs were rarer than player contracts.


    There were only 30 head coaching spots in the entire league.


    And when teams needed a scapegoat?


    Firing the coach was always the first move.


    Divac had his own recommendation.


    Jeff Hornacek.


    "Players love playing for him," Divac said. "He''s easygoing and builds strong relationships. The locker room would be harmonious."


    Han raised an eyebrow.


    He thought back to Divac''s decision to trade Tatum.


    Divac was known for high basketball IQ as a player. So why did he always make the worst choices as an executive?


    If this was about who had the best daughters, sure¡ªHornacek won that contest.


    But as a coach?


    He was mediocre at best.


    Han couldn''t help but think about former players who failed in management.


    The biggest example?


    Magic Johnson.


    No one had a higher basketball IQ than Magic.


    Yet his tenure as an executive was a complete disaster.


    Still, Divac''s logic sparked an idea for Han.


    He had played under big-name coaches before.


    - Larry Brown.


    - Lionel Hollins.


    Both were respected, experienced, and... stubborn.


    But the coaches Han got along with best?


    - Michael Malone.


    - Dave Joerger.


    They weren''t the biggest names.


    But they worked well with Han''s teams.


    Because over the years, Han realized¡ª


    His biggest headache wasn''t his teammates'' skill levels.


    It was off-court drama.


    So maybe a coach who kept things stable wasn''t a bad idea.


    "I have a candidate," Han said.


    Both Divac and Chris Rondo turned to him.


    "Tyronn Lue."


    Divac blinked.


    "You mean Cleveland''s assistant coach?"


    "I know what he''s capable of," Han said simply.


    Because head coaching wasn''t just about strategy.


    It was about managing the locker room, keeping egos in check, and maintaining relationships with ownership.


    That''s why Doc Rivers¡ªdespite all his playoff chokes¡ªkept getting jobs.


    Lue?


    He knew how to handle big personalities.


    He knew how to keep the peace in a locker room.


    And most importantly?


    Han trusted him.


    Divac hesitated.


    "But his coaching ability¡ª"


    Han cut him off.


    "If you''re worried about that, we can hire a high-level assistant coach."


    Plenty of former head coaches took assistant roles before getting another shot.


    Hell, even Mike D''Antoni was once Steve Nash''s assistant.


    At this point, Rondo was done waiting.


    "It''s settled, then."


    He turned to Divac.


    "When Lue arrives, we''ll pick a strong assistant to support him."


    Divac still looked unsure.


    Because he still hadn''t realized the truth:


    Han''s word wasn''t a suggestion.


    It was the decision.


    S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 400: A Kingdom Full of Talent?.

    Chapter 400 - A Kingdom Full of Talent?.Half a month after arriving in Sacramento, Han Sen purchased an estate along the Sacramento River for over $2 million¡ªan estate known as 90 Riverside Boulevard.


    Spanning more than 120 acres¡ªthe size of eleven football fields¡ªthe estate wasn''t just massive, but uniquely designed.


    Its most striking feature? A huge artificial lake complete with a private dock and even a small island in the center.


    The main house was a castle-style mansion, nestled between the lake and rolling grasslands¡ªa countryside retreat straight out of a dream.


    Sacramento had other luxury residential areas, like 10 Sutter Avenue, but those were in the hills. And in California? Wildfires were an ever-present threat.


    With Sacramento''s hot, dry climate and dense greenery, a wildfire could turn an entire hillside into an inferno.


    By contrast, Han''s estate was mostly open grassland with trees only near the house and along the lake. Even in the worst-case scenario, the artificial lake ensured that water would always be available for firefighting.


    Especially after the Twin Towers collapse, where firefighting failures became painfully obvious, Han wasn''t about to take unnecessary risks.


    Of course, security was only one factor. The bigger draw? Comfort.


    This estate was the perfect getaway¡ªa dream residence built for relaxation.


    Han was sure Joki? would love it here too.


    ---


    Shortly after settling in, Han welcomed his first visitor: Tyronn Lue, the man he personally chose as the Kings'' new head coach.


    Lue''s expression? Pure joy.


    And why wouldn''t he be?


    Lue had retired as a player in 2009, immediately joining Doc Rivers'' staff as an assistant. He spent five years under Rivers, then another four under Michael Malone.


    Nine years of grinding.


    And now?


    The man Iverson once stepped over had finally become an NBA head coach.


    But beyond the excitement, Lue''s eyes held something else when he looked at Han.


    Gratitude.


    NBA head coaching jobs were scarce¡ªonly 30 spots existed.


    With so many big-name coaches still unemployed, Han had given Lue a golden opportunity.


    To celebrate, Han invited Lue to the open-air terrace by the lake for a Chinese-style barbecue.


    The lake created a natural airflow effect, keeping the area cool and breezy, with a stunning view to match.


    This place?


    A paradise for enjoying life.


    Han even personally grilled a few skewers of lamb for Lue, leaving the new coach genuinely flattered.


    But Han''s decision wasn''t just about Lue''s strong people skills.


    More importantly?


    Lue was one of Han''s own.


    With full control over both the front office and coaching staff, Han could steer the Kings exactly where he wanted.


    Of course, that also meant no excuses¡ªif the team failed, all the blame would fall on him.


    The risk?


    Becoming Sacramento''s version of LeBron in Cleveland.


    But this time?


    Han wouldn''t need to call himself a King.


    From the moment he arrived in Sacramento, the city had already given him a new nickname:


    "The Real King."


    If he failed to deliver?


    His entire legacy would take a hit.


    Not just media slander¡ªhe''d be mocked for decades, like the infamous "What if prime T-Mac never got injured?" narrative.


    But Han wasn''t worried.


    He knew exactly how much talent this Kings team had.


    ---


    As they ate, Lue and Han discussed the current roster.


    Aside from Han, Mitchell, Tatum, and Rudy Gay, the Kings had several key players.


    The most important?


    Domantas Sabonis.


    Sabonis was one of the earliest draft picks Han recommended for Sacramento.


    In just his second season, he had already become a full-time starter, averaging:


    - 13.4 PPG


    - 9.1 RPG


    - 2.9 APG


    - 51.4% FG, 35.1% 3PT


    He wasn''t a true floor-spacing big, but like his father Arvydas Sabonis, he had soft touch and a versatile offensive game.


    Low post? Reliable.


    Mid-range? Consistent.


    Han had once described Sabonis as "a lite version of Joki?"¡ªand that comparison still held.


    Last season, Sacramento''s handoff plays between Sabonis and Mitchell had even caused problems for the Cavs.


    And, of course, Sabonis'' father wasn''t just any player¡ªhe was a global giant in basketball history.


    The man was a walking monument in European basketball. A legend so dominant in his prime that he could''ve gone toe-to-toe with the Dream Team.


    Unlike LeBron''s son Bronny, who was all hype, Domantas was the real ''Like Father, Like Son'' story.


    Though Han''s strongest memory of him?


    Lying on the floor while Draymond Green stomped on his chest.


    ---


    Other Notable Players


    1. Willie Cauley-Stein (2015 #6 Pick)


    - 7''0" (2.13m) with a 7''2" (2.18m) wingspan


    - NCAA Defensive Player of the Year


    - Elite foot speed for a big (could switch onto guards)


    But?


    - Zero offensive game.


    - Supposedly had shooting "potential"¡ªbut after three NBA seasons, still couldn''t shoot.


    This was why Han had suggested drafting Jaren Jackson Jr. instead.


    2. Buddy Hield (2016 #6 Pick)


    - Acquired from the DeMarcus Cousins trade.


    - Elite three-point shooter.


    - Last season: 43.2% from three despite being moved to the bench.


    But his defense was awful¡ªborderline unplayable at times.


    With Mitchell taking over as the starter, Hield had been pushed to a sixth-man role, similar to what Steve Kerr was for the Bulls.


    Except?


    The Kings'' true sixth man wasn''t Hield.


    It was someone else.


    3. Bogdan Bogdanovi? 2014


    - First-Round Pick (27th Overall)


    - Drafted by Phoenix, later traded to the Kings.


    - Signed a 3-year, $27M contract with Sacramento.


    But what stood out?


    Han knew his history.


    Bogdan wasn''t just any guard¡ªhe was Joki?''s longtime national team backcourt partner.


    And he had one of the coldest quotes ever about NCAA basketball:


    "College players don''t know how to play real basketball."


    A versatile wing, capable of playing both on and off the ball. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Last season?


    - 11.8 PPG


    - 3.3 APG


    - 39.2% 3PT


    A key glue guy for the Kings.


    ---


    On paper?


    The Kings were stacked with young talent.


    But ''history'' told a different story.


    Sacramento had long been known as "The Graveyard for Rookies."


    Case in point?


    Tyreke Evans.


    Once crowned Rookie of the Year, the Kings completely failed to develop him, leading to a career full of wasted potential.


    Mitchell''s success last season?


    That wasn''t thanks to the Kings.


    It was because¡ªlike Jimmy Butler¡ªhe had the talent AND mentality to break through.


    But this team had a limited window.


    Most of their young stars were drafted within the last 2-3 years.


    That meant rookie contracts were running out.


    If Han didn''t deliver results soon, the Kings would be forced into massive contract extensions¡ªor risk losing key players.


    Han knew what that meant.


    The clock was ticking.


    The stakes? Massive.


    If Han failed, his decision to take full control of the Kings would haunt his legacy forever.


    But if he won?


    Even just one championship with this squad?


    It would be more impressive than ANY of his past titles.


    Because this?


    Would be the ultimate solo championship.


    ---


    By the time they wrapped up their roster discussion, dinner was nearly finished.


    The sun was setting now, casting a golden shimmer over the lake. The air had cooled just enough to make it the perfect evening.


    Han leaned back, stretched, then gestured toward the dock. "Come on, let''s take the boat out."


    The lake spanned about 13 acres¡ªbigger than a football field and shaped like a massive key.


    According to the real estate agent, it was stocked with plenty of fish.


    Han settled onto the boat, cast his line, and continued the conversation.


    "You met with Vlade yet?" he asked, casually reeling in.


    Logically, Lue''s first order of business in Sacramento would have been signing his contract, meaning he must have already met with Divac.


    Sure enough, Lue nodded. "Yeah, we talked about the coaching staff. He recommended Jeff Hornacek."


    Han had just propped up his fishing rod when he found himself already rubbing his temples.


    If he didn''t know Divac had long settled down, he''d almost suspect the guy had a thing for Hornacek''s daughter, Abby.


    But realistically, Divac just had his own preferences.


    And that was fair¡ªeveryone had their own views, and they worked toward making them a reality.


    "What about your pick?"


    Han wasn''t going to interfere with Lue''s choice of assistants. That was his coaching staff, his team to build.


    "Jeff Van Gundy."


    That made Han raise an eyebrow.


    Not only was Van Gundy not on Divac''s suggested list, but he was also a name Han hadn''t expected at all.


    Van Gundy''s last NBA coaching gig? The 2006-07 season.


    Back then, he had coached the Rockets to a 2-0 lead over the Jazz in the first round of the playoffs¡ªonly to get reverse-swept and fired.


    Since then?


    Twelve years in broadcasting with ESPN and ABC.


    Han, as an East Asian player, was more than familiar with Van Gundy.


    In his past life, his feelings about the "Bald Van" had been a mix of admiration and frustration.


    On one hand? Van Gundy helped Yao Ming break through to his prime, briefly becoming a top-2 center in the league.


    On the other? He also pushed Yao to the brink, shortening his career through overuse.


    But now, after years in the league himself, Han saw things differently.


    Like he had told Derrick Rose before¡ªplayers knew the risks.


    No one forced them into choices. They made those calls themselves.


    So while fans might feel regretful, Yao had probably made the same kind of decision Rose did¡ªa shorter career for a bigger peak.


    "Why him?" Han asked, curious.


    But then he rephrased. "And more importantly, can you convince him?"


    Van Gundy had built a second career in broadcasting. He was one of the biggest TV personalities outside of TNT, known for his blunt commentary and frequent rants about NBA officiating.


    Getting him back into coaching? That was a challenge.


    "Of course. I played for him," Lue said, brimming with confidence.


    Han blinked.


    His mind raced for a moment¡ªthen it clicked.


    Right.


    Lue''s communication skills weren''t his only strength.


    During his playing days, he had been a journeyman¡ªand he had shared a locker room with a ridiculous list of stars.


    - He started his career in LA with Shaq & Kobe.


    - Gained fame for defending Iverson in the Finals.


    - Played with Michael Jordan in Washington.


    - Teamed up with T-Mac in Orlando.


    - Followed T-Mac to Houston¡ªwhere he played under Van Gundy.


    - And in his final season? Dwight Howard''s teammate.


    Lue had been praised by nearly every star he played with (even MJ had called him his best teammate in Washington).


    It made sense¡ªhe had built a network, he understood people, and he knew how to sell a vision.


    But still¡ªconvincing Van Gundy to be his lead assistant was a stretch.


    This was a guy who had coached Lue.


    Now Lue was supposed to be his boss?


    For most coaches, that would be a hard pill to swallow.


    Then again...


    If there was anyone who could make it happen, it was Ty Lue.


    Han smirked. "If you need leverage, tell him I respect his coaching and look forward to working with him."


    He didn''t have personal history with Van Gundy, but he knew his own reputation.


    Even Joerger had once said coaching Han was like "getting carried to wins."


    That kind of endorsement? It might just do the trick.


    Lue grinned. "Appreciate it, Han. With that, my chances go from 80% to 120%."


    Smooth as ever.


    Just as he finished speaking¡ª


    The float on Han''s fishing line suddenly sank.


    He had a bite.

 Chapter 401: The True King?.

    Chapter 401 - The True King?.A few days later, Han Sen made a trip to Los Angeles for the second annual Mamba Academy training camp.


    This year, it had grown into a full-scale event, drawing some of the league''s biggest names¡ªKawhi Leonard, Paul George, Kyrie Irving, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Buddy Hield, Isaiah Thomas, and more.


    But for Kobe?


    Han''s presence meant the most.


    This time, Kobe personally drove to the airport to pick him up.


    As Han slid into the passenger seat, he glanced at Kobe''s hands gripping the wheel and raised an eyebrow.


    "Where''s your helicopter?"


    Had Kobe really driven all the way just because of what Han had said last time?


    "I thought about what you said," Kobe replied, his hands firm on the steering wheel.


    Not only had he taken Han''s words to heart¡ªhe had taken full control of the wheel.


    That was so Kobe.


    The hour-long drive gave them plenty of time to talk, the conversation flowing effortlessly from basketball to life beyond it.


    At one point, Kobe turned to Han.


    "What do you want to do after you retire?"


    A simple question, but coming from him, it carried weight.


    This was a man who had transitioned seamlessly from basketball to a second act¡ªwinning an Oscar, building a business empire, and crafting a legacy beyond the game.


    Han looked out the window, watching the LA skyline blur past.


    "Maybe just enjoy life," he said casually. "Or maybe buy a team."


    Kobe smirked. "Buying a team takes a lot of money."


    It was clear he had considered it too.


    And Han knew¡ª2016 had been the last great window to buy into the NBA.


    Michael Jordan had bought the then-Charlotte Bobcats for $175 million in 2010.


    Now? The Hornets were valued at $1.25 billion.


    A sevenfold increase in just eight years.


    And that was one of the lowest-valued franchises.


    To own a major team, Han would need at least a billion-dollar net worth.


    And no matter how much a player earned, that kind of money didn''t come from contracts alone.


    Even Kobe, after a career of max deals and endorsements, had only amassed around $500-600 million.


    "I heard you and James Harden made some smart investments," Han said, shifting the conversation.


    He couldn''t recall the exact details, but he remembered Kobe had been involved in some lucrative ventures.


    Kobe smiled. "Just small stuff. But you should start thinking about it too. Instead of just taking endorsement deals for cash, negotiate for equity."


    Han nodded.


    It wasn''t new advice¡ªJordan had built an empire through Nike''s revenue shares.


    Shaq had invested in Google before it blew up.


    But Han''s timeline was different.


    By the time he entered the league, most of the major investment opportunities he had heard about in his past life had already passed.


    And unlike Kobe?


    Han had zero business acumen.


    In his past life, he had been a basketball trainer, not a businessman.


    That''s why he left those things to Chris Rondo.


    Most of his wealth had come from endorsements, not investments.


    Right now, he was worth around $400-500 million.


    But to reach a billion? Or more?


    That would take another level.


    Still, he had a plan.


    His contract with Under Armour was up next summer.


    If he re-signed?


    It would be a lifetime deal.


    And just like Jordan before him¡ªhe was going after ownership.


    Kobe glanced at him. "You''re thinking about something."


    Han smirked. "Just planning ahead."


    Kobe chuckled. "Good. But remember¡ªbeing an owner isn''t just about money. It''s about power."


    Han nodded slowly.


    And that was where Kobe saw the real problem.


    Money alone didn''t buy an NBA franchise.


    Owners didn''t sell unless they were forced to.


    Without a scandal or external pressure¡ªteams just kept rising in value.


    "Even billionaires struggle to buy a team," Kobe continued. "So how do you plan on pulling that off?"


    Han glanced out the window again, a knowing smirk on his lips.


    He already had a plan.


    And unlike Kobe¡ª


    He had already taken his first step.


    But that wasn''t something he could share just yet.


    ---


    With so many stars in attendance, this year''s Mamba Academy was a massive success.


    If the first camp had established it, this one made it legendary.


    And it all came down to one moment.


    Kobe vs. Han.


    It wasn''t planned.


    It wasn''t scheduled.


    But with so many elite players watching, it just happened.


    A one-on-one duel between two of the most ruthless competitors the game had ever seen.


    Han had been working with Jamal Murray on footwork drills, breaking down angles, leverage, and the art of maintaining balance under pressure.


    A few feet away, Kobe was dissecting mid-range mechanics for Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, fine-tuning their precision.


    Slowly, both groups drifted closer¡ªlistening, observing, studying.


    Until finally, Kyrie grinned.


    "You two should go at it."


    Han raised an eyebrow.


    "You sure? I don''t want to ruin your hero''s image."


    A flicker of amusement crossed Kobe''s face.


    "Talk is cheap."


    And just like that¡ª


    It was on.


    The moment the challenge was issued, half the gym cleared out.


    Players formed a tight circle around the court.


    Phones came out. Cameras rolled.


    This wasn''t a casual workout anymore.


    This was basketball in its purest form.


    No refs. No scorekeeping. No mercy.


    Just pride.


    Kobe took the ball first.


    Triple-threat stance.


    The second Han leaned in, Kobe struck¡ª


    Jab-step. Fadeaway.


    Money.


    Han scoffed. "That all you got?"


    His turn.


    Han took the ball, jabbed left, exploded right.


    Kobe stayed glued to him.


    But Han had gotten stronger. More polished.


    He planted, spun back, elevated¡ªKobe contested perfectly.


    But the shot dropped anyway.


    Kawhi and PG exchanged glances.


    Jamal Murray shook his head. "Man... this is different."


    Shot for shot, move for move, they went at it.


    Kobe hit a turnaround jumper.


    Han countered with a one-dribble sidestep fade.


    Kobe drove left, finished through contact.


    Han slashed inside, stopped on a dime, and rose¡ªpure.


    Then the trash talk started.


    Han smirked after sinking a deep three.


    Kobe nodded, stepping forward.


    "That''s cute." He pointed to the floor. "But do it again."


    Han shrugged, took the ball back¡ªburied another three.


    This time?


    Kobe clapped his hands.


    "Again."


    Han took the ball, but the second he dribbled¡ªKobe lunged.


    He smothered him. Chest to chest. Forearm pressing in.


    Han pivoted, creating space, but this time Kobe anticipated the spin.


    Swipe¡ªsteal.


    "That''s the difference," Kobe said, tossing the ball back. "I don''t let you get comfortable."


    Han rolled his shoulders. "That''s fine. I''m just warming up."


    It wasn''t just a game anymore.


    It was a battle of mindsets.


    Han had the strength, the footwork, the full arsenal.


    Kobe had the IQ, the relentless pressure, the psychological edge.


    Every possession turned into a chess match.


    Han attacked¡ªKobe cut him off.


    Kobe went for a pull-up¡ªHan timed the contest perfectly.


    Back and forth.


    Shot for shot. Step for step.


    Players who had competed against both couldn''t believe what they were seeing.


    At one point, Kyrie turned to Jamal Murray.


    "We might be witnessing history."


    Jamal just nodded.


    Respect. Earned.


    They played until both were drenched in sweat.


    Until neither had anything left.


    Kobe leaned on his knees, catching his breath.


    Han wiped his face with his jersey, then glanced at Kobe.


    "One more?"


    Kobe chuckled, shaking his head.


    "I''d love to, but I''m old, man."


    Han grinned. "You''re not old. Just tired."


    Kobe laughed, then extended his hand.


    Han shook it.


    In that moment, nothing needed to be said.


    The game spoke for itself.


    But Kobe did have one final comment.


    "You''ve already conquered the league."


    His gaze sharpened.


    "What comes next?"


    Han blinked.


    Not praise. Not admiration.


    A challenge.


    A new mountain to climb.


    Han smirked. "Guess I''ll have to figure that out."


    Kobe nodded, as if that was exactly the answer he expected.


    "Good. Just don''t think small."


    Han exhaled.


    Because coming from Kobe Bryant, "small" was never in the equation.


    ---


    By the time Han returned to Sacramento, Lue was back as well¡ªand he had good news.


    Jeff Van Gundy had officially agreed to join the Kings.


    Once his ESPN contract was settled, he''d report to Sacramento.


    Even knowing Lue''s skills in negotiation, Han couldn''t help but give him a nod of approval.


    Lue wasn''t just a coach.


    He was a leader.


    And leadership?


    It wasn''t about personal talent¡ªit was about steering the entire ship.


    Han leaned back and smirked.


    "So how''d you convince him?"


    Lue chuckled.


    "Well, thanks to you, he didn''t want to miss out on such a great opportunity."


    Han liked the sound of that.


    But he also knew Lue too well.


    That wasn''t the full story.


    "Come on," Han pressed. "What else?"


    Lue grinned.


    "The guy wakes up at 5 AM every day to study film," he said. "Eats, sleeps, and breathes basketball. A coach like that? You know he loves the job."


    Han nodded.


    Now that sounded like the real reason.


    Van Gundy, Tom Thibodeau¡ªcoaches like them were absolute workaholics.


    Still, Lue wasn''t wrong.


    Van Gundy could''ve gotten another coaching job if he wanted.


    But this wasn''t just any opportunity.


    This was a chance to be part of something special.


    A chance to help build a dynasty.


    ---


    As July neared its end, the free agency market had all but dried up.


    The Kings'' biggest signing during this period was JaVale McGee, brought in on a veteran minimum contract to serve as the team''s backup center.


    Han Sen had taken his time making decisions, and by the time he finalized his plans, most free agents had already been snatched up.


    The remaining options were limited. McGee came with his share of issues, but he was still a talented big man, and at just 30 years old, he was more than capable of holding down a bench role.


    But while the Kings had secured their roster, another issue had erupted¡ªone that had nothing to do with Han Sen, yet somehow still managed to drag the team into the spotlight.


    The biggest story of the summer, aside from Han''s decision, had been the ongoing saga between Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs.


    Ever since Zaza Pachulia''s infamous closeout had injured Kawhi''s ankle, the forward had struggled with lingering health issues. What had once seemed like minor setbacks had turned into a rift between Leonard and the Spurs'' front office.


    With his contract set to expire next summer, the Spurs hesitated to offer him a full max extension, either due to concerns about his health or out of sheer franchise stubbornness.


    Leonard, however, refused to budge, and negotiations repeatedly collapsed. Eventually, frustrated by the lack of progress, Kawhi formally requested a trade.


    The Spurs, realizing that he was nothing like Tim Duncan or the rest of their old core, made a last-minute push to offer him a max deal, but by then, it was too late. Even Gregg Popovich himself couldn''t convince him to stay.


    The drawn-out trade talks dragged on longer than even Han Sen''s free agency decision, throwing the entire market into chaos.


    Though Leonard wasn''t on Han''s level in terms of impact, he was still one of the league''s few true two-way superstars. If healthy, any team trading for him would be getting a game-changer.


    But therein lay the problem.


    Trading for Leonard required giving up significant assets, and yet, with only one year left on his contract and a history of injuries, there was no guarantee he''d stay¡ªor even be the same player.


    It was a massive gamble, one that teams hesitated to make.


    Eventually, the Spurs struck a deal with the Toronto Raptors, sending Leonard and Danny Green to Canada in exchange for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a protected 2019 first-round pick.


    For the Raptors, this was an all-in move¡ªgiving up their franchise cornerstone, a promising young big, and a future asset for a player who might walk in a year.


    At first glance, this trade had nothing to do with the Kings. But then, the details emerged.


    As reports surfaced, it was revealed that Sacramento had attempted to get in on the action. The Kings had offered a package of Jayson Tatum, Rudy Gay, and a future first-round pick for Leonard.


    And that was when Han Sen lost it.


    Because he had never been informed.


    Which meant Divac had gone behind his back.


    The pieces weren''t hard to put together. Han had repeatedly shut down Divac''s suggestions in the past, so this time, the Kings'' GM had bypassed both him and Rondo and negotiated directly with the Spurs.


    Technically, Divac was still the general manager. But in reality? Everyone knew who was truly in charge.


    And this wasn''t just about a trade. This was about betrayal.


    Had the trade gone through, it would have been a steal¡ªHan knew that much. Leonard, when healthy, was a generational talent. But it wasn''t about that.


    It was about Rudy Gay.


    Divac had tried to trade away one of Han''s most valued teammates. And now that the deal had fallen apart, the damage was done¡ªthe locker room had a ticking time bomb.


    And the worst part? The media had a new narrative.


    "Han Sen is no different from LeBron¡ªsacrificing young talent to bring in another superstar."


    For his [hater system], controversy was great. But internal strife? That was another problem entirely.


    So Han wasted no time. The moment he got back to Sacramento, he went straight to Vivek Ranadiv¨¦ with a demand.


    Fire Divac.


    Being dumb was one thing¡ªHan could deal with that, as long as the guy stayed out of the way.


    But being dumb and thinking you''re smart?


    That was unacceptable.


    Vivek didn''t hesitate. The very next day, Divac was gone.


    Hall of Fame player or not, in Han Sen''s kingdom, he was nothing.


    And honestly? Even if Vivek had wanted to keep him, it wouldn''t have been possible. The damage had been done. The locker room was unstable, and keeping Divac around would only make things worse.


    As he left, Divac threw one last shot at the organization.


    "They will never succeed. Because from the start, this franchise has been run by people who don''t understand basketball."


    The Kings didn''t care. Han didn''t care.


    Instead, Vivek took it a step further.


    Firing Divac wasn''t enough¡ªhe handed full control of the Kings'' front office to Han.


    If he was going to commit to Han, it had to be all the way.


    Because if Han Sen couldn''t lead the Kings to success, then no one could.


    Han hadn''t expected Vivek to go that far. But if the power was in his hands, he wasn''t about to refuse.


    And he already had the perfect man for the job.


    One call.


    That''s all it took.


    Chris Wallace.


    The former GM of the Memphis Grizzlies. The man who resigned rather than have Han''s re-signing go down as part of his legacy.


    After leaving Memphis, Wallace had been hired by the Brooklyn Nets as their team president, helping oversee their rebuild. Under his tenure, the Nets had drafted Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Lonzo Ball¡ªa strong track record.


    But new ownership meant new leadership. This summer, Wallace had been let go.


    Now?


    He was exactly what Han needed.


    Wallace had already made a stand for him once. He wouldn''t pull the kind of stunt Divac had. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With his hiring, the Kings'' power structure was now entirely Han''s.


    From the team president, to the GM, to the head coach.


    Every decision was his.


    And now, there was only one thing left to do.


    If he was going to be the true king of Sacramento¡ª


    He needed a crown.


    ---


    After finalizing the general manager hire, Han Sen kicked off his annual personal training camp in Sacramento.


    This year''s camp was livelier than ever, not just because of the influx of new talent¡ªbut because someone showed up that Han never expected to see.


    A familiar backpack. A packet of instant noodles in hand. And that unmistakable, forever-unchanged hairline.


    Eight years later¡ªKevin Durant was back at Han Sen''s camp.


    And he wasn''t alone.


    Kyrie Irving walked in right beside him.


    What was even more surprising? They both looked happy¡ªsmiling, relaxed. When they greeted Han, it was like old friends catching up, as if nothing had ever happened.


    Kyrie''s presence made sense. His fallout had been with Cleveland''s front office, not Han.


    But Durant?


    That one was harder to figure out.


    Still, Han didn''t ask.


    Sometimes, the answers you chase never come. But when you stop looking? They find their way to you.


    As camp neared its end, Durant finally approached him.


    "Aren''t you curious why I came this year?"


    Han leaned back, unfazed. "You showed up. That''s all that matters."


    Because with Durant in the mix, the competition level at camp had skyrocketed.


    Han had spent his system points upgrading his wingspan this offseason, and just like when he enhanced his athletic talents, training alone wasn''t enough. He needed elite competition to fully integrate his new advantages.


    And Durant?


    The perfect test.


    So, as far as Han was concerned, KD''s arrival had been a blessing.


    Durant''s expression tightened slightly¡ªHan really had no filter.


    But instead of getting mad, KD just continued.


    "Kyrie told me your camp needed higher-level competition," he said, voice steady. "So I came."


    Han blinked.


    Wait.


    What?


    "So... you''re telling me you showed up just to help me?"


    Durant nodded, completely sure of himself.


    "Because you left Cleveland. That means this season''s championship belongs to us."

 Chapter 402: A Kingdom of their own.*

    Chapter 402 - A Kingdom of their own.*(Side Story-4)


    Anjali Ranadiv¨¦ had always known Han Sen would end up in Sacramento.


    She didn''t know how, or when, but she knew. Maybe it was intuition, maybe it was just wishful thinking. But from the moment she started asking him for draft suggestions years ago, something in her had believed that one day, it wouldn''t just be advice from afar. One day, this would be his team, their team.


    And now, standing in front of the estate Han had just bought in Sacramento, the weight of that realization settled over her in full.


    It was massive¡ªpredictably so. Han had always lived big, whether in Memphis, Cleveland, or now here. But this wasn''t just about the size. It wasn''t just another house. It was different.


    Because this was his choice.


    Sacramento wasn''t a city players chased. No star had willingly come here, not in the way Han had. And he didn''t come for money or clout. He came for something deeper, something beyond basketball.


    She came to see it for herself, but more than that, she came to see him.


    When the door opened, Han leaned against the frame, arms crossed, eyes flickering with amusement.


    "Didn''t even text," he mused, tilting his head. "Bold."


    Anjali smirked, stepping past him as if she owned the place. "Didn''t think I needed an invitation."


    "You don''t," Han admitted, shutting the door behind her. "You never did."


    There was an ease between them, a familiarity that needed no reintroduction.


    As she walked further inside, she slowed her steps, taking in the space. The place smelled new¡ªfresh wood, a faint trace of paint, and something distinctly him beneath it all.


    It was sleek, modern, but not impersonal. It wasn''t a statement house, the kind some athletes bought just to flex. This was designed to be lived in.


    She glanced up at the high ceilings, the wide-open windows flooding the space with soft afternoon light. The subtle details¡ªthe way the furniture was positioned, the absence of anything excessive¡ªreminded her of him.


    It didn''t just look like a house. It looked like a kingdom.


    "You really did it," she said finally, exhaling as she turned to face him. "You really chose Sacramento."


    Han leaned against the kitchen counter, hands braced on the edge. "Told you I''d consider it."


    Anjali let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "You''re the most unpredictable person I know. But somehow, I still saw this coming."


    Han''s lips twitched. "Maybe you know me too well."


    "Maybe I do."


    Silence stretched between them, not awkward, just heavy in the way things were when there was too much history to put into words. Their relationship had never needed a definition. It existed in the spaces between moments, in the quiet certainty that no matter where they were, they would always find each other again.


    She turned, stepping toward the massive floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the Sacramento skyline. It wasn''t New York or LA. It wasn''t even Cleveland. But it had potential. Just like the Kings did.


    And Han had always had a habit of turning potential into something real.


    "I meant what I said back then," she murmured, still looking out. "I wanted you to come here."


    Han studied her, his voice steady. "And?"


    "And I wanted it for the team, for the city..." She turned back, her gaze locking with his. "But mostly, I wanted it for me."


    She had never said it so plainly before.


    Han didn''t react right away. He rarely did. He had always been deliberate with his words, never rushing to fill a silence. But his eyes flickered with something deeper, something unspoken, and that alone made her pulse quicken.


    "You knew I''d say yes."


    "I hoped," she corrected softly. "That''s different."


    Han pushed off the counter, moving toward her with measured steps until they were just a breath apart. Close enough that she could smell the faint trace of his cologne, feel the warmth radiating off him.


    "Hope, huh?"


    She didn''t back away. "You''re here, aren''t you?"


    His fingers brushed against her wrist, a light, absentminded touch that sent a shiver through her.


    For a moment, he just looked at her, his expression unreadable. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then, finally, his lips curved¡ªnot quite a smile, but something close.


    "Yeah," Han said quietly. "I am."


    And that was all that needed to be said.


    ---


    Translator''s note:


    Deleted the last Chapter of Anjali''s POV. @covestar made a valid point¡ªthe way it was written didn''t really feel like Han and Anjali were dating. Their dynamic came across more like close friends on the verge of something rather than an actual couple.


    That made me realize I got lazy. I kind of lost sight of the history they''ve built over the past years. So I went back, revisited all their past interactions, and made sure this version actually reflects who they are.


    Big shoutout to @Rheizz_ and @Raid_Zulfakar for going through my final draft on Discord and giving me solid feedback. Appreciate y''all.

 Chapter 403: For the Win?.

    Chapter 403 - For the Win?.Last season, the Boston Celtics were just one game away from winning the championship. Now, with Han Sen leaving the Cavaliers and Cleveland''s strength significantly weakened, there was no team in the Eastern Conference capable of stopping them.


    As for the West?


    The Pelicans had been swept in the Finals, proving they weren''t on Boston''s level. The Rockets still had Chris Paul, who had a habit of disappearing in crucial moments. The Kings had Han Sen, but the rest of their roster was still young and developing.


    The only real threat to the Celtics was the Warriors, but they had their own issues with roster chemistry heading into the new season.


    So when Kevin Durant said he was confident, it wasn''t arrogance¡ªit was just the truth.


    And when he publicly thanked Han Sen? He wasn''t wrong there either. If Han hadn''t left Cleveland, the Celtics would''ve been lucky to last another season before collapsing under the pressure¡ªjust like the Miami Heat years ago.


    "Good luck, then," Han said, offering Durant a rare moment of goodwill.


    On the court, they had always been rivals, but in this world, Durant deserved a championship at some point.


    ---


    By late August, Han wrapped up his summer training camp and made his annual return to China.


    Over the years, these visits had grown into full-scale events. Airports turned into chaotic scenes with thousands of fans waiting just to catch a glimpse of him. Billboards featuring his face stretched across major cities.


    Han wasn''t just an NBA superstar. He was China''s biggest sports icon.


    After completing his usual commitments¡ªsponsorship appearances, charity events, and basketball clinics¡ªHan flew to Jakarta with Yao Ming to watch the Asian Games Final in person.


    Since becoming the head of the Chinese Basketball Association, Yao Ming had focused on two major initiatives.


    First, youth basketball development.


    He had established national youth leagues across different age levels, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent. Basketball was wildly popular in China, but the number of players who actually registered professionally remained too low.


    Yao couldn''t change the national system, but he could change the environment.


    Second, the "Red and Blue" team system.


    This model split the national team into two competing squads, allowing players and coaches to develop through alternating tournaments. The approach had worked well so far, helping China maintain dominance in Asia.


    But Han already knew the real test was coming.


    The 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.


    In his past life, one mistake had cost them everything¡ªa single inbound play that led to a heartbreaking collapse.


    The result?


    A devastated Yi Jianlian, a national team that failed its biggest test, and Yao Ming taking the fall.


    From that moment on, Yao''s policies were dismantled, his power was stripped away, and he ultimately resigned in disappointment.


    But this time?


    History was changing.


    Basketball wasn''t a one-man sport.


    But when the best player in the world was on your side?


    Your floor wasn''t competing.


    Your floor was contending.


    ---


    Even though the game was in Indonesia, the arena was packed with Chinese fans.


    They weren''t just there for the national team.


    They were there for Han.


    As the players warmed up, Han casually strolled onto the court, grabbed a ball, and threw down a windmill dunk.


    The arena erupted.


    Ding Yanyuhang, standing near the free-throw line, shook his head with a grin. "You trying to steal the show before the game even starts?"


    Han smirked. "Just making sure the crowd stays warm."


    Zhou Qi, standing nearby, nudged Ding. "Man, this is crazy. People used to joke about Jordan joining the Chinese national team. Now? We''ve got someone even better."


    Ding chuckled. "Yeah. Guess we''re about to see how good we really are."


    Because next year, there would be no excuses.


    With Han Sen joining them for the 2019 World Cup, the standard wasn''t just improvement.


    The standard was winning.


    ---


    The game itself was a slaughter.


    Whether it was the energy from Han''s presence or just the team being locked in, China dominated from the opening tip.


    Ding Yanyuhang set the tone early, drilling a step-back three over his defender.


    Zhou Qi controlled the paint, swatting two shots on back-to-back possessions.


    Zou Yuchen, the rookie big man recently drafted by the Rockets, rolled hard to the rim and finished through contact.


    By halftime, the game was already over.


    When the final buzzer sounded, China had secured the Asian Games gold medal in dominant fashion.


    The players celebrated, hugging each other and waving toward the crowd.


    But even in the midst of all that excitement, they kept glancing at one person.


    Han.


    They weren''t just celebrating this win.


    They were celebrating what was coming next.


    ---


    After the trophy ceremony, Han and Yao stood near the baseline, watching the crowd slowly filter out.


    Yao crossed his arms, scanning the sea of red jerseys still lingering in the stands.


    "It''s different now."


    Han glanced at him. "What is?"


    Yao exhaled. "We''ve always had great players. You know that. You grew up watching them. But no one ever believed we could be a real contender."


    He turned to Han, his expression serious.


    "They believe it now."


    Han didn''t reply, but the message was clear.


    The expectation had changed.


    With Han leading the way, China wasn''t just here to compete.


    They were here to win.


    ---


    By September, Han returned to Sacramento.


    After a short break, the Kings'' training camp finally began.


    For the first time, Han met his new teammates.


    Many of them had been handpicked by him over the years, and he had played against some of them before. But just like how Golden 1 Center still felt unfamiliar, the Kings themselves were a team he had rarely paid attention to in his career.


    Now?


    They were his team.


    And they would fight for that ultimate goal¡ªtogether.


    It was a strange feeling.


    The energy in training camp was youthful, almost too youthful. For the first time, Han started to feel... old.


    But the relaxed vibe didn''t last long.


    Because he arrived.


    Under the glare of the arena lights, his bald head practically reflected a blinding shine.


    Jeff Van Gundy.


    The Kings'' new assistant coach.


    Van Gundy wasn''t exactly a successful head coach. Like Lionel Hollins, he was stubborn and inflexible.


    But as an assistant?


    He was damn good.


    He demanded intensity. He paid attention to details.


    If this had been a team full of veterans, his presence might have sparked conflict.


    But with a squad of young players?


    It was exactly what they needed.


    By the end of the first day, two players had left the strongest impression on Han.


    Jayson Tatum.


    And Willie Cauley-Stein.


    Not because of their skills¡ªbecause of their attitudes.


    The Kings'' young players treated Han like a living legend. They clung to him, soaking in every second like kids meeting their idol.


    Except for Tatum.


    Tatum kept his distance.


    Was it because of the trade rumors? Did he think Han was going to push for him to be dealt?


    Han thought back to last year''s training camp. Tatum and Donovan Mitchell had both attended his personal workouts, but Tatum had kept that same distance even then.


    He hadn''t shown up this summer, either.


    Something was going on.


    But Han didn''t care too much. His focus was on winning. Everything else? That was for other people to worry about.


    Then there was Cauley-Stein.


    His movement as a big man was elite. But his defensive mindset? Terrible.


    Instead of anchoring the defense, he played more like Dwight Howard¡ªsetting a quick screen, rolling hard, and only thinking about finishing lobs.


    That wasn''t what the coaching staff wanted from him.


    Van Gundy called him out for it.


    He didn''t seem to care.


    Han noticed.


    And on Day 2?


    He targeted him.


    Han requested to be put on the second unit.


    And every time the Kings ran pick-and-rolls, Han hunted Cauley-Stein.


    One play? Han caught a mismatch, drove straight at him, and threw down a vicious dunk over his head.


    Cauley-Stein had moved his feet well. But Han''s wingspan had made the contest impossible.


    And when Han landed?


    He didn''t hold back.


    "Four years in the league, and all you''ve learned is how to get dunked on?"


    Cauley-Stein''s face turned red.


    His fists clenched.


    If it had been anyone else?


    He probably would''ve swung.


    But against Han Sen?


    All he could do was channel that anger into the game.


    And when the next defensive play came?


    He delivered.


    A perfect switch onto Donovan Mitchell.


    Staying step-for-step.


    Timing it just right¡ª


    And sending Mitchell''s layup flying into the stands.


    Han smirked.


    Now that was what the Kings needed from him.


    ---


    Just when Han Sen thought things were moving in the right direction, Stein reverted to his old ways the very next day.


    It was like he didn''t want to do what he was best at¡ªhe only wanted to do what he felt like doing.


    Han wasn''t about to waste time catering to that. Without hesitation, he told Lue to send Stein to the second unit. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Forget potential. Forget fit next to Sabonis. If Stein didn''t understand his role, he wasn''t getting back into the starting lineup.


    Stein wasn''t the type to take things quietly. After spending several days stuck in the second unit, he finally found a moment to lash out.


    During a scrimmage, he caught a quick pass from Bogdanovi?, took off, and hammered down a vicious two-handed slam over Sabonis. His athleticism was undeniable¡ªwhen he was locked in, few big men could match his explosiveness.


    But instead of just letting his game do the talking, he turned toward the sideline, his voice ringing across the gym.


    "What else do I gotta do, Coach?"


    Lue had been nodding, initially impressed by the dunk. The next second, he froze.


    So did everyone else in the gym.


    Stein wasn''t just fired up¡ªhe was calling out the coaching staff.


    For a moment, Lue hesitated. But before he could react, Han raised his hand and signaled the play dead.


    "Enough. Get out."


    The gym fell dead silent.


    Lue opened his mouth as if to say something but stopped himself. Han''s words weren''t a suggestion¡ªthey were a command.


    Even Stein, who had been puffing up his chest seconds ago, hesitated. Then, Rudy Gay stepped in, grabbing his arm and pulling him away before things could escalate.


    That was the moment the young guys on the team truly understood¡ªHan Sen might be easygoing off the court, but on it? There were no negotiations.


    ---


    After practice, Lue pulled Han aside into his office.


    "Han, I could''ve handled that a different way."


    Han leaned against the desk, arms crossed.


    "Maybe. But it wasn''t just about Stein. It was about making it clear¡ªyou''re the head coach. No one is pulling that sh*t under you."


    Lue exhaled, rubbing his temples. He wasn''t mad¡ªif anything, he was more worried about how this would look.


    "You know they''re just waiting for another excuse to come after you, right? Every move you make is under a microscope."


    Han smirked. "Let ''em watch. If Stein''s got a problem, he can come to me directly."


    Lue blinked, then slowly nodded.


    Coming into this job, he thought Han only needed a "friendly" coach¡ªsomeone to play along while he ran the show.


    But after everything¡ªHan''s effort to bring in Van Gundy, how he treated Lue as an actual coach instead of just a puppet¡ªit was clear he''d been wrong.


    Han wasn''t just setting himself up as the "real" leader of the team.


    He genuinely wanted Lue to succeed as a head coach.


    Lue exhaled and sat back in his chair. "Alright. I''ll figure out what''s going on with Stein. I''ll handle it."


    Han nodded. "Good. He''s your problem now."


    He turned to leave, but Lue stopped him.


    "By the way... Jason''s different from Stein. Kid''s just got a stubborn streak."


    Han narrowed his eyes. The way Lue said it felt... personal.


    "What are you saying?"


    Lue hesitated, then finally admitted, "Jason''s my nephew. Well, cousin''s kid, technically."


    Han froze.


    "Wait¡ªTatum is your family?"


    Lue shrugged, like it wasn''t a big deal. "Distant, but yeah."


    Han shook his head. That was news to him. It wasn''t quite the same as Rivers and Austin, but it was close.


    "Look, Han," Lue continued, "I know how this looks. But I don''t want anything special for Jason. Just don''t group him with Stein. The kid listens... eventually."


    Han thought for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. But let''s get one thing straight¡ªI''m not here to play favorites. I don''t care who it is¡ªJason, Stein, anyone. As long as they do their job, we''re good. The only thing I give a damn about is winning."


    Lue studied him for a long second, then finally nodded. "Yeah. I get that now."


    Han walked out, shutting the door behind him.


    Lue sat there for a moment, shaking his head.


    A lot of people compared Han to LeBron¡ªespecially with how he was taking control of this team.


    But this?


    This wasn''t LeBron''s playbook.


    LeBron built power to protect himself.


    Han?


    Han built power to win.


    And that was the real difference.


    ---


    If Cauley-Stein had actually challenged Han the way Han once challenged veterans as a rookie, Han would''ve welcomed it.


    Because then, people would see¡ªhis authority on this team wasn''t built on status or influence.


    It was built on the fact that no one could touch him on the court.


    Instead, Stein had let his frustration fester, waiting for someone else to fix his situation.


    That''s why he sat on the bench.


    But a few days later, he returned to the starting lineup.


    Not because he demanded it. Not because he forced his way back.


    Because Lue convinced him.


    Before making the move, Lue filled Han in on what was really going on with Stein.


    He had always had a strong competitive drive. In his mind, his talent wasn''t any less than DeMarcus Cousins''.


    But after getting drafted by the Kings, he was left to develop on his own. There was no clear direction, and worse¡ªhe wasn''t even getting proper minutes.


    His first two seasons? He averaged just 21 and 19 minutes per game.


    And this was as the 6th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.


    Cousins was only the 5th pick in his class, yet he was treated like a franchise cornerstone.


    On top of that, every Kings coach¡ªincluding this one¡ªjust wanted Cauley-Stein to be a defensive role player.


    But what he wanted?


    He wanted to be Cousins.


    Lue''s solution was simple. He promised Cauley-Stein consistent starter minutes and designed some offensive plays for him.


    The truth was, the dunk over Sabonis already proved he had elite athleticism. If used properly, he could be a devastating lob threat in pick-and-roll sets.


    But everything came with a condition¡ª


    He had to do what the coaching staff asked of him first.


    One thing that often got overlooked? Cauley-Stein was the first of this young Kings core to face contract negotiations.


    A pure defensive role player and a well-rounded starting center would get drastically different deals.


    So of course, he wanted to put up stats.


    Lue''s compromise was the best possible solution outside of trading him.


    Now, all that was left was to see if Cauley-Stein actually lived up to it.


    If he still refused to adapt?


    That''s when Chris Wallace would step in and do his job.

 Chapter 404: Small Forward.

    Chapter 404 - Small Forward.By early October, the Kings'' training camp had officially concluded, signaling the arrival of Media Day.


    Although camp had its share of minor incidents, the atmosphere on Media Day was nothing but excitement.


    The players'' interviews revealed as much.


    "This is the most media attention I''ve seen since coming to Sacramento." Cauley-Stein''s enthusiasm was genuine.


    His agreement with Lue had been a compromise¡ªone he had to make. Han Sen''s no-nonsense approach had made it clear: if he didn''t start following the coaching staff''s instructions, he was getting traded.


    And going to a new team in a contract year? That was a disaster waiting to happen.


    But now, standing in front of more reporters than he had ever seen in Sacramento, he could feel it.


    The team was changing.


    Staying here wasn''t just the safest option¡ªit was the best one.


    Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell had a different response.


    When a reporter brought up last season''s Rookie of the Year results, calling his loss to Ben Simmons unfair, his emotions were complicated.


    At the time, Mitchell had voiced his frustration on social media.


    Simmons had simply landed on a better team¡ªhe had Jimmy Butler and Joel Embiid. Mitchell? His best teammates were Rudy Gay and Domantas Sabonis.


    Losing to Simmons felt like Carmelo Anthony losing to LeBron James back in 2003.


    And to make things worse¡ªSimmons wasn''t even a real rookie.


    But back then, his complaints had barely made waves. Simmons was a media darling, playing in a big market like Philadelphia.


    Mitchell? He was in Sacramento¡ªthe NBA''s forgotten graveyard.


    Yet now, before the new season even started, reporters were speaking up for him.


    Mitchell knew¡ªthis wasn''t about the media changing their views.


    It was about the Kings changing as a franchise.


    As Shaq once put it: players go to big cities for a bigger platform.


    But Han Sen is the platform.


    Wherever he goes, the spotlight follows.


    And with that spotlight came a new energy¡ªone that made the players excited about the present and eager for the future.


    ---


    With Media Day wrapped up, the 2018-19 NBA season officially began with preseason games.


    The Kings'' first opponent? The Houston Rockets.


    Despite their Western Conference Finals loss last season, the Rockets had spent the summer retaining key pieces.


    Chris Paul and Clint Capela both signed extensions, ensuring their core remained intact.


    They also added Carmelo Anthony¡ªwho had been traded from the Thunder to the Hawks and then bought out.


    This signing was partly due to their new owner, Tilman Fertitta, taking over after buying the team from the notoriously stingy Leslie Alexander.


    But there was a bigger reason behind all of this¡ª


    Han Sen leaving Cleveland had shaken the entire league, just like Michael Jordan''s first retirement.


    Every contender knew the window was open.


    Because if Han''s dominance was anything like Jordan''s, then just like the Bulls'' return in ''96, he could come back and crush them all in a few years.


    The championship window was now.


    ---


    This preseason matchup was held in Sacramento.


    And for the first time in years, Kings fans truly felt the difference.


    Preseason games in the NBA were like glorified scrimmages¡ªstarters rarely played more than a half, and ticket prices were dirt cheap.


    Last season, the Kings'' cheapest preseason ticket was $5¡ªpractically free.


    Even then, the crowd barely filled a fraction of the arena.


    But this year?


    Tickets sold out almost immediately.


    The only ones left were being resold by scalpers at inflated prices.


    No investment deal or sponsorship could illustrate the Kings'' transformation better than this.


    When the players walked out of the tunnel into the Golden 1 Center, they were greeted by a packed house.


    For the veterans who had been with the Kings?


    It was surreal.


    "Are we playing in the Finals or something?" Sabonis muttered.


    Mitchell, the quickest to snap out of his daze, simply grinned.


    "That''s the goal."


    The NBA was just a job to some players. But everyone wanted to play under the brightest lights.


    Money was a huge motivator, but it wasn''t the only one.


    And now? For the first time, Kings players felt like they were in an environment where they could truly shine.


    ---


    Preseason games didn''t have opening ceremonies. After warmups, both teams announced their starting lineups.


    Rockets: Chris Paul, James Harden, Carmelo Anthony, PJ Tucker, Clint Capela


    Kings: Han Sen, Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum, Domantas Sabonis, Willie Cauley-Stein


    Wins and losses didn''t matter much in preseason¡ªit was about testing lineups and building chemistry.


    For this game, Han was slotted into the same role he played in Cleveland¡ªpoint guard.


    From the opening tip, it became clear the Kings were struggling to keep up.


    The Rockets'' fast-paced offense overwhelmed them.


    Houston was simply the more experienced, more polished team.


    Meanwhile, the Kings'' young core was still figuring out how to play alongside Han. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Every possession, they instinctively looked to pass him the ball.


    The only player who had the confidence to take shots was Mitchell¡ªbut against Chris Paul''s defense, he struggled.


    The Kings'' talent was undeniable.


    But there were too many new pieces, and none of them were on the level of a Nikola Joki?.


    By the end of the first quarter, the Kings trailed 30-18.


    One notable rule change in the new season was the introduction of the 14-second reset rule.


    Previously, when a team grabbed an offensive rebound, the shot clock reset to 24 seconds.


    Now? It reset to 14.


    This sped up the pace of the game¡ªa perfect advantage for a team like the Rockets.


    At the start of the second quarter, Lue made adjustments.


    He subbed out Sabonis for Buddy Hield, opting for a faster lineup to match Houston''s tempo.


    It wasn''t ideal¡ªit was reactive rather than proactive.


    But it worked.


    Han began asserting himself, dropping 14 points in the quarter, helping the Kings close the gap to 54-48 by halftime.


    The energy inside the Golden 1 Center?


    Through the roof.


    It was still just preseason. The Kings were still trailing.


    But for the first time in years, there was hope.


    In the second half, both teams rested their starters.


    The reserves and fringe players took over, and ultimately, the Kings lost 110-100.


    No post-game press conference was held for preseason, and the players returned to the locker room.


    But Han?


    Han stayed behind.


    Because before the game had even ended, Lue had approached him with an idea.


    A lineup adjustment.


    He wanted Han to play small forward more in the regular season.


    ---


    Lue had already tested a "Death Lineup" during training camp¡ªsomething he had picked up from his time in Cleveland as an assistant under Michael Malone.


    And the Kings?


    They had the pieces for it.


    Cauley-Stein and Sabonis were both mobile bigs, capable of anchoring a small-ball lineup¡ªone as a defensive anchor, the other as an offensive hub.


    At power forward? Jayson Tatum.


    Tatum was the NBA''s biggest in-between player¡ªtoo slow for small forward, not strong enough for power forward.


    Guys like Derrick Williams and Michael Beasley had struggled with that same label in past eras.


    But Tatum?


    He had the talent, and more importantly, he was in the right era.


    With dominant post-up bigs fading from the league, hybrid forwards like Tatum had real opportunities.


    In fact, the Kings had already tested this lineup in the second quarter:


    Han, Mitchell, Hield, Tatum, Cauley-Stein.


    Han played point guard offensively but defended Carmelo Anthony on the other end¡ªand he did a damn good job.


    Position changes weren''t just about swapping labels. They came with major tactical shifts.


    That''s why Han and Lue sat together for so long after the game, breaking it all down.


    Han?


    He loved it.


    This was exactly why he had upgraded his wingspan talent in the first place.


    Now, he wasn''t just open to playing small forward.


    He was excited for it.


    And soon, the entire league would see it firsthand.


    But would it actually work?


    Only the regular season could answer that.


    ---


    By late October, the Kings wrapped up their preseason campaign with a 4-3 record.


    At the same time, the NBA released its first official power rankings of the season.


    At the top of the list? The Boston Celtics.


    Despite losing Avery Bradley over the summer, they had Marcus Smart to maintain their defensive intensity in the backcourt.


    And as a frontcourt boost, they signed Greg Monroe on a mid-level deal.


    Their roster had only improved, not weakened.


    At No. 2? The Golden State Warriors.


    Preseason games weren''t always a reliable indicator, but Paul George had seamlessly integrated into their system.


    As for DeMarcus Cousins'' departure, the Warriors responded by giving Kevon Looney a bigger role and bringing back Andrew Bogut as veteran insurance.


    The No. 3 team? The New Orleans Pelicans.


    Yes, they had been swept in the Finals by Cleveland, but at least their roster remained intact.


    Their biggest offseason move?


    Signing Avery Bradley¡ªgiving them a much-needed defensive boost.


    At No. 4 through No. 7 were the Rockets, 76ers, Cavaliers, and Bucks.


    And at No. 8?


    The Sacramento Kings.


    For Han Sen''s past teams, 8th place would have been considered low.


    But for the Kings?


    It was shockingly high¡ªeven ahead of the Toronto Raptors (No. 9).


    After all, Sacramento hadn''t made the playoffs in 13 years¡ªnot since the 2005-06 season, when Ron Artest was their franchise star.


    Since then?


    They had never returned to the postseason.


    And yet, with Han Sen leading the charge, they were already projected as a top-10 team in the league¡ªand the 4th-best team in the West.


    For Kings fans, that was more than just a ranking.


    It was hope.


    ---


    For the Kings'' season opener, the NBA scheduled them against the Cavaliers.


    Silver, the new commissioner, was showing more and more signs of having David Stern''s old touch.


    A championship ring ceremony in Cleveland.


    Han Sen''s first return to the city after leaving.


    The storylines were endless.


    By the time the Kings'' flight landed in Cleveland, the airport was already packed with fans.


    They held up signs, welcoming Han back home.


    The atmosphere was overwhelming.


    Back in August, Han had briefly returned to Cleveland for a special reason¡ª


    The unveiling of his statue.


    Unlike his Grizzlies statue, choosing which moment to immortalize in Cleveland was easy.


    After all, Shaquille O''Neal had given him the perfect nickname¡ª


    The Scorer''s Table Terminator.


    So his statue?


    It captured the moment forever etched in Cavs history¡ªHan standing atop the scorer''s table, pointing to the floor, claiming his territory.


    And beneath it, engraved in bold letters:


    "THIS IS MY HOUSE."


    That was why Cleveland fans'' passion hadn''t faded.


    Han might have left for a new team¡ª


    But Cleveland would always be his home.


    Mitchell looked around at the massive crowd, taking it all in.


    "If it were me, I wouldn''t be able to leave fans like this," he muttered.


    Sabonis, watching Han''s back as he walked ahead, shook his head in admiration.


    "That''s why none of us are him."


    Leaving a championship contender to rebuild a franchise from the ground up?


    Most players wouldn''t dare.


    And even if they did, they''d demand their new team trade all their young talent for immediate help.


    But Han?


    He was doing the impossible.


    Mitchell nodded, fully convinced.


    "He''s the real King."


    That was already his new nickname in Sacramento.


    But as Mitchell spoke, he didn''t notice Tatum''s subtle frown.


    ---


    The moment Han stepped out of the airport and into his car, his phone rang.


    Joki?.


    "I made dinner. Come home."


    Han smirked.


    If anyone was happiest about his return to Cleveland, it was Joki?.


    Over the summer, Joki? had signed a massive contract extension and bought a house near Han''s estate.


    Even though Han now had a new estate in Sacramento, he had never sold his Cleveland home.


    Because no matter where he played, Cleveland would always be a part of him.


    The smell hit Han the second he walked in.


    Rich, savory, unmistakably Balkan.


    A full Serbian feast was laid out¡ªgrilled meats, flaky pastries, fresh fish. The kind of meal that brought back memories of his trip to Serbia with Joki?.


    And, of course¡ª?evapi and Baklava.


    Han raised an eyebrow as he took in the spread. "You actually cooked?"


    Joki? scoffed. "No. Natalija did."


    Han smirked. "Figures."


    Across the room, Anjali and Natalija were already deep in conversation. This wasn''t polite small talk¡ªit was easy, familiar. They had known each other for years, and it showed.


    Han had no idea what they were talking about. And honestly? He wasn''t about to ask.


    Instead, he and Joki? did what they always did.


    Ate. Talked. Reminisced.


    At one point, Joki? leaned forward slightly, swirling his drink in his hand. His tone turned thoughtful.


    "Luka''s... special," he said.


    Han raised an eyebrow. "Yeah?"


    Joki? exhaled, a small smirk playing at his lips.


    "He keeps telling me... ''Scoring in the NBA is easier than in Europe.''"


    Han huffed, amusement flickering in his eyes.


    Yeah.


    That sounded like Luka Don?i? alright.

 Chapter 405: Welcome to the NBA.

    Chapter 405 - Welcome to the NBA.Han Sen shook his head with a chuckle.


    In a way, Luka Don?i? wasn''t wrong.


    The NBA had spent years tweaking its rules to favor offense. The latest 14-second reset on offensive rebounds was just another step in the same direction, much like the old no-hand-checking rule that had once sparked an offensive explosion.


    By comparison, European basketball played under FIBA rules was much tougher. A smaller court, no defensive three-second rule, and far more physicality meant scoring in Europe was no easy task.


    But hearing this from a rookie?


    It was a little much.


    Luka had only played a handful of preseason games. He hadn''t even stepped onto the court for a regular-season matchup yet, let alone a playoff game.


    Still, Joki? wasn''t dismissing him.


    "He''s the most skilled rookie I''ve ever seen," Joki? mused. "And there''s something about him... he''s fearless in big moments. Kinda reminds me of you, boss."


    Han glanced at Joki?, reading between the lines.


    "So, you like him?"


    Joki? smiled, neither confirming nor denying.


    Though they came from different countries, they were still from the same region, spoke similar languages, shared a common history, and even had similar tastes in food.


    It was no surprise they got along.


    ---


    By the time game day arrived, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse was packed.


    Especially outside Han Sen''s statue, where fans gathered, snapping photos and reliving the memories.


    The statue had been unveiled in August, but not everyone had been there to witness it firsthand.


    Some fans even traveled long distances, holding up handwritten banners in support of Han.


    Inside the arena, massive "Welcome Home, Emperor" signs filled the stands.


    Nothing about the love Cleveland had for him had faded.


    If anything, it had only grown stronger.


    The moment Han stepped onto the court for warmups, the arena erupted.


    The deafening cheers, the energy, the familiar atmosphere¡ªit was just like before.


    For years, Han had warmed up with pre-game dunks, hyping up the crowd. But in Cleveland, he had eventually passed that responsibility on to Derrick Jones Jr.


    Tonight, though?


    With the crowd demanding it¡ª


    Han took flight again.


    Each dunk sent the arena into a frenzy.


    Some fans were even brought to tears, overwhelmed by the moment.


    To them, it wasn''t just about the spectacle.


    Han looked even more effortless than before.


    They thought it was nostalgia clouding their perception.


    What they didn''t realize?


    Han had actually gotten stronger.


    ---


    As warmups ended and Han returned to the locker room, the championship ring ceremony setup was already in place.


    For Cleveland fans, this night wasn''t just about welcoming him back.


    It was about celebrating a dynasty.


    Dan Gilbert had spared no expense on the rings.


    Reports claimed they were on par with the 2015 Warriors'' rings, each one costing over a million dollars.


    When the lights dimmed and the spotlights hit the stage, Gilbert took the mic.


    Ordinarily, owners didn''t speak during ring ceremonies.


    But this wasn''t an ordinary night.


    And no one complained.


    Because his speech?


    It wasn''t about himself.


    It was about Han Sen.


    It was about what he had done for Cleveland.


    By the time he finished, the arena wasn''t silent¡ªit was roaring.


    And when it was finally time to hand out the rings, there was no question who would go first.


    Han Sen.


    The arena DJ drew out every word, using the same iconic voice that had introduced Han for years.


    "Standing at 6-foot-7... a 9-time All-Star... 6-time Finals MVP... 3-time league MVP... 6-time NBA Champion... the Scorer''s Table Terminator... the man who rewrote Cleveland''s history... the architect of a dynasty... and the one name the entire world will remember¡ªTHE EMPEROR¡ªHAN~~ SEN!!"


    The LED screens exploded with fireworks, the tribute video rolling on the big screen, flashing through his greatest moments in a Cavaliers uniform.


    The crowd wasn''t just cheering.


    They were thunderous.


    They weren''t just celebrating a player.


    They were honoring a legend.


    As the spotlight followed Han, he felt an unfamiliar tightness in his chest.


    Not nerves. Not pressure.


    Just... emotion.


    For the first time in years, he felt his eyes sting.


    He stood, took in the crowd for a moment, then made his way toward the stage.


    Gilbert was waiting, pulling him into a tight embrace.


    "Thank you for everything," he said.


    Han just nodded.


    Then Adam Silver stepped forward.


    As the commissioner handed over the ring, he also pulled Han in for a brief hug.


    This wasn''t just about a championship.


    Han had changed the league.


    He was the reason the NBA''s popularity had surged in recent years.


    And when Han finally looked down at his ring¡ª


    He was genuinely surprised. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His name wasn''t in English.


    It was in Chinese characters, carefully crafted from diamonds.


    A personal touch.


    A reminder that no matter where he played, Cleveland still saw him as one of their own.


    ---


    From his seat, Mitchell watched everything unfold.


    And suddenly, Sabonis'' words from earlier came back to him.


    "Han Sen is an impossible existence. We''re just lucky to play beside him."


    Mitchell sat back, exhaling.


    He finally understood.


    Han Sen wasn''t just a superstar.


    He was basketball''s greatest enigma.


    And tonight, that truth was on full display.


    As the ceremony concluded, the Cavaliers'' 2017-18 championship banner was raised to the rafters.


    Three banners now hung side by side¡ª


    2015-16.


    2016-17.


    2017-18.


    The Cleveland Cavaliers Dynasty.


    The crowd roared, the energy was infectious, and even the Kings'' players couldn''t hide the fire in their eyes.


    Han Sen had promised them a championship in Sacramento.


    But watching three banners go up in Cleveland?


    It made them wonder¡ª


    Would it just be one championship?


    Or would they build a dynasty of their own?


    Because with Han Sen leading the way¡ª


    Anything was possible.


    ---


    As the championship ring ceremony concluded amid roaring cheers, both teams wrapped up their final warm-ups and headed into the opening introductions.


    The Sacramento Kings, as the visiting team, were announced first:


    Han Sen, Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum, Domantas Sabonis, and Willie Cauley-Stein.


    Lue planned to use Han more at small forward this season, but that didn''t mean opening the game with a small-ball lineup.


    Just like when Michael Malone kept the Death Lineup as a secret weapon in Cleveland, Lue had a similar strategy in mind.


    From Doc Rivers to Malone, Lue''s tactical creativity had its limits¡ªbut his ability to learn? Unmatched.


    The Cleveland Cavaliers countered with their own starting five:


    Luka Don?i?, George Hill, Robert Covington, Tristan Thompson, and Nikola Joki?.


    Cleveland had been dealt an early setback in preseason when their expected starting point guard, Dejounte Murray, suffered a torn right ACL in the very first game¡ªknocking him out for the entire season.


    With Murray sidelined and Hill already past his prime, the offensive burden suddenly fell on the shoulders of a rookie¡ªLuka Don?i?.


    But if anyone expected him to struggle?


    They were about to be proven wrong.


    Right out of the gate, Don?i? made a statement.


    Joki? posted up in the low block, drawing in a double team before kicking the ball out to Luka beyond the arc.


    Luka sold a convincing pump fake, making Mitchell bite.


    Then, with one sharp dribble, he drove into the lane.


    His speed wasn''t elite, and Sabonis immediately rotated over to help, with Cauley-Stein stepping in from the weak side for extra coverage.


    For a split second, it looked like Luka was completely trapped.


    And then?


    He exploded off the ground.


    Through the collapsing defense.


    Right into the chest of both Kings'' big men.


    BANG!


    He threw down the dunk with authority.


    For a moment, the entire arena froze.


    The crowd, the commentators, even some players on the court¡ªall caught off guard.


    Just like Joki? had said the night before, Luka''s scoring instincts were something special.


    People saw the slow first step. The lack of vertical pop.


    And underestimated his strength.


    Luka wasn''t built like a bruiser, but in Europe, he had been bulldozing grown men long before stepping foot in the NBA.


    And he wasn''t done.


    The next time down, Mitchell attacked the rim, but Joki? disrupted his shot at the last second, tipping the ball toward the baseline.


    Luka was the first player to react¡ªsprinting back behind the three-point line before anyone else could recover.


    Joki? fired a perfect full-court pass.


    Luka caught it in stride.


    Tatum was already on him.


    A full-body contest. Contact in midair.


    Didn''t matter.


    Luka flipped up a reverse floater¡ªand got the and-one.


    The rookie was cooking.


    Then, as he landed, Luka did something unexpected.


    He turned.


    Faced Han Sen.


    And grabbed his jersey, shaking it with pride.


    Like he had something to prove.


    Like this was personal.


    Han raised an eyebrow.


    If he was being honest, he hadn''t given Luka much thought before this.


    His only impression came from Joki?''s words at dinner the night before.


    But clearly?


    Luka saw things differently.


    ---


    Han had seen this before in "history".


    Years ago, Andrew Wiggins had been drafted by the Cavaliers.


    Only to be immediately traded for Kevin Love before ever playing a game for them.


    And after that?


    Every time Wiggins faced Cleveland¡ªevery single time¡ªhe went off.


    Because he wanted to prove the trade was a mistake.


    Luka''s case?


    Almost identical.


    A player drafted by Sacramento¡ªbut flipped to another team before even putting on their jersey.


    And if Joki?''s assessment was right, Luka was even hungrier to prove himself than Wiggins ever was.


    What''s more?


    There was something only Han understood¡ªsomething no one else had thought about.


    Luka''s jersey number.


    Back in Europe, Luka had always worn 77¡ªa tribute to his idol, Greek legend Vassilis Spanoulis, who wore No. 7.


    If Sacramento hadn''t traded him?


    He could''ve kept that number.


    But after being sent to Cleveland?


    He had to switch to No. 7.


    Because 77 was already off-limits.


    Not just for the Grizzlies.


    Not just for the Cavaliers.


    But for any team Han Sen had ever played for.


    Because when he retired¡ªhis jersey?


    Would be hanging in their rafters.


    ---


    Joki? was the first to react. Without hesitation, he rushed over and pulled Don?i? into a firm embrace, his expression unusually serious.


    Part of it was loyalty¡ªan instinctive move to shield his former leader from any further provocation. But more than that, Joki? knew exactly what Don?i? had just done.


    He had poked the bear.


    Before this moment, the Cavaliers had set the stage perfectly for an emotional night. The tribute, the cheers, the ring ceremony¡ªit had all but ensured that Han Sen wouldn''t go all out against his former team.


    Even if Cleveland was stronger on paper, the atmosphere alone should have been enough to secure a smooth opening night win.


    But now?


    Now, everything had changed.


    After years of watching Han dominate the league, after witnessing the downfall of LeBron James and Kevin Durant at his hands, every player in the NBA knew¡ªthere was one person you simply didn''t provoke.


    And yet, Luka Don?i? had done exactly that.


    Joki? pulled him closer and muttered something in his ear, but Luka didn''t seem fazed.


    He had spent his entire life proving people wrong. He wasn''t just another European prospect¡ªhe had dominated in the toughest leagues outside the NBA before he even turned 20.


    At 19, he wasn''t just a rookie. He was Europe''s Chosen One.


    And after a strong preseason, he genuinely felt it¡ªthe NBA was easier to score in than Europe.


    So why hold back?


    Why bottle up the frustration of being traded before he even played a game for the Kings?


    Why swallow the irritation of watching Han Sen be treated like royalty in Cleveland, while he was still earning his place?


    No.


    Tonight, he was going to prove he belonged.


    Han wasn''t the type to get worked up over little things.


    But as he crossed half-court, he gave Mitchell a nod, calling for the ball.


    And then he pointed.


    Clear out.


    He wasn''t one to overcomplicate things. Over the years, his game had been built around trusting his teammates¡ªempowering them to do what they did best, while he stepped in to handle the toughest shots, the hardest plays.


    Simple. Efficient. Effective.


    But tonight?


    That game plan wasn''t going to cut it.


    The arena buzzed in anticipation.


    Luka Don?i? had set the tone early, dazzling the crowd with his scoring. Already, whispers were spreading¡ªwas this the player who could one day challenge Han?


    Could he be the next Han Sen?


    The answer came faster than anyone expected.


    With one sharp move, Han shifted left¡ªthen exploded right.


    Don?i? tried to keep up, but his feet weren''t quick enough. Han was already at the free-throw line before Luka even turned his hips.


    By the time he did, it was already too late.


    Han was at the rim.


    And standing there¡ªJoki?, arms up, bracing himself.


    He knew.


    This was going to hurt.


    BOOM!


    The entire arena gasped as Han elevated and crushed a dunk right over Joki?, sending the seven-footer stumbling back, landing out of bounds.


    The Kings'' bench exploded.


    Rudy Gay waved a towel wildly, yelling something that was probably not suitable for broadcast.


    Joki?, still on the floor, glanced toward Luka.


    His look said everything.


    "This is on you."


    And yet, Don?i? barely flinched.


    Instead, he signaled to George Hill¡ªcalling for a screen.


    He wasn''t backing down.


    The crowd roared as Luka took the switch, now staring directly at Han Sen.


    Isolation.


    He was going right back at him.


    The moment was surreal¡ªthis wasn''t some veteran looking to expose a rookie.


    This was a teenager challenging a six-time champion head-on.


    Luka dribbled¡ªright side hesitation.


    Han stayed in front.


    A hard cross into a step-back¡ªhis signature move, a combination of elite ball-handling and footwork.


    Han didn''t bite.


    Luka reset, attacking left¡ªquick change of pace, lowering his shoulder into Han''s chest, looking for contact.


    He got it.


    But instead of knocking Han off balance¡ª


    He stopped.


    It felt like running into a brick wall.


    And before he could react¡ª


    Han was already above him.


    A shadow in his path.


    Then¡ª


    SMACK!


    The block sent Don?i? sprawling to the ground, the ball flying into the third row.


    Some fans winced, others stood in shock.


    Even the Cavaliers'' bench looked stunned.


    On the broadcast, Shaquille O''Neal couldn''t contain himself.


    "WELCOME TO THE NBA, LUKA!"


    The arena erupted.


    Don?i? sat there for a moment, blinking up at the lights.


    Then¡ªhe grinned.


    Because if nothing else¡ª


    This was exactly the kind of battle he had been waiting for.

 Chapter 406: Winning Starts Here.

    Chapter 406 - Winning Starts Here.Luka Don?i? lay on the floor for a moment before his teammates finally helped him up. He got to his feet, his expression a mix of frustration and determination.


    But as soon as the ball was inbounded, he was back in motion, moving off the ball, looking for an opening.


    He wasn''t just some hyped-up European prospect. He wasn''t wired like most young stars.


    Luka wanted to win¡ªbadly.


    But ambition alone wasn''t enough.


    Not when you weren''t strong enough yet.


    For the next stretch of the game, Han exposed Don?i?¡ªon both ends of the floor.


    It wasn''t just a rookie moment. It was a lesson.


    Some fans in the crowd winced, barely able to watch.


    Of all the players Don?i? could have poked¡ªwhy did it have to be Han Sen?


    Yet despite Don?i?''s struggles, Cleveland stayed in the game.


    Because Luka wasn''t their offensive anchor.


    Joki? was.


    Unlike in past seasons, when he ran the offense from the top of the key, tonight, he went straight to the low post.


    And he dominated.


    When Sabonis guarded him, Joki? used footwork¡ªShaq-inspired, Yao Ming-refined, and uniquely his own¡ªto carve out space and score.


    When the Kings switched Cauley-Stein onto him, he switched tactics¡ªbullying him with sheer strength, making his athleticism meaningless.


    At this point, it wasn''t even a debate.


    Joki? was the best center in the NBA.


    On the TNT broadcast, Shaquille O''Neal watched intently, nodding.


    "Lue should know by now¡ªyou can''t guard Nikola one-on-one," Shaq said, grinning. "Same way teams couldn''t guard me one-on-one back in the day."


    A classic Shaq moment¡ªpraising Joki? while still finding a way to talk about himself.


    But in this case?


    He wasn''t wrong.


    Lue did know.


    Because he had spent years watching teams struggle against the Cavs.


    Joki? wasn''t as physically dominant as Shaq, but his passing made him just as unguardable.


    And sure enough¡ªby the end of the first quarter, the game was tied at 30-30.


    Han had 16 points, Joki? had 14, and suddenly, the season opener had turned into a battle between the two players who built the Cavaliers'' dynasty.


    ---


    When the second quarter began, both teams'' starters took a seat.


    And on the Kings'' bench, Han wasn''t alone.


    Lue slid into the seat next to him, arms crossed, while Jeff Van Gundy remained at the sideline, handling in-game adjustments.


    "We need to wear Nikola down," Lue said.


    He wasn''t a genius strategist. But he knew people.


    And more importantly?


    He knew Joki?.


    Back during the Cavaliers'' dynasty years, every team had the same plan¡ªtarget Joki?. Attack him in pick-and-rolls, force him into exhausting defensive rotations, make him spend so much energy guarding that he had less to give on offense.


    It never worked.


    Because back then?


    They had Han.


    But now?


    No Han. No Murray. Don?i? still adjusting.


    Joki?''s biggest weakness was fully exposed.


    Han nodded at Lue''s plan, but his eyes drifted toward the scoreboard.


    And he didn''t like what he saw.


    Because the fastest way to break Joki? wasn''t a defensive adjustment.


    It was Han hunting mismatches and attacking him relentlessly.


    Which meant?


    More touches. More scoring. More dependence on him.


    And that was a problem.


    Han wasn''t afraid of responsibility¡ªhe had carried teams his whole career.


    But this wasn''t about whether he could do it.


    It was about what happened if he kept doing it.


    If every solution ran through him, his teammates would never develop the ability to step up in big moments.


    And without that?


    The Kings wouldn''t survive the playoffs.


    Lue, sharp as ever, saw the hesitation.


    Han didn''t have to say it.


    Lue already knew.


    This was the contradiction they had to solve.


    The Kings'' young core needed experience in high-pressure games to grow. But handing them too much responsibility too soon could also cost them the game.


    Most coaches would prioritize development.


    It was only the first game of the season.


    The Kings weren''t expected to win a championship this year.


    So why not just let the young guys figure it out?


    But Lue?


    Lue understood the bigger picture.


    Han wasn''t just playing basketball.


    He was fighting against history.


    He was fighting against critics, against skeptics, against narratives waiting to tear him down.


    A slow start? A few bad losses?


    They''d bury him.


    It had happened before.


    When Han first returned to Cleveland, they said his Memphis success was only because the Grizzlies were already built to win.


    And now?


    If the Kings struggled, they''d say his success only came from having Kyrie and Joki?.


    Lue exhaled, then said exactly what needed to be said.


    "Han, Sacramento has spent enough time dreaming about the future."


    He paused.


    "This team doesn''t just need hope."


    "It needs to win."


    Han studied him for a long second.


    Then?


    He smirked, clapping Lue on the shoulder.


    Lue wasn''t Malone.


    He wasn''t some master tactician.


    But he understood what mattered.


    And sometimes?


    That was more important than strategy.


    ---


    When the second quarter started, the Kings adjusted.


    Their lineup?


    - Mitchell


    - Hield


    - Han Sen


    - Tatum


    - Sabonis


    If the goal was to wear down Joki?, Sabonis was the better fit¡ªhis screens were stronger, his offensive game more polished.


    And Malone knew it.


    But he didn''t counter with small-ball.


    If he did?


    He''d be playing into Sacramento''s pace.


    Instead, he made a smaller move¡ªbringing in J.R. Smith for Tristan Thompson, shifting the matchups just slightly.


    But the Kings weren''t just targeting Joki? on offense.


    They changed their defense, too.


    Now?


    Instead of letting Joki? control the ball, they started forcing it out of his hands¡ªclosing passing lanes, pressuring his catches, making Cleveland''s other players beat them.


    And when they missed?


    The Kings pushed the pace.


    Fast-break basketball.


    Less reading defenses. Less overcomplicating plays.


    Just run and finish.


    The kind of game their young core thrived in.


    And soon?


    It was working.


    Malone sat on the Cavaliers'' bench, watching the game slip away.


    Because this?


    This was the same problem Cleveland''s opponents had faced for years.


    Han''s isolation plays weren''t unstoppable because of some perfect system.


    They were unstoppable because he was the one executing them.


    And on top of that¡ª


    Something unexpected was happening.


    Han''s scoring wasn''t just carrying the Kings.


    It was freeing up Donovan Mitchell.


    Because as Cleveland collapsed on Han, Mitchell was slipping into open space.


    And unlike last season?


    He wasn''t hesitating.


    He caught and fired.


    He attacked closeouts.


    No overthinking. No reading defenses.


    Just playing his game.


    By halftime, the Kings led 62-52.


    Han? 30 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists.


    Mitchell? 11 points.


    The only two Kings in double figures.


    And on the TNT set, the analysts had seen enough.


    Charles Barkley couldn''t hold it in anymore.


    "Man, I swear, you could drop Han Sen on any team in the league¡ªgive him four guys straight outta the G-League¡ªand he''d still find a way to get ''em to the playoffs."


    Shaq chuckled. "So you''re saying he''s that good?"


    "I''m saying he''s that damn good." Barkley gestured toward the screen. "Look at this¡ªfirst game with a new team, half these guys barely know what a playoff game feels like, and he''s already got ''em playing like contenders."


    Kenny Smith nodded. "It''s not just talent. He injects belief into his teammates. You can see it with Mitchell¡ªwhen you''re playing next to a guy like Han, you just start thinking, ''Why can''t we win?''"


    Shaq smirked. "Ain''t that what superstars do?"


    Barkley shook his head. "Nah, man. That''s what legends do."


    ---


    When the second half began, Michael Malone made key adjustments to the Cavaliers'' offense.


    He didn''t just swap J.R. Smith into the starting lineup for Tristan Thompson¡ªhe completely changed how they used Nikola Joki?.


    Instead of operating out of the low post, Joki? moved to the high post, facing up rather than backing down.


    At first glance, it seemed like a simple positioning shift¡ªbetter spacing, a clearer view of the court.


    But in reality?


    It was a fundamental shift in Cleveland''s entire offensive approach.


    Low-post Joki? meant individual scoring.


    High-post Joki??


    It meant playmaking.


    With Joki? orchestrating from the perimeter, the Cavaliers'' off-ball movement came alive¡ªbackdoor cuts, flare screens, pick-and-pop actions.


    And for the Kings'' young defenders?


    It was a problem.


    Their inexperience showed¡ªtoo many instances of ball-watching, too many late rotations.


    A dynasty doesn''t just vanish overnight. Even without Han, the Cavaliers still had championship DNA, experience that Sacramento''s roster lacked.


    They were, in a way, like the 1994 Bulls after Jordan''s first retirement¡ªnot the same dominant force, but still one of the East''s best teams.


    With the new adjustments, Cleveland quickly cut into the Kings'' lead.


    Lue wasted no time countering.


    Just like in the first half, he made a single substitution¡ªbut one that changed everything.


    This time, he pulled Sabonis.


    Sabonis was better suited for defending Joki? in the low post, but against high-post Joki??


    Willy Cauley-Stein was the better choice.


    Stein''s mobility allowed him to step out and contest passing lanes, while still protecting the paint.


    As for the Kings'' offense?


    The strategy didn''t change.


    Han Sen kept hunting Joki? on mismatches.


    The third quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle.


    By the time the buzzer sounded?


    Han''s point total had climbed to 50.


    That meant he had just dropped 20 points in a single quarter.


    If the first half had been Han vs. Joki?, then the third quarter?


    It was Han vs. Cleveland.


    And the Cavaliers had an even bigger issue.


    Without Han, Wade, Rose, or the injured Murray, and with Don?i? still adjusting to the NBA¡ªthey had no second scoring option.


    By the fourth quarter, Joki?''s energy started to fade.


    And as his legs got heavier, Cleveland''s offense slowed.


    Meanwhile, the Kings?


    They kept running.


    They kept attacking.


    Slowly but surely, the tide turned.


    And when the final buzzer sounded¡ª


    Kings 125, Cavaliers 118.


    Sacramento had won their season opener.


    ---


    Statlines:


    - Han Sen: 60 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists.


    - Joki?: 41 points, 18 rebounds, 11 assists.


    - Don?i?: 10 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists (5-16 shooting).


    - Mitchell: 19 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists.


    - Sabonis: 13 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists.


    - Tatum: 8 points, 3 rebounds.


    ---


    During the postgame press conference, reporters asked Don?i? about his early-game celebration¡ªthe jersey tug toward Han.


    Did he regret it?


    Don?i? shook his head.


    "I don''t regret anything. This is competition. I didn''t come to the NBA to make friends. I came here to win."


    His confidence was clear.


    But sitting next to him, Joki? offered a different perspective.


    "Trying to fire up an opponent? That only works if they''re emotional players¡ªguys who make mistakes when they''re angry."


    Joki? shook his head.


    "But Han isn''t one of those guys. When you push him, he doesn''t lose control. He just makes the game worse for you."


    The room quieted for a beat.


    Because if Joki?, the player who had spent years by Han''s side, was saying this¡ªthen Don?i? had just learned a painful lesson.


    And in the Kings'' locker room?


    Han didn''t even bring it up.


    He had already moved on.


    Instead, at Sacramento''s press conference, Lue was focused on something else entirely.


    "Tonight wasn''t just a game. This team needs to learn how to win. And Han? He showed them what that means."


    He also addressed the biggest question of the night¡ªHan''s position.


    "Yes, Han played a lot at the three tonight. And guess what? He was perfect. That''s what separates the all-time greats. He''s the best shooting guard when he plays the two. He''s the best small forward when he plays the three."


    At this point, nobody could argue.


    A 60-point near-triple-double on opening night¡ªhow else were you supposed to describe it?


    Then, Han took the mic.


    And he was blunt.


    "I''ve done this before."


    A pause. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "When I left Memphis, my first game back was against the Grizzlies."


    He let the room take that in.


    "And now? I leave Cleveland, and the first game is here."


    He shook his head with a smirk.


    "It''s a little weird. But at the end of the day? Winning is what matters. This team has been through a lot, and this was the perfect way to start."


    "Will you keep playing like this?"


    Normally, a 60-point game would dominate headlines for days.


    But this was Han Sen.


    They weren''t surprised he did it.


    They were just wondering if this was his new normal.


    Han didn''t hesitate.


    "I came here to help this team win."


    "And if that''s what it takes?"


    "I''ll keep doing it."


    The reporters exchanged glances.


    Because if Han was serious?


    This wasn''t about winning the scoring title.


    This was about rewriting NBA history.


    Kobe''s 35.4 PPG season?


    Han might blow past it.


    And at this rate?


    He might push it to another dimension.

 Chapter 407: A Mother’s Silence?.*

    Chapter 407 - A Mother''s Silence?.*(Side Story-5)


    Liang Rui had always been a quiet observer.


    It wasn''t that she didn''t worry¡ªshe did, more than she ever let on¡ªbut she had learned long ago that voicing every concern wasn''t always the best way to protect her son.


    So instead, she watched.


    She watched as Han grew up, as his love for basketball turned from a childhood passion into something much greater.


    She watched the way his eyes lit up when he spoke about the game, the way his hands twitched as if rehearsing plays even while he was sitting still.


    And she watched when everything changed.


    At first, it had been pride.


    When her son¡ªher Han¡ªbecame the first four-star recruit in China''s history, she had felt a warmth so deep in her chest that she thought it might never fade. The entire country celebrated him. Everyone spoke of his future, of how he would follow in Yao Ming''s footsteps.


    Then came Gonzaga.


    Liang Rui still remembered the calls, the updates, the slow shift in his tone.


    At first, he had been excited, determined.


    Then, gradually, something crept in¡ªa hesitation, a quiet frustration.


    She saw the news. The criticism. The endless wave of people who had once cheered for him now turning on him the moment things didn''t go as expected.


    She had tried not to pry.


    She had tried to trust that Han would tell her if he needed help.


    But then, one day, the call came.


    "I''m transferring."


    It wasn''t a discussion. It was a decision already made.


    She didn''t argue. She didn''t even ask why.


    Because deep down, she already knew.


    A mother always knew.


    When he left Gonzaga for Barry University, the world mocked him.


    The same people who had once called him a future NBA player now dismissed him as a failure.


    Liang Rui never did.


    She knew her son.


    She knew the way his jaw clenched when he was frustrated, the way his voice tightened when he was forcing himself to stay composed.


    And she knew that he was carrying something heavy¡ªsomething far beyond basketball.


    But she never asked.


    Because the Han that returned home during breaks was still her son.


    Wasn''t he?


    ---


    It started with the little things.


    He had always been respectful, always greeted them properly, always ate the food she prepared without complaint.


    But something about him felt... measured now.


    As if he was watching himself.


    Before, he had always let his emotions slip through. He would grumble about a bad game, roll his eyes when his father made a dry joke, laugh when she scolded him for eating too quickly.


    Now?


    His reactions were precise. Controlled.


    When she told him to eat more, he did¡ªbut without the playful pushback.


    When his father commented on a game, he responded¡ªbut without the old spark in his voice.


    When she hugged him, he returned the embrace¡ªbut she could feel it.


    The hesitation.


    The difference.


    The first time she noticed it, she brushed it off.


    The second time, she frowned.


    And by the third time, she knew¡ªthis wasn''t just in her head.


    But she said nothing.


    She didn''t know how.


    What would she even ask? Are you still my son?


    No. That was ridiculous.


    Han was still Han.


    Wasn''t he?


    ---


    She had tried to dismiss it.


    Until one day, while cleaning his old room, she found something.


    An old notebook.


    Han had never been the type to keep a diary, but he wrote¡ªscattered thoughts, sketches of plays, notes about workouts. It was nothing unusual.


    But as she flipped through it, she noticed something strange.


    The handwriting.


    At some point, it had changed.


    The early pages were written in the familiar, slightly rushed strokes she had seen all his life.


    But then, somewhere along the way, the letters became sharper. Neater. Almost as if they belonged to someone else entirely.


    She stared at the page for a long time.


    And then?


    She closed the notebook and put it back exactly where she found it.


    Because acknowledging it¡ªtruly acknowledging it¡ªmeant opening a door she wasn''t ready to face.


    ---


    The years passed.


    Han became a star.


    And still, she never asked.


    She let herself believe that maybe, just maybe, time had simply shaped him differently. That America had changed him, that life had hardened him.


    But then, one evening, when he returned home for a visit, they were sitting in the living room¡ªjust the two of them.


    She placed a plate of fruit in front of him, just like she always did.


    He huffed a small laugh. "You do this every time."


    And for a moment, she almost convinced herself that everything was normal. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But then, as he picked up a piece, she found herself watching him¡ªreally watching him.


    And before she could stop herself, the words slipped out.


    "You''ve changed."


    He stilled.


    "You''re different now," she murmured, voice softer than usual. "I barely recognize you sometimes."


    For the briefest second, something flickered across his face.


    Then it was gone.


    "You say that like it''s a bad thing," he said lightly.


    She didn''t argue.


    She just gave him that same quiet, knowing look.


    Then, with a small smile, she patted his arm and stood.


    "Get some rest."


    And just like that, the moment passed.


    She walked away.


    But as she left, she already knew¡ª


    He wouldn''t sleep that night.


    And neither would she.


    Because no matter how much she tried to ignore it¡ª


    No matter how much she told herself she was imagining things¡ª


    There was one truth she could no longer deny.


    The son that had left for America all those years ago?


    Was not the same one who had come back.


    ---


    Translator''s Note:


    This marks the beginning of Han''s acceptance arc. This will be a series of 4 or 5 Chapters throughout the Kings'' arc.


    I''ve been planning this for a while. Finally decided on this after multiple drafts.


    Big shoutout to @Rheiz, @MartialGod, and @Raid_Zulkafar for the feedback. As always I appreciate you all!

 Chapter 408: Death.

    Chapter 408 - Death.(TL/n: My bad, y''all. Ramadan started this month, and between work and classes, I''ve been struggling to find time. I''m not great at managing my schedule... but I''ll do my best to wrap this up once and for all since we''re so close to the finish line.)


    After wrapping up the postgame press conference, Han Sen returned to the locker room, only to find Dante Cunningham still there.


    "Boss, I was catching up with some of the guys in Cleveland," Cunningham said as he got up to greet Han.


    Han smirked. "How''s Nikola holding up?" His bias toward Joki? was obvious.


    Cunningham chuckled. "He''s fine, but Luka? Man, that kid looked at me like I stole something from him. Just because he lost a game? Come on. If anyone''s got deeper ties to Cleveland, it''s us¡ªnot him."


    Han chuckled. Don?i? really was shaping up to be this timeline''s version of Andrew Wiggins. If the Kings and Cavaliers met in the Finals one day, that could turn into something very interesting.


    Then Cunningham leaned in with a conspiratorial grin. "Guess who I ran into over there?"


    Han barely had a chance to guess before Cunningham answered himself. "Jason!"


    "Tatum?" Han raised an eyebrow. There were plenty of people named Jason, but from Cunningham''s expression, it was clear who he meant.


    Cunningham nodded. "Yeah, he was chatting with some of the Cavaliers'' staff¡ªlooked real familiar with them too. Caught me off guard."


    That did surprise Han. Tatum was a Duke guy. If this were Charlotte, he wouldn''t have thought twice about it. But Cleveland? That was unexpected.


    Still, Han didn''t dwell on it. His knowledge of Tatum was limited¡ªhe was a hard worker, sure, but Han hadn''t spent enough time with him to know the deeper layers.


    ---


    The next day, the Kings returned to Sacramento.


    Their season had started on the road, but now they had back-to-back home games. No travel. No time-zone adjustments. Just pure basketball.


    Han spent the day training at his estate.


    Since purchasing the property, he had made a few modifications¡ªadding both indoor and outdoor courts near the castle-like mansion.


    Midway through his workout, Rondo arrived.


    In a hurry.


    Han immediately stopped, wiping sweat from his forehead as he walked over.


    Rondo was rarely urgent. Even when there was something to discuss, he usually waited in the living room until Han finished training.


    Something was wrong.


    "Henry passed away."


    The weight of those words hit instantly.


    Han''s expression turned solemn.


    Henry Thomas¡ªhis agent for nearly a decade¡ªwas gone.


    Han had known Thomas wasn''t in the best shape. After finalizing Han''s transfer to Sacramento over the summer, his health had taken a downturn.


    Born in 1953, Thomas was only 64. Not that old by modern standards. Han had grown up in a world where retirement age was 65.


    But the stress of being an agent was relentless. The pressure, the late nights, the constant negotiations¡ªit all took a toll.


    Han had advised Thomas to take a step back, to focus on his health.


    But he never expected this.


    "When''s the funeral?" Han asked.


    "Two days from now," Rondo said. "It''s on the same day as our game against the Jazz."


    Han didn''t hesitate.


    He called Lue immediately.


    "I''m sitting this one out."


    ---


    Two days later, Han was in Chicago.


    Thomas had been born and raised there, and it was only fitting that his funeral was held in a church in his hometown.


    The moment Han stepped inside, he saw familiar faces everywhere.


    Dwyane Wade. Chris Bosh. Shaun Livingston.


    Even retired players like Michael Finley and Larry Hughes had shown up.


    Thomas had built a reputation as one of the most respected agents in the business. Every player he had represented¡ªpast or present¡ªhad nothing but good things to say about him.


    So when Han arrived?


    All eyes naturally turned to him.


    No matter where he went, he was always the center of attention.


    Han greeted those he knew, shaking hands, exchanging quiet words. But when he ran into Wade, their conversation lasted longer.


    They reminisced. About basketball. About life.


    About how fleeting it all was.


    There was something about funerals that made people reflect more deeply.


    For Han, who had already experienced death once, the weight of it all hit even harder.


    When the speeches began, Han hadn''t expected to see Wade step up to the podium.


    But there he was.


    And as he spoke about Thomas, tears welled in his eyes.


    Thomas hadn''t just been an agent to Wade¡ªhe had been a mentor. A father figure.


    The emotions in the room were palpable.


    When the ceremony concluded, the casket was sealed, and the funeral procession moved to the cemetery.


    Unlike some American funerals that took different approaches, this was a traditional burial.


    A final blessing from the priest.


    Flowers tossed onto the casket.


    Then, the slow process of lowering it into the earth.


    As Han stood in silence, watching it all unfold, he felt someone step up beside him.


    It was Larry Hughes.


    ---


    Han hadn''t interacted much with him over the years. By the time Han entered the league, Hughes'' playing days were numbered.


    To Han, Hughes was mostly a relic of NBA history.


    The guy who had been an All-Defensive player and a steals leader¡ªonly to look completely out of place when he joined the LeBron-era Cavaliers.


    But right now?


    Hughes wasn''t here as an old player.


    He was here as someone who had lost a friend.


    "Man," Hughes muttered, eyes fixed on the grave. "Henry was a good one."


    Han nodded. "Yeah. He really was."


    A beat of silence passed.


    Then Hughes said something that caught Han off guard.


    "How''s Jason holding up?"


    Han turned slightly, confused.


    Hughes must have caught it, because he immediately clarified.


    "I''m his godfather."


    That made Han pause.


    In the U.S., a lot of NBA players had mentor figures¡ªpeople who guided them through basketball, through life.


    Some were family.


    Some were youth coaches.


    Some were former players.


    For Tatum, that figure had been Larry Hughes.


    His father, Justin, had been high school teammates with Hughes. They had even played in a band together before their paths diverged¡ªJustin fading into obscurity, while Hughes made it to the NBA.


    Naturally, Hughes had taken on the role of guiding Tatum toward the league.


    And suddenly?


    Cunningham''s story about Tatum being familiar with Cleveland''s staff made perfect sense.


    Hughes had played multiple seasons with the Cavaliers.


    Tatum, as a kid, would''ve had access to everything.


    Locker rooms. Practices. Team events.


    It wasn''t random. It wasn''t weird.


    It was just a connection Han hadn''t known about.


    Han considered his words before responding.


    "He works hard," he finally said.


    Because truthfully? That was all he really knew about Tatum.


    Compared to the other young guys on the team, Tatum was the most distant. Not unfriendly¡ªjust... separate.


    But one thing was clear.


    Tatum never slacked.


    He was always in the gym an hour before practice.


    That was something Han could respect.


    "He''s got the right mindset," Hughes added. "That kid''s got the purest love for the game. He''ll do anything to win."


    Han gave a noncommittal nod.


    Not agreeing. Not disagreeing.


    Just letting Hughes say his piece.


    And as they stood there, watching the final shovels of dirt cover the casket, Han exhaled.


    This was life.


    Unpredictable. Unforgiving.


    And death?


    Death was the one thing that never played favorites.


    ---


    After returning from Chicago, Han Sen had one immediate issue to address¡ªhis new agent.


    The moment news broke of Henry Thomas'' passing, every top sports agent in the industry had reached out through various means, all hoping to secure a meeting.


    Han wasn''t just the greatest player of his era¡ªhe was the greatest in NBA history. Representing him would be the pinnacle of any agent''s career.


    And these agents weren''t wrong to act fast. The sooner they got to Han, the better their chances.


    But Han?


    He had no intention of choosing any of them.


    It wasn''t that he disliked their approach. It was simply that he had already made plans for this long before Thomas'' passing.


    After so many years in the league, Han had built his own circle of trusted people.


    At the center of it?


    Chris Rondo.


    And beyond Rondo, two familiar names from his Barry University days¡ªWill Atkinson and Aaron O''Neal.


    Atkinson was sharp, quick-witted. Han had placed him in a role at Under Armour, letting him learn the ins and outs of business operations. Over the years, Atkinson had been involved in several of Han''s endorsement deals.


    O''Neal, on the other hand, was quieter, more meticulous. He wasn''t flashy, but he was reliable. Han had placed him under Thomas'' wing to gain experience, knowing that one day he might take over.


    And in recent months, as Thomas'' health declined, O''Neal had already begun handling some of Han''s affairs behind the scenes.


    Now, with Thomas gone, promoting O''Neal to full-time agent was the natural decision.


    But when the news broke?


    It sent shockwaves through the industry.


    "Han''s a great player, but he''s not a great businessman."


    "Thomas protected him from a lot. Without him, Han''s influence will start to fade."


    "He''s no different from Michael¡ªjust another superstar who only trusts his inner circle."


    Bitter words from agents who had been shut out.


    Some of the gossip made its way back to Han, but he barely acknowledged it.


    At the end of the day, this was simple.


    It wasn''t about hiring the most qualified person.


    It was about trust.


    Just like in ancient times, when a royal guard''s most important trait wasn''t skill¡ªit was loyalty.


    With the power and leverage Han had? He could have made O''Neal''s grandmother his agent, and it wouldn''t have mattered.


    Major endorsement contracts? Han handled those himself.


    Besides, it wasn''t as if veteran agents were foolproof¡ªjust this past summer, Tim Duncan had been swindled out of $25 million by his own agent.


    And as for O''Neal being a rookie in the business?


    That was never the issue.


    Rich Paul had been a rookie once, too.


    When a player''s stature reached a certain level, their agent became a superstar by association.


    And sure enough, O''Neal wasted no time proving himself.


    Not long after taking over, he finalized a long-anticipated deal¡ªHan Sen became the North American ambassador for TikTok.


    ---


    TikTok had emerged from ByteDance, a Chinese tech giant, after acquiring the U.S.-based Musical.ly. Now, they were launching their platform in the West.


    And before their official release, they had one goal¡ªsign Han Sen.


    No one fit the brand better.


    But negotiations had dragged on for months, partly because of Thomas'' health, and partly because Han had been seeking an equity stake.


    Once O''Neal took over, the deal was closed.


    Han signed a 5-year, $50 million endorsement contract.


    More importantly?


    He secured 2% ownership of TikTok. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Compared to the cash, that equity was what mattered most.


    TikTok operated on a shareholder model. ByteDance retained roughly 40%, while the rest was split among investors¡ªmany of whom held even smaller stakes than Han''s 2%.


    And since this was real equity¡ªnot just a marketing gimmick¡ªHan would receive annual dividends as long as he held onto it.


    This was a deal on the same level as Jordan''s partnership with Nike or Han''s under-the-table agreement with Vivek Ranadiv¨¦.


    A true long-term collaboration.


    Could he have negotiated for more? Probably.


    But agreeing to the deal early also served another purpose¡ªit was O''Neal''s first major transaction, a way to establish credibility in the business world.


    Shortly after the contract was signed, Han created his official TikTok account, posting clips from his daily life.


    Back in Cleveland, he had engaged with fans through radio shows.


    But times had changed.


    Social media was the new frontier.


    For fans, downloading TikTok wasn''t a big deal.


    For many, it was a relief¡ªa fresh alternative to Facebook and Twitter, platforms stuck in the past.


    Within days, TikTok became the most-downloaded app in the U.S.


    And Han?


    His influence had never been clearer.


    ---


    Han had always been forward-thinking with his finances.


    The TikTok deal wasn''t just another endorsement¡ªit was equity, ownership, a long-term stake in something bigger. It was the kind of move that separated athletes who made millions from those who built generational wealth.


    And it wasn''t his only play.


    Sitting in his hotel room, scrolling through his phone, Han''s mind drifted. He had Chris Rondo managing his financial projects, real estate investments piling up, and an eventual goal of owning an NBA team.


    Every move had to be strategic.


    That was when a headline caught his eye.


    "Bitcoin hits $10,000 for the first time."


    Han froze.


    His brain clicked.


    How the hell did he forget?


    He came from the future. He knew exactly how big Bitcoin would get. He had watched it skyrocket during the pandemic, saw people make absurd amounts of money just by holding onto it.


    And yet, somehow, in the chaos of building a dynasty, moving teams, winning championships, he had completely missed his window to invest early.


    It wasn''t too late, though.


    2018 still had time. The biggest surges were yet to come. He didn''t need to go crazy with it¡ªjust enough to make sure he had a serious stake in the game.


    Pulling up his contacts, he immediately called Chris Rondo.


    "Chris, we need to move some money into Bitcoin."


    Chris, always calm under pressure, barely reacted. "How much are we talking?"


    Han exhaled, calculating. If he were thinking ahead to his end goal¡ªNBA ownership¡ªthis could be a shortcut.


    "A hundred million."


    For the first time, Chris hesitated. "...Dollars?"


    "Yes."


    A long pause. Then, a slow whistle. "That''s a serious bet, man."


    Han smirked. "I already know how it ends."


    Chris chuckled. "Alright, I''ll get it set up. You better not be messing with me."


    "I never mess with money."


    That part was true.


    As soon as the call ended, Han sat back, phone still in hand.


    In his past life, he had never had the money to make a move like this. He had watched the market explode from the sidelines, knowing he''d never have a shot at that kind of wealth.


    But this wasn''t his past life.


    This time, he was playing the game right.


    ---


    Of course, all of this was just a footnote.


    Han''s focus remained on the Kings.


    And while he had been away?


    Sacramento had lost to the Jazz 103-113.


    Mitchell struggled¡ª17 points, 5-for-17 shooting.


    Scoring consistency had been an issue for him last season. That hadn''t changed.


    On the other hand, Tatum had bounced back, leading the team with 20 points on 8-for-15 shooting.


    But there was no time to dwell on the loss.


    The next day, Han was back in the lineup for their home game against Portland.


    The Trail Blazers, led by Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, were a tough matchup.


    The game was a battle from start to finish.


    But with 47 points from Han, the Kings secured a 126-121 victory.


    Mitchell also rebounded from his poor showing¡ª24 points, 9-for-14 shooting.


    Tatum, however? 9 points on 3-for-7 shooting.


    And as the Kings wrapped up their first three games of the season...


    An unexpected trend emerged.


    Tatum¡ªsupposedly the perfect off-ball complement to Han¡ªwas struggling.


    Whenever he played alongside Han, his impact faded.


    It wasn''t just a slump.


    It was something deeper.


    Something Han hadn''t anticipated.


    There was no chemistry.


    As if the two simply didn''t fit together.


    Even Han hadn''t seen this coming.

 Chapter 409: Triggering Tatum.

    Chapter 409 - Triggering Tatum.Han Sen hadn''t been paying much attention to Jayson Tatum. That was Lue''s job, after all.


    But after watching him play against the Bucks, Han had to admit¡ªthis was getting ridiculous.


    Milwaukee''s biggest change this season was at head coach. Mike Budenholzer had replaced Jason Kidd, and the difference was immediate.


    Under Budenholzer, the Bucks had started the season with four straight wins, sitting atop the Eastern Conference ahead of teams like the Celtics, Sixers, and Cavaliers.


    His in-game adjustments weren''t elite, but when it came to maximizing Giannis Antetokounmpo''s potential? He was damn good at it.


    And somehow, Giannis had even developed a reliable jump shot.


    That alone made him nearly impossible to guard.


    Playing on the road, the Kings struggled early.


    Han''s improved wingspan helped him match up against wings, but even with that, Giannis was a different beast.


    Sacramento''s two bigs had no answer for him¡ªSabonis couldn''t keep up with his speed, and Cauley-Stein got physically overwhelmed.


    By the second half, Lue had no choice but to go small.


    Han and Mitchell took over on offense, and the Kings finally started clawing back.


    But Budenholzer wasn''t like Malone.


    He didn''t get baited into playing small-ball.


    Instead, he stuck to his advantage inside, keeping the game tight.


    And this was where the problem with Tatum became impossible to ignore.


    Defensively, he was fine¡ªactive, disciplined, willing to do the dirty work.


    But on offense?


    His confidence was nonexistent.


    Time and time again, he passed up open shots. Even when he had a clean look, he hesitated. And in situations where he should''ve shot without a second thought, he deferred, forcing the ball to a teammate instead.


    Han couldn''t tell if it was a lack of confidence or some misguided attempt to look more unselfish.


    Either way, it was hurting the team.


    Han dropped 20 in the fourth, but the Kings were fighting uphill the entire way. Their struggles in the paint, plus the hole they dug early, proved too much to overcome.


    Sacramento took the loss.


    Final record after four games?


    2-2.


    It was early in the season. A .500 record shouldn''t have been a big deal.


    But this was Han Sen.


    This was the Kings, the team he had chosen.


    The backlash was instant.


    "The Kings are never going to be relevant, not even if God himself played for them!"


    "Han made the worst decision of his career. He should''ve just retired like Michael and come back later."


    "Han is ruining Tatum and Mitchell. Young players need touches to develop, but Han is stealing all their opportunities."


    The hate came in waves.


    And Han?


    He let it roll in.


    Because hate fueled the system.


    With all the backlash piling up, he reopened the system menu and went straight to the attribute store.


    If the team was struggling, there was only one thing he could do¡ªget better.


    And with him playing more at small forward, there was an obvious choice.


    Height.


    Unlike wingspan, increasing height required significantly more hater points. And it wasn''t as simple as "taller is always better."


    A taller frame meant a higher dribble point. It affected mobility, balance, and every shooting motion he had perfected over years.


    So Han made a calculated decision¡ªhe raised his barefoot height from 6''6" (198 cm) to 6''7.25" (201 cm).


    It cost him 30 million hater points.


    But in today''s NBA?


    That was the perfect height for a small forward.


    And the best part?


    NBA height listings were a mess.


    Some players were measured barefoot, others in shoes. That''s why LeBron had somehow "grown" from 6''8" (203 cm) to 6''9" (206 cm) over the years.


    Han''s change wouldn''t raise any red flags.


    Nobody was about to drag him into a lab for genetic testing.


    Just like before, after activating the upgrade, he passed out.


    And when he woke up?


    His entire body ached.


    It felt like he had run a marathon the night before.


    But unlike when he increased his wingspan, this change wasn''t as noticeable in daily life.


    An extra inch or so didn''t feel dramatic.


    Still, when he measured himself?


    The numbers didn''t lie.


    And on the court, everyone was about to notice the difference.


    ---


    Back in Sacramento, the Kings prepared for their next home game.


    And this one?


    It wasn''t just any game.


    It was against the Warriors.


    Divac had said it before¡ªSacramento and San Francisco weren''t technically the same city, but they might as well be.


    This was a rivalry.


    And Golden State?


    They were rolling.


    The Warriors had the best record in the West, sitting above the Pelicans and Rockets.


    Paul George had proven to be the perfect fit, seamlessly integrating into their system. In fact, he was making a case that he was the second-best small forward for their scheme¡ªonly behind Durant.


    And then there was Kevon Looney.


    Originally, Looney had been billed as a Durant-type player¡ªa skilled wing with shot-creating ability.


    But this was reality.


    There was only one Kevin Durant.


    And after undergoing knee surgery early in his career, Looney''s mobility had taken a hit.


    Eventually, he reinvented himself.


    He bulked up. Shifted into a full-time big.


    Now?


    He was thriving as a mobile rim protector. At 6''9" (206 cm) with a 7''4" (224 cm) wingspan, he provided exactly what the Warriors needed.


    This game wasn''t just another test.


    If Sacramento lost, they''d drop below .500.


    And worse?


    Kings fans might start looking toward Oakland instead.


    But if they won?


    They''d flip the narrative.


    The energy inside Golden 1 Center was electric.


    The crowd wasn''t just at full capacity¡ªthey were on fire.


    And as soon as the game tipped off?


    Han made his presence felt.


    Three extra centimeters didn''t seem like much in front of a mirror.


    But in a game?


    It made all the difference.


    George noticed it immediately.


    Before, he had a slight size advantage against Han. Now? That was gone.


    He used to be able to focus purely on Han''s movements, anticipating his attacks.


    But now?


    Han was simply overpowering him.


    After getting called for a foul, George finally spoke up.


    "Did you grow?"


    Han grinned.


    "You tell me."


    George shook his head, muttering under his breath.


    Whatever it was, Han felt stronger, faster, harder to guard.


    And he showed it.


    By the end of the first quarter, Han had 22 points.


    The Kings?


    They put up 38, leading the Warriors by double digits.


    Heading into the second quarter, Golden State adjusted.


    Kerr stopped leaving George on an island.


    Now, they were sending double teams.


    George and Draymond Green, trapping Han aggressively.


    And just like against Milwaukee, a familiar issue arose.


    Tatum hesitated.


    With two defenders on Han, open looks were everywhere.


    But Tatum wasn''t taking them.


    Instead of punishing the defense, he played passively.


    And that?


    Allowed the Warriors to claw back.


    By halftime, the game was tied¡ª62-62.


    Everything would come down to the second half.


    ---


    Before heading back to the locker room, Han Sen gave a quick on-court interview.


    But the moment he stepped inside?


    His eyes locked onto Jayson Tatum, who was casually chatting and laughing with Buddy Hield like nothing had happened.


    Without hesitation, Han yanked off his jersey and tossed it right in front of Tatum. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "If I had known you were too damn scared to even take a shot, I would''ve told them to send your ass to Cleveland."


    The locker room fell into complete silence.


    Tatum gripped the bench beneath him, his fingers tightening. His face was flushed¡ªangry, embarrassed¡ªbut he didn''t dare talk back. Not to Han.


    Han didn''t bother looking at him again. He just sat down in front of his locker, unbothered.


    No one else spoke.


    Nobody was stupid enough to get in the middle of this.


    Then, the door opened¡ªLue and Van Gundy walked in.


    Lue immediately noticed the tension. He might not have known the exact details, but one glance at Tatum''s red face told him enough.


    Truthfully, Tatum''s issue wasn''t just about struggling.


    It wasn''t even about missing shots.


    It was about not taking them at all.


    Lue cleared his throat, signaling Van Gundy to go over the second-half adjustments. Then, he subtly gestured for Tatum to step outside with him.


    ---


    The Warriors came out swinging in the third quarter, going straight to their signature Death Lineup.


    Lue responded in kind¡ªsmall-ball for small-ball.


    First possession?


    Steph Curry wasted no time. Quick release. Money from three.


    Warriors struck first.


    But on the other end?


    Han Sen went right at Paul George, using a sharp crossover to break past him before absorbing Draymond Green''s contact and finishing the and-one.


    Draymond had already struggled to defend Han before.


    Now, with Han''s added height and reach? It was even harder.


    More importantly?


    Han had gotten his second wind over halftime.


    Kerr saw it and immediately signaled for more traps.


    The next time Han drove inside, three defenders collapsed on him.


    But he didn''t force it.


    Instead, he kicked it out¡ªstraight to the open man.


    Tatum.


    For a split second, Tatum hesitated.


    Not because he was scared.


    But because he was surprised.


    After what Han had just said to him in the locker room, why the hell was he still passing him the ball?


    But this time?


    He didn''t hesitate.


    Tatum wasn''t scared to shoot. He was never scared to shoot.


    He just needed to prove it.


    His release wasn''t the fastest, but with how much defensive attention Han drew, the Warriors couldn''t rotate in time.


    Swish.


    Tatum drained it.


    He glanced toward Han instinctively¡ªlooking for some kind of reaction.


    But Han had already turned and was jogging back on defense.


    No acknowledgment.


    No celebration.


    Nothing.


    Tatum clenched his fist.


    So that''s how it was.


    ---


    On the next play, George caught the ball in the corner, faked a shot, and drove baseline.


    Tatum had been caught leaning¡ªGeorge got past him.


    But just as George rose up for a dunk¡ª


    Tatum came flying in from behind.


    His timing was perfect.


    He swatted the ball off the glass with authority.


    The crowd erupted.


    One possession¡ªone three, one chase-down block.


    The difference from the first half was night and day.


    Tatum let out a roar, letting all that pent-up frustration out.


    Again, he turned instinctively toward Han.


    And again?


    Han wasn''t looking.


    It only made Tatum more determined.


    The game had shifted.


    With Mitchell, Hield, Tatum, Sabonis, and Han on the floor, all four Kings outside of Han could shoot.


    Especially Hield¡ªhis gravity alone forced weak-side defenders to stick to him.


    That left Tatum operating in the strong-side wing.


    And now that he was willing to shoot?


    Golden State''s defense had a problem.


    Han drove again, drawing the trap.


    The pass went to Tatum.


    Klay Thompson sprinted over to contest.


    But instead of rushing the shot, Tatum stayed composed.


    He pump-faked, watched Klay fly past, then exploded toward the rim.


    Draymond was locked in on Han¡ªhe wasn''t in position to help.


    That left only Looney.


    A half-step late on the rotation.


    And it wasn''t enough.


    Tatum took off early.


    Extended his arm high.


    And threw it down hard.


    BOOM.


    Poster.


    Tatum baptized Looney.


    The arena exploded.


    This?


    This was the version of Jayson Tatum Kings fans had been waiting for.


    For weeks, they had heard the criticism.


    Luka Don?i?, the rookie the Kings didn''t draft, had already posted a 30-point game against the Spurs.


    Sure, playing with Jokic helped.


    Jokic was the kind of player who could make anyone look good¡ªeven a washed-up version of Westbrook could shine next to him.


    But none of that mattered to the fans.


    All they saw was that Luka was thriving in Cleveland.


    And Tatum?


    Tatum had struggled.


    Some had even started saying the Kings should''ve kept Don?i? and traded Tatum instead.


    But now?


    Now, they were seeing exactly why Sacramento had chosen him.


    For the first time all night, Han looked at Tatum.


    Not in celebration.


    Not with praise.


    Just acknowledgment.


    And deep down, Han couldn''t help but think¡ª


    Why does it always take yelling at him for him to play like this?

 Chapter 410: The Deepest Connection.

    Chapter 410 - The Deepest Connection.Once Tatum finally played up to his potential, fans got their first real glimpse of the Kings'' true strength.


    Or more accurately¡ªtheir firepower.


    With Han Sen, Donovan Mitchell, and Jayson Tatum relentlessly attacking the Warriors'' interior, Golden State''s defense had its hands full. They couldn''t collapse fast enough, they couldn''t rotate fast enough.


    And with the Warriors scrambling, Buddy Hield found his rhythm from deep, drilling threes at will.


    Of course, the Warriors weren''t the top seed in the West for nothing.


    With Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Paul George leading their offense, their firepower was just as overwhelming.


    For fans in Golden 1 Center¡ªand even for those Warriors fans who had driven down from the Bay Area¡ªthis game was turning into a classic.


    A shootout.


    The third quarter was a battle.


    By the fourth quarter?


    Still dead even.


    With one minute left on the clock, the score was tied¡ª135-135. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The crowd was on fire.


    And in that final minute, everybody in the building understood why Han Sen was the greatest player in NBA history.


    It wasn''t just about his scoring.


    It wasn''t just about his championships.


    It was about this.


    Winning time.


    When other players hesitated, Han closed.


    - Curry hit a deep three? Han answered immediately with one of his own.


    - Warriors tried to tighten up their defense? Han cut through them off the ball, drew a foul on Draymond, and sent him to the bench with six fouls.


    - Game on the line? Han called his own number, got to his spot, and buried the dagger mid-range jumper.


    The final buzzer sounded.


    Kings 142, Warriors 137.


    Golden 1 Center erupted.


    This was their first time witnessing a game-winning performance like this.


    Before tonight, Kings fans had only heard about Han''s clutch dominance.


    Before tonight, even when he was an opponent, they never got to see this version of him¡ªbecause the Kings never played in games that mattered.


    Now?


    Now, they had Han Sen.


    Now, they had hope.


    The Kings players rushed Han in celebration.


    Even Tatum, who had spent the first half getting publicly humiliated in the locker room, was screaming in excitement.


    ---


    Postgame Press Conference


    Han and Tatum sat together at the podium.


    Han? 54 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists.


    Tatum? 26 points¡ªa season high, with 18 in the second half.


    When asked about Tatum''s performance, Han didn''t hold back.


    "Jayson played an aggressive game. I''ve always believed he was the best player from the 2017 draft class. He''s going to be an All-Star."


    Tatum''s eyes widened.


    Just a few hours ago, this same guy had thrown his jersey at him, called him soft, and humiliated him in front of the entire team.


    And now?


    Now he was hyping him up?


    Tatum quickly adjusted his expression and gave his own response.


    "I just realized I needed to be more decisive and aggressive. The most important thing is¡ªwe won."


    After the conference ended, Han noticed Tatum hadn''t followed him out.


    But he didn''t care.


    Like he had told Lue before¡ªhe didn''t care what Tatum thought of him.


    As long as Tatum played up to his potential, that was all that mattered.


    That was the biggest change in Han Sen.


    Back in his early years, when he wasn''t the best player yet, he had to work hard to keep teammates engaged¡ªeven the difficult ones.


    Now?


    Now, he didn''t need to beg anyone to do their jobs.


    He wasn''t arrogant.


    He still treated Joki? and Mitchell warmly, because they deserved it.


    But for guys like Tatum?


    He wasn''t about to waste time playing babysitter.


    That was Lue''s job now.


    ---


    The Warriors loss was a headline-maker.


    And, in typical fashion, the media did what they always did¡ªexaggerate.


    Yesterday?


    The Kings were a doomed franchise.


    Today?


    "Are the Kings the Best Team in the West?"


    "Han Sen and Sacramento Just Passed the Warriors, Pelicans, and Rockets as the Title Favorites!"


    Of course, most fans weren''t buying that hype.


    But one stat stood out.


    Han had played four out of five games.


    In those four games?


    Two 50+ point performances. One 60-point game. Averaging 52 points per game.


    It was insane.


    Sure, it was early in the season and the sample size was small.


    And because it wasn''t back-to-back 50-point games, it didn''t feel as dramatic.


    But still¡ª


    52 points per game.


    That was historic.


    ---


    Time flew by, and by mid-December, over a month of NBA basketball had already been played.


    And in that month?


    The way fans viewed the game had been completely shaken.


    Once upon a time, a 130+ point game was a rarity¡ªsomething you''d see only a handful of times per season.


    Now?


    It had become commonplace.


    The rule change that shortened the offensive rebound shot clock from 24 to 14 seconds seemed minor on the surface.


    But in practice?


    It had completely transformed how teams approached the game.


    Originally, basketball didn''t even have a shot clock.


    Even today, the NCAA still uses a 40-second shot clock, which allows teams to drain time by passing the ball aimlessly when holding a lead.


    The NBA''s 24-second rule was meant to balance the game¡ªgiving teams just enough time to run two full plays per possession if necessary.


    It''s why clutch shots are typically taken with 10 seconds or less on the clock.


    But now, with the second-chance clock cut to 14 seconds, offenses had only two options:


    1. Execute a successful play immediately.


    2. Run two quick plays in rapid succession.


    In theory, option #1 was ideal.


    But in reality?


    Coaches couldn''t guarantee it¡ªbecause defenses could read and disrupt set plays.


    As a result, teams started simplifying their offenses¡ªrelying more on:


    - Pick-and-rolls


    - Mismatch isolations


    - Off-ball three-point shooting


    And this didn''t just impact second-chance possessions.


    Teams didn''t train their offenses to only focus on second chances¡ªthey adjusted their entire game plan.


    So what happened?


    1. Simplified plays ¡ú More possessions.


    2. More possessions ¡ú Faster pace.


    3. Faster pace ¡ú A league-wide scoring explosion.


    For nearly two decades, the 10th highest scorer in the NBA averaged 23 to 24 points per game.


    This season?


    The 10th highest scorer¡ªDamian Lillard¡ªwas averaging 26.0 PPG.


    The last time scoring jumped this much in a single season?


    2004-05.


    That was the year the no-hand-check rule was introduced¡ªcompletely altering perimeter defense.


    And at the top?


    It was pure madness.


    ---


    3rd Place ¨C Russell Westbrook


    Westbrook was playing at a level that shattered what people thought was possible.


    - 31.6 PPG


    - 10.7 RPG


    - 10.4 APG


    Averaging a triple-double for the third straight season.


    And in doing so?


    He broke LeBron fans.


    The same LeBron fans who spent years pushing the "all-around" narrative suddenly had no argument left.


    Because Westbrook had just proven that if a player was given enough ball dominance, they could put up better box scores than Jordan himself.


    2nd Place ¨C James Harden


    Harden had become a basketball scientist.


    - 36.0 PPG


    - 11 free throws per game (88% FT)


    - 13.2 three-point attempts per game (36.8%)


    Those two stats alone?


    They accounted for 25 points per game.


    Individually, neither was unheard of.


    - Corey Maggette & Allen Iverson had lived at the free-throw line.


    - Steph Curry & Damian Lillard had jacked up threes at a high volume.


    But combining both into one playstyle?


    It was unprecedented.


    And yet¡ªHarden still wasn''t the scoring leader.


    Because the top spot?


    That belonged to him.


    1st Place ¨C Han Sen (40.6 PPG)


    Han was averaging 40.6 points per game.


    For context¡ª


    In 2005-06, when Kobe Bryant went on his legendary scoring run (9 straight 40+ point games, 4 50+ point games), the media ran headlines like:


    "Kobe only scores 40."


    It was insane.


    And now?


    That was exactly what was happening with Han Sen.


    Whenever Han dropped under 40, it was a story¡ªbecause it was dragging his average down.


    ---


    Despite Han''s dominance, the Kings weren''t running away with the conference.


    Their record?


    14-8.


    Fourth in the West¡ªbehind the Warriors, Pelicans, and Rockets.


    Basketball wasn''t a one-man sport.


    And Sacramento had plenty of problems:


    - Mitchell''s inconsistency


    - Sabonis struggling against physical bigs


    - Cauley-Stein''s mental lapses


    - No reliable backup point guard


    But the biggest issue?


    Jayson Tatum.


    ---


    Tatum''s breakout against the Warriors had given fans hope.


    But since then?


    He had faded back into mediocrity.


    Yes, his shot selection had improved¡ªbut he felt more and more like an empty-calorie player.


    He could do everything:


    - Dribble


    - Pass


    - Shoot


    - Defend


    But at the same time?


    He had no go-to move.


    - Mediocre athleticism.


    - Slow first step.


    - Inconsistent jumper.


    - Lack of playmaking creativity.


    And worst of all?


    He and Han had zero chemistry.


    ---


    As the season progressed, Han started having flashbacks¡ª


    It felt like his rookie season all over again.


    Except this time?


    It wasn''t LeBron.


    It was Tatum.


    And the constant comparisons to Luka Don?i? weren''t helping.


    After getting unceremoniously fired, former Kings GM Vlade Divac had exposed some behind-the-scenes drama.


    One of the bombshells?


    The trade negotiations with Cleveland.


    Divac had originally wanted to trade Tatum.


    But Han had chosen to send Don?i? instead.


    And now?


    Luka had taken full advantage of Dejounte Murray''s injury¡ªthriving in Cleveland alongside Joki?.


    His numbers?


    - 21.2 PPG


    - 7.2 RPG


    - 6.4 APG


    He had already won Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month.


    Tatum''s only advantage over Luka?


    His age.


    Which meant one thing.


    Han had made a mistake.


    But did Han care?


    Not really.


    He had chosen Sacramento knowing it wouldn''t be easy.


    If one month in, the entire team had magically become contenders overnight¡ª


    That wouldn''t be realistic.


    Even Joki? had taken three years to become a franchise player.


    If Han had been impatient, he would''ve just forced Divac to trade for Kawhi.


    ---


    That day, Han Sen received an unexpected visitor at his estate¡ªLarry Hughes, whom he had briefly met at Henry Thomas'' funeral.


    Back then, Han had barely listened to Hughes'' praises, letting them go in one ear and out the other. But out of courtesy, he had given him his contact information.


    Now?


    Hughes had come all the way to Sacramento after hearing about Tatum''s struggles with the Kings.


    It was clear¡ªHughes took his role as Tatum''s mentor very seriously.


    At first, Han wasn''t planning to meet Hughes.


    He was busy.


    Literally.


    Ever since he had decided to become an NBA owner after retirement, he had been making moves off the court, expanding his business interests.


    Most players waited until the final years of their careers before preparing for life after basketball.


    Han wasn''t like most players.


    Even in the best-case scenario, his Kings'' ownership stake would only be worth around $1 billion by the time he retired¡ªnot nearly enough to buy a franchise.


    So right now?


    Han was living the life of a working-class American¡ªexcept his version of "multiple jobs" involved dominating on the court and handling multi-million-dollar investments.


    His real estate empire was expanding¡ªhigh-end properties in Los Angeles, commercial real estate in Miami, and a developing project in Shanghai.


    His endorsement portfolio had grown beyond sneakers and sports brands¡ªhe had stakes in TikTok, growing influence in tech, and was quietly making moves in the private equity space.


    And after securing a massive Bitcoin investment earlier in the year, he had doubled down¡ªallocating even more funds to crypto and blockchain ventures, positioning himself for the next financial wave before the mainstream caught up.


    With all of that in motion?


    A conversation about Jayson Tatum wasn''t exactly at the top of his priorities.


    But when Hughes mentioned that he had important information about Tatum, Han decided to make time.


    The two met in the grand living room of Han''s estate, by the fireplace.


    Sacramento wasn''t a northern city like Cleveland¡ªit didn''t get that cold.


    But with Christmas approaching, this was as close to winter weather as it got.


    Hughes got straight to the point.


    "I spoke with Jayson. He''s just immature, that''s all."


    Han waved a hand dismissively.


    He''d heard that excuse before.


    Lue had said the same thing.


    And yet?


    Tatum was already a father¡ªhe wasn''t some naive kid anymore.


    Hughes immediately noticed Han''s reaction.


    After a brief pause, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a photo.


    Han took it, glancing down.


    And for a moment?


    He froze.


    It was an old picture¡ªa young boy, about 8 or 9 years old, dressed in a Kobe Bryant All-Star jersey (No. 8).


    It was clearly Tatum.


    But the person standing next to him?


    He looked younger, less polished¡ªbut still instantly recognizable.


    Han had never seen this version of him before.


    But there was no mistaking it.


    LeBron James.