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.