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—it was all for the show, with each playing their role.