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—prompted 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 3–1 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—not 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.