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.
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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.