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.