Chapter 272: The True Primary Ball Handler.
The American Airlines Arena was electric that night.
Even though it was just a regular-season game, the excitement among Heat fans mirrored that of Knicks fans years ago—when there's a chance to watch the home team finally defeat the man who has tormented them for years, it's an opportunity no one wants to miss.
Sitting courtside was Heat president Pat Riley, the man most eager for this game.
Back when he was a coach, he had no answer for Jordan. And as an executive, he'd been unable to overcome Han Sen. If Han hadn't been traded by the Grizzlies, Riley would've retired last summer.
But this year? This year, there was no excuse for the Heat to lose to this Cavaliers team.
If they did, Riley might as well retire on the spot and hang Han Sen's No. 77 jersey in the rafters alongside Jordan's, as he once did for MJ.
Because it was a marquee matchup, the TNT trio was there to broadcast it live.
During pregame predictions, both Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith favored the Heat. Even Charles Barkley, who usually backed Han Sen, tempered his tone:
"Han has burned a lot of energy over the past week. For the Cavs to win tonight, they'll need to play above themselves."
As Barkley spoke, the cameras cut to Han Sen warming up.
He was cracking his knuckles, but unlike what many expected, his expression wasn't tense. He looked relaxed and eager.