Chapter 281: Noah’s Breaking Point.
After Han Sen nailed that floater, the Cavaliers took the lead for the first time that night.
Even as Thibodeau's "Jordan Rules" defense zeroed in on him, Han Sen carried the team, scoring Cleveland's first 10 points while his teammates struggled to find their rhythm.
When he stepped up to the free-throw line, the arena erupted in chants of "MVP! MVP!"
It wasn't the first time Han had heard that since returning to Cleveland, but it was the first time the chants echoed through Quicken Loans Arena in the playoffs—something the city hadn't experienced in five long years.
"This year's Bulls are strong," Shaquille O'Neal said from the commentary booth. "But they're still not on the Cavaliers' level."
Shaq's voice carried a weight of nostalgia. Five years ago, he sat on that same Cavaliers bench with Han, dressed in suits, both injured, as they watched their team face the Bulls in the first round.
Times had changed. Han was still wearing the Cavs' jersey, but Shaq had traded his seat on the bench for a spot at the TNT commentary table.
Han sank the free throw, pushing the score to 11-8.
The defensive chants boomed again, and the Cleveland faithful showed no signs of quieting down.
The Bulls' offense stalled once more.
Back on offense, Han signaled for a pick-and-roll with Garnett, eliciting another roar from the crowd.