Chapter 359: The Breaking Point.
"This will be the craziest day in Cleveland."
That was the headline from the Cleveland Plain Dealer leading into Game 6 of the NBA Finals. The city buzzed with anticipation, realizing they were on the brink of a second championship—just one year after breaking the drought.
Cleveland, once the poster child of sports heartbreak, now stood on the cusp of back-to-back titles. What had felt impossible was now within reach, and the sheer madness of it gripped the city.
The day before the game, Han Sen gathered the team at his estate for a bonfire. This wasn't just a celebration; it was a pressure release valve. The stakes were sky-high. Lose, and it's back to Oakland for a Game 7, with no guarantees Han could slip into The Zone again.
The vibe was loose. Drinks flowed, music played, and Han even brought in party hosts to keep things light. But not everyone was in a festive mood.
Jokić sat quietly by the fire, staring into the flames.
Han noticed. He walked over, clapping a hand on Jokić's shoulder, then handing him a freshly grilled skewer.
"Why the long face?" Han asked, plopping down beside him.
Jokić accepted the skewer but didn't eat it—which was odd. Normally, he'd devour it without hesitation.
"Trouble with Natalija?" Han teased, half-expecting some relationship drama.
Jokić shook his head, sighing. "Nah. I've just been thinking... How do I handle Draymond?"Han blinked, caught off guard. He even mock-checked Jokić's forehead. "No fever. Not hallucinating. You're thinking about basketball? At a party?"Jokić chuckled softly, then shrugged. "I just don't want to be the reason we fall short."