Chapter 388: The Future is in Safe Hands.
With home-court advantage, the Cavaliers would host the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals in Cleveland.
The Quicken Loans Arena was packed to the rafters, and the energy inside was electric.
Cleveland's dynasty—an impossible dream just years ago—was now within reach.
And the fans?
They could feel it.
As the opening ceremony concluded, both teams' starting lineups were announced.
Cavaliers: Han Sen, J.R. Smith, Robert Covington, Tristan Thompson, Nikola Jokić.
Celtics: Kyrie Irving, Avery Bradley, Kevin Durant, Al Horford, Karl-Anthony Towns.
No surprises here—both teams stuck with their usual rotations.
The real battle would be determined by coaching adjustments and execution.
But just minutes into the game, Brad Stevens threw a curveball.