Chapter 59: The Truth.
Rivers: "Seriously?"
Han Sen's sideline interaction came at just the right time, making people feel highly offended.
At this point, the game was at the 9-minute mark, nearing the team's usual substitution time.
But because of Han Sen's question, Rivers couldn't sub Pierce out, even if he wanted to. Pierce wouldn't be happy either.
Pierce isn't Durant; he doesn't get easily provoked, but a star getting subbed right after a rookie trash-talks him? That's just embarrassing.
The Celtics' attack failed, and on the other end, James took the ball from Williams right after crossing half court.
Does he really want to give me no opportunities to shine?
Han Sen couldn't help but complain, so he just stood still at the weak side, 45-degree angle.
He refused to believe that James would ignore winning the game just to target him.
With that fan's jersey at the hotel and the insulting signs in the arena, there's no way James could be unaffected.
James called for a pick-and-roll with Ilgauskas.
The main difference between Ilgauskas and O'Neal is that Ilgauskas can shoot, so after the pick, he moved towards the free-throw line, pulling his defender along.
But the Celtics' defense was impressive, with Ray Allen following Ilgauskas, Perkins switching to Cunningham, and Garnett sweeping from the paint to cover James.
If it were Kobe, this defensive strategy wouldn't work because the switch between Perkins and Garnett would leave a mid-range gap.
But James's mid-range shot isn't consistent, so whether he shoots or not, the Celtics' defense would work.
As it happened, James didn't shoot. Instead, he accelerated towards the paint, but Garnett blocked him hard.
In NBA history, not many players boast about being able to guard all five positions, but Garnett is one of the few who can actually do it.
Knowing Garnett's defensive prowess, James decided not to force a shot. He glanced at the clock and passed the ball outside.
Han Sen was surprised to see the ball flying directly towards him.
Did he guess right?
But once he caught the ball, he realized something was off.
There were only 6 seconds left on the shot clock— it was a pass to shift responsibility!
Damn it! That businessman is so devious!
"You won't get another chance like that," Pierce taunted with some trash talk.
You two work so well together; why not just join the same team?
Han Sen dribbled, making a slight move towards the middle.
Pierce slid over defensively, still full of disdain.
'There's no way that weak move could pass me', he thought. 'The earlier score was just because I was careless.'
But suddenly, Han Sen dragged the ball right, then made a quick, sharp move left.
The speed and sharpness of his move were far beyond Pierce's expectations.
The crowd's eyes widened— was that Wade's killer move?!
Amid the stunned reactions, Han Sen blew past Pierce's defense and banked the ball into the basket.
"Nice pass."
After scoring, he pointed at James with a grin.
But James didn't find it funny at all— he was clearly provoking him!
The real question was: when did this guy learn DW's signature move?
14-17.
No matter what, after Han Sen's back-to-back four points, the deficit was cut down to just one basket.
Coach Brown glanced at the clock.
With 9 and a half minutes left in the first quarter, it was time for the regular rotation.
But with Han playing like this, subbing James out wouldn't suppress him.
Brown wanted Han Sen to play well but feared that James might take out his frustrations on him.
After some thought, he called over Daniel Gibson and Varejao.
Meanwhile, the Celtics' Rasheed Wallace headed toward the scorers' table as well.
The Celtics had possession again, but Pierce didn't bother continuing with Han Sen.
After all, he wasn't Durant, and seeing the score tighten, he realized that he was baiting him.
"You shouldn't be called 'The Truth,' you should be called 'The Crap'."
But to Pierce's surprise, Han wasn't letting him off the hook.
"What did you say?!" Pierce was dumbfounded. He had only thrown one line of trash talk, yet he was relentlessly coming after him?
"Don't think I don't know about what happened in the 2008 Finals when you crapped your pants."
Han Sen kindly explained, much to Pierce's horror.
Even James had a shocked, amused expression— was that true?
"You...you're lying!" Pierce's face turned red.
There was anger but also sheer panic.
That incident, where he faked an injury to cover up an embarrassing moment, was only known to a few people within the Celtics organization. Han was still in the NCAA back then— how did he know?!
Could this guy be some kind of freak, watching the footage frame by frame and zooming in on every detail?
"Your reaction says it all," Han continued the verbal onslaught.
Even James couldn't help but laugh.
Trash talk is a tradition in the NBA. Players like Jordan, Bird, and Payton were all masters of it.
Today's players also have their trash talkers, and Pierce was one of the well-known ones.
But as for James, with his "Chosen One" title and his status as Nike's top athlete, he usually stayed above trash talk, especially on the court.
So whenever he faced the Celtics, he often felt irritated.
Now, Han Sen's barrage of trash talk finally gave James some satisfaction.
Who would've thought that "The King of Trash Talk," Pierce, would get roasted for once!
Han Sen's mocking and James's laughter turned Pierce's face even redder.
Forget the bigger picture— he had to regain his dignity today.
Pierce called for the ball again, and Rondo passed it over.
Every team has its cliques, and the trio of Rondo, Garnett, and Pierce was the strongest in the Celtics.
"You can call for a pick-and-roll," Han helpfully suggested.
"No need!" Pierce gritted his teeth.
Great.
Han's suggestion was similar to what he said to Rivers earlier, eliminating options for the opponent.
Garnett's picks and quick movements could genuinely be a challenge to defend if Pierce had called for them.
But Pierce opted for a post-up this time.
The step-back shot was his best face-up technique, but the failed attempt earlier showed it wasn't effective against Han Sen.
Now, Pierce focused on using his strength in the post.
Like Han, he was a VIP gym member, especially focusing on his back and upper body, all to enhance his post-up game.
His dynamic athleticism wasn't great, so this helped him play to his strengths.
Han could feel the pressure—Pierce's upper body strength was formidable, leagues above Morrison from summer league. Before bulking up, Han Sen wouldn't have been able to handle this.
Pierce's post-up pressure was more than just brute strength; it was the follow-up techniques after the contact.
That's why players like James, who were also strong, weren't as effective in the post— they lacked the technical finesse.
If you lower your center of gravity too much to counter Pierce's strength, he could easily spin around you.
But Pierce was shocked to find that Han Sen wasn't budging.
This rookie's resistance was far stronger than he'd expected— no wonder he couldn't push him earlier.
The NBA's "5-second back-to-the-basket" rule limited how long players could post up.
After a few failed attempts to back Han Sen down, Pierce spun towards the free-throw line, stepping back for a jumper.
But just as he made his move—
Slap!
The ball was gone from his hands!
[Star Catcher], activated!
Han Sen darted forward, sprinting towards the other end.
But James was already ahead of him, running fast down the court.
The two of them rushed down, one ahead and one behind.
Only Rondo reacted in time, chasing after Han.
Within seconds, they reached the frontcourt, James without the ball running even faster, while Rondo positioned himself between them, cutting off the passing lane.
James signaled for an alley-oop with a point towards the basket.
But instead of passing, Han Sen stopped short just outside the three-point line and pulled up for a shot!
You give me high-difficulty shots all the time, and you want me to give you an easy assist?
The choice shocked James, who angrily swung his arms— he would've gone for the block if he were closer.
Even Rondo was caught off guard. As James lost his temper, Rondo rushed towards the rim for the rebound.
Coach Brown stood up from the bench, furious at Han Sen's decision: "What the f—!"
It wasn't the best shot selection, but Han's release was perfect.
The ball spun high, tracing a long arc toward the basket...
Boom!
It went in like a cannonball!
17 all!
Han Sen's personal 7-0 run tied the game for the Cavaliers!
"...That was amazing!" Coach Brown couldn't help but pump his fist in the air.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
-- Power
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