Chapter 247: Rage Buff.
In the final 10 seconds of Game 6, Gregg Popovich chose not to call a timeout, likely aiming to catch the Grizzlies off guard. However, Dave Joerger was quick to react, rushing to the sideline to signal his team to extend their defense to the perimeter.
The Spurs couldn't find an open three-point shot and settled for a quick two-pointer under the basket by Tim Duncan.
The Grizzlies immediately called a timeout, and when play resumed, Marc Gasol successfully inbounded the ball to Han Sen, who was promptly fouled.
Amid deafening "MVP" chants from the home crowd, Han Sen coolly sank both free throws.
With only five seconds left, the Spurs had no choice but to attempt a three-pointer. Danny Green's shot was contested by Vince Carter and clanged off the rim. Duncan managed to grab the offensive rebound, but by the time he passed to Manu Ginobili, the clock was all but expired. Manu's desperation shot over Han Sen resulted in an airball, sealing the game.
Final Score: Grizzlies 111, Spurs 107. Memphis wins the series 4–2.
As the final buzzer sounded, cameras zoomed in on Tim Duncan's face. The legendary forward, hailed by Han Sen as 'the best player in the league,' had tears welling in his eyes. It wasn't just about the loss but the reflection on his storied career. Even after giving everything he had, the ending he yearned for slipped through his grasp.
Sports, like life, often leave us with bittersweet regrets.
During the postgame handshake, Han Sen felt a pang of emotion as he approached Duncan. Had it not been for his presence, Duncan might have captured his fifth championship this year.
But that's the nature of competitive sports—there's no fairy tale ending. There can only be one winner.
With a wry smile, Han leaned toward Duncan and said, "Now it's mine."
Duncan, still somber, couldn't help but chuckle. Years ago, he had told LeBron James, "This is gonna be your league in a little while. But I appreciate you giving us this year." Han's playful jab was a callback to that iconic moment.
Patting Han's shoulder, Duncan nodded with a smile. "Yes, now it's yours."
As the Grizzlies celebrated with their fans, the FedExForum echoed with deafening cheers. Memphis was now one step away from an improbable dynasty. Their final obstacle? The Miami Heat—the very team they had defeated in back-to-back Finals.
...
Postgame Press Conference
Han Sen joined Coach Joerger at the podium.
"I have to tip my hat to TD," Han said. "He's a legendary player. But I don't think this is his curtain call. I look forward to facing him again next season."
Han's respect for Duncan was evident, even though he had little love for the Spurs' often-criticized tactics. Duncan, after all, was his own man, separate from the team's controversial methods.
When asked about his thunderous dunk over Duncan, Han smirked.
"Honestly? I hate dunking. It hurts. But sometimes, you dunk because you want fans to say, 'Oh, crap, we couldn't stop him again.'"
Pausing, Han added with a sly grin, "That includes Popovich."
A reporter followed up, noting Han's increased number of dunks this season and asking if he'd participate in the Slam Dunk Contest.
"Yes, I will," Han replied without hesitation. "If nothing changes, next year is the right time."
The room erupted. Han's directness was a stark contrast to LeBron James, who had often teased participation but never followed through. With the All-Star Weekend set to be hosted in Memphis, Han's decision seemed perfectly timed.
...
The Grizzlies and Heat were set to meet in the Finals for the third straight year. Despite minimal roster changes from the previous season, anticipation for the matchup was sky-high.
For Memphis, a small-market team, a championship three-peat would defy all odds and inspire every underdog franchise in the league.
For Miami, the stakes were equally immense. Swapping LeBron James for Kevin Durant and securing a 70-win season, the Heat had silenced critics of their blockbuster trade. But the Finals had been a nightmare for the Heat in recent years—gentlemen's swept by Dallas, swept outright by Memphis, and now carrying the weight of three years of failure.
Another loss might not just end their title hopes but dismantle the team altogether. With Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh holding player options, a complete rebuild loomed on the horizon.
Heading into the Finals, nearly every major outlet, including TNT, predicted a Miami victory. Their reasoning came in various forms.
Some pointed to the regular season, where the Heat swept the Grizzlies in their two matchups.
Others highlighted Dwyane Wade as the deciding factor, arguing that while last year's Wade was hampered by injuries and fatigue, this year he was healthy and ready to dominate a Grizzlies defense that wouldn't be able to contain him.
There were even absurd takes involving personal matters, like Scarlett Johansson's engagement to Romain Dauriac, with claims that Han Sen's supposed 'bathwater mental edge' over Durant no longer existed, potentially tilting their matchup in Durant's favor.
The skepticism surrounding the Grizzlies wasn't unfounded. Han Sen had ruffled feathers earlier in the season by mocking the media over their Defensive Player of the Year voting, accusing them of 'voting with their feet.'
And the narrative took on an uglier tone: Han Sen, as an Asian player dominating the league, didn't conform to the humility many expected from someone of his background. His unapologetic confidence irked many.
The same media outlets that once milked his bold comments for headlines now seemed to be rooting for his downfall.
The widespread negativity took many by surprise, though it was welcomed by the TNT crew, who were in desperate need of fresh material.
On the latest episode of Inside the NBA, Charles Barkley took on the role of the 'lone warrior.'
Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith, and their guest, Magic Johnson, all sided with the Heat, predicting they would emerge as champions.
But Barkley stood firm in his support for the Grizzlies, doubling down on his earlier statement: "Whoever wins the West will be the champion."
This led to another classic Barkley–Shaq wager. The stakes? $1 million on the outcome of Game 1.
With Memphis holding home-court advantage under the new 2–2–1–1–1 format, the stage was set for an electrifying series.
For the Grizzlies, history was within reach. For the Heat, redemption was the only option.
The Finals were about to tip off, and the entire basketball world was watching.
...
Despite the media overwhelmingly favoring the Heat, Grizzlies fans were brimming with confidence. After all, this was nothing new for them. They weren't expected to make it this far all season, yet here they were, on the biggest stage.
As some Grizzlies fans put it on social media:
"We're just four wins away from a dynasty."
During pregame warmups, the broadcast showed both teams, and the contrast in mood was striking.
The Heat seemed relaxed, almost casual. After all, they'd gentleman-swept the Pacers and entered the Finals as heavy favorites. They had every reason to feel at ease.
The Grizzlies, on the other hand, were somber and focused. There was no room for jokes when the world had written them off.
Starting Lineups:
Heat: Mario Chalmers, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, Chris Bosh, Kendrick Perkins
Grizzlies: Mike Conley, Han Sen, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol
Same teams. Same lineups. It felt like a continuation of last year's Finals for everyone involved—players and fans alike.
Durant started strong, draining a mid-range jumper over Rudy Gay. His form was impeccable. Say what you will about the media's odd narratives, but for a social media regular like Durant, being free of the so-called 'bathwater pressure' seemed to lighten his mental load.
Han Sen responded almost immediately. He blew past Wade for a ferocious dunk that rattled the rim and sent a clear message.
More than just a show of form, it was a reflection of his mindset.
Han knew exactly why the media was so biased, but he didn't downplay it to himself. Instead, he embraced it.
'The whole world doubts you. Prove them wrong. Punch them in the face.'
This wasn't just about the Finals; it was personal.
For Han, anger wasn't a distraction; it was fuel. It amplified his desire to dominate. As he had said in a press conference before, "Play with rage."
The Grizzlies had been swept by the Heat in the regular season, but that was irrelevant now. What mattered was the effort he poured into every play.
And that effort was already making itself known.
Bosh tried to exploit his speed advantage in a one-on-one against Randolph, slipping past him into the paint. But Gasol read the play perfectly, rotating for a textbook block.
The crowd roared as Randolph and Gasol muscled their way to an offensive rebound on the next possession, with Randolph finishing the play and drawing a foul for a three-point opportunity.
The energy in FedExForum was electric.
This wasn't last year. Both teams had gone through an entire season, a grueling postseason, and arrived with new lessons learned. It was clear the Grizzlies were playing with more fire from the opening tip.
Perhaps the media had underestimated their hunger.
For a team that was supposedly nearing its breaking point, the Heat should have looked more desperate. Yet it was Memphis who played like the championship meant life or death.
Durant continued to showcase his improved playmaking, finding Wade on a backdoor cut for a clean layup. His growth as a passer had been evident all season, even if he wasn't yet a true point forward.
But just as Heat fans began to cheer, Han Sen silenced them again.
Blasting into the paint, he went airborne, soaring over Bosh for another monster slam.
If it wasn't clear already, Han Sen had arrived with a vengeance.
His statement? "I'm here to break you."
And it wasn't just about the points. Han had often said that dunks—especially poster dunks—were a psychological weapon. They didn't just put points on the board; they eroded the opponent's confidence.
Memphis carried that same intensity to defense. On the next possession, Bosh found himself forced into an uncomfortable three-pointer at the top of the key, which clanged off the front of the rim. Gasol grabbed the rebound, initiating a fast break.
The Heat transitioned back on defense quickly, cutting off the initial break, but Conley reset and found a trailing Han Sen.
Han caught the pass, took a step inside the free-throw line, and exploded upward.
Wade met him at the rim, leaping to contest.
Han adjusted mid-air, switching the ball to his left hand to avoid Wade's block, and laid it in with a finesse that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
For a brief moment, the arena fell silent in stunned amazement before erupting with deafening cheers.
Comparisons to Jordan's iconic layup flooded the commentary, but Barkley interjected: "Nah, that wasn't a copy. That was an upgrade."
And Barkley wasn't done. He leaned back in his chair, a grin spreading across his face as he pointed to the camera.
"Well, congratulations, ESPN. Congrats, NBC, FOX, all y'all. You've done it. You made Han Sen mad. Good luck with that."
Marc Gasol, still jogging back on defense, raised both arms and celebrated with a look of sheer disbelief on his face.
The message was clear: an angry Han Sen was the last thing anyone wanted to face.
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