Capítulo 192: I'll Step In.
After the chaotic game concluded, the media and fans were left buzzing about two things: first, how the league would respond to this incident, and second, whether the Heat would end up getting swept out of the Finals.
In reality, these two questions are intertwined, with the league's disciplinary decision likely determining the outcome.
Stern has always taken a hardline approach to incidents of this nature, especially in the Finals. If there were suspensions, there would be no point in even playing Game 4. Down 0–3 and losing two key players would essentially end the series for Miami.
This was truly a masterstroke by Han Sen, he played his cards perfectly.
Compared to Popovich's tactics, Han's was a level above.
So, it's almost certain that the league won't suspend anyone, as suspensions would tank Game 4's ratings.
Here's an important point: a flagrant-2 foul doesn't necessarily lead to a suspension; only those deemed particularly severe by the league do.
This allows for flexible decisions, giving the league a way to prioritize their interests.
As for Stern's principles—principles can take a back seat to revenue.
The next day, the league issued a statement summarizing the incident from Game 3.
In short, they described the altercation as serious but chose not to issue suspensions, only levying hefty fines, totaling over $200,000 across both teams.
LeBron quickly announced on social media that he would cover his teammates' fines, though whether he'd actually pay was another matter.
After all, in Han Sen's 'history,' Dahntay Jones once publicly revealed that LeBron had promised to pay his fine five years ago, but it remained unpaid.
For the Grizzlies, Han Sen had promised during halftime to cover any fines. In his words, 'who wouldn't reward their warriors handsomely?'
After the announcement, Han even gifted each fined player a Rolex.
Money wasn't an issue. Even with a rookie contract, Han was earning millions just from his new UA shoe contract, not to mention additional endorsements secured by his agent, Thomas, and the short-term investments Chris Rondo handled for him.
Simply put, those involved in the fight enjoyed both the action and the payout.
After the league's decision, TNT had a field day with the brawl on their latest episode.
Barkley and Shaq, one wearing a Heat jersey and the other a Grizzlies jersey, staged a mock wrestling match on set.
Their banter created powerful on-screen chemistry, driving TNT's ratings through the roof, thanks to the Grizzlies.
The Finals benefitted as well. Despite the seemingly hopeless 3–0 score, Game 4's viewership spiked.
On June 19, Game 4 of the Finals between the Grizzlies and the Heat took place at the American Airlines Arena.
The game saw several adjustments, the most notable being the replacement of the head referee, swapping Foster for Joey Crawford, known for ejecting Duncan for laughing on the bench—a famously strict official.
Clearly, Stern was determined to prevent another violent episode.
Numerous NBA officials were on-site to prepare for a potential championship celebration for the Grizzlies.
Family members of Grizzlies players also attended, ready to witness the team's possible triumph.
Han Sen's parents couldn't make it, but two notable faces did—Scarlett and, yes, Swift.
Han was aware of Scarlett's presence, as she had come to support him in the Finals.
As for Swift, she simply wanted to witness the success of her ex-boyfriend, given there was no lingering resentment between them.
Unexpectedly, Scarlett and Swift were seated together, chatting and laughing, though Han paid them little attention.
His priority was tonight's game, especially after Gay's comment about the Heat's fate lying in the Grizzlies' hands.
If they could sweep the Heat, it would mean more than just a victory. It would be a dismantling, more meaningful than simply beating them twice.
The opening ceremony began, and the Miami fans roared. Despite the 0–3 deficit, like Lakers fans last season, they still hoped for a miracle.
The starting lineups were announced: the Grizzlies' regular five and the Heat, reverting to their typical lineup.
The game started, with the Heat initially taking control—not from any resurgence of confidence (hardly realistic at 0–3 down), but because the Grizzlies seemed off their game, too eager and unfocused.
It was a similar scenario to Chris Paul's previous struggles—the closer the goal, the more likely mistakes become.
This pressure was understandable. Despite their experiences, the Grizzlies were still a young team.
The Heat's confidence grew with their lead, and midway through the first quarter, Wade's powerful dunk put the Heat up by double digits, bringing the arena to life.
It was Wade who had led them to a 0–2 comeback in 2006, so why couldn't he lead a 0–3 comeback in 2012? After all, on paper, the Heat were the stronger team!
Joerger called a timeout.
"Give me the ball. Don't rush. We have plenty of time," Han told his teammates during the timeout.
Joerger nodded, making substitutions to bring in steady players like Battier and Bibby.
When play resumed, Han took the ball, drove past Wade, and drew a foul to earn two free throws. Despite the crowd's attempts to distract him, he calmly sank both.
On defense, he worked hard to contain Wade's drives. Though Wade managed to get past him once, Marc's help defense forced a tough shot.
Back on offense, Han, now facing a double-team, passed to Bibby, who missed his three-pointer, but Han rebounded and scored on a putback.
LeBron answered with a drive to the basket, but on the next possession, Han dished to Battier, who nailed a corner three, reducing the deficit to single digits.
The Grizzlies had settled down.
The Grizzlies regained momentum and chipped away at the Heat's lead.
By halftime, Han's buzzer-beating three tied the game, frustrating the Miami fans.
Han was showing his scoring prowess tonight, racking up 24 points by halftime.
In the Grizzlies' locker room, the atmosphere was noticeably lighter. With the score tied, the players felt confident they could take the game if they stayed focused.
Han, however, had something in mind and called Johnson over.
"I'll ask Damon to put you in next half to shadow LeBron closely," he said. "It's better to be safe."
Johnson nodded. His presence on the court would surely keep LeBron in check.
When the second half began, the Grizzlies had regained their rhythm, pulling ahead and crushing any hope the Heat had left.
Even the fans seemed to accept the inevitable defeat.
It was like a prisoner on death row, spared for a moment, only to meet the same fate—one even crueler than a swift death.
"There's no miracle here," Shaq declared from the announcer's booth. "Even if Michael himself brought down the 23 banner, they wouldn't beat this Grizzlies team."
"The Heat are about to join the 2007 Cavaliers as the next team to be swept in the Finals. And the common denominator? LeBron James," Barkley added with his trademark brutal wit.
The camera zoomed in on LeBron, his expression darker than ever. Like the game itself, he couldn't escape the fate unfolding in front of him.
A sweep, dismantling, another Finals loss—all these looming outcomes cut him to the core.
Especially since it was Han Sen, the so-called '3-and-D player' he'd once dismissed, who led the charge.
As the game continued, Gay was substituted by Johnson.
Wade drove in hard, drawing a foul and heading to the free-throw line—the only consistent scoring option left for the Heat.
After sinking just one free throw, Wade was visibly exhausted.
Randolph's low-post shot was blocked by Haslem.
On the return play, Wade flung himself into the air, drawing another foul. This time, he lay on the floor for a moment before teammates helped him up.
His limp showed he was fighting with everything he had.
Wade's free throws closed the gap to single digits.
Han responded by blowing past LeBron with a crossover, slipping by Bosh with a floater that swished through the net.
He was still in prime form.
Yet just as he landed, he felt his heel press down on something. He instinctively leaned away, but his ankle still twisted.
He glanced back to see LeBron pulling his foot away.
Han had been careful, but there are some things you simply can't anticipate.
Just as he was about to confront LeBron, a sharp pain in his ankle held him back. But then, a figure rushed forward—Johnson.
LeBron raised his hand defensively, but Johnson's punch was faster.
Bam!
LeBron felt a sledgehammer of pain slam into the left side of his face.
His brain went numb, vision blurring with stars as he staggered, losing all balance and crashing to the floor.
It all happened too fast. By the time the ref blew the whistle, LeBron was already down, knocked out cold.
One punch. KO.
And Johnson? He just stood there, calm as ever. He'd promised Han Sen last season during the playoffs—if this ever happened again, he'd be the one to step up.
Anyone else on the Grizzlies throwing hands at LeBron would've led to an ejection, sure. But with Johnson? Minimum trade-off, one for one.
Finally, the ref's whistle caught up to the chaos, and Johnson was hit with a flagrant two, instantly ejected.
The fans were in shock.
David Stern, watching from the stands, was left feeling irrelevant. Front-row, Scarlett and Swift were craning their necks, worried—but all their concern was for Han.
Han, meanwhile, was helped to his feet by teammates. His foot throbbed as he put weight on it. Replays showed the nasty angle of his ankle roll—LeBron's move had caught him off-guard.
The team doctor was by his side in seconds.
After some quick checks, Han managed to limp back to the bench on his own.
Han seemed alright, but LeBron? That was another story. Near-unconscious, the Heat's medical staff was flashing a light into his pupils, checking for anything serious.
The whole arena was buzzing.
With just one move, Johnson had left everyone speechless.
This wasn't just the fans—Nike headquarters all the way across the country probably felt like they were hit by an earthquake.
Their minds weren't on LeBron's health—they knew his fall would hit them hard financially if he couldn't play.
Eventually, a stretcher was brought in, and they strapped LeBron down tight.
He came to as they lifted him, but he was in rough shape. He tried to raise a hand, but it just fell limp. That punch had done real damage.
There's a reason boxers wear gloves in the ring—without them, it's just a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt.
"Serves him right." Watching LeBron get carted off, Han didn't feel an ounce of pity.
If it wasn't for his system, he'd be in Danny Granger's shoes right now, another career cut short.
As LeBron was taken out, the doctor finished Han's examination. Thankfully, Han's injury wasn't as bad as expected, but the doc still recommended he sit out the rest of the night.
Han glanced at the scoreboard, hesitating.
Sure, LeBron looked in bad shape, but who knew the exact extent of it?
If he sat out and the Grizzlies lost, and then LeBron somehow made it back for Game 7, the situation would shift completely.
Especially since he couldn't guarantee he'd be good to go for the next game.
So, after a quick discussion with the doctor, he got up and gave the court a hard stomp with his foot.
Weirdly enough, it helped. He walked a few steps—there was still some pain, but nothing that would keep him from playing.
His [Iron Body] talent was next-level; if this had happened back in his Cavs days, he'd probably be out for the season.
Technical time-out over, Crawford reviewed the tape and hit LeBron with a flagrant two for the intentional undercut—no surprise, as he was one of the league's toughest refs.
Han signaled to Joerger he was ready to go, then took the court with his team.
The fans went wild seeing him back out there. Despite being undercut, Han was still able to play. What was he made of?
So, what does this mean? LeBron took a shot, but all it got him was his own ejection and a trade-off with Johnson?
Damn.
-End of Chapter-
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder