After the opening tip-off, the Cavaliers launched an 8-0 run, forcing Lakers coach Byron Scott to call a tiout.
If he didn't, the ga could spiral out of control quickly.
When play resud, Scott adjusted by bringing in Channing Frye.
The Lakers now had a full spacing lineup on the court — LeBron's favorite kind.
LeBron initiated a pick-and-roll with Kevin Love, barreling toward the rim and drawing in defenders. Once the Cavs collapsed on him, he kicked it out to Frye on the periter.
Frye didn't disappoint. Fresh off the bench, he drained a smooth three-pointer.
If you couldn't make shots around LeBron, you wouldn't last long on his team. Players like Frye survived because they delivered.
The three was crucial, but on the other end, the Lakers faced a new problem.
With Mozgov off the floor, the Cavs shifted their strategy. Nikola Jokić took advantage, posting up Love in the low block.
Sure, if Cleveland just needed a stretch big, they could've played Spencer Hawes. But Jokić brought more to the table. He had a post ga.
Against strong defenders, Jokić still struggled at tis. But Love, having slimd down to increase mobility, lacked the heft to hold his ground in the post.
Jokić backed Love down with two hard dribbles before executing a sweeping spin move, finishing with a layup at the rim.
The cara panned to Scott, who rubbed his chin in contemplation.
This wasn't the sa small-ball lineup Golden State had popularized. Unlike Draymond Green, Jokić provided a legitimate post threat.
Despite the Lakers' adjustnts, Jokić added a new wrinkle the Warriors hadn't had to deal with.
Fortunately for L.A., Frye's presence sped up their transition defense.
After Love's three-point attempt missed, the Lakers quickly reset on defense.
Seeing Jokić call for the ball again, Scott yelled from the sideline. The Lakers imdiately doubled him.
At first, it seed like Jokić was trapped.
But with the ball held high above his head, he calmly scanned the court.
Soone was open.
Without hesitation, Jokić flicked the ball behind his head, hitting a cutting Han Sen perfectly in stride.
Han took off, soaring through the air for a one-handed tomahawk slam.
The Cavs' bench exploded as Han and Jokić exchanged a celebratory fist bump.
Last season, Han had been the one setting the table for others. This year? He was feasting.
Even as a rookie, Jokić's passing instincts were undeniable. His vision? It rivaled Magic Johnson's, maybe even surpassing it, given his height.
The scoreboard read 73-63.
The Cavaliers had built a double-digit lead.
The Lakers fans in attendance grew restless.
Stopping Han and Kyrie was one thing. But now they couldn't even handle a rookie?
The scene was eerily reminiscent of the 2015 Finals. Back then, it seed like Golden State's death lineup was unstoppable.
Mike Malone's strategic adjustnts were paying off. Unlike his predecessors, Malone excelled at both coaching tactics and player relationships.
anwhile, Scott looked out of his depth. His rigid approach left the Lakers scrambling for answers.
By the end of the third quarter, the Cavs outscored the Lakers 35-21, extending their lead to 15 points.
But as the fourth quarter began, Han's earlier prediction ca true.
LeBron still looked fresh.
Amazingly, he executed first-quarter moves with fourth-quarter energy.
LeBron's relentless effort fueled a Lakers coback, cutting the deficit to single digits.
But when the Cavs needed a stabilizing force, Han delivered, scoring in isolation to keep the Lakers at bay.
In the end, Cleveland triumphed 120-110, claiming victory in the highly anticipated Christmas Day matchup.
🎯 Final Stats:
Han Sen: 31 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists
Kyrie Irving: 27 points, 9 assists
J.R. Smith: 15 points
Nikola Jokić: 14 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists
LeBron Jas: 35 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists
Kobe Bryant: 24 points
Kevin Love: 16 points, 8 rebounds
Channing Frye: 11 points
---
Back in the locker room, the Cavs were buzzing with excitent.
Winning the Christmas ga was a reason to celebrate. But more importantly, they didn't need a last-second miracle like they did against the Warriors in the season opener.
The win had co with relative ease.
Considering how strong the Lakers were, this victory proved just how much the Cavs had improved since the start of the season.
The players were convinced — this year, they had a real shot at making history.
Coach Malone entered the locker room, carrying sothing unusual in his hand.
A massive gold chain with the Cavaliers' logo hanging from it.
The players exchanged puzzled glances.
Malone began by breaking down the ga, analyzing the key monts. Then, he shifted to individual performances.
"Han is our MVP tonight. He led us to victory when it mattered most. And by the way, that no-look three? Ice cold."
Laughter echoed through the room.
"Kyrie was our Swiss Army knife tonight — scoring, passing, and keeping us together. That's exactly what we need from him."
"P.J. brought energy by locking down Kobe. He's a leader for our role players."
Finally, Malone's gaze settled on Jokić.
"Nikola."
Jokić stood up, looking surprised.
"This," Malone said, holding up the chain, "is yours."
Jokić blinked in confusion. "What... why?"
Malone smiled. "You stretched the floor, punished them in the post, and dropped so insane dis. Oh, and let's not forget that block on LeBron and your and-one. You were the difference-maker tonight."
The room erupted in cheers as Jokić sheepishly walked up to receive the chain.
He held it in his hands, turning it over, noticing sothing odd.
"It's plastic," he whispered to Han.
Han smirked. "Yeah. You gotta give it back."
Jokić chuckled.
It was all in good fun — a team-building gesture that symbolized appreciation.
Then, Malone delivered the best news of the night.
"No practice tomorrow. You guys earned it."
The room exploded with joy. Nothing beat an unexpected day off.
As the players dispersed, Jokić leaned over to Han.
"Boss, you free tomorrow?"
Han nodded. The day off had been a surprise, so he had no plans.
"Norman has a ga tomorrow. Wanna go watch?"
Han raised an eyebrow.
He had assud Jokić would suggest sothing more self-serving. Instead, he wanted to support Norman Powell.
Han smiled, clapping a hand on Nikola's shoulder.
"Sure. Let's go."
---
Han Sen and Nikola Jokić attended the postga press conference together.
In theory, Han should have brought up the possibility of LeBron Jas using performance-enhancing drugs.
But in reality, there wasn't much point.
It was the sa story as drug testing in the Olympics — the standards for testing never kept up with advancents in pharmaceuticals.
Did people really think those millions spent annually on research and developnt were going to waste?
This was why athletes could show obvious signs of enhancent, yet still pass tests with flying colors.
But drugs had a way of making people dependent.
Once you've experienced the boost they bring, can you really go back?
Forget advanced substances — even sothing as basic as sildenafil has left people unable to function without it after trying it once.
There's an old saying: 'The dose makes the poison.' And the worst side effects? They often don't show up until after you've retired.
Back in Cleveland, Han and Jokić made a surprise visit to the Canton Charge, the Cavaliers' G League affiliate, to catch Norman Powell's ga.
At the ti, the league was still called the NBDL, and the stands were nearly empty. It wasn't a league that garnered much attention.
Neither Han nor Jokić told Powell they were coming. They wanted it to be a true surprise.
When they finally took their seats just before tip-off, Powell's expression said it all.
Pure joy.
Seeing two of his NBA teammates in the stands? That ant everything.
With Han and Jokić cheering from the sidelines, Powell had a phenonal ga, dropping 31 points.
Say what you want — Powell was a rookie, but his scoring instincts were undeniable.
As the ga wound down, Jokić leaned over to Han with a sheepish grin.
"Boss... when we go down to the locker room, maybe don't tell him it was my idea to co?"
Han raised an eyebrow. "Why? Afraid of a little gratitude?"
Jokić chuckled, scratching his head. "I don't want him to feel like he owes anything. I just... know what it's like to feel forgotten."
Han's expression softened. For all his laid-back deanor, Jokić had a way of cutting straight to the heart of things.
"You've got a big heart, Nikola," Han said quietly.
Jokić shrugged. "I just try to be what I needed when I was in his shoes."
Han smiled, then extended his fist. "Respect."
Nikola bumped fists with him, grinning. "Let's go show him so love."
After the ga, the two of them caught up with Powell for a while before Han took him out for dinner.
Powell was clearly moved, his gratitude shining through every word. At one point, he even said, "This feels like family."
Han chuckled softly. "Norman, believe in yourself. Keep grinding. Soon, you'll show everyone you belong in this league."
For a mont, Powell's eyes glistened.
Han couldn't help but think, If this were ancient tis, Powell might've pledged loyalty right here and now.
Though Powell might never beco an All-Star like Jokić, Han knew from 'history' that the kid was destined for a solid NBA career — and a well-earned big contract.
---
With the final second of 2015 ticking away, the new year of 2016 began.
This special season was moving faster than Han had anticipated.
And the storylines were endless.
Kobe Bryant's farewell tour had beco a phenonon.
In Philadelphia, the city that once hated him for crushing their championship dreams, fans welcod him ho with open arms.
In Charlotte, his idol — Michael Jordan — recorded a tribute video for him.
And in Toronto, the city haunted by his 81-point ga, Raptors fans stood and gave him a standing ovation.
Though this farewell tour wasn't exactly like the one in 'history', where Kobe visited arenas for the last ti due to the Lakers missing the playoffs, it only made the send-offs more emotional.
Han couldn't help but wonder what his own farewell would look like.
---
anwhile, the Warriors' incredible run continued. They lost just one ga in December, inching closer to breaking the NBA's all-ti win record.
Han wasn't particularly thrilled about it. He'd seen what happened when teams overexerted themselves in the regular season — the Heat's collapse three years ago was proof enough.
But opportunities to make history don't co often. Sotis, teams couldn't resist chasing them.
The Miami Heat, after a shaky start due to coaching changes, had found their rhythm. They, too, lost just one ga in December and solidified their grip on the top spot in the East.
It wasn't just Kevin Durant. Even Dwyane Wade seed rejuvenated, playing better than ever after overcoming his knee issues.
The Spurs? They turned San Antonio into a fortress, remaining undefeated at ho.
And then there was the upcoming All-Star Ga.
With Kobe's farewell looming, the event garnered unprecedented attention.
But it wasn't just about Kobe.
On January 1, a reporter asked Han to confirm whether he would participate in the Slam Dunk Contest.
Han's response? A resounding yes.
He even doubled down, inviting both Stephen Curry and LeBron Jas to join him.
Curry, in turn, extended his own challenge to Han, inviting him to the Three-Point Contest.
Six years ago, Han had beaten Curry in the Three-Point Contest and famously told him, "The future is yours."
That defeat clearly stuck with Curry.
Last season, Curry had finally won the Three-Point Contest, beating Klay Thompson. This year, he was aiming to defend his title.
Naturally, he wanted a rematch with Han.
Han's response? Another emphatic yes.
Which ant Han would be participating in both the Three-Point Contest and the Dunk Contest.
For soone who once treated All-Star Weekend as a vacation, Han's sudden enthusiasm made him the league's busiest All-Star.
But Han wasn't just focused on his own accolades.
During a radio appearance, he took the opportunity to campaign for Kyrie Irving.
"I think there's no better point guard in the East this year than Kyrie."
With the All-Star voting system revamped to give fans 50% of the vote, Han's words carried significant weight.
And he wasn't wrong. Kyrie was averaging 24.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per ga, shooting 47.3% from the field and 40.1% from three — his best season yet.
Han's endorsent had an imdiate impact.
In the second round of voting, Kyrie, who had trailed Wade, surged ahead to claim the second spot among East guards.
If the All-Star Ga were held that day, Kyrie and Han would be starting together for the East.
Around this ti, Powell finished his brief G League stint.
In eight gas, he averaged 25 points on 50% shooting.
He had proven, without a doubt, that he didn't belong in the G League.
Then, in mid-January, a bombshell rocked the league.
LeBron Jas took to social dia to announce that he would be participating in the 2016 Slam Dunk Contest.
For years, fans had begged LeBron to join. His constant excuse? The timing wasn't right.
But now?
The wait was over.
No one knew why LeBron had suddenly changed his mind. It wasn't a move that aligned with his usual cautious persona.
Speculation ran wild on social dia.
The most upvoted theory? Nike was pulling the strings, using the Dunk Contest as part of their ongoing battle with Under Armour.
Han's reaction when he saw the news?
"Yup. Told you. Side effects."
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