After losing G3, the pressure shifted to the Grizzlies.
If they don’t figure out a solution and lose G4 as well, both teams will be back to the starting line.
Moreover, the unresolved issues would still exist in subsequent gas, and the Heat would then have the advantage.
Before the training session on the rest day began, Joerger sought out Hansen.
"Zack just told he can play as a substitute if the team needs him."
Following Guy, Randolph also wanted to alter the ga dynamics by sacrificing himself.
His suggestion was traceable.
Previously against the Warriors, the Grizzlies had successfully countered the Warriors’ small ball lineup by starting Battier in place of Randolph.
"That might not be a good choice," Hansen voiced a different opinion.
Taking Randolph out essentially ant trying to outpace the opponents.
They beat the Warriors because Mark Jackson had not fully developed the Warriors’ offensive capabilities.
But this Heat team has much fiercer offensive firepower than the Warriors, and the outco of the last ga proved it.
To beat the Heat, the Grizzlies needed to rely on defense.
"I’ll guard KD," Hansen continued.
Although the Heat had exhibited an effect similar to a combination of the Warriors and the Spurs in the last ga, it was actually a mix of neither.
They had neither the Warriors’ three-point range nor the Spurs’ team system.
This was understandable because tactical systems require ti to gel, not sothing you can use effectively the day after training.
Their wins still largely depended on Durant’s performance.
Hansen convinced Joerger.
Then, before G4, Hansen made a bold statent to the dia:
"If KD scores 20 points next ga, I’ll retire imdiately."
His statent caused an uproar.
Hansen’s anti-fans surged in numbers.
Durant had just set a new Finals record, and Hansen dared to make such a statent—literally channeling Bird.
No, it was even bolder than Bird.
Upon closer inspection of Bird’s showboating history, you will realize most of it was on solid ground.
Take, for instance, limiting Jordan to just 19 points; it sounds impressive, but back then, it was the East’s top Celtics against the eighth-seeded Bulls.
It’s like playing a ga against soone far below your level; how you win is up to you.
Whether you score 60 points or 20, winning is winning, and the essence does not change.
But now, with the Heat and Grizzlies not far apart in strength, Hansen’s statent was playing with fire.
However, the impact of his words was much greater than any bet Barkley or O’Neal made.
G4 not only sold out the Arican Airlines Arena, but the pre-ga viewership also reached a historic high.
Even the stars who had already gone fishing, like Kobe and Anthony, expressed on social dia that they were watching the live broadcast.
The dia section at the venue also filled up, with twice as many reporters as usual.
They were not just there to watch the ga; they were there to see Hansen stamr.
Hansen had made many bold statents before, and each of them had co to fruition; even a Dynasty was within reach.
That was the most annoying part—you’re really upset, but there’s nothing you can do about him.
Now that Hansen himself was playing with fire, they would have no rcy in their writing.
When the ti ca, even if Hansen tried to back out of his promise, they would force him to follow through.
During the pre-ga warm-up, the caras focused on Hansen, and the crowd imdiately booed.
"I know Hansen is the type that talks big, but this ti he might have overstepped," O’Neal, at the comntary table, said nervously for Hansen.
As a forr teammate, he naturally didn’t want to see Hansen ss up.
"But isn’t that what makes him unique?" Barkley seed much calr.
Rather than worry, he was more excited.
Because if Hansen really could do as he said, the nickna "modern-day provocateur" would certainly suit him.
"Regardless, Hansen is soone to be admired," Kenny Smith added his views from the side.
Hansen’s statent paralleled his previous assignnt to guard Curry throughout the ga, both conveying the ssage: Tonight, I’m going to shut you down.
This was a leader setting an example.
The three comntators energetically discussed this, while Silva in the audience seats was visibly nervous.
Ultimately, Bird guarding Jordan to just 19 points was a historic episode.
Because after Bird spoke out, the Celtics implented full-court trapping and defense against Jordan from G3, making it tough for Jordan to even take shots.
To make matters worse, when Jordan scored his 19th point, to save Bird from embarrassnt, the League hastily called fouls twice to eject him from the ga.
At that ti, Bird was the League’s premier star, while Jordan was just a second-year player.
Unlike Jas, Jordan wasn’t favored by the dia; imagine if this had happened to Kobe or Jas, the narrative passed down would not be about Kobe’s successful bravado but Jas’ unjust suffering.
Though Hansen’s current status in the League might not match Bird’s back then, it wasn’t far off.
More crucially, Durant might beco Nike’s top face next season.
Hansen’s statent maxed out the focus on G4 and also put Silva in a tough spot.
His situation was much more complex compared to the Stern era.
After the opening ceremony, the starting lineups for both teams were announced.
Heat: Chalrs, Wade, Ray Allen, Durant, Bosh
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