The No.1 Anti-Fans in Basketball-Chapter 438 - 225: Time Bomb

Two days later, Game 4 of the Finals continued in Memphis.

Spoelstra made another adjustment in this game, placing Ray Allen back on the bench.

This was a scene the Grizzlies were pleased to see, just as Hansen had previously stated in a press conference that the Grizzlies proved in Game 1 that they could beat the Heat.

But there was a variable in this game.

Wade erupted in this game, scoring 33 points in total.

In the first three games of the Finals, Wade’s performance had been mediocre, averaging 18 points per game, which was far below his standard.

This was mainly due to Hansen’s defense, but to a large extent also due to psychological issues, as he feared that exerting too much force might lead to another injury.

However, after falling behind 1-2, his concern became meaningless, as losing another game to make it 1-3 would be no different from a loss.

In this situation, he had no choice but to give his all.

Hansen could not stop such a Wade.

Now at his peak, Wade was unstoppable at full speed.

And if Hansen could not handle him one-on-one, the Grizzlies would have to double-team, allowing the Heat to engage in their most proficient offensive mode.

The best penetrators paired with the best scorers, that was the key reason they had managed to win 70 games in the regular season.

In the end, the Grizzlies could not withstand such an onslaught, losing 106 to 116. The series was tied 2-2 after four games, heading into the Heavenly King Mountain battle.

That one game changed the situation drastically.

Because by winning Game 4, the Heat regained the home court advantage.

Even if the Grizzlies could win the Heavenly King Mountain game, the next two matches would be in Miami.

The pressure was kicked back to the Grizzlies’ side.

They couldn’t afford to lose the Heavenly King Mountain battle.

And after the first four games of competition, both sides had mostly played their strategic cards.

The situation had reached the stage their locker room motto described, where the braver one wins at a narrow pass.

During the pre-game training session for Game 5, Joerger also gave a motivational speech to the players.

"We’re not just defending our title, but also have the opportunity to become the first team in NBA history to defeat a 70-win team for the championship. We’re about to become part of history, and we’re just two wins away," Joerger motivated effectively because he gave more meaning to this championship.

In the "history" known by Hansen, LeBron fans were most proud of the 2016 Cavaliers’ championship.

Aside from the 1-3 comeback, what mattered more was defeating the 73-win Warriors, nailing them to the column of shame.

Putting aside how to win, that achievement was indeed monumental.

So, it was a great motivation for everyone on the Grizzlies.

Before the game started, the Grizzlies’ players adjusted their mindset, but once they were actually on the court, it proved to be useless.

Their hearts uncontrollably sped up, their breathing involuntarily quickened, and even their palms uncontrollably sweated.

Last season when they faced the Lakers during the Heavenly King Mountain battle, they had experienced it before, but the Finals felt completely different.

Of course, it wasn’t just them; the Heat players felt more or less the same.

The air seemed filled with the smell of gunpowder.

After the opening ceremony, both teams’ starters made their appearances.

Bosh won the jump ball, allowing the Heat to attack first.

Wade was still in excellent form, breaking past Hansen and, after drawing a double team, passed to Perkins.

It was a great opportunity, but Perkins missed an easy shot.

This caused some restlessness in the arena.

But soon, they couldn’t laugh anymore because Guy’s dunk attempt also missed.

Five minutes into the game, the score was just 5-4.

This was entirely different from the previous games.

People always talk about who has a big heart, but only such an occasion truly tests whether you have the mental capacity to handle it.

Spoelstra was the first to call a timeout.

After the timeout, Wade, being double-teamed on a drive, did not pass but drew a foul instead.

And when it came to defense, Chalmers replaced Wade in guarding Hansen.

Whenever Hansen had the ball, the Heat decisively double-teamed, coming mainly from the strong side’s baseline or the arc top.

It was clear they were targeting Hansen, while slightly loosening up on Guy and Conley.

This adjustment soon took effect.

The Heat quickly launched a 6-0 run.

Seeing this, Joerger called a timeout.

When he came back, he first substituted Guy, a regular rotation for the Grizzlies.

But when making the substitute, he paused not using Battier but instead chose Carter.

He also switched Conley and Hansen’s defensive assignments.

Though he was a bit slower than Spoelstra to respond, he caught on eventually.

If it had been another day, the Grizzlies would have no future trying to outscore the Heat.

But tonight was different; both teams were tense.

This time, making your defense perfect at 100 points wasn’t much different from 90 points.

Conversely, whose nerves were steadier, who could get the ball into the basket was more important.

Before going back on the court, he also patted Hansen on the shoulder, clearly indicating that whether the Grizzlies could win the Heavenly King Mountain battle tonight depended entirely on Hansen.