"This is going to be the craziest day in Cleveland." Thıs text ıs hosted at 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵·𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖·𝙣𝙚𝙩
Before Game 6 of the Finals, the Cleveland Plain Dealer used this headline to rally fans to Quicken Loans Arena.
It was at this moment that the media began to realize something—that Cleveland might soon win its second championship trophy, just after breaking their drought last season!
In a city that had previously gained nothing from the four major sports leagues, is it possible they’re about to welcome back-to-back championships?
Not saying it out loud is fine, but once you do, it just sounds crazy!
Breaking a losing streak might take some luck, like Memphis back then, but winning consecutive championships is enough to prove the team’s success.
The day before the game, Hansen gathered the entire team at his estate for a bonfire party.
This was the Cavaliers’ chance to lift the trophy on their home court, but the pressure was just as great, because losing would mean going to Oakland for Game 7.
Hansen couldn’t guarantee he could enter The Zone again; at that time, the Cavaliers really would be in trouble.
So, he was also trying to relieve the team’s pressure.
Hansen brought in some high-quality party girls; the party atmosphere was very relaxed.
Jokic sat in front of a bonfire, staring blankly into space.
"What are you spacing out about!"
Hansen walked over to him, patted him on the shoulder, then sat down and handed him a freshly grilled skewer.
Jokic took it but didn’t eat it.
This surprised Hansen, since usually this guy would start chowing down right away.
He seemed to be preoccupied.
"Did you have a fight with Natalia?" Hansen couldn’t help his curiosity.
Could Natalia be jealous over the sexy ladies at the party?
Jokic shook his head.
"Boss, how do you think I can take on Draymond that guy?"
Jokic’s response left Hansen stunned.
He reached out, pinched his own hand, and then touched Jokic’s forehead.
No illusion, no fever.
This worker’s clocked out and he’s still figuring out how to do his job better; are you leveling up to become a workaholic?
Jokic scratched his head: "I just don’t want everyone’s efforts to go to waste because of me."
Hansen understood now; Jokic was still blaming himself for what happened in Game 4.
But that’s normal. If the Cavaliers really fail to defend their title, even if Jokic doesn’t care about what others think, he couldn’t live with it himself.
Hansen didn’t answer Jokic, because...he didn’t know.
He said, getting up, and before long he came back with someone.
Back in Miami, Hansen didn’t listen to Grover and got injured, so this kind of thing should be left to the professionals.
Grover was still Hansen’s personal trainer, but now he was also very interested in Jokic.
After all, Hansen was already a finished product, and just needed maintenance, but Jokic was different; Jokic was another intriguing new prospect for him.
"You need to gain muscle and weight during the summer, up to about 120 kilograms."
Grover laid out the plan, or rather, a plan he already had.
Previously, Jokic lost weight quickly to adapt to the intensity of the NBA, but that wasn’t the optimal weight.
Like Hansen, who adjusted his weight in the league according to game needs.
Now, if Jokic wants to dominate Green or be more powerful in the low post, he must be stronger.
Of course, Grover was talking about gaining muscle weight, which is very different from the chubby state Jokic arrived in.
After listening, Jokic seemed a bit conflicted and finally tentatively asked, "Can I start after the horse racing season?"
This question baffled Grover, but Hansen couldn’t help but shake his head with a smile.
If someone told Jokic the world was ending tomorrow, he’d probably still say, "Can the horse race be moved up to today?"
"It’s up to you; we’ll start when you’re back in Cleveland," Grover said, unlike Hansen, he wouldn’t force Jokic.
"If we win tomorrow night’s game, I’ll also give you a little gift, something you’ll definitely like," Hansen once again used the incentive bonus trick.
Jokic initially thought having the best horse in Serbia was enough, but since Hansen mentioned a little gift, he didn’t refuse.
Seeing Jokic nodding, Hansen got up, leaving Grover and Jokic to talk about training details.
Once he stood up, he glanced around, remembered something when he saw JR chatting happily with a girl, and quickly walked over.
For Game 6 of the Finals, thousands of fans gathered in the plaza outside Quicken Loans Arena, surrounding it completely, and local police deployed a massive force to maintain order, a scene akin to last year’s championship parade.
Inside the arena, not only was every seat filled, but even the hallways on the second floor were packed with fans.
Many fans held KT boards with slogans supporting the Cavaliers, and some extreme fans even tattooed the Cavaliers’ logo on their faces.
The fan frenzy was evident.
Whether or not the Cavaliers lift the trophy tonight, it’s the last Finals game played in Cleveland this year.
With just half an hour remaining before the game starts, players from both sides began entering the court for warm-ups.
When the camera focused on James, a wave of boos erupted at the scene.
James delivered a championship to the Cavaliers last season, but what might happen tonight is: James bringing another championship to Cleveland with the Cavaliers!