to 101, the Cavaliers eventually defeated the Pelicans on the road, changing the finals score to 3 to 0.
Davis contributed 26 points, 14 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks, delivering an MVP-level performance. He was also the key to the Pelicans keeping the loss within single digits.
But the Cavaliers were all villains tonight, and ultimately, he couldn’t lead the team to victory.
After winning this match, the Cavaliers celebrated on the sidelines because they are now not only on the verge of winning the championship but also one step away from a finals sweep.
"They were pushing us madly on the court, and the referees turned a blind eye to it. It was more like a boxing match than basketball."
In the post-game press conference, James questioned the referees’ decisions.
However, James’ comments didn’t attract much attention because everyone’s focus was on the Cavaliers’ post-game press conference.
Hansen did not accept any interviews before the game, but he couldn’t miss the post-game press conference, as all the reporters were concerned about his departure from the Cavaliers.
So when Hansen showed up, the crowded press conference scene turned into a commotion.
However, at the beginning of the press conference, the reporters were still asking questions related to the game.
For example, the issue of refereeing standards that James had previously mentioned.
When the refereeing is advantageous, it’s fair; once it’s not, it’s unfair. That’s very James.
James’ previous "shocking kneeling" came about this way.
"Why doesn’t he just choose to retire?" Hansen issued a soul-searching question after putting away his smile.
Every time he fails, it’s either the teammates’ fault or the referees’, anyway, never admitting any personal fault.
If there’s never any personal issue, there’s never any reflection; without reflection, there’s no targeted improvement, leading to no significant progress, hence never achieving success; it’s a complete logical loop.
Of course, Hansen knows James is unlikely to retire.
James might lack the spirit, but his skin is thick enough; not retiring means plenty of money, even if the world criticizes him, he pretends not to hear and keeps going.
After discussing the game, reporters naturally turned their focus to Hansen’s departure news.
"Yes, I will leave Cleveland in the summer."
Upon Hansen confirming this, the scene wasn’t just noisy; all the reporters were talking, leading to complete chaos.
After all, news is just news, but now it’s confirmed by the person involved.
Reporters subsequently questioned Hansen why he was leaving Cleveland. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡•𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢•𝕟𝕖𝕥
"Basketball here has lost its challenge for me."
Hansen didn’t speak as frankly as he did with JR because, as he said, it’s a secret.
There was another bout of discussion among the crowd.
Although this reason sounds absurd, it’s akin to when Jordan retired, saying "basketball has no challenge for me," from their mouths, it becomes truth.
The form of the Cavaliers might be declining, but with Jokic growing, their strength won’t decline.
Moreover, with this season’s experience, the Cavaliers’ management will replace role players through trades or signings, and the team’s strength will only grow next season.
For Hansen, it truly means "lost its challenge."
Of course, one point drawn from tonight’s game is that one effect of Hansen leaving the Cavaliers is that the League might stop giving targeted whistles against them.
With Hansen staying, the Cavaliers aiming for a fourth consecutive title, what they face might not be just whistles, but comprehensive rule targeting.
"Where are you planning to go?"
When the next reporter asked the question, the chaos instantly subsided.
All reporters stared at Hansen, hoping to hear explosive news next.
But clearly, Hansen wouldn’t announce the result at this time.
Even he wasn’t sure himself where he would head.
"We’ll know the answer in summer."
Hansen’s final answer was as expected.
Though this press conference didn’t contain any substantial content, the post-game news reports still fueled the rumors of Hansen’s departure.
After all, for the other 28 teams outside of Cleveland, acquiring Hansen is more valuable than any tanking strategy.
It’s believed that other teams will pull out all stops to recruit Hansen this summer.
Like the Warriors, who thought George would be most suitable for them this summer, but who knew Hansen would be the biggest catch.
Because there’s no way James would really retire like Hansen said in the press conference, so his team wouldn’t be in Hansen’s consideration.
Accompanied by outside debates, the Finals G4 continues in New Orleans.
For the Pelicans, trailing 0-3 means they can’t win the championship anymore. What they aim for is to avoid being swept.
Being swept in the finals is a shameful event for players.
Especially for James, who has previously experienced continuous sweeps by Duncan and Hansen, if it happens again, it’s not just about ranking first but being untouchable.