Chapter 1 The NBA Finals Begin

Five days could be seen as both short and long.

In the blink of an eye, it was June 1st, and the NBA Finals officially kicked off in New Orleans.

Despite the five-day break, the fans' enthusiasm hadn't waned, and was even higher than ever before.

Good food is worth the wait, and no one wanted to miss this pinnacle showdown.

Unlike their regular-season matchups, the Cavaliers' training was still open to the public this time, but they refused all interviews after the training session.

It was clear that both the Cavaliers' management and Lue were a bit afraid of Whiteside's pre-game brainless remarks.

This could be considered a good thing.

Not everyone likes pre-game trash talk. After the excitement of Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, fans were also looking forward to a more exciting showdown in the Finals.

In the locker room before the game, both teams were making their final preparations.

"Tang, is your shoulder okay?"

Davis asked Tang Tian, who was receiving pre-game ice treatment with the help of the team doctor.

Tang Tian's pull by Green wasn't light, but fortunately, the MRI results were negative, with no structural damage, only a mild ligament sprain.

Even so, for the average person, it was an injury that would require at least two to three weeks of rest.

Tang Tian had only rested for five days.

If it weren't for his experience of playing with injuries in the middle of the season and the team doctor's permission, the Pelicans wouldn't have let him play even in the Finals.

"I'm fine, the team doctor checked me."

Tang Tian said with a smile. He was now grateful that he had redeemed the Court Gladiator (qiuchang doushi), and the pain was much lighter than when he was first injured.

Davis nodded. Tang Tian's words reassured him.

Not long after, Stevens and Gentry came over to emphasize some details to pay attention to during the game.

After they finished speaking, he specifically called Davis out of the locker room.

"Tang is injured in his right shoulder. I believe in his ability to adjust, but it will definitely affect him. I need you to take on more responsibility."

Stevens said earnestly.

"I will."

Davis said firmly.

Last year, Tang Tian's Game 7 performance brought him his first championship.

Now that Tang Tian was injured, he should indeed step up.

That night, the New Orleans Arena was packed to capacity, and the area outside the arena was also crowded with people.

The grand scene was even more exaggerated than last year.

The better the record, the bigger the market would grow.

It wasn't just New Orleans; it had spread to many surrounding cities.

Moreover, Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals was so thrilling, but they could only watch it through LED broadcasts, which was definitely not as satisfying as watching it live.

Not only local New Orleans fans, but fans all over the world were also looking forward to the Finals.

At the moment the game started, the global viewership was already approaching last year's peak.

Part of this was due to the excitement of Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, but more importantly, it showed that fans still preferred high-intensity, highly entertaining games like this.

After the pre-game opening ceremony, the starting lineups of both teams were announced one after another.

Nikola Jokic was still out with injury, and Diaw replaced him as the starting center. The other positions remained unchanged: Holiday, Tang Tian, Ariza, and Davis.

The Cavaliers also had their standard starting five: Irving, Shumpert, James, Love, and Whiteside.

After the final three minutes of pre-game tactical arrangements were completed, the starters from both sides took the court one after another.

The camera specifically showed split shots of James and Tang Tian.

James still didn't throw magnesium powder before the game, showing that he was serious about what he had said before.

He wouldn't do that again until he brought a championship to Cleveland.

Tang Tian's expression looked no different from usual, except that he was wearing a shoulder pad on his right shoulder.

Because the Pelicans had been hiding the injury, no one knew what had happened.

When he came on the court, he made a special point of greeting his wife and children at the sidelines. It was Children's Day, but he could only spend it with his sons on the court.

Amid the cheers of the fans, Whiteside tipped the ball over Diaw's head back to the Cavaliers' half of the court, officially opening the curtain on the 2016-2017 season Finals.

The Cavaliers passed the ball to Whiteside as soon as they came up.

With Jokic out, the Pelicans' inside defense suddenly seemed empty.

Diaw was old; Boban's shortcomings were too obvious, and he hadn't been in the rotation before; Harrell had shown some flashes last season, but he hadn't played much this season.

With all that considered, Whiteside could turn the inside upside down.

However, Whiteside didn't gain any advantage in two consecutive offensive attempts. Diaw was old, but his weight and strength were still good enough.

One-on-one, Whiteside, after losing weight, might not necessarily gain any advantage.

Instead, the consecutive unsuccessful strong attacks gave the Pelicans the opportunity to launch fast breaks. Holiday and Davis each scored a goal, and the Pelicans took a 4-0 lead at the start, giving the Cavaliers a warning shot.

Even without Jokic, the Pelicans were still the Pelicans.

The fans at the scene were excited. The Pelicans had just reversed the Warriors in Game 6, and the fans were looking forward to them solving the defending champion Cavaliers in four games.

"This time, Michael is right. This team's overall strength is much stronger than expected."

Breen also said with emotion in the commentary box.

The Pelicans had a 15-man roster, a 12-man active roster, and there were too many people who could play.

Everyone thought the Pelicans would take the momentum, but the Cavaliers quickly proved their strength as Eastern Conference champions.

The first to step up was Little Emperor James.

Whiteside couldn't beat Diaw, so he mismatched and scored several times in a row.

After all, Diaw was old. He could rely on his weight and strength in the low post, but his speed was too much of a disadvantage outside the three-second zone.

Moreover, Love didn't play well in the regular season, but his state gradually recovered in the playoffs. Davis helped defend a few times, and Love caught the ball and shot it in.

Of course, the bigger problem was that Tang Tian's touch was off, just like in Game 6.

Several of his emergency stop jump shots after getting past Love were off.

As in the regular season, his injury still had a great impact on his touch.

And that was exactly what could limit his performance the most.

For the Cavaliers, if Tang Tian's touch was off, they only needed to guard against his breakthroughs and passes.

Although the Pelicans relied on strengthening their defense to stalemate with the Cavaliers until the last quarter, James was in hot form, scoring 40+ points and a triple-double.

In the end, the Cavaliers still defeated the Pelicans 103-92 on the road, taking the first victory in the Finals.

James had a triple-double of 41 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, Love contributed 20 points, and Irving also had 19 points and 5 assists.

On the Pelicans' side, five players scored in double figures, and the overall performance was not bad.

Davis contributed a team-high 26 points and 11 rebounds, and Williams also had 15 points off the bench.

But Tang Tian's touch was average, with only 7 of 17 shots made, contributing 21 points, 11 assists, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals.

This data was already very good for the average player, but as the league's number one player, it was obviously a failing grade.

"Jokic's absence has a great impact on the Pelicans. Pachulia destroyed the Spurs and also destroyed the Pelicans..."

"I think the bigger problem is Tang's state. He's still in a slump like in Game 6. This is really a big problem!"

"Did you notice the shoulder pad on Tang's right shoulder? Is he injured?"

"There was no news before the game. It shouldn't be, but it's possible. Otherwise, there's no reason to wear a shoulder pad."

"Jokic can't play in the first place. If Tang is still playing with an injury, the Pelicans... this year, they're really going to work for the Cavaliers."

"The Warriors are really persistent. They're already out, but they're still haunting us. Are they going to destroy two main players in one series?"

"Green: LeBron, my old friend, I've already cleared the obstacles for you. When will the money arrive?"

"Alas, I thought the Finals would be as exciting and stimulating as Game 6, but now it seems that it's over before it even started!"

"There's no way around it. Injuries are also part of the game. Blame Tatum! How many stars have been injured in this year's playoffs!"

"So... Cavaliers champion? LeBron is going to bring the first championship to the city of Cleveland, just like Tang did last year!"

"Cavaliers champion! My emperor cut 40+ triple-doubles in the first game. This state is invincible. They must win the championship!"

"Speaking of which, did anyone notice that program on TNT before? Michael once again favored the Pelicans, and as a result..."

"Jordan: Sorry, I didn't add enough poison last time. This time I'm adding more..."

"I told you to say that Tang is catching up with me every day. Watch me jinx you →_→"

"From the gaze of God."

……

The first game of the Finals ended, and the outside world was generally pessimistic about the Pelicans.

If they were playing with a full lineup, the Pelicans would most likely easily suppress the Cavaliers as they did in the regular season.

But now Jokic can't play, and Tang is suspected of being injured, so it's expected that fans would have such opinions.

Just like they said, injuries are part of the game. In the NBA's many years of history, countless teams have fallen due to injuries.

The Pelicans were lucky to only encounter this situation this year.

"Cleveland, champion! New Orleans, runner-up! @LeBron @Irving @Love..."

Moreover, after the first game ended, Whiteside, who hadn't been able to vent before the game, couldn't hold back and posted such a slogan on social media.

And he also @ed all the Cavaliers' players after the slogan.

It was obviously a very imposing slogan, but it was completely ruined by him.

No one on the Cavaliers replied to him. In fact, James's social media was closed. If he knew, he would probably be furious.

Whiteside's approach was as intellectually deficient as ever, but it could be felt that taking the first game greatly boosted the Cavaliers' morale.

Now it wasn't a question of whether the Pelicans wanted to take the momentum, but whether the Cavaliers could take the momentum to end the series.

The second game of the Finals would be played three days later.

These three days were an adjustment opportunity for both teams.

The Pelicans arranged for routine shooting training.

Tang Tian was injured, so there was no rush.

What Stevens was doing now was more to try to mobilize the state of other players.

Tang Tian's injury wasn't too serious. Recovery just took time, so the longer they could drag out the series, the greater their chances of winning.

As the training entered the final full-court scrimmage, Stevens observed the players' condition while discussing the starting center for the next game with Gentry.

Diaw was clearly targeted in the last game, so they had to make some changes.

Should they let Boban and Harrell try, or move Davis to the five position?

"I think AD playing the 5 is the best choice. His current height and weight won't be too much of a disadvantage against Whiteside. Love is also a space player, and West can match up."

Gentry said his thoughts.

Stevens didn't react.

Gentry was right, but the problem was that he needed Davis's offense even more now.

Not everyone was Tang Tian, able to maintain offense and defense in such high-intensity games. At least Davis couldn't do that yet.

"Or I think Harrell is an option. His state in training has always been very good."

Gentry continued to suggest after seeing Stevens didn't react.

This time Stevens nodded. Harrell could carry, and his ability to score off pick-and-rolls was also good. He was indeed a good choice.

"Coach, I can play."

Just as they were discussing, Jokic, who had been riding a bicycle on the sidelines, came to the two of them at some point.

Stevens turned his head and looked at Jokic suspiciously.

"The team doctor said it's okay?"

Gentry was surprised and delighted.

It would definitely be the best choice if Jokic could play.

Especially now that Tang Tian was injured, the team needed a second point of organization.

"It shouldn't be a big problem. I can feel it."

Jokic said, shaking his legs, looking like he really felt good.

Stevens was still cautious and asked Gentry to call the team doctor over.

After an examination, the team doctor gave his opinion.

"He can play, but there is definitely some risk. Ankle injuries require a lot of caution for athletes."

"Coach, I can really play, and the team needs me now."

Although Jokic usually looked shy, just like his style of play on the court, he really had a very tough personality.

"I'll let you play, but I'll limit your playing time."

Stevens finally couldn't resist Jokic, and just like Jokic said, the Pelicans really needed him now.

The full-court scrimmage ended, and the players left the court one after another.

After a short break, Stevens gathered the players together again.

In addition to some details in the training, he also talked about the starting lineup for the next game.

"Nikola will come back to play as a starter, but he won't play for too long. Boris and Montrezl still need to be prepared."

Hearing that Jokic was going to come back, the Pelicans' players looked at each other, and then they all cheered in unison.

After losing the first game, they needed some external stimulation, and Jokic's return was definitely a boost for them.

However, Tang Tian didn't look too excited.

After Stevens announced the end of training, he didn't immediately return to the locker room, but went to Stevens alone.

"Brad, I don't think that'll work."

Tang Tian chatted with Stevens privately, and he was quite direct.

"I know Nikola really wants to play, and the team needs him, but we can't gamble with his future."

Tang Tian was only playing with an injury because he had Court Gladiator (qiuchang doushi), and his injury was only minor.

But Jokic didn't have a system and had a relatively serious injury, so the risk of a rash return was too great.

He was a time-traveler, and he clearly remembered the result of Durant's forced return, and Durant suffered, precisely from an ankle injury.