Although Yu Fei popped the champagne for the semifinals early, it wouldn't change anything.
In Game 4, the Philadelphia 76ers bravely held on for three quarters before being swept away by the Bucks' 5 OUT lineup.
111 to 97
4 to 0
The Philadelphia 76ers once again fell before the Bucks.
For a team that had decided to trade away its core and rebuild by the trade deadline, stopping at the semifinals was not a failure.
Their real issue was where to go from here.
If they continued to build around Allen Iverson, this was as far as the team could go.
But if they sold Iverson for a low price, they were a hundred times unwilling to do so.
Before the offseason arrived, Iverson said to Yu Fei, "Win another championship. You guys have a good chance."
"If I win, I'll give you last year's ring," Yu Fei joked.
Iverson confidently replied, "No need, I'll win one sooner or later."
Seeing Iverson was still as tough-mouthed as ever, Yu Fei felt relieved.