The Remote Farming Plan.

Today is game day.

Usually, tactical training isn't scheduled on game days, but today is an exception. The team needed to practice the plays designed specifically for Han Sen.

This was the highest level of treatment Han had received in training since coming to Cleveland.

How to describe this feeling? It's like getting extra time— pure exhilaration.

He even started to understand LeBron a little more now. Having the ball in your hands all the time on the court, that's when you truly enjoy the game.

Today's training was semi-public. The tactical drills were held behind closed doors, but once they were over, and the team started shooting drills, the media was let in.

After the session ended, Han Sen was quickly surrounded by reporters.

The outside world still didn't know about the series of events that had transpired over the past three days in the Cavaliers organization. In their minds, Han Sen was still in a "waiting to be traded" status.

"There are many trade rumors about you circulating out there. How do you feel about them?"

So naturally, the first question the reporters asked was related to that.

"I'm standing and watching," Han Sen smiled. "But sitting down is more comfortable."

"Just kidding, don't be so serious. I'm just here to play ball," he added when he saw the reporters were stunned.

When you're in a good mood, even your words come out humorously.

"I've heard the Grizzlies are making strong efforts to acquire you. It's rumored that they're even willing to send O.J. Mayo in exchange. How do you respond to that?"

Another similar question, and clearly, Han Sen's earlier joke hadn't satisfied the reporters.

Han Sen was slightly surprised and thought of Wallace, who had a good relationship with Ferry.

"Your information might not be that reliable. Real trade rumors usually don't get leaked in advance," Han Sen joked back with the reporters again.

After all, he couldn't just say he was sure he wouldn't be traded now— that was up to Ferry to clarify.

"Paul Pierce recently said in an NBC Boston Sports interview that they wouldn't make the same mistake again, and that he's going to teach you a lesson that you'll never forget. What's your response to that?"

The reporters shifted gears.

"He really said that?" No wonder his [hater points] had mysteriously risen the other day. It turns out Pierce was working for him remotely.

It seemed the trash talk he threw out last time had hit its mark.

After confirming this with a nod from the reporter, a sudden idea popped into Han Sen's mind.

If he could find these trash-talking players who stir up fan emotions, build up their hatred, and provoke them, then whenever they faced off, just like now, his [hater points] would rise without him lifting a finger!

And if the hatred was intense enough, he could cultivate them into a 'moderator' for his anti-fans, meaning that even when they weren't playing, his [hater points] would grow.

Hmm, let's call it the "Remote Farming Plan"!

Of course, Pierce wasn't the best candidate for this plan. The best candidate would be Draymond Green.

But Green was still at Michigan State University, and it would be four years before he entered the NBA.

"Tell that trash-talking guy that he doesn't deserve that nickname. I am the real 'Truth'," Han Sen said, his playful smile fading into a serious expression.

The nickname "Truth" held deep significance for Pierce.

In fact, if it weren't for that title, before the Big Three formed in Boston in 2008, Pierce would have been just another forgettable All-Star.

…

That night, the Quicken Loans Arena was packed.

Although Cleveland fans weren't as hostile as those in Boston, in their eyes, if the Celtics hadn't formed their Big Three, the Cavaliers would have won a championship two years ago.

So, every time these two teams clashed, whether at home or away, it was always a spectacle.

During pre-game warmups, Han Sen shot around for a bit, sinking several three-pointers in a row. It seemed like his outside touch was sharp tonight.

After the warmups ended, the opening ceremony began.

Han Sen was the first player introduced. His entrance was simple: when the announcer called out "77", he lifted his jersey and waved it at the camera.

Ever since he made that bold statement when he first entered the league, people may not always recognize his name, but if you mentioned "number 77", everyone knew who you were talking about.

Once the opening ceremony concluded, the starting lineups from both teams took to the court.

After stepping onto the court, Han Sen noticed that his matchup wasn't Ray Allen— it was Paul Pierce. 

It seemed that the pre-game trash talk had worked.

"I heard you're not happy in Cleveland. How about coming to Boston and joining me?" Pierce opened with a 'concerned' tone.

"I think I could be interested. Why don't you go talk to him about it?" Han Sen glanced toward the other side of the court at LeBron.

"I'm just trying to help. LeBron can't win you a championship. He's my beaten opponent."

Han Sen couldn't hold back his laughter.

Even though he didn't care much for LeBron, where did Pierce get the nerve to say he had defeated LeBron?

"Thanks for the offer, but I never rely on others to win championships," Han Sen said as he shifted his gaze to Garnett, who was about to jump for the ball.

"!!" Pierce immediately became agitated.

In the 2008 Finals, Pierce averaged 21.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, while Garnett averaged 18.2 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Purely from a statistical standpoint, the two seemed evenly matched. But in terms of impact on the team, Garnett was leagues ahead of Pierce.

It's easy to imagine the Celtics winning a championship with any other All-Star in place of Pierce, but how many players could have replaced Garnett?

Garnett, much like Tim Duncan, was a cornerstone for building a franchise.

This hit Pierce where it hurt.

Seeing Pierce's reaction, Han Sen knew that his farming plan was well underway.

The whistle blew, and Shaquille O'Neal tapped the ball back to half-court. The Cavaliers were the first to attack.

Pierce, still rattled by Han Sen's words, was thinking about how to retaliate on offense. 

As for defense, he wasn't too worried— Han Sen's role in the Cavaliers' tactics was to sit in the corner and create space.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have told Han Sen to "take a break" the last time they faced off.

Besides, Han Sen was currently the subject of trade rumors. If it wasn't to showcase him for other teams, he probably would've been benched by now.

In fact, the Cavaliers' tactics seemed unchanged at first glance. Han Sen was spacing out on the weak side while LeBron prepared to attack from the strong side.

But just as Pierce refocused his attention, he suddenly realized that Han Sen had disappeared!

Looking around, he spotted Han Sen cutting toward a 45-degree angle, with Cunningham setting a screen for him.

As Han Sen reached the spot, LeBron's pass arrived perfectly.

Garnett, showcasing his defensive prowess, quickly fought through Cunningham's screen to contest the shot.

But Han Sen executed the same move he had used during the team scrimmage— a quick change of direction dribbling to the opposite side of the screen. With Cunningham in the way, Garnett was too late to recover.

Before Pierce could close in on him, Han Sen confidently released a three-pointer.

Swish!

The ball sailed through the net, accompanied by a chorus of cheers from the crowd. Han Sen had scored the first points for the Cavaliers.

By the time Pierce reached him, it was already too late.

"I forgot to tell you something," Han Sen said, looking at Pierce.

"I'm not the same as before."