Cleveland Doesn’t Need a King.
Returning to Cleveland with a 3-1 lead, the Cavaliers were just one home win away from not only exacting revenge but also pulling off a gentleman's sweep against their rivals.
This is where the unpredictability of a playoff series comes into play. Initially, the Celtics were clearly the stronger team, but after dropping a couple of crucial games, they now found themselves on the brink of elimination.
There were two days of rest between games, and during this time, Han Sen's popularity skyrocketed. Even though he wasn't as dominant in Game 4, going 7-for-17 from the field and scoring 21 points— nothing as flashy as his Game 1 performance— his clutch game-winner and dramatic leap onto the scorer's table were nothing short of legendary.
Especially after Khalil captured that iconic moment: Han Sen standing tall on the scorer's table as furious Boston fans hurled insults and water bottles at him. When that image hit the newsstands, it exploded in the media.
As a result, Han Sen racked up tons of hater points, with his system showing over 300,000 in total now. But at the same time, his social media also saw a surge in genuine followers.
In fact, ever since the All-Star break, his follower count had been steadily increasing, but now it was skyrocketing. His social media was buzzing daily, with fans and haters constantly battling it out in the comments.
Unfortunately, most of the haters were repeat offenders, so they weren't generating any new hater points. Otherwise, Han Sen would have been raking in even more with zero effort.
On game day, Han Sen arrived at the gym an hour early for his usual workout. But something felt off— LeBron was nowhere to be seen.
After finishing up, Han Sen hit the court, but still no sign of LeBron.
It wasn't until Coach Brown entered the gym that the mystery was solved.
"I've got some bad news," Brown announced grimly before practice officially started. "LeBron's injury has worsened, and he'll be sitting out Game 5."
"He'll be back," Brown added, sounding emotional. "He's a warrior. He just needs some time to rest."
As Brown's dramatic explanation echoed through the gym, Han Sen couldn't help but smirk.
What a brilliant move.
Last game, Han Sen had stolen the spotlight—first with the game-winning three, then by jumping onto the scorer's table. With Khalil's help, the media frenzy had overshadowed LeBron's 'kingly' return.
So, LeBron's options were limited: fighting for more touches on the court would've been too obvious, but if he played passively, his impact would be stifled.
Instead, he chose to sit out with an injury, letting the Cavs potentially lose Game 5, only to return and lead them to victory in Game 6. Another grand comeback for the King.
It was a clever move, not necessarily malicious, just classic LeBron.
But still, it was hard to ignore how ironic Brown's previous statement sounded now, considering he'd said LeBron wouldn't 'run away' after the last game.
After practice, Shaq pulled Han Sen aside for a private chat.
"So… should we 'get injured' too?" Shaq joked, making Han Sen laugh out loud.
"You sly old man! You really get how to play the injury card, huh?"
Han Sen found it amusing, but after a good laugh, he shook his head.
He had just flexed his dominance in the last game— faking an injury now would be embarrassing.
Plus, he was genuinely concerned about going back to Boston too soon. The fans were still fuming, and who knows what they might do when emotions were running high?
But more importantly, he had a different vision in mind.
"This is our chance," Han Sen said, his voice steady.
"Chance? What do you mean?" Shaq asked, confused.
Han Sen gazed out of the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking off into the distance as if he saw something far beyond.
"It's our chance to show everyone…" Han Sen paused, then continued, his eyes still focused on the horizon, "Cleveland doesn't really need a king."
---
Two days later, Game 5 of the Cavaliers vs. Celtics series tipped off at Cleveland's home court.
The Quicken Loans Arena was once again packed to capacity.
However, the energy on the fans' faces wasn't quite as high as in the previous games. LeBron's absence had undoubtedly cast a shadow over the Cavaliers' prospects for the night.
Although injured, LeBron still showed up in a sharp suit to support his teammates, and the cameras couldn't stop focusing on him during the pre-game warm-ups.
He truly knew how to stay in the spotlight.
After the warm-ups, the opening ceremony began.
Unlike previous games, Han Sen was introduced last tonight.
Technically, Han Sen should be the fourth option on the Cavs, at best tied with Mo Williams as the third. But in this series, he had scored 33, 11, 14, and 21 points across the four games, averaging 19.75 points per game— solid second-option numbers.
With LeBron out, it was only natural for him to take center stage.
"Selected 16th overall in the 2009 Draft, from Barry University, standing at 6-foot-6, Han~ Sen!!"
As the DJ called his name and Han Sen stepped out while shaking his jersey, the crowd erupted with deafening cheers.
Just like on social media, Han Sen had captivated the fans during this series.
You could even say that tonight, he was the hope of all Cleveland!
LeBron frowned slightly at that moment, feeling like his injury had handed Han Sen an opportunity. But he quickly relaxed— there was no way Shaq would repeat his Game 4 performance, and the Cavs wouldn't win tonight anyway.
When he makes his comeback in the next game, nothing that happens tonight will matter.
After the opening ceremony, both teams revealed their starting lineups.
The only major difference for Cleveland was that old man Parker replaced LeBron as a starter. Otherwise, the lineups were largely unchanged.
With the roar of the crowd behind him, Shaq tipped the ball back to Cleveland, and the game officially began.
Right away, Shaq posted up in the low post and forced a defensive foul from Garnett.
One reason Han Sen didn't agree with Shaq's 'injury' idea was because of the last game. LeBron had played poorly, yet the Cavs still won. So why couldn't they do it again?
Shaq stepped to the free-throw line, but this time he only made one out of two, with the made shot bouncing in.
His 8-of-11 free-throw shooting from the last game had been a miracle— tonight, a 50% rate was more like his usual self.
On the Celtics' next possession, Garnett hit a cold-blooded jumper, sinking it with ease.
His entire form and confidence seemed different from the earlier games.
Some players crumble when they're on the brink of elimination, but others tap into even greater energy.
Garnett was clearly the latter.
And it wasn't just him. When the Cavs tried to set up their offense again, the Celtics' defense ignited.
This time, when Shaq spun in the post, Rondo collapsed on him and stripped the ball away.
Down 3-1? That only seemed to activate the Celtics' passive ability: Bloodlust!
Halfway through the first quarter, the Celtics had taken control, leading 13-8.
Shaq was getting trapped in the post, and his performance was noticeably less free-flowing than in the previous game.
At the end of the day, this Celtics team was built on defense. Once they locked in, it was tough to beat them with the same tricks.
LeBron, meanwhile, was chatting and laughing with Varejao on the sidelines, clearly in a good mood.
Everything was going according to plan.
---
Rondo drove past Shaq, hitting a floater and drawing a foul.
Coach Brown called over Ilgauskas from the bench— Shaq's stamina was already starting to wane.
Rondo sank the free throw, and the lead had grown to 8 points.
The arena grew restless.
Fans knew it would be hard to win tonight without LeBron, but they didn't expect the Cavs to look so sluggish so early.
Without LeBron, it really was tough!
As Han Sen jogged up the court, he made a signal to Mo Williams.
When Shaq was on the floor, the offense naturally flowed through him. Now that Shaq was out, it was up to Han Sen to take over.
On the strong side, Williams ran a pick-and-roll with Jamison, while on the weak side, Ilgauskas set a screen for Han Sen.
It was a typical Cavaliers play, except the screeners had switched roles.
The goal was to get Han Sen a clean look on the weak side.
And it worked.
Han Sen received the ball, now switched onto Kendrick Perkins.
But the Celtics' defense adapted quickly. Perkins sagged toward the basket, while Ray Allen, having fought through Ilgauskas' screen, closed off Han Sen's retreat to the three-point line.
By this point in the series, the Celtics had thoroughly studied Han Sen, knowing his mid-range game was weak and leaving that area wide open.
Han Sen knew it too, so he didn't hesitate— he charged straight at Perkins.
Perkins had no choice but to retreat faster, fearing Han Sen would blow by him for a layup if he was too slow.
As the two closed in on the paint, Han Sen stopped on a dime, rose into the air, and floated the ball just above Perkins' outstretched hand.
With his [Giant Slayer] talent maxed out, Han Sen's control on quick stops, balance in the air, and even his floater rhythm had all significantly improved.
The moment he jumped, he knew the shot was good.
Swish!
Perkins couldn't keep up with Han Sen's quickness and could only watch as the floater dropped in for two.
The crowd roared in approval.
When it matters most, Han delivers!
On the way back on defense, Han Sen clapped and raised his hand to rally his teammates.
No matter what, he was going to win this game tonight!
Morale was high and the Cavaliers' defense was becoming more active, but with Shaq off the court, their ability to protect the rim decreased.
Rondo drove into the paint, using his signature fake pass and layup to draw a foul from Ilgauskas.
He hit one of two free throws, extending the Celtics' lead to 17-10.
As Han Sen tried to find an opportunity through weak-side screens, the Celtics intensified their defense against him receiving the ball.
Mo Williams couldn't find a passing lane to Han Sen and was forced to drive to the basket himself, only to be blocked by Garnett, who was dominating on both ends of the floor tonight.
Fortunately, Jamison grabbed a crucial offensive rebound. Although he had been mostly outplayed by Garnett during the series, like Shaq had said, Jamison could do everything.
But Garnett, playing at a superhuman level, quickly turned to cut off Jamison's second-chance shot.
Jamison had no scoring opportunity but soon spotted Han Sen waving for the ball on the far side.
After all, he could do everything— including passing.
Han Sen caught the ball, saw Pierce closing in, and initiated the 'Cunningham screen'. This time, however, it was Ilgauskas setting the pick instead of Cunningham, making it even more effective.
Pierce got caught on the screen, leaving Han Sen with a rare open three-pointer.
It felt like he was back in practice, leading the third team against the starters.
Determination can push someone forward without hesitation.
Han Sen took the shot, eyes sharp.
Swish!
The net snapped as Han Sen drained the three!
17-13!
After Han Sen scored five consecutive points, the Cavs had closed the gap to under five points.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
This was the hope of the whole city!
"Defense! Defense!"
With Han Sen's personal five-point run, the Cavs were starting to build momentum!
LeBron paused his conversation with Varejao— Han Sen's rhythm tonight was clearly better than in the last game.
Rondo once again used a screen to drive into the paint, but this time Jamison came from behind and pinned his shot off the backboard!
Jamison wasn't a great one-on-one defender, but his physical gifts allowed him to be an excellent help defender at times!
After the block, Jamison grabbed the rebound and immediately spotted Han Sen sprinting past the three-point line.
There wasn't time to wonder how Han Sen always seemed so fast on fast breaks. Jamison threw a long pass forward.
The pass was a little too far ahead, but Han Sen, as if he had rockets on his feet, caught up to it, took a big step, and lifted the ball high for a powerful one-handed tomahawk dunk.
After the dunk, Han Sen stood on the baseline, grabbed his jersey, and let out a fierce roar.
The arena went wild.
Some fans couldn't stay seated anymore, standing up and waving their hands while shouting out their finest trash talk.
17-15!
Celtics coach Doc Rivers called for a timeout.
Han Sen had forced the Celtics to stop the game!
As Han Sen walked off the court, his teammates rushed over to congratulate him, with Shaq grabbing his head and giving him a big kiss.
No wonder this guy had the guts to say Cleveland didn't need a king— his confidence came from his skills!
LeBron's brow furrowed deeply into a "川" shape.
He was starting to regret it— if the Cavs actually won this game under Han Sen's leadership, he would have handed Han the keys to the throne himself.
He glanced toward the Celtics' side, now hoping his old rivals could pull something out of their bag of tricks.
"Come on, you guys! I know you still have that fight in you. Use it to stop this kid!"
After the timeout, the Celtics executed a perfect play, with Pierce driving in for a layup.
LeBron instinctively raised his hand to applaud, but midway through, he realized it wasn't appropriate and awkwardly stuffed his hand into his mouth, biting his nails.
"Let's go, Cavs!"
Even though the Celtics had scored right after the timeout, the Cavaliers' energy didn't drop.
Han Sen, using a series of screens, received the ball and charged into the paint.
Perkins quickly retreated on defense, and Han Sen took the opportunity to stop abruptly and attempt another floater.
But this time, Garnett showcased his elite help defense, flying in from the side to block the shot.
However, Han Sen remained calm, flicking his fingers and releasing the ball early.
The ball soared just over Garnett's fingertips, tracing a high arc…
Swish!
Nothing but the net.
Han Sen had now scored 9 consecutive points!
He was playing out of his mind!
The camera zoomed in on Han Sen, who wasn't as visibly excited as before. Instead, he looked calm and composed.
He could feel the massive improvements from his [Giant Slayer] talent reaching its peak— his enhanced abilities were undeniable.
Unless Rivers sacrificed some offense to bring in Tony Allen for full-on man defense, the Celtics' current defensive lineup couldn't contain him.