The Battle of the Bathwater.

Two days later, the Spurs managed to secure a win in Game 3 against the Grizzlies, with a 108-101 victory in San Antonio, clawing back a game in the series.

Despite his bravado after Game 2, Coach Popovich reverted to the 2-1-2 zone defense in Game 3, which he had stubbornly avoided earlier. Or maybe, his emotional outburst after Game 2 was a calculated ploy to lull the Grizzlies into a false sense of security.

However, Pop's defensive adjustments weren't the key to the Spurs' victory. Han Sen still dropped 35 points on them. The real turning point was their offensive explosion—thanks to an unexpected hero.

Danny Green had struggled mightily in the first two games of the series, hitting just 2-of-10 from beyond the arc, largely due to Han Sen's suffocating defense.

But more than that, his confidence was rattled. As the saying goes, how can you focus on shooting when your defense feels like it's barely holding things together?

With the zone defense alleviating some of his defensive responsibilities, Green found his rhythm. He erupted for a career night, going 6-for-11 from deep and finishing with 24 points. His first-half shooting alone (4-for-6 from three) set the tone for the Spurs.

The Spurs' offense, built around the Parker-Duncan pick-and-roll, naturally exploited the Grizzlies' defensive schemes. Coach Joerger relied on weak-side help to defend against the pick-and-roll, leaving the strong-side corner vulnerable.

When Green and Leonard are hitting their threes, the Grizzlies' defense faces a nightmare.

With Green heating up, Han Sen had to ease off his help defense. This opened up more opportunities for the Spurs' pick-and-roll attack. Even when Green's shooting cooled down, the damage was done.

This 'breakout game' from Green triggered memories for Han Sen.

In 2013-14, Popovich's famed 'Hammer play'—a tactical masterpiece built around pick-and-roll actions and off-ball screens for shooters—emerged because of Green's legendary performance in the 2013 NBA Finals.

Back then, Green shattered the Finals record with 25 made threes in just five games, shooting a jaw-dropping 66%.

For Han Sen, it felt like Green's Finals heroics had arrived a year early.

After Game 3, Joerger pulled Han aside to discuss adjustments. Han, tasked with defending Green while also helping on the pick-and-roll, faced a tough choice: protect the rim or shut down the shooter.

It was a 'pick your poison' scenario. But Han, being a sharpshooter himself, suggested a nuanced strategy: "tighten up early, then loosen up later."

The idea was simple—smother Green early, deny him rhythm, and force the Spurs into a shootout if necessary. Over time, Green would cool off without consistent touches. Joerger trusted Han's instincts and agreed.

By Game 4, Han Sen went all-in on executing the plan. He stuck to Green like glue, constantly bumping him on off-ball screens and peppering him with relentless trash talk. No one messes with a shooter's psyche like Han Sen.

The result? Green was ice-cold in the second half, repeatedly bricking open looks. Having been harassed all game, Green's confidence visibly wavered. The Spurs' offense sputtered, and the Grizzlies seized control.

Final score: 104-93. The Grizzlies took Game 4 and a commanding 3-1 series lead.

Meanwhile, in the East, the Pacers and Heat were locked in a fierce battle. After four games, the series was tied 2-2, with every indication it could go the full seven games.

One week later, the conference finals wrapped up.

In the West, the Spurs fought valiantly, even stealing Game 5 on the road. But back in Memphis, Han Sen erupted for 43 points in Game 6, closing out the series with a 4-2 victory.

Though two years had passed, the result remained the same: the Spurs fell to the Grizzlies.

Popovich had been unusually cautious throughout the series. It wasn't that he didn't want to unleash his usual mind games; he simply didn't dare.

The Grizzlies' roster—stacked with defensive-minded enforcers like Johnson and Jones—hung over the series like a sword of Damocles.

Even players who barely saw the court contributed to the Grizzlies' dominance in ways stats couldn't capture. From Robert Sacre's bench antics to Johnson and Jones' physical presence, the Grizzlies weaponized intimidation like no other team.

If the Western Conference Finals had an MVP, it would undoubtedly be Han Sen.

Over six games, he delivered three 40-point performances and averaged a staggering 38.7 points per game. He played like Kobe Bryant in his prime, only more efficient and versatile.

On social media, fans began calling him the "Mayor of San Antonio," solidifying his reputation as the Spurs' ultimate tormentor.

Some even speculated about Han's promise to avenge Chris Paul.

"If Han gives a victory speech after the West Finals, he's definitely bringing up CP3," one fan quipped.

But if you asked Han who he'd thank most, it'd probably be Popovich.

Why? Because Pop's defensive schemes gave Han so many post-up opportunities that his [Dream Shake] talent had reached its peak.

With his arsenal of elite offensive talents—[Dream Shake], [Divine Fadeaway], [Classical Master], and [Uncle Drew]—Han was more than ready for the Finals.

Whether the Grizzlies could dethrone the Heat remained to be seen. But Han? He had all the confidence in the world.

...

The Grizzlies secured an early victory in the playoffs, but the Finals were delayed for a week due to the Eastern Conference Finals being pushed to Game 7.

The good news? The Heat endured an even tougher battle than Han Sen had anticipated.

The bad news? Dwyane Wade rediscovered his form in Game 7, exploding for 32 points to blow out the Pacers and lead his team to victory.

Han Sen's luck was solid, but so was Miami's.

Regardless, after a one-season gap, the Grizzlies and Heat were set for a Finals rematch.

On one side, you had the defending champions who boldly proclaimed at the start of the season their aim to build a dynasty.

On the other, the league's best team with 70 wins under their belt following blockbuster trades, universally acknowledged as the strongest squad in the NBA.

This time, no contrived narrative from David Stern was needed; fans had long been clamoring for this epic clash, and it was finally unfolding on the grandest stage.

But before the games began, there was plenty of hype to generate. Among the usual promotional efforts, one particular storyline stood out: "The Bathwater Battle."

In recent years, Finals storylines have cemented themselves in NBA lore. From Boston's Big Three and the Lakers-Celtics rivalry in 2008 to Kobe's redemption in 2009, Dallas's fairy tale in 2011, and Memphis's fiery hunt for Miami in 2012.

This year, while 'Grizzlies vs. Heat 2' was one theme, bathwater had taken on a life of its own.

It wasn't about Durant's preferences anymore. Nor was it about whether the bathwater belonged to Scarlett or Han Sen.

Bathwater had become a symbol—of pride, honor, and something that was impossible not to meme into existence.

Years from now, when fans mentioned the 'Bathwater Battle,' they'd immediately recall the legendary 2013 Finals.

Adding to the hype, the league released a pre-Finals fan survey, masterminded by marketing guru Adam Silver.

The poll didn't focus on Heat fans alone but extended to all NBA enthusiasts nationwide.

The results?

69% believed the Heat would win the Finals. Only 28% backed the Grizzlies to defend their title. Of those surveyed, 58% predicted the Heat would win in Game 7, a testament to how many fans acknowledged Memphis's strength but doubted their ability to stop Miami.

After all, with Wade back in form, the Heat looked like one of the most historically dominant teams.

Naturally, TNT's 'Inside the NBA' crew weighed in with their predictions in their signature style.

Charles Barkley stole the show, showing up in a full bear costume complete with a massive bear head, making his allegiance crystal clear without saying a word.

Shaquille O'Neal didn't even try to steal the spotlight this time. As a key member of Miami's 2006 championship team and with LeBron gone, Shaq threw his full support behind the Heat.

As for Kenny Smith? His loyalty wasn't the main attraction—it was what he could contribute to the spectacle.

Cue the bet.

When the Finals are this hyped, bets are a must. Their infamous streaking bet from last year's Finals didn't just spice up the competition—it turned Barkley into a viral sensation when he cashed in on the wager.

This year's bet? Naturally, it had to involve bathwater.

The loser would drink Kenny Smith's bathwater live on air.

Why Smith? Because even as the smallest star among the trio, he had to contribute to maintain his 'Big Three' status on TNT. Otherwise, as the hosts joked, he'd be cast aside like LeBron was from Miami's Big Three.

"I just hope you wash up before filling the tub," quipped the host, adding fuel to the hilarity.

And so, the 'Bathwater Battle' moniker was cemented.

...

The Finals tipped off at a packed American Airlines Arena in Miami. Heat fans were electric, eager for vengeance after last season's heartbreak.

Miami's confidence was sky-high, bolstered by a 70-win campaign. The vibe was eerily similar to the Lakers' 2009 revenge tour.

Every seat in the arena came with a red T-shirt labeled 'Avengers,' symbolizing their fiery quest for redemption.

While not everyone wore them, the sea of red was unmistakable—burning like the Heat's desire for revenge.

During pregame warmups, the cameras caught shots of Han Sen and Kevin Durant.

Han looked relaxed, as if he were playing the same Heat team he defeated last year.

Durant? Not so much. His expression was grim.

Durant wasn't usually this serious—off the court, he was known for his humor and friendly nature. But with the bathwater memes running wild, it was hard to find a reason to smile.

The broadcast didn't forget to spotlight other stars either: Wade, Bosh, Randolph, Gasol, Allen, Carter—the Finals lineup this year boasted more star power than ever.

Even rookie Grant Hill got his moment. Having clawed his way into Miami's rotation after being waived by Memphis, Hill was a narrative unto himself: the 'gentlemanly assassin' facing the team that cut him loose.

The Grizzlies stuck with their usual starting five.

The Heat, as always, leaned into their signature showmanship, complete with fire jets and deafening cheers as their starters were introduced: Chalmers, Wade, Durant, Bosh, and Perkins.

There had been speculation that Spoelstra might gamble by starting Ray Allen to exploit Memphis's defense early. But Spoelstra, ever the pragmatic coach, opted to stick with his tried-and-true lineup.

When the players took the court, Wade wasted no time bantering with Han.

"Planning on another 61-point night?" Wade quipped, referencing Han's Christmas Day masterpiece.

"Wouldn't say no," Han replied with a grin. "But I don't think I'll need to go that far tonight."

"Don't get too comfortable," Wade retorted, his tone suddenly serious. "I'm not letting that happen again."

"Don't think it's your call," Han shot back coolly, already plotting to wear Wade down defensively.

A sudden glare caught Han's attention. He turned to see Durant locking eyes with him, brimming with intensity.

The tension between them was palpable.

Two years of playoff eliminations, Durant's infamous bathwater comment, and countless other slights had built to this moment.

The Finals were here.

The stakes?

Legacy, revenge, and, of course, the bathwater.