Dad Doesn't Love Me Anymore.

After the pre-season came to an end, Marc Stein released the second edition of the power rankings based on each team's pre-season performance. 

The Lakers remained at the top, while the Heat dropped to fourth due to their poor pre-season showing. 

Interestingly, the Grizzlies climbed four spots to 16th place after beating the Mavericks. 

This, of course, sparked some controversy. 

Some fans thought Stein had no professionalism, using pre-season performance to gauge a team's strength—it was laughable. 

However, this time Stein didn't offer any explanation, as the regular-season game between the Heat and Grizzlies was about to kick off, which would speak for itself. 

The league had been promoting the season opener on a massive scale. 

The Heat's official promotion even used a comedic title 'Heat Burns the Bear' to hype up the game. 

Regardless of playing style or strategy, the Heat were a championship contender, while the Grizzlies weren't even a playoff team; the gap in strength was obvious. 

The day before the game, the Grizzlies flew to Miami. 

Han Sen sat near the front of the plane, with Conley beside him. 

The two were discussing the upcoming game. 

This was their opportunity, but they would likely become the first stepping stone for the Heat's Big Three. 

"They're weaker than you think," Han, being a transmigrator, was confident. Since this Heat team hadn't changed from the one he knew, he was more familiar with their true strength than anyone else. 

He knew that early in the season, the Heat struggled due to chemistry issues, leading to all sorts of closed-door meetings. 

"That was just the pre-season," Conley reminded him. Hansen was underestimating their opponent by assessing them based on pre-season performance. 

Han then realized that others didn't share his perspective, but still... 

"Teams that perform well in the pre-season don't always do well in the regular season, but if they perform poorly, it means they have some issues." 

The most classic example would be the Lakers' new F4 lineup with Nash, Kobe, Gasol, and Howard, who went winless in the pre-season and had a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs. 

Conley nodded in agreement, finding some truth in what Han said. 

Just then, Gay approached them and motioned for Conley to give him a seat. 

Han looked puzzled, wondering why he suddenly interrupted their conversation. 

Unexpectedly, Gay leaned in close, acting mysteriously. 

"Should I hold back a little when I'm matched up against LeBron?" 

Han Sen was instantly confused. 

Why would you come to me asking whether to go easy on him?! 

Unexpectedly, Gay handed him his phone. 

Han glanced at the phone, and when he saw the content, he was momentarily stunned. 

It was an interview from earlier when James had spoken with the media during a training session in Miami. 

The reporter asked James about the upcoming game against the Grizzlies and facing Han as an opponent. 

The question wasn't out of place, as everyone knew that Han Sen and James had a strained relationship before parting ways. 

The problem lay in James's response. 

"You know, Han is my good brother. We've fought side by side and defeated many opponents together. We were just one step away from the championship. I know he went to a team he wanted to join, and I wish him all the best in Memphis." 

Wait, is James another masochist like Carter? 

This didn't seem right—James and he had a hostile relationship, so how could he say something like that?! 

"This is fake news." 

"Fake? But it seems to be from ESPN's official site," Gay scratched his head. 

"It's definitely fake. Whether we win tomorrow depends entirely on your defense, so don't hold back at all." Han looked at Gay seriously. 

Gay was taken aback for a moment but, seeing Han's expression, nodded firmly. 

After Gay left, Han took out his phone and searched online. 

Turns out, the news was actually real! 

At that moment, he slapped his forehead, realizing he had forgotten something important. 

During the free agency period, in order to exchange for [Iron Body], he had publicly supported James, earning a wave of haters. 

Think about it—when everyone was cursing you, and suddenly someone stood by your side, especially someone who used to be at odds with you, how would you feel? 

You'd feel like true friendship shines through adversity! 

Although James likely didn't see it that way. 

But to maintain his image, James would pretend to see it that way. 

So, his words made perfect sense. 

"Actually, if you hadn't gotten injured, the Cavaliers really had a chance to win the championship last season," Conley said as he returned to his seat, having apparently spoken with Gay. 

Han didn't even want to explain. If Conley had experienced what he went through with the Cavaliers, he would never have thought that way. 

He turned his head to look out the window. 

After a while, he turned back and continued the conversation with Conley. 

In that moment , he had formed a new idea. 

The environment with the Grizzlies was much better than with the Cavaliers, but one thing was worse—the lack of external attention. 

Nike heavily promoted James, so he naturally had a spotlight on him; even in a small market like Cleveland, it didn't affect the media coverage. 

It was much easier for Han to gain haters there, but in Memphis, it would be difficult. 

His bold claim about bringing a championship to the Grizzlies was one of the few opportunities he had. 

Now, with James saying those things, wasn't he creating an opportunity for him? 

Imagine, Han Sen embarrassing James on the court after he said those words—wouldn't James' die-hard fans go after him relentlessly? 

Upon arriving in Miami, Han Sen and Rondo made a stop at Barry University. 

Although Rondo had transferred, their old teammates were still around, so they treated them to a meal and some game tickets, just like old times. 

However, a year had passed, and some had graduated, making the group smaller than before. 

During the meal, someone suggested that they all wear Han's number 77 jersey to the game the next day to show support. 

They were sincere, so Han Sen didn't refuse and asked Rondo to prepare the jerseys overnight. 

His new shoes had also just been released, so he got them each a pair, in the same eye-catching purple as his. 

After the game, they could take a group photo—it would look great. 

The next evening, the coast of Biscayne Bay in Miami was bustling, with the American Airlines Arena brightly lit and packed with excitement. 

The stadium was already full, and the media section was crowded. 

The Heat's Big Three were making their debut, one of the most highly anticipated events in recent years. 

After Theus led everyone in a cheer, the Grizzlies players jogged out from the locker room through the player tunnel. 

As soon as Han stepped onto the court, he felt the overwhelming wave of enthusiasm from the crowd. 

James' 'Decision' had faced a nearly unanimous backlash, but Miami fans, as the beneficiaries, were the exception. 

Most people in this world like to play the role of justice, but some enjoy being the villain. The Heat and their fans now filled that role. 

Han Sen quickly spotted the Barry University crew in the stands. Dressed in their Grizzlies #77 jerseys, they formed a noticeable row among the sea of Heat fans.

But soon, his eyes landed on another #77 jersey.

What's she doing here in Miami? And wearing a Cavaliers #77 jersey, no less?

Seeing his gaze, Taylor waved at him, her expression full of playful excitement as if she had planned a surprise.

Han Sen silently chuckled. 'Thanks, I guess...'

He withdrew his gaze; despite the minor disturbance, it wasn't a big deal. 

While he was warming up, James came over. 

"How's life in Memphis?" 

Han instinctively glanced around and, sure enough, spotted cameras quickly. 

James was like a GPS, always knowing where the cameras were. 

But that worked perfectly for him. 

"It's better than Cleveland," Hansen said with a smile. 

If the die-hard fans didn't see them getting along, how would they hate him when he went all out on James later in the game? 

"That's good. I wish you all the best." 

James left after saying that. 

"Should I really give it my all?" Gay came over again after seeing the exchange. 

"Absolutely, don't hold anything back. This game is being watched by the entire U.S., maybe even the world. You've got to seize this chance," Han said through gritted teeth. 

Gay had no more doubts. 

After warmups, the opening ceremony began. 

The Grizzlies, as the away team, took the court first. 

Mike Conley, Han Sen, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, and Marc Gasol. 

Other than Han getting a few scattered boos, the others didn't receive much reaction from the crowd. 

The Grizzlies didn't have much of a reputation in the league. 

After the away team came the home team. 

Unlike the Cavaliers, the Heat's opening ceremony was full of high-tech flair. 

The lights danced, the background music played, and flames erupted on the LED screens—a truly awe-inspiring scene. 

The arena even brought in flamethrowers, paired with the large "HEAT" signs held by the audience and the waving flags, creating a grand atmosphere.

From these arrangements alone, it was clear that Miami was showing off the city's strength.

This was the difference between a big city and a small market team.

The most breathtaking moment, however, was when the Heat players started their entrance.

Leading the way was LeBron James.

Out of respect for Michael Jordan, the Heat had retired the number 23 jersey years ago, so James had to wear number 6.

LeBron James, Joel Anthony, Chris Bosh, Carlos Arroyo, and Dwyane Wade.

In the NBA's official player power rankings, James, who had won consecutive MVPs, topped the list ahead of Kobe Bryant, while Wade was ranked third right behind Bryant, and Bosh was ninth.

An unprecedented trio at their peak, exuding a commanding presence.

After the final three minutes of warm-up time, the starting players from both teams were ready to take the court.

James found the camera and began tossing magnesium powder.

It was at that moment that an interesting scene unfolded on the court.

The Grizzlies' five starters stood together, and aside from Randolph's number 50, the rest of the players wore double-digit numbers.

Conley was number 11, Gay was number 22, Marc Gasol was number 33, and Han Sen was number 77.

This was a first in NBA history.

Han Sen matched up against Wade.

The two merely nodded in acknowledgment at this point.

For both of them, this was a game they couldn't afford to lose.

With the referee's whistle, Marc Gasol jumped high and tipped the ball back to the Grizzlies' half, officially starting the game.

Conley brought the ball up to the frontcourt and set up the offense. Once Randolph established position against Anthony in the low post, the ball was passed to Han Sen, who lobbed it inside.

Anthony, a UNLV graduate, was the same height as Randolph at 6'9", a typical undersized blue-collar center.

His strengths lay in a solid base, mobility, quick defensive rotations, and decent shot-blocking ability.

With Haslem and Ilgauskas on the Heat roster, his selection as the starting center definitely spoke to his talents.

However, Randolph wasn't as raw as someone like Dwight Howard.

Seeing that Bosh had been pulled away from the paint by Gasol, Randolph didn't battle Anthony for strength. Instead, he used Anthony as a pivot to turn towards the free-throw line, driving his body against him like a tank, advancing to the basket before tossing up a close-range floater.

This was a real tank—much bulkier than LeBron.

Anthony was completely overpowered and could only watch as Randolph scored over him.

The Grizzlies struck first. On the other end, Wade brought the ball up and passed it to James.

Even with James on the team, the Heat was still Wade's team. The entrance order in the pregame ceremony made that clear, with Wade being the last to appear.

However, Wade was mature enough not to treat James like Gay had treated Han Sen earlier.

On the contrary, he was good at managing James's emotions, allowing him to find his rhythm early in the game.

Once James got the ball, the rest of the Heat players spread out to give him space for an isolation play on the strong side.

Since entering the league, Gay had never been known for his defense, and in theory, James should have had the upper hand.

James quickly started his drive, but he was surprised when Gay lunged forward, applying pressure and preventing an easy take-off.

This level of defensive intensity caught him off guard. Though he managed to push past Gay thanks to his physical strength, his footwork was a bit off.

Especially when he stumbled into the paint, and Randolph abandoned Anthony to help on defense. James instinctively stopped and then resumed his drive.

This irregular rhythm allowed him to fake Randolph out successfully, but just as he was about to shoot, the referee's whistle blew.

The ref signaled a traveling violation, rotating both hands.

James looked puzzled as he glanced at the referee while holding the ball out in front of him.

The crowd buzzed with restlessness.

In the end, James had no choice but to hand the ball over to the referee, smiling as he jogged back down the court.

"Nice job." Han Sen approached Gay for a high-five.

When he had previously emphasized Gay's defense as crucial, it wasn't just empty words, since Gay wasn't quick enough to guard Wade, leaving Han Sen to do it.

Now, with Gay exerting that kind of defensive pressure on James, the Grizzlies' chances tonight looked promising.

After the change of possession, the Grizzlies resumed their half-court offense.

Randolph received the ball and backed down again.

This time, the Heat provided help defense, so Randolph passed to the weak-side Gasol.

As Gasol drove towards the basket, James collapsed back to swipe at the ball.

Gasol lost control, and the referee's whistle sounded again.

When the referee then pointed at James, the crowd grew even louder.

James was called for a defensive foul!

He held his head in disbelief, then took out his mouthguard and tried to explain to the referee.

But the ref paid little attention, merely pointing to Gasol's reddened arm as evidence of James's foul.

The boos echoed throughout the arena—it was, after all, the Heat's home court! The referee was clearly biased!

However, the boos quickly subsided when the arena's big LED screen replayed the previous sequence, clearly showing that James hit Gasol's arm, causing the turnover.

James could only shake his head in frustration.

These calls weren't made in the past.

Han Sen couldn't help but laugh.

He recalled his experiences during practice with the Cavaliers.

"Plays like this wouldn't get called during a game."

That was a common refrain of then-Cavs assistant coach Lloyd Pierce.

The Cavaliers treated the league's favoritism as a part of their daily training, and there was no way James would unlearn those bad habits.

But who could guarantee that favoritism would last forever?

Clearly, with James's 'Decision', some things had quietly changed.