Shot on Goal.
(TL/n: Last chapter for today. Hopefully it makes up for the missed update..)
Before the game against the Lakers, Han Sen sat down for an exclusive interview with TNT's Khalil.
This season, with LeBron James struggling in Miami, Khalil, known for being both a 'Han fan' and a 'LeBron critic', had seen a meteoric rise in popularity. His articles were generating more traffic than any other on TNT's site.
"You've said before that Kobe isn't the best player in the league. Do you still believe that?"
"Yes, I stand by it."
"Why? Kobe led the Lakers to back-to-back championships. Surely he deserves everyone's respect."
"I respect Kobe, but if I hadn't been injured last season, I believe we would have won the title."
"What would Kobe need to do for you to acknowledge he's the best in the league?"
"If he leads the Lakers to a three-peat this season, I'll call him the best."
"And do you think he can do it?"
"No."
"Why not? Do you think they can't beat the Heat's Big Three?"
"No, I don't even think they'll make it to the Finals."
...
This interview set off a firestorm immediately upon release. After two straight titles, Kobe still wasn't getting recognition, and Han Sen had the audacity to claim the Lakers wouldn't even make the Finals. Kobe fans were furious.
"I remember before the Christmas game last year, Han said Kobe wasn't the best, and then the Cavaliers got stomped by the Lakers! Trust me, the Grizzlies are about to get obliterated!"
"He's running his mouth just because he's got a decent record now—what a perfect example of a 'clown jumping around'!"
"Last season, everyone said Kobe couldn't defend the title, but he shut them all up. That's Kobe!"
"Who in the West can beat the Lakers? The Spurs, who always get schooled by Kobe? The Thunder with their young punks? The fading Suns? It's not gonna be 'soft' Nowitzki and his Mavs, right?"
"The only thing standing between the Lakers and the title is the Heat's Big Three. Honestly, I don't even think the Heat can get past the Bulls. LeBron's gonna miss another Finals!"
"With that shaky Heat lineup? The Lakers are cruising to a dynasty this year, and I can't wait to see you eat your words!"
...
During the Grizzlies' final practice before game day, Han Sen was pulled aside by coach Hollins.
"You say you want to bring a championship to Memphis. Fine, I won't argue with that. But stop making comments that will piss off Kobe before the game. You won't like the consequences of riling him up, just like you wouldn't with MJ."
Hollins had witnessed Jordan's reign as a player, and now as a coach, he had seen Kobe carry the torch. He knew all too well the dangers of antagonizing such competitors.
Han Sen furrowed his brow. He wasn't going to comment on Jordan, but he'd faced Kobe before. Hollins' words felt like they were undermining the team's morale. If you go into a game fearing your opponent, you've already lost half the battle. Hollins couldn't hit hard inside the team while staying timid outside.
"I'll shut him down," Han Sen promised, pounding his chest.
"I'm telling you not to make the same mistake again," Hollins emphasized.
"I said I'll shut him down, Coach," Han Sen repeated firmly.
Hollins, visibly frustrated, was about to say more when assistant coach Joerger intervened.
"Lionel, he's only 22," Joerger said, stepping in as a peacemaker. "Young and fiery- let him take his lumps; it's part of the process."
Joerger's words seemed to calm Hollins, who gave Han Sen a stern look before storming off, probably planning to give him another lecture after the game.
"Good luck out there," Joerger said with a smile, giving Han Sen a pat on the shoulder before following Hollins.
"You alright? Don't let that old man get to you," said Rudy Gay, walking up to Han and casting a disdainful glance in the direction of Hollins.
"Rudy, just be yourself tonight," Han Sen replied, sitting down on a nearby bench.
"Huh?" Gay was confused but sat down next to him.
"I'm locking down Kobe tonight," Han continued. In a high-stakes game like this, energy is finite—you can either give your all on offense or defense, not both.
"Trust me, Ron isn't the same as he used to be," Han Sen said, turning to Gay with full confidence.
Ron Artest's stats had plummeted this season, and his speed was lagging significantly. Gay had room to shine against someone slower than him.
Gay, feeling the trust, was suddenly pumped.
Though he'd enjoyed dominating weaker teams lately, a high-intensity game like this excited him even more.
That night, the FedEx Forum was packed to the brim with excited fans.
The Grizzlies were having a great season, much like the Cavaliers of old. Despite being in a small market, they had no trouble filling their arena.
During pre-game warmups, Han Sen was getting some shots up when Kobe approached him.
Gay, noticing Kobe's approach, moved to Han Sen's side, standing tall and staring at Kobe.
"You crossed the line," Kobe said, ignoring Gay and addressing Han directly.
Just like before, Kobe wasn't interested in being called the best in the league, but Han Sen's comment about the Lakers not making it struck a nerve.
"You know better than me what's going on with the Lakers," Han Sen replied calmly.
"That's none of your concern. It's not polite to comment on someone else's team," Kobe said, frowning.
"I thought we were on good terms, so I gave you a heads-up," Han Sen shrugged.
Gay scratched his head, still unclear about the relationship between the two.
Kobe shot Han Sen a cold glare before turning and walking back to the half-court line.
"Don't worry, I've got your back," Gay said, still unsure of what had transpired but firmly standing by Han Sen.
"No need. I've got this," Han Sen replied. Artest had maintained his three-point shooting but had slowed down significantly, and letting him shoot might be risky.
Han Sen glanced at his [Hater System].
The system showed 1.84 million hater points.
The sheer number of Kobe fans was staggering. All that was left was for Han Sen to make the final shot, figuratively speaking, during tonight's game.
As warmups ended and the starting lineups were announced, the game began:
The Lakers: Fisher, Kobe, Artest, Pau Gasol, Bynum.
The Grizzlies: Conley, Han, Gay, Randolph, Marc Gasol.
Marc Gasol won the opening tip against his older brother, and the Grizzlies had first possession.
Randolph posted up Bynum on the block, using a pump fake and a spin move to score off the glass, putting the Grizzlies on the board first.
On the other end, Kobe didn't force the issue, letting Pau Gasol initiate from the high post.
Artest's layup attempt was blocked cleanly by Marc Gasol, and the Grizzlies launched a fast break, with Gay finishing emphatically at the other end.
Five minutes in, the Grizzlies were up 8-2, and the crowd was roaring with excitement.
Han Sen's claim that the Lakers couldn't form a dynasty wasn't just based on his foresight as a time traveler; he had observed their decline starting last season. Kobe had dragged the team to a title last year, but now, with two championships under their belt, the hunger to win had diminished for most of the roster.
Bynum and Artest, in particular, had seen significant drops in their performance.
Kobe, sensing trouble, called for the ball and posted up Han Sen.
The crowd started to get riled up.
Just like when the Cavaliers faced the Celtics in the playoffs, Han Sen's pregame comments, whether right or wrong, had at least given the Grizzlies a psychological edge.
Han Sen was laser-focused on Kobe, not worrying about anyone else.
The Grizzlies' defense was strong, especially in the paint, with Marc and Randolph able to match up with the Lakers' twin towers, so Han Sen wasn't concerned about Kobe driving and dishing.
Sure enough, after sizing up his options and seeing none, Kobe opted for a baseline fadeaway.
His movements were as sharp as ever, nearly identical to last season's. Kobe was still able to perform at an elite level, a testament to his rigorous training.
However, while Kobe's offense remained consistent, Han Sen's defense had improved.
With his talents, especially his enhanced physicality from the [Iron Body], Han Sen was able to keep up with Kobe's pace.
Kobe was forced into a difficult fadeaway to avoid Han Sen's contest.
Clang!
The shot hit the rim and bounced out. Randolph grabbed the rebound.
As Kobe landed, he glanced at Han Sen, surprise flashing in his eyes.
In just one offseason, Han's defense had improved significantly.
He'd heard about Tim Grover training him, but even Kobe had taken a year to see tangible results from working with Grover.
Was Han Sen's greatest talent his ability to learn?
Back then, it seemed like Han Sen couldn't find anything else to brag about, but now his words are looking more and more like the truth.
Randolph continued to post up. This time, his shot was off due to Bynum's intense defense, but he still managed to tip the ball back, and during his second attempt, Bynum fouled him.
Randolph was really aggressive tonight.
He made both free throws, bringing the score to 10-2.
Kobe continued his one-on-one play against Han Sen, this time opting to back him down.
After a few strong backdowns, Han Sen kept his distance while still defending closely, and as Kobe turned and shot a fadeaway, Han Sen jumped to contest it.
Kobe's shot barely cleared Han Sen's fingertips.
Clang!
Another brick.
It was clear his touch was off tonight.
Back on the other end, Randolph posted up again, forcing the Lakers to collapse on defense. Randolph kicked the ball out to Gay, who blew by Artest and attacked Bynum without hesitation, drawing Bynum's second foul of the night.
The Lakers had to substitute Bynum with Odom.
Gay made both free throws, and the Grizzlies led 12-2.
In just half a quarter, the Grizzlies had already built a double-digit lead, and one of the Lakers' twin towers had fallen.
Han Sen's earlier statement about the Lakers not making the Finals was spot-on, as they were looking more and more like a paper tiger.
In a critical moment, Odom, fresh off the bench, cut to the basket, receiving a pass from Kobe for a dunk.
Odom was the only Laker whose performance had improved this season. He was now the third-leading scorer behind Kobe and Pau, even being a strong contender for Sixth Man of the Year.
According to TMZ, his wife, Khloé Kardashian, had devised new poker strategies to reward him for good performances, which had reportedly been quite effective.
The Grizzlies missed their next shot, and on the other end, Odom finished another dunk off a Kobe assist.
Besides his individual performance, Odom's quick movements on offense were also giving Randolph a hard time.
Gay missed a layup after beating Artest, and Odom grabbed the defensive rebound.
Kobe brought the ball up again, keeping an eye on Odom.
Though Kobe wasn't a natural playmaker, #24 was happy to share the ball, especially with teammates who were hot.
"I bet you miss this shot, Kobe. $500,000." Han Sen's voice cuts through the noise.
Han Sen's been riling up Kobe fans to rake in hater points. He didn't have to stir up this beef before the game. He could've let it simmer, especially if the Grizzlies win—it would've hit harder.
But he chose to provoke Kobe before the game, specifically targeting what Kobe cared about, to force Kobe into a one-on-one duel with him.
This was the key to victory that Han Sen had figured out after playing the Lakers twice last season.
But with Odom on the court, Kobe was leaning into playmaking, so Han Sen had to 'set things right'.
Sure enough, Kobe stopped passing.
If you can't get riled up by a rookie's trash talk, you aren't Kobe—you're LeBron.
But what Han Sen didn't see coming? Kobe calling for a Gasol screen.
What are you, channeling LeBron now?
Randolph wasn't fast enough to switch on the screen, so Han Sen had to rush over.
Even though Han Sen quickly fought through the screen, Kobe and Gasol's chemistry was so good that Kobe still got a brief moment to shoot.
For others, this might not have been an opportunity, but for Kobe, it was.
Han Sen flew in to contest, but the pressure wasn't as intense as on the previous two shots.
Swish!
Kobe nailed it.
Instantly, Han Sen saw his hater points jump by 2,000.
Although Kobe had missed two shots before, this make was enough to send the Kobe fans into a frenzy.
Han Sen had been right in his pregame prediction. Thanks to his extreme trash talk, even though the game wasn't in LA, countless Kobe fans were glued to their TVs, waiting for him to mess up.
He'd missed one defensive play, and that was enough to make them lose their minds.
"$500,000," Kobe said to Han Sen.
Usually, Kobe wouldn't take such talk seriously, but Han Sen had hit a nerve with his pregame comments.
Han Sen smirked. "Funny thing, VC still owes me 500k from the last time we bet. You can go collect from him."
+10 hater points.
A number flashed in Han Sen's system.
Those 2,000 points had appeared gradually, but this sudden jump clearly came from Kobe.
Randolph drew a foul from Odom in the post and made both free throws.
On the next Lakers possession, Kobe signaled for everyone to clear out.
He respected Han Sen—but right now? He's pissed.
Kobe went back to backing down Han, but this time, he reset his pivot foot with a quick hop step.
This move, borrowed from Hakeem Olajuwon's 'Dream Shake', helped him create space from Han.
But Han, with his improved athleticism, recovered and jumped to contest the shot.
Kobe adjusted midair, avoiding the block and releasing the shot before landing.
His core strength was truly something to marvel at.
Swish!
As the ball went through the net, the crowd gasped.
Han Sen had to admit, this was why the mid-range shot was lethal.
No matter how good your defense is, if someone has a strong mid-range game, there's nothing you can do.
That shot earned Han Sen another 3,000 hater points.
It seemed the more difficult Kobe's shots were, the more riled up his fans got.
"Your defense has gotten better, but it's still not enough," Kobe said coldly after making two consecutive shots.
"Oh yeah? I don't believe you—unless you drop 30 on me," Han Sen scoffed.
+10 hater points.
Thirty points?! Who the hell does Han think he's talking to?
Kobe wanted to rip Han Sen's mouth off.
Han Sen just shrugged and went to inbound the ball.
On the Grizzlies' next possession, Gay hit a mid-range jumper after shaking off Artest, keeping the Grizzlies up by 8.
Kobe brought the ball up the court, facing Han Sen directly.
Han Sen gave it his full attention.
He wasn't sure if his earlier strategy was working, but it didn't matter. As long as he locked down Kobe, things would work out.
Kobe didn't back down this time but instead faced up and drove.
Han Sen kept up with him step for step. He didn't know any fancy footwork like the 'puppy steps', but his enhanced athleticism gave him great lateral movement.
Kobe's over-aggressiveness worked against him now since Han didn't have to worry about Kobe passing the ball.
Finally, Kobe got to the free-throw line, but Han Sen had forced him to a stop.
Kobe pulled out his signature move: a contested jumper over the defender.
Fake once, fake twice, and then a fadeaway.
When it came to mid-range shooting, Kobe wasn't as good as Jordan, but his ability to shoot over defenders was unmatched in history.
But Han Sen, focused and locked in, timed his jump perfectly and blocked Kobe's shot.
The ball didn't even hit the rim—it went out of bounds.
The Lakers retained possession, but the arena was buzzing with excitement.
Han Sen had just blocked Kobe in a one-on-one situation!
This time, Han Sen didn't see a +10 hater points notification, but his total hater points skyrocketed by 5,000!
If Kobe's made shots could get his fans so hyped, blocking Kobe made them rage even harder.
Han Sen was having the time of his life in this game!
It was the most engaged he had felt all season.
No matter how well he defended Kobe, his hater points kept climbing.
So he focused solely on dueling Kobe, leaving everything else behind.
By the end of the first quarter, Kobe had scored 12 points, but he only made 4 of 11 shots, missing 7 of them.
Last season, Han Sen could only wear Kobe down, but with his [Iron Body] upgrade, he could now limit Kobe's effectiveness.
But the bigger deal was that Han Sen had already racked up over 20,000 hater points in just one quarter, bringing his total to 1.86 million.
At this rate, he could unlock his mid-range talent before the game was over!
However, in the second quarter, Kobe suddenly changed.
Whether it was Phil Jackson's advice or something Kobe realized during his time on the bench, he started facilitating more in the second quarter.
Bynum got more opportunities in the post, and Artest got more chances with the ball outside. Both were playing better than in the first quarter.
A dying camel is still bigger than a horse. The Lakers may have been struggling because their roster hadn't changed much, but that stability also gave them a solid foundation.
At halftime, the Grizzlies led 54-50.
The Grizzlies are still ahead, but their lead is slowly being chipped away.
However, more frustrating than the game itself for Han Sen is the change in his hater points.
Because Kobe isn't attacking much, his hater points are growing very slowly.
It seems like he popped the champagne way too early. Now, he feels like the national soccer team of a certain country—not only unable to score, but not even getting the chance to take a shot.
---
After the break, Han Sen adjusts his mindset and starts cranking up the trash talk against Kobe.
'You can change your ways, but not your nature.' Han Sen can't believe it—there's no way Kobe can turn into LeBron, right?
"You afraid to keep shooting because you don't want to top the all-time brick list?"
"They say your All-Defensive Team selections are overrated. I gotta say, they're absolutely right."
"I've never seen L.A. at 4 a.m., but I know what Memphis looks like at that hour, and it's nothing to brag about,"
"LeBron is a better player than you."
"Shaq told me, without him, you'd just be Allen Iverson at best."
Finally, when Han Sen brought up Shaq, Kobe's face changed. He switched back to isolation mode.
And from the look on Kobe's face, it seemed like he was ready to tear Han Sen apart.
Han Sen regretted it a little.
Regretted not mentioning Shaq earlier.
Thinking back to the times Shaq roasted Kobe in Cleveland, Han Sen should've used it sooner.
The game turned back into a one-on-one showdown between Kobe and Han Sen.
Kobe's moves were sharper than before, and he wasn't holding back, even throwing elbows.
All that respect Kobe might've had left for Han Sen? Gone. He was playing for blood.
Han, with no injury concerns, gave it everything on defense.
And watching his hater points soar? That only made him more pumped.
This epic duel on both ends had the crowd glued to their seats. These tickets were worth every penny tonight!
From the third quarter to the fourth, Kobe and Han Sen went at it. With 5 minutes left, the Grizzlies still led 91-81.
Han Sen's strategy was working perfectly.
And his hater points had reached 1.89 million!
By this point, Kobe had lost his mind. Winning didn't matter to him anymore. He just wanted to take down Han.
Kobe made a hard crossover and accelerated for a drive.
Smack!
But with all that energy drained, his movements were slowing down, and Han Sen timed it perfectly, cleanly swiping the ball for a steal.
Heart racing, Han Sen bolted down the court like he had rockets strapped to his feet, leaving every Laker in the dust.
Then, he threw down a thunderous tomahawk slam.
As he landed, Han Sen shook his iconic #77 jersey, and the FedExForum erupted into chaos.
And right then, Han Sen's hater points broke 1.9 million!