I'm Cheating Now.

For the Grizzlies, things are different from last year's playoffs; this year, they have home-court advantage in the first round, so the game will start in Memphis, sparing them the hassle of travel.

On game day, fans had already gathered outside the FedExForum early, excited to experience the first home-court advantage in franchise history.

Han Sen arrived at the arena for warm-ups over an hour before the game, and thousands of fans were already in the seats.

His shots felt on point, and it seemed like everything he threw was going in. After finishing his warm-up, he didn't head straight back to the locker room but instead took a break on the sidelines.

At that moment, he heard a young fan calling out behind him. Turning around, he saw a kid holding a jersey in the stands, hoping for an autograph.

Han Sen walked over with a smile, which instantly set off a wave of excitement among the fans in that section. One by one, they started reaching out, hoping to get his signature on whatever they could.

After signing a few autographs, Han Sen noticed the young fan getting pushed to the back, so he took off his sneakers, signed them, and motioned for the fans to let the kid come up.

When the young fan finally reached the front, he was visibly thrilled. "Han, are we going to win?" he asked, unable to contain his excitement as he held onto the signed sneakers.

All the other fans turned their eyes toward him as well. Many of them were there in the arena last season to witness the Grizzlies being eliminated by the Mavericks.

Last year was acceptable—they'd made it to the Western Conference Finals, and Rudy Gay was out—but now they were healthy and facing the same opponent in the first round.

Another loss would be unbearable.

"Of course, we're going to win," Han replied with a confident smile.

About twenty minutes before tip-off, both teams' players had gathered on the court.

The Mavericks looked relaxed and at ease, chatting and joking around, with Dirk Nowitzki even lobbing an alley-oop to Vince Carter, who showed off with a dunk.

Some have compared this Mavericks team to the 2007 Heat, but it's clear that this Mavericks team is stronger in both skill and mindset.

After the warm-up ended, the arena was set for the introduction.

The visiting Mavericks were announced first: Kidd, West, Marion, Nowitzki, and Chandler.

The Grizzlies, as the home team, came out next, with Han Sen appearing last, shaking his No. 77 jersey to a thunderous eruption of cheers from the crowd.

Over the course of this season, Han Sen had solidified himself as the indisputable core of the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies' starting lineup: Conley, Han Sen, Gay, Randolph, and Gasol.

...

Chandler tipped the ball back to the Mavericks' side, officially starting the game.

Nowitzki set up in the high post and called for the ball to isolate against Gasol.

He turned, went into his signature one-legged fadeaway, and it felt as though time had transported everyone back to last year's playoffs, like nothing had changed.

No, there was a change—when Nowitzki jumped, Gasol lunged forward to pressure his shot.

Nowitzki's attempt clanked off the rim, met with cheers from the fans. The Mavericks might have kept their strength from last season, but the Grizzlies had made significant strides.

Randolph called for the ball in the low post, and Conley passed it in, staying outside to stretch the floor, confident in his own shooting.

However, the Mavericks stayed put, allowing Randolph and Chandler to go one-on-one. After a series of spins, Randolph missed his shot as well.

Last season, Randolph relied on skill to outplay Chandler in the post, but he wasn't in the same form this year.

The opening possessions saw both teams missing their shots. At the other end, Marion set a screen for Nowitzki, who cut off the ball and received Kidd's pass to soar in for the score.

Expecting Nowitzki to replicate last year's stellar performance wasn't realistic, as he had only reached that level once in eleven playoff appearances.

Still, superstars have a solid base performance you can't completely shut down.

The Mavericks drew first blood.

Conley adjusted the play, and Han Sen moved off the ball to receive a pass.

West fought through Gasol's screen to stick with Han Sen, but Han Sen disregarded him, pulling up for a mid-range shot.

Swish!

Han Sen knocked down the shot despite West's solid defense.

It was a testament to West's defense that he was still starting over Carter, but it only highlighted Han Sen's determination to win tonight.

Nowitzki and Marion continued their pick-and-roll, but this time they switched directions after the screen, with Nowitzki moving out and Marion cutting in.

Kidd passed the ball to Marion, who escaped Gasol's defense and attracted Randolph before dishing it to Chandler for a thunderous slam.

The Mavericks' championship experience was on full display in the opening exchanges. As commentator Mike Breen remarked, "Don't underestimate the heart of a champion."

This line, originally from Tomjanovich, has become an iconic NBA quote, though few know its origin.

In their second championship year, the Rockets were written off due to injuries, but they fought back to defend their title against all odds.

The Mavericks now found themselves in a similar position, and if underestimated, history might indeed repeat itself.

Back on offense, Conley directed the play, and Han Sen worked his way into a switch against Nowitzki.

With a quick move, Han Sen blew past him, and as Marion rotated over, Han Sen whipped a no-look pass to Gay in the corner, who drained the three.

A strong work ethic doesn't yield immediate results, but consistent effort always pays off eventually.

The Grizzlies took a 5-4 lead.

The Mavericks kept up the pressure, but Gay's defense forced Nowitzki to miss a three-pointer.

Chandler secured the offensive rebound, but his follow-up was swatted away by Gasol, who then corralled the board.

Conley ran a pick-and-roll with Gasol, who then dished to Randolph, only for Chandler to intervene again. He held down the defense, guarding two players in one play.

After the championship, Chandler finally started to get recognition, and he remained in peak form, even becoming a top candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.

Both teams were showcasing elite defense.

Randolph's shot bounced off the rim, but before Chandler could secure the rebound, Han Sen flew in to slam it back in over him.

The arena exploded in cheers, with the display of sheer power electrifying the crowd.

The camera zoomed in on Han Sen, who held onto the rim for a moment before landing with a calm, resolute expression.

"Defense! Defense!" The fans chanted, fired up by Han Sen's momentum-boosting slam.

Nowitzki attempted another post-up, but Conley smartly double-teamed him mid-move.

Though Nowitzki was capable of playmaking, he wasn't as adept at breaking up the offensive rhythm with quick passes.

He was forced into a tough baseline fadeaway, and the ball bounced out, with Gasol snagging the rebound.

Conley pushed it up and passed to Han Sen, signaling for Randolph to set a screen. After shaking off West, Han Sen pulled up for a smooth jumper, adding another two points to the tally.

9-4

The arena's LED screen showed Han Sen's stats: 3-for-3 from the field, with 6 points and 1 assist.

Aside from Gay's three-pointer, all of the Grizzlies' points had come from Han Sen.

Even Gay's three-pointer was set up by Han's assist.

In other words, every Grizzlies' scoring play was connected to him!

In that moment, everyone, even those not in the arena, could feel Han's determination to win this game.

No, it was his resolve to conquer the Mavericks, the team that had once defeated them!

The Mavericks finally scored again, thanks to Nowitzki, who drove inside and drew a foul on Marc Gasol.

Stepping to the free-throw line, Nowitzki sank both shots amid the crowd's attempts to distract him.

Last season, Nowitzki went an unbelievable 24-for-24 at the free-throw line against the Grizzlies in Game 1, but it's no surprise since he's the most accurate free-throw shooter among NBA big men in history.

His free-throw percentage this season was 89.5%, and nearly 90% for his career.

Giving him free throws is almost like gifting him points—this phrase perfectly fits the 'German Tank.'

During the dead-ball time, Carlisle subbed in Barea for West.

Kidd now switched to defending Han Sen, trying to prevent him from receiving the ball.

Besides skill and mentality, the Mavericks had a wealth of experience.

And they had Carlisle, a tactical mastermind, putting in Barea to speed up the pace and target the Grizzlies' twin towers before they could get back on defense.

Conley set up a play, but Randolph still couldn't find a good opportunity in the low post.

When the ball returned to Conley's hands, more than half of the Grizzlies' shot clock had expired.

The Mavericks' adjustment was already working. Conley understood Carlisle's plan, so he didn't rush to shoot.

Fortunately, Han Sen used a screen with Gay to shake off Kidd.

With just six seconds left in the shot clock, Han Sen finally received the ball.

Now Marion was guarding him, and Chandler inside was ready to help.

Han Sen didn't hesitate, nor did he have time to. He faked a drive, making Marion shift his weight backward, then quickly stepped back behind the three-point line.

Then, without a moment's hesitation, he took the shot.

Marion, though a forward, couldn't close in fast enough, so his contest barely impacted Han Sen.

The ball arched through the air.

Swish!

Another bucket!

In less than half a quarter, Han Sen already had 9 points!

The cheers in the arena were unstoppable by now.

Tonight, Han Sen wasn't just determined; he was on fire.

Or perhaps it was his fierce determination that made him so hot-handed.

The Mavericks attacked again, with Barea setting a screen for Nowitzki and cutting inside.

Barea received the ball and, despite Gasol's attempt to block, scored with a high-banked shot.

8 to 12—the Mavericks were still keeping it close.

This time, Conley handed the ball to Han Sen and signaled for everyone to clear out.

Han Sen didn't call for a screen.

If he called for one, the Mavericks would definitely double-team him, and Kidd was the one defending him.

Although Kidd had great defensive instincts, he was 38 years old, and his legs just couldn't move as fast as before.

Kidd knew this well, so he kept pressuring Han Sen.

Han Sen didn't have a strong post game yet, so he simply held the ball in his right hand, lifted it high, and used his body to press against Kidd.

Aside from his speed, his size was an advantage too.

After securing position against Kidd, he used his body to shield and threatened with a triple-threat position, then quickly dribbled right to drive past him.

As the weak side help defense approached, Han Sen crossed to the left and immediately stepped back for a jump shot.

Kidd, using his experience, anticipated Han Sen's move and shifted left, jumping almost simultaneously with him.

But Kidd's age showed, and his jump only reached Han Sen's front elbow.

Whack!

A crisp slap on the arm, and the ref's whistle sounded.

However, Kidd's experience showed again—he increased the force of his slap to disrupt Han Sen's shooting form.

Han Sen's release point was noticeably higher.

The ball bounced off the backboard.

But even after the rebound, it still dropped through the net!

It ended up as an and-1!

Han Sen, playing as if possessed!

The FedEx Forum was now in a complete frenzy.

Han was briefly stunned as he watched the ball go in, but then smiled, relieved. Luck is a part of skill too.

The Mavericks players, however, had mixed feelings.

Especially Carlisle on the sideline, who couldn't help but shake his head.

Since they were long-time rivals, the scene was all too familiar.

Last season, when the two teams met in the Western Conference Finals, a similar scene had played out.

Only back then, the unstoppable player had been Nowitzki, and now it was Han Sen.

Perhaps this is the power of belief.

Last season, Nowitzki knew it was his one chance, so he played decisively and confidently.

This season, Han Sen's determination to avenge the Mavericks and bring a championship to Memphis was equally unwavering.