The Bostonians took a break and finished their series faster than the Radiance.
Although they surprisingly lost a game against the Bucks in the first round, the Celtics entered the semifinals with a 4-1 record.
However, against the strong New Jersey Nets in the semifinals, the Celtics didn’t waste any time.
4-0, they swept the Nets in New Jersey, advancing to the stage of the Eastern Conference Finals, awaiting the arrival of the Radiance.
Kenyon Martin was turned into a bewitched doll by Tim Duncan during the series, and hanging himself seemed like his only way out.
They are both top picks, so why is there such a vast difference? Martin was fiercely overpowered by Duncan, continuously being blocked with satisfaction.
Jide outperformed Nash overall, but his poor personal offense held the series back, with his average score failing to reach double digits.
The Celtics demonstrated their strong and stable offense and defense system, and as reigning champions, they carried a strong desire to win the championship this season, aiming to create a new dynasty.
"Is there a better stepping stone to the throne than defeating the Las Vegas Radiance, led by Ah Gan and Jordan?" This was the question posed by Boston media, but in reality, it was not a question but an acknowledgment that there was indeed nothing better.
However, when Bobby Berman saw this statement, a chill went through his heart. Damn, why does this seem so familiar?
It felt like every time for nearly the past 10 years, whenever facing Ah Gan’s team, someone would jump out and say, "Is there a better chance than this XXXX?"
The outcome, however, was clear; they all became the fertilizer for Ah Gan’s championship deity.
So when Berman read this newspaper sentence, he first threw it into the trash bin and then called the cleaner to tidy up.
"Oh, by the way, throw away all copies of this issue of the Boston Post. I don’t want to see this newspaper, all of it." Berman gave the command, and the cleaner nodded in understanding.
After winning the 2002 championship, Berman finally became the new godfather-level figure for the Celtics.
Five years, it took five whole years, nurturing painstakingly, with tireless efforts, inside and out, sacrificing everything to finally build a championship team.
Berman could proudly say that this championship’s biggest credit goes to Duncan, followed by Nash and Pierce, but as the head coach, he shaped a brand-new Celtics.
That Celtics team, which won over a dozen championships, was indeed glorious, but it was too old, too outdated, and precisely because its past was so glorious, when the wheel of time moved forward, its change was the most difficult.
Berman wasn’t just a coach; he was deeply involved in everything from the team’s marketing strategies to determining what socks the cheerleaders would wear.
It wasn’t because Berman had a strong desire for control; rather, he found that in this ancient and profound team, if you didn’t take initiative, you wouldn’t have the power, and without power, those ancient elements would turn back and corrode you.
He had to keep working, keep changing, as this was a huge, old ship with too many places needing repair.
When they defeated the Sacramento Kings to win the championship in the 2002 Finals, Berman shed tears of joy, rushing to the stands to embrace Auerbach. Although they always argued, at the moment of winning the championship, everything became worthwhile.
Berman coached the Trail Blazers for five years, winning four championships. The pressure was indeed immense, and the sorrow was also deep, with Petrović’s death leaving him heartbroken and feeling guilty to this day.
But upon winning the championship, he felt that damn, maybe it wasn’t that hard after all, and just like that, the championship was won.
In Portland, winning the championship was the easiest and most numb thing; sometimes, Berman often forgot he originally had four rings on his hands.
Leaving Portland, failing at the Lakers, coming to the Celtics, having the best talent but still failing, Berman only then understood the difficulty of winning a championship.
He also realized that in the past, it wasn’t that he was incredible, but that Ah Gan was too astonishing; no matter how you directed, as long as you didn’t bench Ah Gan, they could win.
If there were moves, you’d use them; if not, give the ball to him, and the result wouldn’t be too different. Whether it was a relaxed win or a more challenging win, it was still a win.
Going to the Lakers, coming to the Celtics, Berman only then discovered the true role of a coach, the significance of his existence to the team, and even to the city.
So, when facing Ah Gan’s team again, Berman didn’t think as the newspaper said about some opportunity stomping Ah Gan to do something.
Are you insane? Haven’t we been beaten enough or not hit hard enough before? Stop imagining things. Facing Ah Gan isn’t an opportunity but torture, cruel torment, and a sign of impending defeat.
Recognizing this reality and being honest with yourself, you might find a sliver of hope in desperation.
Never mind, there’s also Jordan!
Berman couldn’t sit still in his office; the team had no training scheduled today, so he told everyone to have a good rest.
He himself looked through some files and videos in the office, his mind wandering, seeking some game strategies.
Unfortunately, the more he thought, the more confused he became, and memories from the past decades surfaced, making Ah Gan’s figure seem ever more immense.
So immense that he felt suffocated, Berman decided to make a phone call to arrange a meal with the man himself. The Radiance had already arrived in Boston, preparing for tomorrow’s game.