Although these remarks are somewhat biased, they’re not completely without reason. Glory’s victory against the Celtics was hard-fought, and even somewhat embarrassing.
For a team primarily consisting of veterans, a tough series can boost morale and cohesion, but it also greatly depletes their physical and mental stamina.
After a grueling battle like Game 5, the players were in bad shape, but fortunately, Glory resolved the Celtics at home in Game 6. However, Nash suffered a minor injury before the game, affecting his performance.
If it dragged into a Game 7, the outcome would have been uncertain, and Glory’s physical endurance would likely have been exhausted.
After arriving in Portland, Tomjanovich prioritized rest for the players, arranging no confrontational training, only some warm-up exercises to maintain their form.
On June 3rd, the first game of the finals was held at the familiar Rose Garden Arena, where Gan Guoyang met many familiar faces, really a lot.
Bill Schonely was still doing sideline commentary for the Trail Blazers, and when he saw Ah Gan, he said, "Tonight, I won’t be shouting ’rip city’ for you."
Jack Ramsey, now bald, and his disciple Bill Walton were doing a live broadcast for ESPN. Ramsey said, "Dear God, Sonny, I’m really afraid I’ll die before seeing you retire."
Bill Walton said, "You’ve already met God, Jack."
The old members of the former Trail Blazers, including former owner Larry Weinberg, general manager Stu Inman, Buckwalter, and others gathered at the arena.
They were all old now, with white hair, and found it incredible to see Ah Gan still fighting, leading the team into the finals to face off against the Trail Blazers.
"Sonny, seeing you still playing in the finals makes me feel young."
"I should have never sold the team. Look at what I missed..."
"Your standby time is too long, Xie Te. What are your muscles made of?"
Buckwalter pinched Gan Guoyang’s arm, and the old men laughed, reminiscing about the good old days.
Gan Guoyang smiled. He was at peace, feeling good about seeing them, even as opponents, it didn’t matter.
Also sitting courtside was Sabonis, who came with his son, and they hugged warmly.
"You old dog, got yourself another backup," Sabonis said, referring to Yao Ming.
"No, no, there will never be a second Sabonis."
"Yes, there is, it’s my son."
Gan Guoyang hugged Little Sabonis, who was already 7 this year.
Dell Curry, Thompson, even Drexler, Vandeweghe and others were at the sidelines, also with their children. It was a big family gathering.
Gan Wenshan and his sister also came to the scene. Gan Wenshan seemed much more mature and stable than before, and his life had undergone significant changes.
"You guys are here to see me lose, aren’t you?" Gan Guoyang exposed their true intentions.
Everyone laughed, pulling at Ah Gan’s clothes, saying things like "traitor", "you’re old", "you’ve defected too", joking around.
The atmosphere was fantastic, so great that Gan Guoyang felt it was really time for him to retire, surrounded by young men watching eagerly, ready to tear him apart every game.
The old friends all sat court-side, happy when he won, happy for their friend, even happier when he lost, is there anything more wonderful?
Look at Porter, he couldn’t wait to take off his jersey and sit with Drexler and the others, not wanting to play anymore.
On the other side of the court, Jordan was chatting with Kobe, with whom he didn’t usually get along well.
Kobe said, "I hate how he seems so familiar with everyone, like this is still his turf."
Jordan said, "Isn’t it, buddy?"
"Starting today, it’s not."