In the previous game, Randolph had also talked tough before tip-off. The Grizzlies won, took the series point, and since he thought it had worked, he fired off another warning, determined to complete the sweep.
This was the playoffs.
Everything was about winning.
At a time like this, whatever could get into the opponent's head was fair game.
...
At the same time, on the TNT Roundtable, the question of whether the Suns would be swept in a No. 8 upset became the main topic of debate among several commentators.
Their final answer was... yes.
With those two factors piling on, it was almost like the Suns had been handed a death sentence, their elimination already announced.
And historically, no team had ever come back from a 0-3 deficit to win a series. In this situation, a sweep looked even more likely.
Suns fans, of course, refused to accept it.
But in the face of the hard reality on the court, fans from other teams, along with neutral viewers, also agreed that the Suns, who would still be playing on the road in the next game, would lose.
They would be swept.
Even some star players, and even older-generation legends, felt the same. With zero playoff experience and a roster that was far too young, the Suns would be swept and eliminated in the first round.
Of course, some agreed, while others did not.
In the practice gym, Kobe saw the news, shook his head, and smiled faintly.
"Hey, Blake Su. We agreed we'd face each other again in the playoffs.
"You can't go down like this.
"If you're going to lose... you have to lose to me. So you'd better win this series. Otherwise, I'll be the first one to look down on you."
...
Meanwhile, in the Heat locker room.
King James saw the news and said, "Everyone out there is saying it's because he's a rookie, because he has no experience, that he'll fall short.
"They say it's a shame, but he should still be recognized, praised, and encouraged.
"I don't agree with that. Blake Su, if you go down in the first round, that would be pretty disappointing. After all...
"In my eyes, you're no rookie.
"And what about that promise to face me again next time? Are you going to break your word?"
...
At the Wizards practice gym.
Although the Wizards had failed to make the playoffs, that gave their players more time to train and improve. Right now, one player was still working out in the gym.
Who was it?
This year's No. 1 pick, John Wall.
"Swish!"
"Swish!"
"Swish!"
After making three straight three-pointers, Wall, who had been training for three hours and was already drenched in sweat, finally stopped and went to the lounge to rest.
While resting, he checked the day's trending news.
Naturally, he saw Randolph declaring war on the Suns on behalf of the entire Grizzlies team, as well as the discussion and verdict from the TNT Roundtable.
"Eliminated in the first round? Swept by the No. 8 seed?"
Wall shook his head with a smile. "You guys are seriously underestimating Blake Su. He may be a rookie, but he has superstar-level ability.
"Just wait.
"You're all going to get proven wrong."
"Hey!"
Just then, Yi Jianlian walked over in surprise. "John, if I remember right, you've never liked Blake Su.
"Why do you believe in him now?"
"Heh."
Wall smiled. "That was before. Blake Su has already beaten the doubt out of me. As a fellow rookie, he's truly T0-level.
"He won't fall in the first round.
"Hm? Yi, what do you mean by that? Don't tell me you don't believe Blake Su can win, and that you think the Suns will be swept in an upset?"
"No."
Yi handed him a bottle of water, shook his head, and looked firm.
"Never."
...
Inside the Rockets' rehabilitation room.
Yao Ming was undergoing treatment under the guidance of a physical therapist.
"Take a break, Yao Ming. You've been at it for three hours."
Yao Ming nodded.
He was in a very relaxed mood because, one month after taking the [Injury Reduction Candies], his foot injury had recovered much faster and much better than expected.
At this pace, barring any accidents, he would be able to return to the court next season. After continuing his rehab for a while longer, he would definitely be able to take part in the 2012 Olympic men's basketball tournament.
Of course, Yao Ming did not suspect that any of this had to do with the [Injury Reduction Candies]. He simply felt lucky that he was recovering quickly enough.
"Everything is going according to plan, moving in the best possible direction."
Joy showed on Yao Ming's face.
During his break, after reading that day's Houston Chronicle and learning some scattered details about the Suns and the Grizzlies, he smiled faintly.
"No. Blake Su absolutely won't fall in the first round. Starting with Game 4, he'll lead the team to victory. He's Blake Su.
"He is the pride of Chinese basketball.
"He can definitely do it."
...
Aside from the small number of people who believed in Blake Su and the Suns, most fans and players across the league now felt that the Suns, down 0-3, were trapped in a desperate situation and would suffer a No. 8 upset.
One day later.
Game 4 arrived.
Would the Suns be swept in an upset, or would they begin a comeback?
7:00 p.m.
FedExForum.
One hour before tip-off.
From the team owners to the fans of both sides, everyone was waiting for this do-or-die battle that could end the series.
Inside the studio, Mike Breen sat upright and said in a deep voice, "Tonight is a night the Suns absolutely cannot afford to lose.
"If they lose, they're eliminated.
"Tonight... they must win to restore their already fading morale."
"Phew..."
Van Gundy took a deep breath and called out, "Right now, the Suns are in serious trouble, and the only player who can save them is Blake Su.
"Come on, Blake Su!
"Tonight, you have to attack more aggressively. Bring out your talent and let your superstar brilliance shine on this superstar stage."
...
The arena.
The Suns' locker room.
The players were still somewhat down as they adjusted their clothes and gear.
Blake Su, the first to finish fixing his sneakers and uniform, slowly stood up, walked to the center of the locker room, and said to everyone, "Tell me... do you guys still recognize me as your leader?"
The room stirred.
The question came out of nowhere.
After all, despite having the ability, Blake Su had always felt he lacked the seniority to immediately step up as the team's leader.
But now, he had said it himself.
"Of course."
"Absolutely."
George and Curry were a little stunned, but they still backed him without hesitation. Blake Su's words also drew every player's attention.
"Good."
Blake Su nodded slightly, then said in a firm voice, "Everyone, don't get so down. Keep your confidence. And...
"Please believe in me. Believe that as your leader, I have a way to bring this team back.
"A comeback from 0-3 has never happened in the playoffs. Then let's be the ones to make history. I can do it, but I need a little bit of strength from all of you.
"I need your energy, your belief, to help me unleash even greater power.
"Can you do that?"
Blake Su's gaze was sincere, his fighting spirit burning.
The locker room went quiet for a moment. Then every player shouted, "We can!" Their bodies seemed to erupt with endless fighting spirit.
"If our leader won't give up, how could we ever let go?"
...
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