The second was Antoine, a once-in-a-century Talent monster recognized by the league as an Artificial Giant.
His build crushed every inside player in the entire league. His static Talent, dynamic Talent, physicality, and finishing were all leagues ahead of the rest.
He was also the league's only player in a tier of his own. Even Juan and Pang Bo, the two elite centers, paled before him.
For three full years, the duo of Val Arthur and Antoine had swept aside every powerhouse in the Entire League, remaining undefeated throughout the Playoffs.
The supreme glory of three straight championships had given the Pistons the finest game experience and the steadiest championship mentality.
Every member of the team was at their peak. Their rotation was deep, their offense and defense had no Dead Corners, and their tactical system formed a perfect closed loop. They were a dynasty warship without a single flaw.
For a time, every online media outlet, commentator, veteran, and fan made the same prediction.
This season's Finals would be a one-sided rout with no suspense at all.
The shorthanded Lakers against the three-time champion dynasty Pistons; aging veterans against two superstars in their prime. Victory or defeat seemed destined from the very beginning.
In the court of public opinion, no one believed the Lakers could create a miracle.
Everyone believed that Wang Yi's legendary Playoffs journey would finally come to an abrupt end on the stage of the Finals.
After several consecutive rounds of high-intensity Playoffs battles, compounded by the old right foot injury he had suffered during the Playoffs three years ago—
Forty-six-year-old Wang Yi's physical condition had long since been pushed beyond its limit.
Years had worn him down, injuries plagued him, and his stamina was exhausted. That was the truest picture of him at this moment.