At exactly 7:00 p.m. on November 21, night had already fallen over Boston, an eastern city in the United States. The ancient yet vibrant city was steeped in tension and anticipation.
At that moment, the TD North Shore Garden Arena in the heart of downtown was brilliantly lit, like a dazzling pearl drawing the eyes of countless basketball fans.
Tonight, it would host a highly anticipated NBA regular-season matchup—the Boston Celtics, riding a four-game losing streak, would face the Western Conference powerhouse Memphis Grizzlies on their home court.
Since the start of the season, the Memphis Grizzlies had displayed formidable strength, charging ahead and compiling an exceptionally impressive record.
So far, the Memphis Grizzlies had claimed 10 victories and lost only 2 games, holding a commanding lead atop the Western Conference.
With as many as five players averaging double figures in scoring, they had undoubtedly become a powerhouse with ferocious offensive firepower and scoring threats everywhere.
Among this standout team, Mike Conley and Zach Randolph had been particularly dazzling.
As the team's starting point guard, Mike Conley had averaged 17.4 points, 3 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game this season, while shooting an impressive 45.6% from the field.
On the court, he was like a precision engine. Not only could he score himself, but he could also link up the entire team's offense with pinpoint passing.
Zach Randolph's dominance in the paint was equally impossible to overlook.
This rugged veteran had posted an all-around average of 18.9 points, 12.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1 steal, and 1.6 blocks per game this season, while shooting 48.9% from the field.
With his powerful frame and superb low-post skills, Zach Randolph could ravage opposing paint defenses in nearly every game, building a solid interior barrier for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Facing such a