When the final buzzer sounded, the entire arena erupted in thunderous cheers. Yao Ming, meanwhile, shot toward his teammate Goodwin like an arrow leaving the bow and pulled him into a tight embrace.
He kept muttering, "Goodwin, just one more game! Only one more game, and the championship trophy I've dreamed of will be mine!"
To be honest, Yao Ming's heart was like a raging sea at that moment, and his excitement was beyond words.
After twelve long years of struggle, through countless hardships and obstacles, he had finally made it to the sacred stage of the championship.
Now, he stood just one step away from that supreme glory. It was practically within reach.
As long as he won one more game, the glittering championship trophy would be his.
Yet just as Yao Ming was nearly overwhelmed by excitement, Goodwin remained relatively calm.
He gently patted Yao Ming's broad back and said earnestly, "Hey, Yao Ming, calm down first. I completely understand how excited you are right now. But remember, we haven't truly secured the championship yet."
Under Goodwin's patient reassurance, Yao Ming's feverish heart gradually settled, and his breathing slowly steadied.
At the same time, Yao Ming's sharp gaze swept over the people around him.
To his surprise, aside from himself and the rookies, who were thrilled by the imminent great victory, the rest of the Boston Celtics players appeared exceptionally composed.
They merely held a small celebration, as they would after winning any ordinary game. Their faces showed none of the wild jubilation he had expected.
Seeing this, Yao Ming could not help but feel puzzled.
It would have been understandable if veterans like Tony Allen and Paul Pierce, battle-hardened players who had lifted the championship trophy multiple times, were this steady.
But even young players like Tim