"That's right." Grandmama Larry Johnson clenched his thick fists, making them crack. "Those Texas boys are definitely going to get dirtier and meaner. The refs' whistles will favor the home team too—that's the law of road games."
The Lithuanian giant Sabonis merely nodded silently. Having been through countless international tournaments, he knew all too well how treacherous playing on the road could be.
Li Fei nodded in satisfaction. This was exactly the kind of vigilance he wanted.
Victory could easily go to people's heads, and he had to be the one to keep everyone calm.
"So we have to be prepared for an ugly, bloody game—maybe even one that disgusts us." Li Fei's voice suddenly rose, like a heavy hammer striking everyone's hearts. "Popovich will do everything he can to sever the connection between me and you. He'll throw even crazier double-teams at me and rotate even more fiercely to disrupt your shots. He'll bet that, under overwhelming boos and physical contact, you won't make those open looks."
He rose to his feet and walked into the middle of the aisle, his blazing gaze sweeping over his teammates.
"Now, I want to ask you a question." His voice was infectious, like an electric current coursing through everyone's bodies. "When the opportunity comes, when tens of thousands of San Antonio fans are cursing you with the foulest words they know, when defenders rush at you like mad dogs... will you dare to shoot?!"
"Yes!" Madman Sprewell was the first to roar. Excitement gleamed in his eyes, as though he could not wait to step onto the battlefield.
"Of course!" Allan Houston's voice was steady and firm.
"Fuck 'em!" Larry Johnson swore outright, waving his thick arms.
The atmosphere ignited instantly!
"Good!"
A smile curled across Li Fei's lips, filled with confidence