When Josh Went Crazy (2/5)

"Well, good luck out there. Beat those Houston guys and send them straight to hell."

On the night of December 25th, Christmas Day Games night, inside the Grizzlies' locker room.

Every Grizzlies player had gathered together, staring at a tiny phone screen.

On the screen was Tony Allen, video calling his teammates.

Tony Allen had accidentally been hit in the head by a basketball during practice yesterday. They had thought it was nothing serious, but an examination revealed an injury to his right cornea...

Tony Allen would not be out for long, probably missing only four or five games. But he definitely would not make it back in time for today's Christmas Day Games.

Not only could he not play, Tony Allen was not even allowed to come watch the game in person.

After the corneal injury, the team doctors had wrapped him up rather dramatically. Tony Allen was now a one-eyed man, making it highly inconvenient for him to go out. Besides, if the corneal wound became infected, the consequences would be far worse.

So, unable to play or even leave home, Tony Allen could only cheer on his teammates through a video call.

"Yes, sir! Mission guaranteed, Captain One-Eye!" Link deliberately saluted, prompting the other players to start heckling.

The Grizzlies' locker room atmosphere was as harmonious and cheerful as ever. Though the outside world had hyped this game up as a brutal battle, one in which both the Rockets and Grizzlies would have to shed a layer of skin.

But the Grizzlies players were not particularly nervous before the game. Facing it with a normal mindset was the healthiest approach.

"Adam Silver is already here. That guy must be hoping to see us lose," Link said after ending the video call. He continued putting on his gear