"The Pacers eliminated the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-1 and met the Golden State Warriors in the Finals!"

"Warriors VS Pacers, the confrontation between the new dynasty and the old order, the war of the century is about to begin!"

"LeBron. JAMS: The Pacers are strong, good luck to them. ”

"Henson: It's just a warm-up."

On May 26, the day after the Pacers eliminated the Cavaliers, the eyes of the world instantly fell on the Pacers and Warriors. As for the meeting between the two sides, it has been expected since Henson announced his return last year. At this time, this long-awaited dream showdown is finally about to be staged.

The Warriors, who have Curry, Thompson, Durant and Green, and have not tasted defeat in the playoffs until now, meet the Pacers, who have reached the Finals with only one loss in the East, and it's exciting to think about it.

In the two years since Henson retired, there has been a lot of discussion about whether the Pacers can beat the Warriors if Henson is still around. It's as if people are always discussing who is better Kobe Bryant or Jordan.

But now, fans don't have to assume anything. Because of this drama of "Guan Gong vs. Qin Qiong", it will soon become a reality.

On June 1, the NBA Finals will be played at the Bankers' Living Arena. The answer to who will emerge victorious after a fierce battle of words between the Golden State Warriors and the Pacers is about to be revealed.

However, before the start of the finals, both managers made a decision at the same time - to give the team a two-day holiday.

Both Henson and Cole know that the right amount of relaxation can sometimes work better than non-stop training. And with the finals just around the corner, they don't have to worry about the players being too relaxed.

After all, no one can really relax in front of the O'Brien Cup.

In reality, however, Henson gave the team two days off not only to give the players a rest, but also to give himself some time to take care of some "personal matters".

"What? You're going to Chicago? What are you doing there? The joint trial hasn't started yet. So, when Bird heard that Henson was going on a trip to Chicago during the holidays, he was very surprised.

It's normal to have two days off, but very few coaches and players are going to run around before the finals.

"Hey, I was so busy during the Eastern Conference Finals that I even missed my daughter's birthday. When she blew out the candles, I could only accompany her on video in Cleveland. So, there are always things that should be made up. In the next two days, I plan to take them on a trip to Chicago. Anyway, Chicago is only a few dozen minutes away from Indianapolis. ”

Bird has no reason to refute Henson's explanation. Indeed, on the first birthday of his youngest daughter's life, Henson had no way to accompany her. As a father, this must have made him feel guilty.

But in reality, Henson didn't tell Bird everything. Tourism is just one of the reasons to go to Chicago. But the other reason is Henson's private matter.

※※※

A breeze blew, and the sound of "bang-bang-bang" came from the woods.

As a result, the leaves fell to the ground, and the sweepers had to remove them all.

Chicago's four seasons are distinct, with July the hottest month of the year, with an average high of 29°C. In winter, the average low temperature can reach minus 11°C. However, in May, the temperature in Chicago is still very pleasant.

The warm sun shines on the face and is not particularly exposed, so stepping on the green lawn to sweep the fallen leaves is not very hard for the sweeper.

After cleaning for a long time, the sweeper saw a man wearing sunglasses next to a tombstone.

Behind the man was a tall young woman who was holding a little girl about a year old.

Today is not a holiday, and not many people come to the cemetery to visit the deceased. As a result, the familiar-looking man and woman attracted the attention of the sweeper.

He took a closer look at the man who was standing in front of the tombstone, dressed in an expensive Armani suit and his hair meticulously brushed back. The man's chin grew a beard, which made him look extremely stable.

Of course, the most striking thing is his yellow skin.

The sweeper's eyes widened suddenly, and it dawned on him that he knew who that man was! But he didn't bother the man, and walked away very politely and silently.

It is very immoral to go up and disturb others while they are mourning the deceased......

The sweeper glanced at the name on the tombstone as he passed by the man. Sure enough, it must be him. Because the tombstone reads—Rest in peace, Craig. Sag.

※※※

"I came, with my wife and children. I wanted to come and see you when I was playing in Chicago, but now is the best time to come. See what this is? I did it. ”

Henson spoke to the tombstone as if he were actually facing Sager. He pulled out a few tickets from the inside pocket of his suit, which were tickets for this year's NBA Finals!

Every year, Henson gets a few free tickets from within the team, but he never knows who to give them to.

His friends are all basketball figures, and they don't need tickets to watch the game. And Henson has no relatives in this world except for Anjiali and her daughter. Unlike the players, who gave the tickets to their seven aunts and eight aunts.

But this year, he finally knows who to give his gift ticket to.

"What's this!? Tickets to the NBA Finals! I'm going to the finals, man. I've fulfilled my promise between you and me, and now, I'm giving you the ticket and you can go to the finals to watch me play! Remember to come, you can't miss the appointment. ”

Henson shook in front of the tombstone with a few tickets, his voice shaking. Of course he was very sad, after all, the old man lying down here had given him great encouragement, and was one of his mentors.

Henson pulled out his lighter, lit a few tickets in his hand, and let them drift away in the breeze and fly into Sag's hand. Watching those expensive tickets go up in smoke, Henson didn't say anything, just stood in place.

Without Sager, Henson might have given up fighting this season. But it is precisely because of Sager's enlightenment that Henson, who is used to winning, can persevere in adversity, win the first place in the regular season, and reach the finals!

Therefore, Henson did not feel sorry for the "gift" of these tickets to Sager. He firmly believes that the guy will definitely watch him silently at the banker's life arena and bring him good luck.

Because, it's a promise between them.

After adjusting his mood for a moment, Henson turned his face to his wife and daughter. By this time, a smile had regained on his face, and no sadness could be seen.

Henson never likes to bring the slightest bit of negativity to his wife and children.

"Let's go, let's go to the Lincoln Zoo now, Emily will love it." Henson touched Emily's head, and the pretty half-breed girl smiled brightly at Henson.

"Henson, you ......"

"Don't worry about me, Ann, I'm just coming to see an old friend. I have a request, though. Can I smoke a cigar today? ”

Angeli smiled and nodded, and then took Emily out of the cemetery first to avoid smoking children.

Henson pulled a cigar out of his pocket and sniffed the mellow aroma. Then, light the cigar tip until it is flushed.

In the past, Henson was so arrogant that he would smoke a cigar live after winning a race, or simply order a cigar at a press release. For this reason, he did not eat less league tickets. But now, Henson hasn't done the youthful frivolous things. Well...... Although Henson was not very young at that time.

Henson feels that he has really grown a lot and calmed down a lot in the past few years. And he was able to complete the transformation without the help of too many people.

Angali, Emily, Bird, Popovich...... And, of course, Craig. Sag.

Henson put the cigar in his mouth, took a deep breath, and then exhaled the smoke ring with a refreshing breath.

The championship must be in your hands. Otherwise, he would have failed Sager, Bird, all the players on the Pacers, and himself.

With just one puff, Henson extinguished his cigar and followed Angeli's pace.

The taste of victory, one bite is enough.