"Senior, there's nothing you can do!"
Seeing Kerr already looking somewhat at a loss, the corner of Chen Yilun's mouth curled into a faint smile.
Although Curry was also a historically great player, when it came to sheer individual destructive power, Durant at this moment was simply an unsolvable existence.
Under the scythe Durant swung, the Warriors retreated step by step. In the end, the Kings claimed their second home victory without breaking a sweat, pushing the series score to 2–0.
"There's no way… absolutely no way."
Kerr watched Durant wreak havoc across the court with a bitter smile. Today's game could be said to have completely refreshed his understanding of basketball.
He had originally thought that with George joining the team this year and the Kings losing CJ, the situation would tilt in Golden State's favor.
Yet on the stage of the Western Conference Finals, the Kings instead displayed an even more terrifying level of dominance.
"Why did it turn out like this?"
Kerr rubbed his slightly throbbing temple.
Although he wasn't the kind of head coach who worshiped star players above all else, he still couldn't understand why the Kings, after losing their third option, had somehow become even more frightening.
In fact, letting CJ go had always been part of Chen Yilun's plan.
Last season, because of CJ's presence, Jokić was more often used to set screens for CJ, serving as the axis of a two-man game rather than the true tactical core of the team.
After sending CJ away, Chen Yilun could openly and legitimately elevate Jokić. Durant would serve as the strongest one-on-one solution, Butler as the defensive spearhead and secondary offensive option to provide insurance.
As the newly promoted third option, Jokić could finally unleash his full potential and become the team's true tactical engine.
After all, Durant and Butler were not only powerful, but even better, neither of them was the type to dominate the ball excessively.
As long as their shot opportunities were guaranteed, all remaining ball-handling duties could be handed over wholesale to Jokić.
That was exactly why this year's Kings' ball-movement system was so much more terrifying.
"Let's head back."
Looking at the Warriors players, each one looking as if they'd lost a parent, Kerr held it in for a long time before managing to say just that.
At this point, aside from offering empty encouragement, there wasn't much else he could do.
On the other side, in the Kings' locker room.
"Two more games."
Malone wore a calm smile on his face. "Kevin was outstanding today. Keep it up next game. Golden State, which once seemed unbeatable, is no longer our opponent."
Malone's words immediately sparked a round of laughter in the locker room.
"That mountain that once felt completely out of reach doesn't look so scary anymore,"
Butler said with a grin.
"We can't let our guard down!"
Gay's voice sounded from the back. "No popping champagne at halftime. We still have two games to play."
...
...
A few days later, the Warriors returned to Oracle Arena and barely managed to grind out a hard-fought win in Game 3. But in Game 4, they were easily taken down by the Kings. The series score became 3–1.
Oakland had been pushed to the edge of a cliff by Sacramento.
And Cleveland was facing the same desperate situation.
Although the Cavaliers and Celtics traded blows in Game 1, the following games seemed to reveal issues with James's stamina. The Cavs were taken down one after another by the Green Army, and the series score ballooned to a shocking 3–0.
The sight was enough to make anyone uneasy.
After all, when the 2015 Finals ended, the entire league believed that for the next several years, the Finals would be the stage for peak duels between Curry and James.
But how many years had it really been?
The two teams that once carried endless expectations were now both locked within their respective conferences.
Inside TD Garden for Game 4, James once again drove into the paint for a layup. But those two points had already become largely meaningless to the outcome.
114–95. The Celtics were only minutes away from returning to the Finals stage.
As time ticked away, no miracle came.
When the referee's final whistle sounded, the confetti prepared long in advance above TD Garden exploded all at once.
Green streamers symbolizing the Green Army's glorious history drifted down in waves, obscuring James's vision.
Standing on the court, James stared somewhat dazedly at the celebrating Celtics players.
"Still one move short,"
James said with a sigh, streaks of gray already appearing at his temples.
How many years had it been? The Finals stage would no longer feature him.
While celebrating with his teammates, Irving caught sight of James's somewhat lonely figure from the corner of his eye and slowly walked over.
"Congratulations, Kyrie!"
Looking at Irving, James forced a smile and pulled him into a brief embrace.
"You've proven yourself. You already have the right to compete for that supreme throne."
As he spoke, James suddenly raised his hand, as if about to make his signature crown gesture.
But instead, he reached up and removed the imaginary crown above his own head, then gently placed it onto Irving's.
"Go. Go fight for that damn ring. But this time, I won't be going with you."
Though it was only a gesture, Irving felt as if a thousand-pound weight had settled onto his head.
"I will!"
Irving nodded forcefully.
"Whether it's Golden State or Sacramento, I won't be afraid. The legacy you couldn't finish—leave it to me!"
With that, Irving turned his head and followed his teammates off the court without looking back.
"Let's go."
Young had appeared behind James at some point.
"Our part is finished."
"Mhm."
James responded softly, then suddenly looked at Young.
"Thaddeus, if I remember right, you've only got one year left on your contract, right?"
"Huh?"
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Young was momentarily completely confused.
"Yeah. After this season, there's one year left. Why?"
"Nothing."
James narrowed his eyes slightly, as if thinking something over.
"Interested in coming to find me later?"
"What?!"
Even though he had been mentally prepared, James's words still slammed into Young's mind like a heavy hammer.
Was James preparing to leave Cleveland once again?
After the brief shock, Young quickly understood the reasoning behind it.
James had returned to Cleveland back then to prove himself and fulfill his promise. Now Cleveland had its championship, and this year the team had exited in such a brutal fashion.
James choosing to leave seemed entirely reasonable.
"I… let's talk about it when I become a free agent."
After hesitating for a moment, Young still couldn't bring himself to accept James's invitation.
"Fair enough."
As if he had expected that answer, James smiled faintly and didn't press further.
"Let time decide. We both still have opportunities ahead."