Coach: Coaching the Grizzlies at the beginning, playing the bantam

The final whistle sounded, and the Nets defeated the Lakers by 35 points and won their first victory in the finals.

Amid the cheers of the audience, Durant waved to the audience with a smile of victory on his face.

In this game, he not only led the team to victory, but also personally gave a perfect performance.

Durant walked off the court, his eyes searching the sidelines.

Finally, he saw the familiar figure - LeBron James.

This former rival seemed a little lonely tonight.

Durant couldn't help but feel a complicated emotion in his heart. He knew that for James, this victory meant that his dream of winning the championship again was postponed.

He walked through his celebrating teammates and went straight to James.

When James saw Durant coming, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

The two have faced off on the court many times, but at this moment, they are no longer enemies, but veterans who are fighting for basketball together, and they have an unspoken understanding and respect for each other.

"LeBron, you played well." Durant spoke first, breaking the silence.

James smiled bitterly, "Thank you, but you played better tonight."

Durant reached out and gave James a strong hug. "This is just the first game. The series is still long."

James sighed softly in Durant's hug, "Yeah, but you're already ahead."

The two separated, Durant looked into James' eyes and said seriously: "You know, winning is not always easy, and we have had difficult times, but the key is that we can't give up."

James nodded. "You're right, Kevin. Congratulations."

Durant smiled and said, "I'm looking forward to the next game. It will be a real battle."

Although the conversation between the two was brief, it was full of profound meaning.

They are not only opponents on the field, but also partners who motivate each other.

This scene was keenly captured by the photographer on the sidelines and became one of the most precious moments of this finals night.

...............

The defeat in the first game of the finals weighed on the hearts of every Laker like a heavy stone.

The score of 102:137 is not just a simple numerical difference, but also a huge blow to the morale and confidence of the Lakers players.

After the game, Lakers head coach Vogel, along with three stars, James, Davis and Wall, walked into the press conference hall with heavy steps.

Inside the hall, reporters were already on standby, their eyes focused on the four Lakers representatives.

However, unlike usual, today's Lakers players no longer have the confidence and smiles of the past, and their faces are full of loss and frustration.

Vogel sat down first, took a deep breath, and tried to calm himself.

James, Davis and Wall also took their seats one after another, but their eyes looked somewhat empty and confused.

Reporters began to ask questions, their tone was somewhat cautious, as if they were afraid to touch the sensitive nerves of the Lakers players.

"Coach Vogel, what do you think of today's game?" a reporter asked tentatively.

Vogel sighed, "We didn't play well, that's obvious. We didn't play to our due level on both offense and defense, which requires us to go back and summarize it."

Another reporter turned to James, "LeBron, as the leader of the team, what do you think is the main reason for today's loss?"

James was silent for a moment. "We failed to match the Nets' intensity and rhythm. They were more proactive on the court. We need to regain that desire for victory and fighting spirit."

Davis was also asked the same question, "Anthony, do you think you are at a disadvantage in the inside confrontation?"

Davis frowned. "Indeed, our performance in the interior is not strong enough. We need to do better on the defensive end and be more resolute on the offensive end."

As a new player to the Lakers, Wall also received attention. "John, as a new member of the team, what do you think of today's game?"

Wall shook his head helplessly. "This is obviously not the result we want. But I believe that as the tacit understanding between us increases, we will become stronger."

Reporters asked questions one after another, but the Lakers' answers seemed perfunctory and mechanical.

They obviously haven't come out of the shadow of defeat yet, and the atmosphere at the entire press conference was very depressing.

Just as the press conference was coming to an end, a sharp question broke the dull atmosphere, "LeBron, some people think you are past your prime. Does the loss in this game prove this?"

James' head snapped up, a hint of anger flashing in his eyes.

He took a deep breath and then said slowly: "Basketball is a team sport. Winning and losing are common. Losing a game doesn't mean anything. I still love this sport. I will continue to work hard and lead my team to victory."

James's answer, though calm, was filled with anger.

He hates people saying he is past his prime, and prefers what the fans say to him.

The Lakers lost, but James did not lose!
Davis and Wall also expressed that they would fight alongside James and face the next challenges together.

After the press conference, the Lakers players left the scene quietly.

Although there is still loss and frustration on their faces, they know that the road to the finals is still long and they still have time to adjust, fight and win their own glory.

Although this press conference was filled with dullness and depression, it also gave birth to new hope and strength.

The Lakers players were not defeated by the defeat. They are quietly accumulating strength and preparing to play their own brilliant performance in the next game.

In stark contrast to the depressing atmosphere on the Lakers' side, the Nets' press conference was filled with a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

Head coach Lu Yong walked into the press conference hall with smiles on their faces, along with three players: Durant, Brunson and Mitchell.

Reporters had been waiting for a long time, eager to dig out more news points from this team that had just won its first victory in the finals.

However, compared with the Lakers' press conference, the atmosphere here was clearly much more relaxed.

"Coach Lu, congratulations on your first victory in the finals. What do you think of the team's performance today?" a reporter asked first.

Lu Yong smiled and seemed confident. "I am very satisfied with the team's performance today. We executed the pre-match tactical arrangements and the players played to their best. This victory is the result of our team's joint efforts."

Another reporter turned to Durant and asked, "Mr. Durant, you played well in today's game. What do you think of this game?"

Durant shrugged and said easily: "It feels great. Our team cooperated well and faced the challenge without fear. We successfully won the game. Of course, this is just the beginning of the finals. We still have a lot of work to do."

"Mr. Brunson, you assisted your teammates to score many times during the game. How do you view your role in the team?" another reporter asked Brunson.

Brunson smiled, "I think every player has his own role and position in the team. I try my best to do my job well and contribute my strength to the team. I am very happy to help the team win today."

Mitchell also attracted the attention of reporters, "Mitchell, how do you feel about today's game?"

"This game means a lot to me." Mitchell replied excitedly, "I will continue to work hard and contribute more to the team."

As reporters asked questions one after another, the Nets players' answers seemed very confident and calm.

Not only did they win today's game, but they are also full of expectations and confidence for the future.

At this time, Lu Yong took over the conversation again. He looked around at the reporters present and said solemnly: "The Nets' goal is very clear, which is to complete a sweep in this round of the finals. We have excellent players and teamwork. I believe we have the strength to achieve this goal."

As soon as Lu Yong finished speaking, there was an uproar at the scene.

Reporters raised their hands to ask questions, wanting to learn more about the Nets' confidence and determination.

"Coach Lu, what challenges do you think the Nets will face in the next games? How should they deal with them?" a reporter asked curiously.

Lu Yong pondered for a moment, "Challenges always exist, whether it is from the strong strength of the opponent or from our own pressure, but I believe that as long as we stay united, stay focused, and maintain our desire for victory, we will be able to overcome all difficulties and achieve our goals."

As the press conference drew to a close, Durant also expressed his own views: "The Finals is a long process, we need to fight one game at a time. Today's victory is just the beginning. We will continue to work hard to bring more exciting games to the fans."

The press conference ended successfully amid the confidence and smiles of the Nets players.

They left the scene with the attitude and confidence of a winner, making people full of expectations and anticipation for the upcoming finals.

This Nets team not only has strong strength, but also has firm belief and determination.

They are moving towards the goal of a dynasty, and no matter what challenges and difficulties they face, they will not stop them from moving forward.

After the press conference, Lu Yong shook hands with the players one by one and said goodbye. Everyone’s face was filled with joy after the victory.

As the crowd gradually dispersed, Lu Yong walked towards the parking lot alone.

He knew in his heart that tonight's celebration party was not just to celebrate the victory of the game.

Sitting in his sports car, Lu Yong took out his cell phone and found Hannah Murray's number.

He knew that Murray had brought her two best friends to the scene to cheer for him today, and he received a text message from her after the game, saying that she had booked a restaurant to celebrate for him.

But Lu Yong understood that this was not just a celebration banquet.

He started the car and drove to the famous local restaurant in Brooklyn.

In the night, the roar of sports cars echoed in the streets, and Lu Yong's mood also soared.

He was not only happy about his victory tonight, but also looking forward to meeting Murray and her besties.

Inside the restaurant, the lighting is soft and the music is playing.

After arriving at the restaurant, Lu Yong was led by the waiter into an elegantly decorated private room.

As soon as he entered the door, he saw Hannah and her two best friends Emily and Susanna sitting together and chatting.

"Lu, you're finally here!" Hannah stood up immediately when she saw Lu Yong and went to meet him. Lu Yong smiled and hugged her, "How can I let the beauties wait for so long?"

Emily and Susanna also stood up and looked at the rumored Nets co-owner and coach curiously.

"Wow, he's even more handsome in person than on TV!" Emily smiled mischievously.

"Thank you for the compliment. I feel a little embarrassed." Lu Yong scratched his head shyly, which made everyone laugh.

After everyone sat down, the dishes were served one after another.

Hannah specially ordered Lu Yong's favorite steak for him, while Emily and Susanna kept asking Lu Yong questions about basketball and coaching.

"Coach Lu, do you think the Nets can win this year's finals?" Susanna asked curiously.

Lu Yong smiled and said, "Of course, I don't become a coach to lose."

"Ha ha ha ha."

"I heard that you have a very good relationship with the players. How did you do that?" Emily asked.

There are many NBA coaches, but every year there are also reports that many are fired due to disagreements with star players.

Throughout Lu Yong's coaching career, except for the conflict with Anthony, other stars respect him very much, which is considered an incredible achievement.

Lu Yong smiled and said: "There is no secret, just more communication, more understanding and more support. They are all great players. I just need to give them enough trust and freedom, and they will play at their best."

During the conversation, the atmosphere became more and more relaxed and humorous.

Emily and Susanna teased Lu Yong and Hannah from time to time, asking about the progress of their relationship.

"When are you two going to make it official? We're all waiting to eat your wedding candy!" Emily said mischievously.

Lu Yong glanced at Hannah and said with a smile: "Let Hannah answer this question."

Hannah blushed slightly, "Don't worry about it, we have our own plans."

"Oh, you're still shy!" Susanna joked, "But seriously, Coach Lu, you are our idol! It's such an honor to have dinner with you today!"

Lu Yong waved his hands modestly, "Don't say that, I'm just an ordinary person. But you two beauties really opened my eyes tonight!"

Everyone laughed again.

The whole dinner was filled with laughter and a warm atmosphere.

Lu Yong not only enjoyed the delicious food and wine, but more importantly, he enjoyed the relaxing and pleasant conversation with the beauties.

"Hannah, I heard that you recently participated in a variety show. How did you feel about it?" Lu Yong brought up the topic again. Although he was a basketball coach, his experience of rebirth gave him a broader understanding of the world, including all aspects of the entertainment industry.

Hannah took a sip of red wine and smiled, "It's quite interesting. Unlike filming a drama, variety shows focus more on on-site reactions and improvisations."

"Improvisation? Wouldn't it be easy to make mistakes?" Lu Yong asked curiously.

“Yeah, but being wrong is fun,” Emily chimed in. “Susanna and I do a lot of funny things on the show, and the audience loves to see us make fools of ourselves.”

Susanna nodded in agreement: "Yes, sometimes deliberately making small mistakes can make the show more interesting."

Lu Yong laughed out loud after hearing this. "So you guys are making mistakes on purpose. No wonder variety shows are so good!"

Hannah rolled her eyes at Lu Yong and pouted in pretend anger, "I really made a mistake accidentally, and you're still laughing."

"Okay, okay, I won't laugh anymore." Lu Yong raised his hands in surrender, but the smile in his eyes remained the same. "Have you ever encountered any embarrassing things on the show?"

This question immediately aroused the interest of the three ladies. Emily said first: "I once called a guest's name wrong by mistake. It was so embarrassing at that time. Fortunately, everyone was in a humorous spirit and laughed it off."

“I had one incident,” Susannah recalled. “I fell down in my high heels and the whole audience started laughing, so I had to laugh too.”

Lu Yong couldn't help laughing after hearing this, "It seems like you guys really had a lot of problems on the show!"

"It's not that exaggerated," Hannah argued. "We are still very professional."

"Yes, yes, you are the most professional," Lu Yong joked, "but besides being professional, you can also bring joy to the audience, which is the most important thing."

As the conversation got heated, Lu Yong asked another question: "What do you think is the difference between the current entertainment industry and the past?"

Emily thought for a moment and said, "The entertainment industry nowadays pays more attention to diversity and interactivity. In the past, celebrities were high and mighty, but now they are more down-to-earth, and there are more interactions between celebrities and fans."

“That’s right,” Susanna added, “and now that social media is so developed, celebrities’ every move is exposed to the public, so they pay more attention to personal image and brand building.”

Hannah nodded, "Indeed, the competition in the entertainment industry is more intense now, with newcomers emerging in large numbers, and we old people have to keep working hard to maintain our status."

Lu Yong was deeply touched after hearing this. "It's not easy in any industry. It's amazing that you can make a name for yourself in the entertainment industry."

Several people smiled at each other, and the atmosphere became more harmonious.

Lu Yong told a few short jokes from the entertainment industry, which made the three ladies laugh so hard that their bellies shook with laughter.

"Coach Lu, you're so funny," Emily laughed until tears came out of her eyes. "If I didn't know you were a basketball coach, I would have thought you were a professional comedian!"

"Haha, thank you for the compliment," Lu Yong joked, "Maybe I can really consider changing my career and becoming a joke teller in the future."

The dinner came to an end amid laughter and joy, and everyone felt that they had not yet had enough.

This dinner not only deepened their understanding of each other, but also allowed them to feel the charm and fun of different industries.

For Lu Yong, although he does not have a deep understanding of the entertainment industry, it is also a rare experience to be able to communicate with these interesting people.

For Emily and Susanna, it is a rare fate to meet a humorous man who understands both basketball and entertainment.

It’s just a pity that this guy is my best friend’s man.

"Ok?"

When I think about it this way, I seem to be even more excited. Why?

After the dinner, Hannah Murray's best friends Emily and Susanna left one after another, and the noise in the restaurant gradually subsided with their departure.

Lu Yong and Hannah stood at the door of the restaurant, and the breeze blew by, bringing coolness to the night.

"Where do you want to go?" Lu Yong asked softly, his eyes full of tenderness.

Hannah smiled and said, "As long as I'm with you, I can go anywhere."

Considering the tense atmosphere of the finals and the fact that he had already drunk a lot of wine tonight, Lu Yong didn't want to be too ostentatious, and he didn't want to affect his work because of a momentary indulgence.

So, he suggested: "How about we find a bar and sit down and chat?"

Hannah nodded and followed Lu Yong obediently. The two of them strolled in the night, looking for the quiet corner that belonged to them.

Soon after, they came to a bar with simple and warm decoration.

Under the soft light, the two chose a seat by the window and sat down.

After ordering a few cocktails, the two began a long, in-depth conversation.

"How have you been lately?" Lu Yong asked with concern.

Lu Yong had actually asked about this topic at the last dinner, but there were two of Hannah's best friends at the table at the time, so the meaning of asking it now when the two of them were alone was definitely different.

Hannah took a sip of wine, her eyes revealing a hint of longing, "It's okay, I just miss you a little. You are always busy, and it seems like we haven't sat together like this for a long time."

Lu Yong held Hannah's hand and said in a scumbag tone, "I'm sorry, I've been too busy recently, but you have to know that I think about you every moment."

Lu Yong himself didn't believe what he said, but it didn't matter, as long as someone believed it.

Hannah's eyes were touched, and she chuckled, "You know, every time you direct the game on the court, I think, this man is so handsome."

Lu Yong was amused by Hannah's praise, "Then you must come to watch my games more often in the future, so that I can perform beyond my normal level every time."

The two smiled at each other, and the atmosphere created by Lu Yong was warm and sweet.

As the alcohol took effect, the topic became more and more relaxed, with happy laughter breaking out from time to time.

Time passed by unknowingly, and the lights in the bar seemed to become much softer.

Lu Yong looked at Hannah's face, and an impulse surged in his heart. He gently kissed Hannah's forehead, "Tonight, I don't want you to leave."

Hannah lowered her head shyly, "I don't want to either."

So, the two decided to find a hotel to spend this wonderful night together.

They walked out of the bar hand in hand and blended into the night.

When he arrived at the hotel, Lu Yong booked a luxury suite.

The room has soft lighting and warm furnishings, exuding a romantic atmosphere everywhere.

"Do you have a headache?" Lu Yong asked softly.

Hannah looked around and shook her head, "It doesn't hurt."

Lu Yong smiled and hugged Hannah into his arms, "Let's take a bath together?"

The atmosphere in the room heated up at this moment. Lu Yong held Hannah diagonally in his arms and walked into the bathroom.

The moonlight shines through the window onto the two of them, casting a silver halo over them. (End of this chapter)