Let's rewind the clock a little.
After finishing the pre-game press conference, Skiles walked into the locker room with his assistant coach. He had expected a relaxed atmosphere, but instead, the room was utterly silent.
Hardaway sat in his spot, headphones on, eyes closed in silence.
Across from him, Ewing also sat quietly, rubbing his hands, his face expressionless.
Olajuwon was in a corner of the locker room, pacing back and forth, muttering something under his breath, as if he were praying.
Apart from them, everyone else was minding their own business, not saying a word.
"What's going on?" Skiles asked, approaching Nelson with a hint of panic in his eyes.
'This atmosphere... it's not right.'
Nelson shook his head slightly. He didn't know what was happening either. From the moment they entered the locker room to prepare for the game, everyone had seemed listless.
"Shouldn't you say something?" Nelson whispered.
