November 25th. The Magic were at home for the second game of a back-to-back, facing the last-place team in the East, the Hawks.
During the pre-game press conference, a reporter from the *Sentinel* asked Rivers a pointed question. "Coach, we know Orlando is a small market. We can't compete with New York or Los Angeles. But this summer, we still managed to sign two stars to max contracts, forming the fantastic Gemini."
"But since the season started, our record has been a complete mess. We're on a five-game losing streak, and many fans are unhappy with the team's performance. Do you feel your coaching is a factor?"
The reporter's eyes were fixed on Rivers.
The other reporters in the room instantly perked up.
'Are they firing shots at Rivers?'
Last season, he had led a group of unknowns to win Coach of the Year. Back then, he'd triumphantly told the media that if the team had stars, he would take the Magic even further.
Well, this summer, he got his wish. The team signed two major stars.
The result? The team was near the bottom of the East and currently on a five-game losing streak.
If it wasn't his responsibility, whose was it?
Sure, he was the reigning Coach of the Year, but he was still a rookie. If he wasn't going to take the heat, who would?
On the podium, Rivers's expression was grim. He considered the question for a moment before explaining, "We've had a tough schedule to start the season and lost a lot of those games, but I don't believe it has anything to do with my coaching. After all, our roster isn't at full strength. Our biggest star is still on the injured list."
"Of course," Rivers's tone shifted. "I'm not pointing fingers at anyone. I just hope the fans can be more understanding and recognize how serious the team's current predicament is."
After answering, before any reporter could ask another question, Rivers abruptly stood up and left.
He left the reporters staring at one another in stunned silence.
"Rivers has a point, though. Hill got injured after just two games. It's not like he could do anything about that."
"How bad is Hill's injury, really? I thought it was just a sprained ankle. It's been three weeks, why is there no sign of his return?"
"He was moving around just fine at that charity event a couple of days ago, wasn't he? He should be able to start practicing with the team by now."
With that one statement, Rivers had shifted the media's focus entirely onto the injured Hill.
Meanwhile, Rivers returned to the locker room.
He clapped his hands, motioned for the players to gather around, and announced the night's starting lineup.
"Tracy."
Rivers looked at Tracy McGrady, an ice pack wrapped around his shoulder.
In yesterday's game against the Celtics, Tracy McGrady had made a spectacular play. He backed down his defender on the baseline, shook off Paul Pierce with a fake, and drove to the rim. When Tony Battie came over to help, he threw down a ferocious one-handed poster dunk over him.
It was an incredible play, but afterward, Tracy McGrady's right shoulder had been sore.
Billings had examined it and concluded it wasn't serious. He'd already received treatment today.
"I know you're exhausted." It was the second game of a back-to-back, after all. "But we've lost five straight. We can't lose again. The team needs you, you understand?"
All eyes in the room turned to Tracy McGrady.
The weariness in Tracy McGrady's sleepy eyes gave way to determination as he nodded firmly.
This summer, he had left the Raptors for the Magic without so much as a goodbye, all because he was unwilling to live in his cousin's shadow.
'He was the one who made it to the league first. He was the one who had recommended that the Raptors' front office acquire Carter.'
'But Carter became the starter. Carter made it to the All-Star game first.'
'He was like a blazing sun, stealing all his glory.'
So, coming to the Magic this year, Tracy McGrady was in a do-or-die state of mind. He wanted to show the world that he wasn't just Vincent Carter's cousin—he was Tracy McGrady!
Even though his body was exhausted and his shoulder still ached, as long as the team needed him, he would get on the court and lead them to victory.
Rivers nodded in satisfaction and announced the starting lineup.
At 7:00 PM, the players for both teams took the court.
As the players were going through their final warm-ups, the once-quiet stands suddenly erupted with a thunderous cheer.
Tracy McGrady and the other players turned to see what was happening.
There, emerging from the players' tunnel, was the white-haired Magic owner, Rich DeVos, with Hill at his side.
He was dressed in a tailored suit, a kind smile on his face. Every movement was as elegant as a gentleman's. A casual wave to the stands was met with a tidal wave of cheers.
Even Tracy McGrady, who was on the court, couldn't help but stare.
'Now that's a star,' he thought. He knew many of the fans in attendance had bought tickets just to see Hill.
Hill came to the sideline and hugged Rivers, then his teammates one by one.
"Aren't you supposed to be resting up? What are you doing here?" Monty whispered as he hugged Hill.
Hill's smile didn't waver. "Rich invited me. Besides, I'm recovering well. Normal activity is no problem."
Monty nodded and didn't press the issue.
The media was in a frenzy, their cameras fixed on Hill.
Hill even jogged over to the opposing team's side to exchange a few words with Dikembe Mutombo, who he knew.
Finally, Hill took the microphone from the arena announcer.
The announcer asked him to say a few words to the fans in the arena.
Holding the microphone, Hill was at a loss for words. He hadn't prepared anything. After a moment's thought, he said, "I want to thank my teammates. They've been playing so hard while I've been injured. I also want to thank all the fans. We couldn't win a single game without your support."
"As for me, I'll be back as soon as I can to help the team win."
'Chen Yu said I'm recovering well. It's already been three weeks. I should be able to get back on the court very soon.'
The arena erupted in thunderous applause, with chants of "Hill! Hill!" echoing off the walls.
At 7:30 PM, the game officially tipped off.
Sitting on the sidelines, Hill looked at Gabriel in confusion. "John, are you telling me I have to go on the court at halftime and play a game with the kids from Saint Mark's Primary School?"
'Why didn't anyone tell me about this beforehand?'
Gabriel smiled. "It was Rich's idea. If you lead the kids to a win, he'll donate 100,000 US dollars to hire therapists for them. It's also a chance for the children to experience the atmosphere of an NBA game. It's a good cause."
Saint Mark's Primary School was the site of the shooting a few days ago.
"Alright," Hill said, nodding resignedly.
'Just as Gabriel said, it's for the kids.'
'It's just my condition...'
Hill instinctively glanced down at his left ankle.
According to Chen Yu's rehabilitation plan, he had already started doing some running, jumping, and single-leg balance exercises.
So Hill figured it wouldn't be a big problem. After all, it wasn't a real game, just for fun.
A collective groan of disappointment rose from the stands behind him.
Hill turned to look at the court.
Tracy McGrady had just missed a long two-pointer.
The Magic were near the bottom of the East, but the Hawks' record was even worse. As the last-place team in the conference, they were clearly tanking for the number one draft pick.
But even so, the Magic were still trailing.
Hill couldn't help but frown.
'If they lose to the tanking Hawks, then what hope is there of returning to the playoffs this season?'