The next morning, reports about Game 1 of the Finals were everywhere.
Blake's incredible performance once again became one of the hottest topics across the league.
Just how good was this "Monster Rookie"?
He had the entire league buzzing.
That afternoon, TNT even held a special roundtable discussion titled:
"Finals Game 1: Just How Good Is the 'Monster Rookie' Blake?"
The panel consisted of Charles Barkley, Reggie Miller, Kamla, and Ian Thomsen.
"He's incredible!"
"Blake is so good it's scary!"
The famously sharp-tongued Barkley was the first to speak, his voice full of excitement.
"Blake is a rookie, and in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, he went up against the Heat Big Three at the height of their powers.
"He hit 7 threes and put up 50 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks.
"Fifty points and a near triple-double.
"That's ridiculous!
"Maybe 'The Round Mound of Rebound' Charles Barkley could've put up numbers like that in his prime, but as a rookie?
"I couldn't have done it.
"I have to admit, this 'Monster Rookie' Blake came into the league playing at an elite level from day one!"
It was rare for the notoriously critical Barkley to praise a rookie so highly.
That alone said plenty about Blake's ability.
"Absolutely."
"Blake really is unbelievably good."
Reggie Miller, who was hardly known for holding back his criticism either, also praised Blake without hesitation.
He continued, "What Blake did in Game 1 was almost frightening.
"I honestly think that even if Phoenix loses this series, even if Blake doesn't win the championship, he might still repeat what 'The Logo' once did and win Finals MVP anyway."
"Haha!"
"It's possible."
Kamla smiled and nodded before picking up the notes he had prepared.
"Fifty points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks.
"A 50-point near triple-double.
"That was Blake's stat line in Game 1.
"Do you guys realize how incredible that is?"
"Nope. Tell us."
The others shook their heads, signaling for Kamla to continue.
Kamla smiled.
"'His Airness' Michael Jordan reached the Finals for the first time in 1991 after seven seasons in the league.
"In his Finals debut, he put up 36 points, 8 rebounds, 12 assists, and 3 steals.
"A 30-point near triple-double. An incredible performance.
"Then there was 'The Answer' Allen Iverson.
"After five seasons, he led Philadelphia to the Finals in 2001 and faced the Shaq-Kobe duo as the lone superstar on his team.
"And he was phenomenal.
"In his Finals debut, Iverson exploded for 48 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals.
"Those 48 points set the scoring record for a player making his Finals debut.
"Jordan had the 30-point near triple-double.
"Iverson had the 48-point scoring record.
"Both delivered spectacular performances in their first Finals game.
"But Blake?
"He put up a 50-point near triple-double.
"He not only produced a more complete stat line than Jordan's 30-point near triple-double, he also broke Iverson's Finals debut scoring record.
"With one insane Finals debut, Blake managed to match the brilliance of both Iverson and Jordan.
"That is absolutely ridiculous."
"Wow..."
Ian Thomsen's mouth fell open.
He was genuinely stunned.
"So you're saying Blake's Finals debut stole the spotlight from both 'The Answer' Allen Iverson and 'His Airness' Michael Jordan?
"And he did it as a rookie?!"
Everyone around the table drew in a sharp breath.
These were veteran analysts who had watched countless legendary performances from NBA superstars over the years, yet even they were stunned.
The "Monster Rookie's" extraordinary Finals debut shocked the entire TNT panel.
And it sent shockwaves throughout the league.
The discussion surrounding Blake had begun to settle down, but after TNT's roundtable, it exploded all over again.
"Holy crap!"
"Seven threes, 50 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. Look at those numbers! Is that something a rookie is supposed to be able to do?!"
"Forget rookies. Even a No. 1 overall pick couldn't do that."
"Forget one No. 1 pick. Put two or three of them together and they still couldn't do it!"
"Wall: I feel like you guys are targeting me, but I can't even argue!"
"Griffin's laughing somewhere. He barely escaped this one!"
"A rookie Blake put up a Finals debut worthy of both Iverson and Jordan. This is completely insane!"
"Was Blake sent down by God just to dominate the NBA?!"
"Haha, I don't know about that, but I do know Blake just beat the Heat Big Three.
"He's playing the role of the 'superhero,' slowly taking down the villains and saving the league!"
"Hmph. So what if they formed the Heat Big Three? In front of 'Superhero' Blake, none of that matters."
"Exactly!"
"Good always beats evil in the end. The superhero is going to have the last laugh."
"Go, Blake!"
"Let's go, Blake!"
"Hah! You won one game, and only because LeBron had an awful night. What are you so proud of?"
"Just watch. Miami will be the team laughing at the end of this series."
"What are you talking about? If Phoenix could blow out your Heat in Game 1, they can do it again in Game 2!
"And unlike Dallas, you guys don't have ridiculous luck constantly saving you.
"You're destined to lose this series."
"Hmph! We'll see!"
"Hmph! Bring it on!"
Fans online had initially been united in their amazement over Blake's incredible Finals debut.
Eventually, though, amazement turned into arguing.
That was inevitable.
And it was all part of the fun leading up to Game 2.
...
Around the same time, at the Heat's hotel, LeBron and Wade sat together in a standard room.
LeBron was on the couch with his head slightly lowered.
He looked dejected.
No, more than that.
He looked miserable.
Obviously, his poor performance in Game 1 was the biggest reason for his mood.
"Hey, LeBron. This isn't like you."
Wade smiled, trying to cheer him up.
"So we lost. Big deal. Everybody has an off night.
"Just come back and get them in the next game."
"No."
LeBron shook his head.
"I'm not upset because I shot badly and we lost."
"Huh?"
Wade frowned.
"If it's not your shooting, then what is it?
"Did George give you more trouble defensively than you expected?"
"Of course not."
LeBron shook his head again.
George was, at most, a rookie who happened to be a very good defender.
But he was still a rookie.
How could he possibly shut down a two-time MVP?
How could he shut down "King James" LeBron?
"Uh..."
"Flash" Wade thought for a moment.
Then his eyes suddenly widened.
"Wait. Is something wrong with you physically?!"
"Not that either."
LeBron shook his head once more.
He fell silent for a moment before finally speaking.
"I feel like... my rhythm is off."
...
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