The Clash of Eras.

As a continuation of last season's Finals showdown, the league scheduled the Cavaliers vs. Warriors rematch as the season opener.

Promotions for the game kicked off early, with the league's marketing machine in full swing. Even though the NBA remained a 'Nike league', Adam Silver clearly wanted Under Armour to continue growing its presence.

This was because of one critical, looming matter — Adidas' jersey sponsorship deal with the NBA was set to expire at the end of the season.

In a world without UA's rise, Nike would have already locked in the next deal. But now? That spot was up for grabs, and this season would decide who claimed it.

As the hype built, headlines surrounding the season opener flooded the media.

The Warriors received bad news before the season even tipped off. Surprisingly, it wasn't a player injury — it was their head coach.

Steve Kerr had undergone back surgery during the offseason. While he hadn't timed it as poorly as his former teammate Dennis Rodman, complications from the procedure meant Kerr would be sidelined for at least two to three months.

In his absence, the team's first assistant coach stepped up. But it wasn't Alvin Gentry — he had accepted the head coaching job with the Pelicans after his success with the Warriors. The new man in charge? Luke Walton, a former Lakers role player and second assistant from last season.

But did it really matter?

Not really. The Warriors' system was so polished that they could win with a bench coach — or, as some joked, even with a mascot in a suit on the sidelines.

Kerr's absence wasn't the focus. What really drew attention was Draymond Green's media day comments, which resurfaced right before the opener.

Initially drowned out by the frenzy surrounding Kobe's retirement announcement, Draymond's words were now front and center:

"Everyone keeps saying Han is the best player in the league, but we beat them. So Steph is the best. And based on what I've seen from him in camp, he's going to be the MVP this season."

Though Klay Thompson had been the Finals MVP, Green knew better than anyone who the Warriors' true anchor was. And Draymond? He had no problem riding that coattail for the rest of his career.

When the Cavaliers arrived in Oakland, reporters wasted no time asking Han for his thoughts on Green's comments.

Han didn't take the bait. He sidestepped the topic entirely.

Trash talk from Green? That was just another stream of hater points for his system.

But his teammates weren't as diplomatic.

"That guy's just riding Steph's coattails. Without him, Green's a nobody," TT fired back during media availability.

Green, of course, had a response ready. "We're champions. They're not. Simple."

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Opening Night — Oracle Arena

Oracle Arena was packed to the brim for the Warriors' long-awaited ring ceremony.

For most fans, the franchise's previous title, won over 40 years ago, was little more than a distant memory. After all, many of those in attendance weren't even born back then.

To add some nostalgia, the Warriors invited long-time fans who had witnessed the 1975 championship to participate in the event, each receiving a commemorative team T-shirt.

Most of them were well into their 70s or 80s. Even the youngest of that group was 58. They might not have been die-hard fans anymore — but hey, money talks.

The Warriors put on a show. Their ownership spared no expense to make this ring ceremony unforgettable.

According to reports, each championship ring cost a whopping $1 million. Designed by renowned jeweler Jason Arasheben, the rings were reportedly the most expensive in NBA history.

Han wasn't entirely buying the $1 million price tag. 'Probably 80% of that is just designer fees,' he thought. 'There's only so much you can fit on a ring that size, even if you cover it in diamonds.'

Still, when the spotlight hit those rings, they dazzled.

The ceremony began with all the rings placed on a central stage, glistening under the arena's lights.

Han watched as each Warriors player stepped up to claim their ring.

When it was Steph's turn, he took a moment to show off the details to the cameras — the team's iconic bridge logo, set in gold with blue sapphire accents, alongside his jersey number '30'.

The crowd roared with approval. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers' bench? Their eyes burned with determination.

Other than Han and Garnett, the rest of the Cavs roster had never tasted championship glory. Watching this ceremony only fueled their hunger.

After the festivities, both teams took the court for the national anthem and player introductions.

Starting Lineups:

Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving, Han Sen, P.J. Tucker, Tristan Thompson, Kevin Garnett

Warriors: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green, Andrew Bogut

Aside from Kyrie Irving, both teams' lineups were nearly identical to last season's Finals.

With tipoff moments away, Han glanced around the arena.

This wasn't just any game. It was a statement game. For the Warriors, it was about proving they were still the top dogs. For the Cavs, it was about redemption.

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The Warriors' biggest offseason addition was… Anderson Varejão.

LeBron's old loyal sidekick, who had outlived his usefulness, was unceremoniously dumped by Cleveland and scooped up by Golden State.

To make room for Draymond Green's massive extension — a 5-year, $85 million deal — the Warriors had also shipped out David Lee to Boston.

It was one of the reasons analysts were skeptical about the Warriors' chances of defending their title this season.

TT won the opening tip against Bogut, giving the Cavaliers the first possession of the season opener. The game was officially underway.

But it didn't take long for the whistle to blow.

TT was called for an offensive foul — an off-ball tussle with Draymond.

It wasn't a bad call. TT had gotten too physical during a no-ball screen, shoving Draymond out of frustration.

Why?

Simple. TT had never liked Draymond.

It wasn't just on-court antics.

The truth was, TT had demanded a huge contract from the Cavs during the offseason because Draymond Green got paid by the Warriors — 5 years, $85 million.

TT believed he deserved the same, if not more, to prove he wasn't inferior. Eventually, the Cavs settled with TT at 5 years, $70 million, but it left him with a chip on his shoulder. Every time he saw Draymond on the court, that lingering frustration resurfaced — a constant reminder that he was still chasing respect.

On the sidelines, Coach Michael Malone stood up, motioning for TT to cool down.

After the quick interruption, the game resumed.

The Warriors ran their first play — a familiar pick-and-roll between Curry and Green.

Draymond slipped the screen.

But instead of hitting him on the roll, Curry pulled up from half a meter behind the three-point line.

It wasn't a heat-check shot.

The play hadn't even fully developed yet.

Han knew Curry had that range — but this early? Straight off the tip?

It was like someone turning a car's ignition and immediately flooring the gas pedal.

Most players would blow the engine.

But not Curry.

The shot went in.

Curry wasn't called a revolutionary player for just hitting open threes.

It was because he made those insane, seemingly unreasonable shots look routine.

The Oracle crowd erupted.

But the Cavs didn't get rattled.

Han took the ball up, calling for a pick-and-roll with Garnett. After shedding Bogut, Han pulled up for a smooth mid-range jumper.

The Cavs weren't going to get baited into the Warriors' three-point barrage.

They had their own pace to dictate.

Back on defense, Kyrie pressed up on Curry, showcasing the improved footwork and discipline he had honed over the summer.

Curry tried to shake him, but Kyrie stuck with him.

So, Curry passed to Draymond and went for a handoff.

That subtle move — handoff, head fake — caught Kyrie off balance. He bit on the fake, jumping to contest a shot that wasn't coming.

Curry blew past him, weaved through TT, and floated a soft layup over Garnett.

Han watched from the sideline, a little surprised.

This wasn't the Curry he had faced in the Finals.

Curry had taken things up another level.

On the next play, Han called for another screen from KG.

This time, he hit the gas, driving straight at Bogut.

But Draymond was waiting in the paint, ready to contest.

Han didn't slow down.

Their collision was inevitable.

Draymond extended his arms, but Han soared higher — faster — and slammed the ball down with authority.

BANG!

Han dunked over Draymond, sending him crashing to the floor.

Oracle fell silent for a moment before the collective "OHHHHHH!" erupted from the stands.

Draymond lay on the court, stunned.

His mind flashed back to all those extra hours he had put in during the summer, convincing himself he was ready to go toe-to-toe with the league's best.

But in that moment?

His confidence cracked.

Han landed and glanced down at Draymond.

For a second, it looked like Han was about to step over him — Iverson-style — but he held back.

Still, the message was clear.

Draymond stayed frozen, not daring to move. He knew if he did, Han would absolutely walk over him.

The Warriors came back on the other end, trying to respond.

Draymond set a high screen for Curry, slipped out, and got the ball back.

His three-point attempt clanked off the rim.

Garnett grabbed the rebound and quickly pushed it up the floor.

The Warriors' defense scrambled back, forcing the Cavs to settle into a half-court set.

Han took the ball in the post, backing down Klay.

With the double-team looming, Han faked one way, spun back the other, and rose for a fadeaway jumper.

Splash!

Pure.

Han had opened the game with six straight points, giving the Cavs their first lead.

On the sidelines, Jokic was already waving his towel.

Curry wasn't done.

He ran through a maze of screens, catching the ball beyond the arc. The Cavs sent a double-team his way, but before they could trap him, he fired a no-look pass behind his back.

Right into Klay's shooting pocket.

Klay caught, squared up, and drained a three.

Their chemistry was undeniable. Four years of playing together had made their connection seamless.

The Cavs tried to answer with a Kyrie pull-up three, but it rimmed out.

Draymond grabbed the board and quickly pushed the pace.

Curry trailed the play, stopping at least a meter behind the arc.

Most players would wait for the offense to set.

Not Curry.

The moment he caught the pass, he launched it.

Kyrie, glancing away for a split second, turned back just in time to see the ball arc over his head.

Swish.

6-11.

In a blink, the Warriors had not only regained the lead but extended it to five.

The Oracle crowd went wild again.

This wasn't just the same Warriors team that won the title last season.

No — this was an even better version.

But just as the noise reached its peak, Han took the ball and stormed right back at them.

Driving into the paint, he absorbed contact from Klay and Bogut, finishing through the foul.

"And-one!"

After knocking down the free throw, the Cavs were back within one possession.

Nine minutes into the first quarter, the score stood at 31-27 in favor of the Warriors.

It was a shootout. Both teams came out firing.

Curry already had 14 points, while Han had put up 16.

Draymond's trash talk before the game had sounded bold, but on offense, Curry was backing it up.

The difference?

Curry's offense was all about precision — three-pointers, floaters, and lightning-quick drives. His game was the epitome of modern basketball: efficient and deadly.

Han's game?

It was a throwback.

He worked the post, lived in the mid-range, and relentlessly attacked the basket.

Watching the two of them go at it felt like watching two different eras clash on the court.

It wasn't just a game.

It was a battle of ideologies.