This led to the Trail Blazers being physically and mentally exhausted in the game on the evening of the 11th, and with Gan Guoyang standing idly by, the team's fighting spirit was severely weakened.
On the other hand, the Pistons had gradually recovered from the beating they took in the first game.
What invigorated them even more was Isiah Thomas, who had gotten 58 stitches on his face and suffered a depressed facial bone, making a comeback in the third game after surgery.
He wore a specially made mask to protect the wounds on his face.
Although Thomas's sportsmanship was questionable and his character doubtful, he was indeed an undeniable tough guy on the court.
When Thomas appeared, the entire Palace of Auburn Hills erupted in huge cheers, and the applause lasted for a long time.
In other cities, Thomas and his teammates were reviled by everyone, but in Detroit, they were the local heroes.
