The finals should have been intense, but then everyone saw a strange scene.
Both teams stood still, with only Odom jumping up and down.
"What's going on between the two teams?"
The commentators were stunned.
If they were trash-talking, the Lakers players wouldn't be standing still. But if nothing was happening, Odom was indeed jumping with anger.
This scene was too bizarre.
The commentators on-site didn't know how to commentate this moment, but thankfully, the referee spoke up at the crucial moment: "What are you guys doing? This is the finals!"
After speaking, the referee's gaze swept across the players and finally landed on Odom.
Odom was very sure that the referee's eyes were full of teasing and curiosity.
"I'm so angry!"
Odom roared.
This sound drew everyone's attention back. Kobe walked over and patted Odom's shoulder: "Lamar, don't pay attention to him, he's just jealous of you."
Odom squinted and glanced at Kobe.
Your expression just now wasn't like this.
But no matter what, as the team leader, Kobe's words were quite effective.
The game resumed, and the Lakers attacked.
Larry Hughes went to guard Fisher.
Larry Hughes had a good defensive record against point guards this season, but when facing Fisher, he felt he had never encountered such a troublesome opponent.
His driving ability was average, but he was exceptionally calm on the court and rarely made rash moves.
If you weren't careful, the ball would be passed out to create danger, so Larry Hughes had to keep a close eye on Fisher.
Larry Hughes was defending seriously, but Fisher was playing too well today. With a screen and a drive, he got past Larry Hughes. Pavlovic chased hard, and the ball was already in Odom's hands.
Odom then passed the ball back to Kobe.
Kobe drove directly. His top-tier body coordination allowed him to prepare for the attack the moment he received the ball.
Tang Long blocked his driving lane. Kobe used his excellent physical fitness to shoot when he was still half a meter away from Tang Long.
Clang!
Kobe missed this time, and the rebound was grabbed by Drew Gooden.
Although Tang Long didn't get the rebound, he managed to block both Odom and Gasol. This excellent defensive capability made Kobe envious.
LeBron was indeed very lucky to have such a strong center as Tang Long as a teammate.
Immediately after, Kobe thought of the previous rumors: Wade was coming to the Cavaliers?
With Tang Long and LeBron already dominating the league, if Wade joined them, this trio would likely make the Cavaliers unstoppable for most teams!
He couldn't help but look at Odom.
Back then, he had pleaded with the Lakers' management for reinforcements, and they brought in Odom. They thought they had a reliable helper, but who knew this helper would favor women after playing a few good games.
"Kobe, what are you spacing out about?"
LeBron received a pass from Tang Long and, seeing Kobe still on the other half, couldn't help but call out.
"Spacing out? Do you know what a full-court press is?"
Kobe actually started pressing on the other half.
The star players of the two great teams were locked in a battle, and the fans watched with great enjoyment.
The cheers for LeBron from the home crowd were overwhelming.
LeBron dribbled between his legs and changed direction. Kobe retreated step by step, but he didn't forget to sneak in a steal now and then.
After crossing half-court, LeBron feigned a drive, thinking he could shake Kobe. To his surprise, Kobe didn't fall for it. Just as he was about to force his way through, Kobe had already stepped in front of him.
Fortunately, LeBron reacted quickly. The moment he touched Kobe, the ball was already passed.
Pavlovic received LeBron's pass at the baseline.
He smoothly hit a three-pointer!
With two consecutive successful possessions, the Cavaliers gradually narrowed the score. The Lakers, unwilling to be outdone, maintained their hot shooting touch. The Cavaliers scored, and the Lakers answered in kind.
At the end of the second quarter, the score was 30-23.
At halftime, the Cavaliers trailed by five points, 56-61, with the Lakers having taken the lead in the second quarter.
...
"The Cavaliers were a bit passive at the beginning of the second quarter, but they played decently in the final minutes. If they continue to play like this in the third quarter, they can still tie the score."
In the Chinese broadcast room, Zhang Zhi's furrowed brow gradually relaxed.
The Lakers' strong start to the second quarter had pushed the Cavaliers back, causing the faces of the two commentators in the broadcast room to become serious.
Although they liked the Lakers very much, between the Lakers and the Cavaliers, they supported the Cavaliers more!
"Later in the game, the Cavaliers timely changed their tactics, switching from a 1-3-1 defense to a zone defense, which limited the Lakers' driving space."
"Coupled with Kobe's individual ability, they could maintain their lead. Such individual ability is usually unstable, which presents an opportunity for the Cavaliers."
Yang Yi had clearly noticed the situation on the court.
Kobe's scoring exceeding 30 points, especially before Gasol arrived, did lead to occasional losses.
Since Gasol joined the Lakers, while Kobe's scoring was still high, his defense had improved significantly!
"I just don't know how Mike Brown will set up the tactics."
...
"Although the Lakers are leading now, I estimate they won't make significant adjustments to their main players easily in the third quarter. If there are any adjustments, it will be with Vujacic."
"So we need to play to our strengths, use fast pace to wear down Gasol's stamina, and also Odom. His stamina is even worse, and he wastes his energy on women. This is our opportunity."
Mike Brown had some skill after all.
He actually let the Cavaliers play at their own pace next, clearly intending to use this opportunity to wear down the stamina of Gasol and Odom.
However, if Mike Brown thought of this, others would naturally consider it as well.
After the halftime break, the Cavaliers attacked.
Larry Hughes brought the ball quickly across half-court. In just six or seven seconds, the offense was completed.
The Zen Master immediately saw what Mike Brown was trying to do.
As Kobe dribbled to answer, he shouted from the sidelines: "Kobe, pay attention to the change in pace, don't get caught up in their fast break."
Kobe slowed down. LeBron closed in, and Pavlovic also came to double-team Kobe.
Despite the double-team defense, Kobe still shot.
This time, the ball went in!
This was Kobe's scoring ability.
It was simply unreasonable!
Tang Long calmed his mind and didn't become anxious because of Kobe's score. He still called for his teammates to maintain the zone defense!
After just a few possessions, Kobe's shooting percentage gradually decreased.
The Cavaliers, being adept at seizing opportunities, immediately answered back after the Lakers missed several shots!