"The Cavaliers really played to their strengths. Who would have thought the Cavaliers would maintain such a large lead in the third quarter?"
At the end of the third quarter, the Cavaliers outscored the Lakers 29-19, extending their lead by ten points again.
With the third quarter concluded, the score was Cavaliers 83 - Lakers 61, a twenty-two-point difference.
This was the NBA Finals, and even though they were playing away, such a large deficit had clearly exceeded everyone's expectations.
After all, before the game, people had favored the Lakers to win the championship!
In the broadcast booth, Zhang Zhidao and Yang Yi were beaming like peonies.
Zhang Zhidao picked up Yang Yi's point: "The Cavaliers' defensive strategy in the third quarter was very successful. They initially set a trap for the Lakers, allowing them to easily drive to the basket."
"After a few possessions, the Cavaliers suddenly switched to a double-team. By the time the Lakers realized it, Tang Long had already stolen the ball twice in a row."
"This directly impacted the Lakers' momentum. The Cavaliers, fueled by this energy, completely dominated the Lakers for most of the quarter! I must say, the Cavaliers' on-the-fly tactical adjustment was a resounding success."
Yang Yi looked at Zhang Zhidao, slightly exasperated: "Zhang Zhidao, why do you say this was an on-the-fly tactical change by the Cavaliers?"
"It's a bit different from the Cavaliers' usual tactics. In the past, although the Cavaliers would concede the paint, Tang Long acted like a stabilizing pillar guarding the basket."
"Some players were hesitant to drive inside. This time, Tang Long clearly relaxed his defense. Initially, it was Kobe who drove inside, and then Gasol also dared to attack the basket."
"Showing weakness, then striking decisively. The Cavaliers had never used this strategy before."
Zhang Zhidao spoke excitedly, clapping his hands repeatedly: "Brilliant! This game is truly spectacular!"
"Now, Mike Brown will definitely have to make some substitutions. So, Zhang Zhidao, do you think sending in the reserves now might affect the starters' rhythm?"
"With a lead of over twenty points and only the final quarter left, the Cavaliers will surely deploy their reserves first."
"After all, the starters have played for so long, and the advantage is so significant. Mike Brown has to let Tang Long and LeBron rest. We just hope the reserves can withstand the Lakers' fierce attack in the fourth quarter!"
The two commentators exchanged glances, both sensing each other's concerns.
The Lakers were trailing by twenty-two points, but there was still a quarter left to catch up.
At the beginning, they would surely launch a ferocious comeback. If Tang Long and LeBron weren't on the court, it would be difficult to contain the Lakers on both offense and defense.
Soon, the break between the third and fourth quarters quietly passed.
As everyone had predicted, Mike Brown fielded Big Z and Varejão, with Gibson replacing Pavlović.
The Lakers immediately launched a ferocious counterattack!
Fisher brought the ball to halfcourt, Kobe drove to the basket, drawing the defense, and then lobbed the ball to Gasol under the basket. Gasol responded with a powerful dunk!
Then, back on defense, Varejão, facing Odom's coverage, attempted a fancy move, only to be blocked by Odom!
The Lakers' aggressive momentum completely overwhelmed the Cavaliers' second unit!
After the Lakers hit another three-pointer, in less than two minutes of the quarter, they went on a 9-0 run.
For the entire two minutes, the Lakers prevented the Cavaliers from scoring a single point.
Mike Brown couldn't sit still and quickly called a timeout.
"Don't get drawn into the Lakers' tempo. We still have the lead. Slow down the pace, run plays, and create more scoring opportunities."
"Big Z, your speed is a bit slow. So, after you cross halfcourt, find Larry for a pick-and-roll before driving to the basket."
"Varejão, don't do so many unnecessary moves. Just shoot. In short, we must ensure we score."
Mike Brown's timeout clearly had an effect. After returning to the court, although the Lakers still wanted to drag the Cavaliers into a fast-paced offensive rhythm,
the smarter Cavaliers players, whenever they had possession, deliberately dribbled more, slowing down the game clock.
This tactic soon paid off.
As time ticked away, the scoring ability of the Cavaliers' reserves also slowly improved.
The Lakers grew anxious, and their slow transition offense made them increasingly frustrated, leading to more aggressive play and fouls.
Six minutes into the fourth quarter, the Lakers had already committed five fouls, gifting the Cavaliers ten points.
With less than three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Lakers were still trailing by fifteen points.
Phil Jackson no longer hesitated and made his own adjustments. All five of the Lakers' starting players sat on the bench, and five reserves were sent onto the court.
It was a battle of reserves versus reserves.
When the Lakers' reserves came on, the Cavaliers also let loose, and the two teams engaged in an open offensive shootout!
The Cavaliers' reserve lineup was inherently weaker than the Lakers', and they were soon overwhelmed by players like Vujačić, Jordan Farmar, and Turiaf.
If they hadn't had such a large lead and limited time remaining in the fourth quarter, the Cavaliers might have even flipped the script!
Despite this, the score still sent a jolt of anxiety through the fans.
At the end of the fourth quarter, the Lakers outscored the Cavaliers 41-25, nearly upsetting them.
Fortunately, due to their substantial lead earlier, the Cavaliers ultimately won the game at home with a score of 108-96, taking a 2-0 lead.
As the referee's final whistle blew, Tang Long, LeBron, and the other players rushed onto the court, embracing each other warmly.
The final moments had been incredibly nerve-wracking, but they had secured the victory, and that was all that mattered.
...
"Congratulations to the Cavaliers for securing another home win. They now hold the advantage with a 2-0 lead."
"Who said the Cavaliers were just participating this season? Tang Long and LeBron, through their actions, have shown everyone that they are capable of challenging for the championship."
The camera cut back to the broadcast booth in China. Zhang Zhidao and Yang Yi finally let out a sigh of relief.
In the final few minutes, both of them had spoken less, fearing that one wrong move could allow the Lakers to catch up.
"In the post-game interview, reporters will definitely ask Mike Brown about the tactical changes in the third quarter. I've never been so eager to watch a post-game interview."
Zhang Zhidao glanced at Yang Yi and said with a smile, "Me too."
...
"Coach Mike, the Lakers' comeback momentum in the third quarter was very strong. Later, you changed your tactics, not only successfully stopping their rally but also establishing a lead of over twenty points. I'd like to know if the third-quarter strategy was pre-planned by the team or if it was a spontaneous decision you made on the spot?"
With a 2-0 victory over the Lakers, Mike Brown was clearly in a good mood. He chuckled and replied, "If I told you that the third-quarter strategy was a decision made by the players on the court, you would probably be very surprised. However, that's the truth, and as you all saw, our strategy was very successful!"
Xiao Gen was taken aback. He hadn't expected that the tactical adjustment that turned the tide in the third quarter came from the players.
His eyes widened as he looked at Mike Brown and asked, "Coach Mike, can you tell us which player it was?"