"What happened? After Mike Brown spoke, Larry Hughes angrily threw his towel. This is the Finals, not a referee's mistake on the court, but Larry Hughes angrily threw his towel after Mike Brown's speech."
"No matter the reason, Larry Hughes' actions are extremely immature. The Cavaliers are leading, but only by six points. Starting internal conflict at this moment is truly irrational."
In the Dragon Country broadcast room, the game footage had already switched back to the studio.
The three commentators' eyes widened, and after a moment of stunned silence, they finally reacted. It was a live broadcast of the Finals, and they began to discuss the broadcast footage they had just seen.
Coach Zhang said, confused, "The camera only caught a fleeting glimpse, but we could see that both Big Z and Larry Hughes looked unhappy. If there's internal instability at this point, the fourth quarter will be precarious."
"The key is that we don't know what Mike Brown actually said to make Larry Hughes so angry. We'll only find out from post-game interviews or if the players update their social media."
"I doubt it'll be easy," Yang Yi chimed in. "The team will definitely impose a gag order, prohibiting them from discussing this with the media. Otherwise, it's easily over-interpreted."
"Given this, Mike Brown will definitely bench Larry Hughes and Big Z."
Yu Jia added, "In the third quarter alone, Larry Hughes contributed 10 points and 5 assists, while Big Z had 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks."
"It can be said that the Cavaliers' comeback against the Lakers in the third quarter was inseparable from their performance. What do you think, coaches? Who will Mike Brown send to replace them in the fourth quarter? Can they compensate for the advantage lost when these two are off the court?"
"Based on their previous appearances, the Cavaliers are likely to field Gooden, Varejão, and Joe Smith."
"It's not that these three haven't had brilliant moments, but if they play, the pressure in the paint will certainly increase. Tang Long alone will face Gasol and Odom, and defending them will be quite taxing."
"That's not the main issue," Yang Yi sighed. "Internal problems arising when the Cavaliers are on the verge of winning a championship will severely impact morale. If the players lose their fighting spirit because of this, they won't be able to contend with the Lakers."
"Let's hope the Cavaliers players can calm down. After all, the championship is within reach... The players are coming out now."
Yu Jia exclaimed, "Mike Brown has indeed made a substitution adjustment. Drew Gooden and Joe Smith are on the court, while Tang Long and LeBron are still on the court. Coach Zhang, do you think the Cavaliers can hold their own against the Lakers with this lineup in the fourth quarter?"
"As long as Tang Long and LeBron are on the court, the Cavaliers will have a chance. The key is whether the bench players can perform in critical moments."
"Based on previous games, Joe Smith, although he has unique individual abilities, is inconsistent. Varejão is similar. Only Drew Gooden is more reliable."
"This Cavaliers lineup is primarily defensive, indicating that Mike Brown isn't playing it safe and still wants to go toe-to-toe with the Lakers. In this regard, Mike Brown still has ambitions, so the substitutions might be considering player stamina."
One must admit, being commentators on C5, these individuals are quite skilled. They can analyze situations with remarkable accuracy based on mere visuals.
As soon as the players stepped onto the court, Tang Long noticed a significant decrease in his speed compared to before.
The Lakers initiated the first offense. Kobe had the ball at the three-point line. Fisher made a cutting run, and Kobe drove to the basket. In the past, Tang Long would have already rushed out from under the basket to give him a big block.
However, even with his attempt to intercept now, Kobe had already taken off by the time Tang Long moved from under the basket. With such slow speed, he naturally couldn't defend Kobe.
90-86.
The Lakers launched a classic fast break against the Cavaliers, which instantly excited the Lakers players as they high-fived Kobe and cheered enthusiastically.
After being suppressed by the Cavaliers for an entire quarter, delivering such a blow right at the start was bound to get them fired up.
More importantly, Kobe noticed that Tang Long's footwork had slowed down.
To verify his suspicion, Kobe deliberately switched positions with Odom, providing help defense in the paint to assist Gasol in guarding Tang Long.
The Cavaliers initiated their offense. Joe Smith was playing point guard. As soon as he crossed half-court, he passed the ball to LeBron.
Odom stepped up to defend. LeBron intended to fake him out and drive to the baseline, but he momentarily lost control of the ball, and Odom nearly stole it.
At a critical moment, Tang Long came up to receive the pass and retrieve the ball.
Near the free-throw line, Kobe was defending Tang Long.
In the past, Tang Long wouldn't have been intimidated by Kobe, perhaps even showing off some fancy moves. But now, Tang Long just tested him once, found he couldn't fool Kobe, and passed the ball to Varejão.
Varejão truly had a big heart. The moment he received Tang Long's pass, he immediately shot.
The two-point shot was good.
92-86.
On the ensuing possession, Kobe had the ball again and drove towards Tang Long this time.
The two engaged in close-quarters combat.
Kobe, with his right hand, went left, and the ball passed behind Tang Long straight to the basket.
The shot was good.
92-88.
Tang Long's speed had not only decreased, but his defensive awareness had also noticeably declined compared to before. This made Kobe inwardly rejoice.
Did this guy also have moments of fatigue?
"Pau, when we get the ball in the paint later, you drive against Tang Long."
"Okay."
Gasol didn't ask Kobe for his reasoning. Seeing Kobe score twice consecutively against Tang Long gave him confidence as well.
Drew Gooden's mid-range jumper missed, and Kobe grabbed the rebound and pushed the fast break. Upon reaching half-court, he directly passed the ball to Gasol.
The two set up for a one-on-one. Tang Long stayed close to Gasol.
Gasol jabbed the ball and tried to use his shoulder to push Tang Long. Initially, he was just testing, prepared to pass the ball if he couldn't move Tang Long.
But as he pushed, although he could still feel Tang Long's solid chest, he clearly took half a step forward.
This discovery even stunned Gasol.
What was going on?
Gasol tested him a few more times and was surprised to find that he had already reached the basket.
Why hesitate then?
Gasol pushed Tang Long back another step with his shoulder, then turned and laid the ball up.
94-90.
Although the Cavaliers still led by four points, the Lakers players were surprised to find that Tang Long, who had previously seemed like an unshakeable rock, appeared to have weakened in the fourth quarter.
Mike Brown also noticed this situation.
Beep!
After the Lakers scored, Mike Brown quickly called a timeout.
As he walked off the court, Tang Long could clearly see the players on the bench looking at him with strange, bewildered gazes.
What was happening?
Was this still the all-capable Tang Long?