The final fifty seconds saw the Cavaliers successfully defend two possessions from the Lakers. As the third quarter concluded, the Cavaliers held a narrow six-point lead, 90-84.
"Only one quarter left. We've managed to regain the lead. If we can just take this last quarter, victory will be ours."
The arena announcer roared with excitement, "If the Cavaliers win this game against the Lakers, Tang and James will bring the franchise their first championship!"
The announcer's voice trembled with emotion. He felt incredibly fortunate to be witnessing such a historic moment for the Cavaliers on their home court.
With the lead in hand and only the final quarter remaining, he confessed that if he weren't on duty, he would rush from behind the billboards to hug LeBron James and Tang Long. It was their relentless effort this season that had brought the Cavaliers this far.
In stark contrast to the ecstatic announcer, Tang Long was far from cheerful. Leading by only six points after using the Song of the Earth was concerning. With a 20% reduction in attributes in the fourth quarter due to fatigue, coupled with the previous status boosts wearing off, the net effect was a 40% decrease in performance. This was a critical disadvantage in the final quarter.
"Just one more quarter. Win this, and you can all go on vacation with honor," Mike Brown said, trying to keep his voice level to avoid putting too much pressure on the players.
Seeing Mike Brown, who was also visibly emotional, Tang Long hesitated for a moment before standing up. "Coach Brown, should we rearrange the starting lineup for the fourth quarter?"
Mike Brown frowned. Tang Long had never interfered with player management before. Even LeBron rarely offered his opinions on personnel decisions. This was clearly overstepping boundaries. The fact that Tang Long had never made such a request before made Mike Brown worried. Was Tang getting ahead of himself before the championship was even secured?
Tang Long couldn't guess Mike Brown's thoughts. Seeing the coach's expression and the complex looks from the other players, Tang Long felt as though he had lifted a rock only to drop it on his own foot. However, at this point, he could only push forward.
"Coach Brown, I think Drew, Varejão, and Joe Smith should play in the fourth quarter. They have plenty of energy and can contribute on both ends of the court."
Larry Hughes, Big Z, and Pavlović all looked sharply at Tang Long. What did this mean? It meant that the three of them were to be benched for the final quarter.
Despite having signed with Tang Long's company, Larry Hughes stood up indignantly. "I disagree. We earned this lead through our efforts. What does it mean to take us out now? It's not fair."
"I agree with Larry," Big Z said, glancing at Tang Long. If he had felt grateful to Tang Long in the third quarter, he now felt resentment. He had experienced an unprecedented sense of exhilaration throughout the third quarter, feeling like his true self, a dominant force capable of leading the team to a championship. Yet, after just one quarter, Tang Long was suggesting he be benched. Big Z began to consider the situation from another angle, thinking Tang felt he was stealing his thunder with his exceptional performance in the third quarter.
"Tang, don't worry. You're young and energetic. The team will always center around you and LeBron. I'm willing to accept a reserve role."
"It's not that," Tang Long said with a helpless shake of his head. He couldn't tell him that his incredible play in the third quarter was due to the Song of the Earth. Now, not only would he not be able to perform exceptionally, but his attributes would be reduced, making him a liability on the court. If Big Z were willing to believe him, he wouldn't mind explaining, but this explanation would likely only make things worse, and Big Z would surely feel mocked.
"Then what is it? If you can't give me a reasonable explanation, then I'm sorry, I have to protest." Big Z looked at Mike Brown. The usually easygoing Big Z had become serious, forcing Mike Brown to consider the decision carefully.
"Yes, I also need a reason," Larry Hughes added, clearly displeased with Tang Long's request.
"What about you?" Mike Brown glanced at Pavlović.
"Yes, Pavlović, speak your mind freely," Larry Hughes said, looking expectantly at Pavlović, as if to say he didn't need to worry about Tang Long and should express his true feelings.
"I've played for a long time, and I do feel my stamina is wearing thin," Pavlović mused. "Besides, Tang has a point. We have the lead now, so we should give the starters some rest."
"Coward," Larry Hughes said angrily. He was furious that Pavlović would say something like that at such a critical moment, which could influence Mike Brown's decision.
"Larry, I'm just telling the truth. If you're not satisfied with what I said, then why did you ask me?" As a regular starter this season, Pavlović felt he had the right not to defer to Larry Hughes. Moreover, deep down, he believed Tang Long had a valid reason for his suggestion. Having been together for so long, he knew Tang Long well and didn't believe him to be the type of person to act without good cause.
"Hmph, I think you're just a cowardly sycophant," Larry Hughes scoffed dismissively and turned his gaze back to Mike Brown.
"Tang, tell us your reasoning."
Tang Long glanced at the clock. Fourteen minutes had passed, with only one minute remaining. Once that minute was up, the coach would surely feel the shift in physical capabilities. At that point, there would be no need for further explanation. Therefore, Tang Long echoed Pavlović's sentiment.
"Coach Brown, we have played for a long time, and we do need some rest to maintain our performance. Besides, with the lead we have, other players should get some playing time. If we win the championship, and some players haven't participated in significant games this season, it would be a regret for them."
Mike Brown hesitated. Indeed, Tang Long's words had merit. With the lead and playing at home, it was important to let the other players experience the roar of the home crowd. If the Lakers managed to tie the score, they could always bring the starters back in.
"Let's do as Tang suggests," Mike Brown finally agreed to Tang Long's request, much to the dismay and vocal protest of Big Z and Larry Hughes.
"Oh my god, this is unfair! We object!" Larry Hughes threw his towel to the ground in frustration, vehemently disagreeing with Mike Brown's decision.