"If domestic players could undergo such high-intensity training, our players would surely see significant improvements in both stamina and skill."
"Let's drop that for now and get back to this game!"
Yu Jia had intended to continue the discussion with Yang Yi, but upon speaking, he reconsidered and changed the subject.
The issue of domestic training was clearly not suitable for discussion during a live broadcast.
...
Beep!
The first quarter concluded. Thanks to the performances of Tang Long and James, the Cavaliers led the Celtics 22-17 by five points.
Crucially, they drew three fouls on Garnett in the first quarter. For Garnett, who played over forty minutes in playoff games, this would undoubtedly affect his playing time going forward.
"In the second quarter, we need to be aggressive and drive to the basket!"
Mike Brown glanced at Tang Long and said, "Tang, you also need to be wary of Perkins' provocations and don't fall for them. I estimate that the Celtics will try to do the same in the second quarter and draw fouls on you."
"I'll be careful," Tang Long nodded slightly.
In fact, he had already sensed Perkins increasing his subtle tactics in the paint during the latter half of the first quarter. Not only did he not curb his actions upon being noticed, but he continued to provoke.
"LeBron, if Garnett is still on the court in the second quarter, focus your attacks on his side. Also, the Celtics lack a strong center."
"So they'll rely more on mid-range shots. Drew and Pavlovic, you two need to defend the mid-range effectively!"
"And Larry, you need to guard Ray Allen properly, keep those damned hands away from his eyes!"
With both coaches intensely strategizing, the second quarter soon began.
Doc Rivers did not substitute Garnett, considering that without him, the Celtics would lack a scoring threat and the game would become more passive.
As the second quarter tipped off, the Celtics intensified their defense.
They specifically targeted Tang Long and James as scoring threats, employing double-team tactics whenever they received the ball.
Garnett provided help defense but did not directly engage them, clearly mindful of the Cavaliers' strategy to draw fouls on him.
With both sides prioritizing defense, offense became more challenging. Even Tang Long and James weren't as effective as they were in the first quarter.
"Drew, you need to move more. LeBron and I will draw the opposing players' attention, and if you have an open shot, don't hesitate."
"Tang's right, just shoot the ball!"
Currently, the opponent's defensive focus was on Tang Long and James, which created scoring opportunities for other players.
"No problem, leave it to me."
This was the Eastern Conference Finals, and Drew Gooden naturally wanted to make a statement. Tang Long and James now gave him the confidence to do so.
Drew Gooden didn't hesitate. Upon receiving the pass, he shot without any reservations whenever he had an open look.
His shooting accuracy wasn't high initially, but after a few attempts, Drew Gooden gradually found his rhythm and began to hit consecutive mid-range shots.
...
"Oh, the Cavaliers' strategy seems to have changed. Drew Gooden is now taking on the offensive responsibilities? Drew, at 2.08 meters, is hitting consecutive mid-range jumpers!"
"Drew Gooden has been doing the dirty work all season, focusing on defense and facilitating. This makes people forget that he's actually a very well-rounded player, not only with a tough playing style but also very quick on his feet!"
"Teacher Yu is absolutely right."
Yang Yi chimed in, "This also has something to do with Drew's play style. He's always been content playing a supporting role, rarely taking the initiative to shoot. This is also why he's changed teams so often. Being a role player can easily limit oneself."
"This is actually a common problem for most players. They tend to rely more on stars, just doing their job... He shoots again. The screen shows Drew Gooden's stats for the second quarter: 10 shots, 5 made, for ten points."
Yang Yi chuckled as he looked at the stats, "Honestly, Drew Gooden's shots have relieved a lot of pressure from Tang Long and James."
In fact, this was precisely the case.
After continuous double-teams, Drew Gooden was often left open.
When Tang Long had the ball, Rajon Rondo and Perkins would double-team him. Drew Gooden would roam around the elbow and free-throw line areas.
At this point, as long as Tang Long passed the ball, Drew Gooden would essentially be unguarded.
"No, we can't let this guy keep shooting like this!"
Doc Rivers frowned and stood up, shouting at Garnett, "Kevin, lock onto that damn guy."
Garnett was helpless. To avoid fouls, he was playing cautiously on defense.
Now, guarding Drew Gooden, one more foul and he wouldn't be able to play in the third quarter.
But he couldn't disobey the coach's orders.
Larry Hughes brought the ball to the basket and passed it to James, immediately positioning himself to set a screen for James.
Pierce and Ray Allen converged from both sides, and the ball was passed back to Drew Gooden.
Garnett moved to intercept him a step ahead.
Going for a layup?
As Garnett jumped, he saw Drew Gooden dribble the ball once.
What did that mean?
Drew Gooden's movement didn't look like he was about to shoot.
Damn it.
He was tricked.
It was a fake.
As Garnett lunged forward, Drew Gooden also jumped.
Slap!
Garnett's outstretched hand missed the basketball but landed squarely on Drew Gooden's arm.
Two free throws.
This wasn't the most important part. The main issue was that the second quarter wasn't over, and Garnett had already accumulated four fouls. Doc Rivers would definitely reduce his playing time in the third quarter.
"Drew, you're the MVP of this game!"
After sinking both free throws, Tang Long excitedly high-fived Gooden.
Encouraged by his teammates, Drew Gooden played with even more vigor.
Receiving the ball and exploiting the space created by the Celtics' double-teams, he took a quick step to the basket, twisted in mid-air, and directly laid the ball into the hoop.
"Roar!"
Upon landing, Drew Gooden forcefully pounded his chest.
This exhilarating game completely released all the pent-up frustration from his entire season.
"Drew! Drew!"
The fans chanted Drew Gooden's name in unison. At this moment, Drew Gooden finally experienced the feeling of being cheered by the entire arena.
Beep!
Doc Rivers quickly called a timeout.
After limiting Tang Long and James, Drew Gooden had unexpectedly stepped up at a crucial moment.
He had also displayed an unstoppable momentum, not to mention that Garnett now had four fouls and had to go to the bench.
"Sam, you're going in next!"
Doc Rivers looked at Sam Cassell.
"No problem, Coach Rivers!"
The thirty-nine-year-old veteran Sam Cassell, upon hearing Doc Rivers call his name, eagerly stood up.