"These guys are too cunning."
After the halftime break, both teams' players reappeared on the court.
The Cavaliers fielded their reserve lineup, while the Magic immediately sent out their starting five.
The reserves were clearly no match for the Magic's starters.
Seeing the Magic's unsportsmanlike move of starting their first five, Mike Brown was furious.
While Big Z could protect the defensive boards reasonably well, he was no match for Howard on the offensive end.
Moreover, the Cavaliers' bench lacked a true tempo controller, with everyone playing independently. Compared to the Magic's Turkoglu, they were like a mob facing a regular army.
A scattered force was clearly no match for a regular army.
As soon as they stepped back on the court, the Magic, under Turkoglu's command, scored through a pick-and-roll.
On offense, facing Howard's defense, Big Z was helpless. Varejao's drives were also completely shut down.
In the Chinese broadcast booth, Yang Yi and Coach Zhang wore serious expressions, unlike before.
"The Cavaliers' reserves are very passive. Mike Brown is in a difficult spot. If he brings in the starters, their stamina might be an issue by the fourth quarter. If he continues as is, the lead they painstakingly regained will be extended again."
"The Cavaliers are currently in a dilemma, whether to focus on offense or defense."
Yang Yi chimed in, "You can't have it both ways, offense and defense. If they could do both, they'd be playing their starters. So, the Cavaliers need to clarify their goal."
As Yang Yi spoke, he looked at Coach Zhang and asked, "Coach Zhang, do you think the Cavaliers should focus on defense or offense right now?"
"The Cavaliers are finding offense a bit difficult. Big Z's individual ability is inferior to Howard's. They might manage a few scores through coordination with Varejao and Big Z, but with the intensity of the Magic's defense, turnovers are likely, and the shooting percentage won't be high. So, they still need to focus on defense."
"There's some unofficial news that the Cavaliers are trying to acquire Wade. If Wade joins the Cavaliers, then their upcoming games will be much more interesting."
Tang Long, James, and Wade – each of the Big Three possesses unique abilities and the power to change the game. Most importantly, their positions don't overlap. If they join forces, it would definitely be more than the sum of their parts.
Coach Zhang chuckled and said, "Then the league will enter the Cavaliers' era of dominance."
As they were talking in the broadcast booth, Big Z grabbed a rebound and passed long to Varejao. The Cavaliers intended to go for a fast break, but as the ball began to descend, Turkoglu lunged forward and, with a gesture like an iron hook, swatted the ball away.
Lewis was at the landing spot, caught the ball, and went up.
Three-pointer.
The Magic's lead was once again extended to seven points.
Tang Long stared intently at the Magic players on the court. At this moment, the Cavaliers were very passive and needed a leader to direct the offense.
"Tempo, pay attention to controlling the tempo."
Mike Brown yelled anxiously from the sidelines.
Gibson, who was about to charge forward, heard Mike Brown's voice and slowed his offensive rhythm, dribbling the ball at a leisurely pace.
Meanwhile, Varejao and Big Z switched positions. Big Z came out to set a screen for Gibson, but Evans and Nelson followed, clearly seeing through the Cavaliers' intention.
At this point, it often requires a star player's individual ability to change the situation; the bench lineup was somewhat lacking.
Gibson used Big Z's screen to drive and then pull up for a jump shot.
Clang.
The ball hit the rim and bounced out. Varejao and Big Z leaped at the same time. Howard's vertical leap was clearly superior, and he caught the ball directly.
Cavaliers players rushed towards the basket, but the Magic were faster.
Before the players could get into position, the Magic had already attacked the basket.
Varejao was a step slower, unable to keep up with Lewis's speed. Lewis exploited this space to drive in and make an easy layup.
Two points.
The Magic were now leading by nine points.
"Coach, we're too passive right now. Let us on the court."
Mike Brown looked at Tang Long, who was volunteering, and then at James and Drew Gooden, who had stood up. These players had stern expressions and exuded a desperate aura.
"Tang Long, LeBron, prepare to go on the court."
Mike Brown made his decision quickly this time.
Tang Long and the others were full of energy. If they weren't put on the court now, it would undoubtedly affect the morale of the starters.
Back on the court, Tang Long and James had executed a play within five seconds.
"We really needed Tang Long and James on the court."
In the broadcast booth, Yang Yi excitedly waved his fists.
If the Cavaliers could win this game, the next series would be easier. If they lost this game, they would have to play at least two more games. Moreover, if the Celtics defeated their opponent 3-0, they would have a clear advantage in terms of stamina.
The advantage of Tang Long and James on the court became immediately apparent. Howard alone couldn't stop Tang Long, and Lewis couldn't keep up with James's speed. The Magic had to leave at least one person to help defend, allowing the Cavaliers to create open shots, although the other players were not decisive enough with their attempts.
"Keep it up, everyone. I don't believe the Cavaliers' players' stamina will remain this high. By the fourth quarter, they probably won't even be able to walk."
Seeing the Cavaliers' starters gradually gain momentum after coming back on the court, Turkoglu didn't forget to encourage his teammates.
After all, the Magic's starters had rested a bit longer than the Cavaliers' starters, and they held a seven-point lead. If they substituted their reserves in about five or six minutes, and could maintain their lead, taking over the game in the fourth quarter wouldn't be difficult.
"You're right, let's wear them down."
The Magic, with their altered strategy, focused more on exhausting the Cavaliers' players' stamina. They played a series of fast-paced offensive possessions, but then slowed down when the Cavaliers also picked up the pace.
Six minutes into the third quarter, the score was tied at 81-76, with the Magic leading by only five points. However, the Magic players were now invigorated, not feeling tired, but rather filled with energy.
Because several Cavaliers players were bent over, hands on their knees, gasping for air as they dribbled, it was clear that the excessive exertion had rendered them unable to maintain the same level of firepower on both offense and defense as in the first two quarters!
"James, are you okay?"
After Tang Long inbounded the ball to Larry Hughes, he patted the slowly moving James.
"Yeah."
Although he said so, Tang Long could see that LeBron's jersey was already soaked with sweat and had changed color, his eyes revealing fatigue, a stark contrast to his usual sharpness.