"I think similarly to Coach Yang. The Cavaliers have a high probability of winning. Before the game, the Celtics must have made preparations targeting Tang Long's center position. Now that Tang Long has changed his position, the Celtics will have to re-strategize."
That's right.
At the end of the first quarter, the score was tied at 23-23.
Tang Long alone scored ten points, two more than James, six of which were not his usual scoring methods.
This was also the most frustrating part for the Celtics.
Tang Long was no longer staying close to the basket, making their originally planned tactics difficult to execute effectively.
If it weren't for the initial 6-0 run against the Cavaliers, they would have been trailing again in the first quarter.
"What position is this guy even playing?"
Garnett complained angrily while drinking water.
Initially, everyone's defense was quite good, and they had the Cavaliers in disarray. They never expected that at a crucial moment, it was Tang Long again who disrupted their plans.
Doc Rivers was also furious, glaring angrily at the assistant coach.
The players' characteristics were supposed to be analyzed by the assistant coaches, and Rivers made defensive arrangements based on their analysis.
Besides being excellent near the basket, Tang Long also possessed incredible positional adaptability. Such a crucial ability was not included in the tactical analysis report, which naturally infuriated Rivers.
"Mr. Rivers, I've never seen him play power forward. Besides, he's a center. Could you have predicted before the game that he would also be an excellent power forward?"
Rivers pondered and felt that the assistant coach might have a point.
Moreover, it wasn't the time to assign blame. They had to win this game, or the ticket to the finals would be handed over to the Cavaliers.
"Pierce, in the second quarter, you'll defend Tang."
Pierce was taken aback, then nodded.
Indeed, if Perkins continued to defend Tang Long, his speed wouldn't be enough, and Pierce couldn't guarantee rebounds either. It would be better to have Pierce defend Tang Long.
This way, Pierce could keep up with the rhythm in both offense and defense.
Rivers couldn't worry too much about the energy expenditure.
While the Celtics were intensely planning their defensive tactics, the Cavaliers were gathered around Tang Long, with James scrutinizing him and sighing, "You fellow, you're becoming more and more unfathomable. How do you do it?"
Mike Brown also looked at Tang Long with surprise.
If they had known earlier that Tang Long could also play power forward, the Cavaliers' tactics wouldn't have been so limited.
They would have had more variations, and how could their opponents have targeted their offense and defense?
"Quick, tell us, when did you secretly train?"
Tang Long scratched his head awkwardly. "I just saw that everyone was struggling to break through and thought changing positions might have an effect. I didn't expect it to actually work."
He couldn't possibly say that he had only recently figured out Da Hui's template, right?
However, Tang Long could also feel that although he could use Da Hui's template now, compared to Murasakibara Atsushi's template, the current template was still basic. Da Hui's true power didn't seem to be fully unleashed!
Playing in the game, Tang Long didn't have time to open the template and study it closely. He could only re-examine it after the game to see what subtle changes using Da Hui's template would bring.
"Alright, we'll deal with these things after the game," Mike Brown said, frowning.
The current arrangements for Tang Long presented a happy dilemma: he didn't know what position Tang Long should play next.
The Celtics would surely make corresponding tactical adjustments, and if they didn't adapt, they might be contained again.
Also, if Tang Long switched to power forward, who would play center?
With the "twin guns," offense would be guaranteed, but the defensive intensity would drop significantly.
Hmm?
Mike Brown's eyebrows shot up, and a wild idea suddenly struck him.
"Tang, could you play center on defense but power forward on offense, with Drew playing center as a makeshift?"
Fearing Tang Long's objection, Mike Brown added, "Just for this game."
"I don't have a problem with it, but I'm worried about how effective the tactics will be."
With too many switches, Tang Long worried not only about going crazy but also about tactical confusion.
If the players became disorganized, it might not be beneficial for the team.
Mike Brown hesitated but decided to let Tang Long try this tactic first.
After all, if it went smoothly, they would have more tactical variations when facing the Lakers.
At the beginning of the second quarter, the Cavaliers' offense appeared a bit frantic. In the first quarter, besides being unaccustomed, they still stuck to finding Tang Long near the basket.
Now, with Larry Hughes handling the ball, after bringing it to half-court, he didn't know whether to pass it to Tang Long or James.
Furthermore, with Tang Long pulled away from the basket, the frontcourt rebounding became much weaker. Drew Gooden had little advantage against Perkins, let alone under the opponent's basket.
Mike Brown hadn't overlooked the drawbacks on the court, but he wanted to observe the tactical execution more, so he didn't call a timeout in the second quarter.
At the end of the second quarter, the Celtics led 29-23, a six-point lead at home. At halftime, the Celtics led the Cavaliers 52-46.
"Coach, we can't play like this anymore. I think we should go back to our original tactical arrangements," Tang Long said to Mike Brown as soon as they returned to the bench.
"As for my position, I think it's better to play near the basket. If there's no opportunity near the basket, I'll pull out and cooperate with LeBron. The reason the first quarter was effective was also due to this."
"Coach, Tang is right. We haven't practiced this new tactic, nor have we coordinated. Using a new tactic in a crucial game is too risky for us."
Mike Brown nodded, agreeing with Tang Long and James.
In the third quarter, the Cavaliers returned to their previously well-coordinated style. Larry Hughes brought the ball past half-court and passed it to James. Tang Long came out to set a screen for him, then followed James's drive into the basket.
If the Celtics defended James, the Tang Long behind him would surely find an open space.
Beep!
As soon as the Cavaliers scored, Doc Rivers called a short timeout.
"The Cavaliers have reverted to their original tactics, and we need to adapt as well. Also, Perkins, you need to focus all your attention on Tang Long. Whether he's near the basket or within the three-second zone, you must stay with him and absolutely prevent Tang from easily getting the ball!"