"Kevin, you were too impulsive just now."
Garnett didn't expect Pierce to say that, looking at the latter with confused and angry eyes.
Others could say it, but not you.
You are my teammate, and my good friend!
"Of course, I can understand your desire for victory. Let's work hard together, we are still leading, and we will definitely win this game."
...
"There are less than five minutes left in the game, and it's time to test both sides."
Yang Yi stared at the broadcast screen, but his hand was under the table. He was too nervous now, his palms were sweaty.
By this point in the game, the main players of both teams had been playing for over thirty minutes, even close to forty minutes. Their physical exertion was immense, and he could feel the Celtics' fighting spirit even through the screen!
While Tang Long was excellent, and James was the "Little Emperor" on the court, with such great physical exertion, both sides had shifted from fighting based on talent to fighting based on spirit.
Whoever possessed tenacious fighting spirit would be the final victor and earn the right to face the Western Conference team in the finals!
"If we really have to say, the Cavaliers have a slightly higher chance of winning. Because Garnett and Pierce are a bit older than Tang Long and James, Tang Long and James have a significant advantage in terms of stamina. I think the only variable is Ray Allen. Either he shoots the Cavaliers to death, or after missing, he gives the Cavaliers possession."
Coach Zhang said, a hint of realization flashing in his eyes. "Perhaps Doc Rivers has already considered this situation, which is why Garnett and Pierce haven't rested."
"But Ray Allen was allowed to rest for a sufficient amount of time. Perhaps Rivers just wants Ray Allen to have easier shooting opportunities when everyone's energy is low."
Coach Zhang's guess was largely accurate. Doc Rivers indeed intended for Ray Allen to have a more comfortable shooting environment.
In fact, it was precisely the case…
As soon as the Celtics initiated their next offense, Garnett posted up in the three-second zone, drawing Tang Long and Larry Hughes towards him. The ball then floated to Ray Allen.
Ray Allen caught the ball at the baseline, gauged the angle, and decisively shot.
Swish!
The Celtics' lead was restored to five points.
"Ray, well done."
"Good job, Allen! That's the way, shoot them down."
The Celtics players excitedly embraced and high-fived Ray Allen, then they retreated to their defense quickly, giving the Cavaliers no chance for a fast break.
Before Tang Long could even inbound the ball, these guys had already raced back to the basket to set up their defense after their celebration.
That guy’s three-point shot is really accurate.
Tang Long looked at Ray Allen, who was already in position and glaring, with a solemn expression.
To be honest, that three-pointer had significantly boosted the Celtics' morale, stabilized the situation, and also suppressed the Cavaliers' rising momentum.
"It was just one three-pointer, I don't believe his three-point percentage is that high."
Larry Hughes scoffed dismissively.
He was supposed to be guarding Ray Allen earlier, but Garnett's post-up had drawn him in, giving Ray Allen an easy shot.
Of course, the highest three-point percentage is around 40%, and Larry Hughes didn't believe Ray Allen could make every three-pointer.
Tang Long raised his eyebrows slightly. Larry Hughes' words had given him an idea.
At this critical moment, everyone's nerves were already on edge, and after playing for so long, their speed would definitely have decreased.
Ray Allen, who had the most rest, clearly had an advantage not only in terms of stamina but also in shooting accuracy, which wouldn't be affected by fatigue.
"LeBron, our defense needs to change."
Tang Long called James back.
"During defense, you'll pay more attention to the rebounds, and I'll stay on Ray Allen's side. The other side will be up to you."
"No problem."
James patted his chest and guaranteed.
Tang Long nodded slightly. As soon as the ball was inbounded, Tang Long moved towards the baseline, observing Ray Allen at the same time.
Indeed, while defending, this guy's feet were still mostly positioned for offense, meaning he could launch an attack quickly upon receiving the ball.
Fortunately, James didn't give him too many opportunities. He drove into the three-second zone and made a jump shot, narrowing the gap to three points.
The Celtics were not machines and naturally wouldn't play according to the Cavaliers' plan. A gap appeared under the basket, and Pierce had room to operate.
Before, it was James who drove against him, but now Pierce crossed over James with a dribble and then drove for a layup.
Two points successfully made!
The teams exchanged baskets a few times, with Pierce mostly utilizing this method, or if his driving lane was blocked by James, he would pass to Rajon Rondo, who was faster, on the other side.
"What is Tang Long doing? Why did he give up his position under the basket? Isn't this giving the opponent an opportunity to score? There were several plays the Celtics shouldn't have succeeded."
The announcer at the scene couldn't help but exclaim loudly as Rajon Rondo scored under the basket again.
"How could Tang Long make such a mistake? This doesn't seem like Tang's usual style of play!"
The announcer's disappointed tone also affected many Cavaliers fans, and even Mike Brown's brow furrowed tightly.
He glanced at Big Z, should he bring Big Z in?
That would stabilize the basket area a bit.
After a moment's thought, Mike Brown waved to Big Z. "You go..."
Just as Mike Brown was speaking, James made a super long three-pointer, which sent the fans at the Quicken Loans Arena into a frenzy again!
The two teams went back and forth, but the score remained tight, with the Celtics only managing to maintain a five-point lead.
However, James' three-pointer immediately brought the score difference down to just two points.
Mike Brown's pause allowed the Celtics to inbound the ball.
"Big Z, after this play, you'll substitute for Tang Long. Make sure you guard the three-second zone properly."
Big Z nodded.
Everyone here was a professional player, and he could tell that the Celtics' successful plays under the basket were on the other side.
Soon, the Celtics attacked the Cavaliers' basket again. Pierce drove past Larry Hughes' defense, only to be stopped by James again. Looking around the court, both Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen had open looks.
Pierce hesitated for a moment and passed the ball to Ray Allen.
This was part of the previously devised strategy: if Ray Allen had a better shooting opportunity, the ball should be passed to him.
As the ball reached Ray Allen, the Celtics players quickly rushed towards the basket. They were united; if Ray Allen missed this three-pointer, they had to secure the offensive rebound.
Ray Allen adjusted his angle and jumped to shoot.
At the same moment, Tang Long also moved. He was waiting for the moment Ray Allen shot!