"Tang, from now on, you are my idol."
In stark contrast to the tense atmosphere with the Celtics, the Cavaliers players returned to the bench. Not only did the fans erupt in wild cheers, but the players themselves also stood up, applauding and shouting with excitement!
Pavlovic even gave Tang Long a big bear hug in his excitement.
He hadn't played in this game, and he understood the coach's considerations. Therefore, Pavlovic had a good mindset, focusing entirely on cheering for his teammates on the court.
The others were no less enthusiastic, readily offering their hugs.
Mike Brown happily let his teammates high-five and celebrate before taking out the tactical board to continue setting up the game plan.
"Next, Doc Rivers will definitely instruct his players to attack aggressively. Therefore, while ensuring our offense, we must also solidify our defense."
"Big Z, you must maintain your position in the backcourt. We absolutely cannot give Perkins any opportunities."
"Tang, besides paying attention to Ray Allen's shooting, you also need to closely guard Garnett's shots from the free-throw line area."
"LeBron, keep a tight eye on Pierce."
"Everyone, let's go! As long as everyone does their job, in one minute, we will be the first to enter the Finals. The championship rings are already beckoning us!!"
Hearing the mention of championship rings, LeBron's eyes gleamed.
Last season, they were just one step away. Now, if they could make it to the Finals and win a championship ring, it would be an immense honor for everyone!
Tang Long's eyes also sparkled.
If he could win the championship ring this season, he would become the NBA player with the highest attendance and the youngest championship winner in NBA history!
Beep!
The referee blew the whistle for the game to resume.
Mike Brown stood up and swept a glance over everyone, "Let's go, my boys, the championship is already beckoning you!"
"Let's go!! Bring it on!"
The Cavaliers players' roars echoed throughout the stadium. Following them, the Celtics players saw the Cavaliers players charging onto the court as if they had been injected with chicken blood!
"Are these guys crazy?"
Perkins flinched. These guys didn't look like they were playing basketball, but rather like soldiers charging into battle!
"Fuck, we need to show that same dominating spirit."
Garnett glared at Perkins. However, although he said that, he saw that Pierce and the others had solemn expressions, indicating that Doc Rivers' "hair dryer" had not been effective.
"What's wrong with you guys? We're only down by one point, and we still have possession. Why do all of you have such faces?"
Garnett shouted angrily.
In this regard, his personality could indeed inspire teammates when they were trailing or their morale was low.
But now, facing the imposing Cavaliers, the Celtics players suddenly lacked the fighting spirit, and a few words wouldn't easily restore their morale.
If it were Tang Long, he would decisively step forward to encourage his teammates, rallying their low spirits through his own offense.
In comparison, despite Garnett's unwillingness to admit defeat, he was still far behind Tang Long in this aspect.
After the game resumed, Pierce dribbled the ball near the three-point line, surveying the situation on the court.
He wanted to play it safe. There was still time left in the game. If they made this shot, they could regain the lead.
Therefore, Pierce chose to play slowly, which, in the impatient Garnett's eyes, was a waste of time.
"Paul, give me the ball."
Garnett extended his hand at the free-throw line, requesting the ball.
Pierce looked at Garnett. This position was indeed one where Garnett was more adept at shooting.
However, the moment he passed the ball, Garnett would likely be double-teamed, making him hesitant.
This hesitation made Garnett even more impatient, and his anger flared.
"Paul, pass me that damn ball!"
Pierce took a deep breath. Although he knew Garnett wasn't directing his anger at him, he still felt uncomfortable.
He observed the court situation again. Tang Long was positioned on the left, and passing to Ray Allen or Perkins carried the risk of a turnover.
Tang Long's block on Ray Allen earlier was also a vivid memory for him.
After another moment of hesitation, Pierce passed the ball to Rajon Rondo on the right baseline.
Rajon Rondo had played very well in the previous quarters. He had already scored 20 points in this game, more than Pierce himself!
Therefore, Pierce chose to trust Rajon Rondo.
Rajon Rondo received the ball and quickly drove to the basket. The Cavaliers' defenders had already positioned themselves, and Big Z was standing under the basket. Rondo could only opt for a shot off the glass.
Clang!
The basketball hit the rim and bounced out.
Players from both teams surged towards the basket almost immediately!
Looking around, the large three-second area was packed with players from both sides, pushing and shoving each other, refusing to yield!
"Oh, look, Garnett grabbed the rebound... It's Tang Long, it's Tang Long again! In crucial moments, it's still Tang Long who delivers!"
The commentator exclaimed excitedly, standing up.
Because the rebound had once again fallen into Tang Long's hands.
The Celtics players had no choice but to resort to fouling Tang Long.
Beep!
The referee blew his whistle, sending Tang Long to the free-throw line.
Indeed, despite Tang Long's big heart, at this critical moment, he felt the pressure.
"Tang from China, be careful with your free throws. If you miss this shot, you'll be the Cavaliers' sinner. If you miss your free throws, this game will belong to us."
At the same time, Garnett, no longer constrained by criticism, had entered his favored mode of taunting!
"So what? We're still leading. At worst, I'll let you have it. I'm not like you, abandoning your role as the Wolf King to be a little wolf in someone else's pack."
"What the hell are you talking about?!"
Garnett could no longer contain his anger. He shrugged off Perkins, who was trying to restrain him, and charged towards Tang Long.
"I said you're riding Paul's coattails, how about that?"
"Fuck, you..."
Beep!
The referee rushed over, pushing the two apart. He glared at both sides, unhappy, and said, "Do you want to get ejected? Focus on the game."
Tang Long shrugged innocently, "Ref, you saw it, he provoked me first."
The referee gave Tang Long an exasperated look.
The implication was clear: you're not exactly an angel yourself.
"Shoot your free throws quickly, or I'll call you for a technical foul."
"Okay, no problem."
Tang Long took his shot and made the free throw.
He had been a little nervous initially, but after the exchange with Garnett, he had gradually calmed down.
He made both free throws, not giving Garnett a chance to humiliate him.
The scoreboard in the stadium showed 103-100, with the Cavaliers leading by three points.
It was the Celtics' turn to attack. The Celtics' strategy was clear: let Ray Allen shoot a three-pointer.
However, Tang Long, who was primarily defending the three-point line, had already moved out of the paint to stick close to Ray Allen, directly cutting off the Celtics' passing lanes.
Pierce dribbled the ball for a long time, unable to pass, and was forced to shoot himself!