Defending the perimeter to allow the opponent to attack the interior, this tactic clearly needed adjustment.
James driving to the basket drew attention, leaving the Lakers' defenders wide open under the hoop, putting them in a very passive position.
Fortunately, Philson had anticipated this scenario. After the Lakers' possession ended with a score, Phil Jackson frantically called out to Kobe from the sideline: "Kobe."
He then circled his right hand twice.
This was his signal to change tactics, which naturally meant changing defensive strategy as well.
From a 1-3-1 zone on the perimeter, they switched to a zone defense.
Kobe understood immediately and quickly informed his teammates, reorganizing the strategy.
Now, when James drove inside, he was immediately met with a double-team from Vujacic and Odom.
With Gasol lurking menacingly under the basket, James could only pass the ball to Drew Gooden on the right.
Drew Gooden caught the ball and shot, making the two-point basket.
Immediately after, Odom's free-throw line shot missed the rim. Tang Long grabbed the rebound and initiated another attack.
This time, Larry Hughes attempted to drive near the three-point line but was shut down, so he opted for a pull-up jumper instead.
The ball went in, a beautiful three-pointer!
This shot bolstered Larry Hughes's confidence.
Tang Long was double-teamed under the basket, and James was also heavily guarded, while Larry Hughes was frequently taking shots.
Throughout the entire second quarter, Larry Hughes took many shots and had an astonishingly high shooting percentage of around 65%.
Pavlovic also had an excellent performance in the second quarter.
When Larry Hughes was tightly guarded, Pavlovic immediately stepped up.
Thanks to their outstanding performance in the second quarter, the Cavaliers not only took back the lead but were now ahead by ten points.
...
"The Cavaliers played exceptionally well in the second quarter. Larry Hughes scored 13 points by himself in the second quarter, and Pavlovic added 6 points. It's fair to say that the Cavaliers' significant lead in the second quarter is inseparable from their outstanding contributions."
After halftime, the camera cut back to the broadcast booth.
Yang Yi's face was flushed with excitement, his eyes shining with unconcealed joy.
If the game continued like this, the Cavaliers were in a strong position again.
With a 2-0 series lead, they were just two steps away from the championship!
As a devoted fan of Tang Long, seeing a Chinese player lead his team to a championship filled him with pride as a Chinese national.
"The Lakers have actually done quite well; they limited Tang Long and James's performance in the second quarter!"
"Throughout the second quarter, James was heavily guarded. Tang Long, in particular, faced Gasol, who has been playing the toughest defense he's encountered all season under the basket. Because of this, both of them didn't score much in the second quarter."
"At this point, it's crucial for other players to step up. When all the pressure is on Tang Long and James, if no one else steps in to share the burden, the game becomes very passive."
"Larry Hughes and Pavlovic stepping up right now is truly a godsend!"
Zhang Zhidao rarely showed such excitement, but his feelings at this moment were clearly similar to Yang Yi's. This sense of honor for their countrymen was unique in the world.
"What do you think the Lakers will adjust in the third quarter, Coach Zhang?"
"In reality, the Lakers had already used most of their available strategies in the first quarter."
"The changes in the third quarter, besides the Lakers' familiar triangle offense, will likely involve Gasol and Odom driving to the basket more, and perhaps Manochavic running pick-and-rolls. I'm actually a bit worried about Mike Brown right now."
Yang Yi looked at Zhang Zhidao in surprise. "Coach Zhang, are you worried about the Cavaliers now?"
Zhang Zhidao nodded. "The Cavaliers have built a ten-point advantage. They will then play the Lakers on the road. Most of the key players played full minutes in the last game and have played the entire first two quarters today. Mike Brown surely has to consider the players' stamina."
"If he makes substitutions now, it might easily disrupt the team's existing rhythm."
During this period, the Cavaliers' starting five had been cooperating exceptionally well. If Mike Brown made substitutions in the third quarter, it could very well affect Larry Hughes and the other's shooting touch.
Once a player's form declines, the subsequent games will become even more challenging!
"It would be best to win this game first. That way, even if they lose to the Lakers on the road, the Cavaliers will still have home-court advantage, which would be more beneficial for them."
"Coach Zhang makes a very valid point. It remains to be seen if Mike Brown will make any lineup adjustments."
In fact, Mike Brown was also wrestling with this decision.
Just as Zhang Zhidao had articulated during his commentary, he wanted to win this game while also ensuring the rest time for his main players.
This was because his ambitions were greater; he wanted to win at least one game on the Lakers' home court during the next two away games!
However, after much deliberation, Mike Brown abandoned this idea.
The current situation was clearly advantageous to him. What head coach would voluntarily change their lineup when they had the upper hand?
Therefore, after careful consideration, Mike Brown decided to still start his regular lineup in the third quarter.
However, Mike Brown was also aware that after playing for so long, the starters would inevitably experience fatigue.
So, after they took the court, he cautiously asked his players, "We have a ten-point lead now, and at least three minutes of rest time. If anyone wants to rest a bit longer, you can tell me."
The five players exchanged glances; none of them showed any intention of leaving the court.
At this moment, the referee blew the whistle for the start of the third quarter.
Mike Brown swept a glance over everyone and said, "Alright, go all out. Take them down. The championship belongs to us, remember that, guys!"
The Cavaliers' starting five appeared on the court, which was not unexpected by the Zen Master.
Holding a lead, the Cavaliers clearly wouldn't initiate any changes. Therefore, during halftime, the Zen Master's tactical instructions were mostly focused on the starting five.
As soon as the game began, Kobe hit an extremely long three-pointer, opening the prelude to their battle.
This seemingly impossible three-pointer revitalized the Lakers' subdued morale!
The Lakers' players adopted a fierce demeanor, creating frequent difficulties for the Cavaliers on both offense and defense. Seeing the Lakers' morale gradually recover, Tang Long became restless.
"LeBron, we can't just let the Lakers keep attacking like this."
"What do you have in mind?"
"Later, you guys guard the perimeter well, and I'll handle the interior defense. We'll secretly open up a small gap, and when there's an opening inside, the Lakers will definitely choose to drive in. Then we'll close the net."
"Okay, I'll listen to you."
The two of them discussed their plan and quickly informed the entire team.
Soon, the Lakers sensed something unusual. The next time Kobe drove inside, the Cavaliers' formation suddenly changed.
What was originally a formation with tight perimeter defense and loose interior defense suddenly became a double-team for Kobe as he drove to the basket.
By the time he wanted to pass the ball out, Drew Gooden and LeBron had already cut off his passing lanes. Kobe, with no other choice, had to force a shot!