"We can see that after Kobe stops holding the ball, the Lakers' offense is more fluid and their scoring efficiency has improved significantly."
Yu Jia looked at Coach Zhang and Yang Yi. "Gentlemen, the Lakers have tried this tactic before, but the results weren't very satisfactory. Why is it working so well this time?"
Coach Zhang said, "Although Kobe is still reducing his ball-handling, there's a big difference compared to the last game."
"For example, Kobe's off-ball movement has increased, and Fisher is handling the playmaking. In the last game, Kobe didn't move much without the ball, so the defense paid less attention to him."
"Now, when Kobe is off the ball, he requires at least one defender like Larry Hughes to guard him. When there's a mismatch, Pavlovic even has to help out. This creates countless offensive opportunities."
Yang Yi chimed in, "There's also the role of Fisher and Odom in this game."
"In the previous few games, Fisher didn't utilize his strengths. As a point guard, Kobe was doing most of the organizing and playmaking!"
"And Odom's position. In this game, we can see Odom is closer to the basket, while Gasol has slightly conceded some interior space on offense."
"Yang Yi makes a good point. Another sensible aspect of the Lakers' play in this game is that Manjok only made one three-pointer at the start. The Lakers haven't taken many outside shots in this game; they've been focusing on attacking the basket, which has significantly improved their shooting percentage!"
"Currently, both teams are trading blows, but the Lakers are clearly playing better on offense. If Gasol can contain Tang Long, the Cavaliers might just be flipped over by the Lakers."
"This is really hard to say now. After all, if the Cavaliers can beat the Lakers on the road, the Lakers can certainly beat the Cavaliers on the road!"
...
"It's Fisher again! Not long after the first quarter started, Fisher already has six points. Considering he only scored a little over ten points in total in the previous few games."
After Fisher made this basket, the score became 10:15, with the Lakers leading the Cavaliers by five points.
"The Cavaliers need to find a way to contain Fisher. Otherwise, if Fisher alone can break down the Cavaliers' defense, then the Cavaliers will definitely lose this game!"
The commentator at the scene couldn't understand why, even though Kobe wasn't holding the ball, the Cavaliers' defenders were still swarming him, allowing Fisher such an unimpeded layup.
Some fans in the arena were shouting for defense, but the Cavaliers players seemed to have forgotten that skill. They defended Odom and left Fisher open. When they shifted to guard Fisher, Odom immediately became active in the frontcourt.
"Tang, should we switch to man-to-man defense?"
Larry Hughes, after receiving a pass from Tang Long, didn't rush forward. While dribbling, he discussed with Tang Long whether they should change tactics.
"No," Tang Long shook his head.
If they switched to man-to-man defense, they might be able to stop Fisher, but then the individual abilities of the Lakers' players would be amplified.
Odom and Manjok were clearly superior to the Cavaliers in that regard.
Moreover, it was incredibly difficult for one person to defend Kobe.
If that were the case, how could Kobe become a superstar in the league!
"Then we can't just let these guys play like this, can we?"
The first quarter was only halfway over, and Larry Hughes felt that these few minutes were more exhausting than playing a half.
The main issue was the constant running around.
In the past, when Kobe had the ball, all they had to do was focus on the ball. Now that Kobe didn't have the ball, he had to chase Kobe, often falling far behind before catching up.
This back and forth was severely depleting Larry Hughes' stamina.
And that wasn't the main problem. The crucial issue was this exhausting chase, making Larry Hughes feel like he had strength but nowhere to use it.
"Let's see what Coach Brown decides later."
Tang Long had no better solution at the moment. He could only focus on ensuring their offense didn't fall behind.
The Lakers' idea of relying on Gasol to guard him one-on-one was clever, but Tang Long wouldn't give Gasol the chance.
Larry Hughes brought the ball past half-court and passed it to James. Odom and Fisher immediately double-teamed him.
James had no space to drive, so he passed the ball back to Larry Hughes.
Tang Long called for the ball in the low post. Larry Hughes passed it to Tang Long. As Tang Long received the pass, Gasol stuck close to him.
Another one-on-one matchup!
"Tang, I'm definitely going to defend this one. Be careful."
"Paul, you've changed!"
"Me? What have I changed into?"
As Gasol looked confused, Tang Long suddenly spun with the ball, shielding Gasol with one arm and going up for a layup with the other.
12-15.
Gasol wanted to slap himself.
He knew Tang Long was good at setting traps, yet he actively provoked him.
Gasol glumly hugged the basketball and grabbed Tang Long, who was retreating, angrily asking, "Tell me, what have I changed into?"
"I mean, you weren't like this before. You've changed so much I almost don't recognize you."
"Fuck, you didn't recognize me before either."
Gasol was furious.
He was more angry at himself. Tang Long was clearly doing it on purpose, and he had willingly walked into the trap.
Gasol completely erupted. The most direct manifestation was when the Lakers attacked the basket, Gasol proactively called for the ball.
This couldn't entirely be blamed on Phil Jackson's strategy, but in this way, it became much easier to defend Gasol's isolation plays in the post.
Fisher hesitated for a moment, then passed the ball not to Gasol, but to Odom, who was active around the elbow.
Odom caught the ball, dribbled once, and prepared to drive to the basket.
Normally, Gasol would use his physical advantage to screen Tang Long. But this time, whether it was anger or a slight delay in his reaction, Gasol didn't block Tang Long as Odom drove to the basket.
This directly gave Tang Long an opportunity to block!
Tang Long exploded from the basket and met Odom head-on.
Odom was startled.
He hadn't expected Tang Long to be so fast.
Facing Tang Long in the paint, he felt completely unsure of himself. He could only dribble the ball and continue his drive, forcing himself to go through with it.
In an instant, they collided. Odom jumped as high as he could with all his might.
As he watched Tang Long shrink below him, Odom's lips curved into a slight smile.
He felt proud. What could Tang Long do now?
I'm still dunking!
[Divine Block]
Odom saw Tang Long's lips move slightly, and then he saw Tang Long leap up like a leopard!
Immediately afterward, he felt the basketball, which had not yet been released, being slammed down by Tang Long!
"Damn you, Tang, you tricked me?!"
Odom also started cursing.
What in the world was this?
This was completely against the unwritten rules!