James, at the critical moment, it was LeBron who stepped up.
"We can see how enthusiastic the Quicken Loans Arena is after James made this shot."
The commentator took off his headphones and aimed them at the audience behind him. The audience, in turn, shouted loudly in response.
"How about that."
With this basket, the mindset of both sides shifted.
Tang Long's anxious mood gradually stabilized.
Because he realized that even with his condition reduced by 20%, he and James could still prove themselves on the court.
This also caused a subtle shift in his mindset, which had been relying on templates.
The remaining members of the Cavaliers gradually forgot that they were on the finals stage. Everyone now had only one goal: to win this game.
Compared to the Cavaliers, the Lakers' mindset was clearly becoming anxious.
As the team's leader, Kobe had to stand up without hesitation.
This was his responsibility, and it was Kobe's mission!
In the final minutes of the game, the resilience displayed by the Cavaliers surpassed everyone's imagination!
Kobe's three-point shot missed, and the direction the ball bounced was more favorable for Gasol to gain position.
Tang Long and Drew Gooden, though not in good positions, still charged towards the ball without hesitation!
Gritting his teeth, Tang Long, like a hungry lion in Africa, let out a roar from his throat that sent chills down one's spine, akin to that of a wild beast.
Gasol was momentarily stunned. By the time he reacted and tried to make a pass, Tang Long's hand had already reached him.
Seeing this, Gasol could only protect the ball against his chest.
Others might have given up, but Tang Long did not. He stubbornly reached in with one hand, creating a stalemate with Gasol!
They wrestled back and forth, their movements becoming more intense. Gasol protected the ball and desperately tried to break free, his swinging arm directly hitting Tang Long's brow bone.
*Beep!*
The referee's whistle sounded at this moment, and Tang Long was still fiercely guarding the ball.
"Jump ball."
Upon hearing the referee's call, Tang Long slowly released his hand. Blood trickled down his forehead, making him look fierce and deranged.
"Damn it, are you crazy?!"
Gasol roared angrily at Tang Long.
He had seen players play with passion, but he had never encountered someone as desperate as Tang Long. This didn't feel like playing basketball; it felt more like a battle!
Tang Long glanced at Gasol, said nothing, but a slight smirk played on his lips, making one want to punch him, yet also fear being taken down by him.
Gasol was conflicted; this guy Tang was truly a headache!
"You, go take care of that wound first."
Seeing Tang Long still preparing to contest the jump ball, the referee had to signal him to go off the court to treat his injury.
Tang Long, unconvinced, wanted to argue with the referee, but the team doctor had already arrived, and Mike Brown had made a substitution.
Big Z was eager to play on the sidelines.
There was no other choice. After a high-five with Big Z, Tang Long dejectedly walked off the court.
The team doctor examined him and confirmed it was a superficial wound, then quickly began to treat it.
Big Z went on the court to contest the jump ball with Gasol.
The referee tossed the ball high. Big Z jumped, and as the referee's wrist flicked, he had already judged that the referee was about to throw the ball.
However, by the time his intention translated into action, he clearly felt his body lagging by half a beat. Immediately after, he saw Gasol swat the ball to Kobe.
The pass was perfect, and Kobe caught and shot in one fluid motion.
106-104.
The Cavaliers initiated their offense again. James passed the ball to Big Z, who was post-up against Gasol.
His performance in the third quarter had been too good. Big Z almost had the ball stolen by Gasol.
He had intended to execute a fancy dance step, drive past Gasol, and lay the ball in, but he turned too slowly, and the ball was swatted away by Gasol!
The Lakers launched a fast break.
Kobe drove to the basket unguarded and easily laid the ball in.
106-106.
Big Z had just run back onto the court, and he felt a wave of fatigue. His legs felt like they were tied with sandbags as he ran!
Big Z couldn't help but look at Tang Long, who was still on the sidelines treating his injury. Now he understood why Tang Long had suggested making a substitution.
Once he understood, he felt dejected and even began to doubt himself. He had played so well in the third quarter and had rested for so long, yet his performance on the court was so dismal.
James patted Big Z on the shoulder and said, "Slow down the offense, buy Tang some time."
Big Z nodded, and then the Cavaliers resumed their offense.
James acted as the point guard, and Big Z battled for position in the paint against Gasol. This time, Big Z exerted all his strength, unwilling to believe he would be so ineffective, desperately pushing against Gasol.
Unexpectedly, Gasol took a step back. Big Z, who had been rigidly pushing Gasol, was momentarily disoriented and stumbled backward.
The crucial point was that this was not a foul; it was a "drop step" move, and Gasol had not made any extraneous actions.
James was also getting anxious due to Big Z's situation and decided to shoot himself.
*Clang!*
The ball missed the rim and hit the backboard. Big Z, who was positioned for the rebound, was blocked by Gasol and Odom, and the ball went back to the Lakers.
Manovic received a pass from Kobe in the corner and executed a smooth shot.
106-109.
The Lakers took a three-point lead.
"Timeout, I call timeout."
Mike Brown rushed to the sideline and quickly called a short timeout. The main purpose of this timeout was to bring Tang Long back into the game.
Back on the sideline, after a high-five, Big Z opened his mouth, wanting to apologize to Tang Long. However, Tang Long patted his shoulder. They were brothers, and sometimes understanding didn't need words.
Tang Long's return to the court did not disappoint. When it came to dealing with Gasol in the post, they truly needed him.
Even with his condition reduced by 20% and playing with some difficulty, Tang Long could still draw the Lakers' defense and create opportunities for his teammates.
Drew Gooden made a mid-range shot, and then the Lakers turned the ball over. Joe Smith and Tang Long executed a brilliant pick-and-roll, and the Cavaliers regained the lead.
110-109.
Less than thirty seconds remained in the game.
It was the Lakers' possession. At this juncture, it tested not only the players' talent but also their mentality!
The Lakers controlled the ball.
They planned to run down the clock, leaving only five seconds for the Cavaliers to attack.
"Kobe will definitely shoot. I'll handle the paint. No matter if Gasol and Odom both rush to the basket, LeBron, you and Joe Smith must double-team Kobe."
"Drew, you're responsible for guarding Manovic, preventing Kobe from passing to him if he can't get a clear shot at the basket."
Tang Long, much like a genius coach, directed his teammates' defensive strategy.
At this moment, Tang Long bore a striking resemblance to the "Coach Lue" of later generations!