Chapter 685 The little emperor found his shooting bag
The competition on the field is still fierce.
Tonight, the Cavaliers stepped up their aggression on both ends of the offense and defense from the very beginning. Fortunately, the Trail Blazers were also prepared and withstood the intense confrontation stage initiated by the opponent in the first quarter.
After the first quarter, the two sides tied at 28:24.
The Cavaliers lead the Trail Blazers by 4 points at home.
Wang Zelin scored 8 points in a single quarter and performed as steadily as ever.
However, James on the opposite side broke out. James stepped up his shooting tonight and scored 13 points in a single quarter, setting a new high for scoring in a single quarter in this year's finals.
But fortunately, other Cavaliers players didn't give James much help, and the Trail Blazers didn't lag too far behind.
In the second quarter, what was unexpected was that James, who had just finished the first quarter, came on the court again, and it seemed that the Cavaliers had switched to a one-star, four-shooter mode.
James and Dellavedova, Jr., Mike Miller, Cousins.
Even Cousins, who has the worst three-point ability, has a three-point shooting percentage of 35.7% in the regular season and can maintain around 34.2% in the playoffs, making others afraid to let him go easily.
In fact, after being traded to the Cavaliers, Cousins gradually embarked on a completely different path than Wang Zelin remembered.
Not only is he willing to be a blue-collar coolie on the defensive end, he has also developed a shooting range from beyond the three-point line in advance on the offensive end. Although he has not reached the 37% or higher shooting rate at his peak, it is enough at this stage.
With James here, he often shoots open shots, and does not need to face more defensive pressure like he did when he was the boss in the original time and space.
This lineup became a turning point in the game. During the three minutes that Wang Zelin took a rest, James held his breath and launched a desperate attack on the Trail Blazers' position.
Not only did the first three shots hit, they also caused one foul each for Jokic and Button.
What's even more outrageous is that Humanity 20 Elite's free throws tonight were surprisingly stable, and they have made all 4 free throws so far.
Perhaps due to the influence of James, Jr., the "Knife Guard", was in great condition. He picked up the ball from the outside and hit a difficult three-pointer in the face of the interference of old Carter.
The two scored 11 points together, leading the team to open the point difference to 11 points.
These four characters are best interpreted by all the Cavaliers players tonight.
If we lose a series, the total score will be rewritten to 0:3.
In the history of the NBA Finals, no team has ever been able to come back from a 0-3 deficit.
Where there's a will, there's a way!
Although Wang Zelin launched a personal attack after returning and once brought the score to single digits, James stood up strongly and widened the point difference again.
At the same time, under the influence of the home court advantage, Wang Zelin received three fouls in the first half, which further encouraged the Cavaliers' determination to attack the basket from the outside.
After halftime, the Cavaliers are 63:49, and you now have a full 14 points over the Trail Blazers.
Wang Zelin scored 17 points at halftime. Not surprisingly, it was another 30-point performance tonight.
But James still scored 10 points in the second quarter, and his half-time score reached 23 points, leading the game!
In addition, what surprised Coach Terry was that the little emperor seemed to have found his three-point shooting bag. In the first half, he made 2 of 4 three-pointers, and his shooting rate reached an astonishing 50%!
You must know that in this year's playoffs, James' three-point shooting percentage per game is less than 30%, which is completely different from the past few games.
The Cavaliers really have a chance to win this game now!
Away team locker room.
Coach Terry was making tactical arrangements for the second half. After careful consideration, he agreed to Wang Zelin’s request to play the entire second half.
There is no other way.
James is obviously in good form tonight, and even his touch has returned. If he can continue to maintain his efficiency in attacking the frame, then the game really won't have to be played.
Therefore, whenever James plays next, Wang Zelin must also be present, and the two aces need to have a battle of spear and shield!
"Kenny, have you guessed it a long time ago?"
In the commentary box, Barkley asked.
These words attracted a surprised look from Kenny Smith.
What did I say? Why don’t I know?
The sudden question made Kenny Smith confused.
"When you first started, you said there would be a surprise today. Did you predict that LeBron would explode?"
"So that's what you were talking about!" Kenny Smith remembered, then shook his head, "It's not a prediction, just a bit of a premonition."
"How much of a premonition?"
"That's right," Kenny Smith nodded and continued:
"It is undeniable that LeBron's offensive state this year is very wrong, and his efficiency is not even as good as the 2005-06 season when he just reached the Finals...
But don’t forget, he is the number one player in the league! He is a true historical superstar. I don’t think an MVP player of this level will always be in such bad shape!”
"That's why you are sure that LeBron will explode!"
After hearing this, Buckley also understood.
He was also an MVP player in the past, and he knew very well that the MVP super giant in his prime years had terrible energy in his body. Once it breaks out, it will be unstoppable!
Unless... he meets another mvp who is stronger than him and his condition breaks out.
Shet!
Thinking of this, a figure that he didn't want to recall suddenly appeared in Barkley's mind. Then he lowered his head and looked at the court. Coincidentally, this was not the case. No matter how reluctant he was to recall, the painful memories could not help but emerge in his mind.
Damn number 23!
Return to the field.
In the second half, the team changed sides and fought again.
James, who hadn't passed the ball for a minute, was on the field again. It seemed like he wouldn't leave the game again unless he won the game.
The knight attacks first.
After running, James received a pass from Irving in the low post on the left, hit Bottom with his back, and after a continuous effort, James turned over and hit a fadeaway jumper.
Wang Zelin made a long pass from the baseline, Matthews received the ball, passed to Aldridge, and scored with a hook under the basket.
In the next round, almost in the same position, James continued to play from behind and scored the ball in the same way.
Two hits!
It was like two sharp knives stabbing into Batum's heart.
On the court, there is nothing more frustrating than guarding a rampaging superstar.
The Trail Blazers attacked, Lillard made a long shot, the rebound was picked off by James, and then quickly launched a counterattack.
This time, Wang Zelin locked onto James early and blocked the ball in time, preventing James from getting a fast break opportunity.
Fall into positional warfare.
James held the ball at the top of the arc and motioned for everyone to pull away.
Just when everyone thought James would overpower his opponent, he suddenly made a cold arrow and retreated for a three-pointer... and still made it!
70:53!
As soon as the second half entered, James scored 7 points in a row, helping the team expand the lead to 17 points! At the same time, his personal data was rewritten to 30 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block and 1 steal!
This moment completely shocked all the Trail Blazers players.
When the little emperor, who almost has the best outside breakthrough ability in history, makes a shot, everyone knows how important it is to the Cavaliers.
The dawn of victory is so close to the Cavaliers for the first time!