NBA: Start by torturing Jordan and add points to upgrade

In Game 2 of the series, the Lakers were resurrected without Jackson making any adjustments or giving them any special attention!
In this game, Kobe and Lin Tian had clearly guessed Jackson's intentions.

So both of them were basically just coasting through the first half.

Even so, the Cavaliers couldn't hold on any longer.

Durant was clearly looking to make up for his failure to save the team in the previous game. He scored 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting in the first half, while Bynum quickly adapted to the weaknesses of Zydrunas Ilgauskas, a skilled center, and found an easy way to exploit them.

上半场比赛拜纳姆9投8中，爆砍18分10篮板2盖帽的两双数据。

With these two players exploding, the Cavaliers simply couldn't stop the Lakers' offensive onslaught, and they were down by as many as 14 points in the first half.

During halftime, Jackson was stunned.

He began to doubt himself.

Am I really getting old?

Is my approach really outdated?

Why don't they follow the script and say their lines?

Why is it so different from what I planned?
Is it that this generation of players has become so strong and evolved that they can transform themselves through their own adjustments?

Or did they learn from their mistakes and become more courageous after reading so many comments and criticisms?

After all, the criticism of the Lakers from various media outlets after the first game of the Finals was absolutely overwhelming and crazy.

Media outlets across the United States, including those in Los Angeles, launched a barrage of criticism against the Lakers.

Furthermore, the release of photos showing them entering and leaving nightclubs on multiple occasions has prompted even fans to start complaining.

Too arrogant, disdainful of others, prematurely loses motivation, unworthy of the championship...

It's not an exaggeration to say that the criticism of the Lakers is overwhelming.

Their performance in this game was just like a team playing an exhibition game on their way to vacation after winning the championship.

Not in the zone at all.

Jackson certainly read those criticisms. He even collected a lot of information, waiting for the right moment to read it to the players, so they would know their problems and learn from them to transform themselves.

But now, the Lakers' performance in the first half has made Jackson realize that all of this seems to be completely useless!

They adjusted themselves and dominated the Cavaliers.

And it wasn't just Jackson who couldn't understand it; even Kobe was a little confused.

"Lin, is what we're doing going to work? What if it's completely ineffective?"

Lin Tian said, "It's hard to say whether it will be effective, but I think Phil is going to pull his hair out. He's starting to doubt himself. If we win two more games like this, I'm afraid he'll have to resign at the end of the season."

"Really?" Kobe scoffed, indicating his disbelief.

"Of course it's fake." Lin Tian couldn't help but say, "You believe that? You're too naive... With Phil's shamelessness, he wouldn't leave even if the boss didn't fire him, believe it or not."

"The old man can earn 1200 million a year."

So what do we do now?

"What do you mean, what to do? Are you afraid the Finals MVP will run away?" Lin Tian looked at Kobe's anxious expression and really didn't understand what he was thinking. The team was leading by more than 10 points, so why was he in such a hurry?

Do you think the team's situation is too good?
Kobe couldn't explain why he was so anxious; he just felt sorry for Jackson.

The old man looked like he was going crazy.

Now Jackson is truly in a difficult situation.

With the team leading by more than ten points, his prepared speech was completely useless. All he could do was wave his arms and urge everyone to keep working hard and keep cheering.

Then try to win the game.

What else can he do?

Then, the Lakers entered the second half in a somewhat strange atmosphere.

In the third quarter, Durant and Bynum continued their explosive performance, combining for 17 points in the quarter, resembling a new generation of the OK combination, unstoppable and invincible.

Durant completely dominated Anthony, and the Cavaliers sent Gasol to defend Bynum, but it didn't make much of a difference. Instead, Barnes found several opportunities against Zydrunas Ilgauskas, scoring on cuts and three-pointers.

In the third quarter, the Lakers once extended their lead to 20 points!
However, Anthony and Wade then revived, and this strongest duo in the East was no ordinary player. With their combined efforts, the Cavaliers quickly narrowed the gap at the end of the third quarter.

At the end of the third quarter, the score was 71-80.

The Lakers led by 9 points going into the fourth quarter.

Although the advantage is not obvious, it is sufficient.

"FUXX!" During the break, Jackson cursed inwardly; he was getting carried away.

It's not just the players who get worked up at these meetings.

Even the head coach can do it!
"Kevin and Andrew, take a break and get ready to close out the game at the last minute!" Jackson gave an instruction that seemed completely illogical tonight.

He took both of his best-performing and most aggressive players off the court to rest, especially during a crucial moment like the fourth quarter!

Although Kobe and Lin Tian were still on the court, how should I put it regarding their performance tonight?

It's not bad, just average.

林天11投6中拿下15分7篮板8助攻的准三双，科比14投6中拿下16分。

Both players' performances in the first three quarters were lukewarm and unremarkable.

"What do we do?" Kobe looked at Lin Tian and actually started asking for help: "Should we just kill them with all our might?"

"How should I know?" Lin Tian was also caught in a dilemma. Now, he finally discovered his biggest weakness.

She's too soft-hearted!

If it weren't for his soft heart and fear that Jackson might fall into depression or suffer a sudden cerebral hemorrhage, he would never have found himself in this dilemma tonight. Lin Tian felt that this was definitely the most difficult moment of his career.

How to do?
"Let's fight first!" Lin Tian said. "If we give them a chance and they prove useless, can they blame us?"

"If they can't even beat them, then they're just useless! I'll take care of Devon, and you take care of Messi and Ronaldo."

"Understood!" Kobe nodded; he understood.

Fight! Just fight!

We just didn't play our hardest, we're not really going to throw the game in the finals!

So next, Lin Tian faced off against Wade, while Kobe faced off against Anthony.

Both players then put in extra effort and gave it their all on defense.

Anthony and Wade immediately lost their third-quarter form, with their offensive and defensive efficiency declining significantly.

This is not finished.

If Lin Tian is somewhat affected by Wade's defense, then Kobe Bryant would have absolutely no problem against Anthony.

Carmelo Anthony has worked hard on his defense for so many years, but he still falls short. He's still lacking in terms of aggressiveness and a fighting spirit.

Kobe's score then skyrocketed, and he started scoring one point after another.

After the first game, Kobe, who was the number one 'criminal', had already been removed from the FMVP candidate list. But after Kobe scored several baskets in a row, everyone suddenly realized that the competition for FMVP on the Lakers' side was still fierce!

If Kobe redeems himself in this game, and goes on a rampage in the fourth quarter to win the match, he might still have a chance to compete for the Finals MVP.

Then, Jackson told everyone: "Winning the Finals MVP? Did you ask me?" Just when Kobe was hitting every shot he wanted in the fourth quarter and was in perfect form, Jackson waved his hand and sent Kobe and Lin Tian to the bench to rest, while Durant and Bynum came on side by side!
If you two are in good shape, go down and rest for a while. Durant and Bynum have been resting for so long, their bodies are probably cold. Let them get back into shape and hit a few shots before we talk.

This substitution clearly shows that Jackson was completely out of control.

He was practically fighting for victory.

"What is Jackson doing?" Even Van Gundy couldn't help but ask this time: "Why did he substitute Kobe at this moment? Kobe doesn't need a rest. He's just started to get into the game. This substitution is incomprehensible, completely incomprehensible!"

“Jackson’s substitution this time is a huge problem.” Miller said from the side: “You may not understand what it means for a coach to be questioned by Jeff and substituted. It’s about the same as Captain America teaching Iron Man physics, or Ant-Man teaching Black Panther how to spend money.”

“I’ve never heard trash talk worse in my life,” Jackson laughed from the side. “If Jackson knew that Jeff was questioning his substitution, he would probably call a timeout immediately to make up for his mistake.”

"You two bastards!" Van Gundy roared. "Do you even understand what this substitution is all about?"

"I don't understand." Miller and Jackson admitted their mistake very quickly, shaking their heads at the same time, indicating that they also didn't understand Jackson's substitution.

Although some people didn't understand Jackson's substitutions, and didn't understand why he suddenly replaced Kobe and Lin Tian, ​​who were in the best form, at this time, there was one thing they saw clearly.

This personnel change had an immediate and noticeable effect!
Durant missed his first shot after coming on, and when he turned around, he couldn't stop Anthony either. Anthony shook him off in the mid-range and made a jump shot.

Bynum's subsequent strong drive to the basket was blocked by Gasol, and Wade grabbed the rebound and scored on a fast break, allowing the Cavaliers to close the gap to 9 points in the blink of an eye.

"See! I told you this substitution was inexplicable!" Van Gundy said. "He needs to call a timeout! Jackson needs to call a timeout, and at the very least, he needs to bring Lin and Kobe back, otherwise the team will lose their lead."

Jackson didn't make any substitutions, seemingly ignoring the Cavaliers' offensive surge.

In the following minutes, the Cavaliers' morale was clearly boosted by two consecutive successful defensive plays.

Their defense was more aggressive, and their offense, powered by their star duo, kept scoring, allowing the Cavaliers to quickly close the gap.

"Shh!"

Then, with 7 minutes left in the game, Wade drove to the basket, used his signature crossover to shake off Bynum, and made a layup, finally putting the Cavaliers ahead!
They took a one-point lead over the Lakers, entering the final seven minutes of the game!

At this point, Jackson finally stopped holding back and waved his hand, sending Lin Tian and Kobe onto the court, while also not letting Durant and Bynum go off to rest.

Clearly, Jackson knew that there was a limit to acting; if it went too far, even an idiot would see it was fake, and then his performance would be meaningless.

In these final few minutes, Jackson has to field his strongest lineup no matter what, and see how the two sides perform.

This time, Jackson finally got it right!

He planned that at this point the Cavaliers' morale would be soaring, and the entire team would fight with all their might. Relying on the momentum of just catching up in the score, they would continue to put pressure on the Lakers and maintain a high-intensity game pace and confrontation.

Charge, knights! Charge!

Let those arrogant Lakers bastards see what you're made of!

By this point, Jackson had even forgotten about something else.

If the Lakers really lose two straight at home, and if the Cavaliers really lose two straight at Staples Center, will the Lakers still have a chance when they go to Cleveland?

Can they turn things around?
Jackson had completely forgotten about this incredibly important matter.

This old man experienced what was likely the most insane moment of his life.

The game continued, but neither side could mount a high-scoring offensive or widen the gap in the score; both sides were locked in a fierce battle.

The score remained close until the timeout with 20 seconds left in the game, when the Lakers were only leading the Cavaliers by one point.

But the Cavaliers had possession of the ball.

The pause has ended.

Wade circled out from the inside, grabbed the ball at the top of the arc, and while directing his teammates to move and spread out, he dribbled the ball to face Lin Tian's defense.

"You'll never score a game-winning goal against me in your entire life!" Lin Tian said confidently. "Devin, you're doomed to lose tonight! If you don't want to lose, maybe you can give the ball to Messi and let him try his luck."

"I will win, Lin! I will win!"

Wade was equally confident: "It's my turn, you know? This year, it's my turn!"

After Wade finished speaking, he suddenly attempted a crossover dribble to accelerate and drive forward. However, he had only completed half of the crossover dribble, and before his left hand could catch the basketball that had passed between his legs, Lin Tian's hand had already reached out.

"Snapped!"

With a crisp sound, Lin Tian slapped the basketball, sending it rolling towards the center of the court.

"What did I say, Devin? What did I say?" Lin Tian shouted as he quickly approached Wade, trying to overtake him and snatch the out-of-control basketball.

"I've taught you this many times! Don't dribble with such a wide range of motion, and don't keep your center of gravity so high. You should lower your center of gravity while dribbling, not when you start to break through."

While frantically battling for the ball with Wade, Lin Tian relentlessly trash-talked Wade.

Ultimately, although Lin Tian was faster and had the first move, Wade had the advantage of being positioned correctly.

Despite his height and wingspan being quite good, he still managed to hold his position and catch the ball just as it rolled past the center line.

But at this point, there were less than 5 seconds left in the game.

Wade could only force himself to accelerate, trying to use his speed to shake off Lin Tian and at least give himself a chance to shoot.

But Lin Tian didn't give an inch. He spread his arms to block Wade, and his feet moved back and forth quickly to block and anticipate Wade's breakthrough route.

With three seconds left, Wade still couldn't find any rhythm to shoot. At the same time, due to Lin Tian's defense, even though Wade had started looking around, he couldn't find any teammates in good positions. The other Cavaliers players were also completely shut down by the Lakers.

No one else gets a chance to shoot immediately after receiving the ball, and Wade knows he can only rely on himself!

He continued to accelerate, then suddenly stopped, changed direction, stopped again, half-turned, then made a feint with his upper body, then turned again, stepped back, and collected the ball.

With one second left, Wade had no choice but to step back and gather the ball, just one step above the free-throw line. Even so, due to Lin Tian's close defense, Wade was unsteady on his feet after stepping back, and his hand holding the ball was trembling. The basketball almost slipped out of his hand.

But he had no choice; he could only pull out his weapon and try his luck and feel for it.

There's a 99% chance that this shot will go in. If it does go in, it's an absolute miracle shot, and nobody can do anything about it.

Lin Tian's defense in this possession was truly deadly, forcing Wade to resort to such a haphazard approach to handle possession in the final possession.

But Lin Tian didn't even give him that chance.

Lin Tian didn't give Wade any chance to compete with luck!

He jumped up at the same time Wade made his shot, raising his hands high to try and disrupt Wade's shot.

Left with no other option, Wade had to forcefully adjust the arc of his shot before releasing it.

But clearly, adjusting the arc in this situation only serves to reduce Lin Tian's block count by one.

Other than that, it serves no purpose.

"Buzz!"

The final whistle blew, and then there was no further sound.

Although Wade's shot wasn't blocked, it didn't touch anything either, and it landed directly in Durant's hands.

3. Non-stick!

Lin Tian sealed the game with a three-point miss caused by tight defense!
The Lakers secured a thrilling victory at home, narrowly defeating the Cavaliers by one point!
The final score is 1-1!

The two teams are currently tied in Los Angeles, and they will next travel to Cleveland for a three-game series!

"The Cavaliers have definitely gotten off to a great start in the Finals. They have the advantage! They got the result they wanted." After the game, Van Gundy immediately analyzed: "The Lakers finally stood up in the final moments of Game 2, defended their home court, and didn't fall into a desperate 2-0 deficit."

"But their performance was terrible, absolutely awful. I can't say they were completely useless, but I have to say their performance was incredibly disappointing!" (End of Chapter)