But having only one Fox on the outside playing couldn't satisfy the head coach.
Harris replaced Van Exel with Hexi Meng in advance, ensuring the Lakers' backcourt had at least two relatively stable scoring options.
Hexi Meng's entry also brought Kobe a sigh of relief. Kobe didn't like playing on the perimeter; he preferred scoring close to the basket, or at least with mid-range turnaround jumpers!
With Hexi Meng and Fox holding down the perimeter, Kobe could operate inside the three-point line, moving around the free-throw area, making scoring relatively easier and more comfortable.
Hexi Meng's first offensive possession after entering the game saw Kobe actively setting a screen for him. After the pick-and-roll, he made a backdoor cut and successfully received the ball from Hexi Meng!
Upon catching the ball, Kobe drove directly to the basket, facing up against the Suns' big men, and hit a pick-and-roll jumper!
When Hexi Meng is on the court, Kobe's shooting percentage always sees a significant increase.
On one hand, Kobe voluntarily reduces some unreasonable shot attempts. On the other hand, he accepts playing off-ball, making cuts and spot-up shots.
As per Coach Harris's instructions, Hexi Meng also made two three-pointers himself from the perimeter, thereby applying pressure to the Suns' defense and subsequently relieving pressure on the inside duo of O'Neal and Campbell. This was a chain reaction, with each link connected to the next.
At halftime, Hexi Meng had scored 9 points, dished out 7 assists, grabbed 2 rebounds, and recorded 1 steal, a solid performance.
The Lakers successfully took a 52-50 lead before the end of the first half, thanks to Kobe's mid-range pull-up jumper, putting them ahead by 2 points.
After observing and testing during the first half, Harris had a good grasp of the Suns' strategies and limitations.
The Suns in the first half had essentially displayed their full strength, while the Lakers clearly still had reserves.
During halftime, Harris ordered everyone to elevate their defensive intensity to the highest level!
Offense wins regular season games, defense wins championships!
Teams aiming for playoff success spare no effort on defense!
Harris, as a highly experienced head coach, deeply understood this. Therefore, he never slackened in his coaching of the Lakers' defense.
The third quarter began with Harris fielding his full starting lineup. The Suns had possession.
Kevin Johnson used Robinson's high-post screen, drove, and then passed back to Robinson, intending for him to exploit the mismatch against Hexi Meng inside!
However, Kevin Johnson underestimated Hexi Meng's anticipation and leaping ability!
This return pass was perfectly intercepted by Hexi Meng!
Although Kevin Johnson immediately raised the trajectory of his pass, trying to lob it over Hexi Meng, it was still blocked by a soaring Hexi Meng with one hand! Seizing the steal, Hexi Meng spun around, beat Robinson behind him, and accelerated forward!
Kidd came sprinting from the left sideline, attempting to disrupt Hexi Meng as he drove for a layup!
Hexi Meng went all out. With three steps, he took off, using his left hand to ward off Kidd's block attempt, holding the ball in his right hand, and soaring high, almost hanging on Kidd as he slammed home a one-handed dunk!
This dunk was quite risky. Had Hexi Meng hesitated for even a moment when he went up, he might have been thwarted by Kidd's interference. If it had been blocked, it would have gone from a "Top 5 Play" to "Against the Top 5 Play," with the star becoming the background.
Fortunately, Hexi Meng's decision-making was swift, and his final forceful dunk was decisive!
After landing, even the composed Hexi Meng, fueled by the adrenaline rush, let out a low roar and flexed his biceps!
The Lakers fans in the arena, having waited through halftime and hyped up by the Lakers cheerleaders, were eager to release their energy!
As a result, at the start of the second half, Hexi Meng delivered such a spectacular dunk, like a pillow delivered to a sleepy person, immediately eliciting a super enthusiastic cheer from the crowd!
Kobe, sitting on the bench, was startled by the crowd's fervor and couldn't help but look up at the replay on the big screen again!
"It's nothing special, is it? Just a rather ordinary one-handed dunk that was almost blocked, why such a passionate response?" Kobe couldn't understand.
On the court, Hexi Meng was warmly welcomed by his teammates as he jogged back.
Eddie Jones, Fox, Horry, and O'Neal all high-fived Hexi Meng.
O'Neal even reminded Hexi Meng, "Your celebration was a bit lacking. Next time, remember to choose something more distinctive."
The Big Diesel had a point. After this game, Hexi Meng would need to think of a distinctive celebration, like Iverson's "listening to the wind," Shaq's "hip dance," Haotian's "shoulder shimmy," or JR's "Heaven's Gate."
Kobe's "drawing and firing" gesture was cool, and it seemed he hadn't used it in an official game yet.
What kind of move should Hexi Meng choose? Should he add some Chinese elements?
The game resumed.
Kidd, having failed to block the shot and instead becoming Hexi Meng's background, was a little irked.
Turning around, Kidd called for a pick-and-roll with Kevin Johnson, switched to Hexi Meng in the mismatch, signaled for his teammates to spread out, and then drove against Hexi Meng. He faked and went left, using Hexi Meng's defense to force his way inside. He leaped high, essentially mirroring Hexi Meng's previous move. However, Kidd used his right hand to push away Hexi Meng's attempt to block and then slammed the ball with his left hand into the basket!
Upon landing, Kidd directly flexed his biceps at Hexi Meng!
Damn! This old fox had such a fiery side when he was younger?
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth! He's quite the man!
The spectators, always eager for some drama, got excited and loudly chanted, "Respond! Respond! Respond!"
In a serious playoff game, why are you all treating it like an All-Star game?
Hexi Meng had initially decided to ignore the fans' antics. However, after crossing half-court, he saw his teammates had spread out, leaving the middle open for him. On the Suns' side, Kevin Johnson went to guard Eddie Jones, leaving Hexi Meng to Kidd.
The fans are being silly, why are you all joining in? Kidd wants a one-on-one, so let him? Am I someone who can't let go or refuse a challenge?
Hexi Meng complained internally. But the game situation left him no choice. With the fans and his "buddy teammates" egging him on, Hexi Meng had no choice but to go one-on-one against Kidd!
"Come on, kid, let me see your driving skills again..." Kidd, with a serious, mature-looking face, crouched down and challenged Hexi Meng!
Fine, let's do it then!