The Cavaliers' starting lineup features center "Big Z" Žydrūnas Ilgauskas, power forward Drew Gooden, small forward James, shooting guard Larry Hughes, and point guard Eric Snow.
The Celtics' starting lineup includes center Yao Ming, power forward Marcin Gortat, small forward Boris Diaw, shooting guard Vince Carter, and point guard He Xi Meng.
Yes, the Celtics made a last-minute change to their starting lineup, promoting Gortat directly from the third rotation to the starting five to bolster their rim protection.
Concurrently, Diaw, who had played power forward all season, was moved down to small forward to guard James.
Whether it was to enhance interior defense or have the more physically imposing Diaw replace Ariza, it was clear the lineup adjustment was aimed at targeting James, who favors driving to the basket.
Unsurprisingly, this strategic shift was a suggestion from He Xi Meng. While Coach Kerr's coaching ability was undeniable, such a bold lineup adjustment and the inclusion of new players were decisions that, at this moment, only He Xi Meng could instill the courage for.
Yao Ming + Gortat + Diaw! These were the three iron gates He Xi Meng had prepared for the young LeBron James.
If James could still average 35 points per game under the defense of these three, He Xi Meng would be satisfied even if the Celtics lost today's playoff game.
The game began. Žydrūnas Ilgauskas leaped with all his might, winning the tip against Yao Ming and giving the Cavaliers the first possession.
Snow brought the ball upcourt, directing his teammates to run plays, aiming to pass to a cutting James.
He Xi Meng defended Snow while keeping a close eye on James's movements.
Snow's pass was too predictable. He Xi Meng anticipated it precisely and extended his hand, successfully intercepting it.
James immediately signaled his teammates to quickly get back on defense, but He Xi Meng didn't rush the fast break.
The Celtics' current lineup was somewhat large. To prevent James from attacking the basket, He Xi Meng had increased the team's interior height and strength, inevitably slowing down their overall speed.
Occasional quick fast breaks wouldn't be an issue, but frequent ones would be counterproductive.
With the game just starting, He Xi Meng naturally opted for a conservative opening.
Only after James and his Cavaliers teammates returned to their own half and set up did He Xi Meng lead his Celtics teammates slowly across half-court, passing the ball outside, showing no signs of haste.
The Cavaliers' current head coach, Mike Brown, a former assistant coach for the Spurs, had taken over the Cavaliers' coaching duties this season and was familiar with both He Xi Meng and Yao Ming.
Compared to James, Mike Brown was acutely aware of how formidable the Celtics team he was facing was.
On the surface, Carter was the Celtics' strongest scoring option this season.
However, behind the scenes, Yao Ming in the paint and He Xi Meng from beyond the three-point line represented the Cavaliers' biggest threats.
Therefore, to guard Carter, Mike Brown assigned Larry Hughes. Whatever the outcome, that was that.
Larry Hughes was already considered a relatively skilled defender among shooting guards who could also play small forward.
If Hughes couldn't defend Carter effectively, there was no one else on the current Cavaliers team who could.
Double-teams? Out of the question.
The Cavaliers were already under immense defensive pressure both inside and out, making it impossible to double-team Carter.
If they double-teamed Carter, the Cavaliers would only hasten their demise.
Inside, Mike Brown instructed Drew Gooden and James to always collapse and help Žydrūnas Ilgauskas defend Yao Ming.
The focus on Yao Ming was paramount; if he could be contained, they should do so.
A head coach's perspective differed from that of a player. For most head coaches, the greatest threat always came from the paint.
Super centers like Yao Ming were consistently the biggest threats to opposing teams.
Conversely, on the perimeter, which shooter didn't have streaks of hot and cold shooting?
Thus, the first thing Mike Brown needed to ascertain was whether He Xi Meng's shooting touch was hot or cold today.
Based on He Xi Meng's shooting rhythm, Mike Brown would then adjust their perimeter defense strategy, deciding if anyone besides Snow would be needed for double-teams.
Overall, among the Eastern Conference teams, Mike Brown would rather face the Pistons or the Heat than the Celtics.
During the latter stages of the regular season, Mike Brown had tried to make a push to overtake the Heat and avoid the fourth seed.
However, Pat Riley seemed to have anticipated Mike Brown's intentions and did not relax his pursuit of victory in the final stretch of the regular season. He led the Heat to field their full roster and play several tough games, successfully retaining their third seed in the East and passing the "honor" of facing the Celtics in the semifinals to the Cavaliers!
Mike Brown was in a difficult position, with no choice but to reluctantly challenge the Celtics.
On the Celtics' first possession, after much maneuvering on the perimeter and several passes, He Xi Meng eventually fed the ball to Yao Ming inside.
Fortunately, the Cavaliers were prepared. Drew Gooden immediately collapsed, helping Žydrūnas Ilgauskas double-team Yao Ming.
Seeing the opportunity wasn't ideal, Yao Ming didn't force a shot. Instead, he passed back out to He Xi Meng, who was orchestrating from the perimeter.
With time running short, He Xi Meng opted for a pump fake on Snow.
Snow, who had previously assisted Allen Iverson in Philadelphia and was now assisting James in Cleveland, was known for his steady defense.
Thus, He Xi Meng's pump fake didn't fool Snow.
Unable to create separation, He Xi Meng drove against Snow, attempting to overpower him.
James, on the wing, didn't want to give He Xi Meng an easy shot and immediately rotated back, blocking He Xi Meng's driving lane.
Seeing this, He Xi Meng didn't hesitate and passed to Diaw, who had been left open by James.
Diaw's role with the Celtics this season was twofold: to assist Yao Ming in protecting the rim and to draw the opponent's big men out of the paint, allowing for mid-range and long-range shots.
Therefore, James's decision to leave him open provided Diaw with a good shooting opportunity.
Diaw didn't falter. He caught the ball and took a standstill jump shot, smoothly sinking a long two-pointer!
James, torn between two options, looked dejected.
At this stage, the "Little Emperor" clearly lacked the composure to completely hide his emotions.
Turning around, James immediately called for the ball, wanting to force a shot.
Unexpectedly, Diaw's physical strength exceeded James's expectations.
James's post-up attempt was forced. He had to turn and drive face-up.
Meanwhile, Diaw, following He Xi Meng's instructions, persistently guarded James, pushing him all the way to the basket.
With Diaw's delay, Yao Ming had time to shift and provide help defense at the rim, ready to face the "Little Emperor."
Seeing this situation, James decisively abandoned the idea of directly attacking the basket. The "Little Emperor" wasn't psychologically prepared to dunk over Yao Ming from the front.