The Cavaliers' intentions were crystal clear to the Celtics.
Therefore, while one side sought to attack He Xi Meng, the other aimed to protect him, striving to prevent him from facing the Cavaliers' onslaught directly.
LeBron James's attempt was once again unsuccessful, and the Celtics continued to give him open looks from three-point range!
"What the..."
Upon landing, Gortat angrily looked back to see who the scoundrel was.
James didn't even glance at Gortat, turning and immediately heading back on defense.
"Don't worry about it! That guy's physical ability is beyond compare!"
As He Xi Meng received the ball back, he comforted Gortat, cautioning him against any impulsive actions.
It was good for young players to be spirited, but they could also get carried away and lose their composure.
In this series against the Cavaliers, He Xi Meng had been counting on Gortat to be his solid rear guard, playing a crucial role on defense. He couldn't let James derail him.
On the Celtics' second possession, He Xi Meng again handed over the offensive reins to Carter, positioning himself on the wing as a spot-up shooter.
This tactic was rather shameless, much like Coach Kerr's original intention of having He Xi Meng sit on the bench as a deterrent.
Compared to sitting on the bench, He Xi Meng's presence on the court was clearly more threatening.
Even if He Xi Meng stood still, the Cavaliers wouldn't dare leave him unguarded!
Carter continued his collaboration with Yao Ming. This time, the Cavaliers swarmed Carter. Carter passed back to Yao Ming near the free-throw line. Yao Ming, upon receiving the ball, didn't force his way to the basket. Instead, he rose up for a short-range jump shot.
This season, Yao Ming spent the first third dealing with injuries, the middle third recovering, and only in the final third of the schedule did he gradually shake off the effects of his injuries and return to his peak form.
Currently, in terms of his overall competitive state, Yao Ming was completely fine.
However, injuries had undeniably impacted his overall playing style. There were fewer of his powerful, dominant drives to the basket and more short-range jump shots.
After several seasons of a "power game," Yao Ming's style seemed to be reverting to the "skill game" he employed when he first entered the league.
The power game was too physically demanding. To extend his career, the skill game was the way to go!
Yao Ming executed a masterful shot, smoothly sinking two points and helping the Celtics maintain a steady pace.
"It seems your opponents are Vince and Big Yao, not me!"
After Yao Ming's effortless basket, an idle He Xi Meng joked with James across the court.
James pouted and retorted, "Someone warned me to never believe anything you say on the court!"
"Who? Who would slander my reputation like that?"
James didn't answer He Xi Meng's persistent questioning, instead heading to the baseline to receive the ball.
On the Cavaliers' third possession, James finally managed to switch and directly matched up with He Xi Meng.
But just as James gathered his strength to confront He Xi Meng, He Xi Meng suddenly pulled the rug out from under him, letting James drive past.
James stumbled, nearly falling. He Xi Meng, from behind and to the side, stole the ball that hadn't kept up with James's forward momentum!
James's first attempt to drive past He Xi Meng head-on ended in a turnover, which was quite embarrassing for the "Little Emperor."
Fortunately, after stealing the ball, He Xi Meng didn't push the pace full-throttle, giving James a chance to get back on defense.
Just as James began to breathe a sigh of relief, He Xi Meng suddenly unleashed a one-handed lob pass, sending the ball deep into the frontcourt.
Tony Allen, who had been quietly playing without much fanfare, suddenly surged from the left flank when the Cavaliers' defense was focused on Carter on the right, streaking ahead of everyone.
When the player arrives, the ball arrives. He Xi Meng never disappointed his teammates when it came to passing.
As long as his teammates created a good opportunity, He Xi Meng could always deliver the ball to them at the opportune moment.
This pass resulted in a successful fast break for Tony Allen, who received the ball and drove for an layup, scoring two simple points.
A 6-2 opening run saw the Celtics, playing away in Cleveland, dominate the Cavaliers. James was a bit bewildered.
Once he came to his senses, James no longer fixated on attacking He Xi Meng.
With the ball in hand, he attacked whoever was in front of him, initiating a fierce onslaught of drives and scoring.
Although this playing style lacked technical sophistication, it was simple and effective.
After starting with three consecutive made shots, the Celtics' shooting percentage gradually returned to normal.
He Xi Meng had not participated in the Celtics' offense during the initial stages, at most just receiving and passing the ball, without taking any shots.
Led by James, the Cavaliers gradually caught up.
About eight minutes into the first quarter, the Celtics made their first adjustment: He Xi Meng was substituted out for rookie Rondo.
Rondo, with the fearlessness of a newborn calf, immediately went to challenge James, trying to stop his drives with his individual efforts.
If LeBron James were that easy to defend, he wouldn't be LeBron James.
Consequently, Rondo, who had exerted himself too much, picked up two fouls before the end of the first quarter.
Fortunately, Coach Kerr quite admired Rondo and allowed him to play through the entire first quarter. At the start of the second quarter, Rondo was also arranged to play.
The Celtics' rotation lineup consisted of Perkins, Ilyasova, Carter, Hu Weidong, and Rondo.
For the Cavaliers, James dared not leave the court, but they brought in Varejão, Snow, Donyell Marshall, and Ira Newble.
The biggest issue with the Cavaliers' rotation lineup was that they had more than enough defense but lacked offense, especially the absence of a strong sixth man.
The Celtics originally held an advantage in this regard. However, unfortunately, Monta Ellis was still sidelined with an injury and had not yet returned...