After making the block, Hansen gestured to the spectators with a finger wag as a celebratory move.
This display of momentum was crucial, especially when playing in an away game or facing a stronger team.
Previously, when the Grizzlies played against the Spurs, Hansen’s 20 consecutive points in Game 1 allowed the Grizzlies to seize the momentum from the very start.
However, while Hansen was wagging his finger, he immediately received a warning whistle from the referee.
Initially, the NBA banned players from wagging their fingers because it was considered too provocative toward the opponents.
But in 2007, the League relaxed this rule: as long as the gesture wasn’t directed at a player, it wouldn’t result in a technical foul.
Despite this, as Hansen just experienced, while it might not attract a technical foul, a warning whistle is inevitable.
This is the flexibility of officiating, one of the critical responsibilities of the referee is to prevent conflicts on the court.
Of course, there was one exception to this rule, Mutombo, who pioneered the finger-wagging gesture.
Mutombo also initially received several technical fouls for this gesture, but after the rule change in 2007, as long as he did not direct it at someone, referees generally tolerated his actions.
Because this move had become a signature of his, the game would not descend into conflict because of him.
Hansen put away his finger, but he had achieved his intended effect.
The Grizzlies’ defensive intensity maxed out, with Bosh’s low-post plays being offset by Little Gasol’s assistance, leaving the Heat’s offense fruitless.
Turning back, Randolph’s turnaround post play was met with assistance from Durant.
Durant timed his defensive help excellently. Still, Randolph kept his focus high, passing the ball to Guy amidst the double team.
Guy seized the opportunity this time, sinking a three-pointer swiftly.
Spoelstra stood up and moved to the sideline, signaling tactical gestures to Chalmers.
The Heat adjusted their tactics in the frontcourt, running a pindown strategy facilitated by a Bosh screen for Durant.
Defending against screens had always been a weak point for the Grizzlies.
If the Grizzlies didn’t switch on Durant’s screen, he could catch and shoot; if they did switch, it would create mismatch opportunities either for Bosh or Durant.
Hansen liked to review game footage, but Spoelstra came from a video analyst background, evidently having done thorough research on the Grizzlies before the game.
"Switch!" With Randolph’s shout, the Grizzlies chose to switch their defense.
The Heat’s consequent tactics followed suit.
Bosh moved towards the basket, pressing against Guy, and Durant also called for the ball on Randolph’s back.
After observing for a while, when Chalmers saw Bosh had pushed Guy into the three-second zone, he lobbed the ball in.
But the pass didn’t reach Bosh, as Little Gasol timed his defensive help perfectly, batting the ball back.
This play exposed the Heat’s lack of organizational strength.
Perkins posed no offensive threat; Little Gasol could afford to leave him and help out, making it evident that a good playmaker would pass to Durant after reading the defense.
The ball batted out was controlled by Conley, who turned to initiate a fast break; Chalmers desperately lunged forward, trying to stop him.
However, Conley just dribbled briefly before passing the ball forward.
Hansen had already sprinted beyond the three-point line.
With the lineup the Heat had, relying solely on defense to prevent them from scoring was unrealistic. Whenever there was a chance for a quick defensive turnaround, it was crucial not to miss it.
After catching the ball, Hansen drove quickly forward, seeing Wade chasing him; he slowed down upon reaching the free throw line to bump against Wade physically and then took a step to leap and slam the ball into the basket with both hands.
As soon as the ball was dunked, Sacre automatically sprang up to the sidelines, waving his towel.
The venue erupted into an uproar.
This start was nothing like what they had expected.
The Heat’s roster was stronger than the Grizzlies’, and combined with their excellent form finishing the previous game, they were expected to swiftly establish a lead.
But evidently, everyone had underestimated the Grizzlies’ defensive capabilities.
During the regular season, the Grizzlies’ showcased 90% of their defensive prowess, but this surged to 120% during the finals!
Just like when facing the Warriors, with Hansen leading the charge, it significantly boosted his teammates’ defensive enthusiasm.
Joerger, too, excitedly clenched his fist by the sidelines.
The pre-game tactical plan had Conley defending Wade to reduce Hansen’s defensive burden, allowing him to fully unleash his offensive firepower like he did against the Spurs.
After all, the Heat’s collective strength surpassed the Grizzlies’, and only with Hansen firing on all cylinders did the Grizzlies stand a chance.
However, when Hansen learned of this strategy, he suggested his view: the Heat’s strength lay in their offense.
If the Grizzlies were to compete offensively, they had a slim chance, as proven when Hansen scored 61 points during the Christmas Day game to narrowly secure a win.
The Grizzlies’ only hope for winning was based on robust, all-out defense. Orıginal content can be found at 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝·𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖·𝕟𝕖𝕥
Joerger eventually agreed with Hansen’s idea, but with no great confidence.
After all, the Heat’s offense was historically strong, making it not so simple to defend against.
Especially once Wade gained momentum, even the Pacers got blown away.
As it turned out, thanks to the Grizzlies’ excellent defensive dynamics, they really could make it happen!
Pressure now shifted onto the Heat.
With the Grizzlies showing good form offensively at the start, if they couldn’t respond appropriately on offense, tonight’s game might as well end early.