After the warm-up ended, the opening ceremony commenced and the starting lineups for both teams were announced.
Cavaliers: Irving, Hansen, Tucker, TT, Hawes
Lakers: Jordan Clarkson, Kobe, James, Frye, Mozgov
Whether Garnett would start tonight was a major concern for everyone, as though he was aging, he had always been a starter, with his last time coming off the bench tracing back to his rookie season.
However, Malone eventually decided to let this record end.
Garnett’s career accomplishments were already spectacular, much like how Jordan never needed records like scoring double figures in 1225 consecutive games, Garnett did not need to prove anything by continually starting games.
In essence, that was just padding his career, unrelated to greatness.
On the Lakers side, perhaps because the defense against Irving on the previous Christmas battle wasn’t successful, Lin Shuhao wasn’t starting; instead, the Lakers opted for this year’s second-round pick Jordan Clarkson.
Amidst the cheers of the fans, Mozgov tapped the ball back to the Lakers’ half, and the game officially began.
Both teams had faced each other before and were pretty familiar with each other.
The game started with Hansen guarding Kobe, while the Lakers’ offense was initiated by James, who played a pick-and-roll with Mozgov.
The Cavaliers chose to double-team James, but this time the defense didn’t succeed.
After the pick-and-roll, Mozgov quickly cut in, caught the pass from James, and dunked the ball over the help defender TT.
This play fully showcased Mozgov’s advantages.
Though his lateral movement was slow, his straight-line speed was not, and his explosiveness was incredibly surprising, jumping up like a bomber with such a massive frame.
True to the make of a great Russian White Bear.
However, this round highlighted more of his screening details.
Usually, after setting a screen, players would face the ball handler to better see the incoming pass and complete the catch and attack.
But Mozgov did the opposite, turning immediately after the screen to face the basket and rolling swiftly.
Such a move, if paired with a capable ball handler, could significantly enhance scoring off the catch.
The Lakers scored first, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
With Bosh out for the season, the Rockets’ competitiveness waned, leaving the Lakers as the main focus in the Western Conference for Nike.
But while the cheers were still in the air, Irving reciprocated, breaking past Mozgov with a pivot throw after a screen set by Hawes.
Mozgov’s slow lateral movements were exploited, as he couldn’t even react defensively against Irving.
Four minutes into the game, the score was 9 to 8, Cavaliers leading.
Mozgov’s threat on the offensive end was underestimated, and the Lakers had many free throws tonight, with 4 of their 8 points coming from the line.
But Irving was in good form, scoring 6 easy points from 3 out of 4 shots.
James broke through Hawes causing his second personal foul and went to the free throw line again.
At this moment, a brief whistle sounded, and Garnett came on to replace Hawes.
Boos filled the arena.
This was recognition from many years’ rivalry.
James made one of two free throws, tying the game.
Turning back, Kobe started to guard Irving.
Starting Clarkson was meant to contain Irving, yet Irving seemed energized whenever facing the Lakers.
With Hansen holding the ball upfront, Garnett set a screen.
Though lighter than Hawes, Garnett’s screens were significantly better in quality.
He lowered his center of gravity and delivered a solid screen on Mozgov, then quickly popped out to the free throw line.
Given Hansen’s offensive threat, when he drove, the Lakers had no choice but to both stick to him.
That was when the Lakers showed their defensive strategy against Hansen.
They didn’t just trap; they spread their bodies to cover Hansen, completely sealing off his passing lanes.
Yet, it didn’t work, as Hansen suddenly decelerated, creating distance between them, and then backhanded the ball to Garnett.
This pass drew gasps from the audience as the other Lakers players failed to react.
Garnett caught the pass, glanced around to see no one rushing him, then made his signature free throw line jump shot.
The ball went cleanly through the net.
He scored his first point much quicker than expected in his Cavaliers career.
That said, his skills wouldn’t erode with age as previously mentioned.
Retreating on defense, Garnett voluntarily high-fived Hansen.
His jump shot skills were still present, provided Hansen made the right passing decisions.
Now lacking explosiveness, his shooting under pressure had become less stable.
James held the ball and continued the pick-and-roll with Mozgov.
Mozgov’s screening remained solid, James mismatched against Garnett.
James charged and knocked Garnett back in his drive, but hesitated on his first shot attempt, and by the second attempt, Garnett had regained his stance and timing, swatting James’ shot against the backboard.
The ball flew out of bounds, still Lakers’ possession, but Garnett was already pounding his chest and roaring.
After the roar, he moved towards TT and passionately chest-bumped him. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭•𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦•𝘯𝘦𝘵
In that moment, fans caught a glimpse of the old Wolf King.
TT, energized by Garnett, also let out a roar.