They’re already establishing an image for Antetokounmpo, starting with an imposing nickname: Greek Freak.
Then comes a touching story: In his rookie year, Antetokounmpo sent all his salary back home, forgetting to save any cab fare for himself, so he had to run back to the arena. Thankfully, a kind-hearted fan gave him a ride back.
Possessing the body of a beast but having a warm heart, this "beastly yet humane" contrasted persona is very endearing.
Under Antetokounmpo’s leadership, the Bucks began the game against the Cavaliers with an 8-2 run, riding high on momentum.
Malone immediately set up a 2-3 zone defense.
This type of defense, which effectively restricted James in the past, worked somewhat on Antetokounmpo but not as well as expected.
Antetokounmpo’s playstyle resembles James, but his game differs significantly.
At this point, he hasn’t started bulking up much, primarily focusing on off-ball cutting on the offensive side, even when handling the ball, his breakthrough and spin are very flexible.
Moreover, his height of 2.11 meters combined with a wingspan of 2.24 meters and outstanding athletic ability, make him noticeable on defense, like a big spider.
Seeing this, Malone didn’t hesitate and directly used a killer move, initiating offense around Hansen and Jokic’s pick-and-roll.
At this moment, Antetokounmpo felt the "love" from the league’s number one player.
He was mismatched against Hansen in the pick-and-roll and got toyed with.
His athletic ability and natural talent found no point of force against Hansen’s fakes, leaving him to jump around aimlessly.
Back then, UA also invited Antetokounmpo to join Hansen’s summer camp to recruit rookies.
But clearly, whether it was the young Antetokounmpo then or the Greek Freak now, they were still a bit raw in front of Hansen.
While the rotation phase wasn’t as smooth as before, after extending Hansen and Jokic’s playtime, the Cavaliers secured victory in three quarters, comfortably defeating their opponent 106 to 90.
Although Wade didn’t play, his emotions seemed excited throughout the game, occasionally standing up to applaud his teammates.
This season he fought hard with the Bulls, and now the team is barely eighth in the East, with the Bucks just ahead of them.
Yet with fewer rotations, the Cavaliers still won so easily.
He somewhat experienced the thing Hansen said that night: Lie back, I’ll lead you to victory.
"Han is the greatest basketball player in the world, our tactical goal is to let him make shots more easily, there’s no distinction between who is treated with respect or not here."
Malone, who bears grudges, directly responded to Irving’s remarks at the post-game press conference.
After this statement was exposed by the media, it quickly sparked an upgrade in public opinion.
We should know that the outside world is curious about the inside story of the "Cavaliers trading Irving."
Although Irving admitted at the meeting that he requested the trade, his following words claiming "not receiving enough respect" indicated he was forced.
Now with Malone’s response, the back-and-forth made fans more curious about the "truth."
This also made the Cavaliers’ home game against the Bulls two days later highly anticipated.
Silva must be smiling from ear to ear at these days’ news.
This period before the All-Star break usually has the lowest league attention, but the Cavaliers’ wave brought back fans’ attention.
If it weren’t for the Cavaliers playing the Bucks before, fans would think this was arranged by him.
However, such NBA trades are not uncommon; this time, it’s just more notable because it happened to the reigning champions.
The day after the game with the Bucks, Wade was practicing three-pointers alone after training.
Wade’s three-pointers are a mystery, or he and Kobe are alike; their stats show a career average around thirty percent, typical enigmatic talents.
But a realistic question is, if they’re left open beyond the three-point line in crucial moments, would you dare let them shoot?
Not even pivotal moments, in usual offense, defenders are less likely to leave them open than James.
They can shoot, but that scoring method is the least efficient in their arsenal, hence they don’t focus on it during regular training.
Shooting is always directly linked to training volume.
Even Hansen spends a lot of time on shooting practice daily.
Wade of course can’t suddenly elevate his three-point shooting to an elite level, but he can improve his consistency slightly.
More importantly than that is the attitude Wade’s displaying, understanding the role he plays within the Cavaliers.
On game day, Malone announced the team’s starting lineup, and Wade made the starting list.
This is a seemingly predictable yet unexpected choice.
Theoretically, with TT in the Cavaliers’ regular rotation, putting Wade in the starting lineup isn’t wise.
Because Hansen handling the ball and running a pick-and-roll with Jokic, essentially leaves only Tucker for spacing.
It’s completely against the "One Star and Four Shooters" tactical system.
Malone’s arrangement clearly relates to Wade’s attitude upon joining the Cavaliers.
On game night, Quicken Loans Arena had a full attendance, even the TNT Big Three were present.
This originally ordinary regular season game now became a definite focal battle.
When the cameras panned to Irving during player introductions, boos erupted on site.
"They shouldn’t treat Kyrie like that." Kenny Smith maintained his rational persona, yet it was clearly leading the topic. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩✶𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚✶𝕟𝕖𝕥
"If he hadn’t said those things, I believe tonight’s welcome would be applause and cheers, but sadly he didn’t watch his words." Barkley quickly dove into the topic, though his comments always sounded odd coming from him.
"Kyrie is still young, when he looks back after retirement, he’ll find these actions childish, as one can’t foresee the future; maybe one day, he might want to return where the dream began, but discover he no longer has the chance." O’Neal said with deeper sentiments.
Last summer, Garnett and Stademeyer were a good comparison; Garnett chose to end his career returning to Minnesota, but Stademeyer could only be in New York.
Of course, the young Irving doesn’t listen to these.
In his ears are only the vexing boos around him.
At this moment, seemingly not satisfied with just booing, a spectator in the front row shouted towards Irving on the court.
Hansen turned his head to see it was a female fan.
"Kyrie, you’re a deserter!" Although a female fan, her words were unmerciful.
Irving turned his head away.
"Answer me!" The female fan continued, without causing Irving to turn back.
"Answer me, did you run away?!" The female fan pursued relentlessly.
Irving finally turned back, clearly showing displeasure on his face:
"I won the championship for you, but now you’re ungrateful!"
He pointed at the booing around him.
"You brought it upon yourself!" The female fan retorted, unyielding.
"Han earned us the championship, whether beside him was you, DW, or anyone else!" By then, the male fan next to her joined in.
"Shut the hell up!" Irving uncharacteristically swore, then turned and left.
Back at the bench, he grabbed the towel handed by staff tightly.
Originally feeling only gratitude towards Hansen, a slight change stirred within his heart at this moment.
He knew to make these voices disappear, he must achieve one thing, which is defeating Hansen.
This was destined for him the moment he chose to depart.
Hansen wasn’t aware of what transpired on the other half-court, as he was engaged in dialogue with Wade.
He didn’t have time to focus on Irving’s ordeal, instead aiming to make Wade’s Cavaliers debut impressive.
Tonight, more than one person needs to prove themselves.