The arena was filled with cheers from the fans.
Wade scored 4 points consecutively at the start, marking a perfect beginning for his Cavaliers career!
Wade actively sought out Hansen for a high-five during his retreat on defense, as he knew his outstanding performance was closely tied to Hansen’s support.
After the high-five, Hansen patted Wade on the rear end as a gesture of approval.
At his peak, Wade could surpass anyone in just one step. He had been through that, so many fans defined Wade as a player relying on speed and explosiveness.
But only when Wade lost his speed and explosiveness did fans realize how good his skills were.
From the European Step followed by a floating shot for the first basket to the recent deceptive stop-and-go, there aren’t many guards in the league who can execute these techniques so smoothly.
The Bulls still had possession with Irving holding the ball. It seemed that he felt his previous play wasn’t enough, so he called for a pick-and-roll with Big Gasol again. This time, he didn’t rush to break through; he waited until Big Gasol completely took Wade out, then attacked after mismatching against Jokic.
Malone signaled for a double team on the sideline; this tactical singling out is hard for Jokic to defend against.
However, Irving was very decisive this time; before the double team could arrive, he forced Jokic to retreat with a breakthrough and quickly returned beyond the three-point line to decisively make a three-point shot.
Jokic rushed up but found it difficult to interfere.
With a crisp sound, the basketball went through the net.
Irving scored 5 points in a row at the start!
Both players felt the need to prove themselves tonight, and both put on a dazzling display at the start.
Irving was more than just performing because, after hitting the three, he vented all his dissatisfaction at Malone on the Cavaliers’ bench:
"He’s nothing compared to me! Without me, you can’t win a championship!"
The Cavaliers’ bench was stunned, and Malone’s expression turned extremely sour.
If the conflict was only off-court and verbal before, now Irving was showing everyone through action that his conflict with the Cavaliers stemmed fundamentally from Malone.
Hansen’s expression also changed.
Before, he was more speechless towards Irving’s attitude.
Just like the fans before the game, he certainly wouldn’t forget Irving’s contributions to the Cavaliers.
Honestly speaking, without Irving, solely relying on him, the Cavaliers couldn’t have beaten the Heat in the past two years.
Especially that year when Irving played until a season-ending injury, without waiting for Hansen’s historic playoff performance, the Cavaliers had already lost to the Heat.
This is also why Hansen, always one for trash talk, didn’t respond to Irving’s comments.
But Irving’s actions just went too far.
No matter what, Malone played a part in helping Irving.
Developing Irving’s organization and defense wasn’t something Hansen alone could decide; it required the coaching staff to implement,
Malone has always been consistent and fair.
Developing Irving’s playmaking to pass the ball more comfortably to Hansen; Jokic, compared to Irving, can hand the ball to Hansen better—whatever benefits the Cavaliers the most is what he chose to do.
Hansen, after getting the ball, didn’t continue passing to the weak side but went directly through the pick-and-roll with TT to break inside.
This tactical change caught the Bulls off guard.
If Covington were still with the Bulls, he could provide help defense against Hansen’s breakthrough.
But Mike Demott didn’t have that ability; this 11th pick in 2014, the college star averaging 26.4 points in his last year, struggled with getting a starting spot with the Bulls due to his defensive issues.
Hansen easily broke inside, jumping directly in the face of Gibson’s help defense.
Gibson was posterized.
After the warm-up, Hansen swapped with Wade on defense, switching in front of Irving.
Irving didn’t expect Hansen to switch right in front of him.
He was well aware of Hansen’s defensive prowess, and winning the DPOY twice wasn’t Hansen’s limit.
From a rational standpoint, he should have passed the ball.
In fact, Butler, upon seeing this, moved from the weak-side corner to receive the ball.
However, Irving chose not to; the pre-game confrontation with a female fan, and the insult from a male fan replayed in his mind.
As he thought before the game, he must defeat Hansen.
He called for Big Gasol’s screen again, and after the wall was built, he immediately launched the breakthrough.
Just as he accelerated the first step, Hansen had maneuvered past Big Gasol, appearing before him.
The Little Dog Steps were something Hansen learned over the summer. Though not as visibly progressing as system-given talent, he had gradually mastered it.
It significantly enhanced his ability to navigate screens during pick-and-rolls.
Irving confronted Hansen head-on, executing a hesitation move.
But the moment the ball hovered in front of him, Hansen immediately swiped it away.
If Irving had shared his dissatisfaction with Hansen earlier, Hansen could have perhaps untangled his confusion.
Is basketball purely a sport where hard work can change everything?
Clearly, the answer is no; otherwise, with Hansen’s character, he would have already made a mark in his past life.
Hansen’s success is not just due to hard work but also the talent acquired from the system.
Similarly, Jokic’s recognition largely stems from his talent.
Talent and effort, both are indispensable.
In tangible terms, Hansen is Talent 99, Effort 85, whereas Jokic is Talent 95, Effort 60.
And Irving, Talent 88, Effort 80.
After the steal, Hansen pushed forward with a full-court fast break.
Wade’s follow-up was quick.
Though no longer at his peak physical condition, his fast-break instinct was honed over many years.
Butler was defending two in the backcourt.
Once Hansen reached the frontcourt three-point line, he feigned an attack to draw Butler’s defensive focus, then passed to Wade.
Butler quickly reacted, not attempting to intercept during the pass but swiftly turned to cover Wade right after Hansen’s pass.
But just as he turned, Wade lobbed the ball into the air.
Impelled by Wade’s pass, Hansen leaped up, catching the ball mid-air for a thunderous alley-oop slam!
Wade, having delivered the pass, glided into a celebratory pose ahead of time.
The arena erupted instantly.
The James-Wade connection was the most iconic memory the Heat team left for fans. Now, while Wade remained, James had become Hansen! Read complete versıon only at 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩·𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢·𝔫𝔢𝔱
This scene was bound to become the talk of the night.
The male fan in the front row, who had previously confronted Irving, stood up excitedly, pumping his fist.
He was right; whether Irving or DW or anyone else, what’s important is Hansen!
Irving’s expression was gloomy.
When the Bulls advanced to the frontcourt, and Butler came again asking for the ball, he directly ignored the request.
Butler could only move to the weak side, and this time, Irving faced Hansen head-on without even calling for Big Gasol’s screen.
Seeing Irving’s choice, Hansen was surprised too; it seemed now Irving was truly set on hitting the South Wall before turning back.
The jeering reached its peak in the arena.
Irving was entirely focused, reducing his dribbles, opting more for direction changes.
Yet, as the cheers grew louder, he realized he couldn’t shake off Hansen.
Time seemed to rewind five years when Hansen, as a Grizzlies player back in Cleveland, also switched onto Irving.
Back then, Irving struggled against Hansen’s defense, and now, having grown stronger, he struggled even more.
Hansen’s current defensive skills, when fully engaged, require substantial talent to overcome him.
In the end, Irving was forced to stop, attempting a turnaround fadeaway shot.
But the result was the same as five years ago.
Hansen, seizing the right moment, leaped up, delivering a massive block.
Irving won’t turn back until hitting the South Wall, and Hansen, is that South Wall!