Turning around, he directly...went to set a screen for Moore.
After the switch, he backed into Korver to ask for the ball and then began a post-up play.
Korver exerted all his strength but couldn’t hold him, as James spun and charged towards the basket, scoring two points with a quick layup before Jokic could assist on defense.
James: You dare target me? Just see if I don’t target your little brother!
To give credit where it’s due, James plays very "smart" on the court, always finding the weakest defender in the opponent’s lineup.
Hansen was also successfully amused by him, and he continued to call for a pick-and-roll with Covington.
This time, Huoledi chose to double-team Hansen with James.
Moreover, Moore was also rotating in defense towards Covington.
Hansen looked in Covington’s direction and then passed the ball to Korver.
This no-look pass was beautiful, giving Korver an opening, and he quickly executed a three-pointer.
Korver’s three-point shooting percentage after joining the Cavaliers last season was 48.5%.
This season, like everyone else, his form has noticeably declined, with the percentage dropping to 42.5%.
There’s no help for it; the original level was too high, leaving plenty of room for decline.
Despite his defense being poor, when he gets an opportunity, he truly can sink the shot.
However, the Pelicans’ defensive choice was a big mistake; they shouldn’t have left Covington open but rather Korver.
But considering their coach is Gentry, it’s understandable.
Turning around, James continued to target Korver, this time directly charging into him for a 2+1 play.
The prior poor performance of the Cavaliers’ role players is the reason Malone didn’t start Korver.
After hesitating for a moment, Malone finally stood up.
He turned and shifted his gaze between JR and Kuzma, finally signaling Kuzma to substitute in.
Kuzma, eager to try, jumped up immediately at the gesture, taking off his jacket while running to the technical table.
James heard the whistle, turned around, and was stunned when he saw that it was Kuzma who came in as a substitute.
This substitution by Malone was quite unexpected.
Yet quickly, an uncontrollable smile spread across his face.
Previously, he announced he was quitting social media, which meant he wouldn’t post updates there.
But not posting doesn’t mean he isn’t watching.
After Kuzma was selected by the Cavaliers and that earlier "poem" was exposed, he was determined to beat the other side.
Not to mention later, Kuzma made a "decision" and said things like "the King cannot be without light", piercing right through to the core.
Plus, Kuzma was a rookie with limited playing opportunities in the Cavaliers, practically hiding behind the adults, unable to compete even if he wanted.
Now, Malone did him a big favor, and he was determined to make the kid regret coming to the NBA!
James missed the additional free throw, and the rebound was secured by Jokic.
Hansen caught the ball, quickly pushed it to the front court, and charged directly at the basket, catching the Pelicans’ defense off guard.
The Pelicans instinctively shrunk back; Hansen passed the ball behind his head to the top of the arc to Jokic.
Jokic, seeing the wing player charging towards him to help on defense, paused and then passed the ball to Kuzma.
The Pelicans, already scrambled by Hansen and Jokic’s successive moves, gave Kuzma a wide-open opportunity.
Of course, even when wide open, for a newcomer who hasn’t warmed up in his debut, this was still a challenge.
Kuzma didn’t seem nervous; instead, he adjusted before taking the three-point shot.
His shot wasn’t fast, but the rhythm was smooth, clearly showing the hard work he put in during practice.
Accompanied by the crisp sound of the net, Kuzma’s three-pointer hit the mark.
The crowd was in an uproar.
Not just because Kuzma made this three-pointer—after all, it’s just an ordinary wide-open three.
The real reason was, after making the three, Kuzma turned around and did a "self-crowning" celebration towards the audience.
Even Hansen was surprised by Kuzma’s behavior.
This young fellow’s audacious behavior...really reminiscent of my younger self!
Except that unlike Hansen who courted black fans, this guy is purely an outspoken critic of James.
Especially being selected by the Cavaliers, the grudge between the Cavaliers and James directly unleashed his true nature.
James was very agitated, running over to the referee to loudly protest Kuzma’s actions.
The referee, just recovering from the shock, didn’t blow the whistle.
Even if the whistles favored the Pelicans this season, it wouldn’t be for Kuzma donning a crown!
Some celebrations are banned, like throat slashing or cupping, but wearing a crown is really nothing.
James was truly furious, aggressively setting a screen for Moore, then backing Kuzma, demanding the ball.
After getting the ball, he gave Kuzma a firm elbow to the chest.
The referee showed some leniency, not blowing the whistle.
Once he had the ball, James turned, trying to break through Kuzma.
This choice gave Kuzma a chance to showcase his defensive skills.
He positioned his foot to block James’ driving lane, then as James shifted direction, he switched his defensive stance, not allowing him to speed up.
Originally only roughly understanding the Little Dog Steps, after Hansen’s guidance, he fully grasped its essence.
However, he still couldn’t stop James, as James simply bulldozed him with sheer force. Follow current novᴇls on 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭·𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮·𝙣𝙚𝙩
Though mid-range, three-point, step-back, and fadeaway shots haven’t reached elite level for James, his drive was unstoppable, strengthened by new supplements.
He successfully broke into the paint.
But this time, he failed to score as easily as before.
As he jumped for the shot, Hansen arrived on time to assist at the basket, swatting his shot out of bounds.
Previously, when James targeted Korver, Hansen was also moving to assist at the basket.
But with Korver’s poor defense, Hansen couldn’t make it in time.
Kuzma didn’t stop James either, but he delayed him enough to buy time.
Kuzma’s reaction was interesting: noticing James’ block, he ran over to high-five Hansen.
Hansen couldn’t help but laugh.
He continued the pick-and-roll with Moore, then switched to Kuzma, retrieving the ball for another post-up.
Covington prepared to help on defense, but Kuzma signaled that he didn’t need it.
Kuzma truly embodied the fans’ previous banter of being "the next Hansen," as he wasn’t afraid to talk or fight on the court.
This time, James opted for a post-up play.
Kuzma had excellent footwork but lacked physical prowess.
But James quickly realized his mistake—despite Kuzma’s weaker physique, he was still a swingman, with the size to match.
And his post-up wasn’t at Hansen’s elite level.
James’s shot was ultimately disturbed by Kuzma, hitting the rim and bouncing out.
Davis rushed for the offensive rebound but, after clashing with Jokic, missed the hook shot.
His strength is agility, not low post overpowering, which isn’t his specialty.
Jokic secured the defensive rebound, and the Cavaliers launched another fast break.
Hansen caught the ball, pushing against Huoledi’s defense into the front court.
However, instead of forcing a shot, he passed to Kuzma trailing behind.
Like Irving before, facing James activated Kuzma’s passive attribute, maximizing his enthusiasm on the court.
Hansen passed the ball and nudged Huoledi out of the baseline, giving Kuzma ample time to leap and finish with a two-handed dunk.
After the dunk, Kuzma turned with arms outstretched towards the Pelicans’ fans, then brought his hands together before his chest and finally raised both hands again, once more crowning himself.
Sorry, missed a step earlier in the excitement; this is the full version of the self-crowning!