Chapter 703: Chapter 703
The most widespread trash talk often emerges in the most unintended moments.
The biggest impact of Hansen’s words lies in the fact that the James who once stepped over Green is now Green’s teammate.
So, since you can turn your enemy into a friend with someone who once stepped over you, what’s the big deal if I step over you too!
This way of rubbing Green’s self-esteem into the ground completely infuriated Green.
However, with Jokic’s large frame blocking in front of Green, he couldn’t get to him and could only curse at Hansen from a distance.
Hansen, however, just kept smiling.
These Americans really aren’t creative with their insults, just the same few lines over and over.
Moreover, seeing Green get so defensive instantly put him in a better mood.
Especially since, this was a straightforward open scheme.
Green can concede control of the ball to James because of the money James helps him make off the court, but that’s essentially a "transaction."
But this humiliation from being stepped over, you’re not Han Xin, can you really feel no resentment?
Hansen could even provoke Green in the future by just saying "James stepped over you," and it would immediately get under Green’s skin.
This is way more effective than any highlight reel dunk over Green.
The referee finally couldn’t bear it anymore and gave Green a technical foul.
Green still wouldn’t calm down, and James came over to pull him back, continually advising him to stay cool.
However, one fierce look from Green instinctively made James shut his mouth.
For a moment, James felt like Green might punch him like Portis did to Mirotic.
Green was eventually subbed out by Cole, and when he sat on the bench, his chest was still heaving intensely.
No one dared to provoke him at this time.
Green is the spokesperson and enforcer for the Warriors; in a sense, his status on the team is second only to Curry.
Once Green left the court, the situation changed subtly.
Previously, during the Christmas game, the Warriors fell into an unfavorable position early on because Green picked up his second personal foul too soon, causing their defensive prowess to drop significantly.
Tonight, Green didn’t fall into foul trouble, but the result was similar. Updates are released by 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡•𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚•𝙣𝙚𝙩
Cole had no choice but to once again roll out the James-Curry pick-and-roll early.
Its power remained, although Malone’s strategy was to switch directly on picks, Covington still couldn’t keep up with Curry.
It was a bit unfortunate for James, as Covington was the one guarding him, but after switching the matchup, it was Hansen who ended up defending him...
When the game hit the 9-minute mark, the score was 28 to 22, with the Cavaliers leading.
Both teams started rotating their players at this time.
Hansen and Jokic for the Cavaliers were subbed out to rest, while James stayed on the court for the Warriors under Cole’s guidance.
Covington also went to rest, and James finally saw some daylight, driving into the frontcourt with the ball and successfully scoring past Tucker.
After scoring, he promptly flexed his muscles toward the camera to assert his presence.
But as he was doing this, Wade quickly pushed the ball to the frontcourt through Deron’s fast break, forming a 3-on-2 for the Cavaliers, ending with Wade assisting Korver for a three-pointer.
Before, some Cavaliers fans felt the price they paid to get Korver was too steep.
After all, Dunleavy had been performing well, and Korver was already 35. One-for-one wasn’t a bad deal, but the Cavaliers even gave up a first-round pick from the Bulls.
But now, he’s even more appealing to Cavaliers fans than Wade.
In these games with the Cavaliers, he’s shot 54% from three!
Though this percentage will surely decline over more games, the impression he gives is that he hardly misses when he gets a chance.
Cole opened his hands and looked at James on the court at this moment.
Clearly, he was unhappy with the team’s defensive transition earlier.
And after leading the team to a championship and achieving a 73-win record, Cole sees himself quite highly.
James didn’t meet Cole’s gaze but looked obliquely at Wade, thinking the old guy ambushed him when he wasn’t paying attention.
James continued to drive the ball to create offensive opportunities.
He was truly enjoying the game now.
Technology has changed life, and although Covington made things a bit awkward for him before, Covington doesn’t share his endurance ability.
James made both free throws.
Wade and TT ran a pick-and-roll, diving into the paint. Wade feigned McGee and then leaped straight up for a two-handed dunk!
Though Wade is past his prime, he can still surprise you with moments like these.
After the dunk, Wade was visibly excited, standing on the sideline and doing the double-arm cross celebration.
Yes, PJ Washington’s "historic" viral move was something Wade had been doing for a long time.
The crowd became restless.
Despite James’ continuous scoring, the Cavaliers even extended their lead!
"Kenny, anything you’d like to add now?" Barkley turned to look at Smith. It turns out Smith still doesn’t understand the game as well as he does!
Smith just shook his head with a smile, surprised at Wade’s impressive form tonight.
However, playing as a substitute is different; Wade’s stamina was in a better place.
And since Wade doesn’t rely on shooting for his success, his performance as a substitute wouldn’t be as affected by his shooting touch.