Chapter 711: Chapter 711

With around 10 minutes into the first quarter, both sides began their rotations, Hansen and Jokic were substituted to rest.

For the Bulls, Irving sat out, Howard came on, while Butler stayed on the court.

Butler, certified by Thibodeau, is also known for his endurance.

As for the Cavaliers, Malone adjusted the rotation, bringing Nene into the lineup.

Nene’s decision to stay ensured the Cavaliers’ rotation depth, as players with different technical styles need counterparts.

"One testicle, bold guy" Nene, excelling at low-post combat as a traditional center, was the most suited to face Howard.

Hansen asked Jokic to sit beside him.

Once Jokic sat down, he pointed at the court for Jokic to observe.

This segment served as a great live lesson for Jokic.

Howard has strong power, but not in the same concept as O’Neal.

Howard’s strength lies in his upper body, while his lower body strength is rather ordinary.

Thus, when faced with Nene, who equally possesses strong arms, his performance was greatly restrained.

Of course, Hansen showed Jokic more than defense, including offense.

Wade was filled with motivation tonight, breaking into the paint past Howard with feigned and real turns, finishing with a layup.

Howard’s low-post solitary defense isn’t as strong as thought. Forget Yao Ming or O’Neal, even the Hornets’ Al Jefferson can toy with him.

His lack of lower body strength makes it easy for him to be pushed away, forcing him to rely on physical attributes for defense, thus fearing technical post players.

The first quarter ended with a 28-20 scoreline, Cavaliers ahead by 8 points.

In this substituting period, while the Bulls had Butler and Howard on, the Cavaliers held the score, sending a positive signal.

As the second quarter started, Howard and Butler sat, but Irving was ready to go.

It looked like Hoiberg was attempting to stagger Irving and Howard’s playing times.

Though not ideal, this is the only available solution at short notice.

Approximately five minutes into the second quarter, the main players returned.

The score was 36-30, with Irving’s excellent form helping the Bulls close the gap slightly.

Upon return, Howard took positions in the low post, while the team’s substitute point guard McCallum passed the ball inside.

Jokic mimicked Nene’s defensive style, attempting to curb Howard’s upper body, yet ultimately couldn’t stop him.

Jokic somewhat resembles Yao Ming, with decent core and lower body strength but weaker upper body strength, disadvantaging him against Howard.

However, he pressured Howard more, disrupting him during his turn-around shot attempts, ultimately defending the possession.

The Cavaliers launched a fast break, Hansen received Jokic’s long pass, sped to the frontcourt, and scored past McCallum along with drawing a defensive foul.

This former standout from the 76ers, the "well-deserved" best rookie, has gradually faded due to poor shooting development.

Before Hansen attempted the free throw, he patted Jokic’s back, affirming his defense.

As Hansen lined up for the free throw, chants of "who is your daddy" echoed again, with cameras focusing precisely on the benched Irving.

Indeed, player trash talk is trivial; launching sweeping verbal attacks is what’s truly unspeakable.

Irving, frustrated, got up and requested to play from Hoiberg.

Hoiberg nodded in agreement.

Hansen’s free throw was successful, and upon returning, Irving called for a screen with Gibson.

Howard wasn’t in the low post this time but shifted to the weak side.

Hoiberg’s strategy was somewhat effective.

Using Gibson’s screen, Irving charged into the paint and performed a significant aerial layup.

This play perfectly highlighted Irving’s offensive prowess, single-handedly diving among foes claiming victory.

The only regret was, Hansen chased it down with a spectacular block.

Hansen intimately knew Irving’s attack style, realizing such solo plays easily result in blocks.

Amid the cheers, Hansen smoothly grabbed the defensive rebound.

Nonetheless, the Bulls’ transition defense was swift; Butler commanded the team to retreat upon seeing Hansen advance in chase.

Both teams shifted to half-court sets, with Hansen signaling Jokic to demand the ball in the low post.

For the Cavaliers, amidst Irving’s departure and Wade substituting, Jokic’s performance was crucial.

Because their major rivals remain the Warriors and Celtics, relying solely on Hansen isn’t enough against teams of that caliber.

Jokic backed against Howard, firmly demanding position.

Despite Howard’s dominance tonight, Jokic’s diligence as a determined worker pushed him to grapple challenges head-on if necessary.

The crowd roared encouragingly.

Jokic truly aimed to be the next Hansen, earning admiration for his courage.

Howard, too, awaited jostling, yearning to utilize his energy, now finally given an opportunity.

Especially since he was previously thwarted by Jokic, feeling compelled to return double!

The Bulls didn’t plan to double-team, perceiving it offensive to Howard.

Jokic received the ball, using his hefty backside to challenge Howard’s calves.

Though not acquainted with Howard like Hansen was, his high basketball IQ allowed him to swiftly grasp Howard’s pros and cons from observing.

In this move, Howard adjusted his center of gravity lower in response, and using that chance, Jokic spun left before executing a swift reverse layup.

Howard charged up and jumped directly, wielding top-tier explosiveness, capable of instant jumps even if no longer at peak. The rıghtful source is 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝~𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖~𝕟𝕖𝕥

Yet, unexpectedly, Jokic still feigned, spinning past Howard as he leapt, making a successful lay-up.

The score difference reached double digits!

Howard was so vexed he slapped his thigh; in that moment, he saw Jokic and Yao Ming’s figures merge subtly!

The crowd erupted with cheers.

Dunks and threes are indeed thrilling, but such intricate post play is equally gratifying.

Moreover, better yet, successfully challenging stronger opponents is quite inspiring.

Hansen watched with great satisfaction, high-fiving Jokic while withdrawing for defense, promising something more: "If we successfully defend the title this year, I’ll gift you Serbia’s finest steed."

Jokic’s eyes lit up instantaneously at the sound.

The NBA season is lengthy; he realized in no time, he’d soon be able to horse race again in just over a month!

Neither money nor women could excite him more than this moment.

Hansen returned to defense, intensifying opposition against Irving.

Gibson couldn’t screen effectively, Irving couldn’t bypass Hansen, ultimately passing to Butler.

Butler drove hard to the basket, hoping to draw a foul from Jokic, yet Jokic remained especially focused, not biting, instead seizing a chance to swipe the ball out of Butler’s grasp.

A surprising fact was Jokic, although a major center, averaged 1.2 steals per season, surpassing his block tally, emphasizing dedication to other aspects due to lacking dynamic talent.

Butler reacted deftly, exaggerated hand gestures portraying being hit.

However, the baseline official was nearby with no whistle blown.

Jokic swiftly advanced, grabbing the ball then flicking it to Hansen.

The Bulls’ transition defense remained prompt; Hansen charged the front court yet slowed down seeing no opportunity.

As everyone anticipated him organizing an attack anew, he promptly accelerated, attacking the basket, drawing defenders with a central pass.

Jokic, after passing the ball, continued plowing forward, seizing Hansen’s pass for a follow-through dunk.

Even chubby guys can fly!

Furthermore, landing, Jokic raised his arms and let loose an uncharacteristic roar, spitting onto Butler’s face.

It’s always Serbia’s finest steed!

What kind of year-end bonus surpasses that?