Chapter 830: Chapter 830

However, some things can only be seen once a person is placed in that position.

Lue may not be a tactical coach like Malone, but he’s good at learning and has a different perspective.

In the second quarter, the Kings adjusted their lineup: Mitchell, Hield, Hansen, Tatum, Sabonis.

Because the main goal of this period was to wear Jokic down and to attack, Lue opted for Sabonis, who has better offensive pick-and-roll quality.

Malone quickly realized Lue’s intention, but he didn’t follow suit with a small lineup, as that would play into the Kings’ rhythm.

However, he quickly had to use JR to replace TT because the Kings, after adjusting their lineup, also adjusted their defense on Jokic, forcing the ball out of his hands and making the Cavaliers finish the shots.

If the others missed, the Kings would swiftly initiate a fast-break defense.

And when the game shifted to defense-to-offense transitions, which are easier than set-piece strategies, the rookies of the Kings showcased their talents more effectively.

After all, fast breaks don’t require much reading of defenses or tactical positioning, just the awareness of fast breaks and the ability to finish, which is a relatively simple scoring method.

As the game progressed, Malone’s expression gradually became one of helplessness.

Because the problems those Cavaliers opponents couldn’t solve back then, he also can’t solve.

Hansen’s position isolation play isn’t unstoppable because the tactic itself is special, but because the one executing it is Hansen.

And unexpectedly, this tactic activated Mitchell.

As Hansen continued to score in isolation, the Cavaliers’ defense inevitably shrank.

During this process, Mitchell showcased his scoring instinct, always managing to create an open position for himself through movement.

When Hansen passed the ball out, Mitchell could quickly handle it with either a direct three-pointer or utilize a pump fake to drive into the lane.

Without expending much energy on bypassing defense or reading it, which circumnavigates his weaknesses, he can focus solely on finishing, which falls into Mitchell’s comfort zone.

At halftime, the Kings led 62-52 with a double-digit advantage.

Hansen had 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists by halftime, and Mitchell also scored 11, being the only two players on the Kings to reach double figures.

"I think even if East University Men’s Basketball Team joined the NBA, Han could lead them to the playoffs." At halftime, Barkley couldn’t help but quip.

Returning from halftime, Malone adjusted the Cavaliers’ offensive strategy, letting JR replace TT in the starting lineup and having Jokic play at the high post.

This positional shift seemed like just changing Jokic’s positioning for better vision, but it actually transformed their entire tactic.

More post-up playing was Jokic’s individual scoring, but at the high post, it facilitated more coordination.

At this time, the Cavaliers’ cut-in tactics and pick-and-roll three-point tactics could operate smoothly.

The Kings’ rookies exposed multiple defensive issues, like instinctively following the ball.

A championship-caliber team, even without their lead core, is far more mature compared to a predominantly rookie team like the Kings.

The Cavaliers now resemble the Bulls after Jordan’s first retirement; not contenders, yet still one of the strongest teams in The East.

Through this adjustment, the Cavaliers quickly narrowed the gap in the third quarter.

Lue responded swiftly, similarly to the first half, only this time replacing Sabonis.

Defending Jokic in the post was better suited to Sabonis, but Stan was more apt for facing the front, and his mobility allowed for better paint protection defensively.

As for the offense, the focus remained on Hansen exploiting mismatches with Jokic.

The quarter was evenly matched.

By the end of the third quarter, Hansen had scored 50 points.

He managed to score 20 points in that quarter alone!

If the first half was a shootout between Hansen and Jokic, then this quarter was Hansen’s one-man show against five.

This game also uncovered a notable issue for the Cavaliers; with Hansen, Wade, Ross leaving, Murray’s season-ending injury, and Doncic still developing, they couldn’t find a second reliable scoring option besides Jokic.

This became evident in the fourth quarter as Jokic’s stamina waned, leading to declining Cavaliers’ offensive efficiency and allowing the Kings to seize control.

Ultimately, the Kings secured a 125-118 victory over the Cavaliers at their home, marking a successful season opener.

Jokic recorded a massive triple-double with 41 points, 18 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Doncic collected 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists in 32 minutes of his NBA debut.

Hansen delivered 60 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists, Mitchell had 19 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists, Sabonis provided 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists, and Tatum added 8 points and 3 rebounds. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭·𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮·𝙣𝙚𝙩

"I have no regrets; this is competitive sports. I came to the NBA to win, not to make friends."

In the post-game press conference, reporters asked about Doncic’s jersey-tug gesture shortly after the game started, to which Doncic showed his competitive spirit.

"We all know Han is the greatest player of this era, and it’s not wise to provoke him."

However, Jokic’s response was entirely different.

Provoking opponents can make them impulsive and prone to mistakes, but Hansen is clearly not in that category; provoking Hansen only makes the game worse.

"Han has instilled a winning gene in the team, and we just defeated the defending champions, which is the most important thing."

In the Kings’ press conference, Lue emphasized the significance of the match, echoing what he told Hansen during the game.

"Yes, Han played a lot at the three tonight, and his performance was flawless, showcasing the skill of one of the greatest players in history. When he plays the two-guard, he’s the League’s best shooting guard, and as a small forward, he’s the League’s best in that position."

Praise for Hansen was inevitable.

Moreover, no one would consider it flattery, as a 60+ near triple-double in the season opener deserves all the praise.

"It’s quite strange for me to ruin my dynasty night with my own hands once again."

When it was Hansen’s turn at the microphone, he shared this candid feeling.

Initially, when leaving Memphis for Cleveland, the Cavaliers’ opening opponent was also the Grizzlies.

"But for me, the important thing is we won, and we all know the history of this team; it’s a great start."

Like Lue, Hansen underscored the importance of the victory.

"Will you continue to play this way?" asked a reporter.

If it were anyone else scoring 60, the hype would be enormous, but for Hansen, it isn’t that surprising, leaving them curious about future games.

"I’m here to help this team win, and if needed, I’ll continue to do so." Hansen acknowledged Lue’s approach, intending to follow suit.

This immediately stirred excitement among the journalists.

They recognized that with Hansen’s capability, if he continues playing , it would surpass merely securing the season Scoring King title and approach the League’s historical scoring title.

Kobe’s 35.4 average points season was astonishing; Hansen is likely to elevate this number further.

Perhaps even reaching another level.