Chapter 91: Iconic Moment.
(TL/n: Double length Chapter.)
As play resumed, the Cavaliers made a lineup adjustment, bringing in old man Parker to replace James.
And this time, it wasn't Williams who took the ball on the strong side but Han Sen.
Over the course of the playoffs, Han's performance had elevated his tactical importance over Williams.
O'Neal was very familiar with this strategy since, back in the day, the triangle offense started with him posting up in the low post.
The only difference now was that Han's threat from three-point range was so significant that he didn't need to clear the strong side by cutting backdoor. Just standing there created space for O'Neal.
Moreover, all five players on the court had strong three-point shooting abilities, which essentially mirrored the Magic's playing style.
Almost immediately, O'Neal demonstrated that he was better suited for this system than Howard.
After receiving a lob pass from Hansen, O'Neal powered up with his back to the basket, forcing the massive Perkins to lower his center of gravity. Then, with a swift spin move, O'Neal easily muscled his way to the rim for a powerful dunk.
Perkins wasn't without skill. When O'Neal spun, Perkins secretly used his elbow to apply force. Against someone like Howard, this move might have disrupted his balance.
But on O'Neal? That didn't work at all!