Chapter 223: Defense Wins Championships.
Marc Gasol won the tip against Chris Bosh, and the Grizzlies secured the opening possession.
The Grizzlies started with a high-low set, feeding Randolph in the post to challenge Bosh. Despite Bosh's improved low-post defense after bulking up, Randolph bulldozed his way through and banked in a hook shot after a series of pivots.
Though it had been four or five days since the Western Conference Finals ended, the Grizzlies showed no signs of rust. Their intensity was sharp, a testament to the wake-up call they got from the Warriors earlier in the playoffs—a loss that was more motivating than any pre-game speech.
Han Sen didn't get involved offensively in the first play but locked in defensively on Dwyane Wade after transitioning back.
The seven-game slugfest between the Heat and Pacers had not only worn down the Heat but also served as a valuable scouting opportunity for Han.
Wade's subpar performance earlier in the series wasn't just about his legs recovering from injuries—it was the Pacers' defense, led by Tony Allen, that disrupted his drives and stymied Miami's offense. When Wade couldn't break through, Miami's system stalled.
However, things changed in Game 7. Erik Spoelstra adjusted by targeting Roy Hibbert with foul trouble early. With Hibbert benched, Spoelstra brought in Udonis Haslem, opening the floor for Wade to dominate the low post.
Wade feasted against Tony Allen there, and the Pacers' defense, unable to help due to Miami's shooting threats in Kevin Durant and Ray Allen, collapsed.
Han knew the Heat might try the same strategy against the Grizzlies. But Wade backing down Han in the post? Not happening. All Han needed to do was contain Wade and let the Grizzlies' team defense do the rest.
Wade tried driving but couldn't shake Han. He called for a screen from Bosh, who set it up perfectly. Han went over the top but was momentarily clipped, giving Wade space for a pull-up jumper. Yet before Wade could rise, Han darted around the screen and closed the gap.
Bosh, unfazed, set another pick, hoping to free Wade on the second attempt. This time Han slid through the screen with textbook footwork, cutting Wade off again.