Chapter 263: The One He Dreams To Be.
The Cavaliers' consecutive dunks electrified the arena, showcasing the energy and fire of this young team.
Youth has its drawbacks, but it also brings advantages—especially depending on who's leading the team.
After Thompson hit the and-one free throw, the score stood at 5–6.
The Grizzlies' strong start had been effectively countered by the Cavaliers, but the shift in momentum didn't alter the clear disparity in interior strength between the two teams.
In their prime, the "Black and White Bears" duo could hold their own against the Miami Heat's offense when Han Sen went all-in on defense.
Marc Gasol, holding the ball at the high post, easily blew past Spencer Hawes, charging into the paint and finishing with a high-arcing bank shot that kissed the glass.
This interior dominance impacted the game on both ends.
When Kyrie Irving ran a pick-and-pop with Hawes and kicked the ball out to him, Hawes' three-point attempt from the top of the arc clanked off the rim.
Marc Gasol grabbed the long rebound, giving the Grizzlies another chance to regain control.
As Mike Conley brought the ball up the court, he passed it back to Gasol, recognizing the mismatch in the paint. This was their go-to strategy—capitalizing on Marc's interior advantage.
Han Sen sagged into the paint to assist.