Chapter 2241 - 45: Still Making a Contribution

Chapter 2241: Chapter 45: Still Making a Contribution

Carlisle, during the timeout, temporarily shifted the team’s tactical focus to Arenas.

He asked James with some concern, "You need to do some supplementary work, can you handle it?"

Carlisle didn’t explicitly say it, but the meaning behind his words was that he was worried that shifting the focus to Arenas might make James dissatisfied.

Since the Cavaliers selected James with the first overall pick in 2003, there has been intense competition within the team.

The rivalry between Gilbert Arenas and LeBron James has always existed.

However, James has maintained an outward display of decorum amid this overt and covert competition.

He has repeatedly stated in public that this is Arenas’ team and he is there to assist Arenas.

But in reality, James’ popularity with the Cavaliers quickly surpassed Arenas and he quickly gained favor with the Cavaliers management.

The reason was simple, James’ commercial value was higher than Arenas’, and he had a knack for winning people’s hearts.

Of course, Arenas’ performance was also outstanding, especially in the 2005 and 2006 seasons, where he delivered quite remarkable performances that earned him a lot of popularity.

The Zero commercials he shot for Adidas became one of Adidas’ classic sports ads, adding a touch of legend to Arenas.

Thus, people often referred to the duo as the "Twin Stars," and as the head coach, Carlisle always tried to balance their relationship, which gradually became his main focus, especially this season.

Because Carlisle knew that the two were not the type of players who could commit to the "Twin Stars" route.

They would inevitably face an irreconcilable conflict to compete for the top spot at some point, in some season, or in some series.

From the current perspective, James’ advantage is growing.

Not only with the Cavaliers, but the entire league is supporting LeBron James.

He is seen as another dominant superstar following Michael Jordan and Ah Gan.

A so-called face of the league, a figure who can expand the NBA’s influence.

In the past 20 years, the NBA has made significant advances in globalization, with its overseas market expansion far surpassing that of football, ice hockey, and baseball.

This is partly due to basketball’s broader global appeal, partly due to David Stern’s correct international strategy, and also due to Gan Guoyang, a star figure whose Asian face made the NBA competitive with soccer in Asia.

However, now the league is seeking transformation, with new owners and management wanting to focus more on the North American domestic market.

Especially for smaller teams, they haven’t reaped much benefit from the NBA’s global expansion, while giants like the Lakers, Trail Blazers, Celtics, and Bulls have gained enormously.

In 2003, awarding the first overall pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers was, in itself, a signal.

Cleveland, a central old industrial city, had never reached the finals in history, was historically seen as a joke-laden bad team, and was once the city many stars wanted to avoid playing in the most.

The arrival of James bears significant symbolic weight, as it is hoped that a domestic black American star can take the baton, lead the league away from Ah Gan’s shadow, and into a new era.

This NBA Finals, Glory vs. Cavaliers, is truly a perfect script.

Carlisle, of course, understands this point; in his pre-game tactical arrangements, James was the absolute center, with Arenas in a secondary offensive role.

But halfway through the first quarter, Carlisle realized that if they stuck to this strategy, the Cavaliers might struggle to win even a single game.

He knows Ah Gan too well, knows the terrifying nature of the team Gan belongs to.

They are like sharks; once they smell blood, they will not let go and will bite until death.

Gan Guoyang, even more, is the type of player who seizes opportunities with the cunning of a starving tiger.

The inherent weaknesses in James’ game will be endlessly magnified by Glory.

Eventually leading to an irreparable wound, causing the Cavaliers to bleed to death.

Carlisle considered many plans, came up with many strategies, only to realize before the first quarter ended that the best approach was to have James play a supportive role.

Utilize his passing, defense, and under-the-basket confrontation, actively compete with Gan Guoyang and Yao Ming for ball possession, fight for rebounds, score under the basket, set screens for teammates, and facilitate at the top of the key.

Ball-handling and possession consumption tasks can be largely handled by Arenas and Mike Finley, with James taking on a smaller portion.

But doing so means James’ core status cannot be highlighted.

Carlisle found himself in a dilemma, wanting to adopt a team-oriented approach where each player plays their function.

But the NBA is not the NCAA; here, battles over possession and status are ongoing.

So, after deciding to make the adjustment, Carlisle cautiously asked James one sentence.

James nodded and then asked, "This is temporary, right?"

"Of course, it’s temporary, just a small adjustment."

"I don’t want to play too much off-ball, I need the ball."

James was very direct, knowing how important this NBA Finals is.

He wants to win, Nike needs him to win, and the league also wants him to win.

Glory indeed has a bit of a method to contain the Cavaliers with its lineup and play style.

But having reached the finals, what’s the point of discussing containment?

"I know, but let’s get through this phase first."

"No problem, I’ll find a way to adapt."

"Got it, I trust you, buddy."

Carlisle made every effort to encourage James.

The young James still had full confidence in himself.

Despite some setbacks at the start, he believed he would always find a way to deal with challenges.

Letting Arenas temporarily take over the game wasn’t necessarily a bad decision.

The game continued, and the Cavaliers made personnel adjustments.

Gooden was temporarily substituted out, and Carlisle brought in Varejao.

Gooden was at too much of a disadvantage facing Ah Gan, completely losing out in terms of height and strength.

Although the Brazilian Varejao is far from Ah Gan, he has a good reach and is very slick in his play, with an excellent flopping skill.

With the bonus of home-court officiating, he might gain some advantage.

His ability to set screens will create more space for Arenas together with Miller.

Sure enough, after the timeout, Arenas hit two consecutive shots using double screens.

This finals, Arenas is driven by a strong desire to win, and his form has been adjusted quite well.

From the opening to now, the Cavaliers’ offense relies on his outside shooting for support.

Carl’s strategy is correct; Glory’s biggest defensive weakness is at the first and second positions.

There’s no need to mention Allen Iverson, Raja Bell is strong enough to pester, but the sturdy Arenas is not afraid of Bell.

Moreover, the two entered Glory together back then; Bell stayed while Arenas was traded, leaving Arenas with some resentment.

When Adidas shot the zero number ad for him, Arenas was filled with complicated emotions towards Glory.

He doesn’t hate Glory; trades in the NBA are normal, but the feeling of being underestimated and treated as a bargaining chip always lingered.

In these past two seasons, as Arenas played increasingly well, especially as Glory experienced major failures in 2005 and 2006, the public began to view Glory’s trade as a losing deal.

If Arenas could have stayed and partnered with Ah Gan, they could have pushed for the championship again.

Yao Ming is excellent, but ultimately he’s a center, conflicting with Ah Gan’s position.

Moreover, after several seasons, everyone understands that he can’t inherit Ah Gan’s legacy.

He’s just himself, an outstanding All-Star-level inside player, still distant from true greatness.

Arenas feels slightly balanced inside.

But to truly prove himself thoroughly, this finals is his best opportunity.

Glory starts adjusting their defensive strategy, implementing double-teams on Arenas.

Once the double-teaming begins, Glory’s formation is moved.

The Cavaliers’ opportunity comes.

Finley, and the substituted Marshall, both hit outside shots.

The Cavaliers’ offense starts to smooth out, with the point difference slowly shrinking.

At this moment, LeBron James hasn’t made any shots in multiple rounds.

He’s playing more as a facilitator, coordinator, and defense attractor.

Even though Glory’s strategy is to let him shoot, there’s definitely someone in front of James.

James is the type of player that needs to warm into his touch; once his touch comes alive, he can keep hitting.

So Glory’s strategy is to have someone watch him, not sticking close, defending his drives but letting him shoot.

From this aspect, James can at least lock down one Glory defender, especially someone strong like Gerald Wallace.

The impact is still significant.

But after a few rounds, James feels something’s not right.

Everyone is scoring, and I haven’t scored a single point; more so, why don’t I have a single assist?

At this time, Glory experiences a shooting slump, with Varejao grabbing the rebound inside.

Glory counters, and James takes the lead, providing a fast-break opportunity.

But Gerald Wallace follows tightly; Arenas sees this and doesn’t pass, instead dribbles past half-court, stops at the outside, and takes a three!

It’s in! Arenas hits another three, with 11 points in this quarter, the Cavaliers trail Glory by 1 point.

Terry Porter calls a timeout; Glory needs to make adjustments.

Porter substitutes Mutombo for Yao Ming and Rondo for Bell.

Glory needs to change their offensive approach.

On the other side, James also thinks it’s time for the Cavaliers to change their approach.

He can’t just keep playing as a supportive role.

After the timeout, Gan Guoyang receives a pass from Rondo, post-up to strong-arm Varejao, fades away with a jump shot, and scores.

It’s the Cavaliers’ turn for possession; James actively calls for the ball on the wing.

Through a pick-and-roll play, Rondo switches to guard James.

James seizes the opportunity, dribbling hard against Rondo to drive inside—there seems to be some suspicion of traveling, but the referee doesn’t call it.

As a result, Rondo isn’t easy to bully and keeps sticking to James, not allowing him to accelerate fully.

James’s floater at the basket is blocked by Gan Guoyang.

The ball remains with the Cavaliers; Arenas picks up the ball outside and takes the shot, but fails to score.

Gan Guoyang boxes out James and grabs the defensive rebound.

He charges down the court to the basket, establishing deep position, Rondo makes a bold direct pass to Gan Guoyang, who easily turns and lays it up.

Glory steadies the situation; at critical moments, Gan Guoyang always stands out.

James thinks he should do the same, once again asking for the ball and gaining another isolation opportunity through a screen.

But this time, facing him is Ah Gan—Glory begins to implement a more aggressive switch defense strategy.

After considering for a moment, James passes the ball to Arenas.

Arenas drives, faces Mutombo, and stops for a fadeaway bank shot.

James gestures to Arenas, indicating it was a good pass.

Getting an assist is still contributing.