Chapter 968 Chapter 1003+4 LeBron’s Personal Campaign, Cavaliers Championship (Two-in-One)

Five days is neither short nor long.

In the blink of an eye, June 1 came, and the NBA Finals officially kicked off in New Orleans.

Although there was a five-day break, the enthusiasm of the fans remained unabated and was even higher than ever before.

Don’t be afraid of being late for good food. No one wants to miss this kind of peak showdown.

Unlike the regular season games, although the Cavaliers' training this time was still open to the public, they refused all interviews after the training.

It can be seen that both the Cavaliers management and Lue are a little afraid of Whiteside's mindless remarks before the game.

This is also a good thing.

Not everyone likes the pre-game war of words. After experiencing the excitement of G6 of the Western Conference Finals, fans are also looking forward to seeing more exciting duels in the finals.

In the locker room before the game, the players of both teams were making final preparations for the game.

"Don, is your shoulder okay?"

Davis asked Tang Tian, ​​who was applying ice before the game with the help of the team doctor.

Tang Tian was pulled hard by Green, but fortunately, the previous MRI result was negative, there was no structural damage, just a slight strain on the ligament.

But even so, for the average person, this is an injury that will require at least two to three weeks of sideline.

Tang Tiancai had only rested for five days now.

If he hadn't had the experience of playing with an injury in the middle of the season and got permission from the team doctor, the Pelicans would not have let him play even in the finals.

"I'm fine. Didn't the team doctor check everything?"

Tang Tian said with a smile that he was now glad that he had become a stadium fighter. Compared with when he was first injured, the pain was much lighter.

Davis nodded. Tang Tian said this, and he felt much more at ease.

Not long after, Stevens and Gentry came over to emphasize some details that needed attention during the game.

After he finished speaking, he specifically called Davis out of the locker room.

"Don's injury is to his right shoulder. I believe in his ability to adjust, but it will definitely have an impact on him. I need you to take more responsibility."

Stevens said earnestly.

"I will."

Davis said firmly.

Last year, Tang Tian's tie-break to become a god finally led him to win the first championship of his career.

Now that Tang Tian is injured, he really should stand up.

That night, the New Orleans Arena was fully occupied, and there were also huge crowds of people outside the arena.

This grand scene was even more exaggerated than last year.

In the football market, the better the record, the bigger it will be.

It’s not just New Orleans, it has spread to many surrounding cities.

Moreover, G6 of the Western Conference Finals was thrilling, but they could only watch it through the LED broadcast screen, which was definitely not as enjoyable as watching it live.

Not only the local fans in New Orleans, but fans from all over the world are also looking forward to the finals.

The moment G1 opened, global ratings were already close to last year's peak.

Part of this is stimulated by the G6 Western Conference Finals, but more of it shows that fans still like the high-confrontation and highly entertaining game in front of them.

After the pre-game opening ceremony, the starters for both teams were announced one after another.

Jokic still has the exemption card, Diaw replaced him as the starting center, and the other positions remain unchanged, including Holiday, Tang Tian, ​​Ariza and Davis.

The Cavaliers also have the standard starting five, Irving, Shumpert, James, Love, and Whiteside.

The tactical arrangements in the last three minutes before the game were completed, and the starting lineups of both sides began to appear one after another.

There were specially cut shots of James and Tang Tian at the scene.

James still didn't throw any powder before he came on the court, and it was clear that he meant what he said at the time.

He would never do that again until he got a championship with Cleveland.

Tang Tian's expression looked the same as usual, except that he wore a shoulder pad on his right shoulder.

Because the Pelicans have been hiding injuries, no one knows what happened.

When he came on the field, he specially greeted his wife and children on the sidelines. Today is Children's Day, but he can only spend it with his sons on the field.

Amid the cheers of the fans, Whiteside moved the ball from Diaw's head back to the Cavaliers half, officially kicking off the 2016~2017 season finals.

The Cavaliers lobbed the ball to Whiteside as soon as they came up.

If Jokic doesn't play, the Pelicans' interior suddenly looks empty.

Diaw is old; Boban's shortcomings are too obvious and he was not included in the rotation before; Harrell had a brilliant performance last season, but he has played little this season.

Calculating this, Whiteside can make a difference in the interior.

However, Whiteside failed to take advantage in two consecutive offensive attempts. Although Diaw is old, he has sufficient tonnage and strength.

One-on-one, Whiteside may not have much advantage after losing weight.

On the contrary, the consecutive strong attacks gave the Pelicans a chance to counterattack. Holiday and Davis each scored a goal. The Pelicans started 4-0, giving the Cavaliers a disincentive.

Even if Jokic can't play, the Pelicans are still the same Pelicans.

The fans at the scene were very excited. The Pelicans had just reversed the Warriors in G6. The fans were looking forward to them going all out and defeating the Cavaliers to defend the championship in four games.

"This time, Michael is right. The overall strength of this team is much stronger than imagined."

Breen also expressed emotion in the commentary box.

The Pelicans have a 15-man roster and a 12-man activated roster. There are too many people who can play.

Everyone thought the Pelicans were going to make a comeback, but the Cavaliers quickly proved their strength as the Eastern Conference champions.

The first one to stand up was the little emperor James.

Whiteside couldn't beat Diaw, he made consecutive hits from misplaced shots.

After all, Diaw is older. He can rely on tonnage and strength in the low position, but his speed disadvantage is too big outside the three-second zone.

Moreover, Love did not play well in the regular season, but his condition gradually improved in the playoffs. Davis helped defend a few games, and Love made every catch.

Of course, the bigger problem is that Tang Tian feels very offline just like he did with G6.

Several of his pull-up jumpers that passed Love missed.

Just like in the regular season, his injury still had a great impact on his feel.

And this is precisely what limits his performance the most.

For the Cavaliers, Tang Tian has a bad touch, so they just need to guard against his breakthroughs and passes.

Although the Pelicans relied on strengthening defense and the Cavaliers were in a stalemate until the last quarter, James was in hot form and scored 40+ triple-double.

In the end, the Cavaliers defeated the Pelicans 103-92 on the road and won their first victory in the Finals.

James scored a triple-double of 41 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists, Love contributed 20 points, and Irving also scored 19 points and 5 assists.

Five players from the Pelicans scored in double figures, and the overall performance was pretty good.

Davis contributed a team-high 26 points and 11 rebounds, and Williams also scored 15 points on the bench.

However, Tang Tian had a mediocre touch and made only 7 of 17 shots, contributing 21 points, 11 assists, 7 rebounds and 4 steals.

This data is already very good for ordinary players, but as the league's first player, it is obviously unqualified.

"Jokic's absence has a great impact on the Pelicans. Pachulia ruined the Spurs and also ruined the Pelicans..."

"I think the bigger problem is Tang's condition. He still feels as sluggish as G6. This is really a big problem!"

"I wonder if you have noticed the shoulder pad on Tang's right shoulder? Is he injured?"

"There's no news before the game, so it probably won't be possible, but it's possible, otherwise there's no reason to wear shoulder pads."

"Jokic wouldn't be able to play in the first place. If Tang is still injured and playing, the Pelicans... will really have to work for the Cavaliers this year."

"Is it true that the Warriors are still lingering after being eliminated, and they are going to eliminate two of their main players in one series?"

"Green: Old LeBron, I have helped you clear the obstacles. When will the money arrive?"

"Hey, I originally thought that the finals would be as exciting as G6, but now it seems it's over before it even begins!"

"There is no way, injuries are also part of the game. If you want to blame it, blame Tatum! Several stars were injured in the playoffs this year!"

"So... Cavaliers championship? LeBron is going to bring the first championship to the city of Cleveland just like Don did last year!"

"Cavaliers championship! Our emperor scored 40+ triple-doubles in the first game. This state is unmatched. We must win the championship!"

"By the way, did anyone notice the previous program on TNT? Michael was optimistic about the Pelicans again, but..."

"Jordan: I'm sorry, last time I used less poison, this time I added more..."

"I told you to say that Tang is catching up with me every day, and watch my breasts turn over you →_→"

"A gaze from God."

…

The first game of the Finals ended, and the outside world was looking down upon the Pelicans.

If the entire lineup plays, the Pelicans will most likely suppress the Cavaliers as easily as they did in the regular season.

But now Jokic can't play, and Tang Tian is suspected of being injured. It is expected that fans will have this view.

As they say, injuries are part of the game. In the history of the NBA for so many years, countless teams have fallen to injuries.

The Pelicans have been lucky to not have been in this situation until this year.

"Cleveland, championship! New Orleans, runner-up! x-on:LeBron x-on:Irving x-on:Love..."

And just after the first game, Whiteside, who had not been able to vent before the game, couldn't hold it in and issued such a slogan on social media.

And behind the slogan, everyone on the Cavaliers was mentioned.

It was obviously a very powerful slogan, but it completely changed when he did it like this.

No one from the Cavaliers responded to him. In fact, James' social media is closed. If he knew, he would probably be pissed to death.

Whiteside's approach is as IQ-deficient as ever, but what can be felt is that winning the first game against the Cavaliers has greatly improved his momentum.

Now it's not whether the Pelicans want to make a comeback, but whether the Cavaliers can end the series in one go.

The second game of the finals will be held three days later.

These three days are an opportunity for both teams to adjust.

The Pelicans have scheduled daily shooting drills.

Tang Tian was injured, so this kind of thing couldn't be rushed.

What Stevens is doing now is more about trying to mobilize the status of other players.

Tang Tian's injury is not too serious, it just takes time to recover, so the longer they can delay the series, the greater their chance of winning.

The training entered the final full-court confrontation. While Stevens was observing the status of his players, he was discussing with Gentry the issue of the starting center for the next game.

Diaw was obviously targeted in the last game and they must make some changes.

Let Boban and Harrell try it, or move Davis to the fifth position.

"I think AD playing 5 is the best choice. With his current height and weight, he won't suffer too much against Whiteside. Love is also a space player, and West can match up."

Gentry spoke his mind.

Stevens didn't respond.

Gentry is right, but the problem is that he needs Davis' offense more now.

Not everyone is Tang Tian, ​​who can maintain an integrated offense and defense in such a high-intensity game, at least not yet for Davis.

"Or I think Harrell is a choice. His condition in training games has always been very good."

Gentry saw Stevens didn't respond, and then suggested.

This time Stevens nodded. Harrell can handle it and has good eating skills. He is indeed a good choice.

"Coach, I can play."

While they were discussing, Jokic, who had been riding a bicycle on the sidelines, came to the two of them at some point.

Stevens turned to look at Jokic in confusion.

"Has the team doctor said it's OK?"

Gentry was unexpectedly mixed with joy.

If Jokic can play, he is definitely the best choice.

Especially now that Tang Tian is injured, the team needs a second organizational point.

"It shouldn't be a big problem, I can feel it."

Jokic said as he shook his legs, it looked like he felt really good.

Stevens was still cautious and asked Gentry to call the team doctor over.

After an examination, the team doctor gave his opinion.

"It's okay to play, but there are definitely certain risks. Athletes need to be very cautious about ankle injuries."

"Coach, I can really play, and the team needs me now."

Although Jokic usually looks shy, just like his playing style on the court, he has a really tough personality.

"I'll let you play, but I'll limit your playing time."

Stevens couldn't beat Jokic in the end, and indeed, as Jokic said, the Pelicans need him now.

The full-time confrontation on the court ended, and the players all left the field one after another.

After a short break, Stevens reunited the players.

In addition to some details in training, he also talked about starting the next game.

"Nikola will come back to start, but he won't play for too long. Boris and Montrez still have to be ready."

When they heard that Jokic was coming back, the Pelicans players looked at each other, and then they all felt a burst of excitement.

After losing the first game, they needed some external stimulation. Jokic's comeback was definitely a shot in the arm for them.

However, Tang Tian didn't look too excited.

After Stevens announced that the training was over, he did not go back to the locker room immediately, but went to find Stevens alone.

"Brad, I don't think that's okay."

Tang Tian chatted with Stevens in private, and he was more direct.

"I know Nikola wants to play and the team needs him, but we can't bet on his future."

Tang Tian went into battle with injuries because there were warriors on the court and his injuries were only minor.

But Jokic has no system and is seriously injured, so the risk of making such a rash comeback is too great.

He is a time traveler, and he clearly remembers the result of Durant's forced comeback, and Durant suffered an ankle injury.