The arena was louder than Game 1—Lakers fans roaring, "DEFENSE!" as the team ran out. Lin Mo's thimble pressed into his finger, a steady reminder: Tight, but not too tight.
First possession: Doncic called a screen, but Lin Mo didn't hedge—he fought through it, staying glued to Doncic's hip. Doncic tried to drive left, but LeBron was there, forcing a pass to Hardy. Russell intercepted, firing to Lin Mo on the break. Lin Mo didn't rush—he slowed, waited for Doncic to chase, then dished to Davis for a dunk.
"THAT'S HOW YOU DO IT!" LeBron yelled.
First quarter: The Lakers executed. Lin Mo pushed the pace, forcing Doncic to sprint back on D, his breath coming hard by the 6-minute mark. When Doncic tried his step-back, Lin Mo stayed low, reading the heel-first plant, and blocked it—clean, the ball bouncing out of bounds.
"Nice block, rook," Doncic said, grinning, but his cheeks were red, his jersey already damp.
End of Q1: Lakers 30, Mavs 22. Doncic had 6 points, 2 assists, 1 turnover.
Second quarter: Doncic adjusted, sitting out 4 minutes to rest. But the Lakers kept pushing, Russell hitting 3s, Davis dominating the paint. When Doncic returned, the lead was 15, and his legs looked heavy—he dragged his left foot on defense, a slow limp.
"See that?" Lin Mo said to LeBron. "He's tired."
Doncic tried to fight back, hitting a 3 over Lin Mo, but his shot was rushed, the arc flatter than usual. Lin Mo just smiled—he's forcing it.
Halftime: Lakers 64, Mavs 51. Doncic sat on the bench, ice on his knees, staring at the floor.
Third quarter: Doncic came out firing, but the Lakers doubled him on every screen, forcing the ball to Hardy and Williams—who combined to shoot 2-for-8. Lin Mo stole a lazy pass, fed LeBron for a dunk, and the crowd erupted.
"HE CAN'T DO IT ALONE!" fans chanted.
Doncic's jaw tightened. He iso'd Lin Mo, dribbling aggressively, but when he planted his right foot toe-first—drive—Lin Mo cut him off, forcing a wild shot. Rebound Davis, breakaway layup.
Fourth quarter: Lead 20. Doncic kept playing, but his step-back was slow, his passes erratic. Lin Mo stole another one, this time dishing to Russell for a 3, and the bench emptied, players high-fiving as the clock wound down.
Final score: Lakers 124, Mavs 105. Doncic finished with 28-7-5, but shot 9-for-24, with 4 turnovers.
In the locker room, Lin Mo held up the thimble, its surface now warm from his sweat. "Told you we could redo it."